Order Only: Happy Birthday, Remus

[alt_sirius]

What Allie said. I hope Tonks is holding up all right - and you, mate.

I shipped a parcel through to Junius; I hope it arrived and wasn't ransacked by the border patrols.

The bottle needs some explaining. Obviously it's not really elderberry wine. It's something new.

A few months back I happened on an article in the Potioneers' Gazette about a potion that was theorised by Damocles Belby back before Voldemort seized control. Work continued on it outside, mostly in America and in cooperation with some Australian wizards.

This is a concentrated form - from what I've learned, the potion is most effective when it's just been brewed. Dilute two drams in six ounces of hot water, one dose per night for at least three nights prior to the full moon. And - well, if the potion's to be believed, it'll allow you to keep your mind during the transformation. So, no need to lock yourself away.

Let us know if it works. I'm sure it's highly, highly illegal under Voldemort's regime, so if it's good, I'll see if we can get a sample for the Midsummer's exchange and perhaps the brewer up at Moddey Dhoo can determine how to make more. Not that I can't keep buying it out here, but - well, a second source wouldn't go amiss.

The rest is just stuff I thought you'd like.

Comments

[alt_kingsley]

Well, aside from what Remus thinks of your present, you've totally made Stephen's day. If it works, that is. I can't remember the last time I've seen him so excited, and he says he'd definitely want to try his hand at brewing it, if you can get the recipe.

As to whether it's illegal or not, I've never even heard of this potion, so maybe it isn't, technically. But I'm sure it would be, if Voldemort knew about it. It would take away his chief excuse for locking all the werewolves away.

[alt_alice]

I agree! It's like two birthdays in one. He can't wait to get his hands on a sample. Apparently he had to reverse-engineer a series of poisons for his Masterwork, so he's very excited about being able to do that sort of thing again.

I think he's even developing a whole lesson plan around it for the children.

[alt_lupin]

I'm not sure what to find most surprising - the potion, or the fact that you read the Potioneers' Gazette.

Joking aside, this is really the most remarkable gift. I remember hearing about the early work, years ago, but I had absolutely no idea that anyone had continued pursuing it, or that they'd had any measure of success.

I almost don't want to get my hopes up, just in case it doesn't work. Even if it doesn't, just knowing that there are people out there working on it is quite a gift in itself. And if it does? Well, it would really be nothing short of life-changing.

Thank you doesn't quite seem adequate, but it's all I have, so. Thank you.

[alt_sirius]

I didn't say I read the Gazette, I said I happened on the article.

Besides, it's pretty much my fault you've been without any animal companionship all those years, so I figure it's the least I can do. No thanks necessary.

I hope it works, is all.