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History of Magic: Nicolas Flamel and the Philosopher's Stone
Upon entering the History of Magic classroom, you'll find nothing out of the ordinary - no hints about the topic of today's lesson. The desks are in their usual neat rows; the room sits at its usual temperature for this crisp autumn day, neither too cold nor too warm; and Professor Amstern stands by her desk at the front, ready to greet you as you enter.
Come on in, and take a seat.
---
OOC: Welcome to History of Magic! Be sure to check out the rules and guidelines if you haven’t already, and please remember to title your posts with your character’s name and house.
Class will begin in approximately 24 hours.Class has begun! Even if you haven’t posted your character yet, you are welcome to join in at any time! Just be sure to post as if your character has been here all along; posting a character arriving late will result in points loss.
Wizarding World RPG Admin St. Mungo's Mod WWW Mod Alley Proprietor
Knarl
Join Date: May 2003
Location: In the Blue (EST)
Posts: 9,112
Hogwarts RPG Name: Ean Zoilo Feirgrund
Graduated
Hogwarts RPG Name: Kraetos Julius Menon
Graduated
Hogwarts RPG Name: Diego Mason Melo-Dreamer
Gryffindor
Fourth Year
Hogwarts RPG Name: Diallo Anku Dreamer
Slytherin
Second Year
Hogwarts RPG Name: Paul Lee Gen Rocker
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Ministry Department Head:
Firash Zarko Grunt
Games & Sports
Ministry Department Head:
Isaek Fyodore Edelbach
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Diagon Alley Proprietor:
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Nesting Occamy Rentals
x8 x7
Diallo Dreamer, Slytherin
• HuffleStud • Knight of The Zodiac • Manly Beard-Grower • Cicatrice de Harry •
Diallo arrived ready to learn in History of Magic. Thankfully, in November, as frosty as it was starting to get outside, the classroom didn't feel so bad at all.
"What's up-I mean.. Hello Professor." Manners, he couldn't be too informal, as Professor Menon previously reminded him. Diallo gave a little smile before he took his usual seat in the room near the back.
__________________
Last edited by Charely Potter; 01-22-2026 at 04:19 AM.
♥s her SS family | Wifey is MINE | Naughty Niffler | ❄ Bookish & Cat-Approved ❄ | Soodley ♥
It was a lovely autumn day, and Aurora was ready to learn something new in History of Magic. Though with how much she had studied for her OWL, she was a lot more knowledgeable about the subject than she had been previously.
Entering the classroom, she smiled at Professor Amstern. ”Hello, Professor!” Diego got a smile as well and Aurora took her seat. Looking around the classroom, she hoped to find some clue as to what they would be learning about, but couldn’t find anything. She would just have to wait and see. But she was sure that it would be interesting.
~ Mrs. Steve Harrington ~ Claimed by Bits ❤️ ~ Queen of Typos ❄ Magical Mosh Pit ❄
Yeah, yeah.
Sure. Lovely day and whatnot. Harvey the Jarvey trailed behind Diallo and Aurora slightly as he made his way to the History of Magic classroom. He wasn’t quite in the mood for classes, and figured if the topic today was boring enough, he’d doze right off. Hmm… he’d need to be as inconspicuous as possible.
“Hi, professor,’’ he said casually. While not a big fan of the subject she taught, he did like her. Giving Aurora an awkward wave, he made a beeline for the back, the latter of which was a part of his diabolical plan in case he fell asleep. He nodded to Diallo whom he chose to sit next to.
History of Magic was another class that was quickly becoming one of Cat’s favorites. So, of course, she was excited and beaming as she entered the classroom. The smile only faltered slightly when she noticed the room looking so… normal.
“Hi, Professor Amstern!” Cat greeted, still cheerful. The disappointment gradually began to morph to curiosity (as it often did). Just because it looked boring didn’t mean anything. Perhaps the surprise-slash-interesting bits would be even better with no prior hints.
She picked a seat near the front and readied her supplies. Then smiled to herself again. Yep- we’re back.
Wizarding World RPG Admin Gladrags Mod Quibbler Mod Minister for Magic Alley Proprietor
Sea Serpent
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: The Paths
Posts: 41,035
Hogwarts RPG Name: Professor Cox
Ravenclaw
Graduated
Hogwarts RPG Name: Briallen Ashburry-Hawthorne
Gryffindor
Fourth Year
Hogwarts RPG Name: Nyle Harden
Hufflepuff
Fifth Year
Hogwarts RPG Name: Iris Harden
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Fifth Year
Hogwarts RPG Name: Calliope Barrington
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Ministry Department Head:
Charles Hollingberry
Minister's Office
Ministry Department Head:
Airey Flamsteed
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Diagon Alley Proprietor:
Victor García Massey
Ollivanders
x12 x12
SITTING BY CAT *waves* [Nyle Harden, Hufflepuff]
astronomizzle ♧ gryffinDORK | & the rest is drag ♣ #badluckDerf
Nyle lingered in the doorway of the History of Magic classroom for half a heartbeat longer than was necessary, as if the threshold itself might decide to swallow him whole. Nothing was wrong and that was the problem. There were no strange chill, no ominous relics humming in the corners, no illegible runes scrawled across the board, and definitely no potted plants sitting on any of the desks. Just neat rows of desks, the autumn air sitting comfortably in the room, and Professor Amstern at the front.
