Potion and Reconciliation

Friday came by and it was their first potion class. Double Potions with Slytherin. Harry woke up, grabbed breakfast with Ron and Hermione and then the trio made their way to the dungeons. Potions lessons took place down in one of the dungeons. It was colder here than up in the main castle, and would have been quite creepy enough without the pickled animals floating in glass jars all around the walls. The trio quickly got to their seats.

Snape, like Flitwick, started the class by taking the roll call, he paused at Harry's name. "Ah, yes," he said softly, "Harry Potter. Our new — celebrity." Draco Malfoy and his friends Crabbe and Goyle sniggered behind their hands. Snape finished calling the names and looked up at the class. His eyes were black, and unlike other teachers his eyes were not filled with warmth. Instead were cold and empty and made you think of dark tunnels. 

"You are here to grasp the nuanced science and precise art of potion-making," he commenced. His voice was scarcely louder than a whisper, yet every student captured each word. Similar to Professor McGonagall, Snape possessed the ability to maintain absolute silence in his class effortlessly.

"Since there's minimal frivolous wand-waving in this domain, many of you may find it hard to believe this constitutes magic. I don't anticipate that you will fully comprehend the elegance of the gently simmering cauldron, emanating its iridescent vapors, the subtle potency of liquids that weave through human veins, enchanting the mind, captivating the senses. I can instruct you on how to encapsulate fame, concoct glory, and even seal death—provided you aren't as inept as the usual bunch I'm accustomed to teaching."

A hushed stillness ensued after this brief address. Harry and Ron shared glances, their eyebrows raised inquisitively. Hermione Granger was perched on the edge of her seat, appearing eager to demonstrate that she was anything but a dunderhead.

Well he certainly doesn't hold back does he? Harry thought.

"Potter!" said Snape suddenly. "What is the antidote for the Draught of Living Death?"

"Sir, Wiggenweld Potion can be used to treat Draught of Living Death", Harry replied.

"What would I get if I added powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?"

"You will get the Draught of the Living Death, sir", Harry replied again.

Snape seemed to be displeased by the fact that Harry was able to answer his question.

"where would you look if I told you to find me a bezoar?"

"It should be there in the students cupboard but if you want a new one, a goats stomach", Harry replied. He was starting to get annoyed by the fact that Snape was targeting him.

"Five points from Gryffindor for your cheek Potter"

Did his father really bully Snape? His doubts were confirmed when Snape started asking him Auror level questions just to embarrass him.

"What are the primary ingredients and their magical properties in the Wolfsbane Potion?"

"The Wolfsbane Potion requires ingredients such as wolfsbane, silver, and a sprig of Gillyweed. Wolfsbane must be harvested at the full moon to retain its potency. The potion allows werewolves to maintain their human minds during transformation.", Harry replied.

Snape was taken aback at Harry being able to answer this difficult question. "It seems you opened your books before coming to class Potter". He looked at the class.

"Well? Why aren't you all copying that down?"

Everyone made a hurry to note everything down. Ron smirked as he gave Harry the thumbs up for his answers. Hermione was beaming at him. While Snape looked like someone had just canceled Christmas.

Snape paired them off and instructed them to brew a basic potion for healing boils. Moving gracefully in his flowing black cloak, he observed as they measured dried nettles and ground snake fangs. Snape offered critiques to nearly everyone except Malfoy, whom he appeared to favor. While praising Malfoy's technique for stewing horned slugs, the dungeon suddenly filled with clouds of acidic green smoke and a loud hissing sound.

The class ended with Harry losing another twenty points because Neville had messed up his potion. Snape accused Harry of not helping Neville. Even with brewing the perfect potion, Harry didn't push it, since he knew Snape was acting out of spite for his dad. As they all left, Harry hanged behind asking Ron and Hermione to leave. 

After the class, Harry, with a mix of nerves and determination, approaches Snape near his desk.

"Professor Snape, may I have a word?"

Snape, looking slightly annoyed, glances at Harry.

"Make it quick, Potter."

Harry takes a deep breath, and his expression reflects a genuine sincerity.

"I wanted to apologize, sir. I know my dad... well, he wasn't always the best to you, and I'm sorry for that. I can't change the past, but I don't want to carry that weight between us."

Snape, still stern, raises an eyebrow, seemingly unimpressed.

"Apologies won't undo the past, Potter."

"I understand that, Professor. But I want you to know that I respect your skills and what you've been through. My dad's actions were his own, and I'm not him."

Snape, for a moment, seems to be assessing Harry. Unbeknownst to Harry, Snape uses passive Legilimency to sense the sincerity behind his words.

"Your father's arrogance is not yours to bear. But words are empty without action, Potter.", Snape said grudgingly.

"I get it, Professor. I just hope we can start fresh, without the baggage of the past."

Snape, still maintaining a stern demeanor, nods slightly, acknowledging the attempt at reconciliation.

"We shall see, Potter. Don't let your sentimentality interfere with your potion-making again."

The conversation concludes with a lingering tension but a subtle shift in their dynamic, hinting at the possibility of a more nuanced relationship between Harry and Snape. As Harry turns to leave,

"Harry?"

Harry is shocked to hear Snape call his name. He turns back to see that Snape had almost a sad, broken look in his eyes.

"I don't know if anyone has told you but, you have your mothers eyes", Snape said while looking in Harry's eyes.

Harry didn't know what to say, so he could only nod. He wished Snape a good day and left. Before closing the door, he could see Snape with his head hung low, staring at the table.