Toil and Trouble
@Kayla Slattery
Date: Monday, January 13th, 2025
Potions class was turning out to be one of Harvey's favorite subjects in the few short months that he had been attending the school. He wasn't sure what he would think of it at first. In his household you just went to the apothecary and bought whatever concoction you needed. Simple as that. The task was for the laborers to accomplish. A task that required skill indeed, but still meant for that class of workers. Something his grandfather had risen above long ago and surely the same was meant for young Harvey. However, despite the old man's teaching there was something about the course that had intrigued him. Potions had a simplicity to them yet they were immensely complex at the same time. One slip up or lack of detail and all you had before you was boiling pot of ruin. Failure came quick and the challenge proved exciting for Harvey. So, he entered the classroom and awaited instruction.
The Slytherins would share the room with the Gryffindors this afternoon and as soon as the lesson began Harvey's quill began scratching against his parent at a furious pace. Not detail would be spared in his note taking. Today's lesson was on the Antidote to Common Poisons and its importance had the boy laser focused. He would listen to every detail, making sure to note the proper weights and handling of all the ingredients required. Soon enough the lesson would end and soon would come his favorite part. The lab portion of the class. A chance to get your hands on the cauldron and show your worth. So far he had aced every brew and the young part-goblin was determined to do so again. However, when the professor gave her last instruction it would take all of Harvey's willpower not to groan aloud.
Partners! Group work! Words like nails on a chalkboard for Mr. Barrows. His dark, beady eyes scanned the room and sure enough another student was approaching. With a long exhale he cleared the frustration from his mind and remembered his grandfather's lessons. Every opportunity to work with another was a chance to test their level of worth. Perhaps a potential ally or worthy connection was approaching him now. "Hello, Harvey Barrows." The boy offered a courteous introduction and motioned to the stool beside him.
Second Generation Character of Howard White
Toil and Trouble
Potions class! Kayla's favorite class, she's enjoyed finally understanding and learning what her mother tended to keep away from her. With all the different types and dangers of potions, it was easy to understand why, but she couldn't wait to show her mother what all she has learned and maybe it'll convince her to let Kayla help in the shop over summer. She pulled her book out and began taking a few notes, not without letting a doodle or two mix in. She heard the professor mention that today's potion will be for Antidote to Common Poisons, or was is uncommon? Probably common, maybe. She hesitated before deciding and scratched out the "un" that was in the title of her notes.
While scratching it out she heard another notable word come from the professor's mouth, partners. Kayla beamed with excitement, if she was a metamorphmagus she'd sprout a wagging dog tail with how happy this made her. Group projects meant she had to work with someone else, which could turn into a new friend! She looked around, obviously most of the class did not share her feelings on this news. Multiple students looked like they already knew each other and claimed each other as partners. A neat, proper, looking boy caught her eye, something told her that he was the opposite of her, and if there's one thing opposites do, they attract! Most of the time. She got up and headed over towards him, he was just a few desks away, but something about his dark eyes pierced something in her. She brushed it off, some wizards are just like that.
Kayla offered him a warm smile and sat on the stool beside him.
"Nice to meet you, Harvey! I'm Kayla, uh, Slattery!" She smiled big and set her supplies on the desk, then started,
"What do you think about the potion, my mum works with potions and this one seems pretty basic, but important to know. I can't wait to work on this, did you know it has unicorn horn in it? I'm sure you did, you look pretty smart." She opens the potions recipe book and flips to the page for the Antidote to Common Poisons and set her notes out next to it.
"Promise I'll be a good partner, potions are in my blood! Uh, figuratively, not literally." She faced the professor as she continued after everyone got with their partners, shaking her leg with excitement.
While scratching it out she heard another notable word come from the professor's mouth, partners. Kayla beamed with excitement, if she was a metamorphmagus she'd sprout a wagging dog tail with how happy this made her. Group projects meant she had to work with someone else, which could turn into a new friend! She looked around, obviously most of the class did not share her feelings on this news. Multiple students looked like they already knew each other and claimed each other as partners. A neat, proper, looking boy caught her eye, something told her that he was the opposite of her, and if there's one thing opposites do, they attract! Most of the time. She got up and headed over towards him, he was just a few desks away, but something about his dark eyes pierced something in her. She brushed it off, some wizards are just like that.
