The golden potion in the vial shimmered like liquid gold. One look told Will it was no ordinary brew. He guessed Snape had set it aside some time ago; Felix Felicis took six months to make.
Will had offered Jiggers double the price for a reason: he wanted him to buy a bottle of Felix Felicis from someone's private collection.
"You know what this is, don't you?" Snape set Will's gift aside without opening it.
Will nodded. "Felix Felicis. An extremely advanced potion, also called Liquid Luck. It brings good fortune, but brewing it is complicated, and a mistake can have disastrous consequences.
"It's remarkably powerful, though. For a day, the drinker becomes so lucky that almost anything they attempt succeeds. But taking too much before it wears off causes dizziness, recklessness, and arrogance.
"One person who drank Felix Felicis had its effects washed away by Gringotts' Thief's Downfall. Many believe he had taken too much and become arrogant and reckless.
"And drinking a large enough amount in a short time produces a potent toxin that antidotes can barely counter. A wizard would almost certainly die on the spot. So this vial contains a dose you prepared specifically for me, doesn't it, Professor?"
Snape nodded and offered Will a rare compliment. "Your skill in Potions is quite good. Among third- and fourth-year students, that is."
Will pursed his lips. Professor, the tsundere act went out of style years ago.
Snape's face stiffened. "What's that look for?"
"Nothing. I still have gifts to deliver to the other professors. See you at lunch!" As if he had suddenly remembered, Will hurried out.
Snape paid it no mind. Only after Will left did he unwrap his gift.
Inside the box sat a large, elegantly packaged bottle of shampoo and a smaller box. The