The next day, Snape's new look stunned Will.
Perhaps Egypt was too hot, or perhaps the shampoo there wasn't a Potter Family product. Either way, Snape had washed his hair for once—and tied it back.
His usually greasy black hair was now smooth and sleek, gathered into a short ponytail. Paired with his prominent hooked nose and deep, shadowed eyes, it gave him the air of a brooding British gentleman.
Even his sallow skin added a certain something to the look.
If he'd dressed like this sooner, even Harry might have ended up with the surname Snape.
"Professor, forgive me for saying so, but why didn't you wash your hair sooner? Think how many girls in the Wizarding World would fall head over heels for you." To Will, Snape no longer seemed greasy. He seemed mysterious.
After all, Snape really was mysterious. His experiences had given him an elusive air.
Snape glanced at Will. "Mind your own business, Behrens."
Will pursed his lips. The old man was acting all haughty now.
Before long, Okanta arrived at their house with a girl in tow. She had brought Will a guide: a pretty, wheat-skinned girl with a healthy glow, plenty of Egyptian-style jewelry, and only a few years on him.
The girl held out her hand with a friendly smile. "Aisha Nagar. Fourth-year student at Uagadou."
Will's eyes lit up. What perfect timing. Just yesterday, he'd been wishing for a Uagadou student to serve as his guide.
He smiled and shook her hand. "Hello, I'm Will Behrens. Second-year student at Hogwarts."
Soon afterward, Aisha led Will out of the oasis. They were headed for Cairo, across the Nile.
Watching them go, Okanta smiled. "Look how happy he is. Young people have so much energy. Not that I blame him—Aisha is the girl