My Workplace

• Where would you locate this in your house?

Preferably, my workspace would be somewhere quiet and out of the way, as intrusive sounds and possible interruptions could inhibit my potion making. It would also make sense for there to be as few flammable things as possible. Having my workspace located in a wooden shed, for example, would be foolish, since a potion gone awry could put both the structure and myself at risk. (Not to mention any valuable potion ingredients I might have stored there.)

So, noting all of these factors, I conclude that the most ideal place for me to set up my potion lab would be a basement. Basements are also out of the direct sunlight, and temperatures will be lower. Making it easier for me to keep my ingredients and potions from spoiling.

Yet another positive outcome of having my lab placed in a basement, is that if there was a natural (or magical) disaster, such as an earthquake or hurricane, my implements would be safer.


• What implements would be necessary for you to buy or secure in some fashion?

As an amateur, I would want to procure a pewter cauldron.

Textbooks would also be necessary, and of course I would want a shelf dedicated to such. A journal to note down experiments and reactions. Parchment and quill to make notes or keep track of what I'm doing.

A set of scales, a sharp silver knife, mortar and pestle, a cutting board, dragon hide gloves, goggles, measuring cups, ruler, my wooden spoon for stirring (passed down to me by my Uncle), cauldron cleaner, and of course a chest of glass phials.

Ingredients are something else that I would want to procure. I would of course have them all organized on their respective shelves, labeled, and protection charms on them in the circumstance that an accident should happen.

We also wouldn't want to forget – a box set aside for labels.


• What specific material would you prefer for your cauldron, knife, and other variable goods? Why?

A pewter cauldron - because I'm a amateur witch and not ready for the more advanced cauldrons (however much I may want to use my Uncle's precious silver cauldron)

A sharp silver knife - because silver knifes are known to be best for cutting through magical ingredients

A wooden stirring spoon - not the most ideal spoon, it's very stained and not in the best condition, but it's a family heirloom and quite precious to me.

A marble mortar and pestle - not wood because wood absorbs smells and flavours and is much harder to clean (plus the danger of it cracking).

Glass measuring cups and phials - because I can't afford crystal

A set of brass scales - they are mandatory for students, and efficient enough. (Silver would be nice some day)

My cutting board is a slab of stone - heavy, but easier to clean, and not wood, so it won't absorb things so much.

And of course my gloves are made of dragon hide.


• How would you set up your cauldron and other instruments?

My cauldron would be on a tiled counter, with its own little burner. When not in use I'd keep my cauldron stowed away in my charmed chest beneath the counter. My ingredients, books, and potions would all be on shelves. My shelf for ingredients would be to the left of my tiled counter, my shelf for potions to the right, and my shelf for books in the back of the basement. Having my books so far away would be inconvenient, but they are incredibly important to me, and should there be an accident while brewing my potion, I'd be heartbroken if they were burnt or destroyed.

My charmed chest would also contain most of my other tools. Though I'd keep my gloves and my goggles in a drawer, and my scales up on the counter. I'd have a box for labels close by, and a chest for my phials. The charmed chest would have a compartment set aside for my most expensive ingredients and precious potions.

And there you have it, though knowing me, I'm probably missing something.


• Many Potioneers decorate their workspace with safe, homey personal touches, since they spend so many hours there. What might you include around your workstation at home to make it more comfortable during long brewing times?

An excellent question, and not necessarily something I'd think up on my own! I'd keep a picture of my Grandmother and I up, and another picture of my Mum brewing potions. A nice bronze and blue woolen tapestry would be in order as well. A thick carpet for my feet, since the basement floor would be terribly cold. I also have a picture of Albus Dumbledore that I'd put up on the wall, because it's comforting to have him in the vicinity.

I'd have a drawer for my knitting supplies too. (I love to knit)

Lastly, but not leastly, I'd have a little basket for assorted sweets and maybe a few apples, just in case I get hungry while brewing.