"It actually worked…"
In the laboratory of The Golden Crucible's editorial department, an editor carefully sealed away the last batch of Wolfsbane Potion. He had just brewed it using three alternative ingredients that replaced the most expensive materials — exactly as described in the paper.
Although he'd tested the method several times before approving the manuscript, no attempt had ever left him quite as stunned as this one.
Before the review, he'd been deeply skeptical — who would dare propose changing the Wolfsbane Potion's main ingredients? But now, holding undeniable proof in his hands, the editor felt a rush of disbelief and admiration.
"This Mr. Bulstrode, really…" he murmured to himself, shaking his head.
He quickly poured the precious potion into a storage vial. At The Golden Crucible, any verified test batches — especially costly ones like Wolfsbane — were never wasted. They would be sold as a benefit to the department. Something so valuable wouldn't just sit on a shelf.
Once the potion was safely stored away, the editor grabbed the manuscript and hurried straight to the editor-in-chief's office. A paper like this — something with real weight — had to be put on the editor-in-chief's desk immediately.
Inside the office, the editor-in-chief was enjoying a cup of black tea he'd acquired from the Ministry of Magic's branch in South Africa, savoring its rare aroma. The door slammed open — the startled editor-in-chief nearly spilled his tea as the manuscript landed on his desk with a loud slap.
"Have you lost your mind? You always ruin my tea when you show up like this."
"Editor-in-chief, you have to read this."
Seeing the urgency on his colleague's face, the editor-in-chief set his teacup aside and picked up the paper. His eyes narrowed at the title.
"Wolfsbane Potion? Is this a new paper from Master Damocles?"
"No. It's related to the Wolfsbane Potion, but it's not Damocles'. It's from Sean Bulstrode — you know, the young master of the Bulstrode family, still at Hogwarts!"
Sean Bulstrode? Of course the editor-in-chief knew the name. The young inventor behind the new Wit-Sharpening Potion that had taken the market by storm — the same potion that was making the Bulstrodes a small fortune in licensing. If he hadn't been stuck at Hogwarts, half the wizarding world would be lining up at his door by now.
Sean Bulstrode, and a paper about the Wolfsbane Potion? And it had this stubborn editor bursting in like this… Interesting.
He opened the paper and started reading. As he flipped through the pages, the look on his face shifted from mild interest to deep focus, and then to genuine surprise. The more he read, the more impressed he became.
Setting the paper down, the editor-in-chief leaned back in his chair and sat silently for a long moment. Finally, he looked up at the editor who'd brought it in.
"Have you worked out exactly how much these substitute ingredients will cut the cost of brewing Wolfsbane Potion?"
"Roughly thirty percent," the editor replied at once. "The three ingredients he replaced are the rarest and most expensive in the entire potion. Even with the substitutes, the potion is still costly — but the real breakthrough is that it makes mass production possible. The original ingredients aren't just expensive; they're nearly impossible to source. By replacing them, you make Wolfsbane not only thirty percent cheaper but also far more accessible."
The editor-in-chief drummed his fingers on the table. "Thirty percent… that's no small thing. But it's not enough. Not enough to call it revolutionary."
The editor nodded eagerly. "You're right — by itself, it's not groundbreaking. But you must've noticed, sir — this paper isn't the end. It's only the first stage of Sean's research."
The editor-in-chief's eyes glimmered with cautious excitement. "Yes, I saw that. If he really manages to complete the second stage — or even a third — this could absolutely change lives. For every witch or wizard bitten by a werewolf, a cheaper Wolfsbane Potion is nothing short of life-changing."
"So how should we place it in the next issue?" the editor asked.
The editor-in-chief thought for a moment, then said firmly, "Second page. It can't be the cover yet — it's not quite disruptive enough for the front page. But second placement is fine — that's still an honor. Do it."
"Understood. I'll coordinate with layout immediately."
"Good. Go on, then."
Clutching the manuscript as though it were a treasure, the editor turned and hurried out.
Left alone, the editor-in-chief leaned back in his chair, tapping the edge of his teacup, thoughts drifting to the young name on the paper.
"Barely half a year since his last paper, and here he is again with something this solid. If Sean Bulstrode keeps this up, there's no doubt he'll become a true Potions Master one day. The real question is — how far can he go before he even leaves Hogwarts?"
Bulstrode Manor
A snowy owl landed gracefully on the balcony railing, a small letter tied to its leg. Moments later, the message was placed in Gideon's hands.
He sat with his wife Elena, enjoying a quiet afternoon tea by the window.
"Who's the letter from?" Elena asked curiously.
Gideon glanced at the seal. "It's from the Wizengamot — Ministry business."
Elena gave a small, uninterested hum and turned back to her teacup. But Gideon's next words snapped her attention back.
"They're informing me that Sean's new paper has passed review and will appear in the next issue of The Golden Crucible. That makes three now."
At once, Elena's eyes widened and she set her cup down with a soft clink. "The Golden Crucible — again? That's wonderful! That boy, he's really incredible. He's so young — I can't imagine how much effort he must've put in but… wait…" She paused, brows furrowing as she tilted her head. "Darling, what exactly is this Golden Crucible?"
"Pfft—!"
Even Gideon, always so composed, nearly sprayed his tea at his wife's earnest question.
He set his cup down, shaking his head with an exasperated smile. "Elena, honestly… How can you praise him so confidently when you don't even know what it is?"
She pouted playfully. "Well, you looked so proud just now! If you're so happy about it, it must be something great."
Chuckling, Gideon nodded. "You're not wrong. The Golden Crucible is the most respected journal for Potions in the entire wizarding world. Anyone whose work appears there has real standing in the magical community. For Sean to have three papers published there already — at his age — is extraordinary. And the level of his research? If someone called him a Potions Master now, the only thing holding him back would be his age. Nothing else."
Elena beamed with pride, her eyes shining. "A Potions Master! That child is amazing. He really is my grandson — brilliant!"
Watching her so delighted, Gideon could only shake his head with quiet amusement. His fingers traced the edge of the letter — the proud smile lingering on his face long after the conversation had drifted to other things.