Ben met the scorn of the professor with calculated neutrality. It wasn't that he felt affronted by the firm tone, or the threat. And he wasn't embarrassed, by any means. In truth, he could care less what his professors thought of him. And especially a first year one at that. Either he did the potions correctly, had the right answers for tests, or he did not. Their opinions meant very little as far as Ben reaching his goals, in the end.

When they were given instructions, Ben gave a look to the man next to him. With a slightly raised eyebrow, he wondered how the boy was going to get through a potions class of this caliber without help. Oh sure, Conner was great for manual labor - he'd been more than useful in Herbology, back at Hogwarts. But a brilliant mind? He was not. Giving it up for a lost cause, Ben grabbed his cauldron and set to work taking down the instructions. His journal was already filled with copious notes on his own experiments, so he simply flipped to a new page.

As he moved through the steps mentally, Ben was slightly impressed to find it was a potion he didn't know. He moved to, what he assumed was, the ingredients cabinet. He was not surprised to see the contents, though he was curious as to the filing system. Most professors would simply put things in alphabetical order, but this...Hmm. Curious. Grabbing what he needed, he returned to his seat to get working.

In no time, the water was sitting at a low heat, as Ben checked the harmless contents of the cauldron. The ladels provided in class always gave him pause, so he'd gotten in the habit of bringing his own. It was a standard unit of measurement, and one more piece of the puzzle that he could control. It was hard enough using a classroom cauldron, but the measurements...no, those had to be spot on. The coagulated blood wasn't something he was used to working with, since the last professor he had seemed to avoid it. Most potions called for the general blood, thick but still runny. This kind was like molasses in texture. He wondered what the difference was. Making a mental note to add it to his list, he moved on.

Crushing the flies was easy enough, as their exoskeleton wasn't very strong. The lights from their tail ends quickly dwindled under the pestle, but he could see the colored section of their bodies and they were ground into powder. The honey and peppermint were, no doubt, for taste. It would be needed, with so much blood in the mixture. With the mixture ready, he raised the temperature of the cauldron and watched, poised with the mortar, for the exact moment that the mixture began to boil. Pouring the fly mixture in and stirred. He covered it as needed, when he was satisfied with the mixture, and turned to the last step.

Ectoplasm. Strange ingredient. Rolling up his sleeves, he pulled on a pair of latex gloves. They weren't something most purebloods used - some shit about 'beneath them', and all that - but Ben had stumbled across them a few years ago, and hadn't turned back. They were an unassuming grey color, but allowed for more protection when needed. He scooped the correct amount into a glass jar, and waited for instructions.

Tess noticed that people had come in, sadly one of them was Rhian and she almost felt bad for her friend. Almost. After all she had commuted from her flat while Rhian was so close to all her classes. She nudged her friend in amusement and as a greeting.

"Great timing, you missed him talking about himself and his greatness" she muttered before sitting up straighter.

A lot straighter actually as she noticed her neighbor arrive. Late. How delicious. A smile tugged her lip seeing that he sat down beside a boy. She'd seen him around the complex, always mumbling with some grocery bags, or down the stairs taking out the trash. Amusement all the more realizing this was Benjamin Watson's boyfriend. He was quite the looker too wasn't he? It was almost unfair. Almost. She tilted her head to take them both it, noticing how unfazed he was by her blatant staring.

Two people came in and distracted her. One of them being Parker. She smiled his way, for once a genuine smile and lowered her gaze to stare at the blond she'd never really seen before. But people came and went in her mind, and she didn't even get phased by it. But her eyes trailed back to her brother as he began to lecture. Harshly at that about the idea of being late. How cute.

'Ooo Mycey-poo has claws'Tess thought with some glee.

But as the potion instructions began to appear on the board, she began to take everything seriously. Potions were not something to joke around. Without a second thought, a cauldron was pulled up and heated. She made sure to put the exact amount. Looking at the pantry, she took the basket and began to put everything that would be needed in. Opening the large container of coagulated blood, she winced at the smell, the tangy metallic taste was nothing something she enjoyed. Taking the ladleful, she placed it in a large mason jar and sealed it so she could take it back to her desk. Next went the fireflies, taking a cupful, along with a sprig of peppermint, and some honey. Taking it back to her desk she began to work diligently.

