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chapter 175 part 1
Chapter 172: Chaos
After nearly a month of rain, even the most reclusive professors felt the need to get out for a walk.
So now, Singeade's office was crowded with the school's professors. Seeing the Fire Crab Shell cauldron was secondary; they were mainly there for the excitement.
"Although I've seen it many times, I still have to say, this thing is truly magnificent—"
The closest professor tapped on the crab shell, which had already taken the form of a cauldron, marveling aloud at the echo—so different from that of metalwork.
The Fire Crab Shell that William had sent over was now completely transformed into a cauldron. If not for its special material and the scattered gems adorning it, no one would believe that this standard cauldron had, not long ago, been shaped like a turtle shell.
"It looks like more than simple Transfiguration was done. Let me try—"
The professor at the front observed it for a moment, then began to rhythmically tap the gems.
"It must have the simplest self-heating function, right? A cauldron made from a Fire Crab shell couldn't possibly do without that feature," the professor said, answering his own question. He quickly found the rhythm from the sound of the tapping gems—"Aguamenti."
As water streamed into it, the professor at the front easily pressed two gems. "This is the self-heating, isn't it?"
'Wait, how do you all seem to know everything?'
William glanced at the circle of professors around him and was relieved to find that they all seemed as clueless about appraising magical items as he was. It seemed the unfamiliar professor at the front was an expert in magical implements, not that the average professor's skill level was extremely high.
Since not everyone was an expert, William was happy to have a professor help explain the features of his new cauldron. After all, it wasn't a wand; it wasn't that private.
---
"Professor Singeade's skill in Alchemy is getting more and more impressive!"
On the way back to their offices together, the group of professors didn't hold back their praise. William, who had gained a tangible benefit, joined in cheerfully, completely forgetting the gloom brought on by the recent rain.
It couldn't be helped; Singeade's craftsmanship was simply too good.
As a professional Potions Master, William was worldly-wise. His own set of cauldrons was custom-made and exceptionally easy to use—but it was nothing compared to what Singeade had created.
Constant temperature, stable heating, reduction of impurities in the finished potion, and a slight boost to the effects of restorative and healing potions—all effects a Potioneer dreams of.
Although the cauldron's properties made it less effective for brewing certain potions with mental effects, such as the Elixir to Induce Euphoria, Amortentia, or Veritaserum, who cared?
A problem that could be solved by simply swapping cauldrons was no problem at all.
Though William's old cauldron set was handy, it was utter trash in comparison—top-tier materials paired with an advanced alchemist were just that formidable.
'It's a bit of a pity. Among the potions that require long brewing times, the Polyjuice Potion I'm best at doesn't get a bonus. Otherwise, this cauldron would be fantastic for brewing it.'
'Don't be so greedy, William,' he told himself, holding the cauldron. "You've already received enough. Don't be so greedy. What more could you ask for after getting such a top-tier cauldron?"
The group returned to the Staff Room with the cauldron.
"Aren't you going to test out the new cauldron, little William?" an old professor teased. He knew William was a professional Potions Master and wouldn't be put on the spot.
"Of course. How about some Elixir to Induce Euphoria?"
William also planned to try out the new pot. The past few days had been even more miserable without the elixir, and his current stock of potions was running low. It was a good time to brew a new batch.
"Of course, a little elixir is perfect for a happy day."
"Then everyone, please mention any potion ingredients you dislike, and I'll brew a special version."
Since he was going to show off his skills, William naturally had to pull out something special. There were plenty of basic potions on the market; Potions Masters made their names by improving upon those basic recipes.
Just as the Android system is modified by various manufacturers, basic potion recipes also have all sorts of improvements. But how they were modified and what the effects of those changes were depended on the skill of the individual.
Some modified the taste, some the side effects, some the potion's efficacy—potions without special modifications were for novices, not even worthy of being named.
"I don't like mint."
"The Elixir to Induce Euphoria gives me hiccups if I drink too much."
...
The professors brought up all sorts of requests. William listened to each one, then pulled a suitable modified potion from his memory—
"One moment, please. I'll go back and get my implements and ingredients. I'll be right back."
