78. Master Alchemist Paracelsus! The Arrogance Of A Gryffindor

[Congratulations to the host, you have obtained an S-level character template——Paracelsus!']

[Phillipus Aureolus Theophrastus Bombastus von Hohenheim (1493—1541), more commonly known as Paracelsus, was a wizard and alchemist about whom very little is known. In addition to his work on alchemy, he made significant contributions to the field of medicine, having been a notable physician. Paracelsus's bold theories challenged medieval thought. Paracelsus was credited with the discovery of Parseltongue.]

[Character: Paracelsus

Magic: A+

Charm: S

Defense Against the Dark Arts: A+

Black Magic: B

Transfiguration: S

Potion: SS

Alchemy: SS

Special talents:

- Elemental Affinity: Increases the power of elemental magic.

- Master Inspiration: Probability of being triggered during alchemy and potion-making. Improves potion quality, enhances formulas, and may lead to new creations.

Comprehensive evaluation: S]

(Note: The system's comprehensive evaluation is mainly based on direct combat power, with potion-making and alchemy accounting for a lower proportion.)

Wayne's eyebrows almost flew up.

Without hesitation, he integrated Paracelsus's template card directly.

His original A-level potion and alchemy talents were already considered genius among students. However, compared to true geniuses like Snape, they seemed lackluster. Every time he attended a class, he faced ridicule from the bat-like professor several times.

Currently, Paracelsus's other talents weren't useful to him, but his potion-making and alchemy talents alone were comparable to SS-level templates. In any world, those skilled in alchemy and crafting held high status, even if they weren't physically strong. Moreover, his other talent levels weren't low; only these two were holding him back.

The fusion of the template card didn't cause any abnormalities, and Wayne felt no changes in his body. However, when he recalled Snape's lecture on purification potion from the previous week, numerous novel ideas flooded his mind. He also noticed many details in his refining process.

To test the effect of his talent, he skipped sleep and headed straight to the Room of Requirement. Snape had mentioned some problems in his refining process, and Wayne even improved the formulas of two potions to reduce costs.

SS-level talent was truly terrifying. Looking back at the gadgets he'd previously refined, Wayne could spot numerous flaws. These inspirations and ideas didn't emerge out of thin air; they were based on the knowledge and experience he'd mastered.

He realized that he still needed to study diligently to fully utilize his talent. The system had provided him with unlimited possibilities and some shortcuts, but the path ahead lay at Wayne's feet. If he didn't tread it, even the system couldn't save him.

Wayne had a clear understanding of this and knew exactly what he wanted.

After a sleepless night, Wayne emerged from the Room of Requirement at eight in the morning. Knowing he would later visit Hagrid's cabin with Harry, he forwent the idea of catching up on sleep, opting instead to ingest a bottle of uplifting potion, instantly energizing himself.

"Lawrence?" a female voice called from behind Wayne.

Turning, Wayne greeted with a smile, "Senior Penelope, good morning."

"How did you come downstairs?" The blond senior walked beside Wayne, puzzled.

"I came to find George and Fred," Wayne explained smoothly. "Turns out, they hadn't woken up yet, so I came down on my own."

"Those mischievous brothers?" Penelope nodded, recently pursued by Gryffindor Prefect Percy.

However, her interaction with the twins stemmed not from Percy, but from Wayne's Celia store. Penelope had purchased many useful quills from the twins.

Enviously, she remarked, "What other new products do you have?"

"We are indeed preparing to launch some new products," Wayne admitted openly. "But considering everyone's tight budgets, it's best to wait until after Christmas."

"Pfft!" Penelope chuckled, covering her mouth. "You're honest."

Wayne winked, "Of course, I'm an honest Hufflepuff."

Penelope laughed even more heartily.

Her maturity surpassed that of Hermione and Cho. Despite not being an adult, she exuded her charm.

As they strolled towards the auditorium, Penelope expressed, "I wish I had your talent. I could earn a lot of Galleons by crafting props."

Wayne understood her sentiment. "Senior, are you short of money?"

"Not exactly," Penelope shook her head. "Unlike you, I'm a pure-blood. I receive a fixed amount of Galleons annually."

"Life is comfortable, but many of the robes and books I desire require additional funds."

Wayne acknowledged the reality without judgment.

After fulfilling basic needs, people often pursue entertainment. Money, inevitably, remains a recurring topic.

"Perhaps I can assist you, Senior" Wayne offered gently, a faint smile on his lips. "But I believe you won't accept my help without giving something in return."

"If you have any ideas that require funding, or if there's a way I can assist you, feel free to approach me."

With those words, they reached the auditorium entrance. Wayne bid farewell politely before heading to Hufflepuff.

Penelope watched his departure, impressed.

This speech... was truly Slytherin-like.

Inside the auditorium, Wayne's entrance garnered attention.

Gryffindor greeted warmly, Ravenclaw observed curiously, and Hufflepuff welcomed him with open arms.

