The new term arrived as expected, in the blink of an eye.
Most students were still sluggish, recovering from the holidays — with the exception of a few dedicated ones like Hermione. The teachers, however, seemed as they always did. Professor Snape in particular appeared to be in a noticeably better mood than before the break.
This became evident in the slightly reduced number of points Gryffindor lost during his lessons.
Still, there were exceptions.
In the first Potions class after the holidays, Harry, under Snape's close scrutiny, brewed his potion with unusual precision.
"Not bad," Professor Snape murmured behind him.
Harry turned, rubbing his slightly sore shoulder. His face was half-hidden behind his arm, leaving only his green eyes visible.
Perhaps it was imagination, but Snape's expression seemed faintly satisfied.
"Three points to Gryffindor for proficiency in Potions."
Ron, sitting beside Harry, stared in disbelief.
By Merlin's beard… Snape had actually awarded Gryffindor points?
Draco Malfoy merely curled his lip in displeasure but said nothing.
At lunch, the entire Gryffindor table buzzed with the news.
"I still can't believe it," Ron said. "Since Snape started teaching, earning points in Potions has been practically impossible!"
"Shhh!" Hermione whispered sharply. "And speaking of important matters — before the holidays I told you to find out where Fluffy is being kept. Don't tell me you found nothing!"
At the mention of Fluffy, Ron paled slightly.
Over the holidays, apart from visiting the Grangers, he had mostly thought about food and wizard chess. The investigation had completely slipped his mind.
"And you, Harry?" Hermione pressed.
Harry cleared his throat. He had spent most of the break reading Cassandra's notes — her diary, more precisely — and had not investigated either.
But suddenly, an idea struck him.
"Do you remember Professor Dumbledore's warning at the start of term?" he asked quietly. "About the forbidden corridor on the third floor? I'm certain that's where Fluffy is."
Hermione frowned.
"And how can you be so sure?"
"Because that's exactly the sort of place Dumbledore would forbid if he wanted to hide something important."
"No, thank you," Hermione replied at once. "I have no intention of being expelled for breaking a direct rule from the Headmaster."
"Hermione's right," Ron muttered. "Dumbledore must have his reasons."
Harry did not argue further. He had no desire to drag them into something dangerous. If necessary, he would go alone.
As long as the Philosopher's Stone remained protected, everything would be fine.
"At least Snape seems easier on you lately," Ron added. "I think that photograph helped."
"Photograph?" Hermione asked.
"Harry's aunt sent him some old photos of his mum," Ron explained. "One showed Lily with Professor Snape. Harry gave it to him… and got a bottle of Felix Felicis in return."
Hermione looked puzzled.
"But why would there be a photo of your mother with Professor Snape… and not one with your father?"
Harry shrugged.
"No idea."
That evening, during his detention in Snape's underground office, Harry noticed the difference clearly.
Instead of assigning tedious cleaning, Snape placed an empty cauldron before him.
"Thunderbrew Potion," he said in his low, drawling voice. "When properly prepared and activated, it produces a localized lightning storm. The formula was discovered by your mother in ancient manuscripts."
He paused.
"I presume that, with your ability, you are capable of mastering it."
"Thank you, Professor," Harry replied.
Snape demonstrated the process: leech juice, shrivelled figs, cadaveric sap — an ingredient sometimes obtained from Inferi, though, as Snape remarked, "hardly suitable prey for a small troll like Mr. Potter."
Harry ignored the insult.
After completing the potion under strict supervision, he was unexpectedly dismissed — carrying a freshly brewed vial with him.
As he walked through the dungeon corridors, Harry reflected:
I truly don't understand you, Slytherins.
/------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------/
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