Originally, he decided to learn alchemy because, apart from wanting to create a Philosopher's Stone and out of pure curiosity, he also wanted to find an additional way to accumulate [Potential Points].
Everything is easier at first and then gradually will become more difficult.
When Andy first started learning magic, he only needed to practice hard for ten days to gain a [Potential Point].
However, as Andy's mastery of magic gradually advanced, the rate at which he gained [Potential Points] by practising spells slowed down a lot.
Simply practising spells alone is not enough to gain [Potential Points].
Rather, effective practice is required to gain [Potential Points].
In other words, it is about improving one's abilities.
This was also why Andy studied Divination last year.
However, Divination relies purely on talent, and you cannot learn it through hard work like other subjects.
For the time being, Andy doesn't need to be a particularly good seer, and he doesn't plan to add any points to [Divination] any time soon, so he has to find another way to earn [Potential Points].
When he thought about it, Andy stopped complaining and casually opened an Alchemy book, jotting down notes.
"Have you decided to learn Alchemy?" Hermione asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Hm!" Andy answered.
Although he felt that alchemy was not the appropriate direction to take, in the end, it was a well-established magical profession, and it would never hurt to gain more knowledge.
What's more, learning alchemy could also help him gain [Potential Points].
It would be the key source of his extra points in the second half of the academic year.
The reason he felt this way was mainly because Andy had just completed the fusion of his mind and magic. Practising spells at this time would still greatly improve his strength.
With the increase in strength, naturally, he can accumulate [Potential Points].
However, Andy guessed that this state would not last long. After reaching the upper limit, the rate of [Potential Points] accumulation through practising spells will slow down.
Seeing Andy studying hard, Hermione stopped talking and looked down at her book.
When it comes to studying, she has never been afraid of anyone!
After reading for a while, Hermione looked up at Andy again.
To be honest, this was not the first time Hermione had envied Andy's magical talent.
From the first day they entered Hogwarts, the two had often studied together and practised magic together. It was obvious that they had been working just as hard, but Andy's progress was simply much faster than hers.
When the two studied a spell together, Hermione could successfully cast the spell after only hearing the professor explain it once.
As for Andy...
Now he can successfully cast a spell after just one glance at the incantation. Then, with a little practice, he can cast the spell fluently.
Let's destroy it!
Hermione is not afraid of grinding, but grinding with Andy... It's really exhausting!
***
Happy times (crossed out)... Study time always passes quickly.
After sitting in the library all morning and having lunch, Andy and Hermione went to the Charm classroom for the first lesson of the new academic year.
Professor Flitwick never fails to teach with passion.
He explained things in great detail and was full of humour.
But none of this really matters to Andy.
Professor Flitwick knows Andy's progress, so he has given Andy special permission to read other books in his class.
Not just Professor Flitwick; Andy had this privilege with many professors.
Well...except Professor Sprout.
Because Andy's herbology grade was merely satisfactory.
After reviewing the third-year curriculum with the young wizards, Professor Flitwick let the young wizards freely practice spells – since young wizards could not practice magic outside of school, many of them had become rusty.
After circling the classroom a few times, Professor Flitwick walked over to Andy and, on tiptoe, glanced at the book he was reading.
"Alchemy?"
Professor Flitwick sounded a little surprised. "Mr Collins, are you interested in alchemy?"
"Professor!" Andy glanced up and said hello.
"This is a very advanced magic discipline," Professor Flitwick said.
"Professor, do you also specialise in alchemy?" Andy asked.
Hearing the topic Andy and Professor Flitwick were talking about, Hermione also turned her head to look over.
"Of course!"
Professor Flitwick said enthusiastically, "I spent some time studying it when I was young. Sometimes when I get the mood, I will find a few books on Alchemy to pass the time."
A hobbyist!
Andy suddenly lost the desire to ask for advice.
But...anyway, a hobbyist is much better than Andy, a complete novice.
"Professor, why do the runes used in alchemy have magical powers?" Andy asked sincerely.
"They are like spells. Well...you can think of them as the spells of nature."
Professor Flitwick explained, "You should know the Seven Principles of Alchemy, right? Animism! Alchemists believe that all things have a spirit, and those pictographic scripts are similar to the incantations and gestures of the spells. A key to invoking their power."
"Each symbol has its own unique function, and when they are connected together, they form the spell of nature."
"The core of alchemy is to use these runes to make matter perform magic."
"Make matter perform magic!?" Hermione gasped.
"Yes, Miss Granger!"
Professor Flitwick said, "This is the biggest difference between alchemical creations and ordinary magical items."
"Ordinary magical items are made using a wizard's magic."
"Alchemical creations are different. They are items that can perform magic. The runes give them magical powers."
"That's amazing!" Hermione was fascinated.
"Everything has a spirit!" Andy muttered.
Andy, of course, knew the seven principles of alchemy – the basic rules that must be kept in mind when learning alchemy.
"Professor..."
Andy couldn't help but ask, "Does everything really have a spirit?"
"That's what alchemists believe."
Professor Flitwick laughed: "Dumbledore is a master of alchemy, and he may be able to answer your question."
Andy: "..."
Why is this old man involved in everything?
But...
The Chocolate Frog card did mention that Dumbledore and his partner Nicolas Flamel made great achievements in alchemy.
In this era, Nicolas Flamel is the foremost expert in alchemy and an absolute authority.
In front of Nicolas Flamel, the 100-year-old Dumbledore was just a 'young man'.
The fact that Dumbledore could work together with Nicolas Flamel on alchemy and was even considered a 'partner' is proof of Dumbledore's achievements in alchemy.
This old man is really something!
The more Andy learns about Dumbledore, the more he realises just how extraordinary he is – both in terms of magic and wisdom.
To be honest, Andy wouldn't be surprised if Dumbledore one day managed to create a Philosopher's Stone.
He might actually be able to do it.
It's just a matter of wanting to or not wanting to!
No wonder Voldemort was afraid of him.
Even today, Andy still feels that Dumbledore is unfathomable.
Really unfathomable!
----
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