Chapter 530: Potions
Chapter 530: Potions
Most people, after receiving their poison, poured it into their cauldrons and began heating it. However, in the entire classroom, only Hermione could master Scarpin's Revealing Charm and correctly analyze the potion's components using this spell.
Liam, on the other hand, took a different approach. He first retrieved over a dozen herbs from the cabinet that could be used to make an antidote. Using the power of Nature and Alchemy, he transformed these herbs into a dozen seeds. Finally, he combined these seeds into a single, semi-transparent emerald-like seed the size of a soybean.
"Oh my God!" Over half an hour later, Slughorn was thoroughly captivated when he walked over to Liam's cauldron. Liam had already dropped the seed into the cauldron, and now a transparent crystal-like tree had grown, with about a dozen leaves of different colors, though the colors were gradually fading. Apart from this, the cauldron contained only a half-pot of completely transparent liquid.
"This is—Alchemy? And the Power of Nature." After casting a few spells with his wand, Slughorn finally understood what he was seeing. "Creating a Pseudo-Life Alchemy Tree, using the Alchemy power within the trunk to break down the mixed poison and allow each leaf to become an antidote. Then, using the tree's separation function to direct each poison to its corresponding leaf, and finally, relying on the different antidote components in the leaves to neutralize all the poisons. I must admit, you've given me a pleasant surprise in some areas."
As he spoke, the crystal-like tree became completely transparent and transformed into a pale yellow, slightly bitter almond-scented liquid that fell into the cauldron. Slughorn used his wand to levitate the cauldron for everyone to see. "Everyone, please observe. This is the theoretically optimal result we should achieve by the end of this class: all elixirs, whether poisons or antidotes, have reacted completely, leaving only a completely harmless, even drinkable, substance in the cauldron."
"Of course, I must remind you that Mr. Liang's method is not something others can replicate." After the demonstration, Slughorn put down the cauldron and addressed the busy students. "The most challenging part of a compound potion is that when the poisons are mixed, they can undergo nearly alchemical reactions, transforming various unrelated components into a large number of new magical compounds. Mr. Liang can reverse this process through Alchemy. Without the Alchemy skill, the only viable solution is to analyze all the reaction components and prepare a targeted antidote as described in the book."
Liam looked around the classroom and noticed that, apart from Hermione, who had successfully separated the poison components and was now preparing the antidote, everyone else was bewildered, facing cauldrons emitting strange odors and various peculiar smoke.
As the class was about to end, Hermione finally finished her mixed antidote. Liam observed that her antidote was a muddy brown, bubbling continuously, looking like a thick sludge.
"Exactly 52 components, and even some of my hair. I'm sure I'll surpass that book-copying Harry today." Noticing Liam's gaze, Hermione leaned over and said with a slightly raised tone. It was clear she had been annoyed for a long time by Harry's habit of copying from books to top the class.
In reality, Hermione didn't dislike learning from others. She was able to complete the antidote in such a short time because she had learned a lot of new knowledge through her adventures and exchanges with Liam. Therefore, she didn't mind others learning better methods, even if they weren't the most authoritative. She simply couldn't stand Harry's approach of mindlessly copying from books without thinking or learning.
"Not necessarily." At that moment, Liam noticed Harry running out of the nearby potion storage room, clutching something in his hand as he returned to his cauldron. "Some things aren't just what I can think of."
Just as Hermione was about to say something, Professor Slughorn descended from the podium and began to slowly patrol the classroom, carefully avoiding a pile of antidotes that looked more dangerous than poison. He used a small spoon to scoop up Hermione's antidote and praised her: "Very good, Miss Granger. It seems you've not only understood the book's knowledge but have also added your own insights. This antidote is excellent."
However, Hermione didn't remain happy for long. When she saw the Dungstone in Harry's open palm, Slughorn paused for a few seconds, then pinched the Dungstone and held it up for the entire class to see. "Oh, just like your mother... I can't mark you wrong... Dungstone can indeed counteract all these potions! This is the independent spirit a true potion master needs!"
The pudgy Potions professor turned around comically and addressed the entire class: "If you have a Dungstone, it will certainly work... However, since it doesn't counteract every poison and is quite rare, knowing how to brew an antidote is still useful..."
The bell rang, signaling the end of the class. Slughorn cut off his speech. "Alright, everyone can start packing up. By the way, I'll add 20 points to Gryffindor for Liam's exceptional skill and Harry's brave adventure."
"This is just—" Hermione opened her mouth, looking incredulous. "This is a classroom, a place to learn. Harry was just taking a shortcut."
"Indeed, a bit", Liam nodded. "But you can't deny that Harry's method is also valid and very practical for emergency situations after being poisoned."
"Alright, you have a point", Hermione looked somewhat resigned. "At least he also gave you points, which can set a good example for everyone."
As she said this, Hermione noticed Liam standing still after he finished packing his things. "The class is over now, why aren't you leaving?"
"I need to ask the professor for some help. You can go ahead to the next classroom and save a seat for me. I'll be right there."
Soon, the classroom was left with only Slughorn and Liam. Seeing Liam standing there, Slughorn fastened the golden clasp on his Fire Dragon leather briefcase and said kindly, "Hurry up, Liam, you'll be late for your next class."
"Sir, I have a question to ask you", Liam said with a slightly ingratiating tone.
"Then ask quickly, dear boy. I'm more than happy to assist a clever student like you. Go ahead..."
"Sir, I know you are an accomplished Potion Master. Could you recommend some places or people where I can buy good raw materials?"
"Ah, I should have expected that", Slughorn paused in his packing. "Indeed, some rare materials are hard for students to obtain. But from the looks of your alchemy skills, you likely need certain rare materials—"
"Got it." After a few seconds of thought, Slughorn continued. "At the next Slug Club gathering, I'll introduce you to a few of my good friends. You can buy from them in the future."
"Thank you so much, sir." Liam bowed, genuinely grateful to Professor Slughorn. With the professor's help, his procurement speed and research progress would undoubtedly accelerate. After all, even Dumbledore, as the Headmaster, would be less familiar with the intricacies of purchasing materials compared to Professor Slughorn, who dealt with all sorts of people daily.
Not to mention, as a Potions professor, Slughorn himself needed these materials, so he naturally had many channels for acquiring valuable alchemy materials.
Once the materials were gathered, Liam could begin his Rose Madonna creation plan, which would provide a solid safeguard for his survival during the war.
(End of Chapter)
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