A/N: Hello! Welcome back! A little bit of a preface. This chapter includes a fair bit of stuff about Alchemy. So, Alchemy was the precursor to science in the real world and, fictionally, it exists predominately in "Fullmetal Alchemist". For the sake of this story for the little role Alchemy is going to have, I have taken from reality and Fullmetal, but have changed things. I've made it less sciencey and more magicky (yes, those are absolutely words. Trust me, I'm an English teacher. Lol). I've also taken some of the inherent concepts and "laws" from Fullmetal, but I've changed them as well so it's not a direct mirror. Alchemy won't play a massive role in this story, but it will have its moments, so I just want you to be aware of where a lot of the information comes from while seeing the changes I have made.

Things are going to pick up now. More things are going to start to happen after this with the Masters, the Hallows, and Morgan.

So, I hope you enjoy this chapter. If you do, please leave a review and see you again! Thanks so much! :)

Chapter 14

As it turned out, Hogwarts was far more enjoyable when there wasn't a madman trying to kill him, a headmaster manipulating his life, or students that couldn't decide how to treat him. Classes were smaller than he was used to and made of students from all Houses, not just two. In the first two days, he was in classes he knew from their own time and they weren't too different from what he knew except for the whole wandless part.

Charms with Helga and Defensive Magic with Godric were the most different with them being taught spells more through intention than incantation. Incantations existed, certainly, and could be used, but they were taught far more to picture results and push intention. Both Helga and Godric were also very involved, often encouraging student attempts to be made on or with them, making class extremely entertaining.

Herbology with Cyrus' father was also enjoyable as they were not always contained to the greenhouses. He brought them all over the grounds and even into the forest for natural identification, biome studies, and harvesting. He'd also made sure to tell them that, as fifth years, they would have more than a few classes happen after dinner or after dark for several plants of study. Elric was so energetic, pulling easy attention and excitement from the class.

Then there had been Potions with Severus and Harry had been very pleasantly surprised. Despite the change in their relationship even before coming to Camelot, Harry couldn't lie and say he hadn't been nervous for that first Potions class. His worry hadn't been necessary. It had been as though Severus was a different person. It had been primarily a theoretical class for Severus to gauge knowledge and understanding, but he'd been calm and patient and kind with a touch of firmness as he explained the dangers of potions and ingredients. He'd even arranged a small competition between the Houses to determine skill in preparation methods, having each House compete to best complete all the techniques in the quickest time. Students earned points and praise and helpful tips, and Harry had never enjoyed himself in Potions as much as he did that day. He'd even had Cyrus claim he'd been lying about what Severus was like as a professor.

Now, it was the morning of the third day and he was in Alchemy with his friends, waiting for Salazar to begin class. They were all arranged around round tables that held up to seven and the tables had interesting patterns of lines, shapes, and runes inside larger circles carved into their surfaces. Around the walls were cabinets and shelves with all manner of items, tools, and decorations. There had also been smaller shelves and podiums arranged on the cabinets, each holding samples of various stones and other materials.

As they waited, Harry was in the middle of an ongoing theoretical discussion about the applications of Parseltongue in other magic branches that had begun on the first day when he'd officially met Orvyn Dunstan. Orvyn was a Slytherin with Gillian, had actual natural strawberry blonde hair that was cut very close to the scalp on the back and sides while the top was left longer with strands flopping down over his jade green eyes—an uncommon hairstyle from what Harry could tell—and was from Carhaix, a town a few days' ride west of Camelot Village. Orvyn was a mix of Hermione and Seamus in Harry's opinion. He was extraordinarily intelligent and curious with a never-ending supply of energy that he put towards theories, research, and experiments that, according to the others, rarely went well. The Slytherin was also hysterical, responding to everything with biting sarcasm, just like Seamus.

When Salazar walked into the classroom, all the conversations stopped and he gained the full attention of the students. He stood at the front, leaning against his desk as he summoned what looked like a blackboard to hover next to him. He waved his hand casually at the board and white words began to etch themselves onto the surface.

