Time moved into December.
The weather grew increasingly cold, the Black Lake was covered with a thick layer of ice, and even the Giant Squid rarely came out these days. Except for the absence of snow, it was winter in every sense.
Even Adrian was reluctant to go outdoors in such weather. He had installed an ordinary fireplace in his office and kept two fire salamanders in it.
These were small lizards that lived in flames; as long as the fire didn't go out, they could survive indefinitely. Of course, once the flame extinguished, they would die very quickly.
Fire salamander blood possessed strong healing properties and could be used in many potions, so many wizards liked to keep some during winter.
"Alright, little ones, dinner time." Adrian said as he threw branches of flame wood into the fireplace.
Just a small piece of flame wood could keep the fireplace burning for almost an entire day. And the flames were the daily diet of these little creatures.
As the fire salamanders jumped up and down in the fireplace, the temperature in the office gradually rose, leading Adrian to take off his robe and collapse into his chair.
Rest periods always brought joy.
At this moment, on the desk before him sat two small bottles.
After a period of research, Adrian had finally transformed his remaining two golden apples into two vials of golden-yellow potion.
[Name: Purification Potion]
According to the analysis of the Wisdom Tree, this purification potion could, to some extent, eliminate dark magic influences from the human body or surrounding environment, including curses, hexes, and other dark magic effects.
It was a powerful healing potion.
Compared to the original golden apple, this potion's healing effect was more obvious.
Just as Adrian was lost in thought about the potion, a gentle knock on the door interrupted his daydreams.
Adrian looked up, gently placing the Purification Potion in a small box and carefully closing the lid.
The door slowly opened, and an unexpected visitor entered Adrian's office.
Hermione Granger walked in, her cheeks were slightly reddened by the cold wind outside, and her hair was even more disheveled than usual.
She was carrying several books, and since it was Saturday, Adrian guessed that this diligent girl had just returned from the library. "Professor, sorry to disturb you," Hermione said politely. "I just wanted to ask you some questions."
Adrian was momentarily surprised, then pointed to the chair opposite him. "Sit down, Hermione."
Although aware of Hermione's enthusiasm for learning, as a professor of Care of Magical Creatures, Adrian found it somewhat unexpected, after all, this subject wasn't included in the academic courses until third year.
"So, what did you want to ask?" Adrian inquired curiously.
Hermione thought for a moment, then said, "It's about the Wit-Sharpening Potion. I read about it in a book. I heard this potion can significantly enhance a wizard's intelligence, making one smarter in a short time. Is that true?"
'Wit-Sharpening Potion?'
Hearing Hermione's question, Adrian shook his head. "Actually, the Wit-Sharpening Potion is a common potion that can make one's thoughts clearer. However, that doesn't mean it makes you smarter.
The proper use is when you feel your mind is in chaos, you can drink this potion, and it will make your learning much smoother. Of course, problems you don't understand will still remain puzzling.
You'll learn how to make this potion in your third or fourth year."
Hearing Adrian's explanation, Hermione nodded thoughtfully, though also seeming somewhat disappointed.
She had always felt she wasn't smart enough...
After that, Adrian looked at Hermione with confusion and asked, "About these things, shouldn't you be asking your Potions professor?"
Hermione slightly lowered her head, awkwardly saying, "Harry said... you're also skilled at potions. So, I thought I might come to ask you."
'So that was it though it's not surprising.' Adrian nodded.
Indeed, for students like Hermione, facing Snape's cold demeanor wasn't easy.
Though Snape would likely answer Hermione's questions, Adrian felt the tone certainly wouldn't be particularly pleasant.
Adrian himself had experienced this during his student days.
Adrian gave Hermione a reassuring look, speaking in a gentle tone: "Hermione, you can come to me anytime with questions, it's no big deal. I'm happy to help—if I know the answer."
Hermione's face immediately showed a grateful smile. "Thank you, Professor."
At that moment, crackling sounds came from Adrian's fireplace.
A fire salamander, perhaps sensing freedom, jumped out of the fireplace, leaving a small scorched mark on the wooden floor.
Adrian quickly waved his wand, trying to send the fire salamander back into the fireplace.
But the little creature gave a powerful kick in midair, made a popping sound, and landed right next to Hermione's feet.
Away from the flames, the fire salamander immediately began struggling on the floor, looking as if it might expire at any moment.
"Hermione, quickly, help me out, put that little one back in the fireplace!" Adrian said.
Startled by this sudden turn of events, Hermione reacted quickly. After hearing Adrian, she immediately bent down and carefully scooped up the struggling fire salamander with both hands.
The salamander's body felt slightly warm in her palms, but not unbearably hot. Then, she walked to the fireplace and gently placed the fire salamander back.
After doing all this, Adrian explained to her, "That's a fire salamander, a magical creature."
"I know, Professor," Hermione turned her head, showing a confident expression. "I plan to take Care of Magical Creatures in my third year, so I've already pre-read 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.' I read about fire salamanders in the book—they're magical creatures that live in flames."
"Excellent, Hermione," Adrian nodded approvingly. "If we were in class, I'd definitely award Gryffindor two points."
A first-year student already pre-reading third-year course material, and an elective at that. Adrian could only express admiration. At least Adrian had never encountered such a student before.
Hermione smiled somewhat sheepishly, while also feeling a bit sad. Losing two potential points was truly a pity.
As she left the fireplace, Hermione couldn't help but glance at the bookshelf nearby—it was filled with books.
Who could resist a bookshelf full of books? Hermione certainly couldn't.
When she saw the name on one of the books, she paused slightly.
On the spine of that book was written: "The Unknown Stories of Nicolas Flamel"
However, Hermione didn't pay much attention to it. There were too many famous people in the wizarding world; she couldn't possibly remember them all.
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