Most Alchemists achieved only limited success, and creating anything truly remarkable often required years of dedicated research. That did not fit Percy's plans for his life at all.
So when he chose his classes in sixth year, he had never considered taking Alchemy as an elective.
However, as Wade's reputation grew and the influence of his creations spread ever wider, more and more wizards came to know the name of his Alchemy professor, "Terence Murray." Percy naturally received such information as well.
He knew of Murray, but had never paid much attention to him.
Percy turned the application form over and over, examining the signature "Terence Murray" again and again. He not only used detection magic, but even rubbed it twice with his fingers.
But a signature was just a signature.
The ink was clear, the strokes smooth. After several years, the parchment had darkened in color and softened in texture. The ink had faintly bled, and the edges bore slight wear...
All of it would be difficult to forge flawlessly.
And if a Duplicating Charm or Transfiguration Spell had been used, Percy believed he could have identified it.
Besides, he was a son of the Weasley Family. Who would go to such lengths to guard against him?
So the signature was actually real?
Percy closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Irritated, he tossed the application form aside and turned his attention back to the pile of documents.
He opened another application form. A Ravenclaw named Anthony Goldstein. Hmm... from the Goldstein family...
Then he opened another.
Susan Bones... this time, a Hufflepuff. A pure-blood.
Percy forced himself to forget his earlier disappointment and continued recording the names, signatures, application dates...
He knew perfectly well that what he was doing now was a meaningless waste of time, but