Regulus of Hogwarts: Lord of the Stars

Flamel rose, his movements as unsteady as ever.

"It's getting late." He looked at Regulus, his gaze soft. "Time for the boy to head back."

Regulus blinked. He'd assumed he'd be staying the night.

So many questions still unasked. The specifics of magical conversion. The intersection of Alchemy and Transfiguration. The limits of life-alchemy, and whether the soul could be refined at all.

But Flamel had spoken, and he wasn't about to overstay his welcome.

Besides, this first meeting had gone well. Flamel's impression of him should be favorable.

There would be other chances.

"Next time," Flamel said, his voice gentler than before, "don't wait for Albus to bring you. Come on your own."

He turned and walked to the broad desk, rummaging through a pile of objects until he produced a metal sphere the size of his palm. Silver-grey, its surface covered in dense runic script that seemed to flicker and dance in the firelight.