Chapter 11: Seeking Guidance

The young Gryffindors and Slytherins persistently waved their wands and chanted the spell, attempting to petrify the Acromantula hatchling before them.

However, most of these first-years were encountering defensive magic like this for the first time, and only a handful were able to successfully cast the spell. Moreover, the Acromantula itself possessed a degree of innate magic resistance, rendering their weak Body-Binds ineffective against it.

Incantations echoed throughout the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, but the telltale jets of grey light indicating successful petrification were rare. Those few streaks of light merely dissipated upon striking the Acromantula, producing no visible effect.

Lynn, too, was diligently attempting to cast the spell. Having previously practiced the Full Body-Bind Curse back at Rowle Manor, though he had grown rather rusty over the past two months, he managed to recapture the feeling after a few attempts.

"Petrificus Totalus!" 

Lynn waved his wand once more, and this time, a thicker jet of grey light burst forth, ensnaring the Acromantula before him.

While Lynn's prowess in casting spells beyond fire charms was not significantly greater than his peers, his extensive fire spell practice had rendered his magic more potent overall, facilitating faster growth. Consequently, the more robust Body-Bind he produced proved far more effective.

"Excellent, a perfect Full Body-Bind! Mr. Rowle, as you are the first to successfully cast it, ten points to Slytherin!" Professor Green praised approvingly, observing the petrified Acromantula with satisfaction. 

Meeting his expectations, it would have been acceptable for these first-years to master the Body-Bind within three full lessons. Therefore, Lynn's feat of casting it successfully before even halfway through the first class was especially impressive.

As the Defense Against the Dark Arts lesson concluded, Irving Mulciber also managed to produce an effective if weaker Body-Bind, earning Slytherin another two points.

After class, Lynn lingered behind. 

"Did you have a question, Mr. Rowle?" Professor Green inquired, noticing Lynn still seated.

Lynn hesitated before making his request: "Professor, I noticed on your Chocolate Frog card that you're an alchemist. While it may be presumptuous of me, I was wondering if you might consider teaching me alchemy?"

Professor Green's expertise in alchemy was renowned, making him an ideal mentor for Lynn's interests.

Professor Green blinked, taken aback. "Alchemy? But does Hogwarts not offer alchemy courses?"

Being French, Professor Green had been recruited by Dumbledore to teach just that year and was unfamiliar with Hogwarts' full curriculum. 

Lynn explained, "You see, Professor, the alchemy course at Hogwarts is only an elective for sixth and seventh years, while even the prerequisite Ancient Runes isn't available until third year. Unlike Beauxbatons Academy in France, Hogwarts doesn't place much emphasis on alchemy studies."

"Ah, I see," Green realized. "Well, have you any prior self-study in alchemy or runes then?"

"To be honest, I only began studying Ancient Runes formally yesterday," Lynn admitted. "I've been self-teaching from the textbooks aboard the Hogwarts Express and have already memorized around a dozen basic runic words and meanings."

Professor Green's eyebrows rose. Learning runes was no easy feat, and to memorize a dozen in less than a day was quite impressive for a first-year.

After a moment's consideration, Professor Green proposed, "If you are truly interested, come to my office this Saturday at noon. I shall provide you with a list of recommended beginner alchemy texts and offer some guidance."

Deighted, Lynn expressed his gratitude. "Thank you, Professor Green!"

Green waved it off. "Furthermore, if you aim to pursue advanced alchemical studies in future, I suggest honing your skills in combat fire spells like the Fire-Making Charm, as certain processes require concentrated ambient heat."

Lynn's expression shifted at this suggestion. 

With a subtle flick of his wand, he effortlessly conjured a roiling ball of flames, manipulating its shape with seeming ease.

Even Professor Green, an experienced wizard, couldn't conceal his awe at this display. 

"A non-verbal spell?! But you're just a first-year!" he exclaimed incredulously. 

Indeed, even Professor Green himself hadn't mastered silent spellcasting until his thirties, yet Lynn's intuitive fire mastery rivaled that of the renowned inventor of the Deflating Draught.

Lynn smiled modestly. "Fire manipulation is simply a...special talent of mine, Professor. If it can aid my alchemy studies, I'm more than willing to apply it!"

Professor Green nodded, scrutinizing Lynn with a newfound intensity. "Before our meeting Saturday, ensure you've memorized all the words and meanings in 'An Introduction to Ancient Runes', understood?"

Considering it, Lynn agreed. 

Though the runes primer contained around a hundred words, his recent diligence made memorizing the full text seem achievable by then.

"Very well, that will be all. You're dismissed, Mr. Rowle," Green concluded, gesturing for Lynn to depart. 

Lynn expressed his gratitude once more before exiting the Defense classroom.

As Lynn departed, Professor Green remained rooted in place, his piercing gaze lingering on the doorway, expression inscrutable yet intense.

"A student of such remarkable talent may be fate's recompense to me..." he murmured under his breath. "If he can realize his full potential, perhaps he can accomplish what I could not..."

---

Meanwhile, Lynn returned to his solitary dormitory and immersed himself in studying the borrowed "Ancient Runes Made Easy" primer. 

His interest in alchemy was no passing fancy. Recognizing it as an ambitious long-term investment with potential high returns, he was resolved to master the craft. Even if never pursuing alchemy professionally, the skill itself would attest to his prowess, driving him to excel.

(End of this chapter)