Train Together

"What about Professor Sheffield..."

Little Barty's expression darkened. "She successfully repelled the enemy, but... a young Auror was killed."

The two fell silent for a moment.

Laughter from students could be heard in the distance, seeming very far away in this quiet corner.

Those carefree sounds formed a stark contrast to the heavy topic they were discussing.

Little Barty patted Lucretia's hand and continued, "After the mission, Father demanded disciplinary action against her, believing her judgment endangered the entire team. But considering the final outcome, the Ministry of Magic higher-ups only issued a minor warning. Professor Sheffield herself was also severely injured during that mission. After recovering, she chose a teaching position, and her relationship with Father was completely broken from then on."

Lucretia processed this information, a look of confusion on her face. "How does this relate to her suddenly taking an interest in me?"

Little Barty's gaze met hers directly. "That young Auror who was killed was just twenty years old. Sheffield personally recruited him, and it's said she carries... guilt over it."

He leaned forward, his voice dropping lower.

"Father believes her special attention towards you might stem from a kind of... compensatory psychology. That young Auror was also said to possess some rare magical talent, different from yours, a talent that could be used in the tactical aspect. "

Lucretia felt a chill run down her spine. "Are you saying she's interested in me because I remind her of that..."

Little Barty interrupted her. "I'm not sure. It's just Father's speculation. But regardless, it serves as a reminder that we need to be cautious."

Lucretia fell into thought.

On one hand, Professor Sheffield's special training offer was indeed tempting. She really liked the professor's teaching style.

On the other hand, the complex motivations behind it were unsettling.

She finally asked, "So, do you think I should decline her offer?"

"That depends on you. I just think you have the right to know all the facts before making a decision."

Lucretia looked at him in surprise.

The usual Little Barty would have unhesitatingly given protective advice, or even awkward commands.

She said cautiously, "I... I think I'll still participate, but I'll need to stay vigilant. Know yourself and your enemy, right?"

A smile appeared on Little Barty's face. "Actually, that's what I was thinking too. Given her background and teaching style, I suspect she'll organize an extra defense training group sooner or later. Especially with the situation outside getting more tense."

Lucretia looked slightly surprised. "Defense training group?"

Little Barty explained, "Many excellent Defense Against the Dark Arts professors do that. They invite students from different years, especially those who show talent. Since she's already noticed you, she'll likely invite some senior students to provide assistance. If such a group is formed, I'll find a way to join. At least I can see firsthand what she's teaching."

Lucretia was a little taken aback. "You'd specifically apply?"

His tone was calm. "Of course. Regulus is also interested. We discussed it last night. If we can both participate, you'll have at least two familiar people present... two people who won't let anything happen to you."

Lucretia's face showed a hint of a smile: "It sounds like you've already made plans."

Little Barty corrected her, then paused: "Just preparing for the worst. But you should know, if such a group were to form... Black would likely be invited too."

His tone shifted, carrying an indescribable emotion.

Lucretia looked puzzled: "Mr. Black? Why do you say that?"

Little Barty's voice was a little stiff: "Because, he truly has... talent in Charms and Defense Against the Dark Arts. And he's an upperclassman."

Lucretia noticed Little Barty's obvious displeasure when he mentioned Sirius, and simply nodded.

"That makes sense. Maybe Lily will come too."

Little Barty gave her a suspicious glance but didn't comment further.

Can't find the book title? Try searching for the author, maybe they just changed the name!

Lucretia changed the subject: "By the way, about the Potions experiment with Mr. Snape at four this afternoon, are you sure he'll come?"

Little Barty's expression returned to normal, and he said affirmatively: "He will. Snape's interest in Potions surpasses everything else. Besides, the mechanism involved in this recipe is very valuable for research."

They discussed the details of the afternoon plan for a while, the sun moved, and the shadows grew longer.

Little Barty stood up and took her schoolbag: "It's time for lunch, one sandwich isn't enough. You have Transfiguration class this afternoon, right?"

"You even remember my schedule so clearly."

"Of course."

His tone was matter-of-fact, even carrying a hint of confusion as to why she would ask such a question.

Quite a few students in the Great Hall were starting to arrive. As Lucretia prepared to return to the Ravenclaw long table, Little Barty suddenly spoke again.

"I might be a little late this afternoon. Slughorn asked me to help organize a batch of newly arrived materials. If Snape arrives first, don't let him start on his own."

Lucretia agreed: "I'll try to stall him. But I doubt he'd rashly handle this recipe, the ingredients aren't easy to find, are they?"

During lunch, she occasionally glanced at the Slytherin long table.

Little Barty was whispering with Regulus, occasionally looking up at her.

After the Transfiguration class in the afternoon, Lucretia went directly to the agreed-upon underground classroom.

She arrived about ten minutes early. The classroom was empty, with only a few cauldrons and a neatly arranged row of potion ingredients.

She placed her backpack on a workbench and began to organize the notes she had revised repeatedly over the past few days.

Sophia's headache symptom, the problems with the ancient recipe, possible improvement directions...

She also had to find a way to conceal some unnecessary content and organize it neatly to present to Snape and Little Barty.

Just as she was engrossed in her notes, the classroom door was gently pushed open.

Snape's tall, slender figure appeared at the doorway.

He scanned the classroom, his gaze pausing for a moment when he saw her.

"You are punctual, Miss Crouch."

His voice was deep and steady, but the tone made the simple sentence sound like some kind of judgment.

Lucretia closed her notebook and greeted him politely, "Good afternoon, Mr. Snape."

She noticed that Snape was holding a thick, ancient book and a wooden box filled with small vials.

Snape did not respond to her greeting and walked directly to the workbench in the center, carefully placing down the materials.

Without looking up, he asked, "Where is Barty?"

Lucretia explained, "He should be here soon. He mentioned Professor Slughorn had some materials he needed help with."

Snape let out a soft snort, not surprised by Little Barty's absence.

He opened the ancient book he had brought, his fingers moving nimbly across the yellowed pages, searching for a specific passage.

The classroom was quiet, with only the sound of turning pages.

Snape's gaze remained fixed on the pages. After a few seconds, he stopped and slowly raised his head.

Those dark eyes stared directly at Lucretia, as if trying to see through her thoughts.

"Your interest in the Ancient Pain Relief Formula is purely... academic?"