POTTER v AUTHOR – First Year
JKR is the acknowledged IPR owner of PotterUniVerse. Wherein we write our stories.
My scribbles are rated mature. 2 reasons, I don't write for young children and the subjects are veering towards borderline adult. Comments are welcome, especially if I fumble something.
Be warned, I have a lengthy detailed style, not to everyone's preference, if it's fast action you prefer, you'll probably be better served elsewhere.
AN1. This chapter was inspired by one of my real-life experiences. School days, chemistry lesson at age around 17, just before Christmas break. Teacher decided to carry out the last lesson of the year in similar fashion to as described below, though the last steps were entirely from my imagination. I don't know if I remember the order, the effects or the colours; but it was entirely entertaining. Mr L* will by now have made the leap into the next adventure, but I remember him fondly. (I'm no chemist, just something I studied at the time). Apologies, I got carried away with the memory (sort of) and this chapter runs longer than my average… Just short of 10k words !
AN2. Packing to move house, so editing and posting this chapter to give my readers something to keep them happy when I temporarily suspend posting more chapters. One more (CH6) to load, then my apologies, I'll need to go quiet for a little while.
Chapter 5
Flash Bang Wallop
"Move along Malfoy, I want to see the new potion professors presentation and you're blocking the corridor". An irritated Daphne Greengrass bristled.
Malfoy and his two goons, stood in a line across the corridor, attempting to prevent a large group of Slytherins from making their way to the east tower and the lecture theatre. The other houses had been quick to leave from their lunch in the great hall. The Slytherins had dawdled along; something new, sudden changes to the old ways of doing things, that was not the way the purebloods wanted life or even school to be. Was there also a feeling of disloyalty to their 'proper' head of house, Professor Snape, temporarily laid up in sickbay.
Malfoy had not drawn his wand, his persistent threat of 'wait till my father hears of this' generally sufficient to get his way, his point of view across. Daphne faced off with him, taller and with an increasing Ice-Maiden visage, she was pushing him to back down to her. Draco was starting to get red in the face, Tracey was right behind Daphne, but it was Aine who would be the first into action, hands already on small knives inside her school cloak.
"Malfoy, move yourself and your bookends. You're blocking the way." Professor Kettleburn stomped up through the blocked corridor. "Move". Draco, unwisely had dismissed the Care of Magical Creatures teacher as ineffective, even when he was appointed as the head of house Slytherin. Turned out to be a bad decision. A wand was drawn, though no spell heard. Three first year students found themselves flung upwards to the ceiling. Gravity, for them anyway, had reversed, they were now firmly stuck to the ceiling. "Five points from Slytherin. Each."
There was a collective gasp from the Slytherin student body, well, most of them, there were three young first year Slytherin girls already heading up the corridor towards a presentation. No one could see them smiling as they hurried onwards. The students from the house who favoured snakes, wisely decided to follow the three girls. After all, Professor Kettleburn still had his wand out and was looking threatening.
The corridor sloped upwards and ended in a bowl-like amphitheatre, half round with steep tiered seating and minimal desks arrayed such that all participants had a good view of the central stage.
"Welcome girls, I was beginning to wonder if Slytherin was going to forgo this presentation today, and that would have been disappointing. Just for today and to help me identify you individually, if you could seat yourselves in the house-coloured section and array by years. First years in the lower front row, 7th in the back row, that way I'll get a heads up on your names from where you sit. It's not often that a professor has the whole school in their class at once and I do try to address you by name. OK, so first year girls in Slytherin, I'm guessing at Daphne Greengrass, Tracey Davies and Aine Mulrooney. Did I pronounce that correctly ?"
Serena gave no indication that she had prior knowledge of these three; whereas they had all been playing happily together in a warm pool in Slovenia, less than a week ago. Others followed them in whilst these three were named and welcomed.
In a high balcony, VIP visitors and other Hogwarts staff were sat with as good a view of the audience as the stage. Minerva had lifted her communication mirror and placed it on her collar. She had established a link to Serena's mirror, who who was wearing it attached to It's chain, now loped around an ear. Gave the presenter the all-knowing advantage of knowing everyone's name, providing of course that a staff member who knew all the names could give that prompt. But it was Sarena's first presentation after all.
Just before 2pm it seemed that everyone was in place. Serena moved to the lectern in front of her work bench.
"Good afternoon students, welcome all. My name is Professor Lovegood, I'll be working here temporarily whilst Professor Snape is unable to teach due to ill health. I'm sure we all wish him well and a speedy recovery."
There were a number of softly murmured comments, nothing discernible, but the mood wasn't optimistic. An absence of well wishing also noticeable from the staff gallery.
There was one unspoken comment, though clearly understood.
{Soon as Madam Pomfrey releases him from sick ward, he'll revert back to his old ways and then we'll fire him anyway.}. Harry's mind-talk raised a smile amongst four first year girls. Three Slytherin and one Ravenclaw. {About a month from now Poppy thinks.}. From Hermione.
"As this is primarily an introductory presentation, you will not need to take notes, and better still, no homework will be set today. Oh, that idea goes down well. That's something that in my day as a Hogwarts student was rarely heard. Can you imagine how many hours I would need to set aside to mark all your homework ! Urgh, though of course I could have left the marking for Professor Snape when he's feeling happier."
There were a few amused laughs and plenty of smiling faces now, the audience was warmer to the presenter.
