"You should understand that this is not a matter that should concern a first-year student," Snape frowned and paused, then continued, "Since you can ask this question, you must be quite familiar with the principles of anti-jinx reactions. It only requires a reverse stirring to accurately interrupt the anti-jinx reaction at the right time and add the subsequent ingredients. There's no need to forcefully maintain the magical state of the original potion. Next question."
During the following conversation, Maca went through the questions he encountered one by one. Yet, he keenly noticed that Snape didn't display the impatience he had imagined. Instead, Snape earnestly answered each question.
"... Are there no more questions? Then leave."
After Maca finished asking the questions, Snape reverted to his initial impatient expression and gestured Maca out of his office.
"Phew..." standing at the corner of the corridor outside the office, Maca couldn't help but sigh in relief.
To be honest, he really wasn't keen on getting too close to Snape. Facing someone you can't quite read is scarier than anything else for him.
Speaking of which, the person he's most afraid of getting close to is undoubtedly Dumbledore.
After briefly recalling his behavior and words in Snape's office just now and finding nothing inappropriate, Maca quickly left.
After overcoming the challenges that were bound to arise during the practical operations, the rest of the tasks became much easier. He just needed to gather the missing tools, find a quiet and secluded place, and then he could start attempting the concoctions.
"Hagrid's Hut? A great choice!" Maca muttered to himself, turning and heading towards the main gate. "Since there are no classes this afternoon, it's a good opportunity to visit Hagrid."
...
Today was a beautiful day, the wind stronger than the previous days. Looking up at the sky, it was a clear blue, which uplifted one's mood. The air outside the castle seemed exceptionally fresh, a complete contrast to Snape's dim office.
Maca took a deep breath of the fresh air outside—a gift from the grand nature that sustains human life, treating wizards and Muggles alike.
Hagrid's hut was built not far from the Forbidden Forest, easily reachable by traversing through the fields.
"Hey, Hagrid! Good afternoon!" Maca saw Hagrid's tall figure from a distance.
"Oh, Maca! Yes, good afternoon!" Hagrid turned around upon hearing Maca's greeting and smiled happily upon seeing him.
However, he quickly stifled his smile and adopted a serious expression, saying, "Yes, I'm glad you've come to see me, and I'm delighted to have you as a guest in my hut. But it's almost time for classes, and you shouldn't be here."
"Yes, actually, classes are in session now," Maca shrugged, "but I don't have class today."
"I see, should've realized that. Last time when I asked Harry and them to come over, I specifically picked a time when they didn't have class."
"Come on in, come on in, I'll make you some tea." As he spoke, Hagrid led Maca towards the hut, his hand on Maca's shoulder. "Oh, the door is a bit small, you go in first."
"Woof! Woof woof!" Hagrid's black dog barked fiercely at Maca, its iron collar jangling as it shook.
"It's Fang. A bit timid, but quite friendly once you get to know it. A good dog." Hagrid held onto Fang tightly and motioned for Maca to sit on the couch.
While Hagrid went to brew some tea, Maca took a look around the interior of the hut. Aside from a fireplace, two couches, and a small round table, there wasn't much else. Well, Hagrid had to stay here, so he probably couldn't fit in too much furniture.
"Do you want some rock cakes? Harry and Ron seemed to like them."
Hagrid turned around to ask.
"No, it's alright. They're a bit hard, and my teeth haven't been in the best condition lately." Maca quickly declined with a smile. "You know, it's time for a tooth replacement."
"Oh, right, that's a shame." Hagrid nodded. "But if you ever want to get rid of a loose tooth quickly, rock cakes aren't a bad choice, actually."
"If it's about to come off, I might come back to you, Hagrid." Maca smiled wryly.
Next, Maca and Hagrid chatted casually throughout the afternoon. From various magical creatures to Dumbledore, and even to his brother Aberforth, Maca learned a lot of miscellaneous information.
All in all, under Maca's skillful topic guidance, the two enjoyed quite a pleasant conversation. When Maca was about to leave, he stood at the doorway and casually brought up his request.
"Oh, by the way, Hagrid," Maca as if suddenly remembering something, "I wonder if I could come here in my free time to practice brewing potions? Professor Snape always stares at me with a gloomy expression at school, and I can't concentrate."
"Ah, Severus, yes, he always looks like someone owes him money," Hagrid chuckled and nodded, "Of course, you're welcome to come anytime. I'm mostly around this area."