"The Law of Equivalent Exchange," Salazar said as the words were written. "Can anyone explain what this means?"

Lucan, Lucia's Hufflepuff twin, raised his hand, gaining a nod from Salazar.

"It's the absolution that limits alchemy. Something can't be made from nothing," Lucan explained. "When transmuting, something of equal value to what you are gaining has to be exchanged and sacrificed. It's balance."

"Very good, Mr. Elridge," Salazar praised. "Exactly right. Something cannot be made from nothing. This is the first law of alchemy. You have likely heard that all magic comes with a cost, yes?"

The class nodded.

"It is true. Every time we use magic, we exchange something. For everyday use, we exchange energy. It is why magical exhaustion and depletion exist," Salazar told them. "The more complex the magic and the more valuable the gain, the more that needs to be exchanged. Now, Mr. Elridge mentioned transmuting. Can someone tell us what that is?"

Harry looked over at another table when Salazar pointed at a Ravenclaw girl.

"It's when you combine, create, enhance, or change the traits, properties, and characteristics of two or more materials," she answered.

"Correct, Miss Ashcombe," Salazar said. "Nearly any natural thing can be transmuted using the correct spells, materials, and circles under the proper conditions, such as lunar phases or planet placement. Some materials are incompatible, making transmutation impossible, but these instances are fairly uncommon. This does bring up the third law of alchemy, however, that being that human transmutation is to never occur. Like Necromancy, it is a desecration of natural life and disrupts the balance. Nothing can ever equal human life, thus the very action of human transmutation violates the first law. Alchemy is about the elements and magical properties of the world's materials, and how we as alchemists and wizards can manipulate those things. Alongside the elements, alchemy uses ores, metals, gems, and natural fibres."

"Professor?" a Gryffindor spoke while raising her hand.

"Yes, Miss Norwood?"

"Is human transmutation the same as Necromancy or similar?" she asked.

"They are similar in that they both violate the sanctity of human life, but they are not the same, no," Salazar replied. "Necromancy is specifically the animation, manipulation, and control of the dead while human transmutation is, in effect, the intent and attempt to create human life."

"What would happen if someone tried?" David asked next to Harry.

"Most likely death for the alchemist and the existing human should one be involved," Salazar said bluntly. "It is also said that failed human transmutation creates homunculi, twisted artificial humanlike creatures."

"Do you believe that, sir?" a Gryffindor boy wondered.

"I am unsure, Mr. Kingsbane. There is little on the topic for obvious reasons," Salazar said and then gestured at a Slytherin. "Mr. Caldwell?"

"Has anyone ever tried human transmutation?" he asked. "Is that why the law exists?"

Harry turned with the rest of the class to look from Caldwell to Salazar curiously, an air of seriousness falling over the room with the topic. Salazar took a minute to answer, crossing his arms over his chest as his eyes danced over each student.

"Yes," he eventually replied. "There is one record from about two hundred years ago of an attempt being made. It ended in tragedy, as one would expect, and no homunculus to speak of."

"That you know of," Cyrus said slyly and the class laughed while Salazar rolled his eyes good-naturedly as the heaviness lifted, clearly amused at the dramatics.

"Yes, thank you, Mr. Hurst," Salazar said dryly with a smile, turning to another student as their hand shot into the air. "Last question. Miss D'Arcy?"

"You told us about the first and third laws of alchemy," the Gryffindor said. "What's the second law?"

"Ah, yes. The second law is magic itself cannot be transmuted," Salazar told them. "Magic exists as it is to be used as it exists so it is impossible to transmute. However, that does not mean alchemy is not involved in spell creation. It is, but we will get into that in a few weeks. For today, take out your books and take some notes. Then, we will end class allowing you to find a material that resonates with your magic."

There was shuffling and clinking as everyone pulled out notebooks and opened ink jars. The next thirty-five minutes was a lecture, introducing terms and concepts and instruments closely associated with alchemy. Harry found it all truly fascinating.

