Chapter 321: Are You Mad?
Chapter 321: Are You Mad?
A fascinating tale was currently spreading among the students of Hogwarts, capturing their curious minds.
The Ravenclaw student who had spent a small fortune on a bottle of Pepper-Up Potion had been invited to afternoon tea by none other than Professor Snape himself. The Potions master claimed that most wizards' attempts at brewing Pepper-Up Potion resulted in a toxic concoction, and he demanded to inspect the student's potion, warning that consuming it could turn one into a simpleton.
The Ravenclaw student, however, asserted that the potion originated from the esteemed Master Dagworth-Canning, ensuring its safety and authenticity. Moreover, they had already consumed the Pepper-Up Potion without any signs of adverse effects.
Naturally, having already imbibed the potion, there was no way to produce it for Professor Snape's inspection, a fact that undoubtedly left him in a sour mood.
According to the student, the expression on Snape's face was priceless, and the only repercussion they faced was a deduction of House points and a stint in detention. It wasn't often that one got the better of the formidable Potions master.
He couldn't very well punish the student further, as Hogwarts rules didn't explicitly prohibit the use of Pepper-Up Potion. The only mention of it was in the fine print, stating that its use as a cheating aid during exams was forbidden, much like the use of Felix Felicis in exams and competitions.
Both Felix Felicis and Pepper-Up Potion were exceedingly rare in the wizarding world, not just because of the precious and rare ingredients required but also because the slightest mishap could result in the entire batch being ruined. Even accomplished Potions masters were reluctant to devote their time to brewing these two potions.
On the British wizarding black market, one would be hard-pressed to find anyone dealing in these potions privately, let alone a Hogwarts student trying to acquire some.
The inclusion of Pepper-Up Potion in the exams had been more of a precautionary measure, a safeguard against potential unforeseen circumstances.
And who could have foreseen that Albert would be that unexpected variable?
Who could have imagined that Albert would be acquainted with a Potions master and be able to procure not one but two of these exceedingly rare potions? Even if they were to say it out loud, few would believe it.
Yet, it was the truth.
News of Professor Snape's encounter spread quietly through the halls of Hogwarts, piquing the interest of more and more students in Pepper-Up Potion.
Some even approached Albert discreetly, hoping to obtain a bottle of the coveted potion from him.
According to the black market dealer, Kenneth Towler, the price of Pepper-Up Potion had already soared to 20 Galleons per bottle.
In reality, many wizarding families were quite affluent, and if they could secure a promising future for a small sum of Galleons, they would be willing to make that trade.
Students from Slytherin, in particular, were the most enthusiastic about using Pepper-Up Potion.
If it meant getting ahead in exams by any means necessary, they wouldn't hesitate.
After all, for those aspiring to work at the Ministry of Magic after graduation, exam results played a significant role in securing certain coveted positions.
The ends justified the means—a philosophy that resonated with the house of Slytherin.
Of course, there were also those who viewed the potion with skepticism. However, once the ingredients and brewing method were revealed, all doubts were laid to rest.
While the nettle wine might be unfamiliar to them, everyone knew about the exorbitantly priced dragon claw powder and its notoriously high failure rate in potion-making.
As Kenneth Towler would say, "Expensive?
Don't buy it then."
The unscrupulous dealer even contemplated raising the price to a whopping fifty Galleons, but that was that—no amount of money would make him part with more potions.
"Is there really no way to get your hands on more?"
"A golden opportunity to make a fortune," Kenneth Towler muttered as he walked. "As long as I can..."
"You can sell dragon claw powder," Albert suggested. "That stuff really works, and it's amazingly effective at enhancing your memory. Your brain will be extra sharp for several hours, which should be enough to get through the exams."
"The use of dragon claw powder is prohibited during exams," Kenneth Towler shook his head. "Last year, some guy used it and was caught during the exam."
"Oh, that's a sad story," Albert remarked casually.
What you may not know is that not long ago, a heartless individual tried to pass off dried fox dung as dragon claw powder and sell it to others.
A Slytherin student accidentally fell victim to this scam and ended up in the school hospital.
Now, no one dares to buy dragon claw powder easily, for fear of purchasing something strange.
"What happened to the guy selling that counterfeit stuff?" Albert asked abruptly.
"Not long after, he also ended up in the school hospital, suffering from food poisoning from eating too much dried fox dung," Kenneth Towler replied, his expression strange.
"You should really consider this opportunity to make a fortune."
"I've learned how to make Pepper-Up Potion from Master Dagworth-Canning himself, but Runeworm eggs are hard to come by unless you... well, our Potions master probably has some in his private storeroom." Albert said calmly, "But the failure rate of making Pepper-Up Potion is incredibly high."
Kenneth Towler's mouth hung open as he stared at Albert in disbelief. "Are you mad? You can't be suggesting that I..."
"I'm just trying to illustrate the level of difficulty." Albert shook his head. "I want to dispel any unrealistic ideas you might have."
"If I could somehow get my hands on..." Kenneth Towler trailed off.
"Stop right there," Albert interrupted, his face strange as he looked at Kenneth Towler. Turning, he prepared to put some distance between them.
"If you want the formula and detailed notes, I can sell them to you," he offered. "Ten galleons for a very detailed formula, including all the key points taught by Master Dagworth-Canning."
"One of us must be crazy," Kenneth Towler muttered.
"It's definitely you," Albert asserted.
"You're right," Kenneth Towler admitted. "If I could really make it... well, I'd need to see the original formula first."
"You're out of your mind," Albert said, his expression odd as he regarded Kenneth Towler. "I advise against trying it; otherwise, the failure rate will cost you your pants."
"I won't fail," Kenneth Towler insisted, his mind already plotting how he would procure the necessary ingredients.
"You really want to buy it?"
"Of course! Why wouldn't I? When will you give me the detailed formula?" Kenneth Towler asked eagerly. "If I succeed, the profits will be incredible."
"He must be insane," Albert commented.
After Kenneth Towler left, Fred, George, and Lee Jordan appeared out of nowhere beside Albert, watching as Kenneth Towler walked away.
"You don't think he'll succeed, do you?" Lee Jordan asked, puzzled.
"It's highly unlikely," Albert shook his head.
Felix Felicis and Pepper-Up Potion were notoriously difficult potions to brew, even for a master like Master Dagworth-Canning, who had to be extremely careful.
Moreover, the cost of failure was steep—the ingredients alone would set them back a pretty knut.
While failed potions could be diluted and reused, these particular potions were toxic, so there was no telling what drinking them might do.
(End of Chapter)
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