"Great, thanks." After thanking Hagrid, Maca closed the door and left.
Of course, if only he could find the Room of Requirement, that would be even better. Unfortunately, Maca forgot where exactly he had seen it before.
"I'll look for it another time. It would be wonderful if I could find it."
Pondering this, he walked in the direction of the castle. It would be time for dinner in a little while.
...
Hogwarts' mealtime was always the liveliest part of the day. During these moments, as everyone dealt with their plates of food, they'd discuss the day's gossip and thoughts.
Today, Maca finally wasn't in a hurry as he prepared to take a break. Lately, he'd been immersed in the library, and while he didn't feel mentally tired, his body was showing signs of fatigue.
"... Is that her?"
Maca unintentionally glanced towards the Slytherin table and spotted the mysterious girl he had encountered in the library earlier. She was sitting at the edge of the Slytherin table, delicately eating pudding. Her robe, far too loose for her, trailed on the ground, but she seemed unfazed. While her peers engaged in conversations around her, vibrant and lively, she remained detached from the joyful atmosphere, virtually invisible to anyone's attention.
Normally, being alone like that should have felt awkward, yet Maca realized she blended seamlessly into her surroundings. Rather than being low-profile, it was as if she didn't possess any presence at all.
Amidst the cheerful ambiance, dinner gradually drew to a close.
Just as Maca was contemplating the identity of the mysterious girl, he observed Draco Malfoy approaching the Gryffindor table.
"Having your final meal, Potter? When are you catching the Muggle train back?" Malfoy taunted.
"You think the professors haven't noticed this place, and your little gang gives you more courage," Harry responded coldly.
At this point, Maca had reached the vicinity. Glancing at Crabbe and Goyle, he found it hard to refer to the large and towering figures as "little gang."
It seemed they were restraining themselves due to the presence of the teachers at the head table. They glowered, clenching their fists with a noticeable strain.
"I'm more than willing to duel you one-on-one," Malfoy said. "If you don't mind, tonight, a wizard's duel! Wands only—no contact. How about it? I guess you probably haven't heard of wizard duels, have you?"
"Of course he's heard of them," Ron said, then suddenly turned around. "I'm his second. Who's yours?"
Malfoy glanced at Crabbe and Goyle, evaluating them.
"Crabbe," he said, "midnight, then? We'll meet at the trophy room. It's never locked."
After Malfoy left, Harry and Ron exchanged a glance.
"What's a wizard duel?" Harry asked. "And what do you mean by being my second?"
"Oh, if you die, your second takes over," Ron casually explained. He finally started eating his cooled-down pastry.
He caught the expression on Harry's face and quickly added, "But you know, people only die when they duel properly. You and Malfoy would probably just shoot a few sparks at each other—both of you know too little magic to really hurt the other. Still, I bet he thought you'd refuse."
"If I wave my wand and nothing happens, what do I do?" Harry asked.
"Then drop your wand, aim for his nose, and punch it," Ron shrugged, mischievously offering his advice.
"Excuse me for interrupting." On the opposite end of the table, Hermione suddenly spoke up.
"Can't people eat in peace here?" Ron quipped.
Ignoring him, Hermione addressed Harry. "I couldn't help overhearing your conversation with Malfoy..."
"I knew you'd be like this," Ron grumbled.
"At night, you absolutely can't roam the school aimlessly. Just think, if you get caught, Gryffindor could lose how many points? And you'll definitely be caught; you're really selfish."
"This really isn't your business," Harry retorted.
"Goodbye," Ron added.
As Hermione walked away, she suddenly turned back with an annoyed stomp. And then, she noticed Maca sitting not far away.
"Hey, you heard that too, right? You should've stopped them too."
Ever since that Herbology class when she had a conversation with Maca, Hermione occasionally bumped into him in the library. She would often sit down and discuss study-related questions.
As time passed, they had become somewhat acquainted.
"You saw it too, the way they are. Stopping them wouldn't have made a difference," Maca approached and shrugged helplessly. "Despite Harry usually being friendly, deep down, he's quite stubborn. Once he's made up his mind, it's hard for others to change it."
Hermione pursed her lips and walked away towards the exit without saying a word. However, before parting, she suddenly turned, her face full of frustration, and shot Maca an exasperated look.