Chapter 52: Little Accident and Potion Genius
The rest of the Potions class proceeded normally.
Snape followed the usual lesson format and paired everyone up. Luke seized the opportunity and quickly teamed up with Taylor. Of course, when it came time to get hands-on, he was ready to give it a try himself.
The Gryffindors were still openly targeted by Snape, though the Slytherins kept their reactions subtle. They weren't mocking the Gryffindors, but that was as far as their restraint went. Expecting them to actually defend Gryffindor students? That would be impossible for time being.
"Now, we're going to brew a simple potion. It's one used for treating boils," Snape announced, his cold and serious gaze making it seem like he was discussing something far more significant—like a potion to raise the dead, rather than a simple healing brew.
Some students looked disappointed or unimpressed, but Snape didn't bother explaining himself.
With a wave of his wand, writing appeared on the blackboard behind him. In no time, a complete recipe was displayed for everyone to see.
Luke didn't let his guard down. He carefully examined the recipe, paying attention to every detail.
Beside him, Taylor frowned.
Noticing her expression, Luke asked, "What's wrong?"
"This recipe's different from the one I learned," Taylor said, shaking her head. "At least in how the slug mucus is prepared and the amount of dried nettles used. It's not the same as what I practiced at home."
"Is it simpler or harder?"
Luke asked, curious.
"A bit simpler, and it works better too. But these ingredients are more expensive than usual. The simplification and the enhanced effects come at a cost"
Taylor confidently replied.
Luke nodded. That made sense. Even if it was just for treating boils, if the process could be simplified and the dosage reduced without compromising the potion's effectiveness, then the recipe would be quite valuable.
Snape clearly wouldn't be handing out this recipe for free otherwise.
This kind of enhanced potion, which simplified steps but increased costs, wouldn't make it to the mass market. As a practice recipe for students however, it was perfectly suitable.
Snape then demonstrated the brewing method for the class.
There was no denying his expertise as a Potions Master. His process was smooth and efficient. The only thing off-putting was his perpetually grim expression.
In no time, he had finished brewing a vial of the potion. Seeing how easily Snape completed the potion boosted the students' confidence.
"Now, you can begin"
Snape said, with a wave of his wand. Pre-packaged ingredients appeared on the students' desks.
"Think you can handle it?" Luke asked.
"No problem. Even though there are a few changes, it's still within acceptable range," Taylor replied confidently.
Luke breathed a sigh of relief as he watched Taylor pick up the ingredients Snape had distributed and begin the process.
Her skilled movements and confident demeanor put Luke at ease.
But when he looked up, he realized Snape was staring directly at him.
"Why aren't you working, Mr. Gaunt? I'm looking forward to yet another surprise from you"
Snape said, his expression as cold and lifeless as ever.
Luke glanced at him, wanting to say something, but the words wouldn't come out. After a brief pause, he replied, "I don't have much confidence in succeeding on the first try, Professor, so I thought I'd observe others first."
"I thought a genius like you wouldn't lack confidence."
Snape's words didn't carry any obvious sarcasm. His tone was so cold and detached that it was impossible to tell if he was praising or mocking Luke.
"Perhaps I just don't have much talent in this area, Professor"
Luke responded honestly. "The world is fair; no one is perfect, and life is the same. But one must not trap themselves in regret."
Snape's pupils narrowed for a moment, though his expression didn't change much. He studied Luke's sincere face, trying to determine if the boy knew something more.
But at that moment, he lost the desire to challenge Luke further.
"Keep working at it. I look forward to your results."
With that, Snape turned and walked away, heading over to Draco Malfoy, who was brewing the potion and receiving high praise from the professor. Malfoy looked smug, as if he truly were the Potions genius Snape imagined him to be.
Malfoy's self-satisfied grin flickered for a moment as he glanced over at Luke.
Luke noticed and gave him a small round of applause, which made Malfoy's grin return with even more pride.
But, as always, chaos arrived right on time. Neville, paired with Seamus—a disaster waiting to happen.
A thick, acidic green smoke erupted with a loud hissing sound, followed by a few students' screams. When everyone turned to look, they saw that Neville had somehow burned Seamus's cauldron, spilling the potion onto the floor, where it emitted a thick, green smoke.
Neville himself was covered in the potion, and ugly boils were appearing all over his body.
"Idiot!" Snape snarled loudly.
"You must have added the porcupine quills without removing the cauldron from the fire!"
Snape was nearly livid. The potion was so simple that in his eyes, anyone should have been able to brew it with ease.
He hadn't actually believed Luke earlier, as the difficulty level was almost laughably low.
Just as Snape was about to instruct Seamus to take Neville to the infirmary, a small blonde girl dashed past him, wearing gloves and holding a small cauldron.
Without hesitation, she poured the potion from her cauldron over Neville.
The boils on Neville's body began to shrink and fade almost instantly. Within ten seconds, they had completely disappeared.
Everyone's eyes turned to Taylor.
Taylor, however, seemed unfazed by the attention. She exhaled in relief as she saw that Neville was back to normal.
It wasn't until the thunderous applause broke out that she realized everyone was staring at her.
Snape looked at Taylor, his eyes gleaming.
"Excellent! Miss Barbara, isn't it? Your potion is quite effective!"
Snape said, actually smiling.
Taylor quickly shook her head. "It's thanks to your recipe, Professor. Otherwise, it wouldn't have worked so quickly."
Snape's smile grew even wider.
"Ten points to Slytherin!"
*****
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