When there were ten minutes left of class, Salazar ended his lecture and instructed them all to stand.

"While we can all work with every material available to us for alchemy, you will find that each of you attunes more closely to certain materials," Salazar told them. "These connections indicate what type of magic and what type of alchemy you will have an affinity for, something we all have."

Harry thought about the various magic types he already had an affinity for for various reasons—Parsel Magic, Black Magic, protection spells—and wondered what else there could be for him.

"Before class ends, I want you to examine the samples around the room and find one that calls to you," Salazar instructed. "You may feel pulled to more than one, but just focus on one for now."

They all moved to spread around the sides of the room, chattering as they looked at and touched Salazar's samples. Harry moved around with Cyrus and Orvyn, reading labels and feeling how his magic wrapped around each material he touched, waiting for something to feel different. He ended up leaving Orvyn and Cyrus at other shelves when they found themselves drawn to ceraunia and fulgurite respectfully, Harry having no idea what they were or what they meant for his friends' affinities. He moved on, passing by each ore, metal, and fibre, losing hope that any of them would reach for him.

Then, he was pulled to a stop against his own accord as it felt like something had reached out and grabbed him from the back, tugging on something deep in his chest. He turned to the shelves he was next to, his attention immediately gravitating to a collection of materials; two seemingly a type of stone, one a fibre, and one a strange substance in a vial. He reached out for the fibre, picking up the coiled string that was an odd silvery colour that had the illusion of being translucent from certain angles. It was cool as it brushed his skin, weaving between his fingers as he gazed at it.

"I confess myself surprised though, admittedly, I should not be."

Harry looked up from the string at the quiet voice, finding Salazar standing next to him. He gave the man a questioning look.

"This particular collection of items is said to have come from Death himself and his realm," Salazar said. "What you hold is called pars veli or 'piece of the veil'. Given your role, your connection to such items should be expected."

"Does this mean I have an affinity for Necromancy or Dark Magic like Morgan?" Harry asked, worried.

"On the contrary," Salazar replied. "This indicates an affinity for protecting life and Soul Magic, like Merlin and as Severus will be upon connecting with the stone."

Harry was surprised at the response, but dropped his eyes to the string as a thought drifted through his mind. "Do you remember when we went to Tintagel Castle and Morgan was there?"

"I do."

"She said I was like her because I'd been touched by the Dark."

"She was correct, you have been," Salazar said and Harry looked at him again. "However, it does not mean you are like her. We are all touched by the Dark in some way. It is the nature of everything, the balance we just discussed. What makes us different is how far we allow it to take us. She's allowed it to take her beyond where we are meant to go whereas you have allowed it to show you the value of life, perhaps sometimes at the expense of your own value."

Harry narrowed his eyes at Salazar's knowing smile. "I didn't realize Salazar Slytherin was a Seer."

Salazar chuckled. "Not at all, but Severus has talked a lot about you since you've come to Camelot."

Harry sighed in light exasperation. "Of course he has. Please remember he hated me for the first four years we knew each other."

Salazar laughed again. "I will keep it in mind. Now, do not worry about what Morgan believes. No matter the roles Fate gives us, we still decide who and what we are, and even I know you are no Morgan le Fay in disguise."

Harry gave the man a small smile in return. "Thank you."

Salazar returned the smile and put a hand on his shoulder, guiding him to turn around. "My pleasure. Off you go now. Your friends are waiting."

Harry hadn't even realized class had ended. The other students were gone, but his friends were still standing at their table, talking quietly as they clearly waited for Harry to join them. Warmed by their consideration and stunned at how quickly he'd been brought into their group, he smiled and hurried to join them. Once he had his bag, they bid Salazar a 'good day' and left to head to Runic Studies, all of them interestedly and excitedly sharing their materials.

