ebonymovies Chapter 110 The Potions Dispute, Dumbledore, You'll Regret This!
Chapter 110 The Potions Dispute, Dumbledore, You'll Regret This!
Chapter 110 The Potions Dispute, Dumbledore, You'll Regret This!
"Prepare a potion?"
In Dean Hufflepuff's office, Professor Sprout looked at Charles in surprise.
She never expected that shortly after returning from the Forbidden Forest, Charles would come to her office wanting to borrow the cauldron and a classroom suitable for brewing potions.
Hufflepuff Academy naturally needs things like cauldrons, since dealing with cultivating herbs inevitably involves preparing potions.
Professor Sprout himself was also a master potion maker, though not as skilled as Snape, but far superior to ordinary wizards.
To her surprise, in addition to being an expert in Transfiguration and Charms, Charles also had some knowledge of Potions.
Is this what genius is?
They really don't leave any way for ordinary people to survive!
Professor Sprout sighed inwardly, then decisively agreed to Charles's request.
Not only that, she also found an old cauldron in a display case at Hufflepuff House.
Charles looked at the crucible, a strange look appearing in his eyes.
He did not look down on the crucible because it was old. First, Professor Sprout would not give him a rubbish crucible. Second, Charles could also sense that the crucible possessed a peculiar magic.
Professor Sprout then spoke with a hint of pride.
"This cauldron was donated by a potions master in the history of our academy."
"Don't be fooled by the fact that Snape is the most famous Potions Master at Hogwarts in recent years. In fact, the house that produces the most Potions Masters is Hufflepuff."
"This cauldron was used extensively to make Felix Felicis, so it has acquired some of its properties. It can slightly increase the success rate when making potions for the first time. It's the best cauldron I could find."
"Come on, I'll find you the best potion classroom, and you can brew potions there."
A look of gratitude appeared on Charles's face.
Perhaps Professor Sprout's abilities are insignificant to him now, and her expertise in certain subjects cannot directly enhance his strength, but she is definitely the professor at Hogwarts who cares about him the most.
Professor Sprout always did his best to help him fulfill any request he made.
Just the fact that he had been told about the Phoenix earlier made him feel incredibly indebted to her.
Now that he's specifically sought out a cauldron used by a potions master, the favor he owes is growing ever larger.
Charles hesitated, while Professor Sprout smiled.
"Ciel, I know you're different from other kids. I've never treated you like a child."
"Your way of thinking and your style of handling things are more like an adult's; perhaps that's what makes you a genius."
"But no matter what, you are a Hufflepuff student, and more likely the best student in the history of Hufflepuff and even Hogwarts. It is my responsibility as the headmaster to nurture you well, and I don't need any reward."
"If you feel indebted to me, then when you're able, take better care of Hufflepuff."
Sprout said, half-jokingly.
"Haha, actually, don't let my usual easygoing attitude fool you, I really want Hufflepuff to dominate the Academy Cup."
"Unfortunately, I don't have a powerful backer like Snape."
Upon hearing this, Charles smiled wryly, his heart filled with a myriad of emotions.
After helping me so much, all I ask in return is for the headmaster to help Hufflepuff win a few more House Cups. This headmaster is really something...
Even if it's just to repay a favor, Ciel is determined to get the Hufflepuff's Academy Cup.
Even if Dumbledore the Old Bee wanted to cheat for the Savior, Ciel wouldn't mind pointing his sword at him again!
Soon, Ciel followed Professor Sprout into a potions classroom used by older students.
Professor Sprout said she had reserved the classroom for a full six hours, and that Ciel could safely prepare potions there.
After Professor Sprout left, Ciel waved his wand again, adding several protective charms to the classroom.
Although it was done casually, even if senior students went all out, they wouldn't be able to break in.
Having done all that, Xia Er took out the materials for preparing the ancestral potion and began processing them with great concentration.
……
Meanwhile, in another potions classroom, the first-year Gryffindors and Slytherins were tense and glaring at each other.
Although they did not know that Snape was dead, everyone knew that Snape had been captured and imprisoned in Azkaban.
It would be strange if Gryffindors and Slytherins didn't argue over Potions class.
Just as tensions were rising, a chubby, bald old man walked in and let out a wry smile.
"The familiar classroom atmosphere; the first-year Hogwarts students are still so energetic."
Beside him, Dumbledore, also smiling, introduced the students in the classroom.
