history informs future | ALCHEMY 6-7

[OCTAVIO DEVINE]

date: nov 2025
tag: 6-7 alchemy students

For todays lesson, Octavio had decided to move onto the topic of known alchemists in history. There was a lot one could learn from the past. Once the chatter and general beginning of class niceties had died down, Octavio began the lesson. "Today we will be discussing alchemists etched into history. Those such as Dzou Yen, Nicolas Flamel and our very own Albus Dumbledore." As he spoke, his words appeared on the blackboard behind him.

Octavio gave the class a moment to write those names down if they were so inclined before continuing on. "Dzou Yen was a Chinese wizard and so notable for his work in Alchemy that he has a chocolate frog card. He is among the earliest known alchemists."

Again, Octavio paused to give everyone a moment to catch up. "Perhaps one of the most famous alchemists was Nicholas Flamel who was a French wizard. He is currently the only confirmed, known maker of the Philosophers Stone. He and his wife lived a very prolonged life thanks to the Elixir of Life he created from the Stone. This factor has made him among the longest lived wizards in history though he has since passed away."

Once more, he gave everyone a moment to write down their notes. "Albus Dumbledore was not only once a headmaster of our esteemed school but he was also known for his work in alchemy. He enjoyed a friendship and partnership with Nicolas Flamel. Much like Dzou Yen, Dumbledore is featured on a chocolate frog card."

He waited for the furiously scribbling quills to slow down before moving on to the assignment portion of the class. "For todays assignment, I would like for you to pick one of these three notable men and write an essay on the known aspects of their life." Certainly two of the men were easier than the more ancient one but he was eager to see how his class would rise to this challenge. Especially when he had already provided a nice chunk of information to start them off.

Of course, he was around if they had more questions but this was a fairly advanced class and most of the students tended to be self-sufficient.

[MAEVE THORNE]

The amount of notes the class had to jot down today made Maeve use shorthand. It was a quick and easy way to write, but not her favourite due to the need to give up aesthetics in favour of speed. Her usual spiky calligraphy was now replaced by smooth symbols she had learned to utilize back in her third year. She used to only resorted to this method when she was in a hurry to compose a draft, or when there was an overwhelming quantity of information being dictated. Nowadays, however, half of her class notes were written in shorthand - as a N.E.W.T. level student, she had to save time.

Maeve chose to claim a seat next to Ilona today, to see if the altered demeanour she'd noted in Potions had been more than just her imagination. Bonds she formed now could prove advantageous in the future, and there was so little time left for her to connect with Pureblood peers at Hogwarts. A considerable number of them were already either her friends, allies or mentees. Ilona, however, was still mostly a stranger - and a mystery. The redhead did not even know her career plans. A handful of classes the Rowle outcast chose indicated the path of a Healer, except her selection lacked the most vital one - Basic Healing.

She hoped Professor Devine wouldn't mind two well-behaved students having a quiet conversation. For Maeve, at least, the task of composing an essay was simple enough - it would not take up the entire lesson. "Do you study Alchemy out of interest, or as a required subject for a future career?" The question was posed with carefully measured curiosity as she observed the brunette's reaction to being addressed.

ILONA KYLLI ROWLE