Adam rubbed his hands and left the principal's office with satisfaction.
After he finished eating the coconut sorbet, he couldn't help but run to Stein and politely ask if he could touch it. Initially, he just wanted to try his luck, thinking there was nothing to lose, but to his surprise, Stein stared at him for a while and actually nodded in agreement!
The phoenix – rather, it should be called a phoenix – had feathers on its wings and tail that felt silky smooth, while the down on its abdomen was incredibly soft. The sensation of rubbing his fingertips through it was utterly mesmerizing.
Adam regretted not taking things further during his first contact. Otherwise, he would've loved to pick up Stein and take a deep breath!
But as his euphoria faded, Adam couldn't help but ponder.
There was one question he hadn't asked when talking to Professor Dumbledore earlier: Why did Nicolas Flamel trust him so easily and entrust him with such a crucial task?
A descendant of a friend he'd never met – was that enough to warrant entrusting him with the Philosopher's Stone just because of his youth?
But when Adam broached the subject, Professor Dumbledore had skillfully redirected the conversation toward the Fidelius Charm, piquing his curiosity and preventing him from asking more.
Could there be some deeper connection between him and Nicolas Flamel?
This question remained unverified for now, so Adam chose not to dwell on it. He simply set it aside when he returned to the dormitory.
The next morning was Potions class. As Adam took out his cauldron, Eugene beside him remained silent. But Stein, sitting just one person away, couldn't hold back:
"Wait a second. Are you going to use yesterday's cauldron to brew potions? You're not going to keep using it to cook food, are you?"
Not sure what came to mind, Stein's face contorted with disgust.
"I really don't want to eat food made in the same cauldron that cooked Flobberworm caterpillars..."
"Relax, I wouldn't throw whole Flobberworms into the cauldron. We mostly use their juice."
"Is that really the point?"
Adam spread his hands.
"What's the problem? Once cleaned, it'll be as good as new. And frankly, Flobberworm juice is a common thickening agent in potions. You'll have to drink it in potions anyway, right?"
"That's not the same!"
Stein shook his head vehemently. He could accept potions made with such ingredients since it was necessary when ill, but he ate Adam's food for enjoyment.
It was hard to imagine enjoying food prepared in that cauldron!
"This isn't the same cauldron as yesterday," Eugene suddenly spoke up.
Adam raised an eyebrow, surprised.
"How'd you figure that out?"
Cauldrons had identifying marks, but those were usually on the bottom, and other than that, these cauldrons were practically identical.
Eugene thought for a moment before replying.
"Just a guess. You have pretty high standards for living, so I don't think you'd skimp on something like that."
Even if the cauldron was thoroughly cleaned, there would still be a psychological barrier to using it for cooking. Adam, who often criticized the food at school, wouldn't be likely to reuse the same cauldron.
"Wow, Eugene! You're sharp!"
Adam clapped, impressed by Eugene's insight. Meanwhile, Stein looked at Adam in shock.
"Then why did you say all that earlier?"
"He's messing with you," Robert sighed, running his hand through his hair.
Potions class required working in pairs, and dividing up their group of five was tricky. However, Uther had somehow ended up partnering with a classmate from a neighboring girls' dormitory, making the numbers work out perfectly.
"Bang!"
The door swung open with a crash, quieting the noisy classroom. Professor Snape strode in, his dark robes billowing behind him like a horde of bats trailing a storm.
Turning, Snape gathered his robes and surveyed the room with his signature glower. Every student shrank under his gaze, except one.
Among the sea of nervous glances, Adam's eager, excited eyes stood out. Snape, a master of Legilimency, squinted slightly, as if he'd just seen something unnerving.
With a faint frown, Snape began taking attendance.
"Adam Robert."
He remembered the name.
"You are here to learn the precise science and exacting art of potion-making. Since there's no foolish wand-waving, many of you will doubt this is magic."
Snape's voice, deliberately lowered, echoed in the suddenly quiet classroom. He descended from the podium, slowly pacing between the rows of students.
"I don't expect you to fully appreciate the beauty of a simmering cauldron, emitting white vapor and delicate fragrances. Nor do I expect you to grasp the marvel of liquids that creep through your veins, making your heart soar and your will falter. Magic... I can teach you how to brew fame, bottle glory, and even stave off death – but only if you are not the dunderheads I so often encounter."
"Mr. Robert."
Snape happened to stop behind Adam. His sudden address usually startled students, but Adam's eyes only sparkled more.
"Yes, Professor?"
Snape looked away, visibly uncomfortable with the intensity of Adam's enthusiasm. He turned back to the podium, speaking as he walked.
"What do I do with a freshly caught horned slug?"
"You remove its intestines and steam them."
"And what precautions should be taken with lionfish spines?"
"They must be ground into powder, but they quickly lose potency once ground, so it's best to prepare them immediately before brewing. Lionfish spines should also be stored whole and kept out of direct sunlight."
Adam's answer encompassed all the key points, going beyond first-year material.
"That's enough," Snape cut him off.
"Mr. Robert, do you believe you've outgrown the first-year curriculum? That you don't need these lessons?"
"I know potions require precision, Professor, and I'm very passionate about the subject. But I also know it's foolish and dangerous to rely solely on self-study."
Adam thought he caught a hint of Snape's approval in his eyes. Maybe he was imagining it.
"So, I've committed the theoretical knowledge to memory ahead of time. That way, I can focus on the practical skills you'll teach us in class."
Snape stared at Adam, squinting slightly before asking, "If I wanted to brew a bottle of Brain Elixir, how many armadillo livers would I need?"
"Actually, Professor, it's armadillo bile for Brain Elixir, and you'd need two pints."
Snape said nothing but let out a soft sigh. He turned to the blackboard, waving his wand as he continued.
"In fact, using two and one-sixteenth pints would yield a more potent elixir. But two and one-eighth pints would turn it into a deadly poison."
Adam's eyes lit up as he eagerly scribbled notes. Whether for the improved elixir or the poison, both were invaluable to know!
(End of the chapter)