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Since Hofa's mind was still on getting that Transfiguration book from the library, he didn't pay much attention to Miranda's request. He answered casually, "Fine. I'll go."
Miranda whispered, "Palio was going to discuss making her the official Seeker. But Goshawk thinks first-years can't play Quidditch. So she's only reserve."
Hofa was surprised. Just like Harry's treatment. If Goshawk loosened up slightly, she'd be another first-year Seeker.
He glanced at the girl in the crowd's center. Protagonist template. Seekerâking of the team. Famous figures from his past life were basically all Quidditch stars.
James, Harry, Malfoy, Cedric, Cho, Krum, Ginny.
And so on.
He'd thought she was like Hermione. Wrong. She was an all-rounder.
...
If Hofa thought compromising would work, he was dead wrong.
What happened next shattered his worldview again.
Friday. Two classes.
Defense Against the Dark Arts and Potions.
Defense wasn't cursed yet in this era. Just normal. The teacher was retired Auror Alathea Merrythought. Gryffindor's Head of House.
Kind and humorous with lower years. Told stories. Vampires, werewolves, dark goblins... monsters she'd faced. If Hofa remembered right, she was the last normal Defense teacher. After her seven-year retirement, Tom Riddle wanted the position.
Rejected by Dumbledore and others, Riddle cursed it. From then on, no teacher lasted more than a year.
After Defense ended, afternoon was Potions.
Potions professor: Slughorn. Slytherin's Head. During lunch, Hofa had an idea about the library signature.
Compared to future Snape, Slughorn was easy to talk to. He even told Voldemort about Horcruxes. Gave Harry his shameful memory.
But the premise: earn his recognition.
Right. Slughorn only associated with students he considered valuable. Promising futures. He saw them as life's precious collection. After retirement, he came back just to teach Harry.
Simply put: judged by appearance, somewhat snobbish.
But not malicious. If Hofa earned recognition, getting a signature shouldn't be hard.
The guy taught Voldemort about Horcruxes. What was one signature?
Normally Hofa was casual about class. But today after eating, he hit the washroom. Tidied himself spotless. Combed his black hair neatly back.
Made him look spirited. His appearance wasn't ugly. After grooming, somewhat handsome.
First impression matters. Act enthusiastic. He should get Slughorn's attention.
Potions classroom: Hogwarts dungeons. Colder than the main building. Glass jars lined walls. Preserved specimens, mutated organs. Hofa found it interesting. Slytherin's common room should be nearby.
Inside, faint mist filled the dungeon. Strange smells. Bubbling cauldrons.
Hofa examined each. Recognized all the potions. Thanks to his mental capacity, he'd memorized most of the textbook. If Slughorn asked questions, he'd stand out.
Dungeon tables were round. For cauldrons in the middle.
Slytherin at one table. Ravenclaw the same. Hofa had to sit with Aglaia.
Unluckily, Slytherin's table was very close to Ravenclaw's. Tom Riddle sat right across from Hofa.
Surrounded. Uncomfortable. But he didn't show it.
Shortly after sitting, the door opened. Slughorn's belly entered first. Then a man with a meerschaum pipe.
Tight jacket. Much younger than fifty years later. Not bald, but fatter.
All smiles. Like a giant smoking walrus.
After entering, Slughorn scanned students. Lingered on Aglaia and Tom Riddle. Most outstanding appearances.
He picked up the roster. Started attendance.
He's checking for descendants of great families or famous wizards, Hofa thought.
When he called Tom Marvolo, he was slightly surprised. Looked at Tom again. Marvolo of the Gaunt family was famous.
Hofa felt pressure. Voldemort was more handsome. Had Slytherin's halo. To win favor, he had to perform extremely well. Otherwise he'd be like Ronâname forgotten. Let alone get a Restricted Section signature.
After attendance, Slughorn puffed smoke. "All right, students. Take out scales, potion kits, and textbooks."
Rustling sounds.
Hofa felt disappointed. Class already?
"However..." Slughorn said. "Before that, I've prepared several potions to open your eyes. Experience Potions' wonderful magic."
He pointed at a hissing cauldron with white smoke. "Can anyone tell me what this is?"
Here it comes! Hofa's hand shot up.
Slughorn nodded happily. "Very good. You tell us."
Hofa stood. "Cold-Resistance Potion. Daisy roots and licorice juice, one to nine ratio, plus seal fat and rat spleen. Used in Northern Europe and Siberia."
