Chapter 651: N.E.W.TS Potions Class
The first day of school was still a sunny day, and the weather was intoxicatingly good, which was undoubtedly a good start for the new students.
Of course, the learning content of the first year is still relatively relaxed, and most of the courses are mainly adapted to the subject. Compared to them, Harry and the others, who had just entered the sixth year, had a lot more hard work.
Yes, it's time for this year.
. In the LS exam, everyone's results are not bad, so much so that this academic year has a lot of leeway in the selection of further education. And since the Potions class is still taught by Slughorn, there are significantly more students who continue to choose Potions classes this year. You know, in the past, when Snape taught, the curriculum!
“…… Listen to me, Harry, the knowledge of Potions is useful! In the future, whether you are looking for a job after graduation, dealing with troubles in life, or even when you encounter danger, it can be used! So I recommend ......"
On the way to the Potions classroom, Hermione was walking beside Harry and Ron, babbling on and on as always.
"Hey! Hermione, I get it. Harry said helplessly, "Haven't I already chosen everything?" You see, I'm all in class with you, so don't reiterate to me how important it is. ”
"I don't think you 'get it'!" Hermione glanced at him and said angrily, "Remember?" Last semester, you used all my revision materials, and even the revision schedule was made for you. Don't I know that you don't pay attention to this subject? ”
"Oh, Hermione, we'll learn well-" Ron on the side also came up, as Harry's good buddy, of course he couldn't watch the other party being nagged by Hermione, "As long as Potions class is still in charge of Slughorn, we can listen carefully, really!" It's not like a defense class......"
"Listen carefully?" Hearing this, Hermione turned her head sharply and glared at him, "Just 'listen carefully'?" I'm telling you, course, understand? I've gone through the last two years' textbooks three times during the holidays, but even then, I can't say I've understood them all...... And then you told me you were just 'listening'? ”
When Harry heard this, he immediately understood why Hermione had blocked the two of them from chattering as soon as school started—co-authored because she had been holding back most of the holidays?
"It's so hard for you that you didn't write these words down and send them to us during the holidays......" - of course Harry didn't dare to say it, but just muttered in his heart.
So Hermione kept chattering all the way until all three of them came to the hallway outside the Potions classroom, and then she barely stopped. Seeing that she had finally closed her mouth as if her conscience had been discovered, Harry and Ron couldn't help but look at each other, and then both breathed a sigh of relief.
There were probably more than thirty students in the hallway at this time, which was quite a lot in terms of the number of students in Harry's class. But surprisingly, among the more than 30 students, Hufflepuff accounted for eight. If you look at the proportions of previous years, this is a huge leap!
Yes, although Hufflepuff House has always been characterized by the largest number of students, most of the badgers are not good at Potions, Charms, and other subjects that tend to be more intellectually gifted, and subjects such as herbology and Transfiguration are their strengths.
It seems that Marca, as a wizard who came out of Hufflepuff, has slowly become apparent in his influence on the Academy.
Of course, in Hufflepuff House over the years, the most affected is probably Ernie McMillan. Even if Maca is not actually any better than Ernie, but where Maca can't see, Ernie always regards him as his best friend.
And for Ernie, in addition to bragging about his relationship with Maca with everyone, he naturally had the desire to catch up. Although it means that he knows that most of them can't catch up, if he is bragging, he is questioned that his "Maca's friend" is too poor, it's a shame, isn't it?
Now, Ernie has also passed the grade requirements of the refresher class through his own efforts, and stands here with those students who have also studied hard.
"Harry, Ron, Hermione," he said when the little lion trio was walking this way, "That's a lot of choking in Snape's class in the morning!" Isn't it? But if I had to say that even if Snape did get a Yin corpse into class, I wouldn't be scared at all—"
"Oh, uh...... Yes! Harry smiled awkwardly and agreed, "As far as you're concerned, that's really nothing to fear. ”
If he had to say anything, Ernie would often be a bit boastful and pretentious. But overall, he's a good guy, and at least Harry doesn't hate being friends with him. Because only those who have worked hard know that behind Ernie's rhetoric, there is actually a lot of struggle hidden.
"Yes! You're right—there's nothing to be afraid of," Ernie laughed, "and how could the old members be frightened by Snape's words?" Ah, Hermione, how do you think Potions class would be any different in a moment? It must be harder, right? I see ......"
He also wanted to continue to show his confidence in a big way, but unexpectedly, the class bell suddenly rang, interrupting him. Immediately after, the classroom door was opened.
After a vacation, Slughorn's figure is obviously much "plump" compared to last semester, and before he has shown his face, his round belly has entered everyone's field of vision first.
"Aha, have you arrived?" The old bald man walked out into the corridor with a smile on his face, and then looked left and right, "Great, come on—come in!" Still like last semester, just be casual in the classroom and have class......"
This old man was as enthusiastic as last semester, and he had a kind and gentle smile when he saw everyone. Of course, there were always a few people he preferred, such as Harry's fame, or Shabini's family background, and Hermione's excellent grades and amazing talents—these were his most beloved treasures.
As soon as they entered the classroom, everyone quickly noticed the difference.
Slughorn used to demonstrate the preparation of a potion and then explain the theory of potions. Today, however, several cauldrons of various sizes had been placed in the center of the classroom, and the thick steam had accumulated on the ceiling, making it look like a whole cloud.
By the way, the smell in the classroom isn't good at all right now.
"Sit down, sit down!. Slughorn said with a smile, his beard shaking briskly, "Yes, at the end of last semester, everyone worked quite hard. I have to say, you did a very good job, because you see - the hard work has finally paid off! It wasn't easy, I know...... Congratulations on your sixth grade! ”
Before the words were finished, most of the students applauded. It is of course a good thing to be appreciated by others for their efforts, especially when their efforts have been rewarded.
"And then," Slughorn continued, waiting for the applause to die down, "I'm sure you've all seen it—there are a few cauldrons here, all containing different potions, two of which were just finished today!" I think you're a little confused, after all, I've never put a few potions in one class before......"
As he spoke, several students nodded their heads in unison—these were young wizards who usually liked to learn. Surprisingly, Hermione, who had always been at the head of the small group of students, didn't focus on Slughorn today.
In fact, the students near the golden cauldron on the far left were a little distracted...... They seemed attracted by the liquid in the cauldron.
“…… Oh, I don't think you'll mind standing farther away so you can listen to me. Slughorn smiled and took two steps forward, turning the vent in the crucible's lid in the other direction, "I know, it smells wonderful, doesn't it?" ”
As the aroma moved away a little, Harry, Hermione, and the others who were standing nearby took a step back in unison, as if they had just come to their senses. It wasn't until this moment that they noticed that they were about to put their noses on the exhaust holes, and their intoxicated demeanor caused the other students to snicker.
"Okay, okay! For the sake of you who can't wait, I'll be more direct," said the old man, "The course is very difficult, but the content that will be covered in the future courses will therefore be of great value. If you can absorb all the knowledge you have learned into your head, then it will be yours - and by the time you graduate, I hope you will all be able to make the potions in these cauldrons independently. ”
At this, Slughorn paused for a moment, then reached for the lid of the crucible on the far right. Everyone immediately saw that the liquid inside was constantly tumbling, clear and transparent, as if it was just a pot of clear water inside.
"Well, the first one!" He raised his hand and gestured, "Can anyone tell me what kind of potion is in here?" If you can, you can also briefly talk about its efficacy. ”
Before the words fell, an arm that was unknown to everyone in the class was quickly raised. In a trance, Harry even seemed to hear the whistling sound of the speed.