Chapter 57: 57: The Prevailing Notes

“I understand, Professor.”

Shean cleaned the cauldron thoroughly. Before leaving, he paused, his emerald eyes filled with sincerity

“Thank you for the ingredients and your guidance.”

As he left the dungeon, Professor Snape’s face flickered between light and shadow under the candlelight.

He would not forget those techniques; though he did not know where the boy had learned them, they undoubtedly reminded him of those rare, bright moments.

He had never seen a student so purely passionate about Potions—one who cared nothing for mockery or personal vendettas, caring only for the Potions themselves.

The boy possessed an initial, most pure love for Potions, and even possessed a technique so familiar to him—it was something he had once studied and discussed with someone, a rare light from his past.

It was precisely this focus and familiarity that caused a sting in his heart—he loathed seeing his own shadow, especially a shadow that was linked to everything he had lost.

His gaze grew dark. Was it bitterness, anger, or that sliver of irrepressible admiration?

Outside the window, the rain fell incessantly, the emotions permeating the storm as long-lasting and violent as the wind.

Shean walked with a light step, clutching his books.

If one ignored Professor Snape’s acerbic tongue, he might truly be called a qualified professor. At the very least, he truly loved Potions and possessed superb skill.

As for Shean, the exhaustion from the Potions ritual was about to vanish. At the latest by tomorrow, he could test how much the improved ritual would enhance the quality.

Most importantly, Professor Snape seemed to have read Master Boracci's notes; perhaps he could offer guidance on improving the ritual?

But what Shean did not know was that Professor Snape was not the only one who had seen this improvement...

As curfew approached, Shean heard two cheerful Gryffindors humming "A Pot of Hot Love"

"Oh, come and stir my pot of stew, if you do it just right, I'll brew a hot love to keep you warm tonight..."

It was a "jazzy" tune sung by Sestina Wobbock, quite popular in the wizarding world.

"You're doomed!"

Shean heard another strange sound; it turned out two young wizards were playing Gobstones, one of the common pastimes for young witches and wizards.

The price for losing a game of Gobstones was—several stones spraying a foul-smelling liquid into a terrified young wizard's face.

Well, it was difficult to understand the inspiration behind the wizard who invented this game.

As the owls flew out once more, a pair of sharp eyes appeared in the distance almost simultaneously. Minerva McGonagall’s usually stern face brewed with complex emotions, especially as Shean tiredly passed a group of young wizards playing during their last chance on a Saturday.

Only now did she realize that, in the places she could not see, this kind of effort had been continuing for a very long time.

The cold winds of the Scottish Highlands swept across the surface of the Black Lake, striking the ancient outer walls of Hogwarts once more, turning into a deep and continuous low hum.

Amidst this roar, Hogwarts Castle awoke once again.

"Little wizard! Damned little wizard! Answering early again!"

The owl was making a racket, but Shean entered the classroom unaffected.

Among the three, Hermione was uncharacteristically the last to arrive.

Shean slept well; Justin slept well.

The two would arrive at the practice room almost exactly at six o'clock, which caused a certain young witch to cry out that it was unfair! How could a young wizard be so full of energy after only seven hours of sleep!

"Good morning, Shean,"

Justin was holding a milk coconut pudding, performing a special food charm on it. Shean noticed an open book with a pink cover and a turkey in the center lying to the side.

It was *How to Conjure a Feast!*, an essential book in wizarding kitchens.

"Shean, please help me try this improved new flavor,"

Justin handed over the milk coconut pudding.

What he didn't mention was that the previous, unpalatable version had been wiped out yesterday by the gluttonous Hufflepuffs.

...

[You practiced the Aguamenti charm at Apprentice level, Proficiency +1]

[You practiced the Aguamenti charm at Novice level, Proficiency +3]

[You practiced the Aguamenti charm at Novice level, Proficiency +3]

...

Shean routinely practiced until he could barely lift his wand.

After recording the details of the Aguamenti charm, Shean silently opened his panel

[Aguamenti: Apprentice (110/300)]

[Summoning Charm: Unlocked (1/30)]

[Levitation Charm: Novice (200/900)]

At this rate, he would reach Novice level by tomorrow, which could be described as lightning-fast.

Just as he was preparing to head to the Quidditch pitch, Justin suddenly leaned in

"Oh, Shean, you know, my mother told me that there are many ways to deal with the world, but only one way to create something that never fades."

He spoke as if having a sudden realization.

"Are you ready to join me in embracing this change?"

Before Shean could react, he was pulled by Justin into a courtyard crowded with young wizards.

It was hard to imagine a group of Hufflepuffs, Ravenclaws, and Gryffindors gathering so harmoniously. They were whispering among themselves, and upon seeing Justin arrive, the whispering even turned into a clamor.

"Shean, I knew it was you!"

Michael seemed particularly excited. He lifted his chin and said to Simon and the others, "That'll be ten Knuts."

"Fine, fine..."

"A bet is a bet..."

Shean saw Simon, Ernie, and others grumbling as they handed Knuts to Michael. Michael winked at Shean and mouthed: "I'll give you half later."

Shean roughly understood what was happening.

"Are the History of Magic notes really that popular?" he whispered to Justin.

"Oh, my dear Shean, do you have some misunderstanding? What you've done is something no one in the entire wizarding world has ever done. It is an untapped market!"

Justin's light gray eyes were uncharacteristically sharp.

"When the third-year wizards came to me, I knew, Shean, this would be a massive opportunity. Think about it—facing Professor Binns' vagueness, the massive amounts of homework, and the struggle of self-study, who wouldn't want to look at concise and clear notes? I haven't released the whole thing; I've only shared some insignificant parts regarding the last assignment."

He suddenly leaned into Shean's ear

"When everyone is faced with long assignments caused by Professor Binns' confusion again, they all come to me, hoping I'll provide the notes for that section... and they are willing to pay for them."

...

The popularity of the History of Magic notes indeed surprised Shean; almost every young wizard had bought a copy. And Justin's handling of it kept the surprise going

"It's like a serial drama. We only sell a small portion each time. Due to the vastness of History of Magic, this small portion is enough to print half a book... And do you remember? Your method for History of Magic essays has been spread far and wide by a wizard named Michael. We have plenty of time to let these become popular; the important thing is to maintain the true, scientific core. Oh, Shean, don't forget, Hogwarts isn't the only subject that needs summarizing... and the wizarding world isn't just Hogwarts..."

Justin's eyes sparkled as he mentioned this, so Shean just went along with him.

He silently made his way to the Quidditch pitch. He felt that at his current rate of progress, he would soon be able to fly back to the Ravenclaw Tower—at the very least, halfway there.

(End of Chapter)