"This may be the first time that most, perhaps all of you, have been in Hogwarts Lecture Theatre. It's fallen out of use recently, but It's one of the few places where all the Hogwarts students can sit in a class together. Let me take a moment to tell you about the room, and the features. Acoustically, you should all be able to hear my voice clearly, the design of the room helps the presenters voice carry to the highest tiers. Those of you, up in the 'gods'; that's a slang name for the top tiers or rows, it's not so easy to see the fine detail of any bench, table or practical work. Worry not, we all here, are witches and wizards, and we have magic to help us of course. On the small desk shelf in front of you, there is a long shallow depression, place your wand in that slot and a window will appear above your wand, showing fine detail of whatever the presenter is demonstrating. The focus and control of that window is at the presenters direction, so please don't attempt to change it to see close-ups of anything else here-in. That doesn't work.
Please place your wands in the slots now. Good, you should see a diagram showing where the exittodays this room are, where the toilet facilities are, and where there are smaller lounges for when we take a break as some presentations do run into double time. There will be a 10-minute break about halfway during todays session.
Presenters will tell you in advance if questions are to be held till the end, or if by getting attention, you may interrupt. If that is allowed, simply lay your hand over your wand, but leave it in place. Your viewscreen will light and the presenter will ask for your question. Are we all clear on this ? Any questions now ? hand on wand will gain my attention. Ah, yes, in the guest staff tier, I'm sorry I don't know your name. What is your question"
"Griselda Marchbanks, department of magical education, ministry of magic. May I ask if you are qualified as a teacher of potions. Simply a professional interest, as I understand you are helping out whilst Mr Snape is indisposed." A thin reedy voice hailed from the gods, the tone was polite and inquisitive.
"Madam Marchbanks, welcome. You examined my OWL and NEWTS many years ago, 11 and 5 subjects respectively. I then went into a masters programme in Heidelberg for three years where I qualified in Potions and Charms. 2 years study in a muggle university at Oxford in Britain, studying Chemistry and obtained a degree qualification there, before moving to Scandinavia where I undertook a three-year teaching qualification in Potions. Short periods of teaching as a supply tutor at Ilvermorny, then I spent 2 years teaching at Salem school of magic in Massachusetts where I became the head of the Potions teaching division before returning to Britain to conduct personal potion research. I currently have 15 patented potions registered with ICW and I am an independent supply tutor. That's my CV and qualification record in brief; so, you tell me Madam Marchbanks, me, a former Hogwarts student, who you have tested and examined, in my youth; and with my employment history which Headmistress McGonagall has verified. Do you consider me qualified to teach ?"
Serena had thrown the question back, though gently with a wide smile, clearly indicating her humour and good nature.
"My dear Serena, forgive me for not recognising you, you have grown into a stunning witch of tremendous skill and presence. If my memory is correct, you scored outstanding in all your exam subjects I believe ? Something hardly equalled over this past decade or so. To answer your question, yes, I do firmly believe that you are qualified to teach, and that Hogwarts is blessed to have such an experienced and masterful professor to educate the students. It is simply in my nature to question and examine people I see before me. Please forgive my interruption and do carry on."
There was a suppressed 'Oh' from the student body as they suddenly realised that at last, Hogwarts had a potions teacher, a professor of master level that was very well qualified to teach. More importantly, Serena had a sense of humour and smiled, a lot. Collectively the students eased back in their seats and were prepared for an interesting session. Hopefully no homework would be set ?
A viewer screen lit up in front of a student, Minerva whispered in her ear, Francheska, 3rd year, Hufflepuff. Also prefers to be called Fran'.
"Yes Francheska, do you have a question ?" Serena saw the girl's face light up with a smile as her name was given by a new professor.
"Please Professor, you've not said if questions are at the end, or to interrupt ? But that's not really my question, may I be excused to use the facilities please. Professor Snape required students to request permission." Fran, as she preferred to be known as, was fidgeting and clearly in need.
"Yes of course, go, nearest girls room is left exit, 2nd door on the right. Take your wand with you of course. Now whilst we give Fran' a few minutes, let me say that questions would be better just before we break in about twenty minutes from now. To help you remember your question and for me to remember where I was, if you gently tap you wand, but don't lift it from the desk place, I'll be able to go back to that moment more easily.
The boys room is same exit, first door on the right. Now a few safety items: if we need to evacuate the room; maybe an experiment or display goes wrong, after all, It's been known to happen. Any and all exits will give you a quick way out. This room is designed to accommodate hundreds of students. You won't all be able to get out through the normal entrance quickly if there is a need. The nearest clear exit is best. I stress 'clear' because if that way leads to danger, you obviously won't go that way. All exits from this room are marked with red arrows, look around you and find the nearest and then all the other exits too.
Another thing that has occurred to me, and I'll direct this to our new headmistress, sorry Minerva, but I've not been briefed on this by the previous headmaster, so I'll lay the blame on Albus. My question; when are fire alarm drills held ? and where is the assembly point ?"
The room went very quiet ! Minerva looked shocked, not to be questioned directly, but simply that no-one had ever mentioned fire drills, or fire, or any emergency alarms. There had been an occasion once when the headmasters voice was heard throughout the castle for something or other. But Minerva had no idea on how to do that. Embarrassed by the omission, she however rose to the challenge.
"You raise a very good point Professor Lovegood. As I recall the former headmaster failed to address. I will have something in place very quickly and inform the Professors and all students at dinner tonight. As I recall Professor Lovegood, you were in Ravenclaw house when a student here ?" At Serena's surprised look and nod in confirmation, another new tradition was started that went down well with the students. "Well, that will be twenty points to Ravenclaw then, for a brilliant suggestion from an ex-Ravenclaw student. It seems I have another task to add to my list for today. I see Fran has completed her ablutions and returned, no doubt a house mate will bring her up to speed with our conversation of the last few moments. Please proceed with your presentation Professor."
