Alchemy

Alchemy is an ancient and highly specialized branch of magic. Its primary and most famous pursuit is the creation of the Philosopher's Stone, a legendary substance with two unique properties: the ability to transform any base metal into pure gold, and the ability to produce the Elixir of Life, which can extend the drinker's life indefinitely. In the modern wizarding world, Alchemy is considered an obscure and extremely advanced subject. Its most celebrated practitioner is Nicolas Flamel, the only known maker of the Philosopher's Stone. The concepts of Alchemy, particularly the pursuit of immortality, are central to the plot of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.

The study of Alchemy revolves around two ultimate objectives, both achievable only through the creation and use of the Philosopher's Stone.

• Transmutation: This is the alchemical goal of turning base metals, such as lead, into pure gold. This aspect of Alchemy represents the transformation of the mundane into the perfect and valuable.
• Immortality: The Philosopher's Stone produces the Elixir of Life. As long as a person continues to drink the Elixir, they cannot die a natural death. This was the primary reason Lord Voldemort sought the Stone, as it would grant him a life-sustaining body and true immortality. Nicolas Flamel and his wife, Perenelle Flamel, used the Elixir to live for over six hundred years.

While many may have studied Alchemy, few have achieved its ultimate goals. The most notable figures and creations in the field are:

• Nicolas Flamel: The most famous alchemist in history and the only known wizard to have successfully created a Philosopher's Stone. He was a close friend and partner of Albus Dumbledore.
• Albus Dumbledore: A renowned wizard with a deep interest in Alchemy. His Chocolate Frog Card notes that he was famous for his alchemical work with Nicolas Flamel. His profound understanding of the subject, and its ultimate limitations, informed his decision to agree to the Philosopher's Stone's destruction.
• Philosopher's Stone: The magnum opus of Alchemy. Created by Nicolas Flamel, it was a blood-red stone with irregular dimensions. It was the central object of conflict in Harry Potter's first year at Hogwarts.
• Elixir of Life: The potion of immortality produced from the Philosopher's Stone. It must be consumed regularly to sustain life.

Alchemy, and specifically the Philosopher's Stone, is the driving force of the plot in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. After his initial defeat, a weakened Lord Voldemort sought the Stone to regain a physical body and achieve true immortality. After Nicolas Flamel entrusted the Stone to Albus Dumbledore for safekeeping, it was moved from a high-security vault at Gringotts Wizarding Bank to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger discover Voldemort's plan after researching Nicolas Flamel in the library. Their investigation leads them past a series of complex magical protections to confront Professor Quirrell, who was possessed by Lord Voldemort. Following Harry's defeat of Quirrell, Dumbledore and Flamel mutually agree to destroy the Stone. This act reinforces a central theme of the series: the acceptance of death as a natural part of life, which Dumbledore calls “the next great adventure.” This philosophy stands in stark contrast to Voldemort's pathological fear of death, which drives his quest for power and immortality at any cost.

• Alchemy is based on a real-world historical and philosophical tradition that was a precursor to modern chemistry. It combined elements of science, spirituality, and mythology.
• The historical Nicolas Flamel (c. 1330 – 1418) was a real French scribe who developed a posthumous reputation as an alchemist due to works attributed to him after his death.
• The goals of creating a Philosopher's Stone (lapis philosophorum) and an Elixir of Life are central tenets of historical Western alchemy. J.K. Rowling drew directly from these well-established legends to create the magical lore in her books. (Pottermore)