"This is Professor Slughorn, the former Head of Slytherin, who is now temporarily taking over as the Potions Professor."
"He is a renowned potions master with an outstanding reputation. You will definitely benefit greatly from learning from him."
After Dumbledore left, Slughorn's gaze swept across the classroom.
His eyes lit up immediately when they landed on Harry Potter.
Although he was born in Slytherin, he was a rare headmaster who had no prejudice against things like bloodlines. On the contrary, he was particularly interested in talented people.
Back when he was teaching at Hogwarts, he dedicated himself to cultivating a network of talented individuals, and those former students have now become his connections in high society.
Now that Dumbledore has invited him back to Hogwarts, Slughorn is partly out of disapproval of Slytherin's current state and a desire to revive Slytherin's glory, and partly because of Harry Potter.
If I could get this famous savior to join my slug club, that would be incredibly glorious and something I could talk about for the next ten years!
Therefore, in this first lesson, Slughorn decided to show everyone his skills and let them see how powerful he was.
It must be said that Slughorn's teaching level is two or three levels higher than Snape's, who was used to suppressing students.
He not only explained the principles of potions in a simple and easy-to-understand way, but he also made it so interesting that even the Gryffindor lions, who had prejudices against Slytherin, listened with great interest.
Harry Potter was completely absorbed in the conversation.
In this life, Harry Potter didn't experience the same level of hostility as in the original books, because Shire beat Snape up on the first day of school. Instead, he found Potions quite interesting.
That's how kids are; once they become interested in something, they learn at an extraordinary speed.
Furthermore, Harry Potter's mother, Lily, was a potions prodigy praised by Slughorn, so it's unlikely that Harry Potter didn't inherit Lily's potions talent.
In the original story, he was suppressed too much by Snape and had a strong aversion to Potions, so even though he had talent, he couldn't bring it to fruition.
Now, with Slughorn's guidance, Harry Potter's talent in potions has also been revealed.
Even Hermione, who was very knowledgeable, paled in comparison to Harry in terms of practical skills.
His clever maneuvers while preparing the scabies medicine impressed Slughorn, who loudly awarded Gryffindor points.
Halfway through the lesson, almost all the students had finished preparing the scabies solution, Slughorn said with a smile.
"Very good, it seems I'm still as sharp as ever. To be honest, when I first arrived, I was a little worried that I wouldn't be able to handle these kids."
"Well done, you are all talented, especially Mr. Potter, you are simply a potions genius."
Slughorn waved to the lion cubs and snakes, who were all smiles.
"Given your excellent performance in this class, we still have plenty of time."
"Come on, follow me. Let me show you what high-end potions look like."
He drawled out his words.
"I am about to concoct the most magical, wonderful, and also the most difficult potion to prepare before you—"
"Felix Felicis!"
Without Slughorn needing to say anything more, Hermione, the know-it-all, immediately exclaimed about the effects of Felix Felicis.
Upon hearing that this potion could enhance luck and bring good fortune, the students exclaimed in surprise.
Ron, standing in the crowd, was also stunned when he heard the price of Felix Felicis, his eyes filled with longing.
The price of a small bottle of Felix Felicis could be equivalent to his tuition and living expenses for seven years at Hogwarts!
Amid the students' gasps, Slughorn could not hide his smugness and then beckoned them to follow him upstairs.
"Making Felix Felicis requires a spacious classroom. Let's go to the advanced potions classroom."
Soon, Slughorn led everyone to the door of a classroom.
"This is the best potions classroom at Hogwarts. I used to brew potions here all the time..."
"Um?"
"Is this spot occupied?"
Slughorn frowned, only then realizing that the potions classroom had already been reserved for six hours.
Slughorn frowned even more when he saw the name of the person who made the reservation.
"Charles Evans?"
He certainly knew this name by heart. On his very first day of school, he beat up the Slytherin Headmaster and pointed his sword at Dumbledore. Such a student was one of a kind in the thousand-year history of Hogwarts.
However, as the former headmaster of Slytherin, it's impossible to say that Slughorn would be happy to see this name.
At the same time, Slughorn was also somewhat surprised.
"Is Ciel using the advanced potion-making classroom? Is he mixing potions?"
"Isn't he a specialist in Transfiguration and Charms? Why is he getting involved in potions? Does he also have expertise in potions?"
But a moment later, Slughorn subconsciously shook his head, rejecting his own idea.
