Snape's Memories: "Although it was only a hypothesis, only a brain full of cogon grass like yours could come up with something like that.
"The reason for adding Swollen Frog Tongue was to make the potion unstable and strengthen the effects of Fire Salamander scales.
"If you did it your way, would the Shrinking Potion still be usable?"
Venom practically sprayed from Snape's mouth.
Yet his usually placid eyes were now filled with appreciation.
Brook scratched his head in annoyance.
"How could I forget that? Thank you for the guidance, Professor."
Snape probably did not want to dampen Brook's enthusiasm for learning Potions.
So he stiffly added, "Having ideas is better than having none."
"Ah, what a shame. I don't have any dragon blood on hand, or I'd really like to test it out," Brook said regretfully.
"I'll get some dragon blood. I'll let you know when I do," Snape said flatly.
"That's wonderful. Thank you, Professor."
As if suddenly recalling something, Brook asked, "By the way, Professor, has Headmaster Dumbledore agreed to keep a dragon?"
A trace of irritation flashed across Snape's face at those words.
Every time he went to Dumbledore, the old man always told him, "Soon, soon."
Yet nearly a year had passed, and there was still no movement.
So Dumbledore only knew how to order him around, did he?
"He agreed, but transporting a dragon is no simple matter."
Snape felt slightly embarrassed even as he said it.
A grown man like him had to lie to a child.
"Professor, what if... I mean, what if I could get hold of a dragon egg?" Brook asked tentatively.
"A dragon egg? Where would you..." Snape suddenly fell silent.
After a moment, he continued, "Stay away from those shady people."
"Oh, all right. Then... goodbye, Professor."
Brook