Inside the grand Belby Manor, reminiscent of the Roman Colosseum, a large, solid iron cage stood at its center, bathed in moonlight that fought its way through the dark clouds. It was the night of the full moon, and the man trapped within the cage writhed in agony, his body undergoing a painful transformation as his hair grew at an alarming rate.
"Observe these pitiful creatures, trapped between the forms of wolf and man," Dharma Alex Belby remarked, his voice laced with a mix of disdain and fascination. He held a luxurious cane, while an enchanted pen beside him diligently recorded his observations. "The entire transformation process takes but half a minute, and you are about to witness a moment that will undoubtedly earn its place in history."
The excitement in Alex's voice was palpable. The development of the Wolfsbane Potion represented a monumental breakthrough. As a master potioneer, Alex had long since moved beyond the pursuit of wealth. His sights were set on fame and recognition. Success with the Wolfsbane Potion could earn him at least a second-level medal, a testament to his brilliance and a milestone in his scholarly pursuits.
John, standing as the first witness to this clinical experiment, understood the significance of the moment. Alex had elevated John to a position of trust and respect, recognizing his contributions to the project.
"The use of the highly toxic chamaejasma aconitum in the potion's formula is nothing short of genius," Alex continued, unable to hide his pride. "Many potion masters have avoided this ingredient due to its lethal properties, but the key lies in mastering the correct dosage."
Their journey to this point had not been without its failures. Previous experiments had resulted in two werewolves becoming paralyzed and three others left in vegetative states. Finding the delicate balance required was akin to capturing the elusive golden snitch. It was John who had pinpointed the crucial dosage, his keen senses and understanding of magical properties guiding them away from potential disaster.
As the half-minute mark passed, the two observers watched intently. The man, who had been bitten by a werewolf a year prior, completed his transformation. Initially disoriented, the werewolf's eyes soon cleared, showing none of the wild fury typical of his kind. He nodded in response to Alex's query, managing to utter a single word, "Yes," despite the difficulty.
The Wolfsbane Potion was a success. Alex couldn't contain his excitement, while John, though pleased, knew further confirmation was necessary.
"Your Excellency Dharma Alex Belby, please open the cage," John requested, his tone firm.
"What?" Alex was taken aback, disbelief etched on his face. "Are you jesting? Even with the Wolfsbane Potion, we cannot afford to trust these creatures."
His words were steeped in prejudice, reflecting the widespread discrimination faced by werewolves in the wizarding world. Despite being victims of their condition, they were ostracized and feared.
"We cannot claim success until we've conclusively proven that werewolves can retain their sanity," John argued, undeterred.
Reluctantly, Alex acceded to John's request, his cane striking the ground to fling open the cage door. The werewolf stepped out, and Alex, wand at the ready, shouted, "Go back, you beast!"
John, however, moved closer to the werewolf, his posture calm and his hand near his wand, ready for any eventuality. He stood before the transformed man, now towering and fearsome in appearance, and said softly, "Shelby, show me that you truly are in control."
Alex protested vehemently, "This is madness! You're risking your life!" Embracing a werewolf was a notion that even Shelby found astonishing upon hearing it. With a cautious approach, he finally embraced John, treating him with the gentleness one might afford a delicate piece of art, much to Damo Alex's shock. "I must admit, werewolf fur is somewhat coarse," John quipped, secretly breathing a sigh of relief. His reluctance to sacrifice everything for science was overshadowed by his curiosity to test whether werewolves could indeed retain their sanity. The stigma against werewolves among wizards stemmed from their uncontrollable violence post-transformation. If this could be managed, werewolves could essentially become a formidable force, akin to Animagi equipped with both armor and strength. Observing Dharma Alex's astonishment, John couldn't help but chuckle, "Dharma Alex, we'll be etched into the annals of magical history. We've transformed a race." This prospect of glory was what Dharma Alex cherished most, prompting him to burst into laughter.
John's acknowledgment of Shelby's bravery was not lost on him. "Shelby, perhaps we can forge a friendship. Thank you for your commitment to the Wolfsbane Potion."
"It's my honor," Shelby responded, his voice tinged with gratitude. Having faced discrimination and isolation since his affliction, he had resigned himself to being a test subject. Though not fully cured, maintaining his sanity was a significant victory. He was particularly thankful to John, who unlike Dharma Alex, did not view him with pity or disdain but treated him with genuine respect and equality.
Throughout the year, Shelby had grown accustomed to the cold stares and isolation. Yet, a simple act of kindness, like John's embrace during his transformation, was profoundly moving. As the night progressed, Shelby remained in control, a testament to the Wolfsbane Potion's success.
In the aftermath, Dharma Alex's eccentric celebration contrasted with John's offer of employment to Shelby. "Are you interested in a job? 100 Galleons a month?" John proposed, seeing in Shelby not just a guard for his Knockturn Alley shop but a person of integrity and resilience.
Shelby, once an Auror now reduced to a shadow of his former self due to his condition, was taken aback by the offer. Despite the pay being less than what he earned as an Auror, it was a generous offer for a werewolf. He respected John, not just as a boss but as someone who saw beyond his affliction.
"John Wick," John introduced himself, "but in the shop, call me Johnny Silverhands. And keep an eye on the thief we've got there."
"Tommy Shelby," he replied, a smile breaking through his somber demeanor. "I believe that's within my skill set."
Their partnership marked the beginning of a fruitful collaboration, not just between them but also with Dharma Alex, who, despite his initial desire for sole recognition, acknowledged John's indispensable contribution. John, however, humbly declined sole credit, suggesting that shared success could still be legendary. Alex Dharma was deeply moved by the offer of a first-class medal. Who could resist such an honor? His gaze fixed on John, eager to learn the terms of this enticing proposal. "I seek exclusive rights to the Wolfsbane Potion," John began, his voice steady with determination. "In return, I'm prepared to offer you a significant share of the profits."
However, Alex Dharma declined the offer. Wealth held little allure for him; his fortune was vast enough to last several lifetimes without depletion. "There's no need for profit sharing," he responded, a hint of generosity in his tone. "You're already familiar with the Wolfsbane Potion's formula. I'll grant you full access to it."
John was overjoyed by this unexpected turn of events. A master of potions with exclusive rights to such a valuable concoction was bound to amass wealth, albeit gradually. Yet, what truly astounded him was Alex Dharma's indifference to financial gain, a trait that John couldn't help but admire.
Ultimately, the two reached a consensus. John secured the exclusive rights to the Wolfsbane Potion, while Alex Dharma achieved the prestigious recognition he sought for his research and development efforts. With John's involvement, the potion's efficacy was significantly enhanced, transforming it into a veritable blessing for werewolves everywhere. This collaboration not only marked a milestone in potion-making but also forged a unique bond between the two men, united by their contributions to a cause greater than themselves.
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If you are tired of reading I also have this converted to an audio novel on my youtube
https://www.youtube.com/@NovelAudioForge/featured
Direct Link to playlist
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_Hg-qsW4rM&list=PLKskshYG-OcPTR4-Nw7IWFEBZm07D8pBV&ab_channel=NovelAudioForge