At four, Severus got a potion making kit. With all he needed to make his first potion.

At eleven, Severus made his first real potion at school.

At fifteen, Severus got an Outstanding on his O.W.L

At seventeen, Severus got an Outstanding on his N.E.W.T.

At nineteen, Severus was making potions for the Dark Lord.

At twenty one, the Dark Lord fell. Severus was finally free.

At twenty two, Severus was teaching potions at Hogwarts.

At thirty seven, The Dark Lord rose again.

That night, Severus brought out his old reliable stirriing rod to be used again.