It was painfully obvious that none of the students in the classroom understood Snape's real intention to mock Harry.
Instead, every pair of eyes instinctively turned toward Marius Cloud.
Compared to that utterly ordinary, utterly unremarkable so-called Savior, Marius shone like the morning sun itself—radiant, dazzling, impossible to ignore.
When it came to fame in Hogwarts, perhaps you'd have to add Harry's popularity to someone else's before it could even begin to compare to Marius!
"Why's Professor Snape suddenly picking on Mr. Cloud again?"
"No idea… maybe he's still holding a grudge over what happened earlier?"
The low whispers made Snape's face darken even further.
There was nothing more infuriating than trying to deliver a cutting remark, only to have everyone completely misunderstand your target.
It was like having a lump of air stuck in your chest—no way in or out. Maddening.
"Ahem… Professor Snape, are you directing that question to me?" Marius felt like he'd been dragged into a fight while lying down.
He knew Snape's comment wasn't aimed at him, but with nearly every single student turning their gaze toward him, it was impossible to ignore.
Snape's expression grew stormier still. He had never truly intended for Marius to answer—his questions were meant to humiliate, not to invite an actual response.
Besides, Marius was the sole heir of a pure-blood noble family, groomed from birth in both knowledge and manners. If there was anyone who wouldn't fumble over basic magical theory, it was him. Snape wouldn't believe otherwise for a second.
So, employing the same tactic he used with Hermione, Snape pretended not to hear. Not a word.
"Professor, you really don't need me to answer?"
Seeing Snape's sour face only made Marius feel more cheerful. He leaned forward, persistence in his voice, his crisp tone echoing in the empty classroom, each word ringing clear.
The students glanced between Marius and Snape.
If Snape could still pretend he didn't hear that, then he must be deaf.
You little brat! Snape fumed silently. I ignore you and you still won't let me go, is that it?
A man pretending to sleep can never be woken. Snape shot Marius a venomous glare, but refused to call on him.
Hermione's hand shot up higher. "Professor, I actually know the—"
"Silence, Miss Granger. Stop flaunting that pitiful scrap of knowledge." Snape's eyes gleamed as he added coldly, "Gryffindor, minus ten points."
Hermione lowered her hand, looking wounded, and Snape felt a rush of satisfaction.
Then, with renewed vigor, he turned on Harry. "As for the questions I just asked—mixing daffodil bulbs and wormwood creates a powerful sleeping draught, commonly called the Draught of Living Death. Bezoars are stones taken from a goat's stomach—they're a universal antidote for many poisons. And monkshood and wolfsbane are the same plant, more formally called aconite."
"Well? Why aren't you all writing this down?"
The room instantly filled with the rustle of quills on parchment—except for one voice that cut sharply through the noise.
"In addition to detoxification, bezoars also clear the liver and brighten the eyes. They can even treat certain cases of nearsightedness or presbyopia. I think that's worth noting down as well," Marius said, winking at Hermione.
Hermione shot him a grateful look—she understood the barb. Marius was making a pointed mockery of Snape ignoring her raised hand.
And she wasn't the only one who caught it. Many students gasped softly, realizing exactly what Marius was doing.
"He's asking for trouble again," Draco whispered, stunned.
Theo shook his head in awe. "He's got a death wish."
Ron, however, looked thrilled. Surely this would make Snape finally punish Marius!
Snape's face had turned an ugly shade… and yet, in a shocking twist, he said:
"What are you all staring at? That's a correct piece of information. Write it down!"
The entire class froze, jaws hanging open. Even the Gryffindors stared in disbelief.
What in Merlin's name was going on? Was the world ending?
But Marius wasn't done.
"Oh, and speaking of herbs that sharpen the senses," he continued smoothly, "we can't forget sweet flag. Unless you're deaf, in which case no amount will help, it can greatly improve hearing."
He paused, his tone dripping with implication. "Of course, if someone can't hear voices right next to them, they're probably beyond saving—sweet flag won't help with that."
By now, the air in the room practically sizzled.
Every heart beat faster—boom, boom, boom—as the tension spiked.
Anyone could see it now: after mocking Snape for ignoring Hermione, Marius had gone for round two—retaliating for Snape ignoring him.
This man could hold a grudge like no other.
Several students quietly swore to themselves that they'd never cross him unless absolutely necessary.
Otherwise, with such a powerful wizard keeping score and waiting for the perfect moment to trip you up, your life would be miserable.
"Oh no, oh no…" Pansy covered her eyes.
As a pure-blood herself, she knew Snape's temper all too well.
Harry, on the other hand, was watching with a pounding heart. When will I be able to stand up to a professor like that—unafraid, unflinching?
Ron just sneered. To him, Marius was finished.
Under everyone's watchful eyes, Snape narrowed his snake-like gaze, studying Marius as if measuring up prey.
"Come to my office tonight."
Then, to everyone's shock, he turned away, returning to the lectern as if nothing had happened. "Alright, back to class!"
Wait… what? Was Snape really letting this slide? Impossible!
The students were so stunned that several forgot to take notes entirely, leaving themselves open for Snape to hand out detentions like candy for the rest of the period.
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