Just as Douglas's mind raced through the punishments Professor Snape might employ-whether he intended to use Obliviate to erase this unpleasant memory, or cast a Confundus Charm to make the entire factory think he had put on work clothes-
A chilly silence suddenly descended over the entire classroom. Professor Snape's gaze swept coldly over the trembling young wizards like the keen eyes of an eagle. Then he lifted the white work clothes in his hand and, without another word, headed straight for the changing room.
Watching this, Douglas looked at the young wizards with a flicker of complicated pity in his eyes.
Then his gaze followed Professor Snape's proud, resolute retreating figure, and he could not help wondering to himself: Had this normally harsh, exacting professor, who never compromised easily, really undergone a change of temperament?
He had originally thought that, even if Professor Snape did not directly harm the Muggle supervisor who had dared speak disrespectfully to him, he would at least storm off in anger, leaving a greasy head behind. Yet now, Snape's choice had exceeded everyone's expectations.
The young wizards drew another sharp breath, the shrill rush of air almost seeming to echo through the classroom as they exchanged looks.
At that moment, some even began to wonder whether the Professor Snape before them was a stand-in Professor Holmes had found. After all, this sudden silence stood in stark contrast to Professor Snape's usual explosive temper.
Harry's face darkened in an instant, complicated thoughts flickering in his eyes.
He had keenly caught the subtle change in Professor Snape's expression just before he left-a mixture of contempt, dissatisfaction, and anger. The sight instantly sent his memories back to his first year.
Back then, Harry had merely caught a glimpse of Snape limping, never expecting that Snape would pick