William gave the professors an embarrassed smile and then hurried off to retrieve his things.
---
'Hmm, add this, and it should be about done.'
William easily controlled the heat—breaking in the new cauldron was easier than he'd thought. Singeade's craftsmanship was impeccable.
"Professor!"
An urgent shout came from the doorway of the office, and then the door was thrown open without even a knock.
"What is it? What happened? Why the rush?"
William didn't recognize the newcomer, but the professors waiting to see the potion did.
"Something's happened! Mr. Filch has been attacked, and the Weasley Twins are in the corridor, randomly attacking the younger students!"
"What?"
Everyone in the office was completely stunned. The Weasley Twins were frequent topics of conversation among the professors. Even those who didn't teach them knew who the red-haired brothers were and what they had done.
William, who was about to add the final ingredient to complete the potion, was even more dumbfounded. The last herb in his hand fell directly into the cauldron, causing the potion to bubble furiously.
'You've got to be kidding me. The twins attacked Mr. Filch? And are randomly attacking younger students?'
Just as he was about to question the unbelievable news, another person burst through the office door.
"Professor, Professor!"
The child who came running saw the door was open and didn't even slow down, rushing in and shouting breathlessly.
"Professor! Miss Granger from Gryffindor has gone mad for some reason! She's attacking girls from her year and has already knocked out seven or eight of them!"
It was another piece of news that left everyone stunned.
Hermione Granger, as the top student of the second year and a much-discussed Muggle-born, was also a frequent topic of conversation among the professors. Some had even secretly wagered snacks on how far ahead her knowledge was.
"What are you all standing around for? Go and calm the students, and notify the Headmaster!"
The old professor was the first to stand up and issue commands. "Professors to my left, go deal with the Weasley brothers. Those on my right, deal with Miss Granger."
"The professors in the middle, stay here in case there are any more sudden incidents—Adams, you go notify Professor McGonagall what's happened. Go directly through the portraits, they're faster!"
Chapter 172: Chaos
After nearly a month of rain, even the most reclusive professors felt the need to get out for a walk.
So now, Singeade's office was crowded with the school's professors. Seeing the Fire Crab Shell cauldron was secondary; they were mainly there for the excitement.
"Although I've seen it many times, I still have to say, this thing is truly magnificent—"
The closest professor tapped on the crab shell, which had already taken the form of a cauldron, marveling aloud at the echo—so different from that of metalwork.
The Fire Crab Shell that William had sent over was now completely transformed into a cauldron. If not for its special material and the scattered gems adorning it, no one would believe that this standard cauldron had, not long ago, been shaped like a turtle shell.
"It looks like more than simple Transfiguration was done. Let me try—"
The professor at the front observed it for a moment, then began to rhythmically tap the gems.
"It must have the simplest self-heating function, right? A cauldron made from a Fire Crab shell couldn't possibly do without that feature," the professor said, answering his own question. He quickly found the rhythm from the sound of the tapping gems—"Aguamenti."
As water streamed into it, the professor at the front easily pressed two gems. "This is the self-heating, isn't it?"
'Wait, how do you all seem to know everything?'
William glanced at the circle of professors around him and was relieved to find that they all seemed as clueless about appraising magical items as he was. It seemed the unfamiliar professor at the front was an expert in magical implements, not that the average professor's skill level was extremely high.
Since not everyone was an expert, William was happy to have a professor help explain the features of his new cauldron. After all, it wasn't a wand; it wasn't that private.
---
"Professor Singeade's skill in Alchemy is getting more and more impressive!"
On the way back to their offices together, the group of professors didn't hold back their praise. William, who had gained a tangible benefit, joined in cheerfully, completely forgetting the gloom brought on by the recent rain.
It couldn't be helped; Singeade's craftsmanship was simply too good.
As a professional Potions Master, William was worldly-wise. His own set of cauldrons was custom-made and exceptionally easy to use—but it was nothing compared to what Singeade had created.
