The next morning, Harry got up early as usual and went out for his morning run. Two hours later, he came back pink and sweaty and went to take a bath. Ensuring that he was impeccably dressed as always, he gracefully walked down the stairs, not noticing the admiring looks the girls in third and fourth years were giving him. Entering the Great Hall, he sat down at the Ravenclaw table and began helping himself to food. He had to clear his schedule with Professor Flitwick after breakfast and start his N.E.W.T. classes. He was just finishing his breakfast when Daphne and their friends arrived. When Professor Flitwick left the hall, Harry kissed Daphne goodbye and rushed after him as the other sixth year students left as well.
Dylan Lestrange came down to the Great Hall too. He had just seen Harry leave and he was on edge. He knew that nobody would want to talk to him, but he should try, right? He carefully sat down near a group of Ravenclaw first years, helping himself to food. Five minutes later, he realised that it was going to be more difficult than he thought. Dylan closed his eyes in frustration and misery. Even in the magical world, he was still a freak!
A few older years were watching Dylan with barely concealed scowls.
"That's Rabastan Lestrange's son, right?" asked seventeen-year-old Tony Wallace.
"Yes," snarled Kevin Taylor. "The Lestranges murdered my grandparents! I think it is time we taught him a lesson! He's probably the same as his father - a murdering, bloodthirsty lunatic!"
"And a bastard to boot," said Tony darkly.
...
Harry was immediately cleared to continue with Ancient Runes, Arithmancy, Charms, Herbology, Potions, Defence Against the Dark Arts and Transfiguration. His first class was Potions and he proceeded to the dungeons along with the sixth years. Snape entered the classroom in a dramatic fashion as always.
"You are now N.E.W.T. students," he began. "I only accept the best of the best in my class so I won't handle anyone blowing up cauldrons here. If I feel that you are not up to the mark, I will ensure that you are not sitting in my class, so be well prepared before you enter my classroom."
Snape's lip curled when he spotted the thirteen-year-old boy amongst the sixteen-year-olds. "So, Potter, you managed to get into my N.E.W.T. class. Tell me, how many people did you bribe to get an Outstanding in your O.W.L.s?"
"None, Professor," said Harry calmly. "There are anti-cheating quills used by students and evaluators as you very well know. There are also other measures taken that prevent such fraud. Why, Professor Snape, do you doubt the competence of Madam Marchbanks and her team?"
"Ten points from Ravenclaw for your cheek, Potter," Snape retorted automatically. "Today we will be preparing the Draught of Living Death. This is the most complicated potion you have come across till date. Be warned; any mistakes you make could make the drinker enter a state of coma from which he can never recover from. It may also lead to death so be careful with what you are doing."
He saw a few people gulp and Snape mentally smirked in satisfaction. He saw the impassive face of Harry Potter and decided to test him again.
"Let's see how much our resident prodigy knows about the potion," he said silkily. "Potter, what are the two main ingredients for the Draught of Living Death?"
"Powdered root of asphodel and an infusion of wormwood, Professor," Harry replied immediately.
"What is the last step before which the potion would be complete?" asked Snape.
"The last step is to add a small piece of Valerian root," he answered, "after which the potion turns very pale and transparent."
Snape's lip curled as he stared at the boy. "The instructions are on the blackboard. You have an hour and a half. You may begin."
Harry waited for everyone to finish gathering their ingredients while he prepped his workstation. He charmed his rods, ignited a magically controlled flame, cast enchantments around the cauldron that would prevent accidents and then went to gather ingredients.
He had prepared this potion beforehand. As always, the ghost of Alfred Potter was quite happy to tutor Harry again. He also used his mother's notes to a great extent. Lily Potter had really been a genius and he was quite proud of that fact. He took his silver knife and crushed the sopophorous bean with the flat side of his dagger, ignoring the instructions in the book.
Harry also added a clockwise stir after every counter-clockwise stir. He remained calm as he watched Snape frown, walking towards him. Harry quickly flicked his wand as a sample of the potion was filled in a phial.
"Potter, what is this?" asked Snape angrily.
....
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