"Are we sitting comfortably, then I'll begin. We are going to start simply. The natural world is all around us, there are many natural liquids, such as this beaker of water." She picked the beaker up and drank from it. Then poured it into the next, which looked like clear water too. It wasn't, it changed to a bright, brilliant colour. Of course, the volume was the sum of both. The beaker was bigger, so no problems. "This is surprising, obviously these two together have combined to create something else entirely, we know that because there has been a colour change. Oh, I should have said first, there is absolutely no, and I stress, no, magic involved in this first presentation before our break.
I would not drink this, it wouldn't kill me, but I'd be in Madam Pomfrey's care very shortly. Now, let me add this to the next beaker which has clear liquid in it. Surprisingly, as they mix, yes, the colour has gone, the resultant liquid is back to clear. OK, so, as I add it the next beaker. Whoa, instant cloud, difficult to see me, but look at what's going on with the liquid level. It's going down, the liquid is boiling away into a gas, which of course takes it up to a greater volume. Before we disappear into a cloud entirely, let me pour it into the next. Oh, the gas cloud is not dangerous, it'll rise up and will disappear through the ventilation system.
Oh, right, another reaction, the liquid has stopped boiling at room temperature, and again we have colour change. So, we've got another brightly coloured liquid. Pour it into the next one, and It's gone clear again, something else is happening, looks like a thin layer of ice, It's not ice of course, because this liquid is defiantly not water. Before we add this to the last solution, let's have a close look at the beaker and the liquid in it it. It's clear, but It's not inert, that's a word that means It's not doing anything. There is an invisible gas being given off, a dangerous gas that will cause harm to anything living. If you look closely, you can see there is a thin tube that is sucking the gas away to keep me safe. The gas is heavier than air, so where you all are, in the galleried seats, you'll have time to evacuate if I keel over.
Now, I need the help of one of our seventh years, let's get one of our beefy strong males down here. I need one of you to prove that this grey slab is a big lump of metal, tough, strong and invulnerable. Now, who is going to come down and hit this metal lump hard ! with this big lump hammer."
The big steel plate was sat on top of a big kitchen 'butchers block'. When the volunteer swung wide and brought the hammer down, a very loud, long, ringing noise shocked the entire audience, the echo continued for quite some time. Eventually, hands were taken off ears and the echo's died away. But there was still a ringing in their heads it seemed, wizards are quite unused to loud sudden noises.
"Well, I think we've established that this is indeed a tough lump of metal. Thank you Conrad for your hammer swinging effort, if you would return to your seat now please. I'll have to thank Hagrid, he brought this steel plate up here at some considerable effort. I didn't tell him that he'll need to take it back of course. Maybe we can get our 7th year male students to haul this …. Oh well, maybe not. Anyway, we've proved this steel plate is tough. Going back to this last beaker, looks innocuous doesn't it. This is a clear liquid once again, but ! One which produces a dangerous gas. The process is well known in the muggle-world, It's called 'offgassing'. They use this to great effect, but that's not a subject that I will be going into, another professor will be teaching that effect.
We'll now add the penultimate beaker, the one before the last, once we break the thin layer of ice. I need to pour this carefully. OK, so what's happened, seemingly nothing, there's no gas being given off, no thin layer of ice. So, is it dangerous ? Good question. Here's an indicator, let me just put on these dragonhide gauntlets. That's a good hint isn't it. Right, last chemical change, as I gently pour the liquid onto the steel plate, what's happening ?"
There were bubbles forming, the gas forming a dense dark cloud, that seeped across the surface and dropped to the floor. Another pipe was sucking the gas away, the plate was hissing and then started to twist and buckle . The liquid burnt It's way through the metal and into the wood, which instantly caught fire and the smoke started grey and went black. Serena moved back from the fiercely burning wood block with the spitting twisting metal plate. There was a big lever rising out of the floor, looked like a signal and switching lever you would expect to see in a railway signal box. The professor pulled the lever, the floor opened up, block and steel plate fell through, the beakers were sliding as the worktop had tilted and quickly the whole lot had fallen into the pit below. Before any smoke, or fumes rose up, the lever was pushed forward, and the noise of the conflagration had stopped.
The audience were stunned, they had sat and watched silently, almost without moving, other than when the 'clang' as the metal plate was struck, jolted by the noise then. They'd been avid watchers of a presentation that they had not fully understood but realised that it had been a fascinating spectacle.
Something else that had never happened before in a potions lesson. Certainly, never in Professor Snapes time anyway. Sharp clapping noise was heard from the guest row of seats, Madam Griselda Marchbanks loved the presentation, she had sat, watched and been enthralled by the entire spectacle. Very quickly, like wildfire, applause spread across the audience, the clapping was thunderous, almost two hundred students and as it turned out, over half of the staff, professor, medic and grounds staff all showing their appreciation of a presentation, that, as promised, had been entertaining. Something that everyone had doubted a potions lesson could ever be. Remarkably, Slytherin students fully engaged with the other three houses, no stand-offish behaviour exhibited at all.
Professor Lovegood pulled out her wand and waved from side to side, no spell or charm in use, but as her other hand was finger upright over her lips in a shushing gesture, eventually the noise died down.
"So, what have we learned today then ?"
Multiple screens lit as students wanted to give answers, Serena used her wand and pointed at individuals one after another. The answers came in fast and furious, intelligent, daft, humorous and some, downright funny. There was no time to address a student by name first, even if Minerva had been able to identify the student for Serena, the presenters wand switched from one to another too fast. A simple pink line aimed at the student chosen to answer. Simple one word or short phrases were given, and there was no concern on which house or what year. Finally.
