Little Snape? Nailed!

"The trajectory of the stars represents a grand and orderly flow of power throughout the universe."

"You're not wrong. The different positions and combinations of the stars are generally believed to release specific magic fluctuations."

"And the moon phases are closely linked to the cycle of magical power. Normally, energy reaches its peak during the full moon, while during the new moon, it begins a new round of accumulation."

"Ordinary potion making isn't particularly affected. That is, not until you gain a deeper understanding of Potions."

"When you try making some Advanced Potions, you'll need to take the movement of the stars into consideration and guide the energy of the universe into the process, enhancing the effects of your potions."

Dylan understood everything at once.

As he recorded the knowledge Snape was explaining, he asked, "I've learned that Mercury seems to be related to wisdom."

"Then, Professor, let me give a crude example. When brewing a potion that enhances wisdom, would something like this happen?"

"When Mercury is in a position favorable for the transmission of wisdom-related energy, the potion is more likely to be successfully brewed?"

Professor Snape nodded. "You can understand it that way."

"I have one more question."

The pen in Dylan's hand never stopped moving.

"Since you said that the moon phases are related to energy, do they have any effect during the process of using potions, apart from brewing them?"

"For example, if I took a Healing Potion during the full moon, would the full moon's powerful energy make the healing effect faster and more thorough?"

"Or, during the waning moon, if I took a Curse-Breaking Potion, would the energy 'released' by the waning moon make it more effective at dispelling the curse?"

Dylan's questions gave Snape another new impression of him.

His expression finally became less cold, though his tone remained as low as ever.

"Good questions, and a very thorough understanding. That is indeed how it works."

He gave Dylan a more in-depth explanation of the stars' influence on potions.

Then he looked at him. "Is there anything else you want to ask?"

Professor Snape, who was cold every day, had actually taken the initiative to show concern for Dylan!

"Don't misunderstand. I simply feel that since you have a chance to escape the fate of becoming a troll's brain, I don't mind lending you a hand."

Dylan could barely hold back his laughter.

He hadn't even said anything yet!

"Professor, is there any connection between spells and potions?"

"Or, during the process in which a potion takes effect, can it be compared to casting a spell?"

"Could I brew a spell into a potion that could be stored and used whenever necessary—even when I have no magical power?"

Snape glanced at him.

"Hmph. There's a spark of thought in you, but your pitiful store of knowledge is like an old house with a leaky roof. It can't hold on to even a spark of knowledge."

He said coldly, "Spells and potions both make use of magical energy to derive patterns and principles."

"To compare the two is utterly foolish!"

Dylan froze for a moment. "So, Professor, you mean that spells and potions are actually two parts with the same effects, and that magic is formed by combining them?"

"Excessively probing into the essence of things is merely a waste of time."

Professor Snape did not answer. Instead, he said those words.

Dylan understood, but not completely.

Then he thought of his dad, who could use magic directly with dried pufferfish yet sometimes spent all day standing around a cauldron chanting, "Demons and monsters, go away!"

"Speaking of which, Dad can defeat demons. With that level of magic, he shouldn't be any weaker than the magic here."

I wonder if my Achievement System has a chance of giving me magic from other worlds.

Several hours passed in the blink of an eye.

Professor Snape realized that Dylan still had no intention of stopping his questions.

Does this young wizard never get hungry?

Isn't he at the age where he should be ravenously hungry and eating something every so often?

Snape did not want to hurry off to eat himself. He was merely worried that this foolish young wizard would starve himself.

He stood up.

"That will be all for today. From now on, I'll set aside some time for you every Saturday. It will usually be in the afternoon."

Dylan was immediately delighted.

A promise from Professor Snape?

That was rare!

He hurriedly said, "Professor Snape, apart from coming to you with questions, may I have you guide me through the process of brewing potions?"

To prevent Snape from taking another jab at him, Dylan added, "I've already learned most of the material in the textbooks. What I need more is practical experience."

The first time Dylan finished reading each subject's textbook, he would complete the first achievement for that subject and receive rewards that improved his talent or affinity related to it.

That was one of the reasons he had been able to teach himself most of the textbooks in such a short time.

"So, which textbooks have you read? Low-level potions would only waste my ingredients."

Dylan did not react for a moment after hearing that. He blinked.

What does he mean?

I don't even have to provide the ingredients for brewing potions?

My dear Voldemort!

This is too good!

Dylan almost fell in love with Professor Snape.

This is a straight-up win!

He excitedly flipped to the last page of his notebook.

It contained a record of the books he had already read.

Snape glanced at it.

It was densely packed.

There was more than a single page.

Dylan turned his pen around and counted.

"I've read... Magical Potions and Elixirs, Guide to Potion Making Techniques, Make Your Own Bottled Revelry, The Relationship Between Potions and Magical Defense..."

"That's enough."

Professor Snape interrupted him.

"Have you read Advanced Potions Making?"

Dylan nodded. "I have."

"Good. Then go read Precise Formulas for Advanced Potions as well, and read Potion Safety Guide while you're at it."

Professor Snape had already begun walking toward the door. "Next week, I'll teach you how to brew Advanced Potions."

"Yes!"

Dylan answered.

"Do I have to invite you out myself?"

Professor Snape opened the door and stood beside it, silently watching Dylan.

Dylan hurriedly stuffed his notebook and pen into his bag, then rushed out the door.

"Would you like to go eat together, Professor?"

"Spare me. I have no patience to watch you stuff food into your mouth while stirring up your pitiful knowledge of potions in your head."

Snape closed the door and walked straight in one direction.

It was not toward the Great Hall.

Dylan stood there, shrugged, then turned and headed toward the Great Hall.

He had to eat quickly, then use the two days of the weekend to finish reading the two books Professor Snape had specifically recommended to him.

One of the benefits of being at Hogwarts was that he no longer had to spend money buying books.

He could find most of the books he needed directly in the Library.