Training Together

"What about Professor Sheffield...?"

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

The two fell silent for a moment.

Laughter from the other students drifted over from afar, seeming very distant in this quiet corner.

Those carefree voices stood in stark contrast to the heavy subject they were discussing.

Little Barty patted Lucretia's hand and continued, "After the mission, Father demanded that she face disciplinary action, believing her judgment had endangered the entire team. But the Ministry of Magic leadership considered the final outcome and only issued a minor warning. Sheffield herself was severely injured during that mission. After recovering, she chose teaching, and her relationship with Father completely broke down from then on."

As Lucretia processed this information, confusion appeared on her face. "What does that have to do with her suddenly taking an interest in me?"

Little Barty looked straight into her eyes. "That young Auror who died had just turned twenty. Sheffield had recruited her personally, and supposedly, she was left carrying... guilt because of it."

He leaned forward slightly, lowering his voice even further.

"Father believes her special attention toward you may stem from a kind of... compensatory mindset. That young Auror supposedly possessed a rare magical talent as well. Unlike yours, it was a talent that could be used tactically."

Lucretia felt a chill run down her spine. "You mean she values me because I remind her of that..."

Little Barty interrupted her. "I'm not sure. It's only Father's speculation. But regardless, it reminds us to be cautious."

Lucretia sank into thought.

On one hand, Professor Sheffield's proposal for special training was certainly tempting. She really liked this professor's teaching style.

On the other hand, the complicated motives behind it were indeed unsettling.

In the end, she asked, "So, do you think I should refuse her offer?"

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

Lucretia looked at him in surprise.

Usually, Little Barty would have given protective advice without hesitation, perhaps even an awkward command.

She said cautiously, "I... I think I'll still take part, but I'll have to stay alert. Know yourself and know your enemy, right?"

A smile appeared on Little Barty's face. "Actually, that's what I think too. Given her background and teaching style, I'm guessing she'll organize an extra Defense training group sooner or later. Especially now that things outside are becoming increasingly tense."

Lucretia was slightly surprised. "A Defense training group?"

Little Barty explained, "Many excellent Defense Against the Dark Arts professors do this. They invite students from different years, especially those who show talent. Since she has already noticed you, she'll likely invite some older students to assist as well. If there really is such a group, I'll find a way to join it. At the very least, I can see firsthand what she teaches."

Lucretia was somewhat taken aback. "You'd apply specifically for it?"

His tone was calm. "Of course. Regulus is interested too; we discussed it last night. If both of us can attend, you'll at least have two familiar people there... two people who won't let anything happen to you."

A faint smile appeared on Lucretia's face. "Sounds like you've already planned it all out."

Little Barty corrected her, then paused. "It's merely a precaution. But you should know that if there really is such a group... Black will very likely be invited too."

His tone shifted, carrying an indescribable emotion.

Lucretia was a little puzzled. "Mr. Black? Why do you say that?"

Little Barty's voice was somewhat stiff. "Because he truly is... talented at Charms and Defense Against the Dark Arts. And he's an older student."

Lucretia noticed Little Barty's obvious displeasure when he mentioned Sirius, but merely nodded.

"That would make sense. Maybe Lily will come too."

Little Barty gave her a suspicious look, but made no further comment.

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 as he said with certainty, "He will. Snape's interest in Potions surpasses everything else. Besides, the mechanisms involved in this formula are highly valuable for research."

They discussed the details of the afternoon's plan for a while as the sunlight shifted and the shadows grew longer.

Little Barty rose to his feet and took her schoolbag. "Time for lunch. One sandwich isn't enough. You have Transfiguration this afternoon too, right?"

"You even remember my schedule so clearly."

"What else would I do?"

His tone was utterly matter-of-fact, even carrying a trace of confusion at how she could ask such a question.

Quite a few students had begun arriving in the Great Hall. Just as Lucretia was preparing to return to the Ravenclaw table, Little Barty suddenly spoke again.

"I might be a little late this afternoon. Professor Slughorn asked me to help sort through a batch of newly arrived ingredients. If Snape gets there first, don't let him start on his own."

Lucretia agreed. "I'll try to hold him off. Though I doubt he'll recklessly handle a formula like this anyway. The ingredients aren't exactly easy to find, are they?"

During lunch, she occasionally glanced toward the Slytherin Long Table.

Little Barty was speaking quietly with Regulus, though he occasionally looked up at her as well.

When the afternoon Transfiguration class ended, Lucretia went directly to the agreed-upon Underground classroom.

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

She placed her bag on a workbench and began organizing the notes she had repeatedly revised over the past few days.

Sophia's headache symptoms, the problems with the Ancient recipe, possible directions for improvement...

She also needed to find a way to conceal some unnecessary details and organize everything for Snape and Little Barty.

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

Snape's slender figure appeared in the doorway.

He swept his gaze over the classroom, his eyes pausing briefly when he saw her.

"You're very punctual, Miss Crouch."

His voice was low and steady, but that tone made the simple remark sound like some kind of judgment.

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

She noticed that Snape was carrying a thick ancient book and a wooden box filled with small bottles.

Snape did not return her greeting. He walked straight to the central workbench and carefully set down the materials.

Without looking up, he asked, "Where's Barty?"

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

Snape gave a soft snort, unsurprised by Little Barty's absence.

He opened the ancient book he had brought and swiftly ran his fingers over the yellowed pages, searching for a particular passage.

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

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

Those black eyes stared directly at Lucretia, as though they could see through her thoughts.

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