https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-207-Well-It-s-Definitely-Magical/12526337/
Chapter 206: Brewing Trouble
Chapter 206: Brewing Trouble
As expected, Percy refused to lend Scabbers to Albert, even when Fred offered to pay with Sickles. This was within Albert's expectations; while the Weasley family was a little poor, they were good to their family and pets, so he hadn't held out much hope.
"What kind of experiment do you want to perform with the live mice?"
On the way to Herbology class, Lee Jordan curiously asked about what had just transpired. Why did Albert need live mice, and what was this experiment he spoke of?
"Mandrake," Albert replied quietly, glancing around to ensure no one was nearby. "I plan to use the magical item I showed you last time to record the Mandrake's cry and test if the recorded sound is still effective on these mice."
George, beside him, gaped in astonishment, while Fred's eyes sparkled with interest. As they approached the greenhouse, Fred asked, "Are you testing if the Mandrake's cry will induce a coma?"
"Mhm." Albert nodded almost imperceptibly and flashed a cryptic smile. "Sound can be quite an insidious weapon, don't you think?"
"Indeed, one wrong step, and you're done for." Fred folded his umbrella and stepped into the greenhouse, while George pretended to rub goosebumps from his arms. Lee Jordan, on the other hand, wore a bewildered expression and couldn't help but ask in a hushed tone, "But why would you want to create something like that?"
"Why?" Albert stroked his chin thoughtfully. After a moment's contemplation, he answered sincerely, "I have a feeling it will come in handy."
The trio exchanged glances, perplexed by Albert's statement and his line of thinking.
"I can choose not to use my strength," Albert murmured, "but I must possess strength."
As he said these words, Albert felt a sudden urge to laugh. Knowing that Fred and the others might not understand, he continued while Professor Pomona Sprout was still absent, "You may not need a lot of Galleons, but I'm sure you desire to have a substantial sum, right? It's the same principle."
"I sure wouldn't mind having a hefty pile of Galleons," Fred whispered to George, and they shared a knowing look.
The Weasley family wasn't wealthy, and Arthur could only spare so much pocket money for his children.
Soon after, Professor Sprout began the lesson on the Jumping Stump. This mushroom had a mild toxin and a rudimentary consciousness. True to its name, it could jump, resembling a tree stump with legs.
It was somewhat similar to a Bowtruckle but more mushroom-like.
"The professors at Hogwarts are certainly wealthy," Albert remarked as he examined the Jumping Stump in his hands.
"Why do you say that?" George asked, reaching out to grab the Jumping Stump that was attempting to leap away and trying to bury it in the soil.
Jumping Stumps didn't inhabit decaying wood but rather damp soil. And within that soil were the remains of animals—in other words, these mushrooms were, in a sense, carnivorous.
The rainy season was the prime breeding period for Jumping Stumps, and Professor Sprout was instructing the class on how to properly handle these mushrooms and facilitate their artificial propagation.
"This thing is also one of the main ingredients in the Befuddlement Draught," Albert explained casually. "It's a fantastic potion that significantly enhances the drinker's mental faculties. It's specifically for cheating on exams. Of course, you won't find it sold openly because, like the Felix Felicis, improper brewing can cause severe harm to the drinker."
"By the way, the Befuddlement Draught's recipe is: Runic snake eggs, dragon claw powder, Jumping Stumps, and frog brains." Albert mumbled, "Well, the ingredients do sound rather disgusting."
"Befuddlement Draught? What's that?" George had no idea what Albert was talking about.
"It's a potion that makes you smarter," Albert explained briefly. "Drink it, and you'll become incredibly intelligent, and even after the effects wear off, your brain will retain a slight enhancement."
"That's amazing!" Fred's eyes lit up.
"Of course, it's amazing, but it's also incredibly difficult to brew. One mistake, and it'll harm your brain instead."
"Albert explained, "By the way, something as big as the one in your hand would cost three Galleons."
"Three Galleons?" Fred and George's eyes lit up, they never expected Jumping Stumps to be so valuable.
"You're quite knowledgeable," Lee Jordan teased, "Are you planning to brew Befuddlement Draught to make a profit? I bet those rich folks would be willing to pay a pretty penny for it?"
"You guessed it," Albert feigned shock as he looked at Lee Jordan.
In fact, it wasn't just a joke.
If he hadn't considered it before, he certainly was now, as Albert had discovered two new panel tasks on his task board.
Broaden Your Horizons You have discovered a potion that can make you smarter. Why not try brewing it? Even though you're already intelligent, consuming the Befuddlement Draught will make you even more so.
Reward: 1000 experience, 1 skill point, and gain the skill Active Mind.
Black Market Trader Befuddlement Draught is one of the potions prohibited by the Ministry of Magic from being brewed and used privately. Sell the Befuddlement Draught to Hogwarts students to help them through their difficult exams.
Reward: 500 experience, 1 skill point, and 100 Galleons.
"Can you make the Befuddlement Draught?" Fred asked curiously.
"Of course not, I was just joking."
"Yeah right," the trio rolled their eyes at Albert, clearly not buying his excuse.
"Do you think there might be any Jumping Stumps in the Forbidden Forest?" Fred suddenly asked.
"Probably!" Albert replied after a moment's thought, "This is the season when Jumping Stumps reproduce rapidly, but finding them won't be easy.
Moreover, you'll need to know how to preserve them, and most importantly, even if you do find them, who do you plan to sell them to?"
"Hmm," the trio fell silent, stumped by this question.
Indeed, who would they sell it to?
They had to be able to sell it to make a profit; otherwise, finding Jumping Stumps would be pointless.
The silence stretched on.
Indeed, that was the most critical issue.
If they could process the ingredients into a finished product, the price would be even higher.
Turning the Jumping Stumps into Befuddlement Draught would surely attract a lot of fifth and seventh-year students eager to buy it.
"Why don't we give it a try?" Albert suggested to his companions tentatively.
"Try what?"
"Brewing the Befuddlement Draught," Albert whispered, "But first, we need to get our hands on some Jumping Stumps."
"That's a great idea, and we believe in your talent for potion-making," Fred agreed enthusiastically, enjoying the idea of making money with Albert.
The trio regretted their decision regarding the election of the Minister of Magic.
"With some research, we should be able to brew the Befuddlement Draught," Lee Jordan added, sharing the others' confidence in Albert's abilities.
"But how do we get the other ingredients?" George asked, "Do we buy them?"
"Runic snake eggs are not for sale," Albert shook his head, "They're prohibited items, only available on the black market, but it's easy to get scammed with fake goods."
"How about Snape's private storeroom?" Fred suggested daringly. This proposal was downright audacious.
"Shh!" Albert signaled for them to stop discussing this matter here, especially the idea of breaking into Snape's private storeroom, which was akin to asking for trouble.
"That's a good idea, but it's quite challenging," Lee Jordan said with a mischievous smile.
"I think we can make it work," Fred asserted.
In fact, Fred and the others believed in Albert's ability to succeed. They knew that Albert was also highly skilled in potion-making and had even corresponded with the famous Master Potioneer, Hector Dagworth.
This gave them a boost of confidence. They couldn't deny that Albert never did anything without a good reason, especially if it involved a risky venture.
Moreover, he had the capability and the starting capital.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
