CHAPTER 42

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CHAPTER 42

Creating and selling general knowledge potions were not that lucrative since most potion shops could brew them, so he could earn around 10 or 15% profit in limited numbers. The market's saturation point weighed heavily on Elmi's mind as he considered the practical aspects of his alchemical endeavors. 

Even if he could produce thousands of bottles of perfectly brewed Draught of Peace potions, the challenge lay in gauging the demand and finding a balance between supply and consumption. Yes, it would be hard to control the magical reactions in a big cauldron, but thanks to his eyes, he had confidence. Selling them at 9 or 10~ Sickles each was possible since it was perfectly brewed, but understanding the market dynamics was crucial.

To assess the potential sales, Elmi had to ask Seraphina to investigate how many Draught of Peace potions he could realistically sell in a month. Understanding the ebb and flow of demand would be essential in navigating the intricacies of the magical marketplace.

Determined to diversify his offerings, Elmi spent the day brewing additional potions, including the Pepperup and Wideye Potions. He had brewed the Pepperup Potion before, but he didn't see this potion as a real potion since it was basıcally a magical blend of an energy drink and a steaming cup of intense coffee. 

While the potion's magical properties produced heat within the body, even if consumed cold. Its primary effect was a boost of energy and a weak cold medicine. Still, it had so few magical reactions inside of it that Elmi almost needed a magnifying glass to see it.

Having brewed Pepperup potions before, Elmi's hands moved with practiced expertise. The ingredients melded seamlessly in the cauldron, releasing a refreshing aroma that filled the air. The final product, a batch of Pepperup Potions, stood ready for distribution.

...

In a month of dedicated potion-brewing, Elmi had transformed his free time into a small alchemical enterprise. The fruits of his labor amounted to around 200 potions, a commendable effort that promised a modest profit of 10 galleons since the initial investment in vials had cut into his earnings.

Growth will be slow since his repertoire is limited to novice potions.

With his magical bag filled with carefully crafted potions, Elmi reflected on the persuasive skills he had employed to convince his mother to purchase such a top-of-the-line magical bag. Its three square meters of space and weight-reducing enchantments made it an invaluable asset for transporting his alchemical creations.

Returning to the common room, Elmi sought a place to sit. He asked permission from Seraphina, and while smiling, she nodded. He chose a spot across from Seraphina. However, the presence of Flint and Higgs, both Slytherin upperclassmen, added a layer of tension to the atmosphere. 

Flint, exhibiting his trademark arrogance, questioned Elmi's presence.

"Did I allow you to sit there?" Flint demanded, a challenge in his tone.

Undeterred, Elmi responded with a bright smile, "I didn't come for you, Flint, and I asked her for permission. I am not you. I wouldn't sit at a table without asking for permission just because I am an upperclassman, like someone else does."

Flint's irritation escalated, and in a fit of anger, he grabbed Elmi's collar, grinding his teeth as he spoke, "If you have a problem with me, we should take care of it in a duel like real wizards."

Elmi weighed the options in his mind. While he was curious about how he would fare against a fifth-year, the prospect of Voldemort's attention deterred him. Accepting the duel could draw the dark wizard's interest, and Elmi was not yet ready to reveal the extent of his magical abilities; he would reveal it after he dealt with Quirrell. 

Contemplating the situation, he carefully responded, "I have no problem with you, Flint. I'm just here to enjoy her company, but if you want to do it, we can do it one month later. Right now, I am too busy to deal with you."

Flint grabbed Elmi's collar tighter. He smirked,

"You are acting too arrogant for someone who didn't dare to accept a duel and try to save the day."

Elmi smiled back at him and said,

"For someone who dares to ask a duel with a 1st year, you are acting too arrogant and self-important."

Everyone around them started to whisper and laugh at him. Slytherins were different from other houses, they were more ruthless when dealing with other houses or with each other, but when they were outside, they wouldn't tell others what happened in their common room. 

What happened inside the common room would stay between them. Other houses did not like them, so they had to stay united when facing other houses, but Elmi was a different case; he was from a sacred 28, so they couldn't just ignore or bully him. At the same time, he was clashing with the children of suspected Death Eaters like Flints, Higgs, and Malfoys. 

So most of the neutral kids would try to keep their distance from Elmi so as not to pull the eerie of those bullies. Flint bit his lips in anger, but he couldn't just beat him in front of everyone else when he was Snape's golden boy.

For the last month, Professor Snape started showing special attention to Elmi for his excellence in potion-making and magical theory. He was giving this 1st-year many special assignments that would baffle a 3rd year, and Elmi was dealing with them easily. Elmi, with a cold voice, said,

"Are you going to release me or punch me? Please decide quickly. I have places to go."

Flint was fuming, but he couldn't start a physical altercation, or he might get punished too.

"It is time someone put you in your place and show others you are nothing special. Fawley, you are nothing but a bookworm and a cauldron-licking nerd. I am going to make you regret acting all around in front of your betters."

He pulled Elmi closer and whispered in his ear,

"Blood traitor." then he pushed Elmi from his collar. He signaled the other, and they left. Seraphina smiled and said, "You always make friends wherever you go, don't you?"

Elmi smiled back and said,

"Yes, I am such a ray of sunshine."

He put his bag on top of the table and continued,

"Anyway, I have some potions for you to sell next time you go to Hogsmeade. Can you also inquire them about the supply and demand for the novice-level potions? How many of them could they sell in a month, or what kinds of potions do they need."