Chapter 27 - The Cauldron’s Crucible

As the towering structure of Gringotts Bank loomed behind them, Wilfred Prince turned to Serena, adjusting his sleek white hair as he did so. The piercing blue of his eyes softened slightly as he asked, "Is there anywhere you wish to go, Serena? Perhaps there's something you need or want. I know you've only brought back your Hogwarts luggage with you. And we should also consider stopping somewhere for lunch afterwards."

Serena, her long black hair glinting in the summer sunlight, hesitated for a moment. She bit her red lips in contemplation, a small frown creasing her forehead. Her snowy skin was illuminated in the soft light, highlighting the apprehension in her eyes. Finally, she spoke, "Actually, grandfather, I was hoping we could go to 'The Cauldron's Crucible'."

Wilfred's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "The Cauldron's Crucible? That's a place for Potion Masters, Serena. You've only just finished your second year at Hogwarts," he replied, a note of disbelief creeping into his voice. The name evokes the image of a cauldron, the iconic vessel used in potion-making, and the word "crucible," which symbolizes a transformative or testing experience. "The Cauldron's Crucible" could be a place where individuals can showcase their potion-making skills and prove their mastery of the craft.

Serena's eyes didn't waver from her grandfather's, and she took a step forward. "I know it's hard to believe, grandfather, but I've been recognized as a Potion prodigy by Professor Slughorn. I think I can pass the test with confidence," her reasoning was far fetched, she inwardly admitted.

Wilfred studied Serena, his gaze penetrating and intense. His granddaughter's face was open, earnest, and she looked at him with pleading eyes. 

He sighed, his stern exterior softening. "Very well. We will go. But remember, Serena, it is not a place for the faint-hearted. You must be prepared," he warned her.

Serena's face lit up, relief and excitement flooding her features. "Thank you, grandfather!"

"Grandpa. Call me Grandpa," Wilfred smiled. 

Serena froze, but quickly responded with a smile of her own, "Grandpa." 

With a nod, Wilfred turned and led the way to the Potion establishment, leaving the cobbled streets of Diagon Alley behind them. As they walked, Serena glanced at the Prince Heir ring on her finger. She was going to prove herself, not just to her grandfather, but to herself as well. 

~~~

As Serena approached the front desk of "The Cauldron's Crucible," her grandpa followed closely behind, his presence a reassuring anchor. The familiar scent of potion ingredients filled the air, and memories of her past life as Severus Snape flooded her mind. This place had once been a sanctuary for her, a refuge where she could immerse herself in the world of potions.

Confidence radiated from Serena as she stood before the staff at the front desk. Her small stature belied the determination burning within her. She met the gaze of the witch behind the counter.

"Hello, my name is Serena Prince and I would like to take the Potion Master's recognition test," Serena announced, her voice steady and clear.

The witch raised an eyebrow, clearly taken aback by the young girl's request. "Are you certain, dear? The test is usually reserved for witches and wizards who have completed their N.E.W.T.s. It's quite rigorous."

Serena nodded confidently. "Yes."

The staff member glanced at her grandfather then back to Serena. She was polite as she continued, "Then Congratulations on your decision to take the Potion Master's recognition test, Miss Serena. However, before we proceed, we require two letters of recommendation from recognized Potion Masters."

She nodded and reached into her mini black bag, her fingers rummaging through its contents until she retrieved two folded letters. The staff member's surprise was evident as Serena handed over the letters.

With a small smile, she said, "I've come prepared. Here are the letters of recommendation from Mr. Belby and Professor Slughorn."

The staff member's eyebrows shot up in astonishment as they accepted the letters. They quickly scanned the contents, making sure it was real, their eyes widening with each word. It was clear that the reputation and credibility of the individuals who had written the letters were not lost on them. 

Serena's grandpa, standing beside her, watched the exchange with a mixture of bewilderment and pride. He had not expected Serena to have such esteemed endorsements at such a young age.

The staff member looked up from the letters, their expression now one of admiration and excitement. "These letters are quite impressive, Miss Serena! It's not often we see such esteemed recommendations. It seems you have certainly earned the opportunity to take the test."

Serena kept her smile, "Thank you."

The witch nodded appreciatively, returning the letters to Serena. "We will proceed with the recognition test, taking into account these exceptional recommendations."

With the matter of the letters resolved, the staff member led Serena to the testing area.

As she embarked on the test, Serena's hands moved with practiced grace, her mind sharp and focused. Her knowledge flowed effortlessly, the years of experience from her past life guiding her every move. Each potion she brewed was a testament to her skill and dedication.

Her grandpa watched from a distance, his eyes filled with pride and awe. He marveled at the way Serena handled herself, her proficiency and confidence shining through. He had doubted her at first, but now he saw the truth in her words.

Hours passed, and Serena completed the last potion, a complex elixir that required precise timing and intricate techniques. She stepped back, wiping the sweat from her brow, her heart pounding with anticipation.

The witch examiner, who was more excited than herself,  came towards them eagerly. Her eyes gleaming with admiration. "You've done it. You've passed the test, Miss Serena! You are now officially recognized as a Potion Master. The youngest, in fact! Be proud."

A surge of joy and satisfaction washed over Serena, and she couldn't help but let out a breathless laugh. She looked expectantly at her grandfather. 

Wilfred Prince stepped forward, a smile playing on his lips. He placed a hand on Serena's shoulder, his voice filled with pride. "Congratulations, Serena. You have truly earned this title."

Serena's eyes brighten with the praise. "Thank you, grandpa."

Wilfred's gaze softened, his growing affection for Serena evident in his eyes. "Even if you needn't have to, you have proven yourself, Serena. I am honored to call you my granddaughter."

As the staff member finalized the necessary paperwork for Serena's official recognition as a Potion Master, Serena couldn't help but feel a sense of fulfillment. Not because she became a Potion Master, but for the sincere praise she received for the first time from a parent figure. 

She had once envied other children as they were praised and congratulated by their parents when her own parents didn't even care for her.

The feeling was novice but nice and pleasant. She found herself wanting more. 

