Chapter 28 - 1st Week of School Ⅳ (2/2)
”Now we shall start with a simple potion, please team up into three teams and we shall work on creating a simple boil potion, I shall demonstrate first and please take note as I shall test your potions afterward,” Professor Slughorn carefully instructed.
Professor Slughorn carefully and most gracefully showed them the simple steps for the boil's potion, before having the students do the same. Lily and Severus easily crush the dried needles and snake fangs as they expertly weigh them. Rowan on the other hand merely stares suspiciously at the ingredients until Professor Slughorn says, ”Is there something wrong, Miss Prince?”
Rowan glances up and solemnly says, ”I think I'm allergic.” It wasn't that she was afraid of the dried herbs or chopping up creatures, it's just she wasn't very good at handling still living specimens.
Professor Slughorn blinks and glances at Severus for confirmation. Severus drily replies, ”It's all in her head, Professor. She can be rather neurotic about the strangest things.”
Professor Slughorn turns to eye Rowan with reservations in his eyes. After a second or two, he carefully says, ”Might I suggest you try, Miss Prince. This is a required course after all.”
Rowan grudgingly nods and begins to with great distaste do as she is told. At least she was doing better than James and Sirius as those two were somewhat goofing off with Pettigrew in tow. On the other hand, Lupin is steadily working with two other Gryffindor's. Professor Slughorn nods with joy at seeing the perfectly stewed horned slugs by Lily and Severus. On the other hand, Rowan turns slightly green and with trembling fingers tries to keep the rising nausea down as she can smell the sizzling burning flesh of the slugs.
After some time, Professor Slughorn with pride sticks his hands in his waistcoat pockets. ”Class, please take a look at Miss Evans and Mr. Prince's potions. Not only are their potions the right color and thickness, but the ingredients have been expertly prepared!” Professor Slughorn confidently said. ”The two of them are well on their way to becoming excellent potion makers.” Professor Slughorn's sincere flattery caused Lily and Severus to beam with confidence.
”Slytherin and Gryffindor, each 10 points!” Professor Slughorn loudly announced causing Lily and Severus to beam with pride and joy. The surrounding classmates call out in congratulations, before hastily turning back to their potions lest their potions burn or worse, explode.
Professor Slughorn tragically halts next to Rowan's cauldron to only see a dim, dull-colored, lukewarm potion, barely acceptable by any standard. Professor Slughorn purses his lips, before tactfully saying, 'Though terrible and barely passable, it's still a good first attempt.”
Rowan snorts and doesn't reply as Professor Slughorn continues his inspection. In fact, Rowan's potion was far from the worst as another first-year managed to cause their cauldron to release a burning smoke smell.
Professor Slughorn smoothly moves his wand as the smoke disappears and Professor Slughorn warningly says, ”Next time, Mr. Pettigrew, please keep both of your eyes on your cauldron at all times.” Peter Pettigrew sheepishly shrugs as James and Sirius innocently gaze at Professor Slughorn. Professor Slughorn checked their potions and finds that their potions are marginally acceptable, before moving on to the next student.
Finished inspecting all of the student's potions, Professor Slughorn says, ”Don't forget to read and study for the next class. We'll be studying the ingredients closely and discussing them, before brewing another potion.” Seeing the 1st year's attention starting to wander, Professor Slughorn dismissed them with a wave of his hand.
With sighs of relief, the 1st years hastily finish packing up their school bags, before hurrying up the stairs. Severus and Lily cheerfully chatter until they reach the stairs, where they separate. The Gryffindor's head upstairs, while the Slytherins head back to their own common room.