Remedy for Potions pv

Surprisingly, Potions was a subject Maman had touched on less in Archer's practical magic lessons. However, the boy had still taken to the subject finely, always being precise with his measurements and calculations, never leaving room for imperfections or mis-brewings. In the past semester, the lad would say his Potions endeavours were as successful as any other fathomable class, achieving the usual straight-Os and praises, all to be expected. However, what Archer Duncan had never looked forward to in Potions was its often requirement for potions to be made in pairs or even groups at times. Each time, especially the ones a month after the incident with Matthew Campbell in Defence Against the Dark Arts, Archer had got a sense of unnerving dread that history would only repeat - perhaps far too irrational to regard, since every pairing after that was either a success or simply mediocre, which was enough, since he did not mind placing in most of the work anyway.

Archer's quill hovered atop a sheet of parchment as Professor Regan meticulously explained the recipe for Babbling Beverage, her words appearing on the blackboard behind her. Carefully, Archer copied it down into his notebook:

Ingredients: 1 Dried Poppy Head, 2 Valerian Sprigs, 3 Aconite Blossoms, 1 Unicorn Hair, 1 Sprig of Dittany

In a mortar, crush one dried poppy head into a powder
Add to cauldron
Add 2 Valerian Sprigs to cauldron
Stir 3 times, counter-clockwise
While wearing protective gloves, add 3 aconite blossoms to cauldron
Wave your wand
Leave to brew for 30 minutes
Add one Unicorn Hair to cauldron to neutralise the poison of the cauldron’s contents
Stir 3 times, clockwise
Add 1 sprig of dittany to cauldron
Stir 5 times, counter-clockwise
Wave your wand to complete the potion

After all, they might be required to brew said potion later in class. Any usual student might excite at the idea of practical work - and Archer was no exception - but he would have much preferred to do it on his own, meaning there would be no chance of him to mess up social conversation and no chance of his partner to mess up the potion brewing. It was the most beneficial option for either party.

'Now, pairings,' Professor Regan announced. She must have said they would be separated into groups beforehand, but Archer had been too focused on copying the recipe to have heard. Perhaps, Mister Campbell was correct when he said he lacked multitasking skills. Still, he caught the variation of reactions; some were joyous, anticipating a pairing with their friend, others were as disgruntled as Archer at the mention. 'Speak of the devil,' Archer muttered under his breath, drying his quill and slipping it back into its pouch. Nothing dramatic had happened in the past pairings, much to Archer's delight, and he tried to reassure himself that nothing too drastic was going to happen today either.

But then, of course, fate was nothing but a cruel mistress. Thankfully, the name that was called with Archer's was, in fact, not the one of Mister Campbell's. Bracing himself, Archer's shoulders stiffened, then relaxed slightly. 'Archer Duncan and and Remedy Norden,' Professor Regan said, her voice reverberating off the unforgivingly cold stone walls. He had certainly seen her before, whether in lessons or around the Slytherin common room. His mind roughly referenced back to a girl with incredibly sharp features, a strong jawline and high cheekbones, set upon a narrow face. She had black hair, or perhaps an incredibly dark brunette, complimented by her dark complexion.

Archer's eyes flitted across the room, seeking a lass with such an appearance. Eventually, his dark hazel orbs landed on a girl several seats down, and since she had not yet stood up to seek him out, the only solution seemed to be for Archer to do the honours. Standing up with a sigh, he pocketed his quill-case, just in case there might be an occasion for use. Stepping out from his desk, he made his way to the girl. 'Excuse me,' he said, stood in front of her, his posture kept neutral, heeding to any heiress, or any muggle-born with a distaste of pureblood tradition, 'Do you happen to be Miss Norden?' He paused, awaiting an answer. If it was the affirmative, he would reply with the most common of his introductions, 'Archer Theodore Duncan,' he would say, extending a hand for her to shake, 'Pleased to make your acquaintance.' Hopefully, this would be another smooth sailing.

@Remedy Norden

Note: permission for any godmodding of Prof Regan was allowed