Just by examining Leo's sleep-inducing incense, Snape nodded with professional assessment. "No testing required. This potion meets acceptable standards."
As a Potions Master who had observed nearly the entire brewing process, Snape didn't need to conduct a formal evaluation to recognise the quality exceeded typical classroom expectations.
"Leonardo Grafton, for failing to follow the instructor's precise directions, three points from Ravenclaw." His voice carried characteristic severity. "For completing potion brewing first with skilled technique and scientifically sound methods, eight points to Ravenclaw."
Hearing Snape's peculiar operation of deducting three points before awarding eight, Leo pursed his lips and couldn't help but think sardonically: Just award five points directly. Why make it so unnecessarily complicated?
If Snape could be more straightforward and honest instead of maintaining these theatrical airs, there wouldn't have been all that historical drama in the first place.
"Class dismissed. Clean your equipment properly and remove everything from this classroom."
Just as Snape prepared to exit, he suddenly added with apparent afterthought: "Grafton, report to my office immediately."
Leo couldn't fathom why Snape was summoning him. Had he somehow given offence during the lesson? But the professor had also awarded him points...
"Do I need to issue a personal invitation, Grafton?"
There's that impatience again. Leo methodically packed his tools, allowing them to float behind him through practised Levitation Charms.
Entering Snape's office, the oppressive, gloomy atmosphere struck him immediately. Two towering rows of shelves lined the walls, filled with countless bottles and jars containing mysterious specimens.
Leo surveyed the space with obvious curiosity. The office certainly matched his fantasies of a traditional wizard's laboratory. He could easily identify preserved bat wings, desiccated frogs, and various flowers and herbs emitting strange, pungent fragrances...
Wait, what was that particular specimen?
Leo spotted a crystal jar containing what appeared to be a complete unicorn horn. The adjacent container seemed to house a dragon's heart, while another held what looked suspiciously like authentic phoenix tail feathers.
Soon, Leo realised an entire shelf displayed various rare and precious magical materials with obvious value.
Worthy of being a Potions Master... wealthy enough to maintain such an impressive collection.
"Sit."
Snape's flat command directed Leo toward a chair positioned across from the professor's imposing desk.
"Who taught you that specific method for brewing sleep-inducing incense?"
Snape's direct inquiry made Leo frown slightly. Why was Snape asking this particular question? His formula originated from system loans, so there shouldn't be any historical complications. Could the professor actually recognise familiar elements within the improved technique?
With thoughts racing, Leo answered carefully: "I discovered the original version in a reference text. When practising potion-making independently, I attempted some modifications. Fortunately, the final effect didn't deteriorate."
However, Leo's explanation failed to satisfy Snape, who responded with characteristic bluntness: "Let me be completely direct. Your methodology proves genuinely superior, not only reducing required materials but also significantly strengthening effectiveness. I estimate the enhancement reaches two to three times standard potency."
"This represents a fundamental potion formula. If you truly developed these improvements independently, I would like to include your techniques in future textbooks."
"Naturally, I'll provide substantial monetary compensation in exchange. I'm not so unprincipled as to steal a student's achievements."
"If you learnt these methods from family members or mentors, you can help convey this proposal. Appropriate compensation will be provided regardless."
Snape's unexpected offer left Leo genuinely stunned. Include his improved formula in official textbooks while paying compensation?
This formula represented a system loan, yet now there was an opportunity to "sell" it to Snape directly?
But wait... he hadn't repaid the loan yet. The requirements demanded brewing five different potions, but he'd only completed one: the improved sleep-inducing incense.
If he provided the formula to Snape but ultimately failed to repay the loan and the knowledge was reclaimed, what would happen to Snape's documented copy?
At minimum, he would have already received compensation from the professor.
This was essentially like borrowing money from someone, using those funds for profitable business ventures, then when creditors came collecting, only returning the principal while keeping all generated profits...
"System, what if I..."
After hearing Leo's scheming concept, the system responded with obvious distress:
[*&!#￥~""]
[A kind and upright host shouldn't exploit such questionable loopholes! (ಥ﹏ಥ)]
"Alright, alright, just joking. I'll repay the loan properly."
Leo felt genuinely happy to master new knowledge and learn additional potion-making techniques. The requirements weren't particularly challenging for someone of his abilities anyway.
Actually, after repaying the loan successfully, he would have permanently learnt the improved formula, brewed several new potions, and could still receive compensation from Snape.
A perfect triple victory.
"Professor, this formula was indeed improved through my personal efforts. I come from a purely Muggle family, not the type you mentioned who learnt from relatives or experienced mentors."
Hearing Leo's confirmation, Snape began nodding before freezing completely. "You're genuinely from a Muggle background?"
"Yes, sir."
"You mean a first-year student actually improved an established potion formula?"
"Yes, that was my work."
However, Snape's expression turned distinctly cold. He suspected Leo was lying... a desperate child wanting to prove his exceptional talent by claiming false achievements.
"Very well, then explain precisely how you perfected and enhanced the formula through each developmental stage."
Leo remained unperturbed. Fortunately, he had practised brewing sleep-inducing incense the previous evening, and today's class explanations had considerably deepened his theoretical understanding of this particular potion.
After organising his thoughts briefly, Leo began systematically explaining the key improvements within his enhanced formula.
As he spoke methodically, Snape's expression shifted from mocking scepticism to genuine seriousness.
"Honestly, my Potions talent remains quite ordinary compared to other magical disciplines. I simply experienced favourable luck, plus sleep-inducing incense represents only basic-level brewing, so I succeeded through fortunate coincidence."
Leo felt his assessment wasn't dishonest. Compared to his Transfiguration, Dark Arts, and Magical Power talents rated SS-rank and above, that A-rank Potions capability was indeed relatively ordinary.
However, Leo's modest words made Snape's mouth twitch with obvious irritation. Without systematic instruction, this student could improve established formulas. Possessing the kind of intuitive inspiration that ordinary people could never achieve in their lifetimes, yet Leonardo actually considered his talent ordinary and attributed success to mere luck?
This type of false modesty reminded Snape of those arrogant Slytherin students who developed inflated egos from minimal accomplishments. As Head of House, Snape felt familiar anger rising, his expression darkening several shades.
Observing Snape's mood deteriorating suddenly, Leo grew confused. Had he somehow given offence just now?
"No need for such false modesty. Your Potions talent proves genuinely exceptional."
Leo quietly released a relieved breath. So the professor wasn't actually angry... then why did his face keep changing colours so dramatically?
"Thank you for the recognition. Inspiration or luck represents just momentary sparks... I'll continue studying through systematic methods."
Leo responded politely while mentally calculating what to request as formula compensation. Potion materials might prove unnecessary, and premade potions might not include what he required.
For short-term needs, he'd want auxiliary potions to help approach and observe magical creatures safely... odour-eliminating draughts or creature-luring formulations. He'd ask Snape about such specialised items.
Leo, calculating potential compensation, failed to notice that after hearing his final statement, Snape's eyes had become completely vacant.
Inspiration or luck is just a momentary spark...
In a dreamlike trance, Snape seemed to recall that girl with brilliant red hair who would regard him with emerald green eyes.
"Thank you for the encouragement, Severus, but inspiration or luck represents just momentary sparks... effort is what remains permanent, isn't it?"
She had also been Muggle-born, extraordinarily talented in Potions, and would respond modestly when complimented...
"Professor, I'm willing to exchange the formula..."
Leo looked up at Snape, only to discover his expression seemed caught between laughing and crying, with hollow, distant eyes that saw nothing in the present moment.