Sorry, I'll Do It Again Next Time (Salute to Heroes, Mourn Compatriots)

"This class doesn't require you to wave your wands around foolishly or chant meaningless incantations."

Severus Snape strode directly to the podium, then turned around, facing his sallow face toward the crowd of first-years.

"So, I imagine many of you won't appreciate the profound art of potion-making."

His gaze swept across the direction of the Slytherin first-years, finally settling on Draco Malfoy.

"Yet for the very few with true talent, I can teach you how to bewitch the mind, how to ensnare the senses. I can teach you to win fame, to brew glory, and even to cheat death."

With that, Severus Snape pinched the edges of his robes and folded his arms across his chest, looking very much like a giant bat folding its wings.

Beneath the podium, the silence was so deep you could hear a pin drop.

"That said, perhaps some of you came to Hogwarts already possessing extraordinary abilities, confident enough to believe you needn't pay attention in my class."

Releasing his arms, Severus Snape slowly descended from the podium, his expression even darker than when he entered.

"Mr. Potter, our celebrity."

He tilted his head, his greasy hair covering half his face.

"Tell me, what would I get if I added powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?"

The atmosphere suddenly froze. Harry, who had just set down his quill, looked utterly bewildered, though the girl beside him quickly raised her hand high.

But Snape ignored her.

"Don't know? Fine, let me ask you something else."

His eyes as calm as a still well, Snape posed another question.

"If I needed a bezoar, would you know where to find one?"

After a few seconds of thought, Harry shook his head again.

"Then, what is the difference between monkshood and wolfsbane?"

Still unwilling to let him off, Snape asked a third time.

"I don't know, sir."

Harry's voice trembled as he lowered his head deeply.

Many Slytherin first-years snickered with glee.

"A pity. Clearly, fame alone isn't enough."

Snape lifted his chin, a flicker of mockery in his black eyes.

"Hermione knows the answer. Not letting her answer is the real pity."

Even a clay idol has a temper. Pushed so far, Harry scowled and couldn't help retorting.

Now, not only Slytherin but even some Gryffindor first-years couldn't help laughing.

But Snape didn't laugh.

In fact, his sallow expression never changed at all.

Cowed by this powerful presence, the classroom quickly returned to order.

"Tap, tap, tap."

Snape walked down from the podium, came to Harry's desk, glanced at Hermione Granger still raising her hand, and showed an impatient look.

"Put your hand down, you silly girl."

With that, he pulled over an empty chair and sat down across from Harry.

"For your information, Potter, powdered root of asphodel and wormwood make a powerful sleeping potion, known as the Draught of Living Death."

Staring at those green eyes, Severus Snape's facial muscles twitched involuntarily, but he quickly regained his composure and turned his head in another direction.

"Grindelwald, you finish the rest."

Having been enjoying the show, Klein never expected Snape to call on him. He blinked and gave the correct answer without hesitation.

"A bezoar is a stone taken from the stomach of a goat or cow, which can cure most poisons. Monkshood and wolfsbane are the same plant, collectively known as aconite."

Both questions were covered in advanced Potions textbooks, so he naturally remembered them.

"Correct."

Snape stood up, a look of surprise on his face. After a moment's thought, he posed a new question.

"Tell me, how should Star Moon Grass be harvested to preserve its potency?"

"Only with a stone as a hoe—that's the sole method."

Klein answered almost instantly.

"Not bad."

Snape nodded and continued questioning.

"What effect does crushing Spirit Pine Fruit and Sour Berry together have?"

"These two herbs are the main ingredients for Soul Leaving Liquid. Taking it allows a brief out-of-body experience, but the effect lasts only half a minute."

Klein knew his own shortcomings and had long since crammed a vast amount of books on potions. Though practical application was a problem, his theoretical knowledge was absolutely rich.

"Very good."

His voice rose slightly, a cold smirk tugging at the corner of Snape's lips.

"One final question, Grindelwald. If I wanted to kill someone silently, what would you give me?"

"Professor, are you sure you want to ask that question in class?"

Looking at Snape with some amusement, Klein straightened up, his expression still relaxed.

"Yes."

Snape nodded, resuming his arms-crossed stance.

"The simplest method would be to give you a pistol fitted with a silencer—that's the Muggles' proud weapon. But since you're a Potions Master, you probably wouldn't like that answer. So—"

Klein thought for a few seconds.

"How about 'Forget Worry Water'?"

"'Forget Worry Water'?"

Savoring the answer carefully, a look of appreciation appeared in Snape's eyes.

"Grindelwald, I must admit you have taste, but—"

Suddenly, his expression darkened.

"Given your disrespect toward a professor, you'll still serve a week's detention in my office, starting tonight."

"Hey, that's not fair!"

Hearing this, Pansy immediately jumped up to defend Klein, her fair little face full of indignation.

"Miss Parkinson, mind your words. I'm sure you don't want to share detention with Grindelwald, do you?"

Snape's hollow gaze fixed on Pansy, who looked like an irritable little Lion Dog, as he spoke coldly.

"Alright, Pansy, it's nothing."

Seeing the situation on the verge of spiraling out of control, Klein quickly stood up to calm Pansy down, giving her a gentle smile.

Why did people always think detention in the office was a bad thing? This kind of private tutoring was something many begged for and couldn't get~

"But—"

With reluctance on her face, Pansy seemed about to say something else.

"I think it must be because I stepped into the classroom with my left foot first today that angered our fair-minded Head of House. Otherwise, he wouldn't be this furious."

Pressing down on Pansy's shoulders to get her back in her seat, Klein made a self-deprecating joke.

"Pfft."

That unique sense of humor instantly infected the whole classroom. Many wanted to laugh but didn't dare, their faces turning red from holding it in.

"In fact, it's because your shirt's first button is undone that has made my mood very unpleasant."

Snape looked down at Klein from his height, the surrounding commotion not altering his expression by a single hair.

Klein gave a slight bow.

"Head of House, I apologize."

Then, he suddenly shifted his tone.

"But next time, I still won't button it."