Kayla offered him a warm smile and sat on the stool beside him.
"Nice to meet you, Harvey! I'm Kayla, uh, Slattery!" She smiled big and set her supplies on the desk, then started,
"What do you think about the potion, my mum works with potions and this one seems pretty basic, but important to know. I can't wait to work on this, did you know it has unicorn horn in it? I'm sure you did, you look pretty smart." She opens the potions recipe book and flips to the page for the Antidote to Common Poisons and set her notes out next to it.
"Promise I'll be a good partner, potions are in my blood! Uh, figuratively, not literally." She faced the professor as she continued after everyone got with their partners, shaking her leg with excitement.
Where you off to? Can I come too??
Toil and Trouble
@Kayla Slattery
This was pure nightmare fuel. The frustration he had just cleared from his mind came rampaging back like a charging bull. Not only was he hoping to do this assignment alone, but his newfound partner approached with an energy that immediately had Harvey on edge. Sweet, bubbly, chatty. It couldn't be true. Where was his quiet and focused counterpart? They were in class and this was work, not fun, no need for excitement, it was time to put their nose to the grindstone and ace this assignment!
The only saving grace was that this Kayla Slattery had a potioneer as a mother. Surely she would come with a wealth of knowledge and experience. Harvey let the tension slide away from his spine and settled into his stool. "The potion is of vital importance. It's an antidote for poison." He stated matter of factly as if it were foolish to even ask the question in the first place. His eyes only widened as she continued. Did he really ask if he knew there was unicorn hair in the potion?! It's literally written on the board and in their book. Of course he knew! "Yes, of course there is unicorn hair." Harvey's tone wasn't harsh, but icy may be an accurate description. "Yes, I knew you were speaking figuratively." His gaze dropped to the book with that final statement. With a quick movement he reached into his robe pocket and withdrew his comb. A few quick swipes at his hair had him feeling more in place. A nervous tick he had picked up somewhere along the way.
With another exhale he refocused his mind again. Sure, Kayla was too chatty for his liking and why for the love of Merlin could she not sit still! But surely she could still help him nail this potion. Grandfather said that sometimes we must suffer those below us if it proves a means to an end. "Pardon me, I'm feeling a little out of sorts today." Harvey attempted to remedy his rudeness with a bit of a lie. "Would you care to get started on crushing the bezoar. Looks like the recipe calls for a fine powder. Perhaps I can get the standard ingredient measured out?" There. If they just stayed busy, everything would be alright. Surely Kayla could handle that.
Second Generation Character of Howard White
Toil and Trouble
"Unicorn Horn! Not hair, silly. Using Unicorn hair isn't until our seventh year." Kayla gave a friendly laugh, obviously not seeing that this would affect him. She didn't even notice his rude tone in his responses, like it went in one ear and out the other.
"But yeah, I'll take care of the bezoar." She said as she pulled the mortar closer to her and began crushing it, not without some initial struggle, it took her a few seconds before getting a good angle and actually crushing the stone.
"Do you know where they find this stuff? I think my mum said it came from a Goat's stomach!" She commented, making a gross face and she kept crushing, putting more force into it.
"I once watched my mum shove a whole one down some guy's throat, I don't know what happened after cause everyone told me to leave." She kept talking, oblivious to if Harvey was listening or not as he measured the standard ingredient. After more mindless talking, the bezoar was crushed to a fine powder. Kayla read over the instructions again and measured out the powder, then added it to the cauldron.
"I think after you add your stuff and we heat it, it's just a waiting game. Do you think we both wave our wand, or just one of us?" She asked as she read ahead.
"But yeah, I'll take care of the bezoar." She said as she pulled the mortar closer to her and began crushing it, not without some initial struggle, it took her a few seconds before getting a good angle and actually crushing the stone.
"Do you know where they find this stuff? I think my mum said it came from a Goat's stomach!" She commented, making a gross face and she kept crushing, putting more force into it.
"I once watched my mum shove a whole one down some guy's throat, I don't know what happened after cause everyone told me to leave." She kept talking, oblivious to if Harvey was listening or not as he measured the standard ingredient. After more mindless talking, the bezoar was crushed to a fine powder. Kayla read over the instructions again and measured out the powder, then added it to the cauldron.
