Who's in Charge of the School Infirmary

In the Hospital Wing, Snape lay on his side on the hospital bed, his head resting on one of his arms.

His face was paler than usual, and his lips were less bloodless, but his black eyes remained sharp.

"What's up?"

Snape's tone was brief and direct, as if he would waste his energy saying even a single extra word.

Lucien stood by the bedside. "I heard the professor was injured, so I came to see you."

Snape stared at him for two seconds, his gaze softening slightly.

Is there anything else?

Whether it was due to a headache or something else, Snape's tone was colder and harsher than usual.

"I'm fine. Ask away if you need to!"

He didn't want to appear weak and powerless because of some little rascal's "mistake"—that would be too embarrassing.

And Lucien is here too, so it seems the news has already spread throughout the school.

Snape gritted his teeth and muttered that name to himself: Seamus Finnigan!

Ignorant and incompetent, disruptive in class, assaulting professors...

This is a problem that can't be solved by deducting points!

Once he recovers, he must make that Gryffindor deal with a thousand—no, three thousand—toads! Their internal organs must be removed intact, without the slightest damage!

Sure enough, Gryffindor was the house he hated the most.

Those who get assigned there are no good people!

Dumbledore, standing beside him, had a barely perceptible smile in his eyes. He nodded slightly to Lucien, indicating that he should ask if he had any questions.

Lucien understood, pulled a stack of notes from his pocket, and handed them to Snape.

It was filled with his insights and ideas for improving the Wolfsbane Potion.

"Professor, these are some ideas I've recently had regarding potions. I'd like to ask for your guidance."

Snape snatched the notebook and began flipping through it with one hand.

He wanted to sit up, but considering the angle at which the back of his head might be seen—and that patch of fallen hair really did damage his image—he decided to just stay lying on his side.

Lucien stood to the side, watching Snape flip through the notes, but his thoughts couldn't help but drift away.

He still thought the idea of Snape being blown into the Hospital Wing by a potion cauldron seemed a bit far-fetched.

It was just a substitute teacher, yet the curse was so powerful.

Snape, Potions Master and a highly skilled duelist, was nearly killed in a one-on-one fight by a student's cauldron.

The curse associated with the position of Professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts is truly outrageous.

Lucien silently noted this down in his mind. His current focus was on learning how to resolve bloodline curses. After finishing this matter, he could see if he could resolve curses targeting "positions"...

A persistent headache made it difficult for Snape to read his notes.

The densely packed characters flickered before his eyes, like a swarm of restless ants. He blinked hard, trying to concentrate.

But he was the one who insisted Lucien ask the question; he can't afford to lose face now, can he?

Wolfsbane Potion.

Why specifically a troublesome potion like the Wolfsbane Potion?

Snape frowned slightly. Wolfsbane Potion, Werewolf...

These two words instantly triggered some unpleasant memories, making his already throbbing head feel even worse.

However, the improvement ideas in the notes are quite interesting.

He was about to continue reading--

"Splash."

The curtain was suddenly pulled open.

Madam Pomfrey, wearing a white hat, entered, carrying a bottle of medicine emitting blue smoke.

Her gaze swept over and she saw Snape propping his head up to look at something; her face immediately darkened.

The voice wasn't loud, but it was full of authority. "What are you doing?"

Before Snape could answer, Madam Pomfrey strode forward and snatched the notebook from his hand.

You should get some rest!

Madam Pomfrey scolded, glancing at the contents of the notebook. Upon discovering it contained Wolfsbane Potion, her face darkened further.

She turned to Dumbledore, her tone clearly displeased. "Headmaster Dumbledore, Snape is a professor, but he's sick and needs rest. Don't assign him any more work."

In recent years, Madam Pomfrey has been giving Dumbledore and fewer friendly looks.

Because too many accidents happen to young wizards at school, the principal should be responsible for the safety of the school and its students.

"Lie down properly," Madam Pomfrey shoved the notebook into Dumbledore's hand, then glared at Snape. "Now, apply the medicine."

Snape's face darkened further.

But when it comes to Madam Pomfrey, let alone him, even Dumbledore would have to keep quiet in the Hospital Wing.