"Young lady, what book are you reading? Whoa! The Feasibility of Linking Alchemy to the Soul and Illusory Realms? You're only in fifth year, and you're reading this?" It was the grumpy old man, his eyes wide as he stared at the book.
This book was written two centuries ago by someone daring enough to experiment on their own soul. Many modern theories about the soul were derived from his work.
"There are some things I need to understand. Is there something you'd like to ask?" Given the goodwill the old man and his companions had shown in recent days, Lys Black responded with a polite tone.
"Ahem, well, it's like this. I have a grandson, a Gryffindor, very outstanding. Would you be interested in getting to know him?" The grumpy old man, seeing an opportunity, couldn't help himself. Being grumpy himself, he liked people with a similar temperament, and Lys was just his type.
"He's a bit short now, but don't worry. Boys grow late. His parents are both tall, so he'll definitely match you! He's also an excellent student!" He patted his chest as he introduced his grandson to Lys.
Lys was taken aback by his enthusiasm. She glanced toward her parents for help, but Noah was pressing his lips together, trying to stifle his laughter, while Senna simply watched Noah with a smile.
Thinking about the professors at her school, none of whom were married, Lys replied, "I'm not considering this for now."
After seeing off the sighing old man and his cheerful friends, Noah finally burst out laughing. "Well, my little star, you've reached the age where people start introducing potential matches. So, tell me, is there anyone you like at school?"
Lys considered the question. A pair of black eyes framed by a vivid splash of scarlet clouds came to mind. Shaking her head, she grabbed her quill and notes and returned to her reading.
The next day, Lys was seated amidst a pile of amber beads she had carved. While working, she accidentally caused one to explode, leaving scorch marks scattered across her shirt. After confirming that the shirt was merely singed and not torn, she continued her crafting.
Examining the finished product in her hand, Lys wasn't entirely satisfied. It wasn't subtle or discreet enough; under sunlight, parts of the array and the Joy Elixir embedded within caused it to shimmer like golden sand.
Standing by the shop window, Lys observed the beads in the light, pondering how to resolve the issue. Just then, the door opened, and Lucius Malfoy entered, his wife Narcissa Malfoy elegantly holding onto his arm. Both carried themselves with an air of aristocratic pride.
Casting a glance at the bookshelves, Lucius raised an eyebrow before striding toward the counter. Offering a polite smile, he retrieved a fire-sealed parchment from his robes. "I hope I'm not disturbing you, Mr. Black. This is a potion recipe entrusted to me by my junior, Severus Snape, for Miss Lys Black. Might I ask where she is?"
Lys, still holding the translucent blue amber beads, was engrossed in her observations and hadn't noticed the commotion behind her. She raised her left arm high, adjusting angles to catch the sunlight, scattering fine rays of light across half the reading room.
"Lys, your..."
"Senior," she addressed him, as this was the most recent formal term between them.
"Your senior is here to see you!"
Lys lowered her hand and turned to look. Her first glance landed on Lucius's wand. She had been considering removing the disguise from her own hawthorn wand and decorating it, perhaps modeling it after Lucius's wand.
Only then did she look at Lucius and nod. "Senior, madam, good day." By etiquette, she should have addressed them as Mr. Malfoy and Mrs. Malfoy, but since Lucius had emphasized their shared connection as seniors, it would be impolite to insist otherwise.
Lucius handed the fire-sealed envelope to Lys. "I've fulfilled Snape's request. By the way, may I ask which shop sells the alchemical accessory you're holding?"
Lys played with the beads in her hand, the small, delicate pieces appearing even more exquisite in her grasp. Holding the envelope, she carefully placed the beads into a small box conjured with Transfiguration. "I made it myself. If you don't mind, senior and madam, please accept it as a token of gratitude for your care during my years in Slytherin."
Lys still remembered how Narcissa's silent acceptance and lack of overt rejection had shielded her from excessive trouble during her first three years in Slytherin.
Lucius was surprised to receive a gift but didn't refuse Lys's gesture of goodwill.
"If you ever need something similar, feel free to commission me. I can manage simpler designs," Lys added, thanking them again for delivering the recipe before seeing them off.
The amber beads were primarily for nourishment, emotional stability, and protective arrays. Initially, Lys had intended them as a gift for Noah. However, as she carved, the already small beads grew smaller and fewer, eventually becoming a delicate set suitable for a woman.
But all of that was secondary now. The potion recipe Snape had sent—surely it was what she had been hoping for! Lys sat in her corner and carefully broke the fire seal.
Inside was a simple parchment with nothing but the recipe. Only upon flipping it over did she find Snape's meticulous handwriting at the bottom.
"This is a more advanced and complete version of the Wolfsbane Potion known among wizards. However, I believe there's still significant room for improvement. If you discover anything unexpected, I hope you'll share it with me, given your expertise in materials."
The straightforward, unembellished note, devoid of Snape's usual sarcasm, felt unfamiliar to Lys. After some thought, she concluded it might simply be due to a lack of space for further commentary.
Examining the recipe, Lys decided to consult Senna. She was well aware of her own limitations.
There are two things in this world one should never look at directly. One is the sun. The other? Lys's attempts at advanced potion-making...
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