In addition to his meetings in Professor McGonagall's office, Kyle was also tasked with visiting the offices of Professors Flitwick and Sprout. After all, each house had students interested in joining the Ministry of Magic.
For Slytherin, however, Snape didn't seem to think his students needed Kyle's advice, which saved him a significant amount of time.
For several days, Kyle was busy shuttling between the three heads of houses' offices, often even during class hours. The professors seemed unconcerned about him missing lessons, so it wasn't until three days into the new term that Kyle finally walked into a classroom again.
"You're late," Snape said, his tone colder than the February chill in the dungeons.
"Sorry, I just came from Professor Flitwick's office," Kyle explained. "I thought he'd already spoken to you."
"Ah, yes..." Snape drawled, his voice dripping with mockery. "Senior Assistant to the Minister for Magic—such an impressive title for someone who hasn't even graduated. Remarkable."
Kyle could feel the sarcasm but didn't reply.
"What are you waiting for? Do you need me to tell you where to sit?" Snape added sharply.
Kyle quickly moved to the only vacant table and sat down beside Kanna, who turned to say something but was cut off by Snape's commanding voice.
"Antidote to Common Poisons," Snape announced, his wand flicking toward the blackboard. "A highly efficient antidote capable of countering many poisons and even mitigating some effects of dark magic."
The production steps appeared on the board in sharp, neat writing.
"The required materials are in the cabinet. Be aware, due to the cost of unicorn horns, each student may take only one. If anyone wastes this material, they will bear the cost themselves."
The class formed a line to collect ingredients. Kyle received a piece of bezoar, a bag of mistletoe berries, a small vial of Murtlap bile, and a thin slice of unicorn horn about the size of a Galleon.
"I thought it'd be a whole horn, but it's just this small piece," Kyle muttered under his breath before falling silent under Snape's icy glare.
Given the price of unicorn horns—twenty-one Galleons even for a hollowed-out piece used as decoration—it wasn't surprising that the school rationed them so strictly. According to Advanced Potion-Making, a complete horn was needed to brew a perfect Antidote to Common Poisons, but the cost of providing one per student would be astronomical.
Still, the smaller portion was enough for beginners. Even so, by the end of the lesson, only three students had managed to brew the potion correctly, and none were usable. The ingredients, particularly the unicorn horn, would have been wasted if tested.
"How's your preparation coming along?" Kyle asked Kanna as they exited the dungeon classroom together. "Are you planning to take the Most Extraordinary Society of Potioneers' assessment after the school year ends?"
"That's what Professor Snape suggested," Kanna replied, stuffing two thick books into her bag. "He told me to brew as many different potions as I can over the next few months and to work without interruptions to familiarize myself with the processes."
"Oh, and he said I need to compile a list of the latest potion formulas. That's apparently the first step toward joining the society."
Kyle nodded thoughtfully. He knew the Most Extraordinary Society of Potioneers valued practical talent above written achievements. Submitting an original potion recipe with unique insights was a key part of the process, much like submitting a paper to Transfiguration Today.
"Do you need any help?" Kyle offered. "I have Basilisk venom and scales—rare ingredients you won't find anywhere else. Combine those with a few other components, and you'll have a unique potion that's guaranteed to stand out."
"And I might be able to get Phoenix tears, though you'd have to wait for Professor Dumbledore to return."
"No need," Kanna said with a shake of her head. "I finished my new potion recipe before Christmas. Professor Snape already reviewed it and said it meets the society's standards. Now, it's just a matter of deepening my knowledge of potions."
"I see. Well, let me know if you change your mind," Kyle replied.
"I'll be fine," Kanna reassured him. "Last year's selection process included a very obscure question—the Merperson's Elixir. No one passed that year because of it."
"The Merperson's Elixir?" Kyle repeated, frowning. "Did someone annoy the examiners last year?"
The potion, which allowed a wizard to grow a fish tail and breathe underwater, was seldom used. Even in the broader magical community, Gillyweed was the preferred solution for underwater activities. The potion's practical applications were limited to those wanting to disguise themselves as merpeople.
By the way, Sirens are creatures with human-like bodies and fish tails, known for their striking beauty. They are a completely different species from the unattractive Selkies in the Black Lake, who always look like they are in a bad mood. Kyle couldn't help but suspect that whoever invented this potion might have had ulterior motives.
