I shall keep your offer in mind, Severus. If I put you off now, it is for two reasons, neither of which is a refusal to recognise your skill... or your generosity in offering.

The first consideration is that I am taking on an apprentice, and I intend to introduce her to the sort of compounding and brewing I do regularly and, if she proves adept and di , the more exceptional preparations that are occasionally required. (I started to write 'and discreet', but I am already confident on that score.)

Secondly, I generally prefer to do my own brewing, though there are items for which I rely on Horace's expertise (and will continue to do so as it would be difficult to explain why I might no longer require his assistance with those items). Healing is an organic art, however, and I find that where I have prepared the medicinals myself, my application of them is more controlled, nuanced, and effective than when I must rely on commercial preparations or someone else's brewing.

Still, there are times when a specialist Potioneer's skill is demanded. And, as I say, I will keep your offer in mind.