Traditions of the Magical School Potion Championship

Hertok did not linger. He had other business at the Extraordinary Apothecary Association, and once he was done, he would have more than enough time to come back for them. After all, brewing the Draught of Living Death would take at least an hour.

In fact, the membership assessment also lasted an hour.

A large hourglass stood before them. Once the assessment began, Mr. Eugene would turn it over.

Still, Albert truly could not understand—was it really so difficult to get a mechanical clock?

"Are you all right?"

The two of them each found a spot and inspected the tools on the tables for processing ingredients and brewing potions. They spoke quietly as they worked, utterly untroubled by the approaching assessment.

The Draught of Living Death was a potion from Advanced Potion-Making. Albert had only just finished his fourth year and clearly had not yet studied Advanced Potion-Making, much less brewed any of its potions.

Isabelle had never doubted Albert's talent, but if he had never brewed it and did not know the recipe, then no amount of talent would help.

Albert understood what Isabelle meant and said with a smile, "It isn't too difficult. I've brewed this potion before."

Albert had naturally read Snape's copy of Advanced Potion-Making, and he had not forgotten to pick up some of the useful tricks from it.

The Draught of Living Death was actually quite suitable for making Joke items, so Albert had once brewed some for Fred and George to use in the Happy Candies they had envisioned.

While the two chatted, Mr. Eugene had already brought over all the ingredients needed to brew the Draught of Living Death. Each of them received only one set. Failure was not permitted, which was also part of the assessment.

After all, this was not