Hogwarts: Please Graduate Soon

Watching Wayne's retreating figure, Hermione felt a twinge of suspicion. She couldn't shake the feeling that he was up to something, but without evidence, she focused on her meal instead.

With no classes that afternoon, the little witch planned to spend the entire time in the library finishing her assignments, reserving the weekend for previewing upcoming lessons. This week, Hermione had undeniably showcased her prowess as a top student, contributing points to Gryffindor in nearly every class (except Potions).

However, she still felt considerable pressure, largely due to Wayne. Based on their performances in class, they seemed to be on par, but Hermione sensed that Wayne was hiding a lot. In Transfiguration class, she could only manage to alter the color and texture of a matchstick slightly, while Professor McGonagall was pleased, she had noted that Wayne had done it successfully on his first try.

Hermione was aware that her current performance was solely a result of her hard work combined with her decent memory. But what about Wayne? He spent his time in the library reading non-academic books and often sneaked off to play wizard chess or Exploding Snap with classmates. He seemed even more laid-back than Harry and Ron.

Last time, she had caught him healing a stubbed toe with a non-verbal charm, a skill that many adult wizards struggle to master. The sheer talent he exhibited was disheartening; Hermione knew she needed to work harder if she wanted to keep up with Wayne.

He was hiding too much. If Wayne knew what Hermione was thinking, he would undoubtedly cry foul. After all, he wasn't hiding anything! Since arriving at Hogwarts, Wayne had never thought about just coasting through; the wizarding world was relatively peaceful, and showcasing more of his talents would earn the professors' favor. Getting into trouble later on would also result in lighter punishments.

Besides, the first-year syllabus covered only a few topics that any reasonably capable student could master — like Hermione. His skills were not being showcased at all. Did he really have to perform a five-spell combo for the professors?

Unaware that Miss Granger had already marked him as an 'old sorcerer' of sorts, Wayne went to the Potions classroom located in the basement after lunch.

In just a week, the little wizards had gathered some knowledge about the professors, particularly Severus Snape, who had a rather 'unique' personality. At almost one minute to twelve fifty, the classroom was filled with Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw students. No one dared make a loud noise, and many glances were cast towards the door.

Wayne and Hannah sat at the same table, and to be honest, he wasn't particularly worried. He wasn't a Potter or a Gryffindor student, so there was no reason for Snape to target him.

At exactly one o'clock, Snape walked through the classroom door, his footsteps precise to the second. He strode in briskly, stirring a slight breeze that caused his robes to billow behind him like a walking bat.

"Put away your useless wands," Snape said, his voice low and resonant, yet chilling, causing the little wizards to comply immediately.

Like Professor Flitwick, Snape took out the attendance sheet and began to call names. Each student would respond quickly and cautiously, afraid a moment's delay would bring a reprimand.

"An accurate sense of timing is fundamental to potion brewing. I'm glad to see that no one is late," Snape said slowly, though more than one person caught a hint of disappointment in his eyes.

"You are here to learn the precise science and rigorous craft of potion-making, and since this is not merely a matter of waving wands around, many of you will not believe this is magic."

"I do not expect you to truly grasp the wonders of a slow simmering cauldron, with fragrant steam wafting about, or the magical liquid that flows through the veins, captivating the heart and clouding the mind... But I can teach you how to enhance your reputation, brew glory, and even prevent death!"

It was an incredibly compelling opening statement, and many students were already captivated, their faces alight with anticipation. Wayne smirked under his breath when Snape wasn't looking. His performance was indeed impressive; I would call his oratory skills the second best in the wizarding world, second only to Grindelwald.

Brewing glory and preventing death. One might mistakenly think Snape was going to teach them how to create the Philosopher's Stone. If he could truly prevent death, why didn't he save Lily?

Uh-oh, he shouldn't think that. If he did, he was sure he'd receive a blast of green light from the tip of Snape's wand the very next second.

"Lawrence!" Snape suddenly called out.

Wayne paused briefly but instinctively stood up.

"What are the ingredients required for the Herbicide Potion aside from Lionfish spine powder and Flobberworm mucus?"

"Horklump juice, sir."

"How many methods are there to make a Growth Potion?" 

"Three: extraction, brewing, and grinding into powder."

"Where would you find a chunk of dungstone?"

"In the stomach of a cow, though there are many cultivated artificial options now."

"Steps to process the quills for the Scabbers Potion?"

"Cut them into three-centimeter lengths, making a slit every centimeter at an angle."

"Hmm." Snape paused his questioning. "It seems you are indeed more deserving of your name than Mr. Potter."

The other little wizards looked on in disbelief; they could understand every word being exchanged between the two, but in combination...

Isolation, okay?

"What are you looking at? Do I have what I just said on my face? Start taking notes!" Snape suddenly exploded, and the students scrambled to jot down information.

"You too; do I need to ask you to sit down?"

"Too kind, Professor," Wayne said, rolling his eyes as he sat back down.

Who knew what had triggered Snape's sudden mood swing? Calling on him specifically wasn't random, it had to have been intentional. Those questions were well beyond the first-year syllabus and felt premeditated.

What Wayne didn't realize was that Snape had heard Professor McGonagall speak of his talent; he could summon a Patronus as soon as he picked up a wand. This spell had a special significance for Snape, which is why he had remembered Wayne's name.

Today's test was merely a whim, an attempt to challenge Wayne and, by the way, deduct points from Hufflepuff. Thanks to his and Cedric's stellar performances, Hufflepuff's scores had now surpassed Slytherin.

What slightly disappointed him was that Wayne passed the test. Why couldn't he be foolish like that Potter?

Glimpsing at Wayne, who remained unfazed, Snape waved his hand, and the potion-making process for treating scabbers appeared on the blackboard.

"The materials are in the cupboard. Pair up. If I catch anyone wasting materials... I will make them consume the excess!"

A collective shiver ran through the group of little wizards.

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