"OK, let me summarise your answers, otherwise we will still be here at dinnertime, we need a break too and there is still part 2 of this presentation to go. The liquids all looked clear, it was difficult to tell the water, which I clearly proved was drinkable in the first glass beaker to the last beaker, which whilst it looked safe, gave off a nauseous, invisible and dangerous gas. That particular gas will also kill you, as your lungs and other organs simply melt. So don't sniff any unknown potion or liquid, unless it came from a sealed container, clearly marked, and you trust the supplier; treat it as dangerous. Your eyes are not a safe indicator as to what a beaker, even if clear glass, contains; even if it looks like water. Think of what and how fast that metal plate was destroyed. By a clear liquid that looked like water in the first beaker. There was also those two changes of colour and that mixture that gave off the smoke cloud.
When you are mixing ingredients in your potion classes, be very sure of your ingredients, precise measurement and be aware of expected results. Stirring movements can also be critical otherwise unexpected results will occur. Fumes are often given off, they may not be visible, may be heavier than air, or lighter. Rember the cloud produced, did it occur to anyone here that it may be combustible, burn, or worse yet, explode. When working with mixing ingredients, even innocuous ones; that's a posh word for safe looking, they can bite back. You could lose your eyebrows, your hair, a limb, or even your life.
I used glass beakers here today; the obvious reason is so that you could see the contents clearly. Yes, I intended that pun. Just because it looks like water, it probably isn't, and you do not want to drink 'stuff' that you are not 100% sure of what it should and will do.
If you remember just one thing that you take away from this session, if you don't know exactly what it is; It's 'stuff', and stuff can kill you, or others. Simply put, 'Stuff Kills'. Know what you are handling and be sure of what to expect.
OK, break time, 15-minutes only, there are drinks and snacks in the room down the right exit. Don't eat or drink too much, I shall be asking most of you to take various potions in part two. Expect some unusual results. Toilets done the left exit. Well, go on, skedaddle, scram, move yourself."
Professor Lovegood started firing colourful noisy sparks at various locations, breaking the mode and getting the students moving.
The rush for the exits was enthusiastic, students had never been so motivated.
Serena walked up the steps to the guest row, where fellow teachers and other staff gave her a quick round of applause. Griselda giving her a surprising hug and telling her that she had just witnessed a magnificent performance. Probably the best potions lesson, albeit an introductory, that she had ever seen.
Hagrid gruffly said he was pleased he wouldn't have to take that lump of metal away and where had it gone anyway ? Into the chemical waste sump in the dungeons where it would eventually self-consume, leaving a grey dust that could be buried safely later. In about two years…
~~~~~~~~~~
A buzzing bell rang in the break room, not really sure what that meant, until, a silvery Patronous ran around the room, using the walls as a surface, the floor was packed with chattering students, intermingled, house and year immaterially. The monkey like glowing animal kept shouting. "Breaks over, back in your seats", over and over. The concerted rush, back into the auditorium and into a potions lesson ! Well, it surprised a lot of students. Wands went into the desk slots and the viewing screens went live within a minute or so. Excited chatter as looking at the stage, there were 4 clear boxlike hoods, suspended over 4 individual potion preparation stations. It was the older students who identified that setup first, they had seen similar arrangements when doing the term break work experience periods with commercial apothecaries.
Professor Lovegood walked down onto the stage, noise levels dropped away instantly. Then she broke out into a really wicked looking, predatory smile.
"I am looking for volunteers from the audience, individuals who like to cook at home. Hand on wands to volunteer please." Slowly, view screens lit up, not many, just three or four per house.
"Let's see, I think that as this is an introductory session, I'll choose a first year from each house.
Right, starting with Gryffindor. Harry Potter, you were fast volunteering, come on down please. Kindly leave your wand in the desk slot, this won't take long, and you'll be back in your seat in quick time.
Slytherin, the young lass with the short hair, Aine, you're on your own in the first year volunteers, so come on down please.
Ravenclaw, I love that sleek black hair dear, and am I seeing double, you appear to be in Gryffindor too ?" "My twin sister is in Gryffindor, though Parvati doesn't like to cook. Professor"
Hufflepuff, Fay Dunbar, would you like to complete our quartet please.
While they make their way down here and stand behind their preparation tables, let me remind everyone of the viewing screens. As we will be watching four items simultaneously, your screens will show 4 close up views, as I tap my presenters desk on this rune like, so. OK, to keep things clear, there are faint background house colours, as the view is concentrated on the small glass dishes and you will just see their hands around the edges.
Stand behind the tables please all of you. Now I hope you have all washed your hands and dried them thoroughly after eating ? No of course you haven't, you only had a few short minutes and I guess as you weren't reminded to, and you haven't been instructed to do so. Not to worry, for this session I have prepared everything. We are going to borrow a little bit of muggle 'know-how' here this afternoon. On the table in front of the dishes, there are some very thin, stretchy gloves; put them on please. If you have any sharp nails, be careful not to tear the gloves.
Whilst they are putting them on, can anyone in the audience tell me why I am using glass items today. Whoa, hold on, let me turn those viewscreens off again and let me finish the question please. Right, OK to finish the question. Other, than for visual reasons, so we can see the ingredient being prepared ? That's a harder question isn't, we have a few screens alight, let me choose one of the senior students, OK, Hufflepuff top row, Miss Tonks, what do you think ?"
"Purity and sterile surface, easy to clean and visually easy to inspect to detect any contamination professor"
"Good answer, almost perfect textbook response, but I'm looking for one more redeeming feature. Let me clear your screens again; can anyone give me the final attribute for using glass. That narrowed down the field didn't it, OK, Slytherin and Ravenclaw, one student each, both first years too. Let's hear both, Mr Malfoy, your response please ?"
"Glass is cheap, if the preparation goes wrong, you can chuck it away like the first lot."