Potions is an extremely profound subject, and it has little to do with wands or spells; it also requires a great deal of practical experience.
No matter how gifted Charles is, without time to accumulate knowledge, it would be difficult for him to reach a high level in potions, let alone compare with a potions master like Slughorn who can brew Felix Felicis.
Therefore, after a moment's hesitation, a strange light flashed in Slughorn's eyes, and he knocked on the classroom door.
He wanted to see what kind of potion Ciel was concocting inside.
At this point, the first-year Gryffindors and Slytherins also learned that it was Shire who was inside preparing potions.
They also began to whisper among themselves in surprise.
"Can Ciel also concoct potions?"
"He's using an advanced potion-making classroom. What kind of potion is he mixing?"
Upon hearing this, the little snakes instinctively resisted.
Shire had already humiliated Slytherin, making them unable to hold their heads up for a while.
Professor Slughorn's arrival had given them a sense of pride, but then it turned out that Ciel could also concoct potions? This made them instinctively start to deny it.
"Don't joke around. I wouldn't be surprised if you said that Charles had some research in the field of spellcasting."
"But potions don't require waving a wand. A Transfiguration master and a potions master are completely different fields."
"Charles is probably researching some basic potions. It's such a waste that he's taking up a potions classroom. He should give it to Professor Slughorn."
The little snakes whispered among themselves.
Hermione blushed deeply at the sight of the lion cub.
"Don't judge Ciel with your narrow-minded perspective; Ciel has always surpassed the imagination of ordinary people!"
But Ron, unusually, agreed with what the little snakes said.
"The Slytherins are bad, but there's some truth to that."
"We can't let Ciel have everything. He's so strong and can concoct potions. That would be too unfair."
Ron didn't want to believe Hermione's words; he thought Shire did everything beyond imagination.
He had come to accept that Ciel was exceptionally strong, and he couldn't feel jealous anymore, since the gap between them was too large.
But potions don't require waving a wand, so Ciel might not be any better than him.
Ron simply couldn't accept that Ciel was also highly skilled in potion-making, a field where huge profits could be made.
Harry, who was standing nearby, nodded almost imperceptibly.
He had just been praised by Slughorn as a potions genius, which was the first time in Harry's many years of life that he had been recognized.
Harry secretly hoped that he could surpass Shire in potions.
Just as everyone was arguing, Professor Slughorn drew his wand, tapped it, and sent a message inside.
"Charles, I'm Slughorn, the new Potions Professor. I see you're using the Potions classroom; may I join you?"
"Ahem, if you have any questions about potions, I'd be happy to answer them."
Upon hearing this sound, Charles, who was preparing materials, showed impatience in his eyes.
Fortunately, he is only preparing materials and has not started concocting potions yet, otherwise it might cause some trouble and he might even waste a precious batch of materials.
A moment later, Ciel opened the door to the potions classroom and coldly stared at Slughorn standing in the doorway.
Before Slughorn could speak, Charles said coldly.
"Didn't anyone teach you to be quiet when others are brewing potions?"
Slughorn was taken aback, not expecting Charles to be so rude to him.
In his view, Charles was still a beginner in potions and must have encountered many problems. He certainly wouldn't miss the opportunity to ask him, a potions master, for advice.
He could also take this opportunity to salvage the reputation of Slytherin after Snape's defeat.
He quickly replied.
"Charles, you might not be very familiar with the world of potions, so you might not know me. I am Slughorn..."
Before he could finish speaking, Charles interrupted him.
"I've heard of it, but not just any Tom, Dick, or Harry can be consulted by me."
"If you bother me again, I'll send you to keep Snape company."
Immediately, Charles closed the door and then cast several more powerful protective spells.
As for what the students outside and Slughorn think? What do they care!
Only the weak need to consider what others think!
Right now, the ancestral potion is his top priority; everything else has to take a backseat.
If it weren't for the fact that Slughorn hadn't caused him any actual damage, Charles wouldn't have let him off so easily for disturbing him.
Just as Charles continued to focus on the reversion potion, Slughorn outside turned pale and then flushed.
The little snakes were also angry.
"What's he being so arrogant about?"
"The professor kindly offered to mentor him, and instead of appreciating it, he's so rude to the professor! It's utterly arrogant!"
Even some of the lion cubs now agreed with the snakes' words.
Ron added with a hint of speculation.
"Perhaps all geniuses are so arrogant, thinking they are omnipotent."
