I didn't read through it completely in the store, but since I'm re-reading book one with my son, the name stuck out. And having now done a little googling, it turns out Nicolas Flamel was a real person after all... from about 700 years ago
Makes me think I'll need to pay attention to the other characters who seem to be throwaways... perhaps Peeves serves some other purpose?
In any case, Michael Scott (the author) is apparently an expert on Irish and Celtic folklore and mythology, and is doing something entirely different from Harry Potter - this book takes place in two days, and the entire series (yes, there's a series) will take place in just 30 days. Far from the seven years at Hogwarts...
I'm going to see if I can pick it up at the library to give it a whirl. You never know...
