Potion of the Month

by Pepper Mint

Happy New Year, my lovelies!

And what a happy year it will be with the information I have to present you today. The beginning of a new year is quite significant to most people - it represents an opportunity for a new beginning, a time in which the sins of the former year are forgotten, and can even spark enthusiasm in folks to complete tasks and achieve goals. In Muggle cultures this sudden desire to start fresh and get motivated are often lumped together as something called a "New Year's Resolution". Muggles often go for the same trite things over and over again - lose weight, find love, read more, quite smoking, etc.

So predictable they are. It's kind of cute.

However, as far as I'm concerned, January 1 signifies nothing more than well, January 1. It's just another day. Why wait for the calendar to catch up to you if you want to start pursuing your goals NOW? Why not make every day feel like the beginning of something great? Why not have the confidence to chase your dreams today rather than waiting for an elusive date that's as real and concrete as the mythical monster under your bed?

Stop waiting, I say, and start brewing!

Yes, my lovelies, today we will be discussing a grand little potion called Felix Felicis, also known as "Liquid Luck".

Now, I'll admit, this potion is rather advanced and does require a great deal of patience on part of the brewer. But just think of the benefits when you're done! Your own little bottle of luck. No longer will you find yourself chained to the calendar! No longer will you have to wait for the earth to make its annual trip around the sun before you begin your avid pursuit of your hopes and desires. You can have them today! Erm, well six months from today if you're only just now getting started. But, hey, what's six months for a lifetime of luck?

Now, not all of the required ingredients are easily found, mind you. Some, of course, will be located in places like Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade, but others will need you to buck up and venture into darker corners, such as Knocturn Alley. Hey, I said this potion was awesome - I didn't say it'd be easy.

Ingredients include:

- 1 oz Powdered Common Rue (you don't need that fancy "uncommon" stuff, common will do you just fine)
- 3 Occamy Eggshells, finely ground
- 3 Teaspoons of Tincture of Thyme
- 2 Murtlap Tentacles, cut into quarter inch segments
- A single Squill Bulb, left intact
- 8 Ashwinder Eggs, whipped together into a light froth

As far as hardware, you will need:

- 1 small cauldron
- 1 fire or heating charm - very, VERY hot!
- 1 ladle
- 1 set of basic measuring spoons
- 1 bottle w/stopper to hold your potion when finished

Begin with a cauldron of boiling water. You will need ample supply of water to keep this cauldron at a constant simmer. Never let the waterline dip below the ingredients - everything must stay nicely submerged throughout the six-month cooking process. Yes, you heard me. Six months. You will have to keep this cooking for six months. I'd recommend using a secondary fire pit rather than the one in your kitchen, or perhaps a heating charm in a lesser used room.

Ingredients will be added bit by bit over time. Powdered Rue first, then the Occamy Eggshells and Ashwinder Eggs during the second month. The Squill Bulb should be added on the third Thursday of the third month, preferably at noon but anytime before evening has settled should be fine. The Murlap Tentacles can be added at any time during the fourth month and the Tincture of Thyme should be added last, preferably during the second to last week of brewing. Every day or so give the liquid a quick swish with your ladle, but keep the cauldron covered as much as possible otherwise.

In six months you'll have a beautiful golden elixir of awesomeness to keep as your very own. Don't wait for those once-a-year resolutions! Make your own resolution today and every day!

**WARNING!**

This potion has been known to cause reckless behavior and giddiness if consumed in large doses, and can even be toxic. Keep your usage to no more than a teaspoon a day.

Happy brewing!