Coming to Hogsmeade for the first time, Aiden was not distracted by the bustling sights before him. Instead, his mind was occupied, planning out the items he needed for advancement.
"System, list the ingredients for the advancement potion."
Ding. Main ingredients: complete pituitary gland of an adult iridescent lizard-dragon, 10 ml of spinal fluid from a Falsman rabbit.
Auxiliary ingredients: 5 grams of chestnut tree bud spores, 8 grams of dragon tooth grass powder, 3 petals of pure white spirit flower, 100 ml of pure water.
"But the pituitary gland, spinal fluid, and spirit flower—these three materials don't exist in this world?"
Ding. The characteristic extraction function can be used. This system has calculated the following: extract the characteristics of the African rainbow lizard's pituitary gland and dragon blood to synthesize the iridescent lizard-dragon's pituitary gland. Extract the characteristics of rabbit spinal fluid plus hag feathers to synthesize Falsman rabbit spinal fluid. Extract the characteristics of dittany plus gillyweed to synthesize pure white spirit flower.
"So that's how it works. The lizard-dragon represents the draconic component, the Falsman rabbit adds the spectral trait, and the spirit flower contributes healing. Now the potion is complete." Aiden tucked away his thoughts and devised a trick to send Bill off.
"Bill, could you go to Honeydukes and buy some sweets? And don't forget to bring extra for Ginny and the others." As he spoke, Aiden handed Bill five Galleons.
"But aren't I supposed to help you buy potion ingredients?" Bill asked, confused.
"Go on! I've already written the list. I can manage by myself. Besides, it's not every day we get to visit Hogsmeade. Don't you want some treats too?" Aiden tempted him. If he'd had horns, they might have appeared at that moment.
"…Alright, we'll meet at the entrance of Honeydukes." Bill gave in, his resistance worn down by Aiden's charm. Once he left, Aiden made his way to the potions shop.
"Welcome to J. Pippin's Potions!" The enthusiastic voice of the shopkeeper, Jerome Pippin, rang from behind the counter.
Aiden looked around and saw an elderly man—slender, dressed in a well-kept though slightly worn green robe. His hair was pure white, tied into a neat ponytail. His eyes were warm, yet sharp.
"Hello, Mr. Pippin. I'd like to buy potion ingredients. Here's my list. Also, I need a scale, several corked glass bottles, some dragon blood… and some gillyweed." Aiden quietly activated his Audience ability to make himself appear harmless and sincere.
"Let's see… This list is for ingredients for a basic Scabies Cure. What about the other items?"
"They're for experimenting with potion improvements."
"Oh? You're quite the diligent young wizard. I'll get everything ready. Just give me a moment." Mr. Pippin turned to gather the ingredients.
After a short while…
"Alright, young man. Here's your order—total comes to 40 Galleons. Will you be able to carry all of it?"
"Of course, Mr. Pippin." Aiden took the neatly packed materials and left the shop.
At Honeydukes, Bill was still busy indulging in sweets. Aiden arrived just in time.
"Bill, it's time to go back. Did you buy the treats?"
"Yeah, let's return using the fireplace at The Three Broomsticks." Bill was now carrying two large packages filled with candy.
That afternoon, at The Burrow.
Bill pushed open the gate. "Mum, we're back."
Molly turned and raised an eyebrow. "Bill, weren't you getting potion ingredients? Why are you holding Honeydukes bags? Did you use your brother's money for sweets?"
"No, Aunt Molly. I bought these to share with Ginny, Ron, and the others," Aiden quickly explained before Molly's frown deepened.
"Yes, Mum," Bill chimed in hastily.
"Alright, Bill. Share the sweets with your siblings. I'll watch Aiden brew potions." Molly waved him off.
"Now, just us two. Let's get started." Molly spoke while setting a cauldron on the fire. Aiden activated his Guidance ability subtly, making her overlook the unique ingredients he was about to use.
Aiden began brewing. Using the Audience's mastery over his body and emotions, he carefully followed the brewing steps and produced a textbook-perfect Scabies Cure.
"Oh, that's a smooth technique. The potion's quality is excellent. Aiden, you're truly gifted in potions." Molly praised sincerely after observing his steady brewing.
"Thank you for your kind words, Aunt Molly."
"Well, that's enough for today. Go play. I'll clean up the cauldron. I still need to clear the attic—our ghoul's been noisy lately," she muttered, preparing to clean.
"Aunt Molly, I can clean the cauldron. It's good spell practice for me." Spotting the perfect opportunity, Aiden offered enthusiastically, casting just the right impression with his Guidance skill.
"Spells? But you don't have a wand yet, do you?" Molly looked at him, puzzled.
"I got it from the Pruett Family vault. Look—Scourgify!" Aiden cast the cleaning charm on the table, and the greasy stains vanished instantly.
"…Oh, Aiden. Beautiful spellwork. Alright, I'll leave the cauldron to you." Even someone as seasoned as Molly Weasley hadn't seen a child perform spells so naturally. Though surprised, she kept her composure and headed upstairs.
Finally alone, Aiden hurried to the cauldron and pulled out the secret materials. Silently, he invoked the system.
"System, extract the characteristics of the materials and synthesize the corresponding components."
Ding. Synthesis complete.
Aiden steadied his breath, using his Audience ability to calm his thoughts, then began brewing the Legilimens potion.
He poured in the pure water, ground the chestnut bud spores finely, and added them into the cauldron, followed by dragon tooth grass powder and the synthesized spirit flower. Next, he added the iridescent lizard-dragon's pituitary gland and the spinal fluid.
With practiced grace, he waved his wand and infused the mixture with spiritual energy.
Aiden's potion talent surged forth—it was as if mixing sequence potions came naturally to him, like tossing spices into a well-used pot. There was no time to admire the process; he quickly bottled the potion.
The final result was a shimmering, seven-colored liquid glowing under the light. He held it up, eyes reflecting its glow.
At last, all conditions for advancement have been met. But I mustn't rush—I still need to prepare fully.
Carefully, he stored the potion in a glass bottle.
"Scourgify." He cleaned the cauldron again, extinguished the fire, and returned to his room, potion in hand.
It was late afternoon. Outside, Ron, George, and Fred played loudly, their laughter echoing through the garden. They wouldn't return for a while.
Aiden shut the doors and windows tightly, sealing the room.
Alright. It's time for advancement.
End of the Chapter.