Peer pressure was always a good motivation to join in on a potions competition. Though, it really wasn't pressure so much as he felt left out that all his friends were participating that he belatedly signed himself up. While he had done well at potions in school, his retention of how to properly brew certain concoctions had started to fade. He was more into experimenting now. Sometimes, with disastrous results.

When Mr. Darrow announced their first potion, Gilbert racked his brain and set to work gathering the needed materials and crushing snake fangs. He practically danced while he worked, unable to keep the rest of his body idle while his hands diligently dropped ingredients into his cauldron.

Once his task was complete, Gilbert signaled by waving his arm.