She didn't even bother to look at Rhian, and it shouldn't have surprised her. Tess was someone that never talked during potions, instead she let her hands do the talking and showing her work. Taking the amount of dragon blood into the potion, she used the spoon to push the amount at the bottom and tried to mix it in well. The water took a weird look to it, and in no way was it appealing. She concentrated on the mortar instead, putting the fireflies and beginning to crush them. She hated insects so much, and the crunch was in no way satisfying. Throwing the sprig into the crushed powder, at least made it smell better. But once the honey was added, she knew that it would be harder. Instead she grabbed a smaller spoon and worked into created the paste properly.

Hearing the bubbling signaled her to begin to add the rest of the ingredients. Adding the paste, she began to mix it, huffing softly as it wasn't separating as easily as she wished. Stupid honey always tended to screw her over. Next came the interesting part. Ectoplasm. Walking over to the jars she picked one up and placed it in front of her. Gloves were pulled out her favorite ones; she was not about to cover herself in the residue that ghosts left. She shuddered at the thought. The glowing substance was not something she was used to. It was not a common ingredient, if at all, until her brother made it one. Picking up the ladle, she dipped it into the jar slowly and nearly gagged at the noise it made once it went inside. Shuddering softly, she tugged at the ladle to come back up and winced seeing the glowing substance dripping off. Shaking it slightly, she managed to get it as clean of a ladle as possible before dropping it into the potion. Mixing softly, she noticed that the color changed completely. From the dark green it turned to a weird glowing sea green. Looking down at it, she turned the fire off and lifted a clean ladle to scoop a bit out to be inspected.

It seemed that some started quicker than others when it came to their potions and he appreciated it. Tess was one of the first ones to begin and he wasn't surprised; it was a shame she didn't get into his major, but either way so long as she succeeded that's all he expected. Next came a surprise in the form of Miss Walters, it seemed she was unsure of her potion-work. Actually, no, she was most definitely not looking forward to brewing whatsoever. He tried to be as helpful as possible, telling her to simply try her best. He was honest; he didn't expect for perfection, except from a few, but he did expect people to not make a mess. He hated messes, found them tedious and stressed him.

He was working on some paperwork, adding comments on each one who talked, that is until he heard a disturbance. Lifting his gaze from his work, he looked in shock as the bubbling began to rise from just Miss Walters. Immediately putting his things down he ran over only to avoid the explosion on his suit, but it did land on his shoes. His favorite shoes. Closing his eyes he took a deep breath to calm his own anger. He could tell she was embarrassed, he felt embarrassed for her. But as she began to use cleaning charms, he knew that for this potion, the honey and metal were the problem parts. Wincing slightly at the squelch his shoes made, he walked over to her, noticing that she was probably trying not to cry. Girls tended to cry in embarrassment, even his weird sister.

Bending down, he made eye contact and tried to smile, ignoring the feeling that he wished he could do more. He wasn't happy that there was a mess, but he knew that her embarrassment was horrible enough.

"That's enough cleaning, how about you get your things and head to the Hospital Wing, get you checked out, and cleaned up. You can come in later and we can talk about what you need aid in."

After some hesitation Arthur started. While he was talented at Potions he wasn't always eager to start because he had a paranoia towards the subject that had started with his father's death and didn't go away as he grew up. He tried to tell himself that as long as he was careful and followed the instructions the professor had given them he'd be alright.

He appreciated the answer Professor Mycroft had given the student but even if the professor didn't expect perfection Arthur expected a lot from himself. Not that he was exactly a perfectionist himself but he put his best into it.

Arthur found and got out his copper cauldron. Next he went to get the ingredients. He measured the water carefully and made sure the cauldron was on low heat. He was careful not to spill anything as he took out a ladleful of blood and added it. Mixing it was the hard part as the coagulated blood made the mixture more dense, the water helped with that somewhat but it still took some effort.

He watched it closely once he got it thinned out. He tried not to look at anyone else's work but it was difficult not to notice how the girl who asked the professor for extra classes was struggling. He might have offered help but he didn't know how she could fix this particular potion and didn't want to risk embarrassing her. If it had been a simpler and more common potion he might have been able to offer some help.

