"The trajectory of the stars represents a grand and orderly flow of cosmic energy."
"You're correct. The positions and alignments of the stars are often believed to emit specific magical vibrations."
"The lunar phases, on the other hand, are closely tied to the cycles of magical energy. During a full moon, energy peaks, while during a new moon, energy begins to accumulate anew."
"Ordinary potion-making isn't particularly affected by these factors—until you delve deeper into the study of potions."
"When you attempt to brew advanced potions, you'll need to consider the movement of the stars and channel cosmic energy to enhance the potency of your concoctions."
Dylan caught on quickly.
As he jotted down Snape's teachings, he asked, "I understand that Mercury is associated with wisdom."
"Professor, if I may offer a simple example, when brewing a potion to enhance intelligence, would it be more effective to do so when Mercury is in a position favorable to the conduction of wisdom energy?"
Professor Snape nodded. "You could interpret it that way."
"I have another question," Dylan said, his pen never stopping.
"Since you mentioned that lunar phases are tied to energy, do they also affect the use of potions, not just their creation?"
"For instance, if I were to take a healing potion during a full moon, would the heightened energy of the full moon accelerate and enhance the potion's effects?"
"Or, during a waning moon, would a curse-removing potion be more effective at dispelling curses due to the energy 'released' by the waning moon?"
Dylan's questions gave Snape a new perspective on him.
Snape's expression softened slightly, though his tone remained as cold as ever. "Good questions, and your understanding is accurate. That is indeed how it works."
He went on to explain the influence of celestial bodies on potions in greater detail before asking, "Do you have any other questions?"
The usually icy Professor Snape was now actively engaging with Dylan!
"Don't misunderstand. I simply think that if you have a chance to shed the brain of a troll, I don't mind lending a hand."
Dylan couldn't help but chuckle.
He hadn't even said anything yet!
"Professor, is there any connection between spells and potions?"
"Or, could the process of a potion taking effect be compared to casting a spell?"
"Could I, for example, brew a potion that stores a spell for later use—even when I don't have magical energy?"
Snape shot him a glance.
"Hmph, there's a spark of thought in your question, but your knowledge is as full of holes as a leaky old house, incapable of retaining the flame of wisdom."
He coldly replied, "Spells and potions are both manifestations of magical energy, governed by their own laws and principles."
"Comparing the two is utterly foolish!"
Dylan paused, then asked, "So, Professor, are you saying that spells and potions are two parts of the same whole, working together to form magic?"
"Excessive focus on the essence of things is a waste of time," Snape replied, evading the question.
Dylan wasn't entirely sure he understood.
But then he thought of his father, who could use magic directly with dried pufferfish or spend days chanting "demons, demons, go away" over a cauldron.
"Speaking of which, the magic my father used to defeat demons must be on par with what's taught here," he mused to himself.
He wondered if his achievement system might unlock magic from other worlds.
Hours flew by.
Professor Snape noticed that Dylan showed no signs of stopping his questions.
Didn't this young wizard ever get hungry?
At his age, shouldn't he be ravenous every few hours?
Snape wasn't concerned about his own meal—he was worried Dylan might starve himself.
He stood up.
"That's enough for today. From now on, I'll set aside some time for you every Saturday, usually in the afternoon."
Dylan was pleasantly surprised.
Was this a promise from Professor Snape?
How rare!
He quickly added, "Professor Snape, besides asking you questions, could you also guide me through the process of brewing potions?"
To avoid another sharp retort, Dylan added, "I've already gone through most of the textbook material. What I need now is hands-on practice."
After finishing his first read-through of the textbooks, Dylan would complete his first subject achievement, earning rewards that boosted his affinity or talent for that subject.
This was why he had managed to self-study most of the curriculum in such a short time.
"So, which textbooks have you read? Low-level potions would only waste my ingredients."
Dylan blinked, momentarily confused.
What did that mean?
Did he not even have to supply his own potion ingredients?
Merlin's beard!
This was amazing!
Dylan was starting to adore Professor Snape.
This was a total win!
He excitedly flipped to the last page of his notebook, where he had listed all the books he'd read.
Snape glanced at it.
The page was packed.
More than one, in fact.
Dylan flipped his pen around and began counting.
"I've read... *Magical Drafts and Potions*, *Advanced Potion-Making Techniques*, *Brew Your Own Bottled Celebration*, *The Connection Between Potions and Magical Defense*..."
"Enough," Snape interrupted.
"Have you read *Advanced Potion-Making*?"
Dylan nodded. "Yes, I have."
"Good. Then go read *Precision Recipes for Advanced Potions* and *The Safe Use of Potions*."
Snape was already heading toward the door. "Next week, I'll teach you how to brew advanced potions."
"Yes, sir!" Dylan replied.
"Do I need to invite you out?" Snape stood by the open door, staring at Dylan.
Dylan hurriedly stuffed his notebook and pen into his bag and rushed out.
"Would you like to join me for dinner, Professor?"
"Save it. I have no patience watching you stuff food into your mouth while your brain struggles to process your pitiful potion knowledge."
Snape closed the door and walked off in the opposite direction of the Great Hall.
Dylan shrugged and headed toward the Great Hall.
He needed to eat quickly so he could spend the weekend reading the two books Snape had recommended.
One of the perks of being at Hogwarts was that he didn't have to buy books—most of what he needed could be found in the library.
(End of Chapter)