Chapter 22. History of Magic and Potions.
The history of magic itself isn't boring.
What's boring is Professor Binns's teaching style.
He's probably just too old.
It's said that when Hogwarts was first founded, and he was still alive, his classes were quite lively and interesting. Even Slytherins praised his quick thinking and clear mind.
But now he just uses that panting, drawn-out voice, uttering monotone lectures without any emotion, rarely interacting with his students.
Lynn even felt that Professor Binns's voice had magic; even someone like him, a good student in two lifetimes who never slept in class, felt a urge to drowsiness while listening to his lectures.
Professor Binns didn't give Lynn a chance to perform throughout the entire class, and of course, Lynn had no intention of doing so, because he really couldn't think of what kind of talent corresponded to the history of magic.
After the morning classes ended, Lynn had lunch in the Great Hall, then sat by the fireplace in the common room with the thick history of magic textbook he had just finished, reviewing what Professor Binns had just taught.
He had been somewhat distracted during class, but thankfully he had taken notes in his book, and reviewing them now would help him solidify his understanding.
"I heard," a blond, seemingly cheerful upperclassman approached Lynn with a smile.
"You earned five points for Slytherin in Professor Flitwick's class, especially in front of a group of proud Ravenclaws."
The man was Raphael Williamson, the Slytherin prefect and also Betty's boyfriend.
"Just five points, nothing to brag about, and I was just lucky. I probably won't have another chance like that."
Lynn wasn't being modest; he was just he was just stating a fact.
Knowing that the talent points gained through praise and bonuses were one-time only, he lost interest in continuing to perform in class.
In a place like Hogwarts, especially with the turbulent years to come, Lynn felt it was best to keep a low profile.
Raphael ignored Lynn's words; he seemed completely absorbed in his own world, rambling on about how they would continue Slytherin's glory, and how as long as the young wizards of all ages worked together, the House Cup would remain in Slytherin indefinitely.
However, Lynn knew these were just his fantasies. Next year, their headmaster Dumbledore would personally intervene, turning the House Cup into Gryffindor's.
No one dared to be late for Potions class in the afternoon.
Even though they were all new students, the prefects had explained Professor Snape's infamous reputation at Hogwarts to them. Having already angered a good-natured professor that morning, no one was foolish enough to provoke him further.
In the Potions classroom, each student had a cauldron in front of them, and shelves around them displayed gleaming images of various magical creature body parts or specific internal organs.
Combined with the dim lighting, even the slightly timid girls were already pale with fear, their eyes fixed intently on the cauldrons before them.
Professor Snape's face was also pale; not only that, his eyes were cold and unreadable, his expression rigid, and his hair was so greasy it looked like reflective foil, making one want to instinctively choose a bottle of shampoo as a Christmas present.
Sitting below, Lynn couldn't help but think of the nickname given to him by a scoundrel author in a terrible novel he'd read in his past life.
" "I'm glad no fool chose to be late for my class," Professor Snape's voice was soft, but just loud enough for every young wizard to hear.
He stepped down from the podium, moving slowly but authoritatively between the desks.
"You've come here to learn the precise science and rigorous process of potion-making.
Since there are no fools waving wands here, many of you won't believe it's magic. I don't expect you to truly appreciate the wonderful aroma of the cauldron simmering slowly over a low flame, or the wondrous power of the liquid flowing into people's veins, which captivates the mind and confuses the will..."
His voice softened.
"I can teach you how to increase your reputation, brew honor, and even stop death—but there's one condition: you mustn't be the kind of fools I often encounter."
"Then…"
Suddenly, his tone shifted.
"Can anyone deduce what potion we'll be brewing this lesson based on these potion-making ingredients before you?"
Each time his gloomy gaze swept over a young wizard, the poor child would cower in fear.
Then Professor Snape's gaze met Lynn's.
Lynn showed no fear; he smiled, meeting the empty, cold eyes of the man with the unmarried face, raising his arm, while inwardly encouraging himself.
He was, an old bachelor who couldn't find a wife, an old bachelor who couldn't find a wife…
"Oh, Bellok, then please stand up and tell me your brilliant idea."
It was as if he were mocking him for no reason, or perhaps it was simply his natural tone.
Lynn, unconcerned by his tone, looked at the materials laid out beside the cauldron and spoke fluently.
"Dried nettles, snake fangs, horned slugs, porcupine quills… these are the third ingredient recorded in *Magical Drafts and Potions*, specifically for treating boils."
"This is a highly effective potion for treating pustules, measles, boils, and other symptoms of lymph node tuberculosis. Care must be taken when brewing it. Incorrect preparation will cause boils instead of healing them. The mark of a successful brew is the appearance of pink smoke in the cauldron."
"The book emphasizes that when brewing potions, special care must be taken, especially when adding porcupine quills, the cauldron must first be removed from the flame. Otherwise, the cauldron will melt and emit a terrible odor. The leaked potion will also cause boils to grow on any skin it comes into contact with…"
At this point, Lynn finally stopped amidst the astonished gazes of the Slytherin and Hufflepuff wizards. He looked at Professor Snape and said humbly.
"That's all I can remember. Please fill in any gaps, Professor."
Snape's expression remained unchanged, showing no particular emotion despite Lynn's brilliant answer.
"Hmph, I hope your practical skills are as impressive as your theoretical knowledge."
Snape walked back to the podium expressionlessly, saying indifferently,
"Slytherin gets 10 points."
[Your outstanding performance in Potions class has earned you points from Potions Professor Severus Snape for your house. Potions talent +1, potion effect +1.]
The system notification sounded only once, but Lynn wasn't surprised. He had already guessed that Snape was the type who would give points to his own house but not to praise others—a typical Slytherin tsundere. So he was prepared for a long battle with him in Potions class.
Read 15+ advanced chapters ahead on Patreon!
patreon.com/Horizons685
(End of Chapter)