Chapter 96: A Chilling Resolve

In Potions class, Augustus was engrossed in preparing the Shrinking Solution. The process was relatively simple, especially for someone with his remarkable memory. Every step of the procedure was etched in his mind like a vivid ink painting, leaving no room for error. Potions-making reminded him of alchemy from his previous life, though alchemy was far more intricate and tedious. Its numerous precise requirements made true alchemy masters rare. However, as a legendary mage, Augustus had known several alchemists of extraordinary skill and reputation.

Nearby, Neville was struggling. Potions always left him on edge—it was his weakest subject. Coupled with his fear of Snape, the situation was a nightmare. His potion, meant to be a bright green acidic liquid, had turned an unmistakable shade of orange instead.

"Orange, Longbottom," Snape sneered, scooping a sample from Neville's cauldron and letting it drip back for the class to see. "Orange. Tell me, boy, has anything managed to penetrate that thick skull of yours? Didn't I explicitly state to add only one drop of rat bile? Did I not make it perfectly clear that just a trace of leech juice was sufficient? How else can I make myself understood, Longbottom?"

"Dear Neville," Lillian teased with mock pity, her eyes darting toward Malfoy. "Malfoy, isn't this the perfect opportunity for you to play the valiant knight? Your little 'lover' is being torn apart—show us your boundless courage and devotion!"

"Longbottom, that bumbling fool? Don't associate me with him!" Malfoy shot back, his face a mixture of anger and discomfort. Realizing his words might sound incriminating, he quickly added, "Actually, why am I even explaining myself? It's absurd!"

Neville's face flushed pink, and his hands trembled as he tried to hold back tears.

"Professor," Hermione interjected, "if I may, I could help him fix it?"

"I didn't ask you to flaunt your talents, Miss Granger," Snape said coldly, causing Hermione to blush as deeply as Neville. "Longbottom, before the class ends, we shall test your potion on your toad. Perhaps this will motivate you to take your brewing seriously."

"Have you heard the latest?" Malfoy's voice cut through the tension, brimming with feigned casualness. "The Daily Prophet reports someone sighted Sirius Black during his escape. The Ministry is investigating the witness as we speak."

"Oh? I'm surprised anyone could spot Sirius Black—he's infamous for his ability to disappear without a trace. It's probably just a baseless rumor," Augustus replied, his silver eyes flickering with curiosity.

"It's about time someone spotted him, though. Hopefully, the Ministry will catch him soon. For a traitor who sold out his friends to gain power, the Dementors are exactly what he deserves," Lillian remarked sharply, her disdain for Sirius Black evident.

"Sold out his friends? What did he do?" Harry, intrigued by the conversation, moved closer.

Lillian glanced at Harry with a wistful expression but said nothing.

Malfoy's eyes gleamed with malice as he leaned toward Harry. "Thinking of going after Black on your own, Potter?"

"Yes, exactly," Harry snapped, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

Malfoy's thin lips curled into a smug smile. "Of course, if it were me," he said slyly, "I wouldn't just sit here playing the good student. I'd be out there hunting him down."

"What are you babbling about, Malfoy?" Ron barked angrily.

"Revenge, Potter," Malfoy continued, feigning solemnity. "Don't let the rage of vengeance consume you—act on it. Plan carefully, and catch that miserable Sirius Black yourself."

"What revenge? What are you even talking about? Are you insane?" Harry glared, baffled and frustrated.

Malfoy smirked. "I'm just saying, if I were you, I'd take matters into my own hands. But I suppose you'd rather leave it to the Dementors, wouldn't you?"

"Enough, Malfoy!" Lillian snapped, her expression stern. "Harry has no place in resolving past grudges. And even if he did, how could he possibly face someone who singlehandedly killed a dozen Aurors? Stop filling his head with nonsense."

Harry's face twisted in confusion as he turned to Augustus for answers.

"Harry," Augustus said calmly, his silver eyes steady. "If you don't understand the situation, it's better to remain in the dark. Knowing the details won't benefit you."

Trusting Augustus implicitly, Harry nodded, deciding to let the matter drop.

As class neared its end, Snape approached Neville, who was cowering by his cauldron.

"Gather around, everyone," Snape instructed, his black eyes gleaming. "Let's see what happens to Longbottom's toad. If he has successfully brewed the Shrinking Solution, it should turn into a tadpole. If not—and I have no doubt of this—it will be poisoned and die."

Gryffindor students watched in horror, while Slytherins looked on eagerly. Snape held up Trevor, Neville's toad, and ladled a small spoonful of potion from the cauldron, now green, into the toad's mouth.

For a tense moment, nothing happened. Then, with a faint "pop," Trevor shrank into a wriggling tadpole in Snape's hand.

It seemed Hermione had discreetly helped Neville fix his potion. Her selfless gesture—caring more for Neville's success than her own recognition—was the kind of pure-hearted action only seen in youth. Augustus couldn't help but contrast this with Sirius Black, a man who had betrayed Harry's family for personal gain. Augustus's silver eyes glinted coldly, a chilling resolve forming. For such a despicable villain, the only fitting end was swift eradication.

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