The Raven's Call

Advanced Potion Making

"Attention to detail in the preparation is the prerequisite of all planning."
Slughorn tells us as we stand in front of a few potions.
"Ah. Harry, my boy, I was beginning to worry. We've bought someone with us, I see." 

"Ron Weasley, sir. But I'm dead awful at potions, a menace, actually. So I'm just gonna.."
Ron says trying to leave but getting pulled back by harry. 

"Nonsense, we'll sort you out. Any friend of Harry's is a friend of mine. Get your books out." Slughorn says. 

"Sorry sir I haven't actually got my book yet, and nor has Ron."
Harry explains. 

"Not to worry get what you want from the cupboard."
He explains before continuing to talk to the rest of the class.
"Now, as I was saying, I prepared some concoctions this morning. Any ideas what these might be?"
 He asks us.
Of course Hermione and I put our  hands up, but he picks Asteria.
"Miss Malfoy, Is it?" 

"Yes sir. That one there is Veritaserum. It's a truth-telling serum. And that is a Polyjuice potion, It's pretty tricky to make. And this is Amortentia, the most powerful love potion in the world. It's rumored to smell differently to each person according to what attracts them. I'm not saying what I smell."
She explains, pointing to each potion.

 "Very well, Miss Malfoy. Now, Amortentia doesn't create actual love. That would be impossible. But it does cause a powerful infatuation or obsession. And for that reason, it is probably the most dangerous potion in this room."
Slughorn continues, as he closes the lid of the potion. Stopping five girls from smelling the potion, including Pansy and Stella.

"Sir? You haven't told us what's in that one."
Katie Bell, a Gryffindor, asks. 

"Oh, yes. What you see before you, ladies and gentlemen is a curious little potion known as Felix Felicis."
 He tells us, grabbing the small vial.
"But it is more commonly referred to as--"

"Liquid Luck."
I say, staring at the small vial.

"Yes, Mr..?"
He leans forward, asking for my name.

I think for a moment.
"Gaunt, sir."
I say, looking into his eyes.
A soft murmur spreads across the classroom, particularly between the Slytherins.

"Liquid luck."
He continues.
"Desperately tricky to make and disastrous should you get it wrong. One sip and you will find that all of your endeavors succeed. At least until the effects wear off."
He looks at me one more time before pacing around the room.
"So this is what I offer each of you today. One tiny vial of Liquid Luck to the student who, in the hour that remains, manages to brew an acceptable Draught of Living Death, the recipe for which can be found on page 10 of your books."
The students all scramble to open their books before he continues.
"I should point out, however, only once did a student manage to brew a potion of sufficient quality to claim this prize. Nevertheless, good luck to you all. Let the brewing commence."

I head over to my table with Alex, Stella, and a Hufflepuff I'd never met before. I open up my book of Advanced Potion Making and flip it open to the page marked:
Preparation of the
Draught of Living Death

Step 1: Cut up the Sopophorous beans.

Sounds easy enough. I take a knife and a bean and tried cutting through it. The bean shoots across the table and hits Alex in the face.

"Watch it, mate."
He mumbles, rubbing his cheek.