A Summoner in the Wizarding World

Chapter 8: Potions

If there's a ranking for the most interesting yet criminally underused Hogwarts class, Potions would take the first place. As the magical counterpart for Chemistry, Potions, for most of the series, had a teacher that's a worse influence than self-study. Neville suffered notorious accidents, though Harry also had his fair share of unfair grading and poison threats.

Seeing as the Boy-Who-Lived, half of the reason why I'm an orphan and Snape loses the love of his life, is as good as a stranger to the Potions Master, I do not feel too optimistic about Neville's future in the class, though that's neither here nor there.

Fortunately for the Boy-Who-Lived, he was born into a famously happy family and from his actions, spoiled constantly and quite used to getting what he wants. In my opinion, an almost carbon copy of Snape's bane - James Potter. It would be unpleasant to see a grown man bully a child in his classroom because said child re

Having read most of the material taught this year, the course felt quite restrictive while providing limited or outright dangerous instructions. Despite great practical benefits to brewing potions, the complete lack of safety procedures while processing raw, potentially poisonous materials is a cause for concern.

Hermione also seems to notice these defects in the books, but out of respect for the authorities, she excused:

"Maybe the book is intentionally flawed to make students more independent and reward creativity?", to which I merely gave her a stink eye. It wouldn't be long before Snape shows her exactly what happens with this "independence" and "creativity".

That Friday, as we approached the dungeons, Hermione and I saw a brawl break out between Draco and Neville. It appears the "Dark" and "Light" pure-bloods' clash of ego is simply inevitable.

What really surprises me, however, is Snape's response. As nobody intends to break up the fight, when the Professor went out both sides had bruises from, ironically, punching like Muggles over pure-blood wizard pride. Snape merely silenced both and levitated them to his classroom as students trailed behind him.

After the door closed, both perpetrators landed on the very first table, probably for observation, as Snape's robes billowed and settled down in front of the class. Snape glared at all students, one by one, before starting his roll call. Unlike before, he merely whispered at Neville's name:

"Neville Longbottom. Our new... celebrity."

To which the person in question shuddered. He must've sensed a bad future, which I could only offer silent condolences and be happy Snape's attention is not on me.

Draco tensed up slightly when his name was called - his relationship with Snape must've not been as close as the original. As the Potions Master finished, he looked up at the class. His eyes were pitch black, cold and empty, devoid of warmth.

"You are here to learn the subtle science and exact art of potion-making," he began, his voice barely louder than a whisper. "As there is little foolish wand-waving here, many of you will hardly believe this is magic. I don't expect you will truly understand the beauty of the softly simmering cauldron with its shimmering fumes, the delicate power of liquids that creep through human veins, bewitching the mind, ensnaring the senses. . . . I can teach you how to bottle fame, brew glory, even stopper death — if you aren't as big a bunch of dunderheads as I usually have to teach."

Silence followed as Snape's gaze landed on a particular boy at the front. Hermione next to me was on the edge of her seat, eager to prove that she was different.

"Longbottom!" said Snape suddenly. "What potion uses Ashwinder eggs, squill bulb, Murtlap and Occamy eggshells?"

As I glanced to my right, Hermione was furiously turning the pages of her book to no avail - the answer isn't even covered in this year's course. Though I expect Snape to give Neville a hard time, this is... another level of pettiness.