Success!
Just by glancing at the Potion in the cauldron, Harry was absolutely certain that this brewing attempt was a resounding success.
The Potion's color was exactly as described in the book, emerald green like a gemstone, and perfectly pure without a single impurity.
Harry couldn't help but smile; this was Baruffio's Brain Elixir, an extremely complex Potion, where both the timing of adding ingredients and the stirring requirements were incredibly strict.
He had personally watched Professor Snape work tirelessly from morning until now, without a moment's rest.
Just recalling the complicated steps made one's head spin.
Professor Snape truly lived up to his title as a Potion Master; he succeeded on his first try!
Harry instinctively turned to look at Snape, his eyes sparkling with excitement and admiration.
Noticing Harry's adoring gaze, Snape felt immensely pleased, but he maintained his usual composure, not revealing a hint of pride.
He wiped a bead of sweat from his forehead, then expressionlessly observed the Potion in the cauldron.
He couldn't be careless yet!
This was no ordinary Potion; even a slight mistake could turn someone into an idiot.
Snape took out a portion of the Potion, poured it into a test tube, then held it level with his eyes, carefully examining the color and consistency of the Potion.
Harry held his breath, his eyes fixed on Snape's every move.
So it wasn't over yet?
Professor truly was a Potion Master; his every action was filled with steadiness!
After repeated confirmation, Snape's body relaxed slightly, and he let out a long sigh of relief in his heart.
The Potion was perfect, even more perfect than the ones he had brewed in his youth.
He had originally worried he might fail, after all, he hadn't brewed Baruffio's Brain Elixir in many years.
Now it seemed, his skill was still sharp.
Snape revealed a faint, satisfied smile, then turned to look at Harry, a rare warmth subtly showing in his eyes.
"The Potion brewing was successful."
"However, for safety, it's best to dilute Baruffio's Brain Elixir before consumption, with a ratio of five to one or six to one being ideal."
Snape waved his wand, and a bottle of clear distilled water floated lightly to his hand.
He precisely controlled the ratio of water to Potion, slowly pouring the distilled water into the test tube.
The originally emerald-green liquid gradually lightened, finally turning into a gentle, pale green.
"There," Snape said, pouring the diluted Potion into a small crystal vial and handing it to Harry, "This is your gift for this year. Drink it."
Harry took the bottle; its body was cool and smooth, and the pale green liquid gently swirled within, emitting a peculiar faint scent.
Anticipation and curiosity, excitement and nervousness, all these emotions intertwined, causing his hand to tremble slightly.
"Thank you, Professor." Harry felt deeply moved.
Although Professor Snape never attended his birthday parties, he never forgot his birthday gift each year, and every year he would give him extremely precious Potions.
He looked up, his eyes shining as he said, "Professor, such a good Potion, aren't you going to drink it?"
"Or, you drink this bottle first."
Hearing this, Snape's facial features softened: "Baruffio's Brain Elixir is only effective the first time it's consumed."
"I already drank it when I was young; you drink this Potion."
Harry nodded, taking Snape's care to heart, then took a deep breath, carefully brought the bottle to his lips, and tilted his head back, drinking it all in one gulp.
The moment the Potion flowed into his throat, Harry immediately felt a cool, warm current spread throughout his body.
This sensation was both comfortable and magical, as if a gentle force was nourishing his nerves, gradually penetrating every corner of his brain.
Suddenly, his thoughts began to accelerate.
He felt his memory had greatly improved; the brewing process of Baruffio's Brain Elixir, which had previously given him such a headache, slowly became clear.
He could almost recall every detail Professor Snape had taught him.
Harry blinked, seemingly still adapting to this new experience; he felt his brain was very relaxed, and his thoughts were incredibly active.
This was the feeling of enhanced memory.
So cool!
It seemed he would no longer have to worry about History of Magic and Astronomy Class.
"How do you feel?" Snape noticed Harry's change and asked with concern.
"Fantastic, Professor," Harry said excitedly, "I've never felt my brain so clear."
"Professor, during the summer of my first year, you made me drink a Wit-Sharpening Potion, but I think Baruffio's Brain Elixir is much more effective."
"Wit-Sharpening Potion?" Snape raised an almost imperceptible eyebrow. "Compared to Baruffio's Brain Elixir, Wit-Sharpening Potion is far inferior."
"It can only temporarily make the consumer's mind active, but it cannot improve the consumer's memory."
"Furthermore, the improvement in your memory from Baruffio's Brain Elixir is not immediate; you'll need some time to adapt to the changes it brings."
"Of course, it might bring a small side effect."
Side effect?
The book didn't mention that!
Harry looked at Snape nervously: "Professor, what side effect?"
Snape said flatly, "Before you fully adapt to the changes it brings, you might have a little difficulty falling asleep."
"Don't worry, within a month, you will fully adapt and have no trouble sleeping."
"Do not become overly reliant on this Potion," Snape gently warned, "It can only improve your memory."
"But knowledge will not actively run into your brain; you still need to rely on your own efforts to learn that knowledge."
"Alright, don't slack off. While your brain is still excited, review and summarize the brewing process from just now."
"I'll go prepare lunch."
Lunch?!
Harry shuddered; the fear of being dominated by Snape's lunch instantly appeared in his mind.
He quickly stepped forward, grabbing Snape's arm and pulling him towards the living room.
"Professor, you've worked hard all morning; you must be exhausted."
"I absolutely cannot let you make lunch again."
Harry poured Snape a full glass of cola and said with a smile, "Professor, have some drink and rest well on the sofa."
"Leave lunch to me."
With that, he turned and dashed into the kitchen, afraid that Snape would speak up and stop him.
Watching Harry's figure disappear through the kitchen doorway, Snape's face showed a genuine smile.
This child was still so considerate.
After looking for a while, even that face didn't seem so annoying anymore.
He leaned back comfortably on the sofa, picked up the cola, and took a small sip.
This drink...
It really was sweet...
...
...