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The morning sunlight streamed through the high windows of the Transfiguration classroom as Professor McGonagall demonstrated the proper wand movement for transforming wooden blocks into crystal spheres. Darius watched with focused attention, his quill scratching notes not just about the spell itself, but about the underlying magical theory McGonagall occasionally referenced.
"The key," McGonagall explained, tapping her wand against a block that immediately became a perfectly transparent sphere, "is understanding the fundamental difference between organic and inorganic transformation. Wood, despite being dead, retains certain organic properties that resist complete restructuring. Crystal, conversely, has a rigid molecular structure that magic finds easier to impose."
[Observation: Transfiguration theory directly applicable to alchemical transmutation. Recommend cross-referencing with Flamel's notes on material sympathy and resistance.]
Darius performed the spell with deliberate precision. The wooden block quivered, then reshaped itself into a perfect sphere—flawless and gleaming, indistinguishable from Professor McGonagall's example.
"Excellent work, Mr. Kael," said Professor McGonagall, inspecting the sphere with a satisfied nod. "Ten points to Ravenclaw."
"Thank you, Professor."
As the class continued, Darius found his mind drifting to the upcoming conversation with Flitwick. The authorization request needed to be perfect—detailed enough to seem legitimate, but not so specific that it raised questions about why a second-year needed such advanced equipment.
[Recommendation: Emphasize measurement and analysis capabilities. Muggle precision instruments provide objectively superior performance in certain applications compared to magical alternatives. This is factually accurate and professionally defensible.]
"You are right, Nano"
The remainder of the morning passed in similar fashion—Charms class where Flitwick had them practicing levitation variations, Herbology where they learned about plants with mild sedative properties, and finally a free period before lunch that Darius had specifically left unscheduled for his meeting with Flitwick.
He made his way to the Charms professor's office during the break, finding the tiny professor reviewing what appeared to be essay assignments at his desk.
"Mr. Kael!" Flitwick greeted him cheerfully as he knocked. "What brings you here so early?"
"Professor, I wanted to request authorization for a research trip to London," Darius said, producing a carefully prepared form. "For my alchemical studies with Master Flamel. I need to acquire some specific equipment and materials that aren't available through standard magical suppliers."
Flitwick examined the request with his usual attention to detail, his eyes scanning the itemized list. "Muggle equipment, I see. May I ask what specifically you're seeking?"
"Precision measurement tools, primarily," Darius replied, which was technically true. "Master Flamel's instruction involves understanding material properties at very fine scales. Modern Muggle instruments have capabilities that magical equivalents sometimes lack, particularly for certain types of analysis."
He had prepared for this question, and his answer reflected genuine research. "For example, electronic calipers can measure to hundredths of a millimeter consistently, while magical measurement charms can vary depending on the caster's power and focus. When working with alchemical formulations where proportions matter at extremely precise levels, that consistency becomes crucial."
"Fascinating! Integration of Muggle technology with alchemical study—that's quite innovative." Flitwick's enthusiasm was genuine, his eyes lighting up with intellectual curiosity. "Though I must say, it's unusual for someone your age to be working at that level of precision. Most students don't encounter that level of detail until advanced N.E.W.T. work, if at all."
"Master Flamel has been very generous with his guidance," Darius said modestly. "He suggested that understanding both magical and non-magical approaches to material analysis would strengthen my theoretical foundation. He mentioned that many great alchemists of the past studied natural philosophy—what Muggles now call science—as part of their training."
Flitwick nodded approvingly. "Quite right, quite right. The greatest minds have never limited themselves to a single approach to understanding the world." He signed the authorization form with a flourish. "You'll need to clear this with Professor Dumbledore as well—any student leaving castle grounds requires the Headmaster's approval. But I see no reason he would object, given your academic standing and the legitimate research purpose."
"Thank you, Professor. I'll speak with the Headmaster today."
