The Potions Master

Chapter 4

 Sometime about a month later, I started to feel truly overwhelmed with my studies. Final exams were fast approaching, and I had so much homework to do. But there was so much on my mind. Well, really just one thing— person. I decided to go to the potion-mixing room to hopefully clear my head so I could properly study in the library.

A couple students were already there, working quietly on their own projects. I set down my cauldron at the far side of the room, and made my way to the shelves of ingredients. I wasn't really sure what I intended to do, but trusting myself, I just started grabbing bottles. I then lit the flame under my cauldron and began brewing.

It was working. My head was clearing, my mind freeing. I was in the zone — this was where I belonged. Then, when I picked up the jar of Ashwinder eggs, I knew what I was making: a love potion.

Bloody hell.

I decided to go ahead and finish it, get the practice in, and then I might as well follow with the antidote.

Soon after, I became concerned that I'd added way too much peppermint to the mixture. Then, I realised that no, it was just starting to work. It always smelled strongest of peppermint to me, followed by a campfire and the potions classroom, of all things. I just wanted this brewing to be over with already.

I finally had it corked in a phial, and my cauldron cleaned. The student nearest me had long cleared out of the room, apparently realising what I'd been making. He'd taken several deep breaths in my direction before hurriedly packing up his things. I immediately started work on the antidote.

After several minutes, I was the only one left in the room. Thankfully, the second student seemed to simply be finished with her task when she left. I continued brewing, back in the zone after the embarrassment had waned. It wasn't long before I heard someone else enter. When I looked up, there was Professor Snape, with a small box of ingredients in one hand and a parchment in the other. He acknowledged my presence only with a glance before going to place the ingredients on the shelves.

Of course he would be the one to come here right now. As long as he didn't see what I was doing, I'd be fine. I tried to ignore him as I worked, but I remained fully aware of each of his movements. My heart pounded. I tried to keep my hands steady as I poured. I clenched my jaw as I stirred. I heard his footsteps get closer. And closer. I held my breath.

"What's this?" he asked knowingly, as he picked up the love potion and removed the cork to smell it.

Oh, god.

Oh, god.

Oh, my god.

I didn't look at him, but kept working.

He paused before saying, "Amortentia is very powerful, Miss Chambers. I hope you know what you're doing."

I focused to keep my voice calm and responded, "I'm just practising brewing, Professor."

"A teenage girl, alone, brewing the most powerful love potion 'just for practice'?"

I swallowed hard. "Yes, sir."

"There's no one you'd want to use it on?"

OK. I thought as I paused my brewing. You know what? I will answer your question honestly:

"No," I replied, still looking into my cauldron. "I'd rather love be real than induced by magic any day."

Shortly, I resumed my work. He remained there a moment longer, before setting the phial down and leaving the room. Once I could no longer hear his footsteps, I let my guard down and wept quietly.