Professor Slughorn didn't know how much of Ron's apparent "talent" was actually due to Professor Snape's efforts.
In fact, even Harry didn't know.
When Professor Slughorn mentioned this, what flashed in Professor Snape's mind were Ron's various terrible performances.
For instance, grinding the lionfish spines into large pieces, or unable to cut anything properly...
Those were basic operations, and he performed even worse when it came to controlling the heat.
After a whole year of special training, Ron only made slight progress in Magic Potion (according to Snape).
But Professor Snape felt like he would live ten years less!
Ten years!
It was damn tormenting!
"I think," Harry changed the subject, "Professor Snape has done quite a lot for us, hasn't he?"
"Hmph." Professor Snape's lips twitched, "If you could appear less in front of me, that would be the greatest reward for me, Potter—"
Harry sniffed and decided to endure.
Not to stoop to Snape's level!
After the party ended, Harry didn't forget to exchange contact information with Imelda, agreeing to hold a class reunion during the Christmas holiday, and then left Professor Slughorn's office with Annie.
This year's Christmas was still at Number 12, Grimmauld Square. After discussing with the Weasleys, Little Sirius decided it would again be a joint celebration with several families.
Apart from the Weasley family, there was Neville and his grandmother, the Granger family, as well as Lupin and his wife. In short, you could imagine how lively Number 12, Grimmauld Square would be.
During the week before the holiday, Professor McGonagall handed out surveys for students to fill in about staying at school.
"I'd like to celebrate with you guys," Draco said, coming over with a smirk.
"You should first think about how to convince your parents," Ron replied without looking up.
"Hmph." Draco retorted, "I heard you can't even get a girl, Weasley, so don't talk about me, alright?"
This really annoyed Ron—lies don't hurt, but the truth is sharp, and Ron's failure with Hermione was known even in Slytherin.
Of course, this wasn't a secret.
In the Slytherin common room, Ron had become synonymous with failure, and Slytherin students would use Ron as an adjective to describe each other, ending with one of them getting frustrated.
It was quite insulting, really.
"I suggest you ask your parents first, and then have them notify Little Sirius," Harry said to Draco, looking up. "I think Mrs. Blake would be quite interested to see your mom and dad."
Harry was referring to Walburga, as Draco's mother was a daughter married off from the Black Clan.
The next day, Draco received a reply that the Malfoy family would also spend Christmas at Number 12, Grimmauld Square.
When he said this, Draco provocatively raised his chin at Ron.
Ron got the message—my great-aunt is Harry's girlfriend, can you compete with that?
In fact, Ron didn't want to reply with "Harry and I are buddies along with my great-grandfather."
By rounding up, I'm also buddies with my great-grandfather.
The holiday arrived as expected, and they embarked on their journey home.
Upon arriving at King's Cross Station, Harry saw Lupin and Mr. Weasley standing at the platform entrance, waving at them.
"Hey, Harry." Lupin greeted him with a smile.
"Remus!" Harry cheerfully approached, hugging Lupin and then Mr. Weasley. "Thanks for coming to pick us up."
"It's no trouble at all, right?" Lupin said with a cheerful smile. "It's almost Christmas break, so there's not much happening at the Ministry of Magic, so I came with Arthur to pick you up. How's it been? Are your classes busy this year?"
"Not bad, much easier than last year," Harry replied with a smile. "After the O.W.L.s year, my school life feels much more relaxed."
Lupin and Mr. Weasley laughed together, inviting the kids to get in the car.
The car was still that blue, upgraded model, and they queued up one by one to pile in, as it had been enchanted with a Traceless Stretching Spell, allowing it to fit even ten more people.
"I feel like we're Indians," Hermione said, patting her leg. "I remember seeing on TV how an Indian car could fit more than ten people..."
"Good thing the Patil sisters aren't here," Harry said. "Otherwise, they'd accuse you of racism again."
"I'm just stating the facts," Hermione rolled her eyes.
As they sat in the car, Hermione suddenly asked Ginny, "By the way, I remember you saying you'd bring Dean Thomas for Christmas, where is he?"
"He has stuff to do," Ginny replied, her expression unchanged.
"What about you?" Hermione turned to Neville: "Why didn't you bring Luna along?"
"Luna's going home to spend the holiday with her dad," Neville said, glancing at Hermione, sensing she was making conversation out of thin air—trying her best to stir up someone's response.
But clearly, she failed, as someone was by the window, completely absorbed in the outdoor scenery.
Making Hermione grind her teeth in frustration, while Harry simply shook his head helplessly from the sidelines.