~~~

The bustling crowd of Diagon Alley was a sight to behold, especially during the busy summer months. A kaleidoscope of color and sound, the atmosphere was alive with chatter and the hum of activity, an assortment of magical folk attending to their various errands and engagements. Serena glanced around her surroundings, her keen eyes taking in every detail as she walked alongside her grandfather.

The sight of a snowy owl perched on a window stall caught her attention. Bright white against the vibrant colors of the market, it stood out starkly. It reminded her of Hedwig, Harry's companion in her previous life. And a pang of nostalgia hit her. 

A sudden jolt from behind caught her off-guard. Startled, she stumbled forward, her footing lost amidst the cobblestone pathway. An instinctive gasp escaped from her lips as she braced herself for the imminent fall.

But the fall never came.

Instead, she felt a strong grip around her waist, halting her from falling face flat on the ground. She felt her heart race, not from the near fall, but from the sudden and unexpected contact. 

"Sorry! I wasn't looking," a voice above her head sounding sheepish, apologized. The hint of freshly cut grass, cedar wood, and nutmeg filled her nostrils, and she froze. 

She didn't need to look up to know who the voice belonged to. 

James Potter.

Her heart pounded in her chest as she raised her head to meet his gaze. His hazel eyes widened with surprise as he finally recognized her, a happy grin spreading across his handsome face. 

"Serena!" he exclaimed, his hold on her waist not faltering. "Hey- Hi! What are you doing here? Why haven't you written to me yet? I've been waiting for your letters."

Serena could feel the heat rising in her cheeks as she struggled in his grip, attempting to distance herself from the too-close proximity. But James, ever the stubborn Gryffindor, only tightened his hold on her.

"Let go of me, Potter," she snapped, pushing against his chest with her free hand. "And for Merlin's sake, shut up."

But James wasn't letting go nor shutting up. 

"Fancy seeing you here," he grinned and wiggled his eyebrows. "And nope. Not until you answer my questions," he retorted.

Behind them, James's parents and Wilfred watched the interaction with interest, a spark of amusement in their eyes.

The standoff continued for a moment longer, her eyes locked with the stubborn gaze of James Potter. Serena's annoyance was growing, but she also knew that she didn't have the strength to physically remove herself from James's hold. Not unless she used magic. 

She let out a resigned sigh, deciding to play along for now.

"I'm here with my grandfather," she explained curtly, "and we were about to go eat lunch."

She waited for James to let go, but he only grinned wider and leaned in closer. "Then what about you not writing letters to me yet? I told you my address," he asked, his hazel eyes glinting with mischief.

"I didn't want to," Serena bit back, her tone sharp. "And I never said I would, Potter."

But James wasn't discouraged. Instead, he leaned in even closer, close enough that she could feel his breath on her face. "Then give me your address," he persisted, "and I'll write to you instead."

Serena gawked at him, taken aback by his audacity, and quickly pushed his face away. "In your dreams, Potter."

