Would Professor Snape actually kill me to keep his secret?
This was the question that had haunted Qin Yu for the last two days.
What happened that night could only be described as "social suicide"—and the most spectacular kind. He'd actually gone and sworn a Three Musketeers-style brotherhood at Hogwarts?! He must've been out of his mind drunk. Worst of all, he'd dragged Professor Snape into it.
Honestly, what sane person would call Snape "big brother" and ask him to call you "third brother"? Just thinking about it afterward sent chills down his spine.
I probably, almost certainly, won't live to see this year's End-of-Term Feast, Qin Yu thought grimly. (Note: The End-of-Term Feast is held at the end of the school year, right before summer holidays.)
No wonder he'd been so distracted during finals.
During the Herbology exam, his quill hovered over the parchment so long that a huge blot of ink bled across the page. Professor Sprout had to give him a new test sheet.
Then, in Charms, he peeled the pineapple meant for practicing the Levitation Charm, even gouging out the eyes—then, out of habit, looked for some saltwater to soak it in. Luckily, Professor Flitwick was a kind soul and gave him a replacement, gently reminding him to pay attention to the exam itself. That was the only thing that saved his Charms grade from disaster.
Transfiguration went no better—he turned the exam mouse into a tomato when the assignment had called for a goblet.
Honestly, if he hadn't built up decent goodwill with the professors, this year's exams would've been a total write-off.
…
"Severus, Qin seems a bit… off during exams lately. Do you know what's going on with him?" Professor McGonagall asked Snape at the Hogwarts staff meeting.
Professor Snape closed his eyes, silent for a moment. Then he slowly lifted his lashes, gaze calm and voice as cool as ever: "Isn't it perfectly normal for him to behave abnormally?"
"…"
Professor McGonagall blinked, then nodded. "Well, yes, you're right. If he acted too normal, that'd be the strangest thing of all."
"Ahem, exactly, Qin—" Professor Swinton started to chime in.
But the moment he felt Snape's icy stare, he switched topics without missing a beat. "Er, I heard the Hog's Head has a new batch of red currant rum in. I was thinking of inviting everyone for a taste after exams—anyone interested?"
"Wonderful!" Professor Flitwick piped up immediately.
"Thank you for the invitation, Professor Swinton. I'll definitely be there," said Madam Hooch.
The others all agreed enthusiastically. Professor Trelawney looked especially pleased—she was known to enjoy a glass of sherry on her own from time to time.
With that, the brief meeting ended, and everyone went back to preparing for the end-of-year exams.
…
…
Soon enough, it was time for the first-year Potions exam—a subject that required both a written test and a practical demonstration.
That morning, Professor Snape buttoned his billowing black robes all the way up to his throat, glanced at his own gaunt reflection in the mirror, and then at the classically elegant rapier lying on his desk.
For a brief moment, the corners of his otherwise impassive face twitched.
He closed his eyes, and a parade of spells flashed through his mind:
Avada Kedavra. Imperius. Cruciatus. Sectumsempra. Fiendfyre. Petrificus Totalus…
So many to choose from—it was hard to pick just one.
But then, the faintest hint of a smile tugged at his lips—gone in a heartbeat, replaced by his usual frosty mask.
Smiling was exhausting for him.
Because it always reminded him of the one person who'd ever made him smile from the heart. The one he'd hurt most deeply.
She'd been so wonderful. And her life, so heartbreakingly short.
He would spend the rest of his days wondering why he hadn't been able to protect her.
His long figure hidden beneath his robes, coldness veiling those dark eyes, Professor Snape swept from the room as he always did—silent and alone.
…
"Today's exam: Brew a Forgetfulness Potion. All ingredients and tools are at your stations. The exam begins now!" Professor Snape announced in the chilly Potions dungeon, his voice echoing off the stone.
A collective groan rippled through the students as they dove for ingredients, weighing and measuring with trembling hands.
Qin Yu kept a nervous eye on Snape's every move.
He couldn't help it—this was his first time seeing Snape since that fateful night, and he had no idea what to expect.
It was only when he was sure that Professor Snape wasn't radiating any murderous intent that Qin Yu finally relaxed.
He focused on his brewing, letting his worries fade into the background.
After a flurry of careful steps, he added the final drop of valerian juice. The potion in his cauldron turned a delicate shade of purple. Done.
"Hmm. Not bad." A cold, familiar voice sounded right by his ear.
Qin Yu jumped.
He spun around to find Professor Snape standing directly behind him, face as unreadable as ever.
He had no idea when Snape had approached—he'd been so focused on his work, he hadn't noticed a thing.
"Professor Snape, um—" Qin Yu stammered.
"Brewing a potion is only half the lesson. You must also remember its effects." Professor Snape spoke in that slow, measured tone of his.
"Uh, yes, sir. I will," Qin Yu nodded quickly.
Snape didn't reply. He simply moved on, scanning the room for students in distress—and keeping an eye out for any cauldrons about to explode, ready to intervene at a moment's notice.
Watching Snape drift away, Qin Yu mulled over his words.
Remember the effects of the Forgetfulness Potion? Hah—Snape was giving him a hint! It finally clicked.
And just like that, his worries melted away.
If all Snape wanted was for him to "forget," it meant that night would never be mentioned again. The past was past.
With relief flooding through him, Qin Yu realized there was only one exam left: History of Magic. Once that was over, summer would finally begin.
What would Professor Binns put on the exam this year?
Qin Yu found himself almost eager for the final test to come—and to be over.
~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~
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