Chapter 139: The Exposition
"A month… one month…"
Professor Terra's impassive mask cracked slightly. "What year are you in, child?"
"First year, Professor," Sean answered.
"Oh! Of course—otherwise you wouldn't…"
The professor paused, staring at him for several seconds. She didn't seem to doubt his words, but her eyes narrowed thoughtfully, and the corner of her mouth twitched upwards. "Show me your schematics for the Levitating Quill… You modified the process, didn't you? Otherwise, the final synchronization wouldn't be so seamless."
"Yes, Professor."
Sean was surprised. Could she tell just by looking?
While crafting the quill, he'd realized the twins' design could be optimized. The Weasleys, brilliant as they were, didn't seem to intuitively sense the fine flow of magic with their willpower. Their design was robust but slightly crude. Sean, however, could feel the subtle currents, just as he had with the broomstick.
So, he had naturally optimized it. Only after finishing did he realize how risky that might have been for a novice.
"An excellent alchemist can perceive profound changes within their creations. That is the very quality that separates the masters from the rest," Professor Terra said, her voice warming.
The phrase sounded familiar. Sean realized he'd read it in The Fifth Element: Explorations.
"It sounds familiar because you've read The Fifth Element: Explorations… very good," Professor Terra said, clearly pleased. She didn't mention that the name on the cover, Flora Terra, was her own.
"Of all the magical disciplines, Alchemy relies most heavily on innate talent. Great alchemists use the 'Aether' to connect with Truth and reshape the world. Mediocre alchemists are destined to be minor clerks in the Ministry or producers of mundane trinkets, never glimpsing the Truth in their entire lives."
She waved a hand, and a stool hopped out of her office. She sat down gracefully. "So tell me, child, why do you want to study Alchemy? In other words, how do you perceive Alchemy?"
Sean paused, thinking of the Weasleys' inventions. Simple combinations, incredible results.
"Alchemy, perhaps… still has many blank spaces," he began slowly. "A dormant Transfiguration spell combined with a Trigger Charm creates a Canary Cream. A Doubling Charm plus a Permanence Charm creates Everlasting Ink… Magic, in a way, completely ignores science.
"If we can have Canary Creams, why not Eagle Éclairs or Shark Pies? If we have Everlasting Ink, why not Everlasting Quills or Everlasting Robes? If a greenhouse can be charmed to maintain a constant temperature, why not a teapot, a cloak, or a pair of boots?
"And that's just the explored territory. There are vast areas completely untouched… Wizards boil water with a simple Fire-Making Spell but ignore the principles of steam power. Wizards can pressurize things with duplication but ignore hydraulics…"
As he spoke, Sean's eyes grew brighter. "Why must we explore the mysteries of Alchemy? …Because they are there."
Silence stretched in the corridor for a long time.
Professor Terra thought back to the last Alchemical Conference, where alchemists who had converted from Muggle Studies presented mind-bending ideas. Though often limited by their magical talent, their concepts were revolutionary.
"Are you a half-blood?" she asked quietly, her tone purely curious.
"I'm Muggle-born, Professor," Sean replied.
"I've heard many interesting perspectives from Mr. Weasley—Arthur Weasley, that is. His flying car was quite impressive…" Professor Terra mused. "Mondays and Wednesdays. I have an afternoon free for you."
"Child, tell me your name."
"Sean Green, Professor."
"Flora Terra. I am pleased to have met you today. Tell those two Weasleys I'll be in this corridor from now on—and tell them to stop pretending to trip. No wizard falls in the exact same spot seven times."
She finished speaking and stared pointedly at the notebook Sean had placed on top of his stack. "You haven't given me your schematic for the quill yet, Mr. Green."
Sean blinked, realizing he'd forgotten in the excitement. He quickly handed over the notebook.
In the corridor.
Sir Cadogan was napping more often these days. The cold weather seemed to drive him to drink late into the night and sleep all day.
Sean walked briskly, heading for the Transfiguration office to practice. Suddenly, two flashes of red burst from the shadows.
"You came out too fast! How did it go?!" Fred yanked off a suit of armour's helmet, revealing his face hidden inside.
"Don't tell us you failed—next time, we're charging Galleons!" George popped out from behind the armour, struggling to pull Fred free.
Sean waved his wand. The armour animated, dismantling itself piece by piece to release Fred, then reassembling.
"Wicked—" Fred breathed.
"The Professor told me to find her after class," Sean said, gratitude in his voice. He paused, then added, "Oh, and she said she'll be in this corridor from now on—and to stop pretending to trip. No wizard falls in the same spot seven times."
Fred and George turned bright red, muttering about "strategic stumbling" and "slippery floors" before vanishing.
Sean, knowing the Weasleys' reliability varied wildly, hurried away. He had two days until Wednesday to familiarize himself with the deeper frameworks of Alchemy.
Alchemy Office.
Professor Terra sat at her desk, reading Sean's notebook with keen interest. Her eyes darkened as she read the first line: [Potions and Alchemy must share a fundamental thread.]
His explanations of the three stages of Alchemy and their correspondence to Potions made her nod in agreement. Although he hadn't explicitly written down the willpower strengthening methods, the underlying theory permeated his notes, revealing a depth of thought rare in a student.
She was increasingly satisfied. She turned to the schematic for the Levitating Quill. Though still raw, the grasp of detail was excellent.
But… what was this note about two days?
The time taken to inscribe the runes?
[Spent two days barely managing to construct a functional Levitating Quill...]
Professor Terra stood up.
(End of Chapter)
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