As a Potions Class professor, Snape had to admit that these two lessons had gone unprecedentedly smoothly.
Gryffindor's overall performance, in particular, had actually surpassed Slytherin's, judging solely by how they had done in these two classes.
After all, throughout two entire lessons, not a single cauldron explosion had occurred—even with Seamus Finnigan present.
What caught Snape's attention even more was that Neville Longbottom's skill in Potions had improved tremendously without anyone noticing. He had even brewed a Calming Draught of above-average quality.
Harry had been much the same. Even when he made mistakes during the brewing process, he had been able to correct them himself, ultimately handing in a passing Calming Draught.
Slytherin, on the other hand, was a different story. Draco and his deskmate Gregory Goyle had both produced decent Calming Draughts, and Daphne Greengrass had barely passed... but the rest had been utterly dreadful.
Before dismissing class, Snape assigned homework with a grim expression. "Identify the 'magical properties' of the ingredients required for a Calming Draught, then review the brewing process..."
After assigning the work, he paused slightly and swept his cold gaze over the students, making Harry and the other Gryffindors hold their breath.
He raised Magical Tuning: Beginner Potions. "Everyone except Draco Malfoy will copy out this entire book once!"
"Remember, the entire book!" His voice was aggressive. "Hand it in by the end of the month! Make your handwriting legible! Otherwise, your punishment will be more than just a loss of points!"
The moment Snape dismissed class, Harry and the others fled the Potions classroom at top speed.
Only after making sure Snape was not behind them did Ron complain indignantly, "Blimey! He assigned us copying homework on the first day of Potions!"
"An entire book, too! And everyone except Malfoy has to do