The Potions classroom was located deep within the castle dungeons.
The room was noticeably colder than the rest of Hogwarts, and glass jars filled with preserved animal specimens lined the stone walls.
Wade placed great importance on Potions.
The moment he entered the classroom, he headed straight for the front row with Draco, Crabbe, and Goyle.
Daphne arrived a little later and took the empty seat beside him.
Without a word, she placed ten Galleons on the desk.
“Your payment.” “For the divination.” Couldn’t you have picked another time…
or another place?
Wade complained inwardly.
Even so, his hand moved without hesitation as he pocketed the money.
Unfortunately…
Several nearby Slytherins and Gryffindors noticed the transaction.
Ron, sitting a row behind, nearly stared his eyes out.
He had never seen someone spend so much money so casually.
Ten whole Galleons.
His pocket money over the past eleven years didn’t even add up to that much.
“You look upset.” Wade noticed Daphne’s expression.
“Did someone annoy you?” “Pansy.” “Millicent.” “Tracey.” “A group of people who really need to mind their own business.” “Oh…” Wade dragged out the syllable.
“I think I understand.” “You do?” Daphne frowned before quickly realizing what he meant.
“Don’t pay attention to them.” “Who we choose as friends is none of their concern.” “That’s true.” Still looking unconvinced, Daphne turned toward Draco.
“You three share a dormitory with Wade.” “Make sure nobody bullies him.” “If any older students cause trouble for him, report it to the prefect immediately.” Draco looked at Wade in surprise.
And you called this ‘just classmates’?
I’ve known Daphne for years.
I’ve never seen her defend anyone like this.
Wade returned an awkward smile.
Believe me…
We really are just ordinary friends.
“Is there a problem, Malfoy?” Daphne asked.
“No problem.” Draco shook his head.
The Malfoy family still carried considerable influence within Slytherin.
Besides…
His father sat on Hogwarts’ Board of Governors.
Bang!
The classroom door swung open.
Professor Severus Snape strode briskly inside.
He wore flowing black robes.
His skin was pale and sallow.
His large hooked nose dominated his face, while his shoulder-length black hair looked perpetually greasy.
“In this class…” “There will be no foolish wand-waving.” “And no silly incantations.” “Personally, I do not expect most of you to truly appreciate the subtle science and exact art that is potion-making.” He paused.
His gaze settled meaningfully upon Draco.
“But…
for the select few who possess the proper aptitude…” “I can teach you how to bewitch the mind and ensnare the senses.” “I can teach you how to bottle fame…” “Brew glory…” “And even put a stopper in death.” Receiving such obvious attention from the Head of Slytherin, Draco couldn’t help smiling proudly.
Wade instinctively straightened his back as well.
Professor…
There’s another loyal Slytherin sitting right here…
Scratch…
scratch…
The sound of a quill writing across parchment suddenly echoed through the classroom.
It interrupted Snape’s speech.
Snape’s expression darkened as he looked toward the source.
Harry Potter.
A face he found thoroughly disagreeable.
“I should also remind everyone…” “Some people seem to believe that because they’re famous…” “…they needn’t pay attention in my class.” The room instantly fell silent.
Nearly every student turned toward Harry, whose quill had just stopped moving.
“Mr.
Potter.” “Our newest celebrity.” “If I were to add powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood…” “…what would I obtain?” Harry looked completely lost.
Was this really a question for a first-year?
How many brand-new students could possibly answer something like that?
At that very moment, Hermione’s hand shot high into the air.
“I don’t know, sir.” “You don’t?” “Then let’s try another.” “Where would you look if I asked you to find me a bezoar?” Hermione’s hand remained firmly raised.
Harry shook his head helplessly.
“I don’t know, sir.” Draco, Crabbe, and Goyle were trembling with suppressed laughter.
They were doing everything they could not to laugh out loud.
Wade quietly sighed.
This shield is proving much harder to support than I expected.
If Harry possessed even half of Hermione’s academic ability…
Everyone would have happily placed the title of ‘the Fool’ on him.
As things stood…
Perhaps it was time to find another convenient shield.
The more potential candidates there were…
The less likely anyone would suspect him.
Daphne nudged Wade with her elbow.
“Starting to think he’s overrated?” “…Not everyone has talent for Potions.” Wade offered diplomatically.
“Hermione, for example, is doing remarkably well.” “What’s the difference between monkshood and wolfsbane?” Snape continued.
Harry was now completely convinced he was being singled out.
Hermione’s hand was practically waving in the air.
Snape didn’t even glance at her.
“I don’t know, sir.” “How unfortunate.” “It would seem that fame isn’t everything.” “Wouldn’t you agree, Mr.
Potter?” Instead of answering, Harry asked quietly, “Hermione knows the answer.” “Why don’t you ask her?” “I am asking the questions.” Snape’s voice turned icy.
“Harry Potter.” “For talking back to a professor…” “Gryffindor loses one point.” Daphne leaned toward Wade.
“Do you know the answers?” “You wanted to study Potions.” “If you do, raise your hand.” Wade hesitated.
Answering correctly would undoubtedly attract Snape’s attention.
Building a relationship with one of the greatest Potions Masters alive would greatly benefit his future plans.
But…
The prophecy was still fresh in everyone’s minds.
Standing out now wasn’t wise.
A moment later, he made his decision.
Slowly and somewhat hesitantly, he raised his hand.
“Mr.
Moreya.” “You know the answer?” As expected, Snape’s attention immediately shifted to him.
Hermione, meanwhile, continued to be completely ignored.
The Head of Slytherin favored his own House.
No justification was necessary.
As for Gryffindor earning points in his classroom…
Absolutely not.
“I only know the answer to the first question.” Wade replied modestly.
“Before term started, I bought a few ingredients from an apothecary in Diagon Alley.” “The shop assistant happened to explain what wormwood infusion was used for.” “That’s enough.” “Go on.” “Powdered root of asphodel added to an infusion of wormwood produces a powerful sleeping potion.” “I believe it’s called the Draught of Living Death.” “Correct.” “Slytherin earns five points.” “Thank you, Professor.” Wade smiled somewhat sheepishly.
He had answered only one question.
And even then, only because he’d supposedly learned it by chance.
Snape was unlikely to mistake him for a prodigy.
But…
He would remember his name.
Hermione looked distinctly dissatisfied.
She knew it wasn’t fair.
Yet there was nothing she could do.
Five points for one answer.
Three correct answers would have been fifteen points.
Those points should have belonged to Gryffindor.
She hadn’t expected Professor Snape to be so openly biased.
He wasn’t even pretending to be impartial.
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