The punishnt of Fletchley and Neville had now lasted for two weeks.
During the first two weeks of the new sester, Matthew frequently witnessed the two of them under the supervision of Mr. Pringle, carrying heavy objects and chains and performing various chores in the corridors.
Mr. Donald was always watching them closely to prevent any slacking.
Hogwarts had a reputation for administering severe punishnts to students who seriously violated school rules, and this confinent served as a reminder of that fact.
Mr. Pringle said, This helps students think twice before violating school rules Work and hardship are often the best teachers.
Mr. Pringle also expressed regret that the old-fashioned punishnt thod, which involved hanging rule-breaking students from the ceiling by their wrists for several days, had been abolished fifty years ago.
According to him, most students beca obedient after a few days of such punishnt.
Reflecting on the situation, Matthew felt grateful that Professor Rosiers planned confinent punishnt for him around Halloween had been canceled due to Professor Trocars intervention.
He now understood why the new Hogwarts regi was far better than he rembered.
Even the Weasley twins, known for their penchant for breaking the rules, seed to have transford into law-abiding studentsat least on the surface.
On a Friday at the end of January, the first-year Slytherin dormitory received instructions for their first practical class of the new sester.
Tomorrow, on Saturday, they were scheduled for a practical session with Professor Slughorn, the Head of Slytherin House.
At 8:30 on Saturday morning, the five boys gathered at the entrance of the potions classroom after finishing their breakfast.
There were no unexpected incidents this ti, such as Professor Slughorn falling ill.
The potions teacher greeted them with a smile as he opened the door and waited for them inside.
Good morning, boys! he exclaid cheerfully, although his gaze focused primarily on Matthew and Draco, seemingly ignoring the other three boys.
The group of five replied in unison, Good morning, Professor Slughorn.
Professor Slughorn announced that they would practice handling dicinal materials that morning.
He divided them into two groups: Matthew and Draco would be in the first group with him, while the remaining three boys: Vincent, Gregory, and Theodore ford the second group.
With a slow, deliberate stride, Professor Slughorn made his way to a large cabinet in the potions classroom.
Students from the second group, Professor Slughorn began as he retrieved a handful of dried nettles, a large bottle of Flobberworm mucus, a bag of bat spleens, and a whole piece of dried dragon liver from the cupboard, Your task is to
He explained the specific instructions for each item: neatly packaging the dried nettles, filtering the Flobberworm mucus to remove impurities, grinding the bat spleens into powder, and cutting the dragon liver into small pieces to be stored in a crystal bottle.
He concluded by telling them to seek help if they didnt understand anything.
Vincent, Gregory, and Theodore displayed disgust at the sight of the dirty potion ingredients.
Nevertheless, they couldnt disobey the teachers orders and began rolling up their sleeves to comnce the work.
Before Crabbe could grab the Dragons liver, Professor Slughorn called out to him, expressing concern. Wait, little fellow! Dont forget to wear dragon leather gloves. That dragon liver is worth at least 30 galleons, and it would be a sha if it got contaminated!
Observing the three boys from the Second Group donning the dragon leather gloves and beginning their tasks, Professor Slughorn appeared satisfied.
He then turned his attention back to Matthew and Draco.
Matthew and Draco, you two co with , he instructed, pointing towards a hut inside the classroom.
Contrary to the haphazard arrangent of the dicinal materials in the outer cabinet, the inner room housed tall potion racks, neatly displaying a variety of peculiar ingredients.
Perhaps youd be interested in seeing my prized collection! Slughorn proclaid triumphantly to Matthew and Malfoy. I dare say that even the most renowned European apothecaries would envy my assortnt. They have warehouses with herbs, but mine is far more complete!
Matthew gazed at the potion racks, unable to recognize many ingredients.
If you ever need anything, feel free to ask . Borrowing so wouldnt be a problem! Professor Slughorn offered as he approached the shelf closest to them.
He pointed to a small bottle on the left side and said, This is Japanese pufferfish eyes. Extrely toxic! A bottle like this would cost at least two hundred galleons on the market
Professor Slughorns eyes scanned the rows of crystal bottles before continuing, And then theres Dragon blood 22 different types of fire Dragon blood. Ive collected them all, except for the Ukrainian Ironbelly!
Opening another box, he added, Of course, theres Boomslang skin, a highly prized ingredient. A whole piece would cost at least 100 gallons on the market, and I have an ample supply.
As Professor Slughorn spoke, he suddenly paused, his expression turning perplexed. Wow! he exclaid in surprise. I distinctly rember having seven intact Boomslang skins. Why are there only six left?
Matthews mind raced as he recalled the significance of African tree snake skin.
Could it be that a thief broke in here? Draco whispered, his voice low. Professor, would you like us to check which missing ingredients?
Yes, thats a good idea. Ill search again, Professor Slughorn replied, his nerves evident. He abandoned his introduction of the collection and began rummaging through the cabinets.
Ten minutes later
Professor Slughorn sat on the floor of the potions classroom, a look of desolation on his face. The Bicorns horn is also missing Damn! These two ingredients alone cost at least 400 galleons
The Boomslang skin and the Bicorn horns could it be? Matthew thought to himself.
Professor Slughorn, Matthew murmured, realization dawning. If soone stole those two ingredients from you. Could it be that they intend to
Yes, Slughorn interrupted with a solemn expression. They are preparing a Polyjuice Potion.
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