Chapter 140: Halloween Eve
Hermione, sitting behind them, looked as though she had seen a ghost. At the same time, she felt deeply wronged. She had spent ages answering questions to earn points, yet Harry had gained more points from being late once than she had from all her hard work combined.
"Today we will be covering the Forgetfulness Potion," Snape said slowly, his gaze drifting again and again toward Harriet. "Who can tell me its ingredients?"
Hermione immediately shot her hand into the air. From Snape's expression, she assumed he was looking at her.
Her expectation was crushed.
"Potter," Snape said instead, his voice low. "You tell us."
"Sorry, Professor. I don't know," Harriet replied honestly. Her courage had grown considerably.
"Honesty," Snape said after a brief pause. "For your honesty, two points to Gryffindor."
He had clearly considered awarding five again, but apparently decided that might be excessive.
Hermione's arm, which had been raised so long it was starting to ache, dropped back down in indignation.
After finishing the theory from the textbook, they began practical brewing.
Harriet noticed Snape hovering nearby almost the entire time, circling her cauldron as if he had nowhere else to be. But because of Snape's unusually gentle attitude today, her anxiety was far lighter than usual.
Perhaps it was the lack of pressure. Or perhaps it was the strange feeling of invoking her mother's face.
Whatever the reason, Harriet brewed as though guided by divine hands. The Forgetfulness Potion came out flawlessly.
The potion shimmered clear and translucent, glowing with a perfect orange-red hue.
Harriet couldn't help but beam.
For the first time, Potions class didn't feel dreadful. In fact… she might even be starting to like it.
"Potter has perfectly brewed the Forgetfulness Potion," Snape announced, his tone steady but his eyes soft. "Ten points to Gryffindor."
Combined with the previous seven, Harriet had earned seventeen points in a single lesson—more than enough to make up for a significant portion of the points Snape had previously deducted from her.
"For next lesson, everyone will submit a three-foot essay on the Forgetfulness Potion," Snape added. "Those who successfully brewed the potion may forgo the assignment."
He glanced at Harriet again before dismissing the class.
"Goodbye, Professor Snape," Harriet said brightly, offering him a small, sincere smile.
Snape froze on the spot.
Only after the entire classroom emptied did he finally move again, slowly gathering his materials.
Throughout the lesson, he had felt as though someone were watching him—but no matter how he searched, he could not locate the source. After class, the sensation disappeared entirely.
Perhaps he had simply been too emotional today. That must be it.
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"Mate," Ron said excitedly once they were safely outside, "that potion Russell gave you is incredible! Sure, it turned you into a girl—but if it makes Snape treat you like that and gives Gryffindor over ten points? Totally worth it!"
Harriet nodded vigorously.
For the first time in her Hogwarts life, she had walked out of Potions class feeling triumphant instead of traumatized.
Somewhere behind them, unseen and thoroughly satisfied, Russell silently celebrated the success of his grand plan.
Ron was excited the entire way back, talking loudly enough that nearby students kept glancing over. Harry had long since grown used to being stared at—but in that form, for some reason, he had felt strangely shy.
"Stop talking… cough—" Harry suddenly felt his voice shift from soft and feminine back to its normal tone. His long hair rapidly shortened.
He had changed back.
"So, Harry," Russell appeared in front of them with a grin, "I didn't lie to you, did I?"
"You didn't," Harry said happily. "I've never enjoyed a Potions class that much in my life."
"Good. Want another bottle next time?" Russell shook the small vial in his hand.
Harry thought for a moment, then shook his head seriously. "No. I don't need it anymore. I think I actually like Potions now. Next time, I'll earn points with my own ability."
"Even if Snape goes back to targeting you?" Russell asked.
"Yes," Harry said confidently. "As long as I answer his questions and brew properly, Professor Snape won't have a reason to deduct points."
"Excellent," Russell nodded approvingly. The Boy Who Lived indeed—strong mindset and all. Besides, he had already enjoyed the spectacle once; that was enough.
Unfortunately, someone else didn't share Harry's noble resolve.
"Russell… if Harry doesn't want it, can I have it?" Ron stared longingly at the Witch's Draught in Russell's hand.
In Ron's mind, Snape's sudden change in attitude had everything to do with Russell's potion. What did turning into a girl have to do with anything? Snape wasn't kinder to girls—just look at Hermione.
"Sure," Russell handed the potion over without hesitation.
Watching Ron clutch it like priceless treasure, Russell sighed inwardly.
Poor kid.