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Watching Wayne walk further and further away, Hermione felt a little suspicious. She always thought he might be up to something bad behind her back, but she had no evidence. So, she had no choice but to continue eating with her head down.
There were no classes that afternoon, so Hermione planned to go to the library and finish all her homework. This would allow her to use the weekend to prepare for the next week's assignments. This week, Hermione's academic performance had been excellent. She helped Gryffindor earn points in every class except Potions. But she still felt stressed, and the reason was Wayne.
From their usual behavior in class, the two seemed similar. However, Hermione knew Wayne must be hiding a lot. In Transfiguration class, she could only change the color and texture of matches slightly. While Professor McGonagall was happy, he also told her that Wayne succeeded on his first try. Hermione knew her good performance was due to hard work and a good memory. But what about Wayne?
When they were in the library, he only read miscellaneous books. Often, he would sneak away to play wizard chess or exploding cards with his classmates. He seemed more laid-back than Harry and Ronald. Last time, she caught Wayne performing a healing spell on Cho Chang's wand, a skill many adult wizards couldn't master.
Sheer talent like Wayne's could make others despair. Hermione knew she could only catch up with Wayne by working harder. He hid his skills too well. If Wayne knew what Hermione was thinking, he would feel wrongly accused. He was hiding too!
Since arriving at Hogwarts, Wayne never thought about struggling to develop his skills. The wizarding world was relatively peaceful, and professors favored those who showed more talent. The punishment for getting into trouble in the future would be lighter. This was their first-grade material, and any student could learn it, including Hermione. It didn't reflect his true talent. Was he supposed to show a magic five-whip attack to the professor directly?
Wayne, unaware that Hermione had misjudged him, went to the Potions classroom in the basement after lunch. One week was enough for the little wizards to get to know the teachers at the school, especially Snape, a very 'unique' professor. By 12:50, the classroom was full of Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw students. No one dared to make a loud noise, and many eyes turned to the door from time to time. Wayne sat at the same table as Hannah and wasn't too worried. Since his surname was neither Potter nor was he a Gryffindor student, Snape had no reason to target him.
At exactly one o'clock, Snape walked into the classroom, right on time. He strode in quickly, stirring up a breeze and causing his robe to float like a walking bat spirit. "Put away that useless wand," Snape's voice was low and magnetic but cold. The little wizards obeyed obediently.
Like Professor Flitwick, Snape took out the roster and started roll call. Every little wizard called would respond quickly and cautiously, fearing they might be scolded for being late. "A precise sense of time is an essential foundation for brewing potions. I'm very happy that no one was late."
Snape spoke slowly, clearly pleased, but more than one person saw a hint of disappointment in his eyes.
"You are here to learn the precise science and art of potion-making. Since there is no foolish waving of wands, many of you will not believe it is magic."
"I don't expect you to truly understand the beauty of a slowly simmering cauldron, emitting white smoke and wafting bursts of fragrance. You won't understand the liquid flowing into people's veins, making their hearts wander and their wills blur. Wonderful magic... I can teach you how to increase your reputation, brew glory, and even prevent death!"
This was a very captivating opening statement, and many were already fascinated and eager to learn more.
Wayne pouted secretly when Snape wasn't looking. The speech was indeed good. I would call his ability second in the wizarding world, second only to Grindelwald. Brew glory and stop death. If that's true, why didn't he save Lily?
Well, I can't say that. If I did, I'd probably get a green light from Snape's wand in the next second.
"Lawrence!" Snape suddenly called out.
Wayne was startled but stood up instinctively.
"If I were to make a herbicide, what else would I need besides lionfish spine powder and Flobber caterpillar slime?"
"Hoklap Juice, sir."
"How many ways are there to make a rejuvenation agent?"
"Three types: extraction, boiling, and grinding into powder."
"I need a bezoar. Where will you find it?"
"In a cow's stomach, but now there are many cultivated ones."
"Explain the procedures for treating Porcupine Quill with Scabies Potion."
"Cut it into a length of three centimeters and make a slit diagonally every centimeter."
"Tsk." Snape stopped questioning, "It seems that compared to Mr. Potter, you are indeed more deserving of your reputation."
The other young wizards were stunned. They understood each word individually, but together...
"Why are you all staring at me? Do I have what I just said on my face? Take notes quickly!" Snape suddenly snapped, and the students began to take notes hurriedly.
"You too. Do you need me to ask you to sit down?"
"You're welcome, Professor." Wayne curled his lips and sat down.
Who knows why Snape went crazy and suddenly called his name? And it wasn't random; it must have been aimed specifically at him.
The questions just now were beyond the first-year curriculum. They were definitely premeditated. What Wayne didn't know was that Snape had heard from Professor McGonagall about his talent: he could summon a Patronus with a wand. This magic had special meaning to Snape, so he naturally remembered Wayne's name. Today's test was just a spur-of-the-moment decision to trouble Wayne and deduct points from Hufflepuff.
Thanks to his and Cedric's outstanding performance, Hufflepuff's score now exceeded Slytherin's. Regrettably for Snape, Wayne passed the test. Why can't he be like stupid Potter?
Glancing at Wayne, who had a normal expression, Snape waved his hand, and the procedure for making a scabies potion appeared on the blackboard.
"The materials are in the closet. Work in pairs. If I find out who is wasting materials, I will make them eat the extra supplies."
All the young wizards shuddered.