Professor Amstern. His Head of House.
And he knew she knew things because he had been told she would know things.
That alone was enough to make his stomach knot.
He ducked his head slightly as he stepped inside, offering a polite nod in her direction and a timid 'Hello, professor,' before fight-or-flight urged him backward, toward the safety of the last row. The back was where tall people went. The back was where you could shrink a little. Unfortunately, shrinking was no longer a luxury he had - and not just because he knew he was under the magnifying glass now. Even seated, Nyle tended to loom, all long limbs, like an overgrown plant that hadn't been pruned properly.
His eyes flicked toward Aurora - already seated, sunlight-in-human-form as usual - and for a moment he genuinely considered rerouting himself entirely just to sit beside her. The desire was immediate and embarrassingly strong. Instead, his feet lead him to the front row.
Merlin help him, the front.
A small second-year Ravenclaw girl was already seated there and even the tiniest bit of eye contact with her solidified that retreat would be rude...so he sat. The desk creaked faintly under his weight and he folded himself down with his shoulders hunched slightly beside her. Just trying to be somewhat accommodating to the first and second years especially seated behind him. He gave her a gentle smile in return and a quiet, "Hi," before reaching for his bag to begin setting his supplies out, his knuckles brushing over the bindrune pendant his uncle had given him before bringing him back home before the man needed to return to Hogwarts for the term's start - had been very persistent that he wear it on his bag at all times, and Nyle was not about to question that.
From the corner of his eye, he risked a glance toward Aurora before shifting back to his parchment to date it with his flow script.
History of Magic. What could possibly go wrong?
__________________
We broke into a million pieces, and we can't go back.........................................
But now we're seeing all the beauty in the broken glass.....................................
The scars are part of me, darkness and harmony
My voice without the lies, this is what it sounds like
Marina slipped into the History of Magic classroom with a certain kind of quiet ease. Greeting the professor at the front with a soft smile, her gaze found Cat almost immediately, bright and unmistakable near the front, and Marina felt her shoulders relax without quite realizing they’d been tense. She made her way over, dropping into the seat beside her best friend with a soft thump of bag against desk.
“Morning,” she said, leaning in just enough to brush Cat’s sleeve with her own. A small smile followed, the kind meant just for her. It was also when she noticed an older boy (Nyle) settling on the other side of her. Tall. Awkwardly folded, like he hadn’t quite figured out where all his limbs were meant to go. There was something earnest about the way he tried to make himself smaller, considerate even in the act of existing.
She offered him a polite, brief smile. Then she leaned back slightly toward Cat, lowering her voice. “Front row today,” she whispered, amused. “Very brave of you.”
__________________
......................let's be reckless, unaffected, running out until we're breathless ...............let's be hopeful, don't get broken, and stay caught up in the moment ♥
Baguette | there is no D in my name | TRAITORclaw | Queenie of Narnia
Text Cut: replies
Quote:
Originally Posted by Charely Potter
Diallo arrived ready to learn in History of Magic. Thankfully, in November, as frosty as it was starting to get outside, the classroom didn't feel so bad at all.
"What's up-I mean.. Hello Professor." Manners, he couldn't be too informal, as Professor Menon previously reminded him. Diallo gave a little smile before he took his usual seat in the room near the back.
"Hello, Mr. Dreamer," Vashti replied with a smile of her own. The initial informal greeting wouldn't have upset her, but she did appreciate the manners nonetheless.
Quote:
Originally Posted by WhittyBitty
It was a lovely autumn day, and Aurora was ready to learn something new in History of Magic. Though with how much she had studied for her OWL, she was a lot more knowledgeable about the subject than she had been previously.
Entering the classroom, she smiled at Professor Amstern. ”Hello, Professor!” Diego got a smile as well and Aurora took her seat. Looking around the classroom, she hoped to find some clue as to what they would be learning about, but couldn’t find anything. She would just have to wait and see. But she was sure that it would be interesting.
Vashti returned the Hufflepuff's cheerful greeting with a warm smile of her own. "Hello, Ms. Bay." Indeed, no hints about the topic yet, but it wouldn't remain unknown for long.
Quote:
Originally Posted by FearlessLeader19
Yeah, yeah.
Sure. Lovely day and whatnot. Harvey the Jarvey trailed behind Diallo and Aurora slightly as he made his way to the History of Magic classroom. He wasn’t quite in the mood for classes, and figured if the topic today was boring enough, he’d doze right off. Hmm… he’d need to be as inconspicuous as possible.
“Hi, professor,’’ he said casually. While not a big fan of the subject she taught, he did like her. Giving Aurora an awkward wave, he made a beeline for the back, the latter of which was a part of his diabolical plan in case he fell asleep. He nodded to Diallo whom he chose to sit next to.
