Alex nodded, glad at least that he wouldn't have to repeat the work, although he still felt a bit guilty that he'd not done some of the steps. He smiled faintly at continuing to have the pleasure of Professor Black's company, and his lessons. It really was his favourite class.
Alex moved his thumb through the pages, then looked up, taking in the directions. An essay. Step by step. Appearance. Ingredients and their importance. He thought briefly that he should just hand over his notebook; it was certainly complete enough, he thought, but he'd been asked for an essay.
Two weeks. "Yes sir." Alex didn't bother to question minimum length; it would be complete when it was, and if it wasn't, he'd be revising it. He grasped the book tightly in both hands. He could do this. He could. "Thank you. I'll get started tonight."