Return of Salazar Slytherin

Rhys wasn't being sarcastic or mocking Daphne—he genuinely believed at this moment that the girl had a talent for potion-making. 

Previously, Daphne had always followed instructions from either himself or Snape. Whatever was written on the board or verbally explained, she would replicate exactly as instructed.

This wasn't to say she lacked ability—many young wizards couldn't even manage to follow instructions correctly—but to become a true Potions Master, relying solely on a teacher's notes wouldn't suffice. 

If one always depended on written instructions or notes, their ultimate achievement would be no more than that of an outstanding apothecary. 

Snape had noticed Daphne's actions. He quickly walked over to her table, watching as she retrieved the handkerchief, which had been boiling in the cauldron for nearly a minute. 

"Miss Greengrass, I need to understand the reasoning behind your recent actions," Snape said, looking at her.

His face betrayed no emotion, making it difficult to discern what he was thinking. 

"This method takes less time, is more efficient in extracting juice, and avoids the effort of slicing the berries."

Daphne explained, pointing to the small pile of berries on the cutting board of the young wizard at the next table. If they were cut one by one, it would take at least fifteen minutes. 

In potion-making, most of the time spent preparing ingredients went into slicing berries. Daphne's approach had indeed saved a considerable amount of time. 

Snape's gaze shifted to the soggy handkerchief. 

For a brief moment, Daphne felt a pang of panic.

However, remembering that Rhys had tacitly approved her actions, she steadied herself. 

"Since the potion is filtered at the end anyway, I believe boiling the handkerchief directly in the cauldron is not an issue. It also improves the efficiency of extracting the berry juice." 

Snape nodded slightly, then took the shoe from Daphne's hand, flipped it over, and motioned for her to inspect the condition of the heel. 

"During the pounding process, dirt from your shoe adhered to the handkerchief, which you then threw into your cauldron. Your potion has been contaminated," Snape said softly, placing her shoe gently back on the table. 

Daphne: Σ(っ°Д°;)っ 

"It will have some impact, but not a significant one on the potion's efficacy. The idea is good, but next time, think more