Chapter 21 Snape's Special Question
In the dungeon classroom, the first-year students from Gryffindor and Slytherin were gathered.
On each student's desk sat a cauldron, constantly heated by a spirit lamp, and white smoke continuously rose from the cauldrons, adding a peculiar smell to the slightly dim classroom filled with various specimens.
Bang!
The classroom door was suddenly pushed open, and sunlight streamed in through the doorway.
Professor Snape, clad in black robes, strode towards the podium, instantly drawing everyone's attention.
"In my Class, there will be no foolish wand-waving or silly incantations," Professor Snape said, his tone high-pitched, and combined with his stern face, it was very intimidating.
"As it is, I don't expect many of you to appreciate the subtle science and exact art that is Potion-making, however, for those select few who possess the aptitude..." At this point, Snape's gaze fell upon Aaron and Draco sitting in the front row, as if they were those select few excellent students.
Draco showed a flattered smile, but Aaron did not, because he knew very well that Snape had only glanced at him before his gaze dropped to under the table.
"Gaius, next time, do not bring pets to my Class, or your cat might accidentally fall into the cauldron and be melted until nothing is left."
"It won't, this fellow is not just ordinarily clever," Aaronreplied seriously.
"Hmph! The process of making a Potion is quite intricate; a tiny mistake can completely ruin a pot of priceless Potion. If such a consequence occurs because of your cat, then..."
"I'll compensate! Double compensation, I absolutely won't let Professor you suffer any loss," Aaron immediately said.
"What if it causes casualties then?"
"The Gaius Family will take full responsibility."
Professor Snape took a deep look at the white cat at Aaron's feet, his curious gaze tinged with a hint of solemnity, and he no longer pursued the matter.
He tightened his robes and once again fixed his gaze on the students below, "I can teach you how to bewitch the mind, how to ensnare the senses.
I can teach you how to bottle fame, brew glory, and even stopper death."
At this moment, a rustling sound came from behind Aaron; it was the sound of a pen tip rubbing against paper.
Aaron subconsciously looked over and saw Harry Potterwriting something, so focused that he didn't even lift his head.
He quickly gave Hermione, who was next to Harry, a meaningful look, signaling her to tell the bespectacled student next to her to stop writing; these were not important notes.
Just as Hermione was about to nudge Harry's arm, Snapespoke, "Then again, maybe some of you have come to Hogwarts in possession of abilities so formidable that you feel confident enough not to pay attention to my lecture."
Snape walked over to Harry Potter, looking down at him, "Mr. Potter, our new celebrity.
Tell me, what would I get if I added powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?"
Hearing this question, Aaron paused slightly, turned around, looked at Professor Snape's back, and sighed with a hint of regret.
Harry froze for a few seconds, then shook his head.
"Don't know? Then I'll ask you something else.
Mr. Potter, where would you look if I asked you to find me a bezoar?"
"I don't know, teacher," Harry said nervously, his heart beginning to sink. He didn't understand why Snape was targeting him so much. These questions might have answers in books, but he wasn't as studious as Hermione, not to mention his aunt and uncle's family didn't let him touch anything about magic before school started.
He was a complete novice in the magical world; it would be strange if he could answer.
Hermione, however, raised her right hand high after hearing the question, but Snape ignored her.
"What is the difference between monkshood and wolfsbane?" Snape continued to ask.
Hermione's hand went even higher, eagerly hoping to answer the question for Harry.
"I don't know, sir," Harry said weakly, with a hint of grievance in his tone.
"Pity," Snape said blandly, "Clearly, fame isn't everything.
Is it, Mr. Potter?"
Draco showed a knowing smile, and just as he was about to turn and mock Harry Potter, he saw Hermione's raised right hand, and his face immediately darkened.
Clearly, Hermione Granger knew the answer to the question he didn't.
"To mock others, you need to have the capital," Aaron said in a low voice, "Only when you yourself are excellent enough can you stand at a high place with a clear conscience."
