Magic in a test tube

ᗊ ─── ❖ ── ᗊ ── ❖ ─── ᗊ

      Five months.       Five months since Anna awoke in this world brimming with magic, ancient traditions, and looming disasters.       Five months since she read Anna Volkova’s diary and grasped the price the witch had paid to bring her here.       In that time, she’d learned much. Magic now felt as natural as breathing. She wielded her ring with ease, cast spells without hesitation, and potion-making had become her second nature. Everything Volkova knew, Anna now knew too.       But her goal wasn’t mere survival. She hadn’t been brought here to hide in a forest cabin brewing potions. Her true purpose was to prevent the future Volkova foresaw—a future Anna knew by heart.       That meant it was time to act.       Anna sat by the fireplace, staring into the dancing flames, mentally sifting through her options.       Soon, Sirius Black would escape. It would be the first major event in a chain of catastrophes. His breakout was set for July 1993. If left unchanged, he’d be branded a dangerous criminal, try to protect Harry, and ultimately die in the Ministry of Magic.       But he was innocent.       The real traitor was Peter Pettigrew. A rat, hiding in plain sight, living as a pet in the Weasley family.       The problem? No one would believe it without proof.       Anna dismissed her first idea: telling Dumbledore everything.       No.       First, how could she explain her knowledge? The wizarding world wasn’t a place where you could declare, “I know the future, trust me.” She’d likely end up locked in St. Mungo’s psychiatric ward.       Second, Dumbledore was too cautious. He wouldn’t act without evidence. Even if Anna somehow proved Pettigrew was alive, the headmaster would delay, investigate, consult. Meanwhile, Pettigrew would slip away.       Third… Anna recalled a moment when her faith in the kindly old wizard wavered. There was a chance her doubts about Dumbledore weren’t baseless.       No. She needed to act swiftly and decisively.       But how?       Anna twirled her ring thoughtfully. How could she infiltrate Hogwarts?       As a student? Too slow and complicated.       As a teacher? Laughable.       Under an invisibility spell? Cloaks existed, but even they weren’t foolproof.       Then it hit her.       Animagus.       The perfect solution.       She could slip into Hogwarts unnoticed, track Pettigrew, catch him in his rat form, and seize him. She could bring him to the authorities—or, if they refused to believe the obvious, to Sirius himself.       But becoming an Animagus was no small feat.       She knew the process took years. Yet she had an edge: Volkova’s knowledge. And Volkova was a genius potioneer. Combined with Anna’s own chemistry expertise, she wasn’t exactly helpless.       Anna frowned, mentally listing ingredients. Could she speed up the process with a potion?       She knew she could. She’d brewed memory potions, enhanced her magical abilities, tamed fire… she could handle this.       Anna stood abruptly.       — Yefim, — she called loudly.       — What now, troublemaker? — the domovoy grumbled, emerging from the shadows.       — I want to create a potion to accelerate becoming an Animagus, — Anna declared.       Yefim narrowed his eyes, crossing his arms.       — Oh, I smell mischief brewing…       Grinning widely at the domovoy, Anna dashed to the laboratory.       The heavy oak table was cluttered with parchment scrolls, ancient books, and Volkova’s old diaries. Anna stood by a small window, staring intently at the recipe she’d just written. A week of sleepless nights had gone into crafting this formula, calculating every detail.

Essence Elixir

Ingredients:

Unicorn horn powder (3 g) – stabilizes magical structure, prevents irreversible changes. Wyvern blood (5 drops) – activates latent magical reserves, heightening transformation sensitivity. Ghost ectoplasm (1 tsp) – strengthens the mental bond with the Animagus form. Silver crystals (2 g) – catalyze cellular transformation. Leshy’s hallucinogenic mushrooms (4 slices) – reveal the Animagus form in dreams. Mandrake root extract (3 drops) – stabilizes transformation, reducing the risk of losing human consciousness. Mercury (1 drop!) – key chemical accelerator, but toxic in excess, risking madness. Calcium gluconate (100 mg) – supports bone strength during transformation. Fiery pepper tincture (2 drops) – accelerates blood flow, spreading the potion faster. Werewolf saliva (1 drop, collected NOT during a full moon!) – aids bodily adaptation to shape-shifting.

      Anna didn’t know how Yefim had acquired all the ingredients, but the important thing was that everything was ready.