...
"That's why I need to gain more knowledge to cope with their tricky exams," Kanna said, rubbing her eyes.
Recently, she had been spending almost all her free time in the school library. The library offered a wide range of books on potions, even covering the most obscure topics. This was her advantage—something that graduates no longer had access to.
"By the way," Kyle asked suddenly, "what's the potion formula you invented?"
"A fatigue-relieving potion," Kanna replied. "I used dragon's claw powder and peppermint leaves, which help invigorate the mind."
"Peppermint..." Kyle mused, as if recalling something. "Isn't that what you added to the chocolate you gave me for Christmas?"
"That's right," Kanna said with a smile. "How did you feel?"
"It's more effective than Baruffio's Brain Elixir," Kyle admitted, smiling back. "At least I didn't feel drowsy at all today."
Baruffio's Brain Elixir could help with concentration and staying awake, but after two hours, it left people utterly drained, as if they had finished an intense workout. Kyle had eaten the chocolate Kanna gave him on Christmas Day, and he hadn't experienced that energy crash. Of course, the potion's effects were weaker than Baruffio's Brain Elixir, but it had kept him alert all day.
"I found the formula in an old book filled with fascinating herb combinations."
"That's amazing," Kyle said. "Have you thought about selling it? You could make a fortune."
With exams looming closer since the Easter holidays, anything that helped students stay focused had become highly sought after—especially among fifth to seventh years. Baruffio's Brain Elixir, for instance, was selling for twelve Galleons.
The problem was that products like Baruffio's Brain Elixir, which enhanced wisdom and memory, were considered cheating tools, much like Felix Felicis. They were banned for use during exams, and any student caught with them risked having the product confiscated—a significant financial loss.
Kanna's new potion, however, didn't have those issues. It simply kept people from feeling drowsy, which was exactly what sleepy students needed. Since it was newly invented and not yet classified as a banned substance, it wouldn't be confiscated even if discovered.
It was perfect.
"Forget it," Kanna said with a smile. "I still have to study, and I don't have time to brew potions. I only made some for my friends."
She pulled a small bottle from her bag and handed it to Kyle. "This is for you."
The bottle contained a translucent, light-blue potion. When opened, it emitted a faint minty aroma mixed with a delicate sweetness, reminiscent of sunflower stalks. It was a far cry from the bitter, astringent taste of Baruffio's Brain Elixir.
"You don't need much at a time," Kanna explained. "This bottle should last about a week. Unfortunately, dragon's claw powder is hard to find, and I didn't brew it perfectly. In the end, I only managed to make six bottles."
She began listing the recipients. "Cedric and the Weasley twins are in their seventh year, so they could use it. Cho, too. And the last bottle will go to Hermione—she's in her fifth year, and the O.W.L. exams are really important."
Kyle's expression grew a little strange. "What did you say was hard to find?"
"Dragon's claw powder," Kanna replied. "It's not sold in Hogsmeade, and I've used up all the stock from Professor Snape's private cupboard. He's helping me source more."
Kyle's expression turned even stranger. He couldn't resist asking, "Take a good look at me. Do you remember anything?"
"Huh?" Kanna blinked, studying him. Her cheeks flushed slightly, but she still asked blankly, "Did I forget something?"
Kyle said nothing. Instead, he pulled her into an empty classroom and retrieved a suitcase.
"Follow me. I want to show you something," he said, opening the suitcase and stepping inside.
Kanna followed him, curiosity piqued.
They arrived in a small room at the entrance of the suitcase. Kanna noticed that the room looked more complete than the last time she had been there. What had once been a spacious but sparsely furnished area now had a narrow path, barely wide enough for one person to walk through.
"Sit down," Kyle said casually, heading straight to the bookshelves to retrieve a bag.
"Take a look at this," he said, emptying the bag onto the table. Seven or eight ten-inch claws clattered out.
Kanna froze. "This can't be..."
"Yes, dragon claws," Kyle confirmed. "Have you forgotten? I visited the dragon reserve in Romania and brought back quite a few trophies."
"I know," Kanna replied, still dazed. "But I thought you only brought back teeth and scales."