"OK, yes, that's correct. Now Miss Dagworth-Granger, do you have a different answer ?"
"Yes professor, with the smoke and extraction hoods overhead, there may be a gas given off, heat involved too, maybe extreme heat. Glass doesn't burn"
"Good answers, the both of you, Mr Malfoy, you are exactly correct, 'cheap as chips'. A phrase I picked up at Ilvermorey school of magic. 10 points to Slytherin. Miss Dagworth-Granger, well done for combining your observational skills and noting the smoke hoods too. They were the hint to give the answer I am looking for. One extra for you including the hoods, so 11 points to Ravenclaw.
Have you watched the volunteers putting those gloves on ? Now we have clean and sterile student hands, no easy task after a meal or even a snack. Remember that when handling potion ingredients, you can accidentally cross-contaminate your potion from handling with dirty fingers. Even the normal oils found on everyone's skin can act as a re-agent and affect your potion.
As you might have realised by now, I prefer my presentations to be interesting, fun and visual. Our four volunteers are in no danger, their hands are protected, and the smoke hoods will come down if there is any 'offgassing' sensed. But we are not quite ready yet, those school uniforms look nice, new too as first year students, I guess you've all been outfitted in Diagon Alley or similar. Following Miss Dagworth-Grangers answer, let's be prepared for fire and protect their clothing, oh and incidentally, the students wearing them too. There are leather aprons behind the tables there, please put them on.
Another question for the class. Why should they have put on the aprons first ? Hmm, no viewscreens alight, ah, hand raised up in the gods there. Madam Pomfrey, what can you share with us please."
"The aprons will have been used before presumably, the gloves look to be one-use and disposable, the aprons not. Hogwarts budget won't howl at the cost. Oh, and if the ingredients offgas, or catch fire as Miss Dagworth-Granger suggests ? Maybe glasses or googles might be worn ?"
"Correct, you were a 'Puff in your youth I believe ? 10 points earned for your old house. Well done.
Volunteers, in the front pocket there are safety glasses, please put them on. Mr Potter, you still wear glasses, curious, if you go see Madam Pomfrey afterwards, she'll discuss getting your eyesight corrected. For now, the safety glasses can be worn over your own.
Right, I believe our first-year student volunteers are now ready, protected and I guess somewhat nervous ? Yes, the ingredients you are going to prepare are dangerous, it wouldn't be as exciting if you were just going to be chopping up vegetables now would it. On the shelf under the tabletop, you'll find a small bottle of oil, take that out and half fill the glass dishes please, then bottles back. Good, the ingredients are indeed going to burn, they react to the very air that we breathe. But we still need to prepare them, so you are going to be chopping them up whilst underneath the clear oil surface. It's also the reason you are wearing gloves, you can then handle the 'stuff', keeping everything covered in oil, relatively safely.
There are small knives used for chopping ingredients in a glass dish on those shelves, please arm yourselves. Now I'll use these wooden tongs and carefully put one of these small grey lumps of stuff in your oil prepared dishes. Fine, notice on your viewscreens that you can see the lumps of stuff in the oil filled dishes. Now I want the stuff to be finely chopped up please, you may use your hands to hold the stuff too. As in this case, you are wearing protective equipment.
You have three minutes to prepare your ingredient, finely chopped, begin please."
All four started, Padme tried to hold hers between finger and thumb, it squirted away, oily and slippery, there were a few short laughs from the audience, they had good close-up views. She tried again with all four fingers and thumb. She held it firmly but couldn't see how to cut it up.
Fay pushed down with fingers and the stuff flattened and she then started to make small cutting motions.
Aine tried something different, using the flat of her knife, squashed her stuff, then started slicing it. Seemed to be more effective.
Harry put his knife down, using both hands, started to roll the stuff, still under the oil surface, until he had a long thin worm-like shape, then using fingers to control it, started small fine chopping motions, creating minute fine little bits.
"Time's up. Put your knives down on the table tops and peel your gloves off and put them in the rubbish bins on the bottom shelf please. Then take a step back please. Don't dawdle, we are on the clock here and can expect a reaction quickly."
The gloves were off, and they stepped back smartly, they remembered the last reaction before the break, and they were a lot closer than the audience.
The hoods lowered and touched the tabletop, sealing the ingredient 'stuff' in the glass dishes. The volunteers started to relax, feeling happier.
Then Harry's dish started to get brighter then flared into sharp bright white light and burned furiously, even igniting the oil. In seconds it was all gone, and the smoke was sucked out the top.
Aine's went off next, not as bright, much longer to burn and the oil was burning for some time afterwards, but again an empty dish.
Fay's dish gently glowed then caught fire, same white light, but it wasn't difficult to concentrate on the burning stuff. The oil didn't burn at all.
Padme's, well, at first it looked like a dud. Nothing happened, till a small spark started on the top of the stuff, even under the oil's surface, a small flame merrily burnt for minutes it seemed, under the oils surface, till eventually it went out. The oil never burned either.
"Twenty points for each house, our volunteers all achieved a result here today, and lets not judge by the reactions, as each was different, and depending on how the potion recipe requires a reaction, each could be correct. But as you can clearly see; how, you prepare your ingredients can have and does make a big difference in the result.
Volunteers, you have all performed brilliantly, differently of course, but that was my expectation too. While you all take off your protective gear and replace it, I think that each house should applaud the efforts of their house representative as they deserve your praise."
Led off by the professors and staff up in the gods, then spreading quickly to the student body and as each house tried to be louder than the others in praise their student, it got rather noisy.
As the four resumed their seats, professor Lovegood finally created a cannon blast from her wand, got the silence required and moved back into lecture mode.
