Nicholas Flamel (c. 1326 - 1992?) is a fictional character in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, who is based on a real French alchemist. Though he is the clue to the whole mystery, he never actually makes an appearance.

According to the Harry Potter books, Flamel is the only person known to create the philosopher's stone and, thus, he and his wife Perenelle have lived on for centuries. Flamel worked with Albus Dumbledore as his partner in alchemy, though, considering the stone had already been invented, it is not clear what the pair worked on together.

Flamel's stone became the target of Lord Voldemort and his lackey Quirrell, so Dumbledore consequently moved it from Gringotts to Hogwarts, in order to keep it safe. However, Quirrell worked out how to get past the numerous obstacles to the prize, but Harry, Ron and Hermione figured out someone was after it, though they believed it to be Snape.

Harry's quest to save the stone culminated in a showdown between him, Quirrell and Voldemort, in which Quirrell met his fate. Dumbledore and Flamel agreed it was best all around to destroy the stone. At the end of the book, Dumbledore mentioned Flamel had enough elixir to set his affairs in order, but noted that he would die. Flamel has not been heard from since the series.

Notes

The year of Flamel's birth is different in the Harry Potter universe than in real life. For reasons, click here.