Alexander stepped into the familiar Potions lab, a haven that held a special place in his heart. It was here that he had forged his first genuine friendship, with Lily Potter, a quiet and devoted potions enthusiast. In her presence, all the troubles of the world seemed to fade away, and the lab became an oasis of tranquility. Alexander found solace in working alongside Lily, their shared passion for potions forming an unspoken bond between them.
Lily had been there for him when he woke up, disoriented and frightened, after being bitten by a werewolf. She had gently persuaded him to seek treatment at St. Mungo's, and without hesitation, she had accompanied him on this daunting journey. He had never needed to ask for her support; she simply understood. And he was immensely grateful for her presence during that challenging time.
Now, they both eagerly awaited an apprenticeship at the wizarding hospital, where they would help establish a new potions lab. Alexander couldn't help but anticipate the coming summer, when he would have the opportunity to work alongside Lily, their silent understanding guiding their every move. It felt as though they were in perfect harmony, almost able to communicate telepathically, effortlessly anticipating each other's needs and seamlessly progressing through their tasks.
A small, contented smile played on Alexander's lips as he envisioned the possibilities that awaited them. This summer promised to be a transformative experience, a chance for him to redirect his energy toward something positive instead of causing trouble for his parents or tormenting the house elves. Moreover, the proximity of the hospital provided a sense of security, knowing that help was nearby if he required it due to his new condition.
However, the thought of his impending transformation loomed over Alexander's thoughts, threatening to dampen his spirits. Soon, under the light of the full moon, he would undergo his first transformation as a werewolf. He had read extensively about the excruciating process he was about to endure, never imagining that he would face it alone. The dread tightened its grip on him as he contemplated the agonizing shift of bones and the foreign shape his body would assume, only to revert to normal once the moon receded. No amount of mental preparation seemed sufficient for this ordeal. He sighed, frustrated by the uncertainty that lay ahead. This summer held a myriad of possibilities, both exciting and daunting.
Recentering his thoughts, Alexander refocused on the reason for his presence in the lab. He still had an assignment to complete as part of his detention—brewing pain potions for the hospital wing. As he meticulously gathered the necessary ingredients, the clinking of vials provided a soothing rhythm that calmed his restless mind.
Robert had provided Teddy with a concentrated pain potion for Alexander's personal use in the upcoming months. Merely three drops of that potion were potent enough to alleviate pain. Alexander contemplated how he could craft something equally powerful, which would undoubtedly be more efficient than the standard potions the school incessantly consumed. Engaging in a meticulous process of chopping, crushing, and adding precise drops of various ingredients, he carefully brewed the potions, dutifully fulfilling the task assigned as a form of penance. However, he couldn't deny that he found solace in the process. It didn't feel like punishment at all; rather, he derived genuine enjoyment from it. Once the batch was complete, he began filling the vials, their contents ready to bring relief to those in need.
Alexander's thoughts circled back to his initial intention, realizing that he had poured his heart into perfecting the potions. Despite the impending challenges and uncertainties, he found solace in the lab, in his partnership with Lily, and in the transformative power of his newfound purpose. This summer held a blend of emotions, but he would face them head-on, finding strength and resilience within himself and the companionship of those who understood.