The high proof of vodka is not due to its raw materials, but to its multiple distillation processes.

Hogwarts may lack in industrial distillation, but it excels in alchemy. The multiple distillation process of "Water of Life" originates from alchemy. Compared to other industrial products, brewing doesn't have many technical barriers in the magical world.

Of course, as described by Aileen, it should now be called making "spellcasting materials."

High-purity "Water of Life" can enhance fire-based magic and strengthen some ice and water-based magic.

On the other hand, the fact that 96-proof "Water of Life" cannot be consumed directly reassured Dumbledore somewhat.

Even the most hard-headed Gryffindors wouldn't try such a spicy and unpalatable "alcohol." As Aileen outlined in her plans, basic spellcasting material checks and process restrictions would be implemented. Issues related to underage drinking could be addressed through random inspections, raising the spellcasting material threshold, and increasing the added value of the finished product.

"So, is it a deal for now?"

Aileen stood up and clapped her hands cheerfully, the little ahoge on her head swaying from side to side.

"You will be responsible for following up on the vodka brewing process and subsequent material spellcasting teaching… If you encounter obstacles before the end of the month, I will try to push it from the bottom up… That's reasonable, right? Headmaster."

Gryffindor holds the raw materials – potatoes. This is the advantage they have established through more than a year of reckless behavior.

However, in the transformation process from potatoes to vodka, the processes of storage, fermentation, and distillation are the most crucial.

Gryffindor Tower, located on top of the castle tower, doesn't have a suitable place for brewing.

There are only five suitable places for brewing vodka in Hogwarts:

Two of them are directly controlled by Dumbledore and Aileen – the underground treasure vault and the Hogwarts kitchen.

Another one is a neutral hidden map, the "Room of Requirement: Wine Cellar".

Besides that, the "Helga's Underground City" below the Hufflepuff common room, which is semi-enclosed and waiting to be developed, can be used. But considering the upcoming Magical Creature Master cultivation project, it would be difficult to set aside an extra piece of land for storing and brewing vodka.

Therefore, if the Gryffindor students want to brew vodka themselves, they only have one option.

...

That night, the Gryffindor common room.

"Cooperate with Slytherin to jointly develop the Slytherin Chamber?!"

Fred Weasley said in disbelief, waving his hand worriedly.

"Percy, are you kidding?! And we have to give them a quarter of the potatoes we grow?!"

Percy frowned and slapped away Fred's claw that was about to leave afterimages in front of his eyes, and said seriously.

"Professor Dumbledore personally notified us just now – Hogwarts' upcoming magic courses will use an alchemical product called 'Water of Life', and the raw material for this alchemical product happens to be the potatoes we have piled up – he also gave another option, we trade the potatoes to Slytherin, and Slytherin will be fully responsible for the brewing work. But in this way, the distribution rights of the excess 'Water of Life' are also on the Slytherin side..."

"They're just dreaming, the potatoes we grow will become theirs?! No way!"

Oliver Wood snorted and interrupted Percy without hesitation.

As the captain of the Gryffindor Quidditch team, if there is anything more uncomfortable than cooperating with Slytherin, then perhaps it is only passively becoming a stepping stone for the other party, with all the hard work turning into the achievements and capital of those despicable guys.

Judging from what Professor Dumbledore said earlier, the importance of "Water of Life" is at least worth half an House Cup.

Under this circumstance, the Gryffindor students would never let those stinky snakes take advantage.

"Is there no other way? Under Hufflepuff, or other places in the castle?"

Charlie Weasley rubbed his chin, trying to search for a suitable place in his memory.

Unlike these little guys who are still studying at Hogwarts, he, who has left the school, doesn't take the competition between the academies so seriously. Instead, he cares more about the detail Percy mentioned earlier – that legendary "Water of Life" is the world's highest concentration of distilled liquor.

You know, high-proof, high-quality fine wine is almost essential drinking water in the process of raising dragons.

Compared to expensive and scarce single malt whiskey or aged brandy, the "Water of Life" that can be brewed with potatoes alone is too cost-effective.

If such quality liquor can really be brewed from potatoes, then a large wave of pressure can be relieved in dragon breeding. Moreover, by analogy, it can also solve the food problems of many large magical creatures – in addition to dragons, creatures like Grindylows and Fluffy also like alcohol. If there are not enough spirits to feed them, they will show anorexia, depression, and even varying degrees of degradation or underdevelopment.

"Well, forget it, this is also good – occupy the Slytherin Chamber and make it Gryffindor's wine cellar."

Charlie flipped through the secret passages of Hogwarts Castle in his mind, shook his head helplessly, and his eyes gradually became firm.

"I remember Professor Dumbledore said before – the exploration completion and decoration level of 'Salazar Slytherin's Chamber' are entirely decided by the students themselves. In other words, this is an alternative confrontation. Before the students of other colleges react, let's unite with some Slytherin guys to preemptively divide up most of the area, as for how to divide the spoils later..."

"Gryffindor holds almost 80% of Hogwarts' potato planting land, which is something that other colleges can't change anyway."

"Professor Dumbledore also said that the 'Water of Life' follow-up plan will be added to some Hogwarts magic courses as a common alchemy material. I don't think the professors will update some useless new knowledge, this thing must be very, very important."

"As for the distribution method between Slytherin and Gryffindor..."

Charlie Weasley's eyes sparkled with bright light, and he rubbed his wrists casually.

"If we sit at the table to negotiate, we will probably suffer a big loss – since everyone is a wizard, let's use a wizard's solution. I heard that you had an unfinished duel last year. Percy, go find the Slytherin prefect tomorrow and make an appointment. Let's find a place together on the weekend to complete the duel, and solve all the previous gaps and subsequent discourse power and distribution ratio."

"Uh, this is not a time to joke, Charlie. This is a bit too..."

Percy Weasley shook his head with a wry smile, helplessly looking at his second brother who seemed to have been infected with the combative dragon habits.

"I think it's possible -"

Just then, a calm voice suddenly came from the fireplace.

Bill Weasley smoothed the pages of the book in a leisurely manner, and inserted an aluminum page into the spine as a bookmark.

"I asked Professor Apocalyps, if it is a friendly sparring match of less than ten people, under the witness of a formal professor and prefect, it does not violate the school rules. You can rest assured about the duel and territory division, and I will find a way for the rest."

"Besides, Charlie... the prohibition that underage wizards cannot drink..."

Bill closed the storybook in his hand, his eyebrows twitched, and a meaningful smile appeared.

"It only applies to underage students, we occasionally have to fight for a little benefit for ourselves -"

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Yay!