"Dragons don't just bite each other when they fight," Kyle said with a smirk. "Their claws are stronger and don't break as easily as their teeth, so I didn't find as many of them."
"Is this enough? If not..." Kyle glanced toward the door.
Norbert was likely eating or sleeping, and Kyle figured it wouldn't hurt to tease the Mooncalf or trim Norbert's claws a little if needed.
"No, no, this is plenty," Kanna said quickly. "Dragon claw powder only needs a tiny amount—one claw can be used about five times."
"Then it's all yours." Kyle pushed the claws toward her. "If you need more, just let me know."
"All of it for me?" Kanna asked, surprised. "Aren't you keeping some for yourself?"
"I don't need this stuff," Kyle shrugged nonchalantly. "And even if I did, I could always get more later."
Meanwhile, Norbert, who had been chasing the Mooncalf, suddenly stopped and leapt onto a nearby cliff, scanning the area suspiciously. He sensed a malicious intent, as though someone was scheming against him.
Norbert's gaze swept over the sleeping black cat on the ground. With a disdainful snort, he exhaled a small flame. That weak little thing couldn't possibly challenge him.
Turning his attention to a cave nearby, Norbert's expression grew serious. He was sure the culprit was there. The big snake that lived in the cave had once given him a look so terrifying that his wings had gone limp, nearly sending him plummeting from the sky.
Annoyed by the memory, Norbert flapped his wings and flew to the cave. Tilting his head back, he built up his strength and unleashed a blast of flames at the entrance.
A loud hiss came from within, followed by a dull thudding sound, as though something was attempting to emerge but was blocked. Satisfied with his show of dominance, Norbert roared triumphantly and returned to playing with the Mooncalf.
By this time, Kyle and Kanna had already left the suitcase, unaware of the commotion inside.
Kanna made her way to the dungeons to ask Snape for help grinding the dragon claws into powder. The task required precise magical techniques that neither she nor Kyle possessed. Snape, though, had the expertise.
Kyle didn't accompany her. He figured Snape might be less cooperative with him around and was sure the professor would make some snide remark. Instead, Kyle decided to use the time to distribute the potions Kanna had made.
Cedric and Cho accepted theirs without much fuss. The Weasley twins, however, lit up with excitement when they heard about the potion's effects.
"Listen to me, Kyle, this stuff is going to make a fortune!" Fred exclaimed, clutching the bottle. "Do you know how many people have been trying to get their hands on Baruffio's Brain Elixir lately?"
"That Ravenclaw, Carmichael, already sold a few bottles," George added.
"But all of them got confiscated by Professor Flitwick in the end," Fred said, laughing.
Kyle shook his head. "Don't even think about it. This potion is for Kanna's test for the Most Extraordinary Society of Potioneers. It's best not to let it get out before then. Just use it yourselves."
The twins calmed down at his words. Though the promise of Galleons was tempting, they knew Kanna's test was far more important.
Besides, if they sabotaged Kanna's plans, Professor Snape might very well throw them into a cauldron—and Kyle would likely seal the lid for good measure.
Kyle also handed Hermione her share of the potion. She hesitated, her expression conflicted.
"Using a potion before an exam feels like cheating," she said. "Even if it's not officially on the banned list."
Kyle had expected this. With a shrug, he said, "That's fine. If you don't want it, give it to Harry and Ron. It'll help them stay awake long enough to read a whole book."
He paused, smirking. "Just make sure they don't tell anyone about it."
"I think they'd prefer a potion that turns knowledge into Pumpkin Juice so they wouldn't have to read," Hermione said, shaking her head. "But thank you anyway. I'll take care of it."
She added thoughtfully, "If Kanna passes the test for the Most Extraordinary Society of Potioneers, maybe this potion will inspire me to work harder."
Hermione took a deep breath, reflecting on her house's supposed qualities.
The school claimed each house valued distinct traits, but she wasn't so sure anymore. Kyle and Cedric were exceptional, and she had long come to terms with their abilities. But now there was Kanna, who was on track to set a record as the youngest member of the Most Extraordinary Society of Potioneers.
So perhaps Hufflepuff wasn't just about loyalty and hard work. Maybe, just maybe, it was the house that truly represented intelligence.