Lin Du naturally had no idea that he had become the top subject of observation on Miss Granger's "to be verified" list.
With no imminent threat of the Basilisk incident hanging over him, his life at Hogwarts had become more relaxed than ever. He devoted most of his energy to two core pursuits: "teasing Snape" and "researching Ancient Runes."
Thus, the corridor outside the Potions classroom often saw the following scene:
After the dismissal bell rang, Professor Snape, his black robes billowing, would always try to return to his dungeon office as quickly as possible. Lin Du, meanwhile, always seemed to appear "by chance" along his route.
"Severus, please wait!" Lin Du's voice would ring out at precisely the right moment, carrying an infuriating cheerfulness. "Regarding that idea you mentioned last time, about combining Hell Broth with certain Ancient Runes to stabilize fluctuations in its properties, I've had some new inspiration..."
Each time, Snape's expression would darken at a visible rate, like Bubo Tuber Pus burnt onto the bottom of a cauldron.
He tried to drive Lin Du away with murderous glares and curt replies such as "No time" and "Get lost," but Lin Du's skin seemed thicker than a troll's. He always ignored the low pressure radiating from Snape and followed beside him with a smile, chattering endlessly about those "academic questions."
After this happened several times, Snape had practically developed reflexive PTSD.
Whenever he heard Lin Du's smiling "Severus," a physical chill would run through him, and that terrifying line seemed to echo in his ears again: You wouldn't happen to be worried about me, would you?
This "Lin Du Effect" even spread into Potions Class.
During Potions Class that day, Neville Longbottom predictably caused another minor disaster—
He accidentally added the Porcupine Quills before removing the cauldron from the heat. A potion that should have been a lovely pale purple Draught of Forgetfulness instantly turned into a bubbling, dark green sludge that smelled of rotten eggs. It then exploded on a small scale, splattering Seamus beside him all over the face.
The classroom fell silent at once. Everyone held their breath, waiting for Professor Snape's trademark sarcasm and the inevitable deduction of Gryffindor points.
As usual, Snape glided soundlessly to Neville's cauldron, his black robes trembling slightly with rage.
He opened his mouth, those thin lips ready to unleash the cruelest insults.
"Mr. Longbottom, could that troll-like brain of yours not even comprehend the most basic order of operations—"
His words abruptly stopped.
Because from the corner of his eye, he caught sight of the classroom door.
Lin Du was leaning against the doorframe with his arms folded, wearing that all-too-familiar smile of someone delighted to watch the drama unfold. Clearly, he was waiting for Snape's class to end.
In an instant, Snape seemed to hear a demonic voice in his ears: "...beneath that fierce exterior lies a warm heart..."
His stomach churned. Every cutting remark he had prepared lodged in his throat, and his usual sallow complexion turned faintly green.
He stood there stiffly, his lips trembling several times. At last, beneath the astonished gazes of every student, he said in a dry, nearly suffocated voice:
"Longbottom... next time, remember to... wait until the cauldron is off the heat... before adding the Porcupine Quills." He even forced out a few instructional words. "Clean up... your workstation. Mr. Finnegan, go see Madam Pomfrey."
After saying that, he practically fled toward the door, growling at the smiling Lin Du, "Go! Now! Stop standing here and being an eyesore!"
Then, under everyone's blank stares, he was dragged away by Lin Du with an arm slung around his shoulders.
The incident spread through Hogwarts like wildfire.
"Professor Lin took one look at Professor Snape, and he let Neville off after he blew up his cauldron! He even gave him advice!"
"Merlin's beard, just who is Professor Lin? Even Snape is afraid of him!"
"Next time Snape tries to cause trouble, we'll just say, 'Quick, fetch Professor Lin Du!'"
For a time, Lin Du's popularity among the students reached unprecedented heights.
He became the students' savior, especially in the eyes of the Gryffindors who were often "persecuted" by Snape.
Though Lin Du himself found the whole thing both amusing and exasperating, the name of Old Ancestor Lin had truly become famous throughout Hogwarts.
Meanwhile, the Potions master in the dungeons let out yet another resentful sigh before his most precious potion ingredients in his private storeroom.
Of course, Lin Du had not forgotten his real business—
The special training for The Chosen One Harry was also being prepared in parallel.
Lin Du had closely observed Harry's performance in practical classes. Dumbledore had been right: the boy's combat performance was indeed unexpectedly good. Unfortunately, at his current level, if he truly faced the Basilisk...
It would be no different from serving the Basilisk an appetizer.
On Thursday afternoon, a group of students gathered before the notice board in Hogwarts Castle, whispering around a newly posted sheet of parchment.
"Look! Professor Lin Du is starting a Duelling Club!" a Ravenclaw girl said excitedly, pointing at the notice.
"It starts next week," her companion read. "'Open to students of all years, with the goal of improving practical combat ability'... This is brilliant!"
The news quickly spread to every corner of the castle. When Harry, Ron, and Hermione squeezed through the crowd to read the notice, they each reacted differently.
"That's so cool!" Ron's eyes lit up. "Professor Lin Du is so amazing. He'll definitely teach us some real skills!"
Hermione carefully read every word on the notice, her brow slightly furrowed. "It really is a good opportunity... but the timing is far too convenient, right after we started investigating the Chamber of Secrets."
Harry's gaze settled on the words "improving practical combat ability," and something stirred inexplicably within him.
For some reason, he felt that the appearance of this Duelling Club seemed to have some indescribable connection to him.
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