"Perhaps he thinks he's better than the Potions Master."
"However, I think it's more likely that Charles encountered difficulties and didn't want to be instructed, fearing embarrassment, which is why he panicked."
Harry didn't say anything when he heard this, but he felt a sense of secret joy and relief.
From this perspective, Ciel might actually be quite average in the field of potions, and I might actually be stronger than Ciel.
Only Hermione blushed and defended herself.
"Cial is not usually this rude. He must be brewing some very important potion and was disturbed to act like this."
Aside from Hermione, no one believed that Shire, a potions novice, could concoct any important potions.
Slughorn's expression returned to normal, and he spoke with a hint of deeper meaning.
"It seems Miss Granger knows Mr. Evans quite well. Let's wait and see what kind of potion Mr. Evans can concoct."
"But then again, he booked six hours for potion preparation. I don't recall any beginner or intermediate potion textbooks mentioning potions that take that long."
"Come, let me take you to the classroom next door to observe the preparation of Felix Felicis. Although we can only complete the first half of the preparation in this short time, I guarantee you will find it worthwhile."
Immediately, Slughorn led everyone into the potions classroom next door.
Three hours later, the dazzled students filed out of the classroom, their faces beaming with obvious excitement.
Harry couldn't contain his excitement.
"Did you see how the professor handled the potion ingredients? It was amazing, practically an art!"
"And the process of the professor brewing the potion was precise and elegant. He truly deserves to be called a potion master. He's amazing."
Ron and the other students, whose talent in potions was average, didn't notice much difference; they were simply discussing with great interest the wonderful aroma emanating from the cauldron.
"By Merlin, even the half-finished product smells so wonderful, I can't even imagine what it will feel like to drink it!"
At this moment, everyone looked at the still-closed door of the classroom next door with rather subtle expressions.
Ron said with a hint of sarcasm.
"The professor has already finished the most complicated preparations for Felix Felicis, so why is Ciel still using the classroom?"
"Could it be that he's concocting some kind of potion even more difficult than Felix Felicis?"
At that moment, Slughorn also came out of the classroom and said something meaningful.
"That's not necessarily true, Mr. Robbie, right?"
"After all, potions science is a vast and profound field, so it's normal to have potions that I've never heard of before. Maybe Mr. Evans even invented them himself."
"Let's leave quickly, so as not to disturb Mr. Evans, or make him feel embarrassed to come out."
The little snakes also started laughing, and nicknames such as "Bragging Ciel" and "Potion-Potting Ciel" came into being.
Slughorn's lips curled up, clearly in a good mood.
Soon, Dumbledore also learned about this in the headmaster's office.
A slight smile appeared on his face.
"Harry Potter was hailed as a potions genius by Slughorn, while Shire was ridiculed for his potions skills?"
"That's unexpected news."
Dumbledore was originally thinking about how to suppress Shire to highlight Harry Potter's savior aura, but he never expected that a single Potions class would allow him to achieve his goal.
Just then, Professor Sprout stormed into the principal's office.
"Dumbledore, didn't you hear how the Slytherin students addressed the Shire?"
"How can we let them attack Ciel like this?"
Dumbledore, at this moment, showed an expression of helplessness.
"Professor Sprout, it's just kids joking around. We've all been through that phase, haven't we?"
"I believe this matter will pass quickly. Besides, I also think it will be good for Charles to understand that a person's energy is limited, and he cannot achieve great things in all areas..."
Before he could finish speaking, Professor Sprout showed his disappointment.
"Being ridiculed like this is supposed to help you grow? Dumbledore, you really have your own way of doing things."
"Fine, if you don't care, then forget it. But I just want to tell you, you'll regret this."
Professor Sprout hurriedly left, as she needed to comfort the little badgers who were indignant because Charles had been insulted.
A few hours later, in the advanced potion classroom, Charles looked at the boiling crimson potion in the cauldron in front of him and took a deep breath.
The scent emanating from this potion seemed to trigger changes in the magic deep within one's bloodline, perfectly matching the characteristics of the atavistic potion he deduced through Deep Blue.
A look of delight appeared in Charles's eyes.
"The atavism potion is a success!"
His face lit up with fervor and anticipation.
"Once the ancestral potion is completed, there is a high probability that Cerberus Louville will awaken the characteristics of Cerberus."
"My second magic, Animagus—Cerberus, is coming!"
(End of this chapter)