The little snakes and badgers exchanged uncertain glances. During the meal, the topic of discussion had been what to bring to class. Wands, stones, crystals... various alchemy materials were being considered, but candles had certainly not crossed anyone's mind.
Moriarty's eyes lit up. He pulled out the corn candle he had just signed in and compared it to the one Nicole Lemay had given him. Apart from the color, there was no apparent difference.
"Place the candle in the upper left corner of your table. It's the alchemy material for this class. We'll be using it shortly." Nicole Lemay walked up to the podium and spoke slowly. The students did as instructed. He continued, "Alchemy is often perceived as simply turning one material into gold. I know it's tempting, like this—"
Nicole Lemay took out a red gem the size of a child's palm and gently tapped it on the stone table.
In an instant, the stone table transformed into a shining golden one, radiating a dazzling light. The six little badgers sitting in the front row were awestruck by the sight. A dull thud followed.
"It's really gold!" A few pure-blooded snakes murmured in awe. "And it's pure gold!"
"Wow—"
The students leapt to their feet, applauding, their gazes fixed on the ruby in Nicole Lemay's hands. It was evident to everyone what they were thinking—the Philosopher's Stone.
Several Ministry of Magic officials looked on eagerly, almost as though they wanted to climb onto the golden table and admire the gold. Some reporters were itching to pull out their magical cameras, but Dumbledore intervened, motioning for them to stay seated.
Nicole Lemay gestured for the students to sit down. He tossed the Philosopher's Stone casually aside, allowing it to fall into a pile of alchemy props, as if discarding it like a trivial object.
"Don't be surprised, children," Nicole Lemay's voice, always soft, carried to the farthest corners of the room. Everyone listened intently. "Do you remember what I said? People's concept of alchemy is stuck at the idea of transforming a stone into gold."
Nicole Lemay smiled faintly. "For centuries, people believed alchemy was all about turning stones, wood, leaves, or crystals into gold. But this view, while not entirely incorrect, is far too simplistic and shortsighted."
He smiled, his expression almost amused. "I can see it in your eyes—desire and expectation. Your eyes burn with curiosity, but not greed. This is a good thing."
"That's right," Perenel added, glancing affectionately at her lover, "Children, when you conquer greed, you are halfway there."
Tonks raised her hand. "Professor Perenel, does this mean that advanced alchemy can teach us magic beyond turning stones into gold?"
"You're half-right, dear," Perenel replied, leaning back lazily in her chair. "In truth, alchemy and magic are two sides of the same coin. What magic can do, alchemy can do too. And what magic cannot do, alchemy can accomplish."
The students were entranced, pondering her words.
Moriarty spoke up, his voice firm, "For instance, defeating death, right?"
"Yes, child." Perenel opened her eyes and nodded. "Nico, through alchemy, created many potions for immortality, enough to allow us to live for centuries."
The room fell into a tense silence as students considered the implications. Who wouldn't want to live forever or be wealthy beyond measure? These were desires that transcended both wizarding and Muggle society.
For Nicole Lemay and Perenel, however, such things seemed effortless, as simple as quenching one's thirst or eating when hungry. Most remarkably, neither of them wore any signs of pride or boastfulness over their abilities.
"Are you two suggesting that the key to mastering alchemy lies in one's mindset?" Moriarty asked, studying the professors intently.
"You could say that," Nicole Lemay agreed. "For beginners, mindset, vision, and perspective are vital. But as you delve deeper into alchemy, you'll find that your perspective will grow, often without you even realizing it. That's one reason why alchemy has declined over the centuries."
He gave a wistful smile. "It's too early for you to understand this, though," Perenel interjected. "Let's shift focus. You're all aware that turning stone into gold and achieving immortality are the most renowned aspects of alchemy."
She gave the class a penetrating look. "But today, we will begin with something more fundamental, the real alchemy."
Nicole Lemay walked to the center of the classroom and addressed the students: "Alchemy traces its origins to the Middle Ages. Its main aim was the transmutation of base metals into gold. But, although gold-making was a prominent goal, it would be wrong to reduce alchemy to mere metallurgy or chemistry."
"Does anyone know where alchemy first emerged?" Perenel asked.
Tonks quickly raised her hand. "Ancient Egypt, Professor."
"And do you know the earliest recorded book on alchemy?"
Tonks grinned. "Yes, Professor! The Jade Record is one of the earliest accounts of alchemy, and it's considered one of the most important texts in alchemical history."
"Correct!" Perenel beamed, pleased with the answer. "Ten points to Hufflepuff!"
"I believe," she continued, "that alchemy has roots in many ancient cultures—Egypt, Mesopotamia, Persia, ancient India, China, Greece, Rome…" She rattled off more names. "If you have the time, young people, I encourage you to visit these places. You might gain insights that books cannot give. But be warned: it's best to travel in groups."
Nicole Lemay joined in. "Alchemy has flourished worldwide for centuries, but it saw its golden age in Europe."
"Who is considered the father of alchemy?" Perenel asked, her gaze sweeping over the students.
Once again, Tonks eagerly raised her hand.
"I know! Hermes Trismegistus! In Hermeticism, alchemy is considered one of the three great wisdoms of the universe, alongside astrology and the supernatural. Hermes is regarded as the father of alchemy."
"An excellent answer, Tonks! Ten more points to Hufflepuff!" Perenel praised.
Lilith pouted, clearly annoyed. It was obvious that Tonks and Moriarty had done their homework in the Room of Requirement.
The students dutifully took notes as the Ministry of Magic officials and reporters scribbled down every word of the professors' lessons, including their praise for Tonks.
Nicole Lemay, having walked a bit too much, sat down with a tired sigh. "As I was saying, the original purpose of alchemy was to convert base metals into precious ones. But as alchemy evolved, we can now define it more broadly. Alchemy is about transforming what is unnecessary into what is needed."
Moriarty jotted down the words and raised his hand again. "Professor, if alchemy is about transformation, then surely there must be a transformation formula?"
"Indeed!" Nicole Lemay said with certainty. "Many people know that alchemy uses magic and runes, but few realize that there are also alchemical formulas."
At this, many of the Muggle-born students groaned. Their fears of formulas were deeply ingrained in them, passed down through generations.
The pure-blood students, however, looked at them with bewilderment. How could formulas be more terrifying than potion-making?
Lilith, representing the pure-bloods, shrugged. "No matter how complicated or obscure the formulas, they can't be more tedious than the endless rules of magic."
But Moriarty wasn't so dismissive. "Professor, if the formulas are so close to reality, does that mean the alchemy of turning stones into gold and achieving immortality are disconnected from reality? I believe the formulas can't be applied to all forms of alchemy."
"Very astute, Moriarty." Nicole Lemay smiled approvingly. "Magic is often called the willful manipulation of reality, a miracle of intention. Alchemy, however, is also a miracle, but it involves a deeper, more mysterious interference with reality."
"Mystery?" Moriarty echoed, intrigued.
"Yes," Nicole Lemay confirmed. "Alchemy is about mystery. But it's not the type of mystery you're familiar with—"
"Mysteries like the Department of Mysteries?" Lilith cut in.
"Ah, the Department of Mysteries!" Nicole Lemay smiled, "Yes, many countries, including Britain and France, have such departments. But their mysteries are not the subject of today's lesson."
Perenel's voice rose slightly. "As we delve into alchemy, remember: it encompasses so much more than formulas. Alchemy includes the study of constellations, oil paintings, ancient symbols, magic runes, astronomy, and more."
Her list continued, filling the room with awe and overwhelming students with its breadth.
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