Lesson One

A simple potion for curing boils

Even first-years should be able to handle making this easy to mix potion. However, if the directions are not carefully followed, the opposite effect can result. The necessary items for mixing it can be found at the Diagon Alley Apothecary if not grown or hunted in one's own back yard!

Ingredients:

• Dried Nettles 6 of the stinging variety
• Snake Fangs 12-15 sm. non-poisonous
• Horned Slugs 5 lg.
• Porcupine Quills 7-9 of medium length
• Mountain Spring Water 1 litre

Begin by setting your cauldron over a small fire, bringing the water to a slow, rolling boil. While your water is heating, crush your snake fangs as finely as possible. Add nettles and fangs, then stir slowly, being careful not to splash any over the side of the cauldron. After ten minutes add your slugs. Allow them to stew until mixture takes on a slightly greenish tint. At this point, take the cauldron off of the fire, again handling cautiously. Once it cools, add the porcupine quills. It is very important not to add them until the mixture is cool, else you risk melting your cauldron and spilling the potion on your person. This will result in extreme unpleasantness.