By the time the week ended and Harry was leaving Gryffindor Tower after bidding his friends 'goodnight' to stay with Severus, Harry was exhausted. While it had all been wildly fascinating and honestly enjoyable, the stress of starting a new school year combined with attending in a different time and learning brand new classes while using only wandless magic had sapped Harry of energy. Not to mention, he hadn't slept the best throughout the week. He'd almost gone to Severus a couple of times, but had forced himself to stay in the tower. Despite Severus saying he could, he hadn't wanted to bother the man so soon. Severus surely had his own settling in to do and stresses to deal with; he didn't need a teenager coming to him in the middle of the night immediately. Plus, the man had been right and he needed to get to know his House.

But now, it was Friday evening, Severus had asked him to stay Friday night, and he was not going to refuse a direct invitation. So, with his pajamas, toothbrush, and some of his school work—in the possibly very likely event he chose to stay for the entire weekend—he made his way down to the third floor. When he reached the door, he paused and looked at the runes that had appeared on their leaves, wondering again what they meant. They hadn't gotten far yet in Runic Studies, the professor Annora Briar giving introductory lessons on history, context, use, and terminology first. Resolving for those to be the first runes he learned outside of class, Harry touched his leaf and stepped in when the door swung open. Walking over to the sitting room to drop his bag on a chair, he felt a calmness settle over him, easing some of his deep exhaustion.

"Ah, you came. I was unsure you would want to pull yourself away from your tower."

Harry looked over at Severus walking through the archway that led to the bedrooms and study, wearing his usual tunic and trousers rather than the outer robe he'd worn all week.

"Not too hard. It's loud, just like back home," Harry replied, not wanting to admit just how easy it was and the reason it was so easy. He enjoyed the tower and his dormmates, he did, but…

"Gryffindors," Severus scoffed insincerely, making Harry laugh, before pulling Harry into a brief, but relished one-armed hug. "How are you feeling?"

"Tired," Harry admitted.

"Too tired to tell me about your week?" Severus asked as they parted, smiling when Harry quickly shook his head.

"Absolutely not," Harry said. "It's been brilliant!"

With a gesture from Severus, Harry quickly moved to sit on the sofa, kicking off his boots as Severus joined him, lighting a fire in the fireplace. He dove into recounting everything without any prodding, telling his guardian all about his classes and new friends.

He explained Charms with Helga, Defensive Magic with Godric, Herbology with Elric, Alchemy with Salazar, Runic Studies with Annora Briar, and Transfiguration with Wolf Laverick, gushing about how amazing it was to be taught by the Founders while drawing comparisons to their time. He recounted what he'd been told about Weaponry and Wandlore with Erec and Felix by Orvyn, about Riding and Flying with Galen and Griffin by Cyrus, about Healing with Rowena by Lucan, about Creature Studies with Filippa Tait by David, and about Astronomy with Isabella by Gillian. He talked about each of his new friends in great detail and even explained about his conversation with Salazar in that first Alchemy class. He rambled about all the things he didn't understand, about his debates with Orvyn about Parsel Magic, and about his school work.

He couldn't remember the last time he'd talked so much, the last time anyone had let him, but Severus had. The man had listened to every word, making only an occasional short comment or asking a genuinely interested question. By the time he finished, he was slightly embarrassed that he'd just gone on, but was consoled when Severus just smiled at him, seemingly not bothered at all.

"It does sound like quite the week," Severus said. "I am glad you're enjoying yourself and settling in."

Harry nodded with his own smile, pulling his legs up to his chest and tucking his feet under him. "What about you?"

It stung to see Severus look somewhat surprised at being asked as though he'd never had anyone care to know before.

"It has been surprisingly enjoyable for me as well," Severus replied. "Having a less hectic schedule is wonderful as is having only the upper years."

"Not having to worry about a second job as a spy probably helps too," Harry pointed out teasingly.

Severus hummed, obviously amused. "I suppose that could have something to do with it."

Harry laughed at the dramatic thoughtfulness.

"How have you slept this week?" Severus asked after a comfortable silence.

