[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-hogwarts-john-wick":3,"chapter-hogwarts-john-wick-hogwarts-john-wick-chapter-433":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Hogwarts’ John Wick",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1646217,2109,"Chapter 433 433: 433: Snape On Strike","hogwarts-john-wick-chapter-433",433,"\u003Cp>After Defense Against the Dark Arts, the Slytherins had a new least favorite class.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Draco blocked Harry's path, sneering. \"Must be nice, Potter.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What's that supposed to mean, Malfoy?\" Harry shot back, wary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Earlier, the two of them had lost their tempers—abandoning the nonverbal rule entirely and flinging hexes at each other.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sirius had stepped in to stop them, only to catch a curse from Draco himself. The result: another five points deducted from Slytherin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just like that, the points John had earned were wiped out, and Slytherin's hourglass dropped to the lowest it had been in years.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Draco didn't say anything more, just let out a few mocking laughs before walking off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At dinner in the Great Hall, Draco animatedly recounted how he'd made Harry dance with a \"Tap-Dance Jinx.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>John stared down at his bowl of suspiciously yellow fried rice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Across the table, Daphne looked calm, but anyone who knew her could see the tension in her posture—she was seconds away from cutting her plate in half.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both she and John were top students, evenly matched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Daphne might be a little stronger overall, but under the restrictions of nonverbal casting, certain spells couldn't be used—and in that field, neither could truly best the other.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"John, are you really not going to Defense Against the Dark Arts anymore?\" Daphne asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>John took a bite of his fried rice, thought for a moment, then nodded. \"Not just Defense Against the Dark Arts. I'll be showing up to a few other classes less often, too.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Draco lifted his head, surprised by the announcement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So from now on, Slytherin's going to have to rely on you all,\" John said casually, glancing at the hourglass of house points. A faint smile curved his lips. \"Keep Slytherin's honor intact.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those words instantly made Draco feel the weight of responsibility pressing down on his shoulders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Especially you, Draco—just try not to lose too many points.\" Seeing Draco's expression fall, John chuckled. \"But don't hold back when someone gets on your nerves.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"After all, we're Slytherins.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>John's words filled Draco with renewed confidence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slytherins had never been the kind to shy away from trouble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lunch ended.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That afternoon, there were two Potions classes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still simmering from the morning's point deductions, Draco was determined to make up for it in Potions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dungeon classroom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Draco arrived, there were barely a dozen students present.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was to be expected—after five straight years of Snape's verbal lashings, few had the patience or courage to keep taking his class.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aside from Draco and Daphne, Blaise and Theo were there as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And, of course, where Theo was, Pansy was never far behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Daphne's fellow overachiever and close friend, Pansy's Potions grades were actually quite good.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From Hufflepuff, Ernie Macmillan was also in attendance, loudly retelling the story of how John had supposedly left Professor Black speechless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hey, Potter.\" Draco immediately spotted Harry entering and gave him a wicked grin. \"Welcome to my domain.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Snape's class was known for favoring Slytherins and mercilessly docking points from Gryffindor—no wonder Draco looked so pleased.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Harry's face darkened; he could barely resist the urge to brawl with Draco right then and there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ron groaned in despair. \"We're doomed. Snape's going to bleed us dry.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Padfoot didn't even do anything wrong,\" Harry muttered irritably.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, unease crept in beneath his anger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Snape decided to take it out on him—dock points for no reason—what could he do about it?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Would Sirius stand up for him then?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Harry was certain his godfather would retaliate by deducting points in return—but that might make the school think Sirius was unfit for the position, and possibly get him fired.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The thought worried Harry deeply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While he wrestled with that mix of anxiety and anger, the door to the dungeon classroom opened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A large, round belly appeared first—clearly not a figure belonging to Snape.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Professor Slughorn?\" The students blinked in surprise at the portly man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beaming, Slughorn said, \"Your Potions Master has some matters to attend to, so I'll be substituting for him today.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He phrased it delicately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, letting people know Snape had skipped class out of fury over Sirius would be rather embarrassing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As a substitute, Slughorn wasn't the least bit annoyed—if anything, he looked quite pleased.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn't the first time a Headmaster had stepped in to teach; even Dumbledore had done so in the past.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once the former Slytherin Head of House himself, Slughorn was back to teaching Potions again, and he found the idea unexpectedly delightful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially since among these students were a few he was very eager to \"collect.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The students filed into the classroom, still a little dazed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unlike before, the dungeon was now filled with steam and strange, lingering scents.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slughorn's gaze swept across the dozen or so students, pausing here and there until he finally frowned in surprise. \"John isn't here?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Indeed—he wasn't.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>John hadn't shown up for class at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I could've sworn he signed up for Potions,\" Slughorn murmured in disbelief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The very student whose presence had convinced him to return to teaching wasn't even attending?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps his disappointment showed a bit too clearly, because the students exchanged uncertain glances before Draco spoke up. \"John took on a lot of classes. He's probably preparing materials for his research.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh, I see.\" Slughorn's expression brightened immediately. \"That's perfectly fine, Draco. I don't mind in the least.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ron leaned over to mutter to Harry, \"He doesn't even care if John skips class—think we could get away with that too?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hermione shot him a glare. \"Only if you've got a Merlin Medal.