The potion was called the Grim Draught, so it obviously was awful. The illustration of a vial of the potion showed an oily black liquid, with a caption mentioning smelling like a tomb. The list of ingredients seemed even stranger.

One scale of dragon, powdered

Three drops of human blood

A piece of Dementor cloak (size varying)

And the list went on—from the information, it seemed that it would be nearly impossible to brew, and every single thing on the list was worse than the one before it. I didn't know what was worse: the ingredients or the effects.

The Grim Draught is also known as The Nightmare Potion. It was said that enemies of Merlin had soon gone mad from the effects of the potion—created by Merlin himself. Using the Dementor's cloak is what brings out the nightmare effect and the size determines how long it lasts. When the potion is taken, using both memories and imagination, as well as true facts (similar ingredients to Veritaserum contribute to this), the drinker will experience literally their worst nightmares. The reason it is connected to the Charms of Merlin is because it is the ultimate defense mechanism in each charm: only one who has been exposed to the effects of the potion will be able to activate any of the charms.

I narrowed my eyes and put it away. Nightmare potion? That sounded like something my dad would have dealt with in his years at Hogwarts. I didn't think anyone in their right minds would take the potion willingly.

I guess I'd been holed up in my room that entire summer, trying to sort things out. I'd come down for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and occasional visits from family, but that wasn't interesting. Before I knew it, I was I Diagon Alley.

Dad took James and I to the Potter vault as usual. The goblins didn't like him much, so it was a quick trip—but I did notice something in the back of it that I hadn't before: a scabbard, with huge rubies on it. I was supposed to use my bag for money and supplies . . . but I grabbed it. I met up with the others and we had ice-cream together—I met Mr. and Mrs. Partoni, who were a nice, if a bit quiet. Because our parents were talking right by us, I didn't say anything about the book. No need for them to jump in all worried and such. I never did have time to tell them then . . . though I did get a chance to laugh with Scorp as Violet explained how she'd flooed right into Knockturn Alley, and ended up buying a bobble from Borgin and Burkes.

I didn't even get a chance to tell them until after we met up at Platform 9 3/4.

On the train headed towards Hogwarts. Scorp, Rose, Eva, Violet and I were all in one compartment. Arthur was in another cabin to talk with an old friend of his, and James, Fred, and Hugo were terrorizing first years, as I could hear high pitched squeals from other cabins.

"So . . . the Grim Potion? That sounds creepy," summed up Violet as I'd finished explaining. She seemed revolted by it.

"You're telling me. What do you think of the painting, and the initials?"

"Well . . . assuming they are initials . . . and that this book could very well be from the future . . . well, let me think," Rose said, staring at the page I'd handed her. Then she gasped.

"No way! I think I've got it! Look: V. A. L. Violet Alice Longbottom. A. R. W. Arthur Ronald Weasley. J. S. P. James Sirius Potter. R. M. W. Rose Molly Weasley. S. H. M. Scorpius Hyperion Malfoy. A. S. P. Albus Severus Potter. E. C. P. Um . . ." She looked a little confused. Eva interrupted.

"Eva Circe Partoni. That's us . . . but then the book is from the future." With a flash of light, a note appeared in her lap.

"Read it!" said Violet immediately.

"Okay: I'm sure you all are shocked to find out that you are the seven in the painting. Rest assured that the information in this book will help you through your Hogwarts years—prepare for a House Unity Project up until Halloween, all of you. And don't worry. Your future turns out fine. –Al."

I found all of my friends staring at me.

"What? Don't give me that look! I have no clue!"

"It makes sense! The portrait—how would anyone make it without you around, and you've never—our future selves sent the book to us. But how?"

"I don't know. And . . . a House Unity Project?" said Violet, making a face.

"Who knows?" We headed in the carriages as usual. Scorp and I were with Rose, and Eva was sitting with a couple of other girls from Ravenclaw in the one behind us.

"What do you say we prank James? He deserves some payback," suggested Scorp.

"I don't feel like stooping to his level," I muttered.

"Well, we might do something different. Who knows? Maybe we can act like he's wearing some stupid outfit and make him freak out…maybe convince his friends to go along with it…" grinned Rose. Scorpius whistled.

"I like that idea, Miss Rose," he grinned. She turned red to match her hair.

"Shut up with that Miss Rose stuff," she muttered.

"I think it's perfectly smashing," I grinned, speaking in a pompous voice. Both of them rolled their eyes and we all cracked up a little bit.

At the Welcoming Feast, it was as usual. After the first years were sorted, however, Headmistress McGonagall stood.

"This year we are going to especially promote House Unity. For fourth years and up, there will be parties for Halloween, Christmas, and Valentine's Day arranged. On those days, third years and below will enjoy small parties of their own. Details will come closer to the events. Also, we are implementing a project among the fourth years." Whispers broke out among the hall as she paused.