"One moment, Mr. Kael," Flitwick said as Darius turned to leave. "I'm curious—what particular aspect of alchemy are you currently studying with Master Flamel? If you're comfortable sharing, of course."
Darius had anticipated this question as well. "Material transmutation theory, primarily. Understanding why certain substances transform easily while others resist magical alteration. It connects interestingly with what Professor McGonagall teaches about Transfiguration—the concepts of material sympathy and structural resistance appear in both disciplines."
"Excellent! That kind of cross-disciplinary thinking will serve you well." Flitwick beamed at him. "Do keep me informed of your progress. I find the intersection of different magical fields absolutely fascinating."
As Darius left Flitwick's office, he felt a mixture of satisfaction and nervousness. One authorization down, one to go. Dumbledore would be more perceptive than Flitwick, potentially seeing through the cover story or at least questioning the underlying motivations.
[Strategic assessment: Authorization request progressing as planned. Recommend confidence and transparency during Dumbledore meeting—partial truth more convincing than complete fabrication.]
"Agreed," Darius murmured to himself as he made his way toward the Headmaster's office. "I am genuinely working with Flamel on alchemy. I do need precision equipment. The fact that I'm using it for additional purposes doesn't make the primary justification false."
He just hoped Dumbledore would see it the same way.
The gargoyle guarding the entrance to Dumbledore's office presented the first challenge. Darius had no idea what the current password was, and he couldn't simply stand there guessing candy names.
"Excuse me," he said politely to the stone guardian. "I need to speak with Professor Dumbledore about an authorization request. Is there a way to request an appointment?"
The gargoyle regarded him with stony indifference for a long moment, then spoke in a gravelly voice. "State your name and purpose."
"Darius Kael, second-year Ravenclaw. I need the Headmaster's approval for a research trip to London."
Another pause, then the gargoyle shifted aside. "The Headmaster will see you. Proceed upward."
Darius ascended the spiral staircase, his heart rate increasing despite his efforts to remain calm. Dumbledore was many things—brilliant, perceptive, manipulative when he deemed it necessary—and lying to him successfully would require perfect control.
He knocked on the office door.
"Come in, Mr. Kael," Dumbledore's voice called, unsurprisingly already aware of his visitor's identity.
Dumbledore himself sat behind his desk, looking at Darius over his half-moon spectacles with those piercing blue eyes that seemed to see far too much.
"Please, sit," he said, gesturing to the high-backed chair across from him. As Darius obeyed, Dumbledore reached for a small tin on the corner of his desk.
"Lemon sherbet?" he offered, the faintest smile tugging at his beard. "I find they make even the most difficult conversations a little more amicable."
Darius gave a polite shake of his head. "Thank you, Headmaster, but I'm not much of a sweet tooth."
"Ah," Dumbledore mused, placing one delicately into his own mouth instead. "A pity to miss this glorious treat. I do enjoy these sweets rather too often—so much so that Professor McGonagall has scolded me more than once for buying them in bulk." He chuckled softly, eyes glinting with humor. "She insists I'm using school funds for personal indulgence."
Darius didn't know whether to laugh along or judge this shameless old man, whose twinkling eyes suggested he took genuine pride in the accusation.
Dumbledore leaned back in his chair. "Now then," he said mildly, "Professor Flitwick mentioned you might be stopping by—something about a research trip to London?"
Of course Flitwick had already contacted him. The Hogwarts communication network among staff was remarkably efficient.
"Yes, Headmaster." Darius handed over the authorization form, now bearing Flitwick's signature. "I'm working with Master Flamel on alchemical studies, and I need to acquire some precision measurement equipment that isn't available through magical suppliers."
Dumbledore examined the form with apparent casualness, though Darius suspected nothing about the Headmaster's attention was ever truly casual. "Muggle instruments. An interesting choice. Most young wizards your age would never consider integrating non-magical tools into their studies."
