𝑨𝒎𝒖𝒍𝒆𝒕 - ʜᴊᴘ x ᴏᴄ [𝐌𝐀𝐉𝐎𝐑 𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆&𝐑𝐄𝐖𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆]

24

   ─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

ꜰᴏʀɢᴇᴛꜰᴜʟɴᴇꜱꜱ ᴘᴏᴛɪᴏɴ

   ─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

"In what world is this a good idea?" Cassie leaned back against the cold stone wall, arms crossed, her voice dripping with disbelief. "We're eleven. Let's act like it, yeah? Saving the Philosopher's Stone shouldn't be the concern of a first-year student—unless, of course, someone's handing out medals for reckless stupidity."

"If you're so against it, then don't come," Hermione shot back, crossing her arms. "We can do it ourselves."

"Oh, fantastic," Cassie drawled, pushing off the wall. "Then I'll be sure to clear my schedule for your inevitable hospital wing visit. Honestly, Granger, you claim to hate Slytherins, but your Gryffindor stupidity is practically blinding."

Her smirk was sharp, but there was something else in her gaze—frustration, exasperation. Maybe even concern, buried deep beneath the sarcasm.

A deep voice cut through the tension.

"Miss Black. Miss Granger. A word."

Cassie looked up, her irritation flickering into caution as she met Professor Snape's unreadable gaze. Had he heard their argument?

"Of course, sir," she replied smoothly, masking her curiosity beneath indifference.

She fell into step behind him, curiosity prickling at her skin. But when Snape wordlessly gestured for Draco, Nott, and Katherine to join them, it became clear—this was something much bigger than just her and Granger.

In the Potions classroom, Snape gestured for them to sit.

"Every year, I select a handful of students who demonstrate exceptional talent in my subject," he said, voice smooth and deliberate. "This year, the five of you have been chosen. You will be given a test. No prior warning, no textbooks—only your knowledge and skill."

Cassie leaned back slightly in her chair, unimpressed. Typical.

"The student with the most accurate potion will be acknowledged in the yearbook," Snape continued, his gaze lingering on her. "I expect nothing less than excellence."

Across from her, Draco smirked.

"I'm sure I'll win, Cassiopeia," he murmured, voice dripping with confidence. "You've been hanging around the wrong crowd lately—mudbloods, blood traitors, and half-bloods. It's bound to affect your studies."

Cassie tilted her head, her smirk widening. "Funny, considering the so-called 'mudblood' beat you in every subject last term. How does that feel, dear cousin?"

Draco's jaw clenched. "Shut up—"

"Quiet, Malfoy," Snape cut in sharply. "Begin."

The assigned potion was the Forgetfulness Potion. Cassie nearly laughed. She had just revised it for the upcoming exams. This was going to be easy.

She worked swiftly, her hands moving with practiced ease as she added two drops of Lethe River Water, heating it just enough before dropping in two Valerian Sprigs. As she stirred, she caught Draco sneaking glances at her cauldron.

"Three points from Malfoy for attempting to cheat," Snape announced without even looking up.

Nott snorted.

"And two points from Nott for minding someone else's business," Snape added coolly.

Cassie ignored them, focused entirely on her potion. After letting it rest for exactly fifty-five minutes, she added the Standard Ingredient, crushed four mistletoe berries, and ground them into a fine powder. She added two pinches, stirring with precision before giving her wand a final wave.

Done.

Snape peered into her cauldron and nodded approvingly. "Flawless, Miss Black. Five points to Slytherin for completing it first." He studied the potion for a moment before adding, "Full marks."

Cassie forced a polite smile. "Thank you, sir." She turned to leave, knowing she had done exactly what was expected of her.

Snape favored her, there was no doubt about that. But she couldn't bring herself to like him back. It almost felt like her birthright to hate him.

As she stepped out of the classroom, she let out a breath and rolled her shoulders. Another victory. Another step toward proving she was the best.