Although Vizet had been prepared, hearing Snape say it in person still stirred a trace of regret in his heart. "Professor Snape..."
"Better not call me that anymore." Snape shook his head lightly. "I know what I'm capable of. Do you really think... I'm a qualified professor?"
Once the words left his mouth, his expression actually relaxed somewhat, as though he were stating something that had nothing to do with him.
After everything that had happened before, he understood more deeply than ever that he was completely unsuited to the role of "professor."
This time, Vizet still answered without the slightest hesitation. "At least in my eyes, you are absolutely a qualified professor! You will always be my Potions professor!"
"Is that so?" Snape raised an eyebrow, his tone softening slightly. "You'll continue studying at Hogwarts, won't you? Isn't that a little unfair to your next Potions professor?"
"Of course not!" Vizet said. "No one says I can only have one Potions professor. Whoever teaches me Potions in the future won't affect your place in my heart."
Snape's lips moved, as though he were trying to force out a genuine smile. But having gone so long without making such an expression, he failed completely to achieve the intended effect.
He shook his head lightly, his expression returning to calm. "Vizet, you're as sly as ever!"
"You're an excellent student. In the eyes of any professor, you are!" His expression turned serious. "That's what I say!"
His voice paused, as though he wanted to say something more, but in the end, he did not continue.
For him, being able to say something so nearly straightforward to Vizet's face was already a miracle.
Vizet gave a proper bow and said solemnly, "Professor Snape, thank you for your recognition!"
Snape no longer dwelled