REBORN

Chapter 10: Potions, Plans, and Unwelcome Classrooms

In the days following Draco tried to read the diary but the book seemed to seal itself when he tried to read further. The only thing he seemed to be able to read was inconsequential, her thoughts, vague plans or hopes. While this information was interesting, it did not have the substance that Draco had hoped to find within it.

Draco attempted counterspells but could not seem to hold. At times it seems as though the pages loosened but Draco could never pry them apart. It didn't make sense. No curse, charm, enchantment, or ward that he knew of could be transferred to the magical copy. However, Draco knew several simple spells would ensure that the copy would end up with only blank pages. But that did not seem to be the case for this book.

He wanted to discuss it with Granger but she didn't seem as concerned about it as he did. It made him wonder if he was the only one with the problem... Perhaps it was similar to the enchantment on Excalibur, perhaps it restricted access from Slitherins? Draco didn't know, and after wasting a couple of precious days he gave up. If the book didn't want him to know its contents, Draco would accept it.

Besides that, Draco had managed to complete the necessary tests, all verified by Snape, for his potions mastery. Draco would be the youngest potion master in centuries, so many centuries that the records didn't even exist. Draco was quite proud of this, but more than that he felt anticipation, that he could finally carry out his plan. He had been in contact with a solicitor who was assisting him in purchasing a building.

Draco wanted to revolutionize potions, most potions were brewed at home with a great likelihood of mistakes or side effects due to improper brewing or subpar ingredients. The rest were usually specialty potions mainly because very few potion masters took the time to brew something they considered beneath them. The unfortunate side effect was that there were many patients admitted to St. Mungo's.

Draco wanted to fine-tune this process from ingredients to mass brewing. If Draco could come up with just the right formula for mass brews of common potions, he would have a very successful business. That foundation was exactly what he needed.

Draco filled pages with arithmancy equations. Some measured the success of potions he was considering stocking. However, most of the equations Draco scratched out were about ratios. He needed to conserve the most ingredients possible. Of course, even if the numbers did not create the ideal potion, it would still be closer than Draco could get without it. He still expected many batches of subpar potions.

Draco had endured several classes with Umbridge hovering and humming and coughing. Draco was nearly at the end of his already short rope when Umbridge oversaw Snape's class.

Draco was once again scribbling his calculations when the toad waddled into the room with sharp little clicks of her disgustingly pink heels. Draco looked up from the secluded corner Snape had stuck him as he no longer forced him to participate. Draco set down his splinted quill and absently tried to rub at his temple with his ink-stained fingers.

Draco watched as she clicked around the aisles the desks created. She made an effort to click her heels extra loud. Draco glanced in Snape's direction, Draco saw his eye twitch. Draco lowered his eyes to his paper his lips twitching, some form of murder would occur shortly.

"I see that not every student is participating in the class?" She asked in a high-pitched voice. Draco let his eyes fall closed for just a second. He really couldn't catch a break, could he?

Snape looked up, glaring down his overly large nose. "Correct." Snape drawled.

"This is considered an acceptable situation?" She asked. She scratched at her parchment carefully mouthing words.