章 158: 37
Chapter 37: Snape's Ulterior Motives
Friday morning brought with it Potions class.
No one dared to be late for this class, and students arrived early, especially the Gryffindor students, who looked as if they were mourning.
Ethan Adrian, however, remained indifferent. As a Ravenclaw, he had no personal grudge against Professor Snape.
Bang!
Just as the class was about to begin, the door to the classroom was abruptly flung open.
Professor Snape strode in, his black cloak billowing behind him with a swish.
It was no surprise that he was often compared to a bat; his appearance certainly supported the comparison.
Like most professors, Snape began by calling the roll. He paused briefly at Harry Potter's name but otherwise maintained his cold, mechanical demeanor.
The dimly lit classroom, filled with specimens in jars and bottles, created a stifling, oppressive atmosphere. The students dared not make a sound except to reply "here."
"You are here to learn the precise science and exacting craft of potion-making," Snape began, his voice low and foreboding.
"Here, there will be no aimless wand-waving. Many of you may doubt that this is truly magic. I do not expect you to appreciate the delicate beauty of a simmering cauldron, its white smoke, and fragrant bursts."
"You will not grasp the true power of the potion's liquid as it courses through one's veins, stirring excitement and confusion."
"I can teach you how to enhance your fame and luck, brew renowned potions, and even stave off death. But there is one condition: you must not be the fools I often encounter."
Snape's ominous opening remarks set a high standard for potion-making. He was creating an atmosphere of seriousness and skill.
Even the Philosopher's Stone could only extend life, not prevent death, and the body would remain fragile under the relentless passage of time. Snape was painting a picture of unattainable perfection.
As he scanned the students, Snape's gaze fixed on one individual.
"I must reiterate that someone at Hogwarts may think their fame exempts them from my class!"
His voice grew increasingly menacing.
Ron Weasley, sitting next to Harry, sensed trouble. Harry was still scribbling notes, oblivious to the growing tension.
Snape approached Harry and looked down at him with a steely gaze.
"Mr. Potter!"
Harry jumped at the sound of his name and looked up into Snape's emotionless eyes, feeling as though Snape were trying to pierce through him.
"Mr. Potter, the so-called 'celebrity' of this generation!"
""Potter! What would I get if I added powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?""
This was clearly a subtle hint, an indirect confession from Snape. According to Victorian Flower Language, asphodel is a type of lily meaning 'My regrets follow you to the grave' and wormwood means 'absence' and also typically symbolised bitter sorrow.. The combination of these symbols indicated Snape's deep sorrow over Lily Potter's death.
Ethan watched with interest. Snape was indirectly revealing his emotions to Lily's son, who was completely unaware of the underlying message.
This question, which belonged in the sixth-grade curriculum, was clearly aimed at Harry.
When Harry shook his head, Snape's disdain was palpable. "You don't know?"
Hermione Granger, sitting nearby, eagerly raised her hand. Having been overshadowed by Ethan and Cassandra in previous classes, she was determined not to miss this opportunity.
She had reviewed all this material in advance.
However, Snape ignored her completely, his attention solely focused on Harry.
"Then let's try another question. If I ask you to find me a piece of bezoar stone, where would you locate it?"
Bezoars were known for their detoxifying properties. This was a question about how to alleviate Snape's pain.
"I don't know, sir!" Harry replied, his frustration evident.
Hermione continued to raise her hand, trembling slightly, but Snape still ignored her.
". And what is difference between monkshood and wolfsbane??"
Wolfsbane, also known as Aconite, is often associated with themes of love and protection.
There were too many personal issues mixed into Snape's questions.
"I don't know!" Harry snapped, clearly annoyed. From their first encounter in the hall, Harry had sensed Snape's dislike. Now he was certain Snape was deliberately causing trouble and said, "Hermione knows the answer. Why don't you ask her?"
Hermione stood up, hands still raised, eager to answer.
"Sit down!" Snape barked. He had no tolerance for students who acted on their own initiative.
Suddenly, Snape's gaze shifted to Ethan.
"Mr. Adrian, answer my previous question!"
Ethan was puzzled. His father had never wronged Snape, so why was he being targeted?
Despite knowing that answering correctly would not earn extra points, Ethan stood up:
"Asphodel root powder and wormwood infusion can be combined to make a potion called the Elixir of Living Death."
"Bezoar stones are found in the stomach of goats and are highly effective at neutralizing toxins."
"monkshood and wolfsbane are both aconite."
"Your answers are correct," Snape acknowledged, "but if you look at me like that again, I might just have to take action."
"Sit down now!"
"Additionally, Mr. Potter, due to your lack of knowledge, Gryffindor will lose five points."
Snape's emotionless gaze swept over the students.
Ethan took his seat, feeling discontented. His attempt to enjoy the spectacle had backfired. It was clear Snape's personal issues were affecting his teaching.
Harry, visibly angry, was also frustrated by the unfair treatment. Snape, however, remained unaffected and continued coldly:
"Why haven't you written down the answers?"
At that moment, Ethan felt a pair of eyes boring into him. He looked over to see Hermione, who seemed to think he had stolen her chance.
Ethan could only shrug helplessly. He hadn't intended to cause any trouble, but aside from Slytherin students, answering correctly did not earn extra points; instead, it often led to point deductions.
If Harry had been a girl, perhaps the situation might have been different. Unfortunately, Harry resembled his father, James, and did not fit that exception.
"Are you two flirting in class?"
"Ravenclaw and Gryffindor, five points each!"
Snape's eyes, which had taken in everything happening in the classroom, could not tolerate any perceived disruptions, especially those involving personal matters.
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