A more mellow greeting from Mr. Forsfelle, perhaps, but a polite and welcome one all the same. "Hello, Mr. Forsfelle." Vashti smiled. Then it appeared he was off to sit next to Mr. Dreamer toward the back of the room.
Quote:
Originally Posted by squidnie
History of Magic was another class that was quickly becoming one of Cat’s favorites. So, of course, she was excited and beaming as she entered the classroom. The smile only faltered slightly when she noticed the room looking so… normal.
“Hi, Professor Amstern!” Cat greeted, still cheerful. The disappointment gradually began to morph to curiosity (as it often did). Just because it looked boring didn’t mean anything. Perhaps the surprise-slash-interesting bits would be even better with no prior hints.
She picked a seat near the front and readied her supplies. Then smiled to herself again. Yep- we’re back.
Another cheerful student, always a delight to see. "Hello, Ms. Webb," Vashti said, smiling warmly. The Ravenclaw also seemed curious for any clues about the lesson as she sat in thee front. Not too much longer until all was revealed.
Quote:
Originally Posted by sweetpinkpixie
Nyle lingered in the doorway of the History of Magic classroom for half a heartbeat longer than was necessary, as if the threshold itself might decide to swallow him whole. Nothing was wrong and that was the problem. There were no strange chill, no ominous relics humming in the corners, no illegible runes scrawled across the board, and definitely no potted plants sitting on any of the desks. Just neat rows of desks, the autumn air sitting comfortably in the room, and Professor Amstern at the front.
Professor Amstern. His Head of House.
And he knew she knew things because he had been told she would know things.
That alone was enough to make his stomach knot.
He ducked his head slightly as he stepped inside, offering a polite nod in her direction and a timid 'Hello, professor,' before fight-or-flight urged him backward, toward the safety of the last row. The back was where tall people went. The back was where you could shrink a little. Unfortunately, shrinking was no longer a luxury he had - and not just because he knew he was under the magnifying glass now. Even seated, Nyle tended to loom, all long limbs, like an overgrown plant that hadn't been pruned properly.
His eyes flicked toward Aurora - already seated, sunlight-in-human-form as usual - and for a moment he genuinely considered rerouting himself entirely just to sit beside her. The desire was immediate and embarrassingly strong. Instead, his feet lead him to the front row.
Merlin help him, the front.
A small second-year Ravenclaw girl was already seated there and even the tiniest bit of eye contact with her solidified that retreat would be rude...so he sat. The desk creaked faintly under his weight and he folded himself down with his shoulders hunched slightly beside her. Just trying to be somewhat accommodating to the first and second years especially seated behind him. He gave her a gentle smile in return and a quiet, "Hi," before reaching for his bag to begin setting his supplies out, his knuckles brushing over the bindrune pendant his uncle had given him before bringing him back home before the man needed to return to Hogwarts for the term's start - had been very persistent that he wear it on his bag at all times, and Nyle was not about to question that.
From the corner of his eye, he risked a glance toward Aurora before shifting back to his parchment to date it with his flow script.
History of Magic. What could possibly go wrong?
Vashti caught sight of Mr. Harden hovering outside the door as another student had entered, but she did not stare - he would enter when he was ready, and there was still some time before the lesson began. He was carrying a lot on his shoulders, she knew, and there would be a time to try to unpack all of that, certainly outside of the setting of a classroom.
He had finally decided to enter though, carrying himself in such a way that it seemed like he was trying to make himself smaller. It reminded her briefly of her daughter Regina when she was his age, but she brushed that sudden memory aside for now.
"Hello, Mr. Harden," she said with a warm smile. At first, he appeared to aim for the back of the room, but then he promptly sat in the front row with Ms. Webb. Curious. But perhaps it was a good sign?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Samia
Marina slipped into the History of Magic classroom with a certain kind of quiet ease. Greeting the professor at the front with a soft smile, her gaze found Cat almost immediately, bright and unmistakable near the front, and Marina felt her shoulders relax without quite realizing they’d been tense. She made her way over, dropping into the seat beside her best friend with a soft thump of bag against desk.
“Morning,” she said, leaning in just enough to brush Cat’s sleeve with her own. A small smile followed, the kind meant just for her. It was also when she noticed an older boy (Nyle) settling on the other side of her. Tall. Awkwardly folded, like he hadn’t quite figured out where all his limbs were meant to go. There was something earnest about the way he tried to make himself smaller, considerate even in the act of existing.
She offered him a polite, brief smile. Then she leaned back slightly toward Cat, lowering her voice. “Front row today,” she whispered, amused. “Very brave of you.”
The quiet smile from Ms. García Massey was returned by Vashti. No spoken greeting though, it seemed, but that was okay - the young Gryffindor was quickly grabbing a seat next to her friend, and there was no need to interrupt them. At least until the lesson officially began.
After the last few students arrived and took their seats, the clock struck eight o'clock. Time for the lesson to begin. A flick of her wand let the door close quietly. Anyone who tried to enter late would indeed be noticed.
"Good morning, everyone." Vashti smiled. "We're going to begin our lesson with a bit of discussion." She moved over to the blackboard and tapped it once with her wand. A name appeared on the board: Nicolas Flamel.