"Well said," Snape quickly turned around, "Mr. Gaius, then please answer my question."
"Me?" Aaron pointed to himself in exasperation, then pointed to Hermione, who was holding her right hand high, "Shouldn't it be Hermione?"
"In my Class, it's not about who raises their hand highest to answer a question," Snape sneered, "Her actions are merely superfluous.
He then glared at Hermione, "Now, sit properly."
Hermione immediately lowered her right hand and sat up straight, but her face was full of defiance.
"You may answer my question now, Mr. Gaius."
Aaron slowly stood up, "A bezoar is a stone taken from a goat's stomach, which has detoxifying properties. Monkshood and wolfsbane are both types of aconite, the same plant.
As for the first question, what happens when you add powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood, I... don't know, I'll leave that for Harry Potter to answer later!"
Snape was slightly taken aback, and a hint of surprise entered his gaze as he looked at Aaron, "You are truly special. Slytherin, one point. Sit down!"
"Thank you, Professor."
"As for Gryffindor, a certain student has disappointed me. Deduct one point," Snape said mercilessly.
"That's not fair!" Harry said, "Aaron didn't answer all of them either, did he?"
"Very well, questioning a teacher's decision, another point deducted."
Harry wanted to say something more, but Hermione pulled his sleeve, and he could only lower his head helplessly.
Potion Class resumed. Snape divided the students into pairs, but perhaps because Aaron brought a pet, he was in a group by himself.
However, this suited him perfectly, as for Potion preparation, which could lead to explosions or even more severe consequences with a slight error, it was better to do it alone if there wasn't a reliable teammate.
In this Class, Snape personally taught the students a simple Potion for curing boils. Besides Aaron and Draco, most of the students, including those from Slytherin, received criticism.
Of course, some minor accidents occurred during the Potionpreparation, for example, a student failed to add certain ingredients in time, causing the boil-curing Potion to become a boil-generating Potion, which greatly angered Snape.
However, after a furious outburst, he still sent the injured student to the infirmary with a cold face.
After Class, all the students rushed to the Great Hall, ready to enjoy their lunch.
Harry complained non-stop on the way, "Professor Snape is truly beyond annoying."
"Indeed, it's my first time seeing such an irritating teacher," Hermione nodded in agreement.
"Nothing to be surprised about.
Snape is the Dean of Slytherin; he likes to target Gryffindorfor no reason. George and Fred often get points deducted by him.
Didn't you see how partial he was to Aaron and Malfoy?" Ron said sarcastically.
"Uh... I think I heard my name. What are you discussing?" Aaron walked over and asked, accompanied by his small pet.
"We're discussing a certain Professor's favoritism," Ron said, looking at Aaron displeased.
"Oh..." Aaron's face showed understanding, "You mean Professor Snape? I think he's quite good!"
"Good? What's good about him? Besides being biased, he's also so strict."
Hearing Ron say this, Harry nodded in deep agreement.
"Strictness is necessary; Potion Class is inherently a very rigorous process, allowing no room for error.
As for the favoritism you mentioned... perhaps!
But every Dean of every house will instinctively favor their own students; I think that should be harmless, right?"
"But..." Harry wanted to say something more, but Aaroninterrupted him.
"I know you might feel a bit wronged. Let me tell you the answer to Professor Snape's first question!
Powdered root of asphodel added to an infusion of wormwood can be brewed into a very potent sleeping Potion."
"You knew?"
They all looked at Aaron in surprise, not understanding why he hadn't answered the question in Class.
"Of course I knew. When I used to be bored, I'd pass the time by reading books.
However, that question was asked to you specifically by Professor Snape; it's a question with a special meaning, Harry, and it might take you a long time to answer."
"You know what it means, don't you?" Hermione asked, "Can you tell us?"
Aaron pondered for a moment, then shook his head, "I'm sorry, Hermione, I really can't say.
Harry needs to understand this question himself, but accepting it won't be easy."