History of Magic and Potions

History of Magic itself isn't boring.

It's just Professor Binns's lecturing style that is dull and uninspired.

He's probably too old.

Legend has it that when Hogwarts was first founded, and he was still alive, his classes were quite lively and engaging. Even those from Slytherin praised his quick thinking and clear mind.

But now, he only drones on, reading from his notes in a breathless, drawn-out voice, devoid of emotion, and rarely interacts with students.

Linley even felt that Professor Binns's voice possessed a certain magic. Even he, a diligent student for two lifetimes who never slept in class, felt a drowsy urge when listening to him lecture.

Professor Binns didn't give Linley any opportunity to shine throughout the entire class. Of course, Linley didn't intend to show off either, as he couldn't imagine what talent corresponded to History of Magic.

After the morning classes concluded, Linley had lunch in the Great Hall. Then, carrying the thick History of Magic textbook from his last class, he sat by the fireplace in the common room and reviewed the content Professor Binns had just covered.

He had been somewhat distracted during class, but fortunately, he had taken all the necessary notes in his book. Reviewing it now would help solidify his understanding.

"I heard about it."

A tall, seemingly sunny, blonde senior student walked up to Linley and said with a smile.

"You earned five points for Slytherin in Professor Flitwick's class, especially in front of a crowd of proud Ravenclaws."

The newcomer was Raphael Williamson, a prefect for Slytherin and also Betty's boyfriend.

"It's just five points, nothing worth boasting about. And I was just lucky; I probably won't have such opportunities again."

Linley wasn't being modest; he was simply preempting expectations.

Knowing that the talent points gained from praise and extra points were one-time occurrences, he had no intention of performing in class anymore.

In a place like Hogwarts, especially with the next few years not being very peaceful, Linley felt it was better to keep a low profile.

Raphael didn't seem to pay attention to Linley's words. He appeared completely immersed in his own world, chattering on about how they would continue Slytherin's glory. He believed that as long as students from all years worked together, the House Cup would remain with Slytherin indefinitely.

However, Linley knew these were just his fantasies. As early as next year, their Headmaster, Dumbledore, would personally intervene and rig the House Cup in favor of Gryffindor.

No one dared to be late for Potions class that afternoon.

Even though they were all first-years, they had already been informed by the prefects about Professor Snape's fearsome reputation at Hogwarts. With a good-natured professor already angered that morning, no one was foolish enough to provoke trouble again.

In the Potions classroom, a cauldron was placed before each student. On the surrounding shelves, various body parts or specific organs of magical creatures were displayed brightly.

Combined with the dim environment, any slightly timid girl would have already turned pale with fear, their eyes fixed solely on the cauldron in front of them.

Professor Snape's complexion was also pale. Not only that, but his eyes were vacant, his expression stiff, and his greasy hair shone like reflective foil, making one instinctively want to choose a bottle of shampoo as a Christmas gift for him.

Linley, sitting below, couldn't help but think of a nickname a disreputable author had given him in a trashy novel he'd read in his previous life—"no-wife face."

"I am pleased that no fools chose to be late for my class," Professor Snape's voice was not loud, but soft enough that every young wizard could clearly hear what he was saying.

He stepped down from the podium and walked slowly but with an imposing presence between the desks.

"You are here to learn the precise science and exacting art of potion-making. As there is little foolish wand-waving here, many of you will not believe this to be magic. I don't expect you to understand the subtle science and exact art of bubbling the decoctions to a simmer, the delicate wisp of smoke giving the powerful, shuffling potion its all-important, vaporous content,"

His voice gradually softened.

"I can teach you how to bottle fame, brew glory, even stopper death—but only if you are not the sort of dunderheads I frequently encounter."

"So..."

Suddenly, his tone shifted.

"Can anyone deduce what potion we will be brewing today based on the potion ingredients before you?"

His gloomy gaze swept over each young wizard, causing the poor child to shrink back in fear.

Then, Professor Snape's gaze met Linley's.

Linley showed no fear. He met the vacant, cold eyes of "no-wife face" with a smile, raised his arm high, all the while silently encouraging himself.

I'm a lonely old bachelor who can't get a wife. I'm a lonely old bachelor who can't get a wife. I'm a lonely old bachelor who can't get a wife...

"Ah, Belloc, please stand up and share your profound insights."

He seemed to be mocking him for no reason, or perhaps his tone of voice was naturally like that.

Linley didn't care about his tone. Instead, he looked at the ingredients laid out beside the cauldron and said smoothly.

"Dried nettles, Flobberworm mucus, porcupine quills... these are all ingredients for the third potion recorded in 'Potions and Poisons,' specifically used to treat boils."

"This is a potent potion for curing pustules, measles, boils, and other lymphatic infections. Caution is required when brewing. Incorrect preparation can cause boils instead of curing them. The standard for successful brewing is the appearance of pink smoke from the cauldron."

"The book emphasizes that when adding porcupine quills to the potion, the cauldron must be removed from the flame first. Otherwise, the cauldron will melt and emit a terrible odor. The spilled potion will also cause boils to appear on any skin it touches..."

Having said this, Linley finally stopped amidst the astonished gazes of the Slytherin and Hufflepuff young wizards. He looked at Professor Snape and said humbly.

"This is all I can recall. If there are any omissions, I would ask for your correction, Professor."

Snape's expression remained unchanged, showing no particular emotion at Linley's brilliant answer.

"Hmph. I hope your practical execution is as good as your theoretical knowledge."

Snape walked back to the podium expressionlessly, adding in a cool tone.

"Slytherin gains 10 points."

[Your outstanding performance in Potions class earned your house points from Potions Professor Severus Snape. Potions Talent +1, Potions Effect +1.]

The system prompt only sounded once, but Linley wasn't too surprised. He had already guessed that Snape would be the type to award points to his house but be reluctant to praise, a typical Slytherin tsundere. Therefore, he was prepared to engage in a prolonged battle with him in Potions class.

I didn't ask for votes yesterday, which caused a sharp drop in yesterday's recommendation ticket revenue. My family is about to go hungry. Please pity me, this unscrupulous author (T＿T)