He focused back on his potion, crushing the cup of fireflies in mortar into a fine powder before adding a drop of honey and peppermint. The fourth step was simple enough for him and he soon moved onto the fifth step. Not knowing what exactly he was expected to do with the ectoplasm he put it into a jar after getting it out.

His attention was drawn by his fellow student getting sent to the hospital. He hoped she was going to be okay, Potions was a difficult subject sometimes even if you were good at it.

Parker kept his eyes focused down on his desk, picking at the tip of his quill as the professor scolded him and the rest of the last-arriving students. He figured he should at least be thankful they were allowed to come late even this first time - after all, this wasn't Hogwarts anymore, they needed to be more responsible. Professors weren't going to keep treating them like kids.

As the professor began writing down all of the instructions, Parker jotted down a more brief, simple version of them so he wouldn't have to keep looking up at the board as he was working.

1. copper cauldron, 1L water & 1 ladle coagulated green dragon blood, low heat.
2. mix well, thinning out the blood, let simmer.
3. cup of fireflies (finely powdered), 1 drop of honey and peppermint.
4. boil, put crushed items/paste in cauldron,  mix well. high heat & cover.
5. ladle of ectoplasm, mix well.

Other people started working on their brews almost right away, but Parker took a bit of extra time to make sure he had all his supplies gathered first, even skimming through parts of the textbook about the ingredients to be used so he had a better idea of what he was working with. When grabbing the cauldrons below and putting them onto the table, he accidentally bumped Pyxis but apologized promptly before continuing on with the rest of the brew. Though they had been in the same year in Slytherin, Parker didn't know her all that well (to be fair he was hardly close with any slytherins, especially those in his year).

Parker was always very attentive to precision in measuring out ingredients, even when it wasn't completely necessary. He started by making the thick, smelly water-blood mixture. With a bit of time to heat up to simmering temperature, it thinned out without much issue. During the time it took to reach boiling temperature, Parker turned his attention to crushing the fireflies into a fine powder, followed by drops of honey and peppermint.

The mix in the cauldron began to bubble, indicating that he add in what he just finished making with the powder. It dissolved rather quickly and improved the smell, but only slightly. Right after he set the heat higher and covered the cauldron, Brooke's brew literally blew up. He wanted to help out but she and the professor seemed to have it under enough control. The loud noise it made left him feeling a bit shaken, but he tried to stay focused on finishing the first part of the experiment. He was worried about the ectoplasm, but putting on the new potioneering gloves he bought from diagon alley helped ease that concern. Once his hands weren't shaking as much he very carefully transported the goop to the cauldron, recovering it with the lid when he was done. What he had thus far didn't seem very good, probably very far from the ideal, but it didn't seem all that awful either. Maybe he'd be able to make up for it in the next part...

Elspeth had zoned out for a few seconds, but she shook herself from her daydream just in time to hear the professor scold the latecomers. She turned her attention to the board, carefully reading the instructions before pulling out the cauldron from underneath her desk. She made sure that she had all of the required ingredients, and then began the first step. She put her cauldron on low heat, added the liter of water, and ladled the dragon blood in. She mixed until it thinned out; the texture wasn't exactly the one she desired, but it was close enough. She pursed her lips and let it simmer, turning her attention to the cup of fireflies. She crushed it into a fine powder and added a drop of honey and peppermint.

By then, the cauldron began to boil, and Elspeth added the paste to it. After mixing it well, she put the cauldron on high heat and placed a cover on it. She nervously eyed the ectoplasm; she had never used it before, and had no idea how to handle it. But she was jolted from her thoughts when a loud bang filled the room. She swiveled around and saw a redheaded girl covered in slime, refusing to make eye contact as she muttered cleaning spells. Out of (bad) habit, harsh words sprung to Elspeth's mind, and she had an uncontrollable urge to say them out loud. But she bit her tongue and focused on the jar of ectoplasm in front of her.

Putting her gloves on, she carefully opened the jar and slowly scooped out some ectoplasm. She read the instructions again, but found nothing else written on the last step that would specify what they were to do to the glob. She decided to transfer it to a separate jar and, after hesitating for a bit, walked to where the professor was.

"'Scuse me, sir, but what are we supposed to do to the ectoplasm? The instructions weren't very clear," Elspeth asked quietly, just loud enough to hear.