It was at this point that James' mother decided to intervene, feeling a wave of pity for the young girl in her son's arms. "James, let go of the poor girl," she chided gently.

With a dramatic sigh, James finally released Serena, stepping back with a playful wink. "Alright, Mum, only because you said so," he said in a sing along voice, shoving his hands into his pockets.

As Serena tried to regain her composure, James' parents approached them. A woman with radiant and kind hazel eyes, similar to James', and a man with a strong build and dark hair, also akin to James.

"Oh dear, I'm so sorry for our son's antics," the lady said with a warm smile, stepping forward and extending her hand in a kind gesture. "I'm Euphemia Potter, and this is my husband, Fleamont."

Serena took Euphemia's hand, shaking it lightly. "Serena," she said, "It's nice to meet you, ma'am."

"And you as well, young lady," Fleamont said, offering a hearty laugh as he shook Serena's hand next. "James has told us quite a bit about you."

Before Serena could respond, Wilfred stepped up, extending his hand to Fleamont. "Wilfred Prince. It's a pleasure to meet the parents of my granddaughter's... friend," he said, eyeing James with a hint of amusement.

Serena cut in, unable to bear the attention any longer. "We're just classmates grandpa, not friends," she clarified, her gaze fixed on James as she shot him a glare.

James smiled wildly, showing his perfect teeth and dimples, "Oh come on, Serena, don't be modest. We're practically inseparable at Hogwarts." 

The girl choked, "Stop spouting nonsense!" Serena bristled.

Ignoring the children, Fleamont shook Wilfred's hand firmly, "The pleasure is all ours, Lord Prince."

James, not missing a beat, interjected, "Wait, Prince? I thought your last name was Snape, Serena."

Wilfred, still holding Fleamont's hand, turned to James. "Well, that is correct. However, as of this morning, Serena is officially recognized as the heir to the Prince family. Henceforth, she will be known as Serena Prince."

James blinked, looking at Serena in surprise. "Really?" he asked, to which Serena simply nodded and hmphed in confirmation.

Before James could press further, Euphemia stepped forward. "Oh, Serena dear, James has spoken so highly of you. He said how incredibly intelligent you are," she said, her smile warming Serena's cheeks to a light pink hue.

"And now, I see he wasn't exaggerating," Fleamont added, releasing Wilfred's hand to pat James on the shoulder. "Not only is she a Prince, but she's also a beauty." Making Serena's cheeks turned even redder from their praises and flattery. 

Wilfred turned to the Potter family with a warm smile. "If you haven't already made plans, I would be delighted if you joined us for lunch," he offered, gesturing towards the bustling inn ahead.

Serena glanced at her grandfather in bewilderment. She hadn't expected him to extend an invitation to the Potter's. 

Euphemia's eyes lit up, and she glanced at her husband and James. "That sounds wonderful, doesn't it?" she asked, to which Fleamont and James nodded enthusiastically.

The five of them started their walk, engaging in casual conversation. James, true to his nature, couldn't contain his excitement as he rambled on about the new broom he was eyeing. His words spilled out rapidly, his gestures animated, and he frequently turned to Serena with an expectant expression.

Serena rolled her eyes playfully. "All this talk about brooms... I didn't realize you were so obsessed," she remarked with sarcasm.

James beamed at her. "Well, you know, a good broom is an essential part of life for any Quidditch enthusiast," he replied, a mirthful glint in his hazel eyes.

Serena raised an eyebrow, feigning disinterest. "Is that so? Well, forgive me for not sharing your passion for flying around on a stick," she retorted, her tone dripping with more sarcasm.

Fleamont chuckled heartily, finding their banter entertaining. "Oh, I think James is just excited to show off his skills to someone as pretty as you, Serena," he chimed in, a twinkle of amusement in his eyes.

Serena was caught off guard at the compliment, making her snarky facade momentarily falter. "Well, I suppose we'll see if he lives up to it," she replied, a playful challenge in her voice.

The group arrived at the entrance of the Leaky Cauldron, the bustling sounds and tantalizing smells wafting out from within. Wilfred held the door open, gesturing for the Potters to enter first.

"Shall we?" he said, his tone inviting.

Euphemia and Fleamont exchanged grateful smiles before stepping inside. James saw this and turned to Serena with a wide grin.

"After you, my lady," he said, extending his arm towards the entrance.

Serena couldn't help but snort at his grand gesture. "How could I resist such chivalry?" she replied as she walked in.