As the towering structure of Gringotts Bank loomed behind them, Wilfred Prince turned to Serena, adjusting his sleek white hair as he did so. The piercing blue of his eyes softened slightly as he asked, "Is there anywhere you wish to go, Serena? Perhaps there's something you need or want. I know you've only brought back your Hogwarts luggage with you. And we should also consider stopping somewhere for lunch afterwards."
Serena, her long black hair glinting in the summer sunlight, hesitated for a moment. She bit her red lips in contemplation, a small frown creasing her forehead. Her snowy skin was illuminated in the soft light, highlighting the apprehension in her eyes. Finally, she spoke, "Actually, grandfather, I was hoping we could go to 'The Cauldron's Crucible'."
Wilfred's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "The Cauldron's Crucible? That's a place for Potion Masters, Serena. You've only just finished your second year at Hogwarts," he replied, a note of disbelief creeping into his voice. The name evokes the image of a cauldron, the iconic vessel used in potion-making, and the word "crucible," which symbolizes a transformative or testing experience. "The Cauldron's Crucible" could be a place where individuals can showcase their potion-making skills and prove their mastery of the craft.
Serena's eyes didn't waver from her grandfather's, and she took a step forward. "I know it's hard to believe, grandfather, but I've been recognized as a Potion prodigy by Professor Slughorn. I think I can pass the test with confidence," her reasoning was far fetched, she inwardly admitted.
Wilfred studied Serena, his gaze penetrating and intense. His granddaughter's face was open, earnest, and she looked at him with pleading eyes.
He sighed, his stern exterior softening. "Very well. We will go. But remember, Serena, it is not a place for the faint-hearted. You must be prepared," he warned her.
Serena's face lit up, relief and excitement flooding her features. "Thank you, grandfather!"
"Grandpa. Call me Grandpa," Wilfred smiled.
Serena froze, but quickly responded with a smile of her own, "Grandpa."
With a nod, Wilfred turned and led the way to the Potion establishment, leaving the cobbled streets of Diagon Alley behind them. As they walked, Serena glanced at the Prince Heir ring on her finger. She was going to prove herself, not just to her grandfather, but to herself as well.
~~~
As Serena approached the front desk of "The Cauldron's Crucible," her grandpa followed closely behind, his presence a reassuring anchor. The familiar scent of potion ingredients filled the air, and memories of her past life as Severus Snape flooded her mind. This place had once been a sanctuary for her, a refuge where she could immerse herself in the world of potions.
Confidence radiated from Serena as she stood before the staff at the front desk. Her small stature belied the determination burning within her. She met the gaze of the witch behind the counter.
"Hello, my name is Serena Prince and I would like to take the Potion Master's recognition test," Serena announced, her voice steady and clear.
The witch raised an eyebrow, clearly taken aback by the young girl's request. "Are you certain, dear? The test is usually reserved for witches and wizards who have completed their N.E.W.T.s. It's quite rigorous."
Serena nodded confidently. "Yes."
The staff member glanced at her grandfather then back to Serena. She was polite as she continued, "Then Congratulations on your decision to take the Potion Master's recognition test, Miss Serena. However, before we proceed, we require two letters of recommendation from recognized Potion Masters."
YOU ARE READING
IN ANOTHER LIFE (James Potter x Severus Snape)
Fanfiction(OMEGAVERSE) Severus finds himself rising from his near deathbed into the past, as a female 10 year old version of himself in another parallel world, where secondary genders exist. (Also uploaded in Fanfiction & Ao3)
