"If you think the Potions classroom is a place for playing and fooling around, then you're one step closer to death," Snape said in his signature slow, silky tone.
Wilkinson, Jimmy, and the others, who had just run all the way and were panting heavily, instantly fell silent, frightened by Snape's icy words.
Flandre, however, didn't feel scared. Instead, he said earnestly, "Professor Snape, thank you for the reminder. We'll be more careful from now on!"
Then, turning to the other children, he added, "Potions class has many dangerous tools and potions. The professor is saying this to keep us away from harm."
After his explanation, the children instantly understood Snape's "good intentions" and all shot grateful looks at Flandre, echoing his words of thanks.
This caught Snape off guard.
He was indeed sharp-tongued and had an awkward personality, which made many of his well-meaning words sound like curses. But he never expected anyone to respond to his kindness, and he was used to it.
Now, being thanked by these children made Snape feel somewhat uncomfortable.
If Flandre had the Legilimency ability to read minds, he would probably mutter, "Dude, are you a bit of a masochist?"
"Now that you know the dangers, I certainly don't want to see you missing limbs in my Potions class," Snape continued to display his signature sarcasm.
The class bell rang, and the children quickly found their seats and sat down.
...
"Many people think Potions isn't real magic because it doesn't involve waving your wand. I'm telling you, that view is dead wrong... Others believe potion-making is just about heating things in a cauldron, which is also a foolish, rigid way of thinking... Different ingredients require different preparation methods—some need pressing, some need soaking, some need fire, and others require you to use your imagination to find the most suitable approach..." Snape slowly lectured on the intricacies of Potions.
Flandre listened and realized that Potions was indeed quite sophisticated.
Yes, he himself had been one of those who thought all potions were made by heating things in a cauldron.
As he listened to Snape's clear and insightful lecture, Flandre began to grasp some of the nuances, giving him a new understanding of the magical world.
"Flandre, tell me, what part of the milk thistle is used in potion-making?" Professor Snape called on Flandre to answer.
What the hell? Why me? I was paying attention, okay! Flandre mentally raged.
The truth was, he had no idea what milk thistle even was. He'd bought the textbook but had immediately boarded the train to school without having time to read it properly. How was he supposed to know about this milk thistle?
You could have asked about bezoar, at least I'd know that's for antidotes.
"Leaves?" Flandre answered hesitantly.
"Plants do commonly use leaves, roots, and stems for potion-making. You've chosen a fairly probable answer," Professor Snape said with a hint of sarcasm before delivering the verdict: "Incorrect!"
Then Snape scanned the classroom. "Does anyone know?"
The entire class lowered their heads, avoiding eye contact.
Flandre thought to himself, Of course, there's not a single Hermione-type genius in this class.
...
"Flandre, don't be too upset. We'll work hard to earn the points back!" Elvis said, comforting Flandre as they walked after class.
"It's not your fault. That milk thistle is such an obscure herb. Even if it were me, I wouldn't have known the answer either," Wilkinson added.
"Yeah, Professor Snape was just being difficult today!" Jimmy muttered angrily in a low voice.
Seeing how serious the group was, Flandre couldn't bring himself to say that he didn't actually care. Instead, he nodded and said, "Thank you all. I'll work hard to earn that point back, and get even more!"
His words filled everyone with fighting spirit, and they all became fired up.
"Come on, let's go eat. I'm starving," Flandre said.
The group followed him toward the Great Hall.
...
The Headmaster's Office.
Dumbledore sat in the chair behind his desk, and the various professors were seated as well.
"What are everyone's thoughts on his recent performance?" Dumbledore asked the group.
"Emotionally speaking, he isn't a child who gets easily agitated. I showed so many bloody images in class, and when he saw them, he just looked a bit nauseated and disgusted. He didn't have any abnormal reactions; he was even calmer than most of the children! Of course, it's also possible that I didn't provide enough stimulation. After all, I am quite afraid of him suddenly losing control," Professor Swinton, who spoke first, said.
Hearing this, Dumbledore nodded, then turned his gaze to Severus Snape.
"I tried sarcasm, ridicule, and even took a point from Gryffindor. He remained perfectly calm," Snape said briefly.
After he spoke, while the others didn't react much, Professor McGonagall sitting nearby couldn't help but speak up first. "Professor Snape, I hope this deduction wasn't based on a reason you just made up!"
"Of course not. My reason was entirely valid," Snape said indifferently.
Dumbledore interjected at the right moment. "Professor McGonagall, and on your side?"
"From my observations, this child is quite normal. He is even very caring and considerate toward his classmates. For example, with Elvis—he's helping that introverted child gradually become more cheerful. This shows he has a very perceptive heart," Professor McGonagall shared her view.
"Yes, yes, he is indeed very attentive and observant. He's helped me out quite a lot in class," Professor Sprout, the Herbology teacher, added.
"I just think he has too many ideas about Flying class. He keeps asking me why he has to ride a broomstick—can't he just fly standing on a sword? These bizarre questions of his are really giving me a headache!" Madam Hooch, with her white hair, said with great distress.
"Wow, flying on a sword? That is indeed a very unique idea, and very Eastern," Professor Swinton couldn't help but exclaim.
"So it seems his psyche is actually quite healthy, without any signs of being withdrawn or repressed?" Dumbledore summarized.
"That is indeed the case." "Correct." "Mm."
Everyone replied one after another.
"Then, this is good news. Next, what we need to do is let him live a normal life and teach him how to release his magic," Dumbledore said, looking at the group.
"I thought we wouldn't have a special student until next year. I didn't expect one to arrive early this year," Professor Swinton said meaningfully.
"Rest assured, Steven. I believe he will learn to control his power quickly. That way, you can go to the Himalayas to search for the遗迹 of ancient wizards with peace of mind," Dumbledore said with a smile.
"Hmm, I hope so."
"Alright, you are all dismissed," Dumbledore said.
The brief meeting concluded, and everyone departed.