A Deeper Connection: A New Beginning

A Deeper Connection - Part II

Taking a few unsure steps forwards, the Dark Lord pretended to inspect the two plants, although refraining from touching them since Thomas Prince had never really handled plants, only used parts for his Potions brewing. After a while, he finally looked up, correctly identifying them as Dittany and Wormwood. Then, Professor Sprout asked him to elaborate on the growth conditions and magical properties of the two plants. Given that Thomas Prince was supposed to be a Potions genius as well as a bookworm much like the rest of the ancient Prince line, he began to ramble about the use of Dittany in a variety of Healing Potions and how it had to be added in the ordinary as well as the Grand Wiggenweld Potion. While he also elaborated on the geographic range, the plant's preference for salty sand or clay soil, the required exposure to light, and the general usage of the plant in Healing, it was very clear that Thomas' interest in Herbology mostly extended to the overlaps of the discipline with Potions. His explanation of the usage of Wormwood in the Draught of Living Death, the Elixir to Induce Euphoria, and the Shrinking Solution only underlined that. Still, Professor Sprout seemed to be rather content with his performance so far. This however changed when he was asked to replant the Dittany. While he managed to replant the healing plant in the end, it was obvious that Thomas had only read about the process but never done so before.

"Mister Prince," Professor Sprout finally said once the Dark Lord had finished with the Dittany, "I think the both of us know that you could do with a little more practice, which you will get once you start at Hogwarts. Given your theoretical performance and your enthusiasm, I do not see a reason why you should not be placed in second year. Congratulations, dear."

Since there were also quite a few overlaps between Astrology, and Potions, Professor Sinistra opted to test him next. After he had correctly identified two celestial constellations, he curtly pointed out the most important stars as well as their movements before once again focussing on the influence, the movement of the specific stars had on the harvesting of Potions ingredients and the brewing circles of several Potions, like the Felix Felicis and the Polyjuice Potion. Overall, Professor Sinistra was pleased with his results.

Afterwards, Thomas was quizzed about the theory behind the Levitation Charm, the Unlocking Charm, and the Knockback Jinx, which he was then asked to demonstrate. While Professor Flitwick seemed rather satisfied by Thomas' theoretical knowledge, the merry professor was almost ecstatic about the practical demonstration. Failing to contain his excitement, Professor Flitwick enquired about the textbook Thomas had used. Upon hearing the title of the French Charms manual, the one which Tom had found in the Département de la Famille', the Charms professor's eyes immediately lit up, " Charmes pour les curieux is an excellent beginner's text. I wish Adélaïde Bayard would finally agree to an English translation. I would gladly use her textbook since I think it is much more advanced than most comparable Charms manuals while simultaneously containing an excellent theoretical framework. Would you like to demonstrate a few of the Charms you have learned from Madame Bayard?"

Encouraged by the merry professor, Tom first cast a Freezing Charm at the glass of water Professor Sinistra had previously offered him, before demonstrating the Disarming Charm and the Tickling Charm on Harry, who had graciously offered to be the test subject. As opposed to the French Charms curriculum, all three Charms were considered second year material in Britain. Much like before, all Charms were flawlessly executed, which the merry professor happily pointed out much to the displeasure and suspicion of Albus-to-many-names Dumbledore. While he could have pretended to be struggling, the Dark Lord had no intention to dumb himself down too much. Since most members of the Prince family were rather gifted and skilled scholars and magic wielders, his talent at Charms and Potions would be easily explained.