"I'm sure many of you know a variety of things about him, but in short, Nicolas Flamel was an alchemist who was born in the early 14th century. He went on to attend Beauxbatons Academy of Magic, and that was where he met Perenelle, whom he would later marry. He and Perenelle lived all the way into the 1990s. He was able to extend his life and the life of his wife for so long due to his creation of the Philosopher's Stone, from which he was able to also create the Elixir of Life. In his later years, he also became a close friend of Albus Dumbledore.
"So, based on this and what you know or have heard about him, whether from your textbooks or other sources, which aspect of his life would you personally consider the most significant? And why?"
---
OOC: Welcome, everyone! Even if you haven’t posted your character arriving already, you are welcome to join in at any time! Just be sure to post as if your character has been here all along; posting a character arriving late will result in points loss.
Class will move on some time around 11:00 AM EST (GMT -5) on January 24.
__________________
if we fall, we will fall together; and when we rise, we will rise together__________________♥♥♥♥ together we are dangerous; together with our differences; together we are bolder, braver, stronger
~ Mrs. Steve Harrington ~ Claimed by Bits ❤️ ~ Queen of Typos ❄ Magical Mosh Pit ❄
With not much else to do but a bit of chatter, Harvey busied himself with setting his books and writing apparatus on the desk. He wasn’t even busting his brain trying to identify what potential lesson topics could be. But with the door to the room finally closing, the first year sat up straighter in his seat and eyed the name on the board. Which was a rather intriguing one at that.
The Ravenclaw considered the question after making some jottings in his book. He expected that most likely one of the Hufflepuffs would touch on the friendship with Dumbledore. Harv? His mind almost immediately honed in on the limited immortality aspect. His hand went up. “His entire life because of the fact that he got to live for so long, becoming one of the oldest wizards in history. That’s impressive.” So yes, Harv considered this a more important accomplishment rather than the actual creation of the Stone that led to that outcome.
Ooh, she had friends. Cat gave the unfamiliar boy an encouraging smile as he seemed to try to melt into his seat. “Hi,” she replied, just as Marina joined her as well. “It’s your Gryffindor rubbing off on me.” The bravery. See, she was finally accustomed enough to the castle culture to make jokes.
But now. Class. Focusing. Yes.
Nicolas Flamel! She’d read about him. She had an answer to this.
Her hand shot up. “His creation of the Elixir of Life, I think. It technically could be considered as reaching one of the goals of alchemy; to extend life indefinitely.” Nevermind the fact that this (apparently) had several very negative consequences. It was significant.
Wizarding World RPG Admin St. Mungo's Mod WWW Mod Alley Proprietor
Knarl
Join Date: May 2003
Location: In the Blue (EST)
Posts: 9,112
Hogwarts RPG Name: Ean Zoilo Feirgrund
Graduated
Hogwarts RPG Name: Kraetos Julius Menon
Graduated
Hogwarts RPG Name: Diego Mason Melo-Dreamer
Gryffindor
Fourth Year
Hogwarts RPG Name: Diallo Anku Dreamer
Slytherin
Second Year
Hogwarts RPG Name: Paul Lee Gen Rocker
Hufflepuff
Sixth Year
Ministry Department Head:
Firash Zarko Grunt
Games & Sports
Ministry Department Head:
Isaek Fyodore Edelbach
International Cooperation
Diagon Alley Proprietor:
Hunter Iroquois Merculos
Nesting Occamy Rentals
x8 x7
Diallo Dreamer, Slytherin
• HuffleStud • Knight of The Zodiac • Manly Beard-Grower • Cicatrice de Harry •
Diallo smiled back at Aurora, and glanced at Harvey sitting by him before nodding back. He was surprised he would want to sit by him with all the rumors about his pyro tendencies. Class began not long after when he had all his things situated.
Nicolas Flamel... Raising his hand, "Well, there's a lot of things he accomplished. But I think an understated fact with him being so old is that he was able to manage a great length of connections with other witches and wizards." Adding, "I hear he used phoenix-embossed books to speak with others, sharing great information in secret." And that was what he thought of sharing.
Wizarding World RPG Admin Gladrags Mod Quibbler Mod Minister for Magic Alley Proprietor
Sea Serpent
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: The Paths
Posts: 41,035
Hogwarts RPG Name: Professor Cox
Ravenclaw
Graduated
Hogwarts RPG Name: Briallen Ashburry-Hawthorne
Gryffindor
Fourth Year
Hogwarts RPG Name: Nyle Harden
Hufflepuff
Fifth Year
Hogwarts RPG Name: Iris Harden
Ravenclaw
Fifth Year
Hogwarts RPG Name: Calliope Barrington
Slytherin
Fourth Year
Ministry Department Head:
Charles Hollingberry
Minister's Office
Ministry Department Head:
Airey Flamsteed
Mysteries
Diagon Alley Proprietor:
Victor García Massey
Ollivanders
x12 x12
astronomizzle ♧ gryffinDORK | & the rest is drag ♣ #badluckDerf
Was it possible to be a third wheel to second years? Actually, on second thought, no one answer that.