"Master Flamel suggested it," Darius said, which was at least partially true—Flamel had mentioned in their correspondence that precision mattered in alchemy. "He pointed out that Muggle technology has advanced significantly in measurement capabilities, and that understanding multiple approaches to material analysis strengthens theoretical foundations."
"Indeed." Dumbledore's eyes twinkled slightly. "Nicolas has always been remarkably open-minded about such matters. It's part of what makes him such an exceptional alchemist—the willingness to learn from any source, magical or otherwise."
He set down the form and steepled his fingers, studying Darius with that scrutinizing gaze. "Tell me, Mr. Kael, what specifically draws you to alchemy? It's a demanding field, requiring both patience and creativity in equal measure. Most students don't discover an interest in it until they're much older, if at all."
This was the dangerous part—the question behind the question. Dumbledore wanted to understand his motivations, his intentions, perhaps even his character.
"I find the fundamental nature of transformation fascinating," Darius said carefully, choosing his words carefully. "Alchemy isn't just about changing lead into gold or brewing the Elixir of Life. It's about understanding the deep structure of reality, the principles that govern how magic interacts with matter at the most basic levels."
He paused for a moment, then continued. "In Transfiguration, we learn to impose our will on objects, forcing them to become something else. But alchemy teaches that true transformation comes from understanding what something is at its core, and helping it become what it has the potential to be. It's a more elegant approach, more... respectful of the fundamental nature of things."
Dumbledore's expression shifted subtly—a flicker of what might have been approval or perhaps merely interest. "A thoughtful perspective. One that suggests you've given this considerable reflection."
"Master Flamel's letters have been very Insightful," Darius said. "He writes not just about techniques, but about philosophy. The mindset required for successful alchemy."
"Yes, Nicolas has always understood that alchemy is as much about internal transformation as external." Dumbledore stood, moving to gaze out his window at the grounds below. "Tell me, have you considered what you might do with such knowledge? Alchemy is not merely an academic pursuit—it grants power that can be used in many ways."
Here was the real test. Dumbledore wanted to assess whether he could be trusted with potentially dangerous knowledge.
"I've thought about that, sir," Darius said honestly. "And I think... I think I want to understand things. To really understand how magic works at fundamental levels. Whether I ever accomplish anything significant with that knowledge is almost secondary to the pursuit itself."
He hesitated, then added, "My father once told me that knowledge without wisdom is dangerous, but ignorance defended by pride is far worse. I'd rather understand the world deeply and use that understanding carefully than remain deliberately ignorant of its complexities."
Dumbledore turned back to face him, and something in those ancient eyes suggested Darius had passed some unspoken evaluation. "Your father sounds like a wise man."
"He had his moments," Darius said quietly, genuine emotion touching his voice as he thought of his life before transmigration.
The Headmaster returned to his desk and signed the authorization form with a flourish. "I approve your trip to London. However, I have some conditions. You will be accompanied by a member of staff—Professor Flitwick has volunteered, given his interest in your research. You will stay within the designated areas where you're purchasing equipment. And you will return to Hogwarts by six in the evening."
"Of course, Headmaster. Thank you."
"One more thing, Mr. Kael." Dumbledore's voice carried a subtle weight. "If your studies with Master Flamel lead you to discover anything... unusual, or if you encounter anything that concerns you, I hope you'll feel comfortable bringing it to my attention. Alchemy can sometimes reveal unexpected truths."
It was a warning wrapped in an offer of support. Dumbledore was telling him, in his oblique way, that he was being watched—but also that guidance was available if needed.
"I'll remember that, sir."
As Darius left the office, he felt both relief and unease. The authorization was granted, which meant he could acquire the surveillance equipment. But Dumbledore had clearly identified him as someone worth monitoring, someone with potential but also with possible secrets.
[Assessment: Meeting concluded successfully. Headmaster granted authorization but maintains observation posture. Recommend careful management of visible activities to avoid raising additional concerns.]
"Agreed. I need to be beyond reproach in everything I do publicly while keeping my actual preparations completely hidden."