"I think after you add your stuff and we heat it, it's just a waiting game. Do you think we both wave our wand, or just one of us?" She asked as she read ahead.
Where you off to? Can I come too??
Toil and Trouble
@Kayla Slattery
Harvey’s eyes bulged with shock as Kayla corrected him. Had he really just said unicorn hair and not unicorn horn?! He was more flustered than he should have let on. This was going against every lesson his grandfather had ever taught him. You never let a potential opponent see a weakness like that. Regardless of whether Kayla was paying attention or not it didn’t matter, she had seen a crack. With a scurry of his long fingers, Harvey flipped through his notes and was at least relieved that he had written it down correctly. Just a fumble with his words was all. “Yes, you’re correct.” His tone remained neutral with a bit of effort. He was tempted to be harsh with her for correcting him publicly, but it wouldn’t serve any purpose towards completing their task.
Harvey would then focus on measuring the standard carefully as to not get distracted again, but as Kayla began to provide information on the bezoar she was crushing, he couldn’t help but to compete. “Yes, they do come from a goat’s stomach for potion purposes, but I’ve read that they can be found in many different animals. Even humans too.” The faintest curl of the corner of his lip indicated a level of satisfaction with that tidbit. Yet it would fade as Kayla continued her story. Harvey had no personal experience like that. Imagine witnessing a potioneer in action! Perhaps she would provide a competent partner. “The book said that the bezoar is a natural antidote, so I imagine that man must have been poisoned obviously.”
It was a bit snarky of him, but that coolness would slip as Kayla quickly measured out the crushed bezoar and added it to the cauldron. “Four measures!” Harvey blurted out as she did so. “Did you measure carefully?” His voice was almost squeaky as the panic arose yet again. “We must be accurate and receive top marks in this assignment.” Kayla’s carefree nature was really starting to put him on edge. “We can’t just heat it. That process has to be done at a specific temperature for five seconds. Please read carefully.” Harvey took a deep breath and tried to calm down before adding the standard ingredient. “Potions are meant to be made solo, it should only take one wave from one wand. Now please raise the temperature to medium and I’ll count the time.” Harvey waited for her to do so.
Second Generation Character of Howard White
Toil and Trouble
"Yeah, yeah, yeah, four measures, five, three. I know how to measure." Kayla waved her hand dismissively, her voice dripping with mock exasperation. She could feel the tension radiating off him, and she couldn’t help but take a little pleasure in the way he was trying so hard to keep himself composed. He was funny looking when he was trying to keep from riling up.
"You know, some potions can have their rules bent around, at least that’s what my mum always says," she continued, keeping her tone light and breezy.
"Potions aren’t always as rigid as people make them seem. There’s room for a little creativity, a bit of flair. It’s all about learning the fundamentals first, then figuring out how to push the boundaries a bit. That’s what makes each potion maker’s brew unique." She continued as she began heating the potion.
Kayla turned back to the cauldron. She adjusted the heat, focusing on the potion again.
"And my mum," she added with excitement,
"She’s been doing this for years. Her shop has a reputation. It’s got all these rare ingredients and potions that people come from all over to buy. I’m hoping to take it over when I graduate. She’s already promised to teach me her style once I’ve learned all the basics. Can’t wait. It’s gonna be incredible, but it's gonna make these seven years feel like forever."
She smiled at him warmly as they waited for the potion to heat up, watching the temperature closely.
"What are you hoping to do after graduation?"
"You know, some potions can have their rules bent around, at least that’s what my mum always says," she continued, keeping her tone light and breezy.
"Potions aren’t always as rigid as people make them seem. There’s room for a little creativity, a bit of flair. It’s all about learning the fundamentals first, then figuring out how to push the boundaries a bit. That’s what makes each potion maker’s brew unique." She continued as she began heating the potion.
Kayla turned back to the cauldron. She adjusted the heat, focusing on the potion again.
"And my mum," she added with excitement,
"She’s been doing this for years. Her shop has a reputation. It’s got all these rare ingredients and potions that people come from all over to buy. I’m hoping to take it over when I graduate. She’s already promised to teach me her style once I’ve learned all the basics. Can’t wait. It’s gonna be incredible, but it's gonna make these seven years feel like forever."
