It's still a sunny day on the first day after school starts, and the weather is intoxicating. This is undoubtedly a good start for the new students.
Of course, the first-year learning content is relatively loose, and most courses focus on adaptive subjects. Compared with them, Harry and others who had just entered sixth grade had a much harder time.
Yes, this year, they will have to officially face the NEWTs courses whose difficulty has increased dramatically.
In the OWLs exam at the end of last semester, everyone’s scores were very good, so we have a lot of room for further study choices this school year. And since the professor of Potions is still Slughorn, there are obviously many more students who continue to choose Potions this year. You know, when Snape taught in the past, there were often Gryffindor students who met the academic requirements and refused to take the Potions NEWTs course!
"... Harry, listen to me, the knowledge of potions is very useful! In the future, whether you are looking for a job after graduation, dealing with troubles in life, or even when encountering danger, it will be useful! So I suggestion… "
On the way to the Potions classroom, Hermione was walking beside Harry and Ron, chattering as always.
"Hey! Hermione, I already understand." Harry said helplessly, "Didn't I already choose this? Look, I came to class with you, so don't reiterate the importance of it to me. ”
"I don't think you've 'understood' it yet!" Hermione glanced at him and said angrily, "Do you remember? You used all my review materials last semester, and I even helped you with the review schedule. You formulated it. Don’t I know whether you attach great importance to this course?"
"Oh, Hermione, we will study hard -" Ron on the side also came up. As Harry's good friend, of course he couldn't watch the other person being nagged by Hermione, "As long as the potion Slughorn is still in charge of the class, so we can listen carefully, really! This is not like a defense class... "
"Listen carefully?" Hearing this, Hermione suddenly turned her head and glared at him, "Just 'listen carefully'? I'm telling you, you are looking down on the NEWTs course, do you understand? During the holidays, I have already finished the last I have previewed the textbooks three times in the past two years, but even so, I dare not say that I understand them all... but you told me that you just 'listen carefully'?"
When Harry heard this, he immediately understood why Hermione kept talking to them both as soon as school started - was it because she had been holding back these words for most of the holiday
"It's really hard for you. You didn't write all these words in a letter and send it to us during the vacation..." - Of course, Harry didn't dare to say this sentence, but just muttered it in his heart.
So, Hermione kept talking until the three of them arrived in the corridor outside the Potions classroom, and then she reluctantly stopped. Seeing that she finally closed her mouth as if her conscience had found her conscience, 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 gathered in the corridor at this time, which was actually quite a lot considering the number of students in Harry's class. But what is surprising is that among the more than thirty students, there are actually eight Hufflepuffs. If we 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 little badgers are not good at Potions, Charms and other subjects that are more inclined to intellectual talent, such as Herbology, Transfiguration, etc., which require accumulation over time. subjects are their strengths.
It seems that as a wizard who came out of Hufflepuff, Maka's influence on the academy has slowly become apparent.
Of course, in Hufflepuff House over the years, the one who has been most affected is probably Ernie MacMillan. Even though Maka and Ernie weren't actually that close, Ernie always regarded him as his best friend when Maka couldn't see it.
As for Ernie, in addition to bragging about his relationship with Maka, he also naturally wanted to catch up. Although he knew that he probably wouldn't be able to catch up, it would be quite embarrassing if someone questioned his poor ability as "Maka's friend" while bragging, wouldn't it
At present, Ernie has also passed the performance requirements of the advanced course through his own efforts, and is standing here with the students who have also studied hard.
"Harry, Ron, and Hermione," seeing the trio of little lions walking towards this side, he also took the initiative to greet them. "It was really hard in Snape's class this morning! Wasn't it? But you want me to Say, even if Snape did bring an inferi into the classroom, I wouldn't be afraid at all—"
"Oh, uh... yes!" Harry chuckled and agreed, "With your abilities, there's really nothing to be afraid of."
