The next few days at Hogwarts were unusually calm. There were no inexplicable dangers or sudden monsters; apart from the magic, it truly felt like a normal, peaceful school.
Evans had a very comfortable time. Aside from the annoying fact that there was still a mountain of medieval history to learn, he didn't encounter any other unpleasantries, like difficult students or parent complaints.
Teaching the upper years was a bit more challenging, as Professor Kettleburn's whimsical teaching style meant Evans had no idea what the students had learned in previous classes. He had to teach and modify his lesson plans simultaneously. But even when revisiting familiar creatures, the students were very enthusiastic. A large part of that was due to the Stomping Charm.
Although Professor McGonagall thought the spell's destructive power was a bit too strong, Evans still demonstrated it to the other years in subsequent classes. Of course, he reduced the power slightly to ensure it wouldn't disturb anyone in the castle too much. He felt that since it was demonstrated, all years should be treated equally.
Besides, magic itself isn't terrifying; what's terrifying are its masters. As long as his teaching could make those young wizards understand the beauty of magical creatures, then even if he taught a few problem students… it should be fine, right? The destructive power of the Stomping Charm was indeed a bit strong, but Hogwarts' textbooks contained a variety of powerful spells. It would definitely be fine.
"Professor Kahn?"
"Hmm?" His gaze shifted to the left, where a boy with glasses, messy dark hair, and a somewhat thin build stood not far away, looking at him.
"Harry?" Evans smiled, pushing his notes aside. "What brings you to the library?"
Although Harry had visited his cabin several times since the start of the school year, this was the first time he had encountered him in the library. He didn't seem to like doing his homework here, which was normal. The Hogwarts common rooms themselves functioned as study rooms, spacious enough for all the students in a house to study in. Only some young wizards who liked to consult other materials would frequently come here. Or those who simply loved to study.
"I have something I want to ask you." Harry pulled out a nearby chair and sat down stiffly across from Evans. "You graduated from Slytherin, so you must know Professor Snape from Potions class, right?"
"Yes, very well." Evans nodded. When it came to familiarity with the big bat, he believed that no one understood Professor Snape better than him, apart from his former classmates.
After receiving Evans's confirmation, Harry paused and slowly described his troubles. As he listened, a peculiar gleam flashed in Evans's eyes.
"You think Professor Snape dislikes you intensely, which makes your Potions class very difficult? So you want me to give you some extra lessons to see if studying in advance can make it more comfortable?"
Harry nodded quickly, agreeing with the summary.
Interesting. Evans felt as if he had stumbled upon something. He had always wanted to uncover Professor Snape's past but had never found any interesting clues. But during the Sorting Ceremony, he had personally seen the complex look in the big bat's eyes when he looked at Harry. His memories from his previous life told him that the professor seemed to have a grudge against Harry's father, but this was definitely not the source of that story-filled gaze. There must be other secrets involved, and now was a very good starting point.
After a moment of thought, Evans slowly spoke. "My understanding of potions is limited to textbooks and some obscure knowledge; I haven't had many practical experiences, so my help to you might not be significant."
Seeing Harry's expression become downcast, Evans's lips curved slightly, and he changed the subject. "But I know Professor Snape very well."
Although he had never unearthed Professor Snape's secrets, this did not prevent him from understanding all his personality traits and preferences. If it weren't for this deep understanding, he wouldn't have been able to escape the big bat's encirclement numerous times and calm his emotions to prevent him from flying into a rage. In terms of emotional management, Evans had a lot of experience.
"Come, let me explain it to you properly." He wasted no time, waving his wand and conjuring a blackboard from who knows where, then began writing and drawing on it with chalk. Soon, a concise mind map appeared on the blackboard, with a bold title at the top:
Potions Class Survival Guide
After doing all this, Evans tapped the blackboard, a look of excitement on his face that he had never shown during regular classes. He had wanted to do this for a long time.
"This is a very profound subject, but if you learn it well, Professor Snape will never be biased against you again! Let's start with the big… Professor Snape's personality traits! First, in Professor Snape's class, you must not show any dislike. He is very petty; if you show him dislike, he will retaliate with even greater intensity. At such times, we must endure his actions; only if you appear very tolerant will Professor Snape feel guilty…"
In the time that followed, Evans meticulously explained some of Professor Snape's preferences and habits to Harry, from his most basic personality to some small tips for potion brewing. He also highlighted some potion content that Professor Snape liked and had Harry write them in his notes.
Unconsciously, more than an hour passed. Looking at the clock nearby, Evans took a sip of water and paused his lesson. If he talked too much at once, it would be too much to digest.
"That's all for today." He reached into his pocket, fumbled for a moment, then pulled out several old-looking books and handed them to Harry. "These are for you. They are some old books I found, containing many notes left by your seniors. Although some books don't have names, I've read them all, and they are all records left by true geniuses with talent in potions. Try to find out what tomorrow's Potions class will be about, and then preview the lesson based on the descriptions in these old books. Combined with the little tips and ideas I taught you today, trust me, Professor Snape will definitely look at you with new eyes. He might even make you the Potions class prefect!"
Taking the old books, Harry carefully put away his notes, then bowed to Evans while holding the books. "Thank you, Professor Kahn!"
When he looked up again, the dejection in his eyes was gone, replaced by a firm determination, having set a clear goal. Although he still thought Professor Snape was a very annoying person, after Professor Kahn's guidance, he now had a clear understanding of how to deal with him.
Looking at the determination in Harry's eyes, Evans smiled and extended his palm. "For an easy Potions class?"
"For an easy Potions class!" Harry high-fived Evans, then turned and quickly left the library. He had to put the books and notes back in his room first, and then, before dinner, find some older students to inquire about tomorrow's Potions class. Although Professor Snape's teaching content wasn't fixed, there was only so much to learn in a semester. By consolidating what all the older students had learned, he would surely find a pattern.
Watching Harry's retreating back, Evans's face broke into a satisfied smile. He had done another good deed, and he was very happy. He believed that tomorrow, when Professor Snape discovered Harry's transformation, he would also show a heartfelt smile. This way, Harry would have an easy Potions class, Professor Snape would gain a good student, and his years of struggle with the big bat would be passed down. A triple win.
At the library entrance, Hermione, holding books, looked at Harry, who was leaving with a look of heroic sacrifice, her face full of questions. "I thought Harry, along with Ron, would never go to the library. Why did he change his habits today? And what was with that strange expression?"
With doubts, Hermione entered the library and asked Evans.
"Nothing, a small matter." Trying his best to hide the smile on his face, Evans waved his wand, returning the blackboard he had conjured earlier to its original place, and subtly erased what was written on it. "Come, let's start today's study. After today, you should have completely mastered weather forecasting!"
(End of Chapter)
***
[Check Out My Patreon For More Chapters On All
Of My Fanfics!!] [www. [email protected]/meowthtl]
[+300 Power Stones = +1 Bonus Chapter]
[+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter]
[Thank You For Your Support!]