"A short break now, no refreshments this time, but each and every student will be taking part in the third and final part of todays presentation. Everyone needs a quick trip to either the breakout room or the toilets. You will all need to have clean hands for the next bit. Off you go, sooner you're back, sooner we get started, but remember clean hands; you don't want any cross contamination, now do you ? Hurry along. Oh, headmistress, professors and other staff, you too Madam Marchbanks, you'll not be exempt either, everyone who attends, everyone takes part. We are all going to be having fun !"
The rush to wash hands was out of character for students, even children in general and after a few surprised comments, the adults joined in; professors suddenly found themselves offering warming and drying charms to speed up the process, there were students of all houses being pushed along by others eager to wash hands. Orderly queues formed both going into the washrooms and exciting with wet hands, then passing hands through the adult supplied warming fields. Minerva and Griselda found themselves grinning at each other as chattering students passed fleetingly past their charmed areas. Till finally it was their turn.
"Gives a real feeling of being back at Hogwarts as a student doesn't it Minerva. I feel quite excited and somehow much younger, Serena's enthusiasm is quite infectious isn't it. I know you asked for my help in sorting out and planning the new curriculum, and I thought we'd be exchanging letters and firecalls; but would you look favourably at my request to move in for awhile ? I'd like to help as much as I can and also with the family planning… No Minerva, don't you give me that look, we are both far to old to consider children other than as an educational task ! I'd like to pitch in and help with the Potter 'project' you have underway. Wizarding Britain needs to look towards the future. What do you say Min ?"
"Griselda, nothing would give me greater pleasure. My old job is currently vacant… Though Albus used to shift most of his work onto me, he liked being the figure head, but shirked any workload. I think that between the two of us, we can push, drag and promote this school of 'ours' back into the premier position in Europe that we used to hold. We'll talk about it later though; we'd better hurry or I think we may be late back to class and I don't want to lose any house points. Serena is just as likely to deduct house points for staff as well as award them for good answers." Giggling the two of them rushed back into their seats.
They received a look from the presenter, but no comment. They'd got away with it.
~~~~~~~~~~
"Welcome back one and all, I hope we are all suitably cleansed and prepared for part three. It's potions, pills and ointments next; testing and tasting, this part will be over an hour, the reason will become clear shortly. I will be nominating a few volunteers, maybe a couple of times, I hope you will all play along. I won't ask anyone to embarrass themselves, though of course if anyone choses to entertain us, please feel free.
Now, lets start by example, Griselda Marchbanks and hmm, how about someone younger, Aurora Sinistra perhaps you would agree to a little experiment. Some of the audience will recognise what potion will be displayed next, I ask you to keep it to yourselves, don't want to spoil the surprise, especially for our first years."
Griselda and Aurora came onto the stage, the exaggerated difference in body types was marked, short Griselda to tall Aurora. Each handed a small bottle that both recognised, and wrinkled faces but soon smiles returned.
"Ladies of course you recognise this powerful and carefully controlled substance. You know the routine, I'll take care of the apparel requirements, then I hope that you'll assist in managing the throughput of the student body. Oh, and let's not leave the menfolk out of this, Filius and Hagrid would you like to take part too, the effects will certainly be observable. You will ? Good; come on down you two.
Right, stoppers off, students you'll notice that there is a visible smell evident, I can assure you it smells is as unpleasant as it looks, so I must thank our volunteers for agreeing to take part. There is another element of this potion, so do watch carefully."
Polyjuice potion is difficult and time consuming to make, but the effect is stunning, the morphing and changing of the body shapes and sizes quite amazing. Polyjuice potion is probably the most visually stunning effect. First born or less well educated were amazed. There was a quick moment when clothing was adjusted to suit changed sizes.
"As can be clearly seen, Polyjuice potion requires a hair from a donor person which then alters the potion such that the drinker becomes a carbon copy of the hair donor. For a short time, generally it is around an hour, but that varies according to body size and can also vary from person to person. Females generally revert back more quickly, something about body image values. This is a controlled substance, and those who can brew it are careful in who they sell or produce it for. There are severe penalties if being used for nefarious or criminal purposes, but as can be seen here, for educational purposes, the results are physical dramatic. Professor Flitwick for example, now looking like Hagrid is having some difficulty in moving around, muscle control, mass, size and physical and, well being someone else. They are of similar age, but of course quite different racial characteristics.
Madam Marchbanks and Professor Sinistra have other issues, one is suddenly feeling older and the other has assumed a youthful body image. I had to temporarily modify their clothing as Polyjuiceare markedly different. Will be interesting to see the varying times before each reverts back to original. I had to temporarily modify their clothing as Polyjuice only affects the person, not the clothing.
Well, the adults have adjusted so I think It's time to move onto the student body. To keep it interesting, we'll go house by house, I want one student from each row, and we'll take them vertically, one from each year, so seven at a time. Hufflepuff students, starting with you, from my left side. Mr Smith, that's you, then the person behind you and so on. Hurry along now, we've chairs waiting for you on stage. We all want to see the effects these potions have on you.
Whilst we're waiting for our seven volunteer 'Puffs to make it down to the stage. Let me explain further: there will be no unpleasant potions, no lasting effects today, our students will be given a simple fast action pill or sometimes an ointment to rub on skin, they will at most, last for 2 or 3 seconds, then revert back to the original student. No lasting effects at all. I've spent some few hours with Madam Pomfrey as we ensured that these demonstration effects are harmless, though entertaining. Together we both tried at least one of each, and Poppy and I have never laughed so much. Overall, there are about sixty that we have deemed safe to use in this presentation, no lasting effects other than our Polyjuiced assistants. Keep your eyes on the stage, as they won't all change back at the same time. We'll hand the pills and offer ointments, then ask the student to show the effects. There will be some duplicates oh and they are in a random order, with the simplest effects for the first years, getting stronger as we progress up to the 7th years.