He offered the pair a small smile and accompanying hello just as Professor Amstern began the lesson - a topic that was much more suited to Iris and her interests than himself. History of Magic rarely felt like it wanted him the way plants did had, and he could only hope that something Iris had muttered over breakfast or while pacing the garden during the beginning of the summer would surface at a useful moment - enough to make him look like a fifth year with a clue, rather than… himself.
Unfortunately, the sum total of what he knew about the French wizard ended almost exactly where his Head of House’s introduction did.
His sister would most certainly agree with her housemate beside him. It was really hard to top an accomplishment in life when you have literally rewritten the rules of alchemy like Flamel did. Long like full of connections, the long life itself, both were also incredibly thoughtful answers as well - but none of them felt right for him. His thoughts kept circling the same point, the same moment in Flamel’s life, until the silence stretched long enough that his shoulders lifted on instinct. His left hand rose halfway, hesitated, then continued the rest of the way, fingers curled slightly toward his palm.
"I―um," he began, then cleared hi throat. "I think the most significant part of Flamel's life wasn't necessarily creating the stone...but choosing to give it up." He shifted in his seat a bit, left hand raking through his blond curls as he searched for his next words. "A lot of witches and wizards could make something extraordinary...something powerful, but we see time and time again that fewer numbers could live with that power for centuries and still recognize when its existence hand become... dangerous..." His brow knit faintly, lips pursed, eyes focused ahead while not being focused on anyone thing in particular. "Power has a way of changing people. Of convincing them they’re above consequence. But Flamel didn’t let the promise of forever do that. He didn’t chase immortality the way the Peverell brothers—well, two of them at least—tried to cheat death. It didn’t corrupt his judgment." He swallowed then, his words tumbling out with a hair more confidence. "When it became clear the Stone itself posed a threat, he chose to destroy it - he chose an ending. I think that... it pretty remarkable and incredibly brave of him. For Perenelle as well. Knowing when to stop, when to let go of power. Knowing when to greet Death as an old friend and to leave this life as equals."
To paraphrase the story, that is.
__________________
We broke into a million pieces, and we can't go back.........................................
But now we're seeing all the beauty in the broken glass.....................................
The scars are part of me, darkness and harmony
My voice without the lies, this is what it sounds like
❄ Chasing Waterfalls & Wonder ❄ | Mama Badger | Eva's Soul Sister | An OG™ | It's all in the Numbers
Ayden wasn't sure about history of magic, but the professor seemed cool and when he wrote home to his family about his teachers, his great aunt had said something about the Amstern name sounding familiar. Of course there were many decades that had passed and all sorts of generations so that didn't necessarily mean anything. Even if it was cool that a family member might have gone to school around the same time as his teachers. Life happened, including a whole other war.
He had taken a seat near his buddy Harvey and waited for the Professor to begin. Which didn't take too long, talking about Nicolas Flamel from the 14th century???
He listened as his peers stated what the most remarkable thing was about Flamel and his life, but when Nyle spoke, well... Ayden had zero clue what to say. "Selflessness. But I suppose when you have a couple hundred years to learn... it could be treating death as an old friend, but maybe he was also just... tired."
__________________
___________________You should take your littlefinger and just point it in the mirror. ________________________________________Baby, maybe you're the problem✯
Baguette | there is no D in my name | TRAITORclaw | Queenie of Narnia
Text Cut: Replies
Quote:
Originally Posted by FearlessLeader19
With not much else to do but a bit of chatter, Harvey busied himself with setting his books and writing apparatus on the desk. He wasn’t even busting his brain trying to identify what potential lesson topics could be. But with the door to the room finally closing, the first year sat up straighter in his seat and eyed the name on the board. Which was a rather intriguing one at that.
The Ravenclaw considered the question after making some jottings in his book. He expected that most likely one of the Hufflepuffs would touch on the friendship with Dumbledore. Harv? His mind almost immediately honed in on the limited immortality aspect. His hand went up. “His entire life because of the fact that he got to live for so long, becoming one of the oldest wizards in history. That’s impressive.” So yes, Harv considered this a more important accomplishment rather than the actual creation of the Stone that led to that outcome.
"It is a very impressive feat," Vashti agreed, "and one that is unique to Nicolas and Perenelle by extension, which certainly adds to the significance." Few, if any, could compare to such longevity or creating something to allow it.
Quote:
Originally Posted by squidnie
Ooh, she had friends. Cat gave the unfamiliar boy an encouraging smile as he seemed to try to melt into his seat. “Hi,” she replied, just as Marina joined her as well. “It’s your Gryffindor rubbing off on me.” The bravery. See, she was finally accustomed enough to the castle culture to make jokes.
But now. Class. Focusing. Yes.
Nicolas Flamel! She’d read about him. She had an answer to this.
Her hand shot up. “His creation of the Elixir of Life, I think. It technically could be considered as reaching one of the goals of alchemy; to extend life indefinitely.” Nevermind the fact that this (apparently) had several very negative consequences. It was significant.