She smiled at him warmly as they waited for the potion to heat up, watching the temperature closely.
"What are you hoping to do after graduation?"
Where you off to? Can I come too??
Toil and Trouble
@Kayla Slattery
A little flash of anger would cross through Harvey's gaze as Kayla dismissed his remarks. How dare she be so casual about this. Potions was a core class at Hogwarts and there were so many professions that would require top marks in the subject if they ever wanted to a chance a success post graduation. Perhaps she was comfortable with the idea of some entry level job one day, but Harvey was going to rise to the top. It was damn near predetermined for the boy and he was not going to fail to meet the expectations! "We'll see about that." He grumbled under his breath as the immaturity of his age was beginning to show. The boy should have been more perceptive. Perhaps then he would have noticed that Kayla was getting a kick out of riling him up. A lesson for another day.
Harvey had to stop himself from gawking at Kayla's next statements. Bend the rules! Room for creativity! This was no literature class. This was science and science is exact! "No offense to your mother, but the book says nothing about being creative. Fundamentals are the basic building block of a skill. Repetition and precision are what refine that skill. I'll have to agree to disagree with you on that one." A smug smile crossed his lips as he was satisfied with that retort. Creativity and flair would never be defining characteristics of Harvey Barrows!
Perhaps he had spoken too soon as Kayla continued on about her mother. Apparently she had her own shop and a reputation to boot! Kayla may be like nails on a chalk board to Harvey, but he should try his best not to ruin a potential connection. "That being said, I'm sure your mother is quite the expert if she has her own shop and this reputation you speak of. Perhaps I shouldn't be so rigid in my practices." His tone was apologetic, but he didn't really mean a word of it. He only hoped it would smooth over any offense Kayla may have taken.
The thought of what he may do after Hogwarts was something he thought of often. "I'm sure you will follow in her footsteps and master the craft." Another attempt to butter her up. "My grandfather expects me to follow in his career path and enter the world of finance at Gringotts. He's a high level employee there." He knew that was what he was expected to do, but he did think of other occupations from time to time. What little boy doesn't dream of being an auror? Yet those childish fantasies had been drilled out of him. "One, two, three, four, five." Harvey counted down as Kayla increased the temperature of the brew. "If not that, I think I would pursue a career at the Ministry. Perhaps in regulations of some kind. Would you please give it a wave of your wand?" He waited for the action before continuing. Now they were to wait. "May I ask the name of your mother's shop? She must know some influential people I'd imagine?"
Second Generation Character of Howard White
Toil and Trouble
Kayla held back a laugh, poorly, with how riled up he was getting. Maybe she even saw a piece of his perfect hair sticking out from the energy he was exuding, she didn't want to point it out just yet.
"I'm just speaking from secondhand experience, and even then I didn't get to see much, I mostly hung out with my dad at muggle museums" she shrugged then followed his direction and waved her wand over the potion. It seemed like the rest of the class were on the same step as them and the class volume began to be a low roar. It was a 40 minute wait and she couldn't be silent either.
"The shop is called The Howling Wolf Brewing. It's popular in my town but I don't know if it's that famous." She shrugged as she skipped a few pages ahead in the textbook. Looking ahead at next possible lessons.
"Ooo the next lesson on Antidote to Uncommon Poisons looks pretty interesting too, that one calls for a lot more organic ingredients from beasts." She pointed to the ingredient list involving Graphorn horn and Billywig stings; then continued flipping though the book mindlessly as she continued.
"Gringotts huh? That sounds like a lot of math ahead of you. Are you into financing too? I feel like being some high up employee at a big company like that or the Ministry would be so stressful. That's why I want to continue the family business and run my own business later. Might not make as much money, but I think the peace of mind makes up for it."
She flipped back to the current lesson and noted that the unicorn horn was next to add.
"Unicorn horn is much harder to crush than bezoar so we should start crushing it up soon, it does need to be a fine powder anyway." She looked around, noting that other students haven't started on the horn. She remembered seeing her mum struggle to grind down unicorn horns for refilling her stock, it seemed like hours of struggling to fill a full jar.
