Deep Foundations

The first round of the Magical School Potion Championship felt more like a practical exam to Albert.

Naturally, he came first again.

At that moment, President Bernard announced from the judges' table that the second round would begin in three days.

Although the content of the competition had not been announced, Professor Slughorn told Albert about the second round on their way back to the pub.

"Contestants will have ten hours to venture into the Magical Gardens to gather potion ingredients. They must return with the ingredients they find within the allotted time and use them to brew a potion," Professor Slughorn reminded him. "The contestants from the other schools have probably learned the specifics of the second round already. I suggest you leave yourself a way out first. Make sure the ingredients you gather can be used to brew a potion before worrying about anything else."

"Besides gathering ingredients, you need to leave time to brew the potion—at least an hour and a half. I've seen people eliminated because they didn't leave themselves enough time to brew."

"I understand."

Albert nodded, thanking Professor Slughorn.

Though he had long known the contents of the later rounds, Professor Slughorn was doing everything he could to help him win.

Just then, a bearded, sallow-faced middle-aged man approached Albert and raised a hand in friendly greeting. "This should be our first formal meeting, Mr. Anderson. I'm Damocles, Damocles Belby."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Belby." Albert shook his hand.

"An excellent match, truly splendid. You probably didn't notice Bernard's expression, did you?" Damocles was very pleased that Albert had effortlessly crushed the other contestants. "I heard from Hertok that you improved the Draught of Living Death as well. If you used it in the competition, I'd wager Bernard wouldn't be able