Shadow Ink

Shadow Ink is a dark, thick elixir brewed through experimentation and perusal of various tomes from the Restricted Section of the Hogwarts Library.

Uses

The elixir is used to treat paper or similar surfaces, allowing for the surface to be used as a base for the Shadow Writing Charm.

Preparation

While the students involved in the manifestation of this elixir are exceptionally bright, they did go through many different versions before settling on a balance that did not either damage the treated material or obscure the words written on it.

The preparation of the potion involves mixing a base that must be allowed to stew for approximately two days on a steady and low fire; the base includes various herbs, flobberworm slime and the Weasley's Instant Darkness Powder- a concoction of unknown ingredients. Members of the Nightshades cannot tell you why this powder works for their purposes- not because it is a secret but because they do not know. Yet.

Nightshade Berries, crushed, are the key ingredient. They are found across the Forbidden Forest but are naturally toxic and unsafe for human consumption. Other central ingredients include powdered moonstone, fluxweed and a whole crocodile heart (finely diced or pounded by hand).

After all elements have been added, the Shadow Ink must be allowed to rest for precisely one week before it can be used to treat a surface.

Regulation and Skill Level

Legal.

Brewing the elixir requires the ability of an extremely skilled Potioneer- or in this case, several exceptionally skilled Potions students. It is not especially flammable at any stage of the brewing process.

Risks

If consumed, it is likely the wizard or witch will become extremely ill. They may vomit black bile although this has not been tested by The Nightshades. Yet.