Tuesday, 9:00 a.m.
Potions class.
Students had to meet the required grades to take the upper-year Potions class.
Professor Snape's original requirement had been an "Outstanding" in the O.W.L.s, but Professor Slughorn had taken over during the latter half of this cohort's fifth year. When sixth-year students were sorted into electives, Slughorn had lowered the entry standard for the Advanced Class and admitted more students.
During the first few weeks of the school year, students whose grades had only reached "Exceeds Expectations" had been rather nervous. They worried that Professor Snape would review the class roster and dismiss them, and there had even been rumors of a placement test. As a result, everyone had been tense in class, practically wanting to write down every word the professor said.
If they had not made it into the Advanced Class from the beginning and had not worked toward the Ultimate Wizard Level Exam, they might not have been so anxious about gains and losses.
A month had passed since the start of term. When the students realized Professor Snape did not seem inclined to review the class roster, they gradually relaxed.
A few particularly perceptive students had even made an unexpected discovery. Professor Snape, who had returned after two years away, seemed much gentler than before. Though he still occasionally mocked students who made mistakes and still stood behind them during practical work, his gaze was no longer so gloomy. Students under his watch no longer became flustered and made repeated mistakes.
In the dim Dungeon Classroom, Professor Snape occasionally mentioned matters beyond Potions: the students' futures after graduation, what jobs those who loved Potions should pursue, and which countries offered better treatment...
His tone remained calm and unruffled, yet he vaguely carried more of a Deputy Headmaster's bearing.
If anything had