Chapter 37: Chapter 37: Star of Slytherin
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Wednesday morning, Herbology class.
As expected, George once again earned ten points for Slytherin.
This body, having long followed the old wizard selling potions, already had extensive knowledge of herbs and potions. Combined with the computer assistance from his main body, first-year questions posed no challenge to him whatsoever.
In the afternoon, George left the castle alone and walked towards Hagrid's hut along a small path leading to the Forbidden Forest.
It was early July, the most comfortable time of year, neither too hot nor too cold. Various wildflowers bloomed along the path outside the castle, and the lush green grass stretched all the way to the edge of the Black Lake.
If one were to walk a few more steps across the grass towards the Black Lake, they might even find a few pairs of older students flirting on the slope.
Foreign children were generally precocious, and Hogwarts wizards were even more so. Many started dating in their second or third years. Those like Ron and Harry, who only began to show interest in their fourth or fifth years, were in the minority.
Without disturbing the young couples, he walked on, past the Quidditch pitch, and over a long stone bridge.
Finally, at the edge of a vast, endless forest, he saw a wooden cabin two or three times larger than normal, with giant pumpkins growing in front of it.
"Woof! Woof!"
As he reached the cabin door, a large black dog suddenly leaped out from beside it, barking provocatively at him.
George fixed his eyes on the large black dog, and his psychic ability activated. The large black dog paused, then began wagging its tail.
"Fang, stop!"
At that moment, the wooden cabin door opened, and Hagrid's enormous figure appeared.
"It's you, little boss. Welcome! I've just made some rock cakes; you can have some with this little one."
"That would be an honor."
George's face showed surprise. He hadn't expected Hagrid to have another guest besides himself today.
"Ginny, what are you doing here? Don't you have class this afternoon?"
Entering the wooden cabin, he saw Ginny sitting on a stool taller than herself.
As far as he knew, Gryffindor only had a break from classes on Friday afternoon, and today was Wednesday.
"George, you... you're right. I need to get ready for class."
Ginny jumped off the stool somewhat flustered and rushed out of the cabin.
Hagrid placed the freshly made rock cakes on the table and chuckled:
"The little lass wanted to ask me when Harry usually comes over, but you scared her off. So you can finish her share."
"Hmm, these rock cakes smell so good! Unfortunately, I just finished lunch in the Great Hall before coming here. It's truly... such a pity."
George patted his round stomach, pushing the rock cakes away with a look of regret.
Hagrid's rock cakes were made according to his own teeth; they were hard enough to be bricks. He didn't want to chip his teeth.
Seeing that George's belly was indeed quite round, clearly indicating he had eaten a lot, Hagrid also showed a look of regret. He picked up the rock cakes and devoured them in two or three bites.
"Next time, next time you come, be sure to save room."
"Hagrid, I'm very interested in magical creatures, and I've read some books on the subject. I have a few questions I'd like to ask you."
George twitched his lips, then stated the purpose of his visit.
The fact that he could communicate with magical creatures through his psychic abilities didn't necessarily mean he could tame them for his own use. It just gave him a significant advantage over ordinary wizards.
Just like the magizoologist Newt Scamander, who was said to have a natural ability to communicate with magical creatures.
But Newt could tame so many powerful magical creatures mainly because he understood their habits well enough to apply the right solutions.
"You're interested in magical creatures? That's wonderful! I can tell you everything I know."
Hagrid, with his simple nature, immediately began to speak voluminously upon hearing that George shared his interest.
George listened here, while his main body simultaneously took notes on the other side.
Learning about magical creatures was, on one hand, for the purpose of taming powerful ones for his own use, and on the other hand, he valued the resources of the Forbidden Forest.
Many rare magical creatures were entirely valuable, essential materials for making magical items and potions, and many of these rare magical creatures were found in the Forbidden Forest.
For example, Acromantula venom: one pint was worth 100 Galleons, and there were at least over a hundred Acromantulas in the Forbidden Forest.
Speaking of making money, the most profitable potion masters actually didn't make as much as magical creature masters.
However, most magical creature masters cherished magical creatures and wouldn't intentionally exploit them for profit. Moreover, becoming a magical creature master wasn't simple; without a certain level of strength, one could easily be eaten by a magical creature.
Newt had a natural ability to communicate with magical creatures, and Hagrid possessed half-giant blood.
It wasn't just for money, because sometimes things that money couldn't buy could be exchanged for rare magical creatures. It symbolized an important exchange resource.
Thursday. Morning: Transfiguration and Defense Against the Dark Arts. Afternoon: Charms. Evening: another History of Magic class.
George once again earned forty points for Slytherin, making Slytherin's score soar far ahead, leaving the other three Houses far behind. This performance solidly proved that what he said that morning was no exaggeration.
Because of this, he gradually gained the reputation of being the "Star of Slytherin" within the school, a rising new star for Slytherin.
In reality, Slytherin's overall score was not weak each year. Coupled with Snape's favoritism, they managed to win the House Cup year after year.
However, last year, the academic ace Hermione arrived and gained a significant number of points. Even with Harry and Ron lagging behind and Snape deducting points, the final difference wasn't too large, allowing Dumbledore to successfully orchestrate a comeback with the Philosopher's Stone incident and secure the win.
This year, George was even more capable of earning points than Hermione. Not only did he excel in other subjects, but he could also score big in History of Magic. And without Snape's point deductions, even if Dumbledore showed favoritism, a difference of one or two hundred points might be justifiable, but a difference of several hundred points would be too obvious to compensate for.
Professor Snape, the Head of Slytherin, shared the same thought.
"Does anyone know what ingredients are needed for a boil-curing potion? George, you answer."
On Friday morning's Potions class, as George stood up to answer for the fifth time, he himself felt slightly embarrassed.
"It's powdered asphodel root, wormwood, and porcupine quills, Professor."
"It seems not everyone is an idiot. Five points to Slytherin."
Snape scanned the entire classroom. Except for George, all the other young wizards lowered their heads.
"Next, we will attempt to brew this potion. I hope you won't be utterly imbecilic."
As he meticulously brewed the potion step by step, George couldn't help but marvel at how completely different Snape was from Professor McGonagall.
Actually, the questions Snape had just asked were slightly beyond the curriculum. Aside from someone like George, who could constantly refer to his Herbology and Potions textbooks, it would be difficult for other young wizards to answer them.
One might say he was biased, and indeed, only George could raise his hand to answer. If anyone were to seriously complain, even Dumbledore couldn't say much.
But George was certain that Snape wanted him to boost the House points. Otherwise, he wouldn't have asked five questions in one class. And now that he had successfully brewed the potion, he would likely be awarded more points.
Indeed, when he was the first to successfully brew the potion, Snape glided over to him like a large bat.
"A superior potion. Five points to Slytherin."
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