"Absolutely correct."
Slughorn said loudly.
"Your name?" (He hadn't remembered.)
"Hofa Bach, sir."
"Bach. Very good. Five points to Ravenclaw."
Slughorn nodded. Let him sit.
Hofa felt pleased. Good first impression. Maybe I can get a signature after class.
Aglaia folded her arms. Snorted disdainfully.
Tom Riddle leaned back with interest.
Slughorn walked to another cauldron with gray solution. "Now, who can tell me what this is?"
Hofa's hand shot up again.
Slughorn looked surprised. "Bach, very good. Tell us."
Hofa stood. "Petrification Potion. Rock-dwelling finch eggs, Ashwinder eggs, rock-hanging moss, one cave spider eye. Non-toxic. Brief petrified state, about fifteen minutes."
"Very accurate! Very accurate, Hofa! Five more points to Ravenclaw."
Slughorn puffed smoke, appreciative. He turned to students. "Write this down!"
Rustling parchment sounds. Even Tom Riddle picked up his quill.
But one person didn't move.
Aglaia. Leaned back, rubbing her chin, staring at Hofa suspiciously.
She was doubting his purpose.
Hofa noticed her ghost-like gaze. Didn't care. All attention on Slughorn. Good impression, get signature, get the Transfiguration book.
After students finished notes, Slughorn turned to pale purple liquid.
"Does anyoneâ"
A hand shot up.
Not Hofa.
Aglaia.
Hofa never expected this. Neither did Slughorn.
He froze with his pipe.
"Miss Deraseth, do you... have a question?"
Aglaia stood directly.
Pointed at the pale purple cauldron. "Fear Potion. Causes hallucinations. Enough quantity causes mental trauma. Century-old tech." She shook her head. "Crow feathers, short antler, dark elf blood. Normally crimson. But you added violet mountain flower for deception." She smacked her lips. "Crude. But enough to fool certain people."
Her eyes flicked to Hofa. "Shallow-minded people might think it's restorative and drink it."
Hofa took a deep breath. Teeth bit his lower lip. Sat silently.
Slughorn's eyes were full of surprise. But she wasn't done.
Aglaia pointed at bright green liquid.
"Luminescent Potion. Dryad sap, glowcap mushrooms, ghost skin. Glowing effect. Ancient wizards discovered it during animal mating. But add chameleon scalesâricher, more lasting..."
(One minute later, only she was showing off. Hofa's face was livid. Slughorn was amazed.)
Aglaia: "...Lightness Potion. Eagle feathers, flying mushrooms, luna moth wings. Too old-fashioned. One drop of purified siren blood achieves the same..."
(One minute later)
Aglaia: "...Anti-Werewolf Potion. Add wailing bellâworks on evil-intentioned humans too. You didn't. Shame..."
(One minute later, Slughorn sweating profusely)
"...Of course, not all potions here lack merit. Your Sleeping Draught is unique. Puts depressed wizards to sleep naturally."
She pointed at colorless liquid, praised it. Slughorn looked relieved.
But then:
"Only because of its irresistible potency, this potion is Ministry-controlled. Shouldn't be in lower-year classrooms. You were using it as bonus. But what if people lack self-control..."
Slughorn sweated again.
After many minutes, the silver-haired girl finally ended her speech. Folded arms, swept the classroom. Saw Hofa. Smiled mockingly.
Finally, Slughorn tremblingly pulled out a handkerchief. Wiped sweat.
Hoarsely: "You, you... and the European Potions Association president, Igo Moises..."
Aglaia mockingly: "My incompetent great-grandfather."
Students gasped.
Hofa collapsed in his chair. Looked up, exhaled. Face ashen.
"Indeed," Slughorn clapped. "Exceptional talent! Natural Potions prodigy! Fifty points to Ravenclaw!"
He looked at Aglaia like priceless jade.
As for Hofaâlong forgotten.
The class applauded. Hofa didn't. Eyes closed. Afraid he couldn't suppress his fury.
...
After class, Slughorn cheerfully called Aglaia.
"Miss Deraseth, next month on the third I'm having a small dinner with upperclassmen. Would you honor us?"
Aglaia frowned. Hesitated.
Then saw Hofa's gloomy expression. Showed understanding. Nodded cheerfully, smiled sweetly.
"It would be my honor, sir."
Hofa strode out. So angry he could explode.
Everything's ruined!
All of it!
Slughorn only had eyes for Aglaia now. How could he possibly get a signature?
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