"Good point about the connection to the goals of alchemy," Vashti replied. "After so many tried and failed to accomplish it, it is a significant achievement that Flamel was able to do so." And it was unfortunate, purely from a knowledge perspective, that the steps he took to create it weren't written down, or at least never found. But, from a human perspective, it was better that that was the case; the consequences of that knowledge spreading would be vast and terrible.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Charely Potter
Diallo smiled back at Aurora, and glanced at Harvey sitting by him before nodding back. He was surprised he would want to sit by him with all the rumors about his pyro tendencies. Class began not long after when he had all his things situated.
Nicolas Flamel... Raising his hand, "Well, there's a lot of things he accomplished. But I think an understated fact with him being so old is that he was able to manage a great length of connections with other witches and wizards." Adding, "I hear he used phoenix-embossed books to speak with others, sharing great information in secret." And that was what he thought of sharing.
"A great number of connections indeed," Vashti agreed. "I'm sure it must have been a fascinating experience for them, getting to know so many different people across time, and all the changes, new experiences, and knowledge that come with that." Things could change so much just within a few decades, let alone over centuries. Quite the experience that must have been.
Quote:
Originally Posted by sweetpinkpixie
Was it possible to be a third wheel to second years? Actually, on second thought, no one answer that.
He offered the pair a small smile and accompanying hello just as Professor Amstern began the lesson - a topic that was much more suited to Iris and her interests than himself. History of Magic rarely felt like it wanted him the way plants did had, and he could only hope that something Iris had muttered over breakfast or while pacing the garden during the beginning of the summer would surface at a useful moment - enough to make him look like a fifth year with a clue, rather than… himself.
Unfortunately, the sum total of what he knew about the French wizard ended almost exactly where his Head of House’s introduction did.
His sister would most certainly agree with her housemate beside him. It was really hard to top an accomplishment in life when you have literally rewritten the rules of alchemy like Flamel did. Long like full of connections, the long life itself, both were also incredibly thoughtful answers as well - but none of them felt right for him. His thoughts kept circling the same point, the same moment in Flamel’s life, until the silence stretched long enough that his shoulders lifted on instinct. His left hand rose halfway, hesitated, then continued the rest of the way, fingers curled slightly toward his palm.
"I―um," he began, then cleared hi throat. "I think the most significant part of Flamel's life wasn't necessarily creating the stone...but choosing to give it up." He shifted in his seat a bit, left hand raking through his blond curls as he searched for his next words. "A lot of witches and wizards could make something extraordinary...something powerful, but we see time and time again that fewer numbers could live with that power for centuries and still recognize when its existence hand become... dangerous..." His brow knit faintly, lips pursed, eyes focused ahead while not being focused on anyone thing in particular. "Power has a way of changing people. Of convincing them they’re above consequence. But Flamel didn’t let the promise of forever do that. He didn’t chase immortality the way the Peverell brothers—well, two of them at least—tried to cheat death. It didn’t corrupt his judgment." He swallowed then, his words tumbling out with a hair more confidence. "When it became clear the Stone itself posed a threat, he chose to destroy it - he chose an ending. I think that... it pretty remarkable and incredibly brave of him. For Perenelle as well. Knowing when to stop, when to let go of power. Knowing when to greet Death as an old friend and to leave this life as equals."
To paraphrase the story, that is.
"A very wise perspective, Mr. Harden." Vashti nodded. "History is full of countless people who refused to relinquish even a little of the power they held and of the consequences that followed. It speaks well of the Flamels that were willing to see when it was time to destroy the stone. History would look far different if they had followed in the footsteps of so many and refused." Perhaps Dumbeldore would have been able to do so anyway if they had refused, but it was better that it was done so willingly.
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Originally Posted by PhoenixRising
Ayden wasn't sure about history of magic, but the professor seemed cool and when he wrote home to his family about his teachers, his great aunt had said something about the Amstern name sounding familiar. Of course there were many decades that had passed and all sorts of generations so that didn't necessarily mean anything. Even if it was cool that a family member might have gone to school around the same time as his teachers. Life happened, including a whole other war.
He had taken a seat near his buddy Harvey and waited for the Professor to begin. Which didn't take too long, talking about Nicolas Flamel from the 14th century???
He listened as his peers stated what the most remarkable thing was about Flamel and his life, but when Nyle spoke, well... Ayden had zero clue what to say. "Selflessness. But I suppose when you have a couple hundred years to learn... it could be treating death as an old friend, but maybe he was also just... tired."
A more practical, down-to-earth perspective, but no less true. "That could have been a factor too." Vashti nodded. "Though the elixir extended his life, it did not stop him from ageing. I would imagine that would become tiring over so many centuries."
"Great thoughts, everyone," Vashti said, returning to the front of the room. She had walked about the room as the students responded, bullet points of their answers appearing on the board. "Considering the many, many years that the Flamels lived, it's no surprise that so many aspects of their lives became significant. And because of the way he was able to extend his life, arriving at the choice to finally stop is, in some ways, the most significant."
