Dodge Rebecca and visit Miss Wormwood

"But I wanted to ask you about..." Rebecca says, clutching at your sleeve, the sleeve of the arm that doesn't have Sapienta curled round.

"Can't. Nurse is expecting me," you insist. You pull your sleeve out of Rebecca's grasp. Pulled off balance, she shuffles her feet to stay upright.

You walk toward the Infirmary. Your long strides rapidly leave a pleading Rebecca round the corner.

ENCOUNTER Miss Wormwood to ask for a GOAL in learning magical healing and potions (+3 BRAVERY, +2 FRIEND; maxes out at +4).

⚀⚄ + 4 = 10.

On a 10+, Miss Wormwood is pleased to set you a GOAL, take +1 Forward.

"Golondrina?" Miss Wormwood says, the green snakes on her head rearing up and flicking their tongues in surprise. "This wasn't what I expected you to ask."

You nod. "It's what I want," you say. "I mean, I know Housemaster sponsored me into Leontes, and he's probably hoping I'll be a big success with dueling or some brave and bold conjuration." You take a deep breath, holding the expression on your face impassive. "But it would serve me well, early on, to work on the part of my magical education that's lacking, rather than drawing to my strong suit again and again."

Miss Wormwood nods. "Very well, then," she says. "If you wish to learn herbs, potions, and healing, there is none better. And Sapienta here, she will help guide you when you are applying your skills to a patient. She will see, feel, taste things you cannot." Her thin lips broaden into a grin. "Unlike myself." The serpents growing from Miss Wormwood's head all nod in concert, then straighten up and flicker their tongues at you. Or would they be bowing, not nodding? "You yourself have an unusual taste and a strong, fiery constitution. You rebounded from the Chilly Tarn straightaway."

You hope Miss Wormwood won't sniff out that you have something to hide, or that when she does, she'll be favorably inclined.

"At any rate," Miss Wormwood says. "Here is where you shall start. Technique. Potions. Doses."

You listen carefully to Miss Wormwood. At least it's not sweeping the floor and scrubbing the brass and glass.

"And of course, you'll want to start and finish with a thorough cleaning of your working area, your tools and vessels, and yourself," Miss Wormwood says.

At least it's not just sweeping and scrubbing.

And yourself. Perhaps you'll bathe together. Your heart thumps, remembering the effects of her venom.

Miss Wormwood sets a GOAL for you, -2 on DILIGENCE, to help her prepare curative and immunizing doses according to the formula she prescribes. If you need to, you may use Miss Wormwood's FAVOR or your Housemaster's FAVOR, but Sapienta's special skills aren't useful for this. When you're ready, follow the rules for trying to ACHIEVE A GOAL. On a success, she will set you a new GOAL or GOALs related to learning potions, herbs, and healing.

Dorothy the Porter, Marina Madeline, Fergus Firetail, and Nurse Wormwood are your FRIENDS and each will freely grant one FAVOR. Your familiar Sapienta also counts as a FRIEND with a FAVOR.

Rebecca Honeybee is your HANGER-ON (-1 to rolls against her) and owes you a FAVOR.

You have 3 XP, -1 AMBITION, +3 BRAVERY, +1 CUNNING, and +0 DILIGENCE.

• Do you leap right into the GOAL? Roll to ACHIEVE A GOAL: +DILIGENCE(-1)(+0 Diligence, -2 Moderate Goal, +1 Forward).
• Do you do something else with the situation? If you're craving Miss Wormwood's cool skin, sinewy strength, and venomous bite, roll to ENCOUNTER her to HAVE SEX. Roll +BRAVERY(+4 : max)(+3 Bravery, +2 FRIEND, +1 Forward).
• Do you go study or socialize with your suitemates or go to classes? Describe the scene and choose a next MOVE.