A/N: I don't own Harry Potter

This is for the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

Insane Prompt Challenge: 16: Word – elixir

Writing club September

Liza's Loves: 2 Charlatan - Write about a charlatan. Alt: Write about a scam

Disney Challenge: Characters: 3. Jane - Write about someone 'nice' losing their temper.

All sorts of Space: 13 - The Original Paladins - The Ones who sacrificed everything: (Era) The Founders / Voltron alt: (Era)... the Original Paladins

Scamander's Case: 30 - (action) running

Film Festival: 9 - (genre) friendship

Marvel Appreciation: 10 - (Characteristic) Integrous

Lyric Alley: 4 - And that would wipe this smile right from my face

Wacky Wandmakers: Wood - Snakewood - (era) founders

core - Horned Serpent horn - (character) Salazar Slytherin

Word Count: 523

Helga waited at the gate. Salazar was late, as usual. She knew he was doing something important, but this was important too. There was word of a man who sold elixirs and potions in a nearby village. Godric thought the man might be the perfect person to teach at their school. She had volunteered for the assignment. Salazar had stated he was going with her, mainly because she would probably hire the man on the spot even if he wasn't useful. She liked helping people and the sooner they could get their school staffed, the sooner they could help more people.

She had just started watching a caterpillar climbing a tree when she heard someone behind her.

"You're late," she commented.

"Couldn't be helped," he replied. "Shall we away?" She nodded. He took her arm and apparated them close enough to the village that they wouldn't be seen, but not far enough they would have to walk too much.

"That must be him there," she said pointing to a wooden cart that was decorated with alchemy symbols. Salazar nodded in agreement and they slowly approached him.

"Good morn, sir," Salazar said dramatically. Helga was sure he couldn't do anything that was dramatic.

"Ahh, looking for an elixir to ease your ills? Mayhaps something for the lady?"

"I would love to see you work," Salazar replied. "I might be interested in something." The man smiled and Helga felt a slight chill go down her spine. There was something untrustworthy about him, she could feel it. She and Salazar watched him make a tonic and even she could tell it was nothing more than snake oil mixed with perfume. She glanced at Salazar. He nodded. He could tell this man was nothing more an a con artist claiming to be selling magic potions. Helga watched the man add more to the bottle and felt a flare of anger surge through her chest. Not only was ripping people off with his non working products, but he'd just added an ingredient that more often than not caused a nasty rash. She had a feeling rash lotion was one of the things he sold.

"Well, now that I see you are nothing more than a charlatan, and do not possess an ounce of magic, we will be on our way," Salazar stated turning and walking from the cart. Helga followed. Once they were out of ear shot, she told Salazar about the man's 'potions' doing harm. He glowered at the cart and man.

"Helga, would you like to do the honors?" She smiled.

"Incendio," she stated setting the cart on fire. "There, that should keep you from hurting anyone else today. And if we find you've made more of your fake potions, we will return. Do I make myself clear?" she asked, her voice coming out as an almost growl. The man backed away, finally turning and running.

"Thank you Salazar. Now, unfortunately we still do need to find someone to teach alchemy."

"We'll find someone, Helga. I promise." She nodded and they made their way back to the castle to inform Godric their search had yielded nothing.