She moved about the front of the room as she continued. "Around 1991, then-Hogwarts Headmaster Albus Dumbledore had reason to suspect that Voldemort wanted to seek out the Philosopher's Stone. Though he was assumed by many to have been defeated ten years prior, Voldemort disembodied soul found a willing host in Quirinius Quirrell, and they conspired to steal the Stone and the Elixir of Life to bring Voldemort back to life. After being persuaded by Dumbledore, Nicolas Flamel consented to letting Dumbledore devise a scheme to protect it from evil hands.
"The stone was taken from the vault in Gringotts and brought to Hogwarts, where Dumbledore and a number of other professors and staff created seven obstacles to bar access to the Stone. First, there was the large three-headed dog set to guard the trap door, provided by Rubeus Hagrid. If a person succeeded in getting past the dog, they would then have to face a Devil's Snare, provided by Pomona Sprout; search for the correct winged key among many, all charmed by Filius Flitwick; successfully command a life-sized Wizard's Chess board, created by Minerva McGonagall; defeat a mountain troll, provided by Quirinius Quirrell; correctly solve a potion riddle, developed by Severus Snape; and, finally, fulfill the enchantment placed on the Mirror of Erised by Albus Dumbledore. The enchantment itself was quite sophisticated, with the requirement that the Philosopher's Stone would only be found by a person who wanted the stone but who did not want to use it.
"Fortunately, Voldemort was not able to retrieve the stone. But afterwards, Nicolas decided it was time to destroy the stone, and he and Perenelle passed on some time after that.
"So." She paused in front of her desk, eyes scanning over the students to make sure they were still listening. It was a lot to take in, even if they already knew many parts of this particular event. "I want to hear your thoughts on how Dumbledore and the professors of that time protected the stone. Were all of these enough? Are there other obstacles that you think would have sufficed in stopping Quirrell and Voldemort? Or, considering the strict conditions Dumbledore set on the final protection with the Mirror of Erised, were all of the other enchantments and obstacles that were set up to protect the stone even necessary?"
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OOC: Class will continue some time around 5:00 PM EST (GMT -5) on January 25.
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if we fall, we will fall together; and when we rise, we will rise together__________________♥♥♥♥ together we are dangerous; together with our differences; together we are bolder, braver, stronger
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Harvey hadn’t let on to anyone, not even to Diallo’s bestie that he was fascinated with the Slytherin’s talked about pyro skills. He lowkey hoped that sometime Diallo would show off some of it at some point. Just not in Harv’s direction; this hair and these good looks must be protected at all costs. And there was Ayden! The Hufflepuff didn’t say much but Harv had nevertheless enquired about his well being. That’s what friends were for, yes?
With the first question out of the way, the first year made his notes, grateful for the bullet points. And as Amstern spoke, he made his own notes. He was familiar with the story of the Stone but since it had been a while since the narration had been heard, Harv didn’t mind paying keen attention to it now. When the time came to answer questions again, his hand went up. “I think it’s always up for debate whether security measures are enough or not; some will have the opinion it is while others will think enough was done. Perhaps fire, magical not mundane, would have been a neat measure to add.” Cue a side glance at Diallo.
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Aurora watched as more students joined the classroom. She noticed Nyle and immediately brightened, but seeing as he was hovering, she started wondering if he was okay. Seemed like he may need a moment or two before entering the classroom. She sent him a smile and wave. For a moment she thought he was going to sit beside her, but instead he made his way over to Cat before shrinking into his seat. She made a mental note to check on him later and hoped that he knew he was always welcome to join her. She had told him that already. Maybe he needed a reminder.
Class began and the topic was Nicholas Flamel. Aurora did know quite a bit about him. He had attended Beauxbatons and of course they had learned about him when she had attended the school. She would have contributed to the discussion, but the others had said it all perfectly. Instead she worked on taking notes. Aurora especially agreed with Nyle’s thoughts. She couldn’t have put it better herself.
At the next question she raised her hand. ”I think that it really depends. There was a wide variety of obstacles that posed different challenges. Some may have been able to get through the various obstacles while others wouldn’t.” She knew that wasn’t really a definitive answer, but sometimes that was the case. Really she didn’t think there was anything wrong with the measures they had taken. ”Even with the Mirror of Erised I think the other obstacles were still necessary. It was very important to protect the Philospher’s Stone and they couldn’t be too careful. And they would serve to cause a number of people who try to get it to give up.” She waited to see what others had to say on the matter.
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Text Cut: Replies
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Originally Posted by FearlessLeader19
Harvey hadn’t let on to anyone, not even to Diallo’s bestie that he was fascinated with the Slytherin’s talked about pyro skills. He lowkey hoped that sometime Diallo would show off some of it at some point. Just not in Harv’s direction; this hair and these good looks must be protected at all costs. And there was Ayden! The Hufflepuff didn’t say much but Harv had nevertheless enquired about his well being. That’s what friends were for, yes?
