The bell rang, signaling the end of class.
Rolf handed in his potion bottle as though fleeing mortal danger, fastened his schoolbag securely, and even used Scourgify to remove every trace of the half a daisy root that had fallen beside the table.
The four of them had just picked up their bags and started toward the Cellar door when an unhurried voice drifted from behind the lectern:
"Mr. Gu, stay behind."
Rolf stopped dead, his back instantly going rigid.
He turned to look at Gavin, then stole a glance at the expressionless Snape behind the lectern.
He clearly thought Snape intended to hold them accountable for the commotion during class. There was a flicker of hesitation in his eyes, and he did not immediately leave.
His friend had only acted to help him. He couldn't abandon him.
Gavin guessed the reason, picked up his bag, and tilted his head toward the door.
"You three go ahead."
Rolf swallowed. After weighing his options, he finally nodded under Gavin's reassuring gaze and hurried out of the Cellar.
From the corridor came the faint sound of Justin greeting them with laughter, followed by a muffled thump as Rolf clamped down hard on Justin's shoulder. Then their footsteps gradually faded.
Snape had not said another word in front of the other students.
Only when the corridor had fallen completely silent did he turn and open the heavy black wooden door behind and beside the lectern, gesturing for Gavin to follow.
The Potions professor's private office smelled strongly of bitter almonds and dried herbs.
The long table against the wall had been cleared. Several heavy black wooden cases, a thick roll of meticulously prepared snakeskin, and a number of sealed containers bearing wax seals stood neatly arranged on it. Beside them lay a parchment