Constant temperature, stable heating, reduction of impurities in the finished potion, and a slight boost to the effects of restorative and healing potions—all effects a Potioneer dreams of.
Although the cauldron's properties made it less effective for brewing certain potions with mental effects, such as the Elixir to Induce Euphoria, Amortentia, or Veritaserum, who cared?
A problem that could be solved by simply swapping cauldrons was no problem at all.
Though William's old cauldron set was handy, it was utter trash in comparison—top-tier materials paired with an advanced alchemist were just that formidable.
'It's a bit of a pity. Among the potions that require long brewing times, the Polyjuice Potion I'm best at doesn't get a bonus. Otherwise, this cauldron would be fantastic for brewing it.'
'Don't be so greedy, William,' he told himself, holding the cauldron. "You've already received enough. Don't be so greedy. What more could you ask for after getting such a top-tier cauldron?"
The group returned to the Staff Room with the cauldron.
"Aren't you going to test out the new cauldron, little William?" an old professor teased. He knew William was a professional Potions Master and wouldn't be put on the spot.
"Of course. How about some Elixir to Induce Euphoria?"
William also planned to try out the new pot. The past few days had been even more miserable without the elixir, and his current stock of potions was running low. It was a good time to brew a new batch.
"Of course, a little elixir is perfect for a happy day."
"Then everyone, please mention any potion ingredients you dislike, and I'll brew a special version."
Since he was going to show off his skills, William naturally had to pull out something special. There were plenty of basic potions on the market; Potions Masters made their names by improving upon those basic recipes.
Just as the Android system is modified by various manufacturers, basic potion recipes also have all sorts of improvements. But how they were modified and what the effects of those changes were depended on the skill of the individual.
Some modified the taste, some the side effects, some the potion's efficacy—potions without special modifications were for novices, not even worthy of being named.
"I don't like mint."
"The Elixir to Induce Euphoria gives me hiccups if I drink too much."
...
The professors brought up all sorts of requests. William listened to each one, then pulled a suitable modified potion from his memory—
"One moment, please. I'll go back and get my implements and ingredients. I'll be right back."
William gave the professors an embarrassed smile and then hurried off to retrieve his things.
---
'Hmm, add this, and it should be about done.'
William easily controlled the heat—breaking in the new cauldron was easier than he'd thought. Singeade's craftsmanship was impeccable.
"Professor!"
An urgent shout came from the doorway of the office, and then the door was thrown open without even a knock.
"What is it? What happened? Why the rush?"
William didn't recognize the newcomer, but the professors waiting to see the potion did.
"Something's happened! Mr. Filch has been attacked, and the Weasley Twins are in the corridor, randomly attacking the younger students!"
"What?"
Everyone in the office was completely stunned. The Weasley Twins were frequent topics of conversation among the professors. Even those who didn't teach them knew who the red-haired brothers were and what they had done.
William, who was about to add the final ingredient to complete the potion, was even more dumbfounded. The last herb in his hand fell directly into the cauldron, causing the potion to bubble furiously.
'You've got to be kidding me. The twins attacked Mr. Filch? And are randomly attacking younger students?'
Just as he was about to question the unbelievable news, another person burst through the office door.
"Professor, Professor!"
The child who came running saw the door was open and didn't even slow down, rushing in and shouting breathlessly.
"Professor! Miss Granger from Gryffindor has gone mad for some reason! She's attacking girls from her year and has already knocked out seven or eight of them!"
It was another piece of news that left everyone stunned.
Hermione Granger, as the top student of the second year and a much-discussed Muggle-born, was also a frequent topic of conversation among the professors. Some had even secretly wagered snacks on how far ahead her knowledge was.
"What are you all standing around for? Go and calm the students, and notify the Headmaster!"
The old professor was the first to stand up and issue commands. "Professors to my left, go deal with the Weasley brothers. Those on my right, deal with Miss Granger."
"The professors in the middle, stay here in case there are any more sudden incidents—Adams, you go notify Professor McGonagall what's happened. Go directly through the portraits, they're faster!"
