Memories We Own

The path to Vevra

"Don't you ever doubt yourself again. I believe in you."

"Thank you, Sir, I don't know what I would have done without you and your sincere help."

"It's my honor and pleasure, Peter."

Peter gave a hopeful smile and exited the office, heading back to his own. He began preparing a few potions for the journey, and perhaps even a new one to make the mission smoother.

He visits the village to gather herbs for his potions. There he notices a rather odd-looking plant among the thyme and rosemary. It was black — shimmery, glowing like a midnight sky. Curious, he plucks it; black, ink-like sap gushes from its roots. A faint hum filled the air as it sealed itself.

"Interesting," Peter murmured. He puts the black herb with all the others in a basket and makes his way to his laboratory inside the classroom building. He was excited and quite happy about his discovery. A grin crept across his face. In all his years studying plants and potions, he had never seen an herb like this.

Peter washes the herbs, slices a sliver of the black plant, and prepares a base for his potion consisting of:

1. One leaf of mint.

2. A squeeze of lemon juice.

3. Four drops of water.

4. A small piece of rosemary.

He adds water to form the potion base — perhaps to create something new. It's dangerous work, but Peter risks himself for Vevra. He drops the black herb into the brew and watches it deepen to an inky shade. The mixture roils aggressively for a few seconds and then rests. He pours it in a small vial and carries it to the testing table. It will either help — or go terribly wrong. He brings out his first test subject — a plant in a garden pot.

"Here goes nothing," Peter sighed, drawing a breath to steady himself. He puts a few drops of the potion onto the few leaves of the plant and... It. Turned. Invisible.

A transparent barrier surrounded it — like glass but unbreakable.

He tries to hit the plant hidden in the shield using a hammer, yet nothing happens.

He tries a jelly bob — same result.

"Fascinating," he murmured to himself. "I have to go tell Professor Silvius."

He runs, one vial in his hand and the test plant in the other.

He knocks, barely able to stand still with excitement.

"Come in," Professor Silvius calls calmly.

"Professor — I've something incredible to show you," Peter trembled.

He set the pot on the table, added a few drops on its leaves — and the plant vanished.

"Incredible," said the headmaster. "What a discovery."

"Yes — it is," Peter said.

"And how did you manage to create such a potion?" asked Professor Silvius.

"Well, I was gathering herbs and found a suspicious black plant. Its roots oozed ink; I added some to the base and—" he paused. "Masterpiece."

"I knew great things were expected from you, Peter."

"Thank you, Sir,"

Peter, elated, scribbled the recipe into his notes.

That night Peter hurried to the hall, afraid he'd miss the discussions.

He entered to a round of applause from the packed hall. He was flabbergasted — pleasantly shocked. He didn't know what was going on until he looked at who was on the stage. It was Professor Silvius telling the Vervillians all about him and his potion.