Preparation:

Heat the cauldron over medium flame, add silver crystals, and wait until they fully dissolve in water. Slowly add unicorn horn powder, stirring clockwise continuously. Add wyvern blood drop by drop, watching for a slight purple hue. Add ghost ectoplasm, stir thoroughly, and wait 5 minutes. Add Leshy’s mushrooms and simmer for exactly 10 minutes, checking consistency (it should thicken like syrup). Carefully add mandrake extract, followed immediately by a drop of mercury. Do NOT stir after adding mercury. Add calcium gluconate and fiery pepper. Add a drop of werewolf saliva and chant the stabilization spell three times: “Metamorphis Stabilis.” Remove from heat and let steep for exactly 24 hours.

      Note: Though Russian spells are simpler, Volkova’s diaries suggest Latin is sometimes more effective.

Application:

Drink exactly 50 ml at sunset before sleep. During sleep, the wizard will see their Animagus form. The next morning, expect dizziness, slight limb numbness, and temporary magical surges. Repeat every three days until fully an Animagus (approximately 3–4 weeks).

      Rereading the recipe carefully, Anna sighed heavily and approached the cauldron. Now it was time to brew this wild concoction.       Anna stood at the laboratory workbench, intently watching the potion achieve the right consistency. The process was meticulous, each step demanding precision. Despite the strain, she felt everything was falling into place. Each ingredient blended seamlessly, and though darkness fell outside, she pressed on.       Yefim sat in a corner, sipping tea from an ancient cup, observing her with a mix of curiosity and veiled amusement.       — You’re taking forever, mistress,— he remarked, slurping his tea.       Anna didn’t reply immediately, absorbed in her work. The potion was nearly done. Just a little more, and she could move to the next stage.       — Almost there. The rest is just a matter of time, — she said, eyeing the cauldron as it began to emit a faint blue glow.       Yefim chuckled, setting his cup down.       — You really think this’ll work? I don’t get why this crazy idea popped into your head. What happens when you actually turn into a cat? Every Hogwarts feline will be chasing you.       Anna met his gaze, suppressing a smile, her eyes gleaming with determination.       — No one’s chasing me. I’ll be invisible, like a shadow, — she said confidently.       Yefim snorted, shrugging off his old scarf.       — You think blending in with other beasts will be that easy? Think again!       Anna smirked but stayed silent, focusing on her preparations.       — Cats aren’t the problem. I just need more time to plan everything.       Yefim stretched and sidled closer to the table, tossing in occasional jabs.       — Sure, sure, Anya. Animagi always give themselves away with their eyes. Unless you start licking your own backside to play the part of a simple kitty, — he snickered.       Anna shot him an indignant look.       — I’ll manage. Cats, challenges, whatever. We’ll succeed if we’re careful.       Yefim snorted again, pursing his lips.       — Yeah, right. But cat tails? Good luck. What if you’re allergic to fur?       Anna froze, trying to recall if she’d had allergies in her past life. Shaking her head, she frowned and exhaled sharply.       — No allergies. And I could use a bit more faith from you.       The domovoy sighed heavily, giving her leg a light pat.       — I’ve got faith, I’ve got faith. You were born with a fire in you, just like the mistress. Your kind always finds a way out of trouble.       Anna watched as he stomped out of the room. The potion glowed one last time, then settled into a muted shimmer.       — Done, — she whispered into the empty room.       Before bed, she drank the required dose of the potion. Her body had grown accustomed to magic, and the elixir promised to speed her Animagus transformation. As always in such moments, Anna felt a nervous thrill tempered by resolve. With her decision made, she closed her eyes and slipped into sleep.       The dream came suddenly, vivid and real, as if she’d awakened in another world. She found herself in a lush forest, vibrant with greenery and bright flowers. A distant stream gurgled, but her attention was drawn to a figure gliding through the trees’ shadows.       A cat. Snow-white, its fur soft as fresh snow, contrasted by vivid red ears, tail, and face, as if dipped in paint. Its eyes were striking: one green, one brown, mirroring her own.       The cat approached, and Anna sensed a familiar wisdom in its gaze. She felt a bond with this creature, as if it knew her as well as she knew herself. It made no sound, but its presence radiated understanding and calm.       Anna reached out, and the cat stepped closer, brushing her fingers with its tail. The sensation was so real—warm fur, a tickle on her skin. But then the cat stepped back and sat, as if beckoning her to follow.       Before she could act, the cat vanished into the forest’s mist.       Anna woke, feeling light and strangely certain, as if the dream was more than a vision. With these thoughts, she closed her eyes again, sensing faint weakness and dizziness. Dawn glimmered outside.       