chapter 26 - The Enchanted signature revisited

Harry's reputation as an artist had grown far beyond the local galleries. His innovative blend of magic and art, particularly his secret signature—a phoenix rising from an open book, woven in magical runes—had captured the imagination of both the magical and non-magical worlds. Now, his latest painting was set to be featured in an international auction, where the buyers were entirely Muggles.

The grand auction hall buzzed with excitement. Elegant Muggle collectors and art enthusiasts mingled amid hushed conversations, admiring the collection on display. Harry's painting—a serene forest under a moonlit sky with subtle hints of magical runes hidden in the brushstrokes—hung among the other works, unassuming yet striking.

As the bidding commenced, the crowd marveled at the craftsmanship. The bidding soared quickly, and soon, the painting was sold for an impressive sum. The Muggle purchasers, unaware of the hidden magic within, simply appreciated its beauty and emotional depth.

Among the crowd, however, an old man in a modest suit lingered near the painting. His eyes, though aged, held a sharp intelligence. He studied the artwork intently, and as he leaned in, something in the intricate details caught his attention—a delicate shimmer along the edges of the signature. His gaze narrowed, and a knowing smile played on his lips.

Later that evening, when the auction had wound down, the old man discreetly requested a private viewing of Harry's work. In that quiet moment, he revealed himself as none other than Nicolas Flamel—a legendary alchemist known for his creation of the Philosopher's Stone. Though he walked among Muggles today, his discerning eyes saw the magic hidden in every stroke.

Flamel murmured to himself, "So, the young Potter has grasped a language lost to time—the language of runes. His signature, a phoenix soaring from an open book, Interesting."

He then left a carefully folded note with the auction curator, his message both a congratulation and an invitation for further discourse on the mysteries of alchemy and magic. Flamel's subtle intervention would not only boost Harry's reputation but also signal that the path of true magical innovation was recognized by the greatest in the field.

As the night wore on, Harry received the curator's note with a mix of astonishment and curiosity. The note, written in careful, elegant script, hinted at a meeting to discuss his art—and something more: a shared passion for uncovering the ancient secrets of magic.

For Harry, this was not merely an accolade. It was a sign that his work was beginning to bridge the gap between the mundane and the magical. And while most of his buyers remained blissfully unaware of the hidden runes in his signature, one discerning soul had seen the truth—and now, his journey into the deeper realms of alchemy and art was set to take a fascinating new turn.