Snape walked into the class, his long black robe making him look like he was gliding. He looked nothing like the movie and followed the book's appearance: very young, with greasy hair and a hooked nose. He gave his famous speech about the wonders of potion, about teaching how to bottle fame, brew glory, and stop death.
Then, he immediately began to pick on Harry, asking him questions and purposely putting him on the spot. Hermione raised her hand because she knew the answer, but Snape ignored it. Christian watched everything and groaned softly. He was looking forward to this class, so he hoped it would not be as bad as the books or movies portrayed in Jim's memories.
Christian's partner for the class was Dean Thomas, and they followed the instructions on the table to brew the potion. Christian raised his hand to ask a question, but Snape, who looked him in the eyes, ignored him and continued intimidating the students while praising Slytherin, especially Malfoy. Christian groaned softly before lowering his hand and focusing on his work.
From the corner of his eye, he saw Neville's cauldron making a severe reaction and remembered what had happened in the book. He moved his wand out of instinct: "Protego."
A small circular shield materialized around Neville and Finnegan's cauldron. When it melted and exploded, none of the Boil Cure Potion touched Neville, causing him pain or sending him to the hospital wing.
"Idiot boy," said Snape. "I suppose you added the porcupine quills before taking the cauldron off the fire?" Snape coldly looked at Christian before turning to Harry and unfairly deducting points for Gryffindor because he did not remind Neville.
A few minutes later, Christian and Dean's potion was completed, and Snape checked; the thing was perfect, and after tasting it, he began to walk away without a word.
"I have a question," said Christian.
"No question."
"I have the right to ask questions," rebutted Christian, and Snape turned to face him.
"And why is that?" he sneered. "Because you published a measly little book and had a few minutes of fame."
"No, because of the school rules," replied Christian.
"What school rules?" The mockery was very evident in his face. "Mr. Malik, my class is not a place for you to be a smart-ass."
"[Hogwarts School Guide]: page 32, fourth paragraph, first line — Students can and are encouraged to engage in class through discussions and questions," replied Christian, looking him in his eyes.
"If you want, professor, I can continue to be a smart-ass and tell you all the rules you broke in the past hour."
"You think you're so smart, aren't you?"
"I know I am. So, are you going to answer my question, or will this smart-ass have to run to his overprotective mother, who is not afraid to complain to the headmaster or even the board of governors because her son is not getting the education he was promised?" countered Christian while looking him straight in the eyes.
Snape snorted before asking stiffly, "What is your question?"
"The recipe on the board is different from the book. You changed the order of adding snake fangs and powdered moonstones, increasing the potion's potency by at least 20%. Why is that? Why does the order have such an obvious difference?"
Snape narrowed his eyes, "That's because…"
Christian wrote every single word down. With one question, he peered into what kind of genius this potion master was. He deeply understood the relationship between herbs and how to maximize the chemical process of magical plants when mixing them.
'It's a shame he's a douchebag,' thought Christian, who asked two more questions before he was satisfied. Class ended, and everyone walked out. Ron and Harry followed him.
"That was bloody brilliant, mate," said Ron. "I don't think Snape has ever been this frustrated."
"The world of adults is all about authority. He has authority over us, but there are still people with authority over him," replied Christian casually. "Harry, you should be careful. I'm pretty sure he will take his frustration out on you."
Harry's mood immediately became sour. "Why does he seem to hate me?" Christian shrugged. Although he knew, he would not tell the truth. The day was as usual: class, eat, and library. After the library ended, Christian did not use the Room of Requirement and returned to the common room to meet someone.
"Fred, George, how is it? Did you find someone?" asked Christian.
"He's Fred, I'm George."
"That's right. Although you're new, you should learn our proper names."
"No, you're not."
"And how would you know?"
"Because I cast a secret spell on you to tell you apart," replied Christian with a serious expression.
"Really? What spell?" asked George.
"I won't tell you, and let's get back to the topic."
The twins looked at each other before answering, "We found someone. It's our roommate and best buddy – Lee Jordan." Christian followed them to a table near where Lee Jordan was doing homework.
"Nice hair," praised Christian as he saw the latter's locks. More importantly, the latter's hair was much longer, reaching his shoulders.
"You too," replied Lee Jordan.
"Use anything special?" They had a brief chat about hair products before getting to business. "Did they tell you why I wanted to meet you?"
"No, they only said this was an opportunity to make money."
"Exactly. I will give you a Galleon monthly to record your Arithmancy Class lectures and ask questions on my behalf." This is what Christian thought to learn certain subjects early.
"That sounds simple enough. But how do I record the class?" asked Lee Jordan. Christian took out a small white ball from his robe. "This is Recordball, something I created myself after studying the enchantment from the Howler. You only need to tap on it before class, and it will record everything. Remember, you must sit in the front, and please do not forget to record. Since I'm paying, I expect the best service."
"No problem," Lee Jordan nodded. Christian removed a small bag from his pocket and gave him a Galleon. "Your classes should have started already. Please, let me copy your notes and tell me the homework for this week."
Lee Jordan handed him his notes, and Christian used the Duplication Spell (Geminio) to duplicate them before remembering the homework. He already had the textbook for Arithmancy class but had never read it.
"So, our deal is completed?" asked Fred, and Christian nodded before paying them a commission fee of 5 Sickles.
"Are you sure you're not interested in Divination Class? We will be glad to help you," said George.
"No, but you can help me acquire notes for Magical Theory Class from any year, and I will pay you." Christian plans to ask all his magical theory questions to Professor Flitwick in the Charm Club and maybe join a club if they have one, despite not taking the class.
"Deal."
Christian shook hands with them before walking away. The First Year Flying Lesson was on Thursday, so he must act beforehand. However, this could wait until Monday.
He had many letters to write as Sango had been busy this week. Because of his first week of school, all his pen pals wrote to him, and he needed to answer. He also needed to use the Two-Way Mirror to talk to his mother, or she would complain that he had forgotten her.