"Belloc."
"Here."
Lynn stood meekly before Snape and Hermione at the front gate.
"You actually damaged Hogwarts's reputation so disgracefully out in public." Snape's voice remained low as he glared at Lynn, his displeasure obvious.
Lynn defended himself weakly.
"I was just joking around with my friend. Just joking."
He stole a glance at Hermione from the corner of his eye. Ever since she had seen him, the little girl had been staring at him darkly without saying a word.
"And this was before this child received her Hogwarts acceptance letter. If you had mentioned magic, you would already have violated Ministry of Magic law!" Snape spoke sternly, clearly intending to warn Lynn.
"Once term begins, I will deduct ten points from your House for this."
Lynn stared at him in shock, feeling as though he had somehow gotten hold of Professor McGonagall's script.
"Professor, haven't you forgotten? I'm in Slytherin!"
Snape: "..."
He coughed awkwardly twice.
"Cough, cough. Deducting points is too light a punishment. Instead, for the first month after term starts, you will come to my office every night to process potion ingredients!"
"Yes, Professor. I am willing to accept the punishment." There was nothing to argue about. Helping Professor Snape process potion ingredients was not a bad thing. If Snape was pleased, he might not praise you, but he might give you some uncommon ingredients.
Snape nodded. After being tearfully berated by the little girl yesterday, he had been forced to make another trip here today. Now that Lynn knew this new student, there was naturally no need for him to concern himself with what came next.
Before leaving, he put on a sour expression and glared at Lynn once more before Apparating away.
After seeing Professor Snape off, Lynn did not relax in the slightest,