"Devereux?! It really is you!"
Snape was in utter shock.
This moment completely challenged his long-held authority as a potions expert. This boy, using what should have been useless scraps, had somehow brewed a Polyjuice Potion—a potion so complex that even many Hogwarts graduates couldn't manage it. And judging by the effect just now, it was highly effective. No obvious defects in height or appearance, none of the usual problems with substandard versions.
It was outrageous.
Even he, Severus Snape, had never attempted it under such poor conditions.
If he had sufficient materials, perhaps he could try. But the leftover ingredients he had given Devereux were barely fit for practice. And yet, Devereux had succeeded where others wouldn't even dare attempt.
Still, now was not the time to remain stunned.
"Professor Snape, is there a problem?"
The real Tom appeared at the bottom of the stairs, his voice hesitant.
Snape still had his wand pressed firmly under Devereux's chin.
"It's nothing, Tom. Devereux made a mistake, and I'm giving him a little punishment."
Snape tapped Devereux lightly with his wand, his expression emotionless.
"You agree, don't you, Devereux?"
Suddenly, Devereux felt strength return to his body.
[Ding!]
[New spell added to library!]
Devereux glanced at the screen.
[Revival Charm (Beginner/Silent)]
Excellent—another spell learned.
"That's right, Tom," Devereux answered sincerely. "I accidentally placed a material in the wrong spot. The professor is just teaching me a lesson I won't forget."
But he could tell Tom wasn't entirely convinced. Understandably so—what kind of lesson involved casting a dark curse on a student? Not to mention, the room looked like a small war had taken place in it.
Still, Snape didn't bother explaining further. His job was done.
He grabbed Devereux by the collar and pulled him into the room, leaving Tom suspiciously eyeing them from the foot of the stairs.
— — —
"How exactly did you do it?!"
Snape slammed the door behind them and immediately cast a Silencing Charm, cutting off any sound from escaping.
"Polyjuice Potion? Do you think any beginner could concoct such a thing? You neither have the required skill nor the proper materials! The only logical explanation is... have you been dealing with dark wizards from Knockturn Alley?"
"And that's not all! You've already mastered Apparition and several other advanced spells. Even upper-year students struggle with those. Tell me—how did you learn them?"
"Also—are you casually casting spells outside Hogwarts?! Do you realize how serious a violation that is? Do you even want to attend Hogwarts anymore?"
Snape's barrage of questions left Devereux dizzy. He didn't know which one to answer first. He rambled awkwardly, trying to respond, which only confused Snape more. The professor was about to draw his wand and use Legilimency on him.
Luckily, Devereux composed himself just in time.
He started explaining step by step.
"Let's start with the Polyjuice Potion. I bought the minimal quantities of Knotgrass, Fluxweed, and Boomslang skin from the apothecary. I know they weren't top-quality materials, but I made it work."
"I substituted red horse hair for unicorn tail hair. Yes, I understand the effects would vary. But I also added..."
Devereux launched into a detailed explanation of his brewing process and how he had used the 'Potions Genius' trait to work through alternatives. He explained how he theorized and adjusted the brew despite the limited ingredients.
Snape's suspicious expression gradually shifted.
From skepticism…
To surprise…
And finally to something close to awe.
"This is exactly what I had once theorized..."
Snape was stunned.
When he had been a student, he'd also attempted to recreate the Polyjuice Potion. The process Devereux described was nearly identical to his own secret approach back then.
Could it be… this boy's potion-making talent rivaled his own?
Why hadn't he seen it sooner?
He felt a strange mix of regret and amazement.
Still, doubt lingered.
"But even your theory shouldn't produce such a flawless Polyjuice Potion. Earlier, there were no defects. None. How do you explain that?"
Devereux had anticipated this.
From the moment he acquired the red trait 'Potions Spirit Body', he had known how to elevate the potion's quality to compensate for inferior materials. So he spoke clearly and confidently.
"Exactly, Professor. That's why I made further improvements. From the fourteenth to the twenty-first day of brewing, I added Knotgrass and Fluxweed in small, alternating batches. That helped stabilize the reaction."
Snape's eyes widened as he listened.
As a certified potions genius, he didn't need long to understand the implications. Even if the potion still couldn't match the original recipe in perfection, Devereux's method brought it impressively close.
And if developed further…
It might birth an entirely new recipe for the Polyjuice Potion.
Snape couldn't contain himself.
Could this boy—just by accident—spark a revolution in potion-making?
Suddenly, as if remembering something, Snape's expression softened into relief.
"Of course… he's his child. How could he be ordinary?"
"Perhaps… this kid's talent surpasses mine!"
Snape's internal monologue was chaotic and dramatic. Meanwhile, Devereux watched his professor's constantly shifting expressions—surprise, suspicion, contemplation, even relief—completely clueless about the storm going on inside the man's head.
"Your explanation is acceptable," Snape finally said stiffly, nodding.
He paused a moment, deep in thought.
"Now, write all your thoughts and theories on parchment— Oh, drat! I forgot!"
Snape suddenly smacked his lips in frustration.
He had just remembered the state of the room.
With a flick of his wand, he cast Reparo.
The broken tables, shattered glass, and scattered materials flew back into place as if nothing had happened.
Then he turned to Devereux.
"Where's your luggage? Hurry and pack it!"
Devereux raised his wand calmly.
"Accio Errol!"
From the corner of the room, a dark green blur zoomed toward him and landed on his shoulder.
"All packed!"
Errol, his toad companion, croaked softly.
Snape's face twisted in subtle disgust.
Apparently, he wasn't a fan of toads.
"Alright, today's the day you leave for Hogwarts. I'll take you to the train stat—wait!"
Snape suddenly froze, pointing at Devereux's wand.
"You've been using magic outside of school again!"