To Brew a Potion
*the potion created will not be useable, as Atticus lacks the skill required to brew it properly
Atticus huddled over his cauldron and added his water base, waiting for it to reach a boil. He noticed Professor White in the corner, preparing the ingredients. Atticus had handed his bag to him moments before, where all the necessary components were gathered and individually wrapped. Extract of Fanged Geranium, several Asphodel petals, niffler blood, and an infusion of sugar water and some fresh Haliwinkles.
"Thanks for the help, professor. I appreciate it."
Atticus organized the instruments he would be needing. His stirrer, crushing implements, scale and extra wood. When the ingredients were all ready to go, Atticus built the fire up a bit to bring the water to a simmering, frothy boil. An invigoration draught would not be easy. It required precise measurements, the slightest variation from the proportions could spell disaster for the whole potion...and Atticus did not feel like mopping up a simmering puddle that smelled of sick from the potions classroom floor in the presence of his professor. The pressure was on.
He began by pouring in the sugar water. A simple and non-magical ingredient, it didn't really change the hue or texture of the potion. Atticus knew this, and wasn't expecting much. Still, he had to stir it in and wait for some of the water to evaporate off the top before continuing.
The next ingredient was the extract of Fanged Geranium. Atticus was relieved the plant was finally dead, and somewhat dried out. he placed the plant upon the table and crushed it into pieces with his bare hands. He wouldn't need to grind it to a powder, it would do just fine being thrown in large pieces. It would have the most time to brew out of any of the ingredients, after all. Atticus threw the flowers in and immediately began to stir. Three counterclockwise stirs were enough to turn the potion a light shade of pink. A faint smell of roses filled the room. That wasn't quite right...assuming too much of the water had boiled off, he added another cup to even out the viscosity.
Next came the niffler blood. There was a small vial, but the potion wouldn't require even that much. He was glad that he hadn't been the one to procure this particular item. While Atticus didn't mind plants, even the dangerous ones, he did not like wild animals. They were too unpredictable, too wild. You couldn't read them well. He knew his cat's habits, and it communicated its feelings. He knew when it was in a good mood and when not to touch it, but wild animals just react like...animals. This is part of the reason he despised half-breeds. Unflasking the small bottle Atticus dropped in several drops, waiting for the potion to take on a deeper tone of red. When he had achieved this he corked the bottle and put it away. He gave the cauldron a few more stirs and it settled a bit. Noticing the fire had died down he added several more logs.
Now came the tricky part. With one hand continuously stirring the pot, Atticus would have to add the Haliwinkles and Asphodel petals at about the same time. he crushed the Haliwinkles into a fine powder and placed them in his hand. The Asphodel petals would rest on top. This being achieved, he positioned his hand over the cauldron and began stirring with his left hand. Sweat trickled down his face as he slowly tipped his hand...
When the ingredients hit the potion it began to bubble wildly, sending up black fumes. The stirring began and the potion seemed to be consuming the ingredients readily, changing into a pure red color and the consistency of syrup. This was the moment where an ordinary potion became extraordinary. Even in Atticus' untrained hand, as if guided by some inherited force, he willed the ingredients to fuse and become what he willed it to become. This was going as planned. The fire was dying down again but that was no matter, the potion was nearly complete. It would need to brew for fifteen minutes with continuous stirring before it would be ready to test. Atticus glanced at his watch and then sat on a bench.
"So, professor, how was that?"
