In the Dungeon,
Professor Snape's gloomy gaze gradually shifted toward a corner Sean could not see.
The truth was so simple, and so... deeply ironic.
There was no conspiracy, no greed—only the clumsy efforts of a frail Young Wizard trying every possible way to learn.
Verifying it was equally simple—so simple that Professor Snape remained silent for a long time.
Sean looked thoughtful. Looking at the open notebook, he understood what had happened in an instant.
All right, Quidditch really was a sensitive subject for Professor Snape. He had actually failed to notice it.
Sean quickly reflected on how his recent behavior had strayed slightly from course and realized it had all begun on that warm afternoon—
When Professor McGonagall had smiled as she listened to him talk at length.
Next time, he needed to bring a new notebook.
Sean thought.
At that moment, the Swelling Solution had reached its final stage.
Sean used the improved ritual without hesitation, immersing his body and mind in that cauldron of viscous potion.
He felt the minute magical power within the cauldron become clear once more and carefully guided it toward fusion.
And so—
You have successfully brewed a batch of Deflating Draught to the proficient standard. Proficiency +10
Sean's face turned pale in an instant, but he did not rest. Instead, he transferred the potion into Crystal Bottles and extinguished the flame.
Before leaving the Dungeon, Sean found ten Gold Galleons in his hand.
He froze slightly, then carefully counted out seven Gold Galleons and placed them in Professor Snape's hand.
"You gave me too much, Professor. Ordinary-quality Deflating Draughts sell for no more than five Gold Galleons on the market."
After saying that, Sean began packing up his little bag.
The small black bag had faded slightly, like old