HP: Supreme Potion Collector [Original Female Protagonist]

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Soon everyone had left, and even the troll had been removed by Professor McGonagall, leaving only Orli and Snape in the wrecked bathroom.

"Waters, where did you get that powerful Sleeping Draught?" Snape stared intently into Orli's eyes. "This potion's concentration is strong enough to knock out a dragon. I don't recall teaching you how to brew such a potion!"

"Actually, I brought it from home," Orli averted her gaze, desperately fabricating an excuse in her mind. "The Waters family vault always has some items for self-defense."

"So you think you're invincible now." Snape said coldly. "You believed one potion was enough to face a troll? I remember ordering you back to your dormitory!"

"I'm sorry, Professor." Orli lowered her head, looking at her sock-clad feet. The bathroom's burst pipes had flooded the floor, and her feet were now wet and cold.

"Since Miss Waters treats my words as mere background noise, I naturally won't bother teaching you anything anymore," Snape said mockingly. "Go be your brave Gryffindor self - you needn't come to my office anymore."

As he turned to leave, his robes swirled, briefly revealing a long, deep wound on his leg before he quickly covered it again.

Orli anxiously grabbed his sleeve, then immediately realized what she'd done and let go, her face turning pale.

But she really couldn't bear losing Snape's guidance - it felt like having her wand snapped in half.

"Professor, I truly know I was wrong! I wasn't ignoring your words!" Orli explained frantically. "I just found out Harry and the others went looking for Hermione, and when I heard fighting, I came to check. I only meant to look from afar to make sure they were safe!"

"Yet you still chose to run out and throw that potion," Snape scoffed. "I doubt even the Waters family has many such precious potions in stock, especially the 'current' Waters family."

"That potion was indeed expensive, but Professor," Orli replied deliberately, "a potion's true value isn't measured by its price, but by whether it's used appropriately and fulfills its true purpose. I think trading that potion for Harry and the others' safety was worth it."

Though she mourned her emptied savings, she had no regrets.

Snape stopped and glanced at Orli. Then he raised his wand, and two dark objects flew quickly from the corridor, landing in front of her.

Orli instinctively dodged, then realized they were her shoes.

"Put on your shoes and get back to Gryffindor Tower. Now." Snape turned toward the dungeons.

"Professor! Wait!" Orli quickly grabbed her shoes and took a few steps after him. "Can I still come to your office this weekend? Please!"

Snape didn't answer her, his black robes soon disappearing into the shadows of the stairwell.

But Orli felt relieved - she sensed that Snape hadn't refused.

---

When Orli returned to the common room, Hermione, who had been waiting for her, immediately rushed over and hugged her tightly.

Harry and Ron stood awkwardly to the side with their plates, mumbled a thanks, then walked away uncomfortably.

Though the atmosphere wasn't exactly harmonious at that moment, from that day forward, the four of them truly became friends.

People often need a catalyst to open their hearts to each other. Perhaps facing a twelve-foot troll together was just such a catalyst.

Although this somewhat deviated from Orli's original intentions, as she sat by the fireplace sharing a plate of cupcakes with Hermione, watching Harry and Ron laughing while playing wizard's chess, that gray future didn't seem quite so frightening anymore.

At least now, she was willing to face it together with her friends.