The Life He Deserved

Chapter 9

Harry was currently seated in the Dungeons, fully expecting Snape to make a dramatic entrance. He was not disappointed as Snape slammed the dungeon doors open and glided to the front. He did role call but not before the 'Potter, our newest celebrity' nonsense. Harry knew despite wearing green Snape would still try to embarrass him, just without taking points.

"You are here to learn the subtle science and exact art of potion-making. As there is little foolish wand-waving here, many of you will hardly believe this is magic- "Harry decided to tune it out seeing as he remembered the entire speech. Oh, how he remembered. He was so excited for Potions that day, he after all loved chemistry so he assumed Potions was the same. But Snape had embarrassed him and taunted him when he was just writing down the captivating speech. That day ruined potions for him for the entirety of his Hogwarts years. Between Slytherins sabotaging his potions and his low self-esteem, Harry ended up doing badly. Granger may have believed he was using Snape's old potions book, but he already knew all those tricks and was able to apply them without Snape on his neck. That didn't mean he learned to enjoy it however. It was only with Death's encouragement he got into Potions again. He owed Death so much. His thoughts were suddenly halted.

"POTTER. What would I get if I added powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?" he challenged him. Though Harry now knew the true meaning behind those words.

"The draught of living death sir," Harry responded. Snape glared at him a bit.

"Lucky guess. Where would you look if I requested a bezoar?" Snape asked again. By this point, Harry noticed Draco glaring at Snape for threatening him. Harry felt his heart warm that Draco already cared so much about him. Draco was nothing like he used to think.

"The stomach of a goat sir," Harry again responded. Snape just sneered and continued the lesson. The rest of the time went the same as last time. Neville failed spectacularly like last time, and Weasley did terribly. Granger pridefully handed Snape her potion. Snape picked it up with distaste.

"This is average at best. The color is too light, and the consistency is off. Guess you aren't as talented as the other professors say, shame really," Snape tutted at her before heading back to his desk. Granger looked ready to cry again. Harry could care less however and raised his hand as he finished his potion. He changed up the recipe a bit for more potency. The instructions on the board were actually inaccurate, and he knew better than to follow it word to word like Granger. Snape headed over and looked at him in distaste. Snape snatched the vial from him and examined. Harry saw Snape's eyes widen. The potion was perfect. Snape could barely believe his eyes. The potion was perfect color, and the perfect thickness. It even had a shine that showed extra potency. Snape's first thought was he cheated, but he had watched him the entire time. He saw him add different ingredients than the board, he assumed he'd fail, and he'd delightfully give him a zero. Turns out he had devised his own recipe. Snape didn't even care that it was Potter at the moment.

"This potion is perfectly crafted, well done. 10 points to Slytherin," Snape complimented, only a few seconds later did he realize this was Potter. He immediately looked physically pained which Harry thought was hysterical. Snape REALLY didn't like him. The rest of the class wrapped up, most potions banished and many zeros given; even to some Slytherins. As everyone packed their things, Harry stayed behind. Draco looked at him, but Harry just glanced at the door telling him to leave. Draco obeyed.

"What do you want Potter?" Snape sneered once again.

"Thank you. I know she would've forgiven you," Harry told him. Snape's eyes widened in shock. He hadn't expected Potter to know the true meaning.

"I have no idea what you are talking about." Though Snape's panicked eyes told otherwise.

"Yes, you do. I know you knew mum, and that you were friends. There are pictures of you in a photo album I was given, and the note indicate she cared a lot about you. She'd forgive you," Harry responded. Snape looked at him with pained eyes. And blurted out before he could stop himself.