Mycroft was done with this class, he just wanted to clean up, kick everyone out and just have alone time. But this wasn't how life worked; this was not how teaching worked and he needed to realize that. Taking a deep breath, he tried to keep himself together. Putting his hands together, he ignored the squelching noise of his shoes as thee were questions to be answered.

It astounded him how some students didn't even bother to be concerned of the incident, but either way he took in a question with much frustration. Looking over at the young lady he wondered if she realized that it seemed pretty clear to him. 'Just because it is clear to you, doesn't mean it's clear for everyone'. So he swallowed his annoyance and became a real professor.

"Miss Armstrong, ladle in the ectoplasm into your cauldron and mix it well as directed"

As soon as he finished this, he realized that another person had come in late. He was about to start ranting when he noticed she had a note. Looking at her note he read it and nodded accepting her late attendance but the bell had gone against her. Sighing he bent down and looked right at her.

"Now Miss Skye, I'm sorry that you're late for the practical portion of lesson. But you should come later for a catch up lesson." Looking at everyone he cleared his throat, "Finish up your potion, put your name on it and put it on my desk. You will receive your grade for this lesson within a week. Class Dismissed."

From The Stationary of Mycroft Holmes

Armstrong, Elspeth: Miss Elspeth, I am glad to see your enthusiasm for doing practicum work. It’s acceptable to see your work and looking at your potion it’s nothing special, but it is acceptable. I hope that next time you pay close attention to directions and take initiative for speaking up in my class.

• Potential Grade: Exceeds Expectations
  
• Practical Grade: Acceptable
  
• Overall Grade: Exceeds Expectations
  

Bailey, Conner: Mr. Bailey, you did not talk in my class, and your potions work…is to say barely-acceptable. I think you need to try a lot harder in my class. Maybe it’s the fact that you do not like my subject, maybe it’s because you find it challenging, but nonetheless you need to try harder. I expect a lot more.

• Potential Grade: Acceptable
  
• Practical Grade: Barely-Acceptable
  
• Overall Grade: Acceptable
  

Emery, Parker: Mr. Emery, you are a quiet soul, that much is obvious. It seems you might be on the quiet side, but your potion was more than I expected and I respect that. I suggest being on time in my class, so you get graded better. I do not like late attendance and I hope you remember that.

• Potential Grade: Oustanding
  
• Practical Grade: Exceeds Expectations
  
• Overall Grade: Above-Exceeds Expectations (Would have gotten a higher grade had you not been late.)
  

Holmes, Tess: Miss Holmes, you are too cocky in your work and I don’t like it. I know that you have a hand at potions and speak up when asked, but give opportunity to other students. Your potion was potent and I admire that, next time show more respect, for you will not receive a kinder response the next time.

• Potential Grade: Acceptable
  
• Practical Grade: Outstanding
  
• Overall: Exceeds Expectations
  
  

Kael, Rhian: Miss Kael, I do not take someone being late kindly, in fact I take it personal. I expect you to try harder in my lesson, speak up, and show your potential that way. I don’t want you to barely pass on the radar. Your potion was potent, but then again, I don’t know what to make of you from it.

• Potential Grade: Acceptable
  
• Practical Grade:Acceptable
  
• Overall grade: Acceptable
  
  

Lovegood,Melody: Miss Lovegood, you are a quiet one, but one that works hard. Your potion was acceptable, but I want you to speak up. I cannot see you standing out in a large class, make sure you show me your heart next lesson, especially since your major is potions. Good job, but I hope for better.

• Potential Grade: Acceptable
  
• Practical Grade:Acceptable
  
• Overall grade: Acceptable
  
  

Malfoy, Alcyone: You are a seasoned veteran Miss Malfoy and I have heard a lot of good things about you. Yet you did not speak up. I cannot help but wonder if it was because you were surrounded by younger years and wanted to give an opportunity or you did not care. Either way, I expect you to do better, much better. I have high expectations.Yet your potion was potent.

• Potential Grade: Acceptable
  
• Practical Grade:Acceptable
  
• Overall grade: Acceptable
  
  

Malfoy, Caelum: Mr. Malfoy, you did not speak u in my class, and you are an upper-classman. I would suggest you pay attention to what I am teaching you in my class and show respect. Overall your potion was good, but I expect a veteran to speak up, even if this is not your subject.

