Join my Discord!
As they settled around the table, Perenelle poured Harry a cup of tea, the aroma rich and inviting. The conversation flowed effortlessly, covering a range of topics from Harry's interests in magic to more general discussions about the wizarding world. Harry found both Nicolas and Perenelle to be engaging and insightful, their perspectives shaped by centuries of experience.
Nigel's voice whispered in Harry's mind, breaking through his awe. "Well, aren't you just the popular one? Tea with the Flamels. What's next, crumpets with Merlin?"
Harry replied silently, "Let's not get ahead of ourselves. Though, crumpets do sound good right about now."
The Flamels shared stories of their travels and discoveries, painting a picture of a world brimming with magical wonders yet to be explored. Harry listened, captivated by the tales of ancient magic and the endless possibilities that lay within the realm of alchemy.
As the conversation turned towards the specifics of Harry's upcoming lessons, Nicolas outlined a broad curriculum that would not only cover alchemy but also delve into the philosophical underpinnings of magic. "Our goal is to broaden your understanding of magic, to see beyond the spells and potions to the very essence of what it means to wield such power," Nicolas explained, his voice imbued with a passion for his life's work.
Perenelle added, "And to instill a sense of responsibility. With great power comes the need for wisdom and restraint."
Harry nodded, the gravity of their words not lost on him. "I understand. I'm here to learn, and I'll do my best to absorb as much as I can."
The meal concluded with a tour of the castle, led by Perenelle. She showed Harry the extensive library, filled with ancient tomes and scrolls that promised untold knowledge. The laboratories were equally impressive, equipped with an array of alchemical instruments and substances that Harry had only ever read about.
"Feel free to explore these rooms whenever you wish," Perenelle offered. "Consider this castle your home for the summer."
As they returned to the study, Nicolas presented Harry with a schedule for his lessons. "We will begin tomorrow morning. Today, take your time to settle in and familiarize yourself with your surroundings."
"Thank you, Mr. Flamel and Perenelle . I'm eager to start," Harry said, his excitement barely contained.
Nigel couldn't resist one last jab. "Just remember, Master Harry, don't turn anything—or anyone—into gold on your first day. It's considered rude in alchemist circles."
Harry chuckled silently, shaking his head. "I'll keep that in mind, Nigel."
That night, as Harry lay on his new bed in the grand castle of Nicolas Flamel, he found his thoughts drifting to the journey that had brought him here. In the letter he'd received, Flamel had expressed admiration for Harry's talent and curiosity, stating that this was not the first time he had offered internships to those with brilliant minds. At first, Harry felt a twinge of apprehension, but after some research, he discovered that, indeed, the Flamels had mentored several gifted individuals over the centuries. Harry, despite being only a first-year student and the youngest to receive such an honor, was in fact joining a prestigious lineage of apprentices, among whom was none other than Dumbledore himself. This knowledge, along with the prospect of learning Alchemy from the legendary Nicolas Flamel, had convinced Harry to accept the offer. It appeared Flamel was particularly impressed by Harry's knack for Transfiguration and Potion, and was curious to see if he could apply a similar talent to Alchemy.
Harry understood the Flamels' interest in him well. Alchemy, he realized, was a field where few dared to delve into deeply, largely due to its complexity and the misconception of it being outdated or less useful than other magical branches. Its complexity and the immense skill required in Transfiguration, Potions, and a touch of Muggle chemistry made it less appealing to the majority of the magical community. After all, not every alchemist could claim the creation of something as extraordinary as the Philosopher's Stone. If it were simple, Nicolas Flamel wouldn't stand alone as the unparalleled success in this field.
The truth was, alchemy required a deep understanding of not just magic but also the principles of muggle science, blending the arcane with the scientific in ways that few other magical areas of study did. It wasn't merely about turning base metals into gold or creating the Elixir of Life; it was about understanding the fundamental laws that governed both the magical and the natural world. This complex blend of skills made alchemy a daunting subject for many in the wizarding world, who often found themselves struggling with either Potions or Transfiguration, let alone the scientific aspects that muggles studied. The magical community's general disgust to anything muggle-related further contributed to alchemy's decline. It was a stark reminder of how innovation could be stifled by tradition and closed-mindedness.
"The way I see it, Master Harry, you're about to dive into a world that most at Hogwarts wouldn't even dare to skim through in their textbooks," Nigel quipped, his voice carrying a tone of excitement. "Just think of the bragging rights. 'Oh, you managed to turn a teacup into a rat? That's cute. I spent my summer trying to turn lead into gold.'"
"I guess this means I can't just spend my summer eating ice cream and getting a tan," Harry replied, the humor in his voice clear even to himself. "Instead, I'll be turning metals into gold, or at least, trying not to turn myself into a golden statue."
Nigel's laughter seemed to echo in Harry's mind. "Well, if you do manage to turn yourself into a statue, make sure it's a flattering pose. You don't want future generations marveling at the sight of Harry Potter forever stuck looking like he's about to sneeze."
Harry couldn't help but laugh at the imagery Nigel painted, "I'll keep that in mind. Maybe I'll practice my heroic pose, just in case. How about a sword pointing to the sky with my other hand on my waist?"
"Ah, there's the spirit! Just imagine, centuries from now, wizards and witches will visit Flamel's castle not just to pay homage to the great alchemist, but to gaze upon the 'Heroic Harry Potter, the world's greatest swordsman.' It's the stuff of legends next to the Pirate King," Nigel said, his voice brimming with amusement.
Harry shook his head, still chuckling. "Let's aim for a little less permanence in my contributions to magical history, shall we?"
The next morning, Harry joined Nicolas and Perenelle at the breakfast table, where house elves had prepared a sumptuous meal. Perenelle, with a warmth that seemed to brighten the already sunlit room, inquired about his comfort, "Did you sleep well, Harry? I hope the room was to your liking."
Harry nodded, appreciating their hospitality. "Yes, thank you. The room was very comfortable. I slept well," he responded, taking a sip of his tea.
"That's wonderful to hear. We have a lot planned for today, but first, breakfast," Perenelle said with a smile, gesturing toward the spread before them.
As they began their meal, Harry couldn't help but be impressed by the variety of food presented. It seemed the Flamels wanted to ensure he started his day on a full stomach. Between bites of crumpet, Harry ventured, "What's on the agenda for today?"
Nicolas, taking a moment to finish his bite, replied, "We'll start with a basic overview of alchemy—the principles, the history, and its significance. It's important to understand the foundation before we delve into the practical aspects."
Harry nodded, eager to begin. "I'm looking forward to it. Alchemy has always seemed like such a mysterious subject."
Perenelle smiled, "It is, but it's also incredibly fascinating. You'll find there's much more to it than the pursuit of turning lead into gold."
--
Please rate and review! Much appreciated! Leave a comment, tell me what you think!
To Read up to 50 advance Chapters (25 for each novel) and suppot me...
Please drop a comment and like the chapter!
Patreon
