 Technically technical all the time Bookaholic
"You've all brought up some very good reasons why we don't brew potions requiring unicorn parts. First of all, they can be very hard to come by as many of them may require the death of a unicorn. Because of the rarity of these items, they are also quite expensive. However, these items may not be as impossible to get as you might think. The hair can be found in woods that unicorns inhabit. One of the previous gamekeepers here at Hogwarts was known to collect the hairs that he found caught on branches. Unicorn hair is probably the most common unicorn part to be found and thus, is the least expensive at approximately 10 galleons a hair.
"Unicorn blood can also be found, though one must be extremely lucky to find it as unicorns are rarely injured. Unicorn blood is only used in the most potent potions, all of which are dark in nature. It is extremely expensive and can only be found on the black market. So how and why, you wonder, do I have a few drops in my possession? The answer is quite simple. I aquired this vial from the Ministry of Magic. It was confiscated during a raid on a dark wizard's manor. I have it merely to show you what it looks like.
"Occassionally a unicorn might chip their hoof and one might be lucky enough to come across a piece of it. Like unicorn blood, it is more rare than hair but, not impossible to obtain without slaying the unicorn. It is another very expensive ingredient used in the most complex and advanced potions, though not all dark.
"Finally, we have the unicorn horn. This is an ingredient that does not require the slaying of a unicorn, though you might think so. Horns will typically cost between 20 and 30 galleons depending upon the market at the time of purchase. Horns are the next most common unicorn ingredient after hair.
"If you would like to learn more about unicorns, I must ask you to see the Care of Magical Creatures professor. I cannot do the subject of unicorns justice in this class. We will be focusing only upon the uses of unicorn parts in potions.
"Now I'd like to ask you what sort of potions do you think would require the use of these ingredients? Please be specific with which part you are discussing as potions rarely use more than one unicorn part."
Professor Branxton walked back around to sit down at his desk, folding his hands in front of him and intently watching his class.
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Blast from the past! |