#85 - Potion Analysis

While Sprout was solving problems for the upperclassmen, Moon was discussing planting methods for the Snargaluff with Cedric.

He didn't approach the podium until all the upperclassmen had left.

However, before Moon could voice his question, Sprout expressed her gratitude first.

"Mr. Scarlitt, thank you very much for your Growth Potion; it allowed me to complete the Headmaster's commission ahead of schedule."

Sprout had borrowed three drops of Growth Potion from Moon last Saturday.

Now that three days had passed, Moon assumed the magical plant had absorbed the potion's effects.

However, hearing Sprout say it was Dumbledore's commission made Moon curious.

He didn't remember Dumbledore having any research in Herbology.

[Could it be related to the defense Snape mentioned that day?]

Moon remembered Snape saying something about defense after he came out of Dumbledore's office.

However, Moon didn't have the energy to inquire about the professors' affairs; he already had enough on his plate.

"It's my pleasure if I could be of assistance."

Moon replied with a smile, then asked about his findings from researching plants these past few days.

"Professor, I'd like to inquire about the problem with Dragon Dung Fertilizer."

Since deciding to research the problem of expanding plant yields through magic, Moon had been looking for different methods.

Although his main focus now was on modifying "growth-related" spells.

Moon didn't want to give up on other methods.

Especially after encountering obstacles in trying to modify the [Engorgement Charm], Moon knew that the road of modifying spells would be very long.

"Dragon Dung Fertilizer! Are you sure?"

Sprout was very surprised by Moon's question.

She had been worried that the amazingly talented young wizard she had discovered would go on to study spells, for which she had argued with Flitwick several times.

But now, hearing Moon's question, she was still a little excited.

"Yes, Professor, modifying growth-related spells still requires a long period of experimentation, but I don't want to stop my research, so I want to try other methods."

"Your choice is wise. Plants, as long as you can provide them with suitable fertilizer, they will definitely give you a satisfactory result, such as Dragon Dung Fertilizer."

Professor Sprout's words were a summary of her many years of experience in cultivating plants.

[You just need to be responsible for cultivating, and leave the rest to the food itself.]

Moon actually knew this truth when he was at the Xilin Farm.

However, the farm did not have very good fertilizers, and the harsh weather would still cause damage to various crops.

Moon only learned about Dragon Dung Fertilizer after joining the club.

Later, he learned about the role of this fertilizer by taking care of these plants.

"You've been using them for a while now, have you noticed the benefits of this fertilizer?"

Sprout brought Moon to the corner of the classroom, where two different types of Dragon Dung Fertilizer were placed.

"I found that in addition to ensuring plant growth, it also seems to make plants stronger, and the soil has also changed."

"That's right, your observation is very careful."

What Sprout admired most was Moon's ability to observe and his hands-on ability.

Hearing Moon mention the three benefits of Dragon Dung Fertilizer, she was even more satisfied with the young wizard in front of her.

"However, the mixing ratio of Dragon Dung Fertilizer is completely different. For example, these two in the club, one adds volcanic ash, and the other adds bean particles."

Professor Sprout explained very carefully, and even copied a copy of the Dragon Dung Fertilizer preparation method for Moon at the end.

"You can try this fertilizer yourself. I know what you want to do is to make the plants bigger, but this always has to be done slowly."

"Thank you, Professor, I will study this method carefully."

Moon thanked him after receiving the written Dragon Dung Fertilizer preparation method.

"Oh, don't mention it, there is plenty of Dragon Dung Fertilizer here. I think you can choose some plants with strong vitality for experiments first, such as your willow branch."

After Moon joined the club, only a small section of willow branches still retained the magical characteristics of the magical tree he planted.

Sprout put this section of willow branches in the club as proof of the new member's joining.

"Okay, Professor, I completely agree."

Moon was also very happy. After expressing his gratitude, he directly put the hydroponic willow branches into the flower pot and applied a layer of Dragon Dung Fertilizer.

Of course, just having willow branches is not enough. Anyway, with Professor Sprout's consent, Moon plans to find several more crop seeds for experiments.

What he originally planned to study was the problem of expanding the yield of crop plants, so naturally he had to try more plants in this area.

As for the fertilizer production after returning to Xilin, Moon didn't think there was any need to rush too much.

As long as he can find suitable fertilizers at Hogwarts, he can always find similar substitutes in Xilin.

After several explorations in Xilin, Moon increasingly felt that there was some kind of connection between the two worlds.

......

At nine o'clock in the evening, after all the students in the club had left, Moon suddenly remembered that he was still carrying an unknown thing.

"Professor, I want to ask, how can I know the medicinal effect and composition of a potion?"

Moon had been carrying half of the potion he brought from Xilin with him after dividing it.

Because he was more afraid of Professor Snape, Moon planned to ask the Herbology professor first.

"Unknown potion! I have to remind you, Mr. Scarlitt, this is a very dangerous thing."

Looking at Sprout's serious and caring eyes, Moon quickly explained.

"I know, Professor, so I haven't opened it."

"It's best to be like this. You don't know, in the magic world, unknown things often foreshadow various dangers."

Professor Sprout tirelessly gave Moon many examples.

Pottery jars buried underground, old notebooks, golden wine pots, quaint rings......

After listening to Sprout's lecture, Moon felt that he had received nothing less than a horror story baptism.

"Professor, don't worry, I won't use it privately until the medicinal effect is determined."

Seeing Moon's firm eyes, Sprout sighed helplessly.

"Okay, I know that fifth-year students at Hogwarts learn a [Potion Analysis Technique], this magic should meet your requirements."

"Potion Analysis Technique?"

"That's right, this thing is very difficult. I remember that you can find [Elementary Potion Analysis Technique] in the library, as for the intermediate and advanced levels, they should all be in the restricted area."

Looking at Sprout's expression, Moon knew that this professor who cared about him had given him a subtle hint.

[You better go find Professor Snape.]

"Okay."

Moon knew that it was unlikely that he would get a restricted book pass from Sprout, so in the end he could only leave the club classroom helplessly.

However, Moon did not give up his idea of exploring the potion.

Especially now that he knew the name of the [Potion Analysis Technique], Moon planned to find the elementary version in the library to learn first.

But obviously today is unlikely.

The library also closes at nine o'clock in the evening, so he can only wait until tomorrow.