Days later, Anna continued refining her plan, standing before the ancient table in her laboratory, filling a new notebook page. Sunlight streamed through the windows, but her mind was on far weightier matters. This wasn’t just about saving the wizarding world—it was about catching a traitor, Peter Pettigrew. Anna believed that removing even this one piece from the puzzle of the Dark Lord’s rise could push that grim future further away. Her goal was clear, but capturing him and deciding his fate remained shrouded in uncertainty.       She frowned, mulling over details. Catching Pettigrew wouldn’t be as simple as she hoped. At Hogwarts, he was well-hidden, unlikely to be easily snatched from Ron Weasley’s grasp. But she trusted that with careful, deliberate action, she could track him and seize the right moment.       How can I ensure I catch him alive without raising suspicion? she wondered, quill in hand. A critical question lingered in her mental schematics: how could she prevent Pettigrew from framing someone else during an investigation?       Pausing, she wrote neatly in her notebook: “Capture Pettigrew and leave him for the Ministry.” Her plan now included not just capturing him but diverting attention from the true culprit.       Her thoughts didn’t stop there. Handing Pettigrew to the Ministry had to be done without letting him become another pawn in their game. Anna decided her tracks needed careful concealment. Direct contact with the Ministry would raise red flags.       " Infiltrating the Ministry… that’s the final step," she thought. She’d need to study their security, hone her Animagus skills, and be ready for any scenario.       Taking another sheet, she wrote: “Use Animagus form for covert entry. Access secret passages, not the main entrance. When apprehending Pettigrew, use a freezing potion to render him unable to resist.”       Tapping her quill thoughtfully, she added: “Dose him generously with Veritaserum.” Let him sing his sins like a nightingale.       Her plan included overseeing the Ministry’s actions, ensuring the investigation stayed on track. To avoid exposing herself, Anna would play the role of an incidental bystander, someone who just happened to be at the heart of events, subtly steering them. If luck held…       “When Pettigrew’s in Ministry hands, I’ll be ready to intervene if things go wrong,” she mused, her mind plotting a clear path to success.       But she still needed to decide about allies. Trust someone with her plans or go it alone? Anna chose not to risk exposure. Perhaps later, once Pettigrew was caught and punished, she could arrange meetings with key figures, proving she wasn’t their enemy.       The process was slow but steady, and Anna was confident her actions would bear fruit. Peter Pettigrew would be caught, Sirius Black’s truth revealed, if she did everything right. And perhaps, the wizarding world would be saved. After all, remove one block from a tower, and the whole thing could collapse.       After two weeks of taking the potion, Anna no longer felt the weakness or occasional tremors that had coursed through her body. That morning, Yefim suggested a walk to the nearby wizarding town, and Anna eagerly agreed.       Summer sunlight bathed the streets, illuminating the small magical town where the air hummed with the scents of herbs and magic. Anna strolled down an ancient alley, steeped in an enchanting atmosphere unlike anything from her old world. It felt homely yet mysterious, each street and shop sparking her curiosity and awe.       The houses seemed to grow from the earth, their roofs cloaked in green moss and blooming vines. Built of warm wood, adorned with intricate carvings, their windows gleamed with painted frames. Each building felt alive, evolving with the town. The wide, winding streets revealed new shops at every turn—magical ritual stores, potion stalls, and quaint boutiques with vibrant signs.       Anna paused at a shop labeled “Herbs and Potions.” Glass jars lined the walls, filled with colorful liquids, herbs, dried flowers, and roots, beckoning her closer. The shopkeeper, an elderly wizard with a white beard and blue eyes, noticed her interest, squinted, and bowed respectfully.       — Mistress Volkova! An honor to see you in our little town!       — Thank you, — Anna replied with a modest smile.       She glanced at the shelves, where shimmering liquids and unfamiliar powders caught her eye. This wasn’t just a shop—it was a temple of magic.       Nodding to the shopkeeper, she moved to the next stall, where an old poster depicted a black Leshy and forest spirits. It sold amulets, talismans, and jewelry. Gold and silver rings, bracelets with vibrant gems, each imbued with magical properties, lined the shelves. Anna felt a faint hum of magic emanating from them.       As she walked the alley, she noticed the wizards’ attire—far more traditional than Hogwarts. Men wore long tunics and leather belts with carved buckles, while women donned embroidered dresses, often topped with elegant kokoshniks bearing family symbols or charms. Magic infused their every movement, evident even in their gait.       