NOVEL NEXT Chapter 17: Alchemy School
After parting ways with the Weasley twins, Lynn returned to the Slytherin common room to continue studying the three books on ancient runes. However, no matter how much he wanted to forget what happened at The Three Broomsticks, the image of Professor Green remained fresh in his memory.
By the following Saturday, six days later, Lynn had absorbed all the knowledge from the first three books on the list. He had even begun to memorize sections from the fourth book, which delved into an introduction to alchemy.
Standing outside the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor's office, Lynn felt a mix of excitement and unease. After all, Professor Green had explicitly told him a week earlier that, if he could master the first three books, he could begin introducing him to the basics of alchemy earlier than anticipated.
The office door opened, and Professor Green appeared, his usual expression unchanged from how he looked when teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts.
He invited Lynn into the office.
"Professor, I've read the first three books on the list you gave me, and I've also started reading the fourth book," Lynn said without waiting for the professor to speak.
Hearing this, Professor Green appeared slightly taken aback.
Even during his own study of alchemy, it had taken him over two weeks to fully grasp the contents of those three books!
"What does this alchemical rune mean?"
Professor Green raised his wand and traced a combination of ancient and alchemical runes in the air, testing Lynn's understanding.
The third book on the list contained records of certain special runes that combined ancient and alchemical symbols. These were essential for advanced alchemy. Alchemists often engraved these unique runes directly onto their creations, enabling them to function autonomously.
Normally, alchemical runes required special materials or magical energy to activate. However, these particular runes could operate on their own, making them invaluable.
It was for this reason that Professor Green had said mastering these runes would open the door to alchemy for Lynn. Even without systematic training, he could enhance objects with magical properties simply by inscribing these special runes onto them.
"This alchemical rune signifies 'enhancement.' It strengthens the original effect of a magical object to some extent, depending on the object's initial magical power," Lynn answered without hesitation after examining the rune.
Professor Green then traced another rune and asked, "What about this one?"
"This rune means 'detonation.' It causes objects inscribed with it to explode, and the trigger condition is magical energy," Lynn replied fluently.
Next, the professor outlined a rectangular rune.
"This alchemical rune signifies 'obstruction.' It disrupts the flow of magical energy. If you combine it with the 'detonation' rune, you can create a special delayed-explosion rune. This would cause objects inscribed with both runes to explode after a certain delay upon being infused with magical energy," Lynn inferred.
Hearing this, Professor Green nodded in approval.
"Excellent. It seems I don't need to test you further. Your thinking is flexible, and even without systematic training in alchemy, you've managed to deduce some of its principles. Let me guide you deeper into the realm of alchemy."
Lynn's face lit up with anticipation.
The professor continued, "In general, alchemists fall into two main schools. The first is the Material Alchemists, who focus on refining alchemical materials and creating products from scratch. The other is the Formation Alchemists, who enhance existing objects by inscribing alchemical runes to create magical effects.
"A prime example of a Material Alchemist's work is the Philosopher's Stone created by Nicolas Flamel. On the other hand, the defensive wards throughout Hogwarts Castle, added by generations of Formation Alchemists, represent the work of the second school."
After explaining the two schools, Professor Green asked, "So, Lynn, which path will you choose?"
Lynn hesitated. Both schools of alchemy were incredibly appealing, whether it was Nicolas Flamel's Philosopher's Stone or the enduring legacy of Hogwarts Castle's enchantments.
"Professor, which school did you pursue?" Lynn asked.
As his mentor in alchemy, Professor Green's choice carried significant weight.
The professor smiled and patted Lynn on the shoulder. "I chose to master both. As a dual-discipline alchemist, I study the knowledge of both schools simultaneously. My 'Forbidden Demon Stone' is a product of this combination, refined with alchemical materials and inscribed with intricate alchemical circles to make it immensely powerful.
"However, not everyone can pursue both disciplines. Each school's body of knowledge is enough to consume a lifetime's worth of effort. Few have the time, energy, and talent required to master both."
Professor Green looked intently at Lynn, awaiting his decision.
After learning about his mentor's path, Lynn replied without hesitation, "In that case, Professor Green, I wish to pursue both disciplines as well!"
After all, Lynn possessed the time, energy, and talent to dedicate himself to both. Why limit himself to one when he could explore the full breadth of alchemy?
Hearing Lynn's choice, Professor Green seemed relieved. Smiling, he said, "Excellent. You truly are the student I chose for a reason. Since you've decided to pursue both disciplines, I'll teach you everything I can to help you surpass me on the path of alchemy. Lynn, are you willing to become my apprentice and learn my alchemical legacy?"
The apprenticeship Professor Green referred to wasn't the standard teacher-student relationship at Hogwarts but rather a formal passing down of knowledge and tradition.
If Lynn agreed, he would become Professor Green's personal disciple!