If anything, Ernie often comes off as a bit boastful and showy. But overall, he was still a nice guy, and at least Harry and the others didn't hate being friends with him. Because only those who have worked hard know that behind Ernie's boastful words, there is actually a lot of struggle hidden behind it.
"Yes! You're right - there's nothing to be afraid of," Ernie laughed. "As old members of the RA, how could we be frightened by Snape's words? Ah, Hermione , do you think the Potions class will be different in a while? It must be more difficult, right? I think... "
He wanted to continue to show off his confidence, but unexpectedly, the school bell rang suddenly, interrupting his words. And then, the classroom door was opened.
After a holiday, Slughorn's figure was obviously much "plumper" than last semester. Before he even showed his face, his round belly came into everyone's sight.
"Aha, are everyone here?" The old bald man walked into the corridor outside with a smile on his face, and then looked around, "Great, come on - come in! We are still in the classroom just like last semester. Just be casual, it’s time for class…”
The old man was as enthusiastic as he was last semester, and he always had a kind and gentle smile on his face when he saw him. Of course, there are always a few people he likes more, such as Harry, who has a good reputation, or Chabini, who has a family background, and Hermione, who has excellent grades and amazing talents - these are all It is his most beloved treasure.
As soon as they entered the classroom, everyone quickly noticed the difference.
According to previous classroom practice, Slughorn would first demonstrate the preparation process of a certain potion, and at the same time explain the theory of potions. But today, several crucibles of different sizes have been placed in the center of the classroom, and rich steam has accumulated on the ceiling, looking like a whole cloud.
By the way, the smell in the classroom right now is not pleasant at all.
"Everyone, sit down first! Today is the first lesson of your NEWTs Potions course. I think I have to congratulate you!" Slughorn said with a smile, his beard trembling briskly. Get up, "Yes, at the end of last semester, everyone worked very hard. I have to say that you did very well, because you see - the hard work finally paid off! It's not easy, I know... Congratulations on your promotion to sixth grade. !”
Before he finished speaking, most of the students clapped. It is certainly a joyful thing to be appreciated by others for your efforts, especially when their efforts are rewarded.
"Then," Slughorn continued after the applause quieted down, "I believe everyone has seen it - there are several cauldrons here, all containing different finished potions. Two of them were just completed today! I miss you. There must be some confusion, after all, I have never taught several potions in one class before..."
Following his words, several students nodded repeatedly—these are young wizards who usually like to study. But what is surprising is that Hermione, who usually takes the lead among this small group of students, did not follow suit and focus on Slughorn today.
In fact, the students who were near the golden crucible on the far left were a little distracted... They seemed to be attracted by the liquid in that crucible.
"...Oh, I think you guys don't mind standing a little further away so you can listen to what I'm saying." Slughorn smiled and took two steps forward, turning the vent on the crucible lid to another direction. , "I know, that smells wonderful, doesn't it?"
As the scent moved away slightly, Harry, Hermione and others standing nearby all took a step back, as if they had just come back to their senses. It wasn't until this moment that they noticed that they had almost put their noses to the exhaust vent without realizing it. Their intoxicated look made the other students snicker.
"Okay, okay! Seeing that you can't wait any longer, I'll be more direct," the old man spread his hands and said, "NEWTs courses are very difficult, but what will be covered in future courses will be Therefore, it has great value. If you can absorb all the knowledge you have learned into your brains, then they belong to you. When you graduate, I hope you can all use the magic in these crucibles. The medicine is prepared independently.”
Having said this, Slughorn paused for a moment, then reached out and picked up the lid of the crucible on the far right. Everyone immediately saw that the liquid inside was constantly rolling, clear and transparent, as if it was just a crucible of water inside.
"So, the first one!" He raised his hand to indicate, "Who can tell me what kind of magic potion is in this? If possible, you can also briefly talk about its efficacy."
Before he finished speaking, an arm that everyone in the class knew was raised quickly. In a daze, Harry even seemed to hear the whistling sound caused by the excessive speed.