The town was small but enchanting. Anna’s heart raced, filled with a sense of power and energy. Every shop brimmed with magic and ancient wisdom. Despite her mission to alter the future, she couldn’t help feeling a calm here, among these magical folk and their traditions, which felt strangely familiar.       Scattered along the street were food stalls, their tables laden with baskets of fresh, fragrant vegetables, homemade dairy, and baked goods.       Wizards and witches watched her with admiration or curiosity—some bowed respectfully, others waved cheerfully. Anna, slightly embarrassed by the attention, pressed on.       Feeling a bit overwhelmed, she decided to visit a shop along the magical alley to update her wardrobe and soften her image as a “renowned potioneer.” Recalling her past life’s practical style, she knew she needed to adapt to this world where she was admired and expected.       Entering the shop, she was enveloped by a warm atmosphere scented with natural fabrics and herbs. The cozy interior featured carved wooden shelves filled with traditional Russian garments, jewelry, and headpieces. Everything breathed ancient tradition, yet pulsed with magic—most fabrics were enchanted to retain warmth, repel dark magic, and boost the wearer’s confidence. Anna sensed a faint magical hum from the items.       The shopkeeper, an elderly woman with kind eyes, bowed slightly and said with respect.       — Welcome, Mistress Volkova. How may I assist? We have everything from everyday wear to attire fit for any magical gathering. May I show you?       Anna nodded, feeling a flutter of excitement. Despite her confidence in magic and potion-making, she was unsure about her new style. In her past life, she favored simplicity, but this world demanded something more distinctive. She approached several mannequins displaying elegant tunics with intricate embroidery and dresses reminiscent of ancient Russian traditions.       One mannequin caught her eye—a long sapphire-blue dress, its hem and flowing sleeves adorned with embroidery depicting Russian fairy tales. It was both elegant and mystical. Touching the fabric, Anna’s hand trembled slightly. This dress wasn’t just beautiful; it captivated, carrying the weight of Russian culture. It seemed made to embody strength and magic. She nodded to the shopkeeper.       — This dress, please.       The shopkeeper smiled.       — Excellent choice, mistress. We can pair it with jewelry. We have amulets that complement it beautifully.       Anna, not yet ready for jewelry, continued browsing. In a corner, she spotted lightweight tunics and summer dresses, their delicate fabrics perfect for warm weather. She picked up a mint-green dress embroidered with flowers and birds, airy and comfortable for hot days.       She also noticed skirts and trousers that paired well with tunics. Trying on a linen skirt—narrow at the hips, flaring to the knees—she found it simple yet elegant, ideal for everyday wear.       Her gaze fell on traditional jewelry: a ring with a glowing amber stone and a bracelet engraved with ancient Russian magical symbols. Both felt right, adding a touch of magical flair to her outfits.       The shopkeeper, observing her choices, bowed again. “You’ve chosen well, mistress. We’re always honored to serve you.”       Anna’s eyes caught a fur coat, its white pelt gleaming in the sunlight, soft and warm to the touch. Trying it on, she nodded and handed it to the shopkeeper.       — Take the matching muff too! You won’t regret it! — the shopkeeper added, setting it aside.       Moving on, Anna stopped at a shelf of shoes. Her eyes landed on white leather boots with laces and delicate heels, perfect for the fur coat. Nearby were open-toe sandals with enchanted flower weaves, classic pumps, ballet flats, and sandals.       On an upper shelf sat kokoshniks of various sizes. Anna’s attention was drawn to a narrow white one, embroidered with red patterns and emeralds.       — Oh! That’s no ordinary headpiece! — the shopkeeper exclaimed, noticing her gaze. — You can enchant its color to match any outfit!       After a moment’s thought, Anna summoned the kokoshnik with magic and added it to her pile.       Grabbing a few sturdier tunics and trousers, she nodded with satisfaction.       Paying for her purchases, Anna left the shop feeling a quiet fulfillment. She hadn’t just updated her wardrobe—she’d strengthened her connection to this world. These clothes were more than garments; they were part of her new identity in this magical realm. With them, she felt fully prepared to continue her journey.       Weeks later, Anna completed her preparations and finalized her plan to save the wizarding world. These weeks were filled with relentless training and testing, including her Animagus transformation. The potion had worked as expected, and she was ready to try her new form for the first time.       Her thoughts focused on this moment as she sat in a secluded gazebo behind the house, away from prying eyes, concentrating on herself and her task. Her heart raced with anticipation, knowing this could be the final step before her mission began.       — It’s time, — she whispered, taking a deep breath to steady herself.       Focusing on the ring on her finger, she felt the magic stir, her body responding to her intent.       