After exchanging a few more words with Madam Pomfrey, Dumbledore left the Hospital Wing with Kael.
On the way, Kael seized the opportunity to ask some questions about magic practice, and Dumbledore generously answered all of them.
...
Since their destinations were different, they parted ways not long after entering the castle.
When Dumbledore returned to the Headmaster's Office, Snape was already there waiting for him.
"These are the materials needed for the Demon Suppression Potion."
Snape casually slapped a long parchment onto the table and drawled, "Our Deputy Headmistress said that many precious materials are included, and it needs your signature."
"Minerva is just too by-the-book. I've told her long ago that she can make decisions on all school matters."
Picking up the parchment, Dumbledore said nonchalantly, "Moreover, it's just for the Demon Suppression Potion; how valuable could it be... hmm?"
When Dumbledore saw the contents of the parchment, his expression changed.
Mandrake Juice: 50 ounces.
Horklump Juice: 50 ounces.
Eggshell of Antipodean Opaleye: 5 pieces.
Poison Horned Beast Explosion Liquid: 10 ounces.
Horn of the Horned Camel: 5 pieces.
Aconite: 100 pieces.
...
This was only a part; in total, there were about thirty more items like these.
After reading through everything, Dumbledore felt his forehead throbbing.
If he remembered correctly, of the six materials listed on top, only Mandrake Juice was necessary; the others had nothing to do with the Demon Suppression Potion.
And the Eggshell of Antipodean Opaleye... Isn't this the main ingredient for the Frenzy Potion? How dare he include it, does he really think no one else understands potions?
And the quantities...
Fifty ounces of Mandrake Juice. If all turned into the Demon Suppression Potion, it would be enough for the entire school to drink for a week.
The Horn of the Horned Camel, which is almost out of stock in the market, was only available as ground powder sold by the gram, the price was sky-high, and Snape directly requested by the piece, asking for five pieces. Doesn't he know how expensive this is?
What, is he here to restock?
At this point, Dumbledore understood why Snape asked him to sign.
Such an outrageous list would definitely be disapproved by someone like Professor McGonagall, or Snape didn't even bother to ask her and came directly to him.
"Severus..." Dumbledore pondered for a moment, deciding to give Snape another chance and asked tentatively, "Are these all the materials needed to brew the Demon Suppression Potion?"
Snape nodded, calmly saying, "Yes, Headmaster."
Dumbledore: "Then what about this Eggshell of Antipodean Opaleye?"
Snape: "It's a new formula I'm trying."
"But isn't this quantity a bit much?"
"Forgive me, Headmaster," Snape justified, "I haven't brewed the Demon Suppression Potion for a long time, so mistakes are normal; therefore, the materials must be sufficient."
"It seems I have no reason to oppose anymore." Dumbledore picked up a scarlet quill and with a few swift strokes, signed his name on the parchment.
"Mr. Mikel will appreciate your generosity, Headmaster Dumbledore." Snape's eyebrows slightly arched.
After taking the parchment, filled with extra items, Snape couldn't wait to go fill his personal storage... or rather, to go and brew potions for Mr. Mikel.
But at this moment, Dumbledore suddenly remarked, "Severus, what do you think of Kael."
"Kael?" The smug look on Snape's face vanished, replaced by a hint of mockery, "Do you have another plan, oh great Headmaster Dumbledore?"
"No, no, no, Severus, I think you misunderstand me. This is merely a headmaster's normal reaction upon meeting an outstanding student. If you don't wish to talk about it, that's fine."
Dumbledore tossed a cockroach-like candy into his mouth, and considerately offered one to Snape, "Would you like to try? It tastes quite good."
"No, thank you." Snape replied with disgust.
He could never understand why, among all the magical candies available, Dumbledore was fond of such an odd-looking thing.
It looked more nauseating than the slime of a Flobberworm.
Ignoring Snape's expression of disdain, Dumbledore continued, "Kind, brave, honest, composed in the face of danger; Hogwarts hasn't seen such an outstanding first-year in a long time.
I recall her mother, Diana, was also in Slytherin, just a year ahead of you."
"Shut up!"
Upon hearing this, Snape's eye twitched, and he replied grimly, "Never mention that name in my presence again, never! Ever!"
When uttering the last few words, Snape was practically shouting.
This made the portraits of the former headmasters quite displeased as they rebuked Snape for being disrespectful and daring to talk back to a Headmaster.
But Snape paid them no mind.
He dared to shout at the current headmaster, why would he fear a few paintings?
Calling them headmasters was a courtesy; without it, they were just scraps of paper, too rough even for wiping a cauldron.
"I didn't realize after all these years, you still remembered." Dumbledore, ignoring the clamorous portraits, sighed softly, "But Severus, even now, I still believe you were in the wrong back then.
Diana was a well-mannered girl, if you hadn't said those vulgar words to Chris, she wouldn't have been waiting for you daily in the common room..."
"Bang!"
Dumbledore was interrupted by the loud sound of a door slamming shut.
The noise was so loud it startled Fawkes the Phoenix awake, who flapped its wings vigorously in the direction Snape left to express its discontent at being disturbed.
"Pfft..."
Watching Snape's furious departure, a plump wizard portrait burst into laughter. However, upon noticing Dumbledore's amused gaze, he immediately covered his mouth and dashed into another frame.
While comforting Fawkes, Dumbledore muttered under his breath, "Seriously, why do I enjoy recalling past events more as I get older..."
"Heh, hypocrite."
On the wall, Phineas Nigel Black, a former headmaster with a goatee, couldn't help but comment, "Don't think I don't know, you did it on purpose. Look at you, all petty about Snape asking for a bit more potion materials, what's the big deal. Back when I was headmaster, it was...
Wait, Dumbledore, what are you doing, okay, I won't say anything more, don't come any closer!"