"We just need a pinch, but it's pretty tough to grind down, do you want to try it?"
"I'm just speaking from secondhand experience, and even then I didn't get to see much, I mostly hung out with my dad at muggle museums" she shrugged then followed his direction and waved her wand over the potion. It seemed like the rest of the class were on the same step as them and the class volume began to be a low roar. It was a 40 minute wait and she couldn't be silent either.
"The shop is called The Howling Wolf Brewing. It's popular in my town but I don't know if it's that famous." She shrugged as she skipped a few pages ahead in the textbook. Looking ahead at next possible lessons.
"Ooo the next lesson on Antidote to Uncommon Poisons looks pretty interesting too, that one calls for a lot more organic ingredients from beasts." She pointed to the ingredient list involving Graphorn horn and Billywig stings; then continued flipping though the book mindlessly as she continued.
"Gringotts huh? That sounds like a lot of math ahead of you. Are you into financing too? I feel like being some high up employee at a big company like that or the Ministry would be so stressful. That's why I want to continue the family business and run my own business later. Might not make as much money, but I think the peace of mind makes up for it."
She flipped back to the current lesson and noted that the unicorn horn was next to add.
"Unicorn horn is much harder to crush than bezoar so we should start crushing it up soon, it does need to be a fine powder anyway." She looked around, noting that other students haven't started on the horn. She remembered seeing her mum struggle to grind down unicorn horns for refilling her stock, it seemed like hours of struggling to fill a full jar.
"We just need a pinch, but it's pretty tough to grind down, do you want to try it?"
Where you off to? Can I come too??
Toil and Trouble
@Kayla Slattery
Harvey did his very best to keep a neutral expression when Kayla revealed she had a muggle father. He held no hatred for the non magical people of the world like some in the community may, but he would agree that witch, wizard and magical being were superior. It was a taught mentality that his grandfather had instilled, yet one that was beginning to take further root the older he got. It was another tick in the cons column for Kayla as a muggle father would provide no meaningful connection, but he still needed to get to know more about her mother. The potential there was worth exploring. Still, watching a master work firsthand is surely beneficial. Even if she has unorthodox methods."
The boy made a mental note of the shop name. "Interesting name. May I ask where you are from?" If Kayla provided an answer, Harvey would have to make sure to ask send an owl back home to ask his grandfather about it. The old bat would want to hear about that for sure. It was now a waiting game after Kayla waved her wand and filling the next forty minutes would be a challenge. He would have preferred to read quietly, but the room was buzzing with chatter and trying to focus would have been hard. Harvey's dark eyes followed Kayla's fingers as she pointed out ingredients from all sorts of magical beasts. "It is rather interesting." Perhaps the first genuine thing the boy had to say. He had no wish to ever handle any of these animals, but the powerful properties of those ingredients intrigued him greatly.
The mention of his grandfather's employer would draw him further into conversation. "The idea of finance isn't always the most exciting prospect, but I do enjoy the potential of making connections throughout the community that it provides. Grandfather has helped finance several businesses and I think that's impressive. He knows a lot of influential people." Harvey's gaze hardened slightly when Kayla mentioned making a humble living. He was taught that financial success was of the upmost importance to creating a purposeful life. "I want to be successful one day, so I'm not sure why you would want to work for piece of mind." He huffed at even the thought of it. "I would have thought a talented potioneer would be well off."
Harvey's stance on the matter may offend Kayla, so it was probably best to focus on the task at hand. She outlined the next task and it would seem that it may prove difficult. The boy was no fan of manual labor. That's why you paid those beneath you to do so, but on the other hand he did not want to be outdone. The crunching and grinding noises now filling the room was evidence that they too should be starting. "Sure, I'll try." Harvey was noticeably smaller than most kids his age, but perhaps the goblin blood running through his vein would provide the strength he needed. (rolled a d20 dice just for fun and got a 19!) Much to his satisfaction the unicorn horn would crush after a few attempts. It would take some time to get it to a fine powder, but he would get there eventually.
"Just a pinch and stir clockwise twice when the time is up." Harvey read the instructions. Unfortunately they had to wait just a little longer, so his gaze went back to Kayla and he awaited her reaction.
Second Generation Character of Howard White