She gasped, sensing a second heartbeat—small and rapid.       A chill ran across her skin, and in an instant, her body began to change. She felt a strange stretching, as if her skin were reshaping. Her arms shrank, and soon her entire body transformed into a small cat with soft fur and graceful poise.       Anna was stunned by how her perception shifted. She felt lighter, her body agile and responsive, every movement effortless. Standing on four paws, the world seemed brighter, sharper.       Looking around, she saw the world through a cat’s eyes for the first time. Everything was larger, more vivid. Green leaves, each blade of grass, seemed alive; the air was thick with scents she’d never noticed as a human. Her senses were so acute that every detail stood out, the world alive with sounds and aromas previously beyond her.       Gliding silently over soft earth, she felt an incredible freedom. The forest, once calm and familiar, now brimmed with possibilities. Her tiny paws moved noiselessly, her tail aiding balance.       Closing her eyes, Anna reveled in the sensation. She could hear every rustle of leaves, every breath of wind, every movement around her. Even the smallest sounds mattered. She moved, guided by instinct, each step precise and elegant. In this body, she felt stronger than ever before.       After a brief exploration, Anna realized this wasn’t just a transformation but a new perspective on the world. Every movement, every reaction of her new form felt natural, as if she’d been a cat her whole life. She darted through the forest, leapt from tree to tree, savoring the extraordinary state.       But soon, her thoughts returned to her mission. Transforming back into human form, she felt satisfaction—her efforts hadn’t been in vain. She was one step closer to her goal.       Back in the house, she pulled out her diary, where her plan was recorded. Flipping to the latest entry, she stared at the circled numbers.       One final task remained.       In 11 months, she needed to be in Britain. Until then, she had to master combat magic.       Anna sat in her study, gazing thoughtfully at a letter she’d just received. She’d hired a combat magic instructor, an elderly wizard renowned for his skills in defense and offense. Though advanced in years, his experience promised to be invaluable for her preparation. Becoming an Animagus, mastering magic, and excelling in potion-making were crucial, but Anna knew physical strength and reflexes were equally vital for her plan.       The lesson began early in a hall Yefim had prepared, shielded with magical barriers to prevent damage. Anna met her instructor—a man with gray hair and piercing eyes. His face was stern, his gaze unwavering despite his age.       — Mistress Volkova, — he said, inclining his head respectfully. — Let’s begin.       Anna nodded, feeling nervous tension grip her. She was ready but knew her combat magic skills were lacking. The instructor started with basic defensive spells, but even these proved challenging. She tried to dodge his attacks, but her reactions were far slower than she wanted. Each attempt to evade left her feeling sluggish, her thoughts tangled.       He delivered precise, gentle strikes to avoid harm, but their intensity threw her off balance, highlighting her physical shortcomings as she repeatedly fell. The issue was clear: her physical form couldn’t keep up with his attacks. Magic was vital, but her body needed to work in harmony with her will.       — Your movements are too slow, — the instructor noted as she failed to dodge another spell. — You rely too much on magic. Combat demands reflexes too.       Exhausted after the lesson, Anna hadn’t expected physical fitness to be so critical to combat magic. Back in her study, she resolved to improve her endurance. She began physical exercises—running, stretching, and stamina training. It was her weakness, and she knew that without a strong body, she couldn’t become a true fighter. With her grand plans, battles were likely inevitable.       As she started training, Yefim, as always, was nearby, watching her efforts.       — Madness, mistress! — he scoffed as she jogged laps through the forest. — What, you want to be a mage and a marathon runner?       — You don’t get it, Yefim. This is important, — Anna replied, slightly irritated, continuing her run. — I need to be faster, more agile.       — You’ll need to outrun a cow, not the Dark Lord! — Yefim teased, lounging in a tree’s shade. — I thought you were a witch, not an athlete!       Anna couldn’t help smiling at his jabs but knew physical training was essential. Overcoming the challenges, she realized only persistence would make her stronger and faster.       After days of training, her body adapted to the strain. Her endurance improved, her reflexes sharpened. Her muscles ached, but she felt readier for what lay ahead. Her magic, body, and resolve now worked in tandem.       — You won’t give up, I’m sure, — Yefim said, frowning but with a hint of respect. — That fire in you won’t let you.       Anna nodded, catching his wry grin. She had no intention of giving up. In this life, she had one direction—forward, toward her goal.