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That shut Ron up quickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Harry, however, caught on to what Draco had said. \"Research? What's John researching?\" he asked curiously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No sooner had he spoken than Hermione huffed, clearly annoyed. \"You're doing it again! Are you suspecting John of something bad?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm not—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Merlin as his witness, Harry had honestly just asked out of curiosity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Hermione was in full-on \"defend John at all costs\" mode. Anyone who so much as questioned him earned one of her death glares.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The students took their seats—Slytherins sharing one table, while the trio settled at another near a golden cauldron that gave off a tantalizing aroma.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slughorn's teaching style was quite unlike Snape's.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His lessons were lively and full of interaction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For instance, besides the gleaming golden cauldron, three other cauldrons simmered nearby, each emitting a different, enticing scent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Draco, who'd walked in with his usual arrogance, couldn't help the look of bliss that crossed his face after catching the fragrance wafting through the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What is that smell? It's like pear blossoms—with a hint of pumpkin juice and… Firebolt polish?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wait, Firebolt polish smells different from other brooms?\" Blaise asked blankly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oh, sure—just had to make sure everyone knew you owned a Firebolt, didn't you?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Daphne leaned in and inhaled carefully. A trace of pinewood filled her nose, mingling with the faint, golden sweetness of Starlight Wine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her cheeks flushed slightly—she recognized exactly what that potion was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright, alright, settle down,\" Slughorn's voice boomed cheerfully through the rising steam.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Through the warm haze, his plump figure appeared to waver, as though drifting between the fumes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Everyone, please take out your scales, ingredient pouches—and don't forget your Advanced Potion-Making textbooks,\" Slughorn said warmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Harry raised his hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, Harry?\" Slughorn's tone remained kindly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I don't have a book—or anything, really. We didn't think we'd be allowed into the advanced class.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hadn't even planned on taking Potions, but Professor McGonagall insisted—an Auror needed Potions certification.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And since Snape had revised his entrance requirements, those who qualified were precisely the ones he didn't want to teach—plus one he simply couldn't.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, the standards had been quietly lowered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whether that story was true or not was anyone's guess.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah, yes, Professor McGonagall did mention that,\" Slughorn said, remembering. \"Don't worry, my boy. You can use the ingredients and tools in the storage cupboard for now.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that, Harry and his long-suffering companion Ron headed for a cupboard tucked in the corner.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They'd never opened it before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside were a few battered textbooks and some worn tools.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One of the books was so tattered the cover was about to fall off, while another looked in far better condition.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two exchanged a glance—and immediately lunged for the newer one at the same time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After two and a half minutes of struggling, Ron finally used a shoulder check to shove Harry aside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Harry, shorter and lighter, lost the battle and could only grab the shabby old book.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sorry, mate,\" Ron said smugly. \"I'd take a curse for you, but the new book's mine.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Harry ground his teeth in frustration, grabbed a set of scales and a few ingredients, and they returned to their table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slughorn didn't seem bothered by the minor scuffle. Standing at the front of the classroom with a genial smile, he said, \"I've prepared a few potions for you to admire—purely for interest, of course.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"When you've completed the advanced curriculum, you should be able to brew potions like these yourselves.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Now then, who can tell me what this one is?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pointed to the cauldron nearest the Slytherin table, where a clear, water-like potion simmered softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two hands shot up simultaneously—one at the Slytherin table, one at Gryffindor's.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two girls locked eyes, sparks practically crackling in the air between them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Easy now, Miss Greengrass,\" Slughorn chuckled, rubbing his eyes as if to dispel the illusion. \"You answer.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Daphne shot Hermione a triumphant glance before saying, \"Veritaserum—a colorless, odorless potion that forces the drinker to tell the truth.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Excellent, excellent!\" Slughorn said happily, clearly pleased that one of his prized recruits from the train had impressed him. \"Now, who can tell me what that one is?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pointed toward the second cauldron and continued, \"This one is a bit more well-known…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before he could finish, two hands shot up again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slughorn glanced from Daphne to Hermione, clearly amused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once more, he chose Daphne.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's Polyjuice Potion,\" Daphne said smoothly. \"By adding a strand of hair, the drinker can take on the appearance of the person the hair belongs to.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Excellent, excellent!\" Slughorn said enthusiastically, nearly clapping for her. Then he gestured toward the third cauldron—the golden one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, before he could even open his mouth, two hands rose again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slughorn hesitated for a moment. He'd already called on Daphne twice—it was only fair to give someone else a turn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pointed to Hermione.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's Amortentia!\" she answered at once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Quite right! I daresay you know what it does, don't you?\" Slughorn asked, clearly impressed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's the most powerful love potion in the world!\" Hermione said eagerly, making up for being passed over earlier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You recognized it by its distinctive mother-of-pearl sheen, I presume?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And the spiraling steam pattern,\" Hermione added quickly. \"Its scent is unique to each person—it smells different depending on what one finds most attractive.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I can smell strawberry ice cream, new parchment, and…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She trailed off mid-sentence, cheeks flushing slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slughorn, thoroughly charmed by her knowledge, smiled and asked for her name.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>________\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>o(*￣▽￣*)ブSupport and Read 12 Chapters ahead: Patreon\u002FDragonel\u003C\u002Fp>",1862,"2026-06-06T11:45:53.362Z",1,"novelbin.me","068d7d46e6ba02b585d5b2fd7d78ad8e6a1de82e0241294965ad1807c4f03f30","hogwarts-john-wick-chapter-434","hogwarts-john-wick-chapter-432",577,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fhogwarts-john-wick-cover.jpg"]