• Potential Grade: Acceptable
  
• Practical Grade:Acceptable
  
• Overall grade: Acceptable
  
  

Parker, Aqua: Miss Parker you are a quiet individual, barely spoke up, but I saw you trying your hardest out there. I hope to see you try and improve next time.

• Potential Grade: Acceptable
  
• Practical Grade:Acceptable
  
• Overall grade: Acceptable
  
  

Sandoval, Janique: Miss Sandoval, I do not appreciate your attitude. I appreciate you being on time, but being there and actually checking in is another thing. Your body was there but your mind wasn’t. I expect better from you for next lesson..

• Potential Grade: Dreadful
  
• Practical Grade: Acceptable
  
• Overall grade: Acceptable
  
  

Semele, Thana: Miss Semele, you were a highlight in my class. You were on time, and you stood out with your nearly flawless answer. I admire that; your potion was potent but I suggest you take your time and not be so rushed. A potion is an art form and I can only hope you try harder next time, but give opportunity to others.

• Potential Grade: Outstanding
  
• Practical Grade: Exceeds Expectations
  
• Overall grade: Exceeds Expectations
  
  

Silverstone, Arthur: Mr. Silverstone you are also very quiet. I do not know if it is the fact that it is a large classroom, or the fact you are not well versed in this subject. Either way, I expect you to do better in the next lesson.

• Potential Grade: Acceptable
  
• Practical Grade: Acceptable
  
• Overall grade: Acceptable
  

Simple, Jaycie: Miss Simple, I heard good things about you from the previous professor, but I failed to see these qualities in this lesson. I do not know why, but I expect a lot more from you. Please do so next lesson, for your potion was more than acceptable.

• Potential Grade: Acceptable
  
• Practical Grade:Acceptable
  
• Overall grade: Acceptable
  
  

Skye, Amerix: Miss Amerix, you were late and we shall make up for it in a next lesson.

• Potential Grade: TBD
  
• Practical Grade: TBD
  
• Overall grade: TBD
  

Trapani, Adriano: Mr. Trapani, you were very quiet in my class; I noticed a quiet disposition, but I expect you to do better in my class. Please make an effort to shine, even if it means just showing you care. I expect more next lesson.

• Potential Grade: Acceptable
  
• Practical Grade: Acceptable
  
• Overall grade: Acceptable
  
  

Walters, Brooke What can I say about you Miss Walters, it’s clear from the beginning that you are unsure of yourself in potions. From your comments and your answers, but I think that you put yourself down and limit yourself from actually achieving your potions. As said before I will want a make up meeting for that…situation that occurred in my classroom. I hope that never happens again.

• Potential Grade: Above-Acceptable
  
• Practical Grade: Troll
  
• Overall grade: Dreadful/Poor (but has chance to improve)
  
  

Watson, Benjamin: Mr. Watson you were late and that is unacceptable. Being of this major I expect you to speak up and show your need to learn in this classroom. Your potion was outstanding, very potent and I see you have a talent for it. But I expect your mood to better and never be late again.

• Potential Grade: Exceeds Expectations
  
• Practical Grade: Outstanding
  
• Overall grade: Outstanding  
  

Wilde, Ariel: Miss Wilde, you are a quiet soul, and I understand that, but I am saddened to see your participation being limited. Your potion work was good, but that is all I can see, I wish to see you stand out more, and I hope you can next lesson.

• Potential Grade: Acceptable
  
• Practical Grade:Acceptable
  
• Overall grade: Acceptable
  
  

Williams, Humphrey: Mr. Williams you, like many, did not stand out in my classroom. I expect you to show effort in the next lesson and I hope your potions work will improve as well.

• Potential Grade: Acceptable
  
• Practical Grade:Acceptable
  
• Overall grade: Acceptable
  
  

Wilson, Pyxis: Miss Wilson, you are also a quiet person, and I hate to say that I expect more from a person that is a potions major. I hope that next lesson you show your potential, especially since you were late in my lesson. Hope that doesn’t happen again.

• Potential Grade: Acceptable
  
• Practical Grade: Acceptable  
  
• Overall grade:  Acceptable