With Orli's departure, the cellar returned to its oppressive gloom. Only the ticking of the clock and the occasional crackle from the still-burning fire beneath the cauldron broke the deathly silence.
Severus Snape stood before the cauldron for a long time, so long that his legs grew sore, yet he did not sit down. He felt unusually out of sorts today—he had deliberately ruined a batch of potion with his own hands! This was something unprecedented in his 33 years of life.
The Wolfsbane Potion had been a research topic of great interest to him lately, and what Waters said was not unreasonable. However... the thought of her excitement inexplicably ignited a nameless fire of irritation within him.
Dumbledore had spoken to him privately again recently. Given that Waters had no guardian, the old man was concerned about any unforeseen incidents during the holidays and had actually suggested that he keep an eye on her during the summer.
Would Peter Pettigrew really find his way to the Waters' house and cast a Killing Curse on her? Or would some Death Eater lie in wait there, ready to teach her dark magic over the summer?
He was thoroughly annoyed by Dumbledore's attitude—clearly distrustful of Waters, yet believing in that prophecy, and acting all friendly in front of her. Meanwhile, he was tasked with keeping an eye on her, adding a heap of trouble for him! He had already increased Waters' weekly tasks to three times; who knew how he would find an excuse to monitor her throughout the summer. Was he really stuck with the babysitting job?!
Moreover, Waters was growing up, reaching an age where propriety mattered, and she had her own thoughts. The image of that increasingly beautiful young girl uncontrollably surfaced in his mind... If he were to spend another summer alone with her... Reason told him that certain things were slipping out of his control.
The cauldron he had just emptied still emitted wisps of smoke. Looking at the notes on the Wolfsbane Potion on the table, he easily thought of an excuse to spend the summer with Waters. And he knew, no matter how flimsy the excuse, she wouldn't refuse, and might even be as enthusiastic as she was earlier.
If he truly were a professor with a clear conscience, he would suggest Dumbledore find her a female guardian, like Molly Weasley. After all, that rat hole of theirs seemed to have birthed a dozen kids; adding one more Waters wouldn't consume much more bread. But did he really not want to spend a summer alone with her?
Some dark tendrils crept from the deepest corners of his heart, growing into weeds that were hard to uproot. He took out the small double-sided mirror from the drawer, staring at his pale reflection, greasy black hair, and hollow eyes, and muttered in disgust:
"Severus Snape. Look at yourself, you despicable, disgusting, filthy wretch."
-----
Walking out of the cellar office, Orli's steps were heavy. She carried the goblet, feeling as if she were heading to the gallows. Snape couldn't possibly brew a new potion for Lupin in time, and Lupin needed to take his potion today. She had no choice but to give him this strange liquid and hope it was effective without any bizarre side effects.
Fortunately, no unexpected incidents occurred. Although the two herbs altered the potion's properties, they didn't affect its efficacy. However, Lupin's expression was quite grim after reluctantly drinking it.
"I don't know what your professor added..." Lupin said, his face a bit pale, as if suppressing a urge to vomit. "It tastes like burnt, spoiled meat broth."
Orli almost fled from Lupin's office, silently apologizing to Professor Lupin in her heart.
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