"I'm willing!"
Seeing Sean agree, Antonius didn't show any sign of joy right away. Instead, he looked at Sean seriously and continued, "I hope you'll answer carefully. If you learn my knowledge but fail to help me finish this task, then I will always find a way to take back what I've given you."
"Mr. Antonius, I understand. Although there's a big difference between alchemy and potions, I believe the three papers I've published in The Golden Crucible should be proof enough of my diligence and ability. I'm already quite familiar with research and academic writing."
"You've published papers in The Golden Crucible?" For the first time, Antonius's expression grew noticeably more animated. His soft voice gained a hint of excitement. "If it's convenient, could I see them?"
"Of course."
Sean pulled out two issues of The Golden Crucible from his Undetectable Extension Bag and set them in front of Antonius. "Mr. Antonius, my third paper hasn't been officially published yet, so these two are all I have on hand."
"That's fine — two is enough."
Sitting down next to Sean, Antonius reached out, tapped the journals lightly, and the pages turned on their own.
While Antonius read quietly through Sean's papers, Sean steadied his mind and went back to his own book, waiting without interrupting.
About half an hour later, Antonius finally looked up. "Sean, I have a clearer sense of your abilities now. Are you in sixth year? Or seventh…" He paused, studying Sean's face. "Wait — fifth year?"
"Mr. Antonius, I'm actually in third year — Slytherin."
"Third year…"
Antonius fell silent for a moment, then nodded, a faint smile on his transparent face. "Then I'm even more certain you can complete my work."
"So…"
"From now on," Antonius said, his tone gentle but firm, "you may call me Mr. Antonius. This is not the same as a Hogwarts professor and student — this is the old apprentice system: one teacher, one apprentice."
"Yes, Mr. Antonius."
Antonius glanced around the room as if checking the time. "Tonight's nearly over, and since it's Sunday, this is what we'll do: starting next Saturday, you'll come here every Saturday and Sunday evening from seven to nine. I'll teach you the foundations of alchemy. When your level is ready, I'll guide you into true research.
Besides that, I'll assign you work to study during the week. But for you, I doubt I need to remind you to study hard, do I?"
At that, Sean and Antonius exchanged a smile.
At that moment, Sean suddenly thought of something. He looked at Antonius and asked, "Teacher, what should I do if Hogwarts goes on holiday? How can I continue studying with you then?"
Antonius shook his head slightly. "There's no way around that. Students aren't allowed to stay at Hogwarts over the break. Before then, I'll prepare enough material for you to study during the holidays. You can combine it with your books…"
He paused, as if something had just come to mind. Then he looked at Sean again. "Sean, before our next lesson, go to Gringotts and find my vault. I stored some books there — textbooks I used myself. I'll give you the password. Bring back whatever you can carry. The books you're using now aren't suitable for learning alchemy properly — not from the basics upward."
"Understood, Teacher. I'll get those books as soon as possible."
"Good." Antonius nodded approvingly. He seemed to check the time — or at least the feeling of it — then asked, "Tell me, Sean, in the field of alchemy today… are there any remarkable people or breakthroughs? It's been so long since I've heard news from the outside world. I'm curious."
Sean hesitated — he didn't really know of any great names. After all, he'd only been dabbling in alchemy for a bit more than a year and never truly focused on it.
But seeing his teacher's expectant look, he had to say something.
"Teacher, do you know of Nicolas Flamel?"
Antonius frowned faintly and shook his head. "I'm afraid not. When I was alive, I never heard that name."
That's actually better — Sean thought — at least there's something to share.
"Teacher, he's considered the greatest alchemist alive. His most famous achievement is creating the legendary Philosopher's Stone."
"The Philosopher's Stone?!"
Though Antonius was just a ghost, Sean could see his eyes flare with sudden light.
"In my time, the Philosopher's Stone was little more than a rumor — a distant dream. Many alchemists longed to create it, but there were no real clues, no tangible progress. Most thought it was too far-fetched to pursue, so everyone stuck to their own research. I never imagined someone would actually succeed in making one in this era."
"Teacher, I thought the Philosopher's Stone existed long ago?"
"That's true… but by my lifetime, it was already a legend. In our circles, plenty dreamed about it, but few bothered to chase what seemed impossible."
Antonius smiled then — a thin, wistful smile, as if a small weight had lifted from him. There was a glimmer of contentment, knowing the craft he'd devoted his life to had reached so far.
"I would love to speak with him — this Nicolas Flamel."
Sean hesitated for a second, then said carefully, "Teacher… I don't know Mr. Nicolas Flamel myself, but I do know someone who does. I might be able to help you get in touch."
"Good…" Antonius nodded, the ghostly outlines of a plan forming in his mind. It looked like he was about to ask Sean to write a letter to Flamel.
But just then, Antonius's expression changed. The faint glow in his face drained away, replaced by a distant, blank look. Slowly, almost mechanically, he rose to his feet. He didn't respond when Sean called out to him — just turned and drifted step by step toward the door. Without a word, he passed through it and vanished.
Sean hurried after him and flung open the classroom door — but the corridor outside was empty. Antonius was gone.
Standing there for a while in the silent hallway, Sean let out a quiet sigh. He gathered his books and papers, then left the classroom behind.
He'd just have to wait until next Saturday to see his teacher again.