"Fine," Harry said shortly, really not wanting the man to know he'd been homesick or whatever it would be called since it hadn't been a place he'd been missing, but a person. It was ridiculous, he knew, especially since that person was in the same bloody castle as him and he saw the man every day either at meals, in class, or when Severus was on patrol when he was in study hall.

"Harry," Severus said, gently chiding his lie.

Harry sighed. "Was a little hard to sleep sometimes, but I was okay, promise."

"You can come here at any time, I will not be angry," Severus told him.

"I know, but I also wanted to get through at least this first week. You know, prove to myself I could," Harry said. "Since I did, can I stay here all weekend?"

Severus chuckled and combed his fingers through Harry's hair. "Of course you can. You do not have to ask."

Harry smiled, feeling more of his stress melt away. They walked for a while longer, Harry asking if Severus would become the 'inventor' of potions in Camelot that didn't yet exist while Severus asked more about his friends and classes. As they talked, they shifted, and eventually Harry was lying against Severus' side, eyelids drooping.

"Come on, child. Head to bed."

Harry groaned quietly as he was jostled and sat up, blinking slowly. "'M awake. 'M listening."

There was a quiet laugh and then he was pulled to his feet, being guided through the quarters to his bedroom. He managed to change into his pajamas before falling into bed, curling under the blanket.

"Wanted to talk more," he mumbled as his glasses were removed.

"We'll talk more tomorrow. We've plenty of time," Severus said, tucking the blanket around him. "Get some sleep."

Harry hummed as he fell further into sleep. "Thanks for bein' here."

A hand brushed over his hair and he vaguely felt the kiss pressed to the side of his head.

"Always," was whispered back to him and he let himself finally fall into a deep sleep.

"Stop looking for me."

Harry turned around in the dim space he was in that seemed to stretch on forever, trying to find the source of the voice.

"Your help is needed, Master," another voice said and Harry frowned into the darkness around him.

"No, I won't risk my family," the first voice said.

"Come find me, Master," the second voice said, sounding like it was directly behind Harry, making him spin around again.

"No, don't!"

"Wait!" Harry shouted, still trying to find sources for the two voices he was hearing. He was spinning around and around until he finally spotted something. There was a very vague, dark outline of a human figure, looking like a shadow being taken by darkness. "Who are you?" he asked, staring at the figure.

"I'm you in this time," the first voice said. "I'm who you are looking for, but you do not belong here. You need to leave."

"I'm here to help," Harry replied.

"You can't help. Leave."

"Come find me, Master," the second voice said again.

"No, stop it!" the first voice shouted.

"We know Morgan's after you, but we won't let her hurt you or your family," Harry said.

"That is not a promise you can make. You can't stop her. No one can."

"We can, but we need you. We need the Hallows together. It's what Death wants," Harry replied.

"It's what she wants. Morgan wants you to find me. I won't let her. I won't let my family die because of what I am."

"She's looking for you anyway," Harry argued.

"The only way she'll find me is through you. It's a connection she can follow."

"I won't let her."

"You won't have a choice. Stop looking for me. Stop strengthening our connection. Stop reaching."

"Oh, my, my," another voice suddenly came from the darkness and Harry spun around, finding another vague shadowy figure, but this one was far more solid, black with wisps of red and purple drifting through it. "What an interesting dreamer you are, Harry dear. Introduce me to your friend, won't you?"

"Stop looking for me!" the first voice shouted and Harry looked over his shoulder in time to see that figure disappear.

"You are a spectacular little thing to have around, aren't you?" Morgan murmured, her shadowy figure coming to dance around Harry.

"Leave them alone," Harry said through gritted teeth.

"I will if you will," Morgan said, her shadows brushing the back of Harry's neck and along his cheek. "I am sure we will see each other again soon and I very much look forward to it. I do so want to get to know you better."

"No!" Harry cried as Morgan disappeared and he was pulled from whatever realm he'd been in.