In fact, Zhang Xiao's confidence had not been misplaced. Just as his father's memory construct had said, even though his foundations were shaky, learning magic came easily to him now that he had grasped the essence of the spellcasting system.
Snape had to admit that the young wizard before him possessed an almost frightening degree of talent. He seemed to understand everything Snape explained almost immediately.
Was this what Dumbledore had meant by... talent that was practically overflowing?
Oh... had I been like this when I learned potions? Had I even thought the textbooks were rubbish and revised quite a bit of them myself?
Then never mind.
"I've covered the main points. Pay attention to those few key details. Memory magic doesn't require tremendous power. All it needs is a clever mind."
Only someone who had taught before could understand how satisfying it was to teach a student who could extrapolate from a single example and grasp things with the slightest hint. That was exactly how Snape felt now.
He stopped his explanation reluctantly, suddenly thinking that if his regular classes were all like today's lesson, he might even deduct fewer points from Potter. One point less at most. No more than that.
Zhang Xiao quietly digested what Professor Snape had just told him, then nodded.
"Professor, I think I understand. Next comes the practical part, right?"
Snape hesitated for a moment. Ordinarily, the theory alone would require a period of instruction, and practical work would only begin once the student fully understood it.
But recalling how smoothly the lesson had gone, like aster juice falling from a dropper without clinging to its sides, Snape finally made his decision.
He said softly, "Perhaps... we can give it a try."
With a swish, Snape rose to his feet, flicked his voluminous