With the first question out of the way, the first year made his notes, grateful for the bullet points. And as Amstern spoke, he made his own notes. He was familiar with the story of the Stone but since it had been a while since the narration had been heard, Harv didn’t mind paying keen attention to it now. When the time came to answer questions again, his hand went up. “I think it’s always up for debate whether security measures are enough or not; some will have the opinion it is while others will think enough was done. Perhaps fire, magical not mundane, would have been a neat measure to add.” Cue a side glance at Diallo.
"That is very true." Vashti nodded. "Everyone has a variety of opinions about security measures, so there is probably no perfect amount that everyone will agree on." As with most things in life. Some people wanted a large amount of security, and others might find that same amount too confining or extreme. "Fire is certainly a possibility. There was some fire involved in the potion riddle room, but that was used as more of an obstacle to block the exits, rather than a true burning flame."
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Originally Posted by WhittyBitty
Aurora watched as more students joined the classroom. She noticed Nyle and immediately brightened, but seeing as he was hovering, she started wondering if he was okay. Seemed like he may need a moment or two before entering the classroom. She sent him a smile and wave. For a moment she thought he was going to sit beside her, but instead he made his way over to Cat before shrinking into his seat. She made a mental note to check on him later and hoped that he knew he was always welcome to join her. She had told him that already. Maybe he needed a reminder.
Class began and the topic was Nicholas Flamel. Aurora did know quite a bit about him. He had attended Beauxbatons and of course they had learned about him when she had attended the school. She would have contributed to the discussion, but the others had said it all perfectly. Instead she worked on taking notes. Aurora especially agreed with Nyle’s thoughts. She couldn’t have put it better herself.
At the next question she raised her hand. ”I think that it really depends. There was a wide variety of obstacles that posed different challenges. Some may have been able to get through the various obstacles while others wouldn’t.” She knew that wasn’t really a definitive answer, but sometimes that was the case. Really she didn’t think there was anything wrong with the measures they had taken. ”Even with the Mirror of Erised I think the other obstacles were still necessary. It was very important to protect the Philospher’s Stone and they couldn’t be too careful. And they would serve to cause a number of people who try to get it to give up.” She waited to see what others had to say on the matter.
"Very true," Vashti agreed. "It would take a very extraordinary and knowledgeable person to make it through every challenge. Though we know how extraordinary Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger became, even they wouldn't have made it through if they didn't work together." They were very young, and it was impressive that they had succeeded at all, but that likely wouldn't have happened if any of them had gone in alone. "And prevention is certainly an important aspect to protection. It would be ideal for a thief to find it too difficult to even get to the final step and turn back, or wind up trapped at an obstacle they couldn't overcome so they could be apprehended." Or face a worse outcome, depending on the obstacle that stopped them.
After a pause with no other hands being raised, Vashti continued. "Good answers, everyone. It is beneficial to not only review strategies and plans that people used in the past, but also to understand why they worked and how they could have been different. Considering that Quirrell and Voldemort were able to get through the obstacles except for the final one, perhaps there could have been more obstacles to prevent them from even reaching that step, or perhaps the number of obstacles was chosen specifically to play into the magical properties of the number seven. Perhaps the number of obstacles wouldn't have mattered anyway, considering Quirrell was included enough in the planning to provide his own obstacle with the mountain troll, so he knew what he was in for - or perhaps he was included in the preparation in order to lower his guard, so he did not expect the enchantment that prevented him from retrieving the stone. Perhaps it was fate that let Harry Potter show up at the right time to stop him, or perhaps it was just coincidence." So many possibilities to consider. Any number of different decisions, and things could have ended so very differently. "But, regardless of whether all of that was simply fate, lucky coincidence, perfect strategy, or any combination thereof, the plan did ultimately succeed." And that was very fortunate for everyone.
"Now, I have one more question before we move on to the next part of the lesson. Something that's more hypothetical." So there were no right or wrong answers here. "We know the choices Nicolas Flamel made in his life - but what about you? If you were in possession of the Philosopher's Stone right now, and you could create the Elixir of Life from it, would you take the elixir? If you would, why, and for how long would you continue to take it? Or, if you wouldn't choose to, why not?"
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OOC: Class will move on some time around 5:00 PM EST (GMT -5) on January 26.
__________________
if we fall, we will fall together; and when we rise, we will rise together__________________♥♥♥♥ together we are dangerous; together with our differences; together we are bolder, braver, stronger
Cat was scribbling notes and thinking over the question in her own head, but wasn't clear enough on her own opinion to raise her hand and share it. It seemed to her that it depended on a person's definition of enough. Voldemort didn't get the stone, did he? So it was an objective success. Still, it was apparently a close call and some (including Cat, probably) would call that not enough.
Anyway. Moving on.
Cat raised her hand. "I guess it's impossible to know until given the opportunity, isn't it?" She frowned slightly. "But, I think I wouldn't do it. I'm only twelve, you know? And twelve years isn't enough to know what life is really like. I think I'd like to get a bit more experience before making a decision like that. Plus, it doesn't keep your body young, right?" She made a face, which hopefully clearly communicated where her thought process was going with that. Old people were gross.
History of Magic: Nicolas Flamel and the Philosopher's Stone 
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Harvey Forsfelle :: Ravenclaw 
