Chapter 10: Putting Potions to Use

Lily, without thinking, began to walk towards Professor Snape. She had only take a few steps when she felt an arm encircle her waist.

"There you are, Lily," breathed Draco in her ear. "I've been looking all over for you. Dinner starts soon, and I want you to be on my arm when we go to sit."

Lily bit her lip, half wanting to throw Draco off her, and half wanting to kiss his cheek for saving her from having to walk over to Snape. She reluctantly let herself be led away, looking over her shoulder at Snape. She mouthed "I will find you" before turning and looking where she was going. Draco lead her to a table set on a dais.

He tugged her around the table, dropped her hand, and pulled out the seat for her. Lily sat down gracefully, smiling up at Malfoy, even though she was slightly annoyed at him. They were in a spotlight now, and she would not mess up this night for him. At least, not yet.

Lily looked to her left. An old wizard was sitting there. He looked back at her with interest.

"Miss Evens, I presume?" He said. His voice was silky, and smooth. Not at all the wizened croak that Lily had been expecting.

"Yes," Lily replied. "Have we met?"

"No, I do not believe so. You merely remind me of the Lily of my youth." He sighed slightly. "Oh, do forgive me. I have yet to introduce myself. I am Arkie Alderton," he said gravely.

"It is nice to meet you," Lily said politely.

"Are you still a Hogwarts student?" he asked.

"Yes, I am."

"What year?"

"The same as Draco," she answered.

"How fascinating," he murmured to himself. "You do not know who I am."

Lily blinked. "I'm afraid I do not," she said, slightly abashed.

"Oh, my dear, do not feel embarrassed. This is quite refreshing to me." He smiled slightly. "Please, let us continue talking. I find you exceptionally interesting."

"What do you wish to talk about?" Lily inquired.

"Where are you in your charms class right now?" he asked.

"Um, I believe that I just learned levitation," Lily started.

The man blinked. "Levitation? At your age?"

"Well, you see..." Lily started, totally at a loss for words.

"Quite curious," the man stated. "Charms is a useful class to excel at. Yes indeed. And potions?"

Lily opened her mouth to answer him.

Five minutes later, Draco looked over, totally shocked to find Lily and Alderton swapping potion tips.

"I really do find, that adding just a pinch of ventaculla seeds does help to keep the Trydon active longer in that particular potion," Lily said.

"There has been a potion that I have been struggling with." He went on to list all the things he had tried to create something called an "Adhesive Cralight".

"Okay, as I see it, your problem would be the peppermint. That really shouldn't be added after the catline pods. It actually completely reverses their thickening tendencies. In fact," she paused, noticing Draco's stare. "What is it Draco?" she asked.

"Please, Miss Avens. Please continue!" said Alderton, an intense look on his face.

"Well," she resumed. "The catline pods might be better placed after the dragon blood. The congealing nature of the blood will improve thickening, while also leaving the peppermint to stew a short bit longer. Overall, that should produce a stronger adhesive. Actually," she took a breath. "This should be one of the stronger of all adhesives. It should survive rain, dryness, and any other adverse conditions. It is ideal for outdoor projects."

"Yes, this is the solution!" cried Alderton, a crazed look in his eyes. He stopped a passing house elf. "You, please, bring me a quill and some parchment!" He turned to Lily. "Miss Avens, I need you to write that all down, if you would. I do not trust my mind to hold it all in, and I do believe you have created a solution. Yes." The transformation of Alderton was very surprising. No longer was he slouching in his seat. Now, he was upright, rigid almost. There was a fire in his eye.

"Sir, the parchment, here it is," squeaked a voice next to Lily.

Alderton snatched the parchment from the house elf.

Lily dropped her napkin.

"Thank you, Dorna," whispered Lily, leaning down to pick it up.

"Please," said Alderton impatiently, "Write that down."

Lily took the parchment and dipped the quill in ink. She eyed the quill, still not used to not using a pen, and set it to the paper. She began writing down the ingredients, and then continued to the instructions. She filled the front of the paper, and then paused to wait for the ink to dry. Then, she continued on the back. Finally, she finished, and quickly scanned her work.

"I believe that this is all correct," she said, handing over the parchment.

Alderton took the parchment and carefully put tucked it into the front of his dress robes. "That was very helpful, very helpful. Yes indeed," he wheezed. His voice had lost some of its smoothness.

Lily turned her attention to her plate, which she had neglected for the past few minutes.

"Lily," said Draco in an undertone. "Do you really not know who he is?"

"No, why?" said Lily.

"He is one of the best broomstick designers. He might just take your idea and use it to make a better broomstick," Draco explained.

Lily blinked. "So?"

"Nothing really. If you are okay with him selling your idea, then so be it."

Lily shrugged. "I don't mind." She grinned. "If we really want to get technical, he should pay Snape, not myself. He taught me everything I know. Literally." Remembering Snape, Lily looked around, trying to find him. She scanned the tables and frowned. She didn't see him anywhere. Lily looked again, trying to see every face, but again, she came up blank.

"Lily," asked Draco, "What's wrong?"

"Oh, nothing really. Just seeing who's here, really." Lily smiled again at him. She looked down again at her plate. A little cake had appeared there. "Is it desert already?" she asked Draco.

He laughed a little. "Where've you been? On a mental excursion?"

Lily smiled again at him, a little sheepishly. "Just a little, I suppose." Lily took a bite of the cake. Minutes later, a house elf took away her plate.

Narcissa stood up and beckoned to Lily. She gracefully rose to her feet and followed Narsissa out a side door.

"Well done so far," Narcissa said, walking as fast as her heeled feet would allow. "Now, hurry, we must be back in mere minutes." Lily ripped off her heels and ran past Narcissa to her room. Dorna the house elf was there already. She jumped onto a chair, and rapidly undid Lily's dress.

"Hurry Miss, hurry," she squeaked. Dorna helped Lily into her other dress, and laced up the back. Lily stole a look at herself in the mirror. This dress, seemingly meant for seduction, was tighter, flared out at the waist, cascading to the floor, and pushed her breasts up. Dorna slipped on Lily's shoes, a crimson red to match the dress, and rapidly undid Lily's hair. She gently, but swiftly, pulled a comb through Lily's hair. A split second later, Narcissa pushed open the door. She was dressed in a sequined black, skin tight gown. Her plunging neckline was accented by a glimmering necklace made completely from silver and diamonds.

"Ah," she said, stopping when she saw Lily. "Yes. Your look is completely altered. Yes. This is perfect," she flashed Lily a smile. "Now, to complete your look..." she trailed off, grabbing the brush and her wand. Minutes later, Lily was shown her reflection. Her hair was piled on top of her head in a wild, yet alluring manner.

"Yes," purred Narcissa. "You were the perfect girl for this job."