Zacharias, you're first; Aurora, has a simple pill for you, she will place it in your hand. If you will please pop it in your mouth and suck, it will dissolve straight away, the moisture in your mouth will activate it.
There we go, our first effect, Mr Zacarias Smith, Hogwarts newest cockerel, useful in the morning. Onto the next, we have almost 200 volunteers to test…
Pink speech bubbles, with words heard as the bubbles pop. Curious.
Wow, that's a bright hair colour.
Hiccups, and you jump up a couple of inches each time.
Your own personal rain cloud, not to worry, it should dry up soon.
Is that steam coming out of your ears ?
I do believe It's snowing just above you, looks like sugar frosting.
Well done to our first Hufflepuff students, I know you didn't volunteer, but you get a house point each for being good sports. Now back to your seats and I think we'll have Gryffindor next, you know the drill, come up the other side of the stage please, we've a lot of students and adults to work our way through this afternoon. Move right along please.
The effects continued, light-hearted and amusing, some slight, others, more impressive, younger to older students. One 6th year Gryffindor had little pink hearts circling her head, but other than a deep blush, no harm done.
A Ravenclaw 6th year belched short bursts of flame.
Slytherins as a house, were a little hesitant, but as they didn't want to be seen as afraid, they went up on stage, sat and enjoyed the simple pranks. A third year student appeared to keep flickering out of sight and then appearing normal. Like a light pull switch, seen, not seen, seen, not seen, seen.
There was no time for hesitancy, there was a constant stream of students up and down, simple effects being seen, with only the 7th years having anything really substantial happening, but still only for seconds. A Puff quickly had a badger head on her shoulders momentarily, a short barking noise then back to normal.
Gryffindor lions head was next, though Ravenclaw student had wings appear behind them but a normal head. Several Slytherin flickered forked tongues, but so quickly that few saw.
There was an absolute cacophony of animal noises from younger students, some not easily recognised. Student eyes lighting up like lanterns were not observed by the person themselves, but their house mates did.
Animal ears appeared in profusion. Noses changed momentarily too, the rhino horn was a surprise, as too were the budding antlers. Trumpet noises when mouths were opened, and a rare orange mist from ears nose or mouth lingered smoke like even after the student had reverted to normal.
There was a constant buzz of conversation going on now, students constantly moving up and down onto the stage and it was only the presence of the four extra adults that prevented total chaos. The most prevalent noise though was laughter, it was continuous with occasional loud guffaws as something unusual appeared.
No one felt embarrassed as the effects lasted 2 or 3 seconds until the student returned to normal. There was surprise, sometimes shock, even smug and more often than you'd expect, there was a sad longing as the student had liked their momentary change. The adult helpers kept the lines moving though, so it was difficult to remember who had what happeningto them. Even their own, as there were two more, either side going on and then watching others, it all blurred into a stop motion flickering visual and audible show which achieved exactly what the presentation was about.
"Now we are all back in our seats, other than my adult volunteers of course. I'll just talk for minutes, during which time we should see the Polyjuice potion wear off. So, keep an eye on them and note the change back to normal process. I'll ask headmistress McGonagall to come down on stage please, as the clothes will need to be transfigured back to original sizes immediately. Remember that Polyjuice only works on people, not their clothes.
Magic is capable of many things; potions, delivered as pills, ointments or other methods can give varied and very effective results. These were all deliberately adapted to be quick, visual and self-cancelling. The short-term effects are also easier and cheaper to produce. These potion concoctions are what I've called 'Flash, Bang, Wallop', at least in my head anyway. They have been created and are Intended to act fast, have a near instant result, and then very quickly revert the recipient back to normal and critically, to leave no after affect.
I was commissioned by an overseas customer to provide a large number of my potions for a wealthy family celebration party. It took many hundreds of hours effort to brew these, I did enjoy the creation, the brewing and the testing process. I sent them overseas and waited for the remainder of my fee, I had already charged and been paid for the ingredients required to make them. Several weeks later the entire unopened package returned. The party had been cancelled, the potions returned, oh and I had to pay the return shipping costs."
"Behind you professor". Came a sing-song shout from the adult staff gallery. "One of your volunteers is changing back."
What had recently looked like Filius Flitwick, then changed to Hagrid, and the partner Hagrid to Filius was also morphing, changing size and it didn't look to be a comfortable experience. Just as clothing was about to become an issue, Minerva was on the case and quickly had normal clothing resumed.
"As you can see from the change back to normal, taking Polyjuice is not a pleasant experience. It looks and tastes disgusting, smells awful, and the initial change is unpleasant. However, reverting back to original, especially when there is a considerable change of size, well, It's a bit like being caught in an animal stampede. Thank you to both of our demonstrators for taking part today, their help in managing the students and I think they deserve a round of applause."
The applause was instant, both were well liked and clearly, they knew what they were letting themselves in for, so bravery was an element too. The applause wound down and professor Lovegood continued.
"I can see a few speculative faces in our audience here today, are you thinking about starting a joke shop ? A little bird told me that that there are at least two students considering that as a business opportunity, I won't point them out here, that would be embarrassing. Creating and selling potions is a difficult business, expensive ingredients, hours of exacting effort to ensure the required result. Think about our initial four 'cook' preparation volunteers. All had the same ingredient, a chemical element called potassium, and it was the way that it was prepared that gave such different results. From harsh flare to slow burn. The preparation, processing and brewing of the ingredients into the desired potion has to be exact in every case, for otherwise, the end products can be wildly different."
Several voices all started to sing out "Behind You". It was like being at a Punch & Judy show at the seaside.
