The corridor was unusually quiet compared to the lively chatter echoing from other parts of the château. Today was the beginning of a new subject—Alchemy—and a class many students regarded with a mixture of reverence and skepticism.
Eira strode confidently through the halls, accompanied by Marin, who walked alongside her but wore a noticeably less enthusiastic expression.
"Are you sure you want to take Alchemy?" Marin asked, eyebrows raised. "I heard it's very… easy. A lot of students skip it or don't take it seriously."
Eira smiled faintly. "Maybe it's easy for some, but I want to learn the basics. Even if I'm not talented at it, someday the knowledge might come in handy."
Marin shrugged and smirked. "Suit yourself. I'm sticking to what challenges me."
They reached the heavy wooden door of the Alchemy classroom, a chamber that looked like a relic from another era. The walls were lined with shelves overflowing with glass vials, aged books, bubbling flasks, and curious mechanical devices with intricate engravings.
As Eira entered, she immediately noticed the figure behind the large oak desk: Professor Alaric Vilmont. The man's stature was slight but dignified, with a crown of silvery-white hair framing a face carved by years of knowledge and experience. His pale blue eyes gleamed with an intense, almost mystical light.
Rumors swirled among students that Professor Vilmont had once met the legendary Nicolas Flamel himself and had studied alchemy under his guidance for a time. Whether true or not, the aura surrounding the old professor was unmistakably powerful.
"Ah, welcome, young minds," Vilmont's voice resonated, deep and measured. "I see we have gathered for our first foray into the art of Alchemy. Sit, sit, and let us begin."
Eira found a seat near the front, eager but attentive. Marin, true to his word, chose to remain absent, preferring a more demanding subject.
Once the murmurs quieted, the professor began with a sweeping gesture toward the rows of instruments.
"Alchemy, dear students, is the ancient and mystical art of transformation and understanding the very fabric of matter and magic. It differs from many magical disciplines in its focus on the elemental and philosophical—on turning the mundane into the extraordinary, the base into the pure."
He paused to let the words settle before continuing.
"Many of you may wonder how alchemy relates to other magical subjects—Charms, Potions, Herbology, or even Transfiguration. Alchemy encompasses aspects of all these, but with its own unique principles and goals. It seeks to uncover the secrets of life, matter, and energy itself, often straddling the line between science and magic."
Professor Vilmont's eyes sparkled as he leaned forward.
"But what may surprise some is how alchemy's influence stretches far beyond our magical world, reaching even into the realm of Muggle technology."
A few students exchanged puzzled glances, and Eira perked up in curiosity.
"Many think Muggle inventions are purely their own doing," the professor said, voice tinged with gentle amusement, "but the truth is far more entwined with magical goodwill."
He raised a finger for emphasis.
"The great alchemists of old—men and women who possessed profound knowledge of magic and the natural world—shared their discoveries, willingly or unwillingly, with the Muggle world. It is thanks to their generosity that many Muggle technologies exist today."
The room grew silent, students absorbing this bold claim.
"Electricity, the combustion engine, the early principles behind modern medicine—these are all rooted, in part, in alchemical breakthroughs."
Eira's eyes narrowed slightly, skepticism stirring.
"Really?" she whispered under her breath.
Professor Vilmont caught her expression.
"Miss White," he said, voice steady, "do you have an opinion to share?"
The classroom's attention snapped toward Eira, and she felt the weight of dozens of gazes.
Swallowing, Eira stood and met the professor's eyes.
"Professor," she began carefully, "I have the utmost respect for you and for alchemy as a discipline. However, I must say that your view is a bit… biased."
She glanced around, gathering courage.
"You suggest that Muggles are incapable of inventing or understanding technology on their own, that their achievements come only from alchemists' goodwill. But that's simply not true."
She paused for a moment, then continued with quiet conviction.
"Muggles have their own alchemists, scientists, and inventors who have advanced their knowledge in remarkable ways. Modern Muggle science has become so sophisticated that they've developed technologies that no wizard could have anticipated or directly created."
Eira's voice softened.
"I don't mean to disrespect magic or alchemy, but to dismiss Muggle ingenuity as ignorance or incompetence is unfair and prejudiced."
The room was still; the professor's face turned thoughtful, then something resembling disappointment clouded his features.
"Miss White," he said slowly, "I must confess I am disappointed. I never imagined the head of the White family—or the one destined to lead it—would harbor such dangerous ideologies."
He paused for effect.
"To disregard the wisdom of our ancestors who clearly saw Muggles as intellectually inferior is… concerning. Are you perhaps a 'Muggle-loving' wizard?"
A hush fell over the students.
Eira rolled her eyes and gave a small sigh.
"Professor," she said plainly, "this has nothing to do with blood purity or lineage. What I said was simply a matter of truth: Muggles have proven their brilliance in many fields, alchemy included."
She smiled lightly but firmly.
"Let's not turn this class into a political debate. We're here to learn alchemy, not to argue about biases."
Professor Vilmont's eyes lingered on her for a moment, then he nodded.
"Very well, Miss White. Let us proceed."
The tension dissipated, replaced by renewed focus.
Professor Vilmont walked over to a cabinet and retrieved a series of exquisite glass bottles and metal apparatus, each etched with intricate runes.
"Now, to inspire your journey into alchemy, let me introduce you to some of the magical alchemical products that embody the art's power."
He held up a slender vial filled with a swirling silver liquid.
"This is Argentum Vitae—The Silver Elixir of Life. Known for its remarkable ability to heal wounds and restore vitality, it is a staple in many healing potions and magical remedies."
A delicate fragrance filled the air as he uncorked the vial briefly.
"Handle with care," he warned.
Next, he displayed a small crystalline jar containing a glowing amber substance.
"This is Solaris Resin, harvested from enchanted sun trees deep within the Mediterranean forests. When burned, it produces a flame that emits no heat, used primarily in illumination charms and protective wards."
The students leaned closer, fascinated.
"Here we have Vitae Luminis," the professor continued, "a powder derived from crushed Lumina Verdant leaves. When added to potions, it enhances magical potency and clarity."
Eira recognized the name from her botany class and smiled inwardly.
Professor Vilmont's eyes twinkled.
"These are but a few of the marvels you will encounter as you delve deeper into alchemy. But today, our focus remains on understanding the foundations—the theory, the history, and the delicate balance of elements."
He paced slowly, voice resonant.
"Alchemy, at its heart, is about transformation—not only of matter but of the self. To be an alchemist is to pursue knowledge with patience, humility, and discipline."
"For this year, you will learn the basics. You will familiarize yourselves with elemental correspondences, the properties of rare ingredients, and the rudiments of alchemical processes."
He held up a dusty tome, its cover embossed with arcane symbols.
"Next year, those of you who demonstrate aptitude may begin crafting your own devices—philosophers' stones (which is impossible), elemental catalysts, and more."
A murmur of excitement rippled through the students.
"Today," he said, "we begin the journey."
As the class progressed, Eira found herself intrigued despite her initial doubts. The precise measurements, the ancient incantations, and the meticulous care demanded by alchemy challenged her in new ways.
Though Marin had chosen a different path, Eira resolved to return every day, to build her knowledge step by step.
By the end of the lesson, Professor Vilmont gave a final piece of advice:
"Remember, alchemy is a science of balance. The slightest miscalculation can turn elixir into poison, light into darkness."
Eira nodded thoughtfully, the weight of responsibility settling comfortably on her shoulders.
As the classroom emptied, she gathered her books, heart quietly alight with the promise of learning alchemy.