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Chapter 12: Poor Scabbers
After watching Harry gradually become withdrawn under Snape's relentless questioning, Ivan recalled a theory he had read in his previous life.
The questions Snape asked Harry each had deeper meanings.
The most obvious one was the use of Narcissus (asphodel), which in Latin means "My regrets follow you to the grave."
Wormwood, on the other hand, typically symbolizes pain and regret.
Ivan found it hard to imagine the sullen and bitter Snape standing before him, and what emotions he might be feeling when facing Harry.
Was it guilt over leaking information that led to Lily's death? Or was it the deep love that made him willing to die with her?
As he thought about this, a hint of pity appeared in Ivan's eyes.
"Ivan Hals!" Perhaps sensing that Ivan was looking at him strangely, Snape turned his wand towards Ivan after questioning Harry three times and said, "You answer these three questions next!"
Ivan was initially taken aback, not expecting Snape to question him, but he quickly recovered and began to answer.
"Mixing the powdered bulbs of Narcissus with the juice of Wormwood results in the Draught of Living Death, a powerful sleeping potion. Bezoar is found in a cow's stomach, and Aconite and Wolf's Bane refer to the same plant."
Having read the original story, Ivan was not going to be stumped by these questions, but he was still a bit anxious, fearing that Snape might ask something else.
Despite having thoroughly reviewed the potions textbook before class, Ivan knew Snape was not one to play by the rules. None of the questions he asked Harry were part of the first-year curriculum.
Ding, you answered the professor's carefully prepared difficult questions three times with a 100% accuracy rate. Reward: 9 Academic Points.
The unexpected System notification rang in Ivan's mind.
His face instantly changed from worry to surprise and then to elation, all his previous concerns forgotten.
Come on! Throw any question you like, and I'll answer them all!
With a determined look, Ivan faced Snape, a true warrior never fears any challenge!
Better give me ten or eight questions; Ivan didn't believe he couldn't answer a single one. Every Academic Point counts.
Ivan's quick change of expression left a deep impression on the other young wizards.
However, to Ivan's surprise, Snape didn't even glance at him, instead turning his head to mock Harry with a blank expression.
"Did you hear that, Potter? It seems not every first-year wizard is as ignorant and foolish as you."
"Professor, I—" Harry stood up, ready to protest, but Snape cut him off abruptly.
"Potter! Due to your performance, Gryffindor has lost one point!"
Saying this as if it were a verdict, Snape turned back to the class without a moment's hesitation, while Harry was held back by Ron, his pale cheeks turning red with anger.
Ivan, who had been preparing to face Snape's challenges, was somewhat baffled by this cold shoulder. After giving Harry a sympathetic look, he settled back into his seat, continuing to listen to the lesson.
He eagerly awaited the moment when Snape would challenge him again.
To Ivan's disappointment, for the rest of the class, Snape seemed to have forgotten him. Apart from occasionally scolding the young wizards who made mistakes, he seemed to have a particular interest in Harry.
He was like a piece of iron attracted by a magnet, constantly wandering around Harry, his hollow eyes carefully observing every step of Harry's potion-making. Any slight mistake would be met with a torrent of scathing ridicule.
Ron, who was sitting next to Harry, also suffered. The rat Scabbers, which he always carried with him, was searched out by Snape and designated as a guinea pig for the experimental potion in front of everyone, causing Ron to almost cry on the spot.
When Scabbers realized his fate, his cries were truly pitiful.
If it weren't for Neville accidentally burning through the cauldron, which ruined Snape's mood, Scabbers would have been forced to drink the foul yellow potion that Ron had brewed, whose ingredients and effects were unknown.
Ivan glanced sympathetically at the limp Scabbers on the table, lamenting the poor luck of Peter Pettigrew, who had already been frightened twice in just a few days at school.
The one-hour potion class was a torment for most of the young Wizards. After class, they all rushed out of the Dungeon as if they were escaping.
"Good heavens, how could Dumbledore hire Snape as a professor? He almost killed Scabbers!" After the potion class, Ron comforted the still trembling Scabbers, angrily wanting to bash his head against the wall.
Harry nodded in agreement, standing on the same side as Ron. Being openly targeted in the first class of the term was something no one could bear.
Harry really couldn't understand why Snape hated him so much?
"Harry, if you had read more before class, you wouldn't have been unable to answer Professor Snape's questions", Hermione had a different opinion. After saying this, she looked at Ivan and continued, "Like Ivan, Professor Snape knew Ivan could answer the questions, so he didn't pick on him."
Hermione's praise made Ivan feel somewhat embarrassed. If it weren't for his knowledge of the plot, he might not have been able to answer Snape's questions.
"Hermione, not everyone can memorize the potion book in just a few days of school. Besides, the questions Snape asked Harry weren't in the first-year textbook", Ivan sighed.
Hermione pursed her lips and didn't argue further, as she had also seen Snape's actions in the potion class today. She was just used to following the rules and obeying the professors, which was why she had offered a few words of defense when Ron started complaining.
Ron and Harry were very dissatisfied with Hermione's defense of Snape. The three of them walked in a huff, but thanks to Ivan's mediation, they managed to resolve their differences by the time they reached Hagrid's hut.
"Hagrid, we came to see you!"
Harry stepped forward and knocked on the door. Soon, they heard barking and the sound of movement inside, and the door was opened by a large figure.
"Harry, you're here. Come in quickly", Hagrid greeted Harry warmly, while also calming his restless dog Fang.
Ivan followed Harry into the hut.
The entire hut consisted of one room, which was somewhat cluttered. Dried meats and hams hung by the window, and there was a large fireplace in front. A kettle of boiling water sat on the stove, and a patched bed was placed against the wall on the right.
(End of Chapter)
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