April 14th, 1888 — Potioneers' Guild, London

Ari always enjoyed seeing the students try their hand at potioneering in the Hogwarts tournaments; but this was rather a grander affair, he felt, as he surveyed the room replete with cauldrons in the Potioneers' Guild. Of course, that anyone at all could sign up meant that their abilities were as yet unattested, though surely none of these competitors would be as much wildcards as the novice category. He suspected there was a rather large range in talents even within this grouping, but had little idea as to whom would best succeed.

When everyone had taken their places, Ari offered them a welcome and a brief outline of the structure of the rounds, and then declared, "the first potion you will be brewing is a Wit-Sharpening Potion." Both the ingredients and instructions appeared at the front, well within view of them all. "Please signal when you are finished and step away from your cauldron. And you may begin - good luck!"

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You have 72 hours to post.
@"Tatiana Lestrange" Theseus Greengrass Persephone Van Helsing Perenia Kaylock

  

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Slow and steady, she kept telling herself. Neither pride nor her competitive nature would condone a loss.

Diligently, Tatiana set about brewing her potion, all the while relieved that she had not reached above herself to sign up for the professional bracket. Her quill had wavered when she had made the decision, but ultimately, the witch was pleased indeed not to be up against her aunt or cousin.

Several precise measurements, stirs, and thin slices later, the debutante was done. She nodded to the judge.

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Though Theseus hadn't exactly dabbled in potion brewing since his time at Hogwarts, he had a certain confidence within himself that his education would provide the route to his success. He felt the need to showcase any talent he may have had for the benefit of his family and pride, for without a victory here and there he really had nothing else to brag about. It was always his career that sparked conversation, never "I've done this and won that," so the wizard sought to change this and delved into engaging in competition.

Without paying much attention to the woman who bore the former surname of his wife, Theseus focused on his potion. To signify his completion, he rose his hand slightly and awaited the judge's acknowledgement.

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Miss Lestrange, first to finish, had done an exemplary job; no doubt her potion would clear anyone's head. Mr. Greengrass had done decently, as well - in this case, Ari scarcely needed to take much more time than that to judge them, for neither of the other young ladies present had managed to complete their potions. (One concoction was now spitting out unground scarab beetles, and the other cauldron had been melted completely.)

After clearing up that mess and bidding farewell to those contestants, he turned back to the more capable two. "Next, a Calming Draught, if you please. You may begin."

TATIANA: 13 | THESEUS: 5 | PERSEPHONE: 0 | PERENIA: 0

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You have 72 hours to post.
@"Tatiana Lestrange" Theseus Greengrass

  

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The witch certainly didn't need any such draught to clear her nerves—her flawless initial performance had served to bolster her already-high confidence, and a small, self-satisfied smile adorned her lips as she went about making her next potion. She raised her hand when complete. Beating her cousin's husband, she decided, would be the icing on the cake.

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— graphics by mj ❤ —

Less confident this round, knowing now he had no other competition to hide behind, Theseus gave the Lestrange a careful glance prior to focusing on his brew. Had Valeria known he lost to her cousin, the wizard may not have lived it down. That is, of course, if she ever found out. While he wouldn't consider himself a secretive man, there were some things he refrained from revealing to his oh so loving spouse. Following Ms. Lestrange, the obliviator rose his hand once his potion was finished.

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   Evelyn Abercrombie

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This time, the two potions were far, far closer offerings than before, and it took Ari a long moment to decide, testing each for consistency - but it was Miss Lestrange's attempt that cinched it.

"Commiserations, Mr. Greengrass - and congratulations, Miss Lestrange, for you will be moving on to the finals," he declared.

TATIANA: 9 | THESEUS: 8

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