Chapter 13 Preparation

"You should understand that this is not a question a first-year student should be dealing with," Severus Snape frowned and paused for a moment, but continued, "Since you can ask this question, I assume you have a clear understanding of the principles of antidotes. You just need to reverse the stirring motion to interrupt the antidote reaction at the precise time and add the subsequent ingredients. There's no need to forcibly maintain the magical form of the original potion. Next question."

In the following conversation, Maca asked the several questions he had encountered one by one. However, he keenly noticed that Severus Snape didn't display the impatience he had imagined. Instead, Snape earnestly answered each question.

"...No more questions? Then leave."

After Maca finished asking his questions, Severus Snape reverted to his initial impatient expression and waved Maca out of his office.

"Phew..." Maca couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief at the corner of the corridor outside the office.

Honestly, he wasn't particularly fond of getting too close to Severus Snape. Facing someone who was so inscrutable was more terrifying than anything else.

Speaking of which, the person he was most afraid of getting close to was undoubtedly Dumbledore.

After briefly recalling his words and actions in Severus Snape's office and finding nothing amiss, Maca quickly left.

Once he had resolved the practical difficulties he would inevitably encounter during the actual preparation process, the next steps would be much easier. He just needed to gather the necessary tools, find a quiet and deserted place, and start attempting to brew the potion.

"Hagrid's hut? Good choice!" Maca muttered to himself, turning around and heading towards the main gate. "I don't have classes this afternoon, so it's a good time to visit Hagrid."

...

Today was a beautiful day, with a slightly stronger breeze compared to the previous few days. Looking up, the sky was a clear blue, lifting one's spirits. The air outside the castle felt exceptionally fresh, a stark contrast to the dimness of Severus Snape's office.

Maca took a deep breath of the fresh air—nature's blessing that sustains human life, treating wizards and Muggles equally.

Hagrid's hut was located not far from the Forbidden Forest, accessible by crossing through the fields.

"Hey, Hagrid! Good afternoon!" Maca could already see Hagrid's tall figure from a distance.

"Oh, Maca! Yes, good afternoon!" Hagrid turned around upon hearing Maca's voice and greeted him happily.

However, he quickly suppressed his smile and spoke with a serious expression, "Yes, I'm glad you came to see me, and I welcome you to my hut as a guest. But it's almost time for classes, and you shouldn't be here."

"Yes, precisely, classes are already in session," Maca shrugged. "But I don't have classes today."

"Oh, right," Hagrid nodded in realization. "I should have thought of that. Last time when I asked Harry and the others to come, I specifically picked a time when they didn't have classes."

"Come on, come on, come inside. Let me pour you a cup of tea." Hagrid said, hooking his arm around Maca's shoulder and leading him towards the hut. "Oh, the door is a bit small, you go in first."

"Woof! Woof!" Hagrid's black hunting dog barked loudly at Maca, its iron collar clinking as it shook.

"It's called Fang. A bit timid, but very friendly. A good dog," Hagrid firmly held onto Fang and gestured for Maca to sit on the sofa.

While Hagrid went to make tea, Maca took a look around the interior of the hut. Besides a fireplace, two sofas, and a small round table, there wasn't much else. Well, Hagrid had to stay here, so he couldn't fit in too much furniture.

"Do you want some rock cakes? Harry and Ron seem to like them," Hagrid turned around and asked.

"No, thank you. They are a bit hard, and my teeth haven't been doing well lately," Maca quickly declined. "You know, I need to change teeth."

"Oh, right, such a pity," Hagrid nodded. "But if you want to get rid of your loose tooth quickly, rock cakes are actually not a bad choice."

"If it's about to come out, I might come back to you, Hagrid," Maca said with a wry smile.

After that, Maca and Hagrid chatted aimlessly for the afternoon. They talked about various magical creatures, Dumbledore, and even Aberforth, his brother, learning a lot of miscellaneous information.

Overall, guided by Maca's skillful topics, the two of them had an enjoyable conversation discussing the subjects that interested Hagrid.

It was only when Maca was ready to leave that he casually mentioned his request while standing at the doorway.

"Oh, by the way, Hagrid," Maca said as if suddenly remembering something, "I wonder if I could come here during my free time to practice potion brewing? In school, Professor Snape always stares at me with a gloomy face, and I can't concentrate."

