Chapter 57: The Popularity of the Notes

“I understand, Professor,”

Seán cleaned the cauldron thoroughly, and before leaving, he paused, his emerald eyes filled with sincerity:

“Thank you for the materials and guidance.”

As he left the dungeon, Professor Snape’s face flickered in the candlelight, shifting between shadow and glow.

He would not forget those techniques, though he did not know where the boy had learned them,

yet they unmistakably stirred memories of rare, bright moments.

He had never seen a student so purely devoted to potion-making,

indifferent to mockery or personal grudges, caring only for the potion itself.

His passion for potion-making was original, unadulterated—and even his techniques were profoundly familiar—

techniques he had once studied and discussed with another, moments of rare light in his life.

It was this focus, this familiarity, that pierced his heart—

he despised seeing his own reflection,

especially when that reflection was tied to all he had lost.

His gaze grew dark,

was it bitterness, anger, or that one uncontainable thread of admiration?

Outside, rain fell endlessly, the mood in the storm lasting as long and fierce as the wind.

Seán carried his book, stepping lightly.

Ignoring Professor Snape’s venomous tongue, he might truly be called a competent professor.

At least he genuinely loved potion-making and possessed exceptional skill.

Seán’s exhaustion from the potion ritual was almost gone; by tomorrow at the latest, he could test how much the improvement enhanced the quality.

Most importantly, Professor Snape had apparently also read Master Polachi’s notes,

Perhaps he could offer guidance on the improvement?

But Seán did not know that,

Professor Snape was not the only one who had seen this improvement…

Curfew was drawing near,

Seán heard two cheerful Gryffindors humming “A Pot of Fiery Love”:

“Oh, stir my pot, my dear,

if you do it right, I’ll brew a fiery love to warm you through the night…”

It was a song by Cithina Wobbly, “with a particularly strong jazz flavor,”

wildly popular in the wizarding world.

“You’re done for!”

Seán heard another strange sound—

two young wizards were playing Gao Gao Bushi, one of the children’s favorite pastimes.

The penalty for losing Gao Gao Bushi was—

several stones sprayed foul-smelling liquid onto the face of a terrified young wizard.

Hmm, it was hard to fathom the inspiration behind this game.

As the owls took flight once more,

a pair of sharp eyes appeared simultaneously in the distance,

Professor Minerva McGonagall’s usually stern face held complex emotions,

especially as Seán passed wearily by a group of young wizards playing wildly, taking advantage of the last Saturday freedom.

Only now did she realize how long this effort had been going on, unseen.

The cold wind of the Scottish Highlands swept across the surface of Heihu, striking once more against the ancient walls of Hogwarts, turning into a deep, continuous hum.

Amid this rumbling, Hogwarts stirred awake again.

“Young wizards! Damnable young wizards! Answering again too early!”

Mr. Owl was clamoring, but Seán entered the classroom undisturbed.

Among the three, Hermione was unusually the last to arrive.

Seán slept well; Jia Jia Siting slept well.

Both arrived at the practice room around six, making the little witch scream unfairness!

Who ever heard of a young wizard needing only seven hours of sleep to be full of energy!

“Good morning, Seán,”

Jia Jia Siting held a milk and coconut pudding, casting a special food spell upon it,

Seán noticed a book open beside him, its pink cover featuring a turkey in the center.

It was “A Feast to Summon!”,

a must-have in wizarding kitchens.

“Seán, please help test the improved flavor,”

Jia Jia Siting handed him the pudding,

though he didn’t say that the original, awful version had been devoured by hungry Hufflepuffs yesterday.

…

【You practiced the Clear Spring Spell at apprentice level; proficiency +1】

【You practiced the Clear Spring Spell at beginner level; proficiency +3】

【You practiced the Clear Spring Spell at beginner level; proficiency +3】

…

Seán routinely trained himself until he could no longer lift his wand.

After recording the details of the Clear Spring Spell,

Seán silently opened his panel:

【Clear Spring Spell: Apprentice (110/300)】

【Summoning Spell: Locked (1/30)】

【Floating Charm: Beginner (200/900)】

At this rate, he would reach beginner level tomorrow—unbelievably fast.

As he prepared to head to the Quidditch pitch, Jia Jia Siting suddenly approached:

“Oh, Seán, did you know? My mother told me, ways to face the world vary,

but creation never fades.”

He said it with a belated realization,

“Are you ready to join me in embracing this change?”

Before Seán could react, Jia Jia Siting pulled him into a courtyard packed with young wizards.

Hard to imagine that Hufflepuffs, Ravenclaws, and Gryffindors could gather so harmoniously,

whispering among themselves—until Jia Jia Siting arrived, when their murmurs erupted into noise.

“Seán, I knew it was you!”

Michael beamed, lifting his chin toward Seamus and the others,

“Ten Knuts, please.”

“Alright, alright…”

“A bet’s a bet…”

Seán saw Seamus and Ernie grumbling as they handed over Knuts to Michael, who winked at Seán and mouthed:

“I’ll split it with you later.”

Seán roughly understood what was going on.

“Are the History of Magic notes really that popular?”

He whispered to Jia Jia Siting.

“Oh, my dear Seán, do you misunderstand it? What you’ve made is something no one in the wizarding world has ever done before,

it’s an untouched market!”

Jia Jia Siting’s pale gray eyes sharpened slightly,

“When third-years started coming to me, I realized, Seán, this is a huge opportunity.

Think of it: facing Professor Binns’s vague lectures, endless assignments, the struggle of self-study—

who wouldn’t want a clear, concise set of notes?

I haven’t released a single copy yet, only shown a few trivial bits related to last week’s assignment.”

He leaned suddenly close to Seán’s ear:

“When everyone faced another of Binns’s confusing, endless assignments, they all came to me, asking for those notes…

and paid willingly.”

…

The popularity of the History of Magic notes did surprise Seán—nearly every young wizard had bought a copy,

and Jia Jia Siting’s handling ensured that surprise continued:

"Like a TV series, we only sell a small portion at a time; given the vastness of magical history, even this small portion is enough to fill half a book..."

"And don’t you remember? Your method for the Magical History essay has been widely spread by a wizard named Michael..."

"We have plenty of time to let these spread; what matters is maintaining the true, scientific core."

"Oh, Wizard Sean, don’t forget that Hogwarts has more than just this one subject needing summarization..."

"The magical world isn’t just Hogwarts..."

As Jia Jia Siting spoke of these things, his eyes sparkled, and Wizard Sean let him have his way.

He simply walked quietly to the Quidditch pitch.

He felt that, at the current rate of progress, he would soon be able to fly all the way back to Ravenclaw Tower.

Even half the distance would be fine.