"Wayne, where've you been so early? Come, have a grilled sausage."

"I've got hot spring eggs here."

Seated, several Hufflepuffs generously filled his plate.

After expressing gratitude, Wayne glanced at the Slytherin table and chuckled involuntarily.

It lay empty save for a dozen girls.

Seeing Wayne's smile, the other Hufflepuffs laughed along.

Their laughter, like a sharp blade, pierced the proud hearts of Slytherins.

Pansy Parkinson, one of Malfoy's followers, angrily sliced sausages, her utensils scraping against the plate as though aimed at Wayne.

Pansy interpreted Wayne's glance as fear.

"Just you wait, Lawrence!"

"The Parkinson family won't let you off!"

Furious, the witch threatened.

Many Slytherins, including Pansy, had written home, intending to pressure Dumbledore into expelling Wayne.

Especially Robert Parkinson, the worst affected, is now hospitalized and facing further confinement.

However, their plan overlooked one crucial factor—Hogwarts belonged to Dumbledore.

As long as he remained headmaster, no one could influence the school's affairs.

In his office, dozens of owls arrived with letters, many marked in red.

Dumbledore waved his wand, turning them to black smoke and ash, dispersing them out the window.

The remaining letters mostly comprised complaints.

Slytherin's parents demanded Wayne's expulsion, enraged by their children's injuries.

Yet, amidst the complaints were letters in Wayne's defense.

Prewett, Abbott, McMillan, Bones, Cedric, Philip...

Dumbledore was astounded.

He realized the powerful connections that had rallied around Wayne.

But there was no concern in the old man's heart, only relief.

Regardless of Wayne's house, some mischievous thoughts were to be expected.

But Wayne was a Hufflepuff.

There was a joke in the wizarding world, albeit

with some truth: Slytherins were political criminals, Gryffindors were violent criminals, Ravenclaws were economic criminals... and Hufflepuffs?

Sorry, Hufflepuffs hadn't made it to Azkaban yet.

Mostly known for being diligent and reliable.

Wayne, still en route to Hagrid's hut, remained oblivious to Dumbledore's thoughts.

Even if he knew, he'd likely just smile disdainfully.

Perhaps, that was the arrogance of a Gryffindor.

"Come in, it's freezing out there."

Knocking on Hagrid's door, the giant hybrid welcomed them inside warmly.

"Hello, I'm Cho Chang," Cho introduced herself on her first visit.

"Don't stand there, you're Wayne's friend, you're my friend," Hagrid insisted.

After seating themselves on stools Hagrid had crafted, the group began discussing the events of the previous day. Hagrid scolded Wayne for his impulsiveness, suggesting he should have reported the incident to Dumbledore instead of taking matters into his own hands.

But Wayne brushed off the reprimand, attributing his actions to heightened emotions.

"No," Harry interjected, visibly moved. "You all came to help me. Without you, I'd have been in trouble with Snape."

Grateful, Wayne gave Harry a thumbs-up, appreciating the diversion from Snape's wrath.

"What's Snape got to do with it?" Hagrid scratched his head, unaware of the previous day's events.

"Hermione and I witnessed it," Ron interjected. "Snape kept focusing on Harry's broomstick and muttering a spell."

"Oh?" Cho gasped in surprise, just learning of the incident.

"Is that true?"

Harry, embarrassed, admitted, "I heard Ron and Hermione discussing it."

"It must be him," Hermione affirmed. "The disturbance began when Snape was distracted, and Harry remained unharmed."

"I doubt he expected you to catch the Golden Snitch so quickly."

"Exactly!" Wayne nodded, taking the opportunity to criticize Snape. "Snape's true colors are showing."

Unconvinced, Hagrid expressed his disbelief. "But Snape's a professor and Dumbledore trusts him. He wouldn't do something like that."

"Yesterday, we all saw Snape casting a spell," Hermione argued, her opinion of Snape soured.

Quietly observing, Cho found herself intrigued by Gryffindor's curiosity. Amidst the numerous professors and Dumbledore, first-year students were already discussing school secrets and suspicions about a respected staff member.

"Enough!" Hagrid interrupted the debate. "You should all give it a rest. Snape won't betray Dumbledore's trust."

As the conversation shifted, Harry dropped a bombshell: Snape had been spotted on the fourth floor on Halloween, likely attempting theft through Fluffy.

Hagrid's reaction was immediate, setting down the teapot with a thud, stunning everyone.

Curious, Harry pressed for details, eager to uncover the mystery.

But Hagrid refused to divulge more, emphasizing Dumbledore's trust in him.

As for Snape, Hagrid dismissed the accusations, defending the professor's integrity.

Despite Hermione's suspicions, Wayne and Harry shared a knowing glance.

Wayne sighed, realizing his teammate had inadvertently revealed sensitive information.

And thus, their conversation continued, tinged with curiosity and guarded secrets.