"Uh, Severus, yes, he always looks like someone owes him money," Hagrid laughed and nodded. "Of course, you're welcome to come anytime. I spend most of my time around here."

"Alright, thank you," Maca expressed his gratitude and closed the door as he left.

Of course, it would be great if he could find the Room of Requirement again, but Maca had forgotten where exactly it was.

"I'll look for it another time! It would be wonderful if I could find it."

Pondering as he walked in the direction of the castle, dinner time would arrive in a little while.

...

Mealtime at Hogwarts was always the liveliest part of the day. During this time, everyone would discuss the day's gossip and impressions while dealing with their respective plates of food.

Today, Maca finally didn't have to rush because he planned to take a break. Lately, he had been immersing himself in the library, and even though he didn't feel mentally tired, his body was fatigued.

"Is it her?"

Maca glanced unintentionally towards the Slytherin table and caught sight of the mysterious girl he had encountered in the library.

She was sitting on the edge of the Slytherin table, delicately eating pudding. Her oversized robes dragged on the floor, but she seemed unconcerned. While the other students chatted and enjoyed the lively atmosphere, she remained detached, unnoticed by anyone.

Normally, her solitary presence would have felt out of place, but Maca realized that she seamlessly blended into the surroundings, as if she had no presence at all.

As dinner approached its end amidst the cheerful atmosphere, Maca watched the mysterious girl finish her meal and quietly leave. He contemplated who she might be.

At that moment, he noticed Draco Malfoy walking towards the Gryffindor side.

"Having your last meal, Potter? When are you heading back to the Muggle world on the train?" Malfoy sneered.

"Just because the professors haven't noticed doesn't mean they aren't aware of this place. With your little entourage by your side, you've become quite audacious," Harry replied coldly.

Maca had approached them by now, and he glanced at Crabbe and Goyle. Their imposing figures hardly qualified as a "little entourage."

It seemed they were mindful of the teachers sitting at the head table and refrained from causing trouble. They stood there with sullen faces, clenching their fists.

"I'm always ready to duel you one-on-one," Malfoy said. "If you don't mind, tonight we'll have a wizard's duel! Only using wands—no physical contact. How about it? I guess you've never heard of wizard duels."

"He certainly has," Ron interjected, turning to face them. "I'm his second. Who's yours?"

Malfoy looked at Crabbe and Goyle, weighing his options.

"Crabbe," he said. "Tonight at midnight. We'll meet in the Trophy Room. It's never locked."

After Malfoy left, Harry and Ron exchanged glances.

"What's a wizard's duel?" Harry asked. "And what do you mean by being my second?"

"Oh, if you die, I take over," Ron said casually, finally taking a bite of his now-cold pie.

He noticed the expression on Harry's face and hurriedly added, "But you know, people only die in proper wizard duels. You and Malfoy will probably just shoot a few sparks at each other—both of you know very little magic. It won't do any real harm. Though, I bet he thought you would refuse."

"What if I wave my wand and nothing happens?" Harry asked.

"Then you throw away your wand and punch him in the nose," Ron shrugged, smirking as he offered his suggestion.

"Excuse me for interrupting," Hermione suddenly spoke up from the opposite table.

"Can't people eat in peace here?" Ron replied.

Hermione ignored him and turned to Harry. "I couldn't help but overhear your conversation with Malfoy..."

"I knew you would," Ron muttered.

"At night, you absolutely cannot wander around the school. Just think, if you're caught, Gryffindor would lose how many points! And you're sure to get caught. You're really selfish."

"This has nothing to do with you," Harry said.

"Goodbye," Ron added.

Hermione glared at their departing figures and stomped her foot in frustration. Suddenly, she noticed Maca sitting nearby.

"Hey, you heard it too, right? You should have stopped them," Hermione said.

Ever since their conversation in Herbology class, Hermione occasionally bumped into Maca in the library. They would sit down and discuss academic matters.

Over time, they had become acquainted.

"You saw them, and you know how they are. Trying to stop them wouldn't have made a difference," Maca walked over, shrugging helplessly. "Despite Harry's usual amiability, deep down, he's quite stubborn. Once he sets his mind on something, it's hard for others to change it."

Hermione pursed her lips, silently walked towards the exit. Before leaving, she suddenly turned back and shot Maca an angry glance.