Chapter 30: Successful Brewing

Sometimes, potion-making appears so Muggle-like,

that many believe anyone, even a Muggle, could brew potions by simply following the steps.

But the truth is the opposite,

for even with all the ingredients and strict adherence to instructions, Muggles still cannot make potions,

because potion-making always requires some magic to Making Guide it, and sometimes even a wand.

For the scabies remedy, its magical component appears at the end,

when the wizard must make a specific gesture and silently recite a particular incantation.

The general meaning is:

“Endow this potion with the ability to cure scabies.”

As for the earlier steps, Wizard Sean is now performing them.

In the dungeon.

Thin light casts patches on the stone walls; the cauldron simmers over low heat, emitting white steam and a fragrant aroma,

the empty underground room filled only with the bubbling sound and the soft rustle of Wizard Sean flipping through *Magical Potions and Potions*.

Professor Snape made it clear in the first lesson about potion-making:

precision and strictness.

Wizard Sean flipped *Magical Potions and Potions* to the required section,

though he had memorized it, he still set it aside as a precaution.

“Step one: weigh the ingredients, simmer the tentacled slug…”

While the cauldron had not yet reached the designated preheating time, Wizard Sean swiftly measured the four ingredients to precise standards,

then immediately began simmering the tentacled slug.

During the simmering, he used the tools on the table to crush the venomous fangs and finely chop the pre-soaked dried nettle.

The skills he learned in the greenhouse now proved useful,

and he handled the materials with ease, bringing them up to standard while still having ample time left.

In his spare moments, Wizard Sean did not stop—he quickly recorded the quantities and conditions of the materials.

He did not overlook even the general state of the flame,

though the dungeon cauldron ignited automatically, he would eventually need to learn to control the flame with a wand, wouldn’t he?

Wizard Sean always preferred to prepare in advance.

“Step two: remove the slug, add dried nettle and venomous fangs…”

With sufficient time, Wizard Sean reviewed *Magical Potions and Potions* once more, ensuring he would not forget any detail due to nervousness.

The brown-black book, its cover depicting a cauldron and steam, lay beside him,

revealing its first page: 【Basic Brewing Method—This Book Is Enough】

“Step three: stir left twice, then right three times—force must be moderate…”

Wizard Sean stirred the brewing potion with a motion that shattered the bubbles, maintaining a steady posture,

though in truth, he was nervous.

Professor Snape could appear at any moment, and his practice might still fail,

fear of the unknown was natural, and Wizard Sean was no exception,

so he was especially careful and thorough.

“Almost done—add the slug, then remove the cauldron and add porcupine quills.”

The potion-making had clearly reached its most critical stage; the slug dissolved instantly upon entering the cauldron, turning the potion a pale blue.

Wizard Sean silently counted in his mind:

“Twenty-five, twenty-four, twenty-three…”

In this interval, Wizard Sean did not freeze—he meticulously recorded every detail of the next steps: time, material states, heat levels, and more.

Now came the most thrilling moment:

Wizard Sean stirred the cauldron, swung his arm, and recited the incantation,

and after the cauldron bubbled for a moment,

it transformed into…

a blue-green jelly-like liquid.

Huh?

Why blue-green?

The interface gave no prompt.

Wizard Sean knew with certainty he had failed,

but looking at the final result, his failure was not total.

He frowned—if the material preparation had no flaw, then the error must lie in the brewing process.

Was it the stirring, the heat, or the final incantation?

Or all of them?

Wizard Sean suddenly recalled a passage from *Magical Theory*:

【However, when you master a magic,

to truly unleash its full power,

you need sufficient mental strength】

Wizard Sean noticed the phrasing here—a magic.

Did potion-making also fall under this, and require the same?

Wizard Sean knew his potion talent was limited; like spells, it might take hundreds of attempts to master the technique,

but he had little time and even less material,

so he must find a shortcut.

He carefully pulled *Advanced Potions* from his bag and skimmed its obscure passages,

and soon, he found the description that caught his eye:

【The Ministry of Magic classifies Polyjuice Potion as a high-risk magic,

as its effects are heavily influenced by the brewer’s emotional fluctuations,

requiring strict supervision】

He did not fully know what emotion potion-making required, but tension and mechanical repetition were certainly unacceptable.

When the cauldron ignited again and steam rose once more,

Wizard Sean’s tense body slowly relaxed; he told himself,

if Professor Snape discovered him, whether his practice succeeded or failed, he would be finished,

so the difference between a successful finish and a failed finish was immense.

His green eyes grew deep and calm again, and even his stirring posture took on a peculiar rhythm.

Wizard Sean was always skilled at controlling his emotions; children who failed at this in Hollyse Orphanage lived poorly.

The nettle dissolved in the cauldron like rock candy, the fangs hissed as they merged into the potion,

Wizard Sean used the exact same heat level as last time, but this time,

he truly felt he was practicing an art.

The art of potions.

The cauldron exhaled a misty white vapor; time slipped away in silence, broken only by the faint clink of the spoon against the inner wall.

When Wizard Sean added the porcupine quills again,

the extinguished cauldron seemed to absorb the final ingredient as if merging with it.

Wizard Sean focused on completing the ritual and reciting the incantation.

This time, the cauldron did not change slowly—it seemed to obey Wizard Sean’s will,

This time, the cauldron no longer changed slowly—it seemed to obey Wizard Sean’s will.

and in moments, the liquid became jelly-like, its color nearly indistinguishable from ink green.

【You have successfully brewed a batch of scabies remedy to apprentice standards, proficiency +1】

Wizard Sean’s eyes shone brightly as he gazed at the ink-green, jelly-like potion, his lips curling unconsciously.

Without wasting a second, he meticulously wrote every step into his notebook,

the most crucial part written in bold capitals:

【Potion-making is a precise craft—focus and calmness are key】

As he immersed himself in reflection and summary,

the torches on the dungeon stairs suddenly flickered,

and above the cold steps, a black robe hem surged abruptly.

Above the cold stone steps, a black robe hem suddenly surged into view.