Griselda Marchbanks and Aurora Sinistra had started to revert back to original. The change didn't seem to be as uncomfortable, after all the were much closer in size, just height and of course age being markedly different. Minerva created a misty area around them when clothes needed to be modified.
A round of applause for our lady volunteers as they return to their seats please. No not yet please headmistress, I have a potion for you to take first. Now which pocket did I put it in, don't want to mix it up with others I may want to show. Ah, here it is. Right, now, this one is special, first I need a saucer of warm milk, which a house elf will put down about, now ! Good, now I'll pour all of this powder in and use a glass stirring stick. There, all ready for you headmistress. Now don't give me that frosty look, I know this will spoil your normal surprise for transfiguration lesson for the first years. But I assure you, this will be enjoyable."
Headmistress McGonagall gave Professor Lovegood a sharp eyed look, before suddenly changing to a medium sized tabby cat. Who then walked gracefully over to the saucer and started to lap at the milk.
"Students please note, you have just seen a good example by a person who has previously mastered a difficult skill and become an Animagus. This is an individual persons skill, a very hard skill to master that almost all find beyond their ability. What our headmistress will be demonstrating further is the effect of a potion, very specifically created for this person and her particular Animagus skill.
Unlike the Polyjuice potion, clothing is part and parcel, there are no clothes to worry about, they are all encompassed, included, in the change. Animagi is a much rare skill to learn, less than 1one in a thousand witch or wizard even attempts to learn the skill. Fewer still are ever successful. Our Headmistress here is a master in her skill. The change I have added to the milk should take effect about now !"
At that moment, a tabby cat, sat down with it's tail gracefully curled around, then suddenly was a full-grown lioness. Huge with tan fur lightly mottled with the tabby markings. It barred It's teeth and snarled. 300-lbs of furred muscle, seven feet long with a two foot tail whipping around !
"Now don't be hasty headmistress, where would you get another potions teacher at short notice. Anyway, the effect wears off in about 6 minutes, and I think you should return to your seat in the VIP gallery. You may want to intimidate a few individuals on the way of course."
The lioness stalked off, 300-lbs of graceful feline power, head turning side to side as it stared at individual students. Prowled up the steps and eventually resumed a seat with every eye in the room watching her move. A loud roar was the final act in this performance.
"I guess that wasn't an offer to raise my salary then headmistress !" Serena quipped.
"As we are talking about money, I will inform the staff, and especially our new headmistress, as she may be concerned on how much todays potions have cost Hogwarts. The ingredients were already paid for, the time to prepare them is my gift to Hogwarts and I hope that we have all enjoyed this last part of my presentation. It would have been a shame to simply throw them all away, as they have 'short shelf life'. These potions do not keep viable or active for very long, they had to be used this year.
I won't offer a summary about things you may have learned this afternoon, today was an introductory session. It was intended to be fun as well as informative. I hope you all enjoyed the time here. There will be more presentations during the school year.
I thank you all for coming and I'll close by saying that dinner will be in 15 minutes, so better hurry along. Oh, and wash your hands, you may have some potion residue still on them.
Thank You."
The applause was thunderous and given by students in all four houses and staff alike. There was a flash on the stage, Professor Lovegood seemingly had turned herself into a medium sized Rhino ! No one hindered her leaving the auditorium as she trotted off to dinner.
{Did you see Nym palm that potion pill, then used her metamorh skill to turn her hair pink. Do you think she intends on dropping her pill into someone's dinner ?"} Hermione used her developed mind-talk skill to voice her comment at Harry, Aine, Daphne and Tracey.
No reply, but Harry sniggered, and that was 'felt' by Hermione, though no words and none of the girls could project words yet, just simple emotions, fear, laughter, and love mainly. They were improving week by week, it wouldn't be long.
Up in the gods, with the headmistress, varied professors, staff and invited guests, there was a shocked and stunned silence. Hogwarts was changing, this afternoons presentation was a taste of things to come; importantly, it was for the better, everyone here understood that. Magical Britain didn't respond well to change. The ministry of magic wasn't going to like this one little bit.
There were three distinct groups, all conscious that information that they knew would cause ripples throughout Britain.
Least informed were the staff and professors who now knew that two Hogwarts heirs had declared themselves. Had been challenged by the archetypal wizarding figure, that above else, resisted change in, well just about everything ! That is, or should that now be, was, the headmaster Albus Dumblydore. Albus had challenged the new heir and lost ! Even losing his wand to the victor, then he had run away. An eleven-year-old, first year student; albeit Harry Potter, heir to Gryffindor it seemed, had beaten the chief MugWamp of the Wizengamot. A second heir had also announced and claimed Ravenclaw, born to an old family, but one in recent times that had been 'squibs' for at least some generations. Hermione Dagworth-Granger had not challenged anyone or anything yet ? But what was she capable of ?
Then there were, supposedly, the ladies of the old board of Hogwarts governors: Augusta Longbottom, Amelia Bones and Griselda Marchbanks. They had recently been told a little about the new changes. In reality though, this group comprised of a single person. Madam Marchbanks alone, though she knew it not. Augusta and Amelia were also members of the last group.
Most secretive was a group of witches and wizards, and increasingly so, first year students at Hogwarts this year. This group knew 'almost' all. For this group were otherwise know as the Great Conspiracy. Even though there were layers within the group; not all, for instance knew of the direct connection to the future by some ten years.
Changes were coming, a storm was brewing, and right in it's path was British wizarding society, and the focus, where the storm was targeted ? well that was the Ministry of Magic. A wizard called Fudge was going to be very upset, as was another called Tom Riddle.
The main unknown was the timeline and that was controlled by the greatest entity in the country. THE AUTHOR.