Althea did not interfere as the students puzzled things out. She was pretty pleased with their progress though, and the enthusiasm for what was a difficult task. Hopefully they'd retain what they were learning.

"Alright everyone, time is up. Great work." She paused and waited for them to return to their seats. "Table 1 is an Alembic. The symbol is the one next to the word 'Alembicus' on your handout. Nicely done, Miss Hollingberry, Miss Carter." And the others of course. She had noticed young Vickers and his enthusiasm for the Alembic and understanding for how it worked, and his willingness to explain it to Louisa, who in turn explained it. That was the best way to understand how things worked.

"Table 2 is a Cucurbit. The symbol is the one next to the word 'Cucurbita' on your hand out. Good work with that one, I know it was tricky. Good logic Mr Gunter, good work confirming, Miss Potter." Team work. Hufflepuffs were good at that, even if they thought they were confused.

"Table 3 is a Retort. The symbol is that which is next to the word 'Retorta'." She moved on to the next one.

"Table 4 is an Aludel. The symbol next to 'Sublimare' would have been fitting." As well as a few others, but that was the purpose of the Aludel after all.

"Table 5 is a Crucible. The symbol is that which is next to the word 'Crucibiliare' is the correct symbol." Though cupel was a good guess.

"Table 6 is an Athanor. The Alchemical symbol is in one of the additional books, it resembles a mountain. You could have selected the symbol for 'Incinerare', or any other relating to burning and heating processes. Good work, Miss Gardiner, and Excellent job finding the symbol, Mr Foster." She was impressed.

"Table 7 is a Mortar and Pestle, there are many possible symbols for this one as you may have realised, because quite often substances do in fact need crushing. Those of you who are clever with your Latin may also have spotted a symbol for the actual process of pulverising a substance. Good work, Miss Adams for identifying it, and good researching." She was a good Ravenclaw, clearly.

"Table 8 is a Bain-marie. Looks a bit like what might be used in a kitchen doesn't it? For good reason. Its rather good for melting chocolate for instance. A heat-related symbol would have been sufficient, though I'd willingly accept most any substance symbol as long as you could justify it. Good job applying your cooking knowledge, Miss Hollingberry." That was how she'd first recognised it too.

"Table 9 is a Calcinator or a Calciner. The symbol for 'Calcinare' was what I was looking for. Good work finding the 12 processes, Miss Bishop, and Miss Adams, good work identifying that the symbol for Calcination is the correct one." She was impressed with those two, doing well keeping up in a NEWT level lesson.

"And finally, Table 10 is an Alembic cap. This is a piece of an Alembic as what you see on Table 1. The word Alembic refers to this part, and to the apparatus as a whole. 'Destillaire' is the correct choice for that one. Note the symbol for a long S sound. Not to be confused with an F." She gave the Ravenclaw prefect a wink, and Mr Vanderbilt a nod at his correction. There was some more teamwork there.

"Some of you might have noticed that the symbols in many instances actually resemble what they are supposed to represent. Good spotting if you did."

Aaaand....

"That is all we have time for everyone. I realise this has been a fairly theory-intensive lesson, but you all did well. I hope that the notes provided will be of some use to you, and for any of you who think you might be interested in studying Alchemy in the future do feel free to owl me at the ministry with any questions. I've included some extra information in the notes which I'll leave up for you all to copy as you wish."

Thea put the homework up on the board.

SPOILER!!: homework

1) Short essay /5 points
Choose one famous Alchemist and research the following:
1a) What was their contribution to the field of Alchemy?
1b) When were they alive?
1c) Are they Muggle or Magical? If you can't find out for sure, guess and explain your choice.
1d) Name one piece of Alchemical equipment they used, or guess at a piece of Alchemical equipment they used, and explain why you think they would have used it.
1e) Find an interesting fact about your chosen Alchemist to share.
You can present this as a short essay or address the questions seperately, its up to you.

2) Short answer questions
2a) Choose any one of your other class subjects and explain how it is linked to Alchemy. (2 points)
2b) According to the Alchemist Michael Maier, who were the four women who knew how to make the philosopher's stone? (1 point)
2c)Choose any two symbols from your hand outs, investigate what they mean, and explain how they are used in Alchemy (2 points)

Please note that up to 5 points extra credit may be given for this assignment for thoughtful or outstanding answers, particularly where answers remain concise, informative, and original.

"You're dismissed. I'll leave a list of recommended Alchemy books with your librarian for those of you interested in extra research."

... and now they could leave. She had things to do.