I felt like I could fly anywhere, anytime. This potion… It was like nothing I had ever had. I felt on top of the world, like I could bring a crumple-horn snorkak to the moon and just laugh and laugh with it beside me, just the two of us. I could almost hear that roar of approval from the snorkak, his horn bobbing up and down. I was so happy, everything was bubbling up inside me, in a welling up in joy. Laughter was bliss. I was so happy, even if it was just with my mum in our little private kitchen. This was true joy, wasn't it? To be here, having the time of my life. I could go anywhere. Be anyone. I was laughing, dancing, clutching hands with mum and spinning around in circles… We were waving our arms around and dancing, dancing…. Suddenly, I was aware of a deep pain shooting through my hands. I had knocked over a vile of bloodred potion.
It crashed right into my mum's widespread arms.
This beautiful euphoria was still there, urging me to laugh and sing with no care in the world. But blood was slowly soaking my mother's dress. I had to help, quickly, but the potion I took was fighting too hard. I was suddenly kneeling on the floor, crying out in anguish. This was too much to handle. The potion was being painfully insistent. Just let go. A voice inside my head whispered. The voice was tantalizingly, wonderfully sweet, and I wanted to. But turning my head, I found my mum on the floor, lying in a pool of blood.
No…. "No!"
I was crawling toward her desperately, fighting that stupid, horrible, heartbreaking happiness. My mother was breathing, but only just. I clutched her hand, willing for her to stay alive. I slowly raised my wand, still fighting that sickening happiness. "Vulnera… Sanentur!"Instead of healing like I hoped, the wound seemed to yawn wider, and the color my mum had left drained from her face. She looked almost serene. It was ridiculous, with her lying in a pool of blood and that peaceful smile on her gentle face. Then, she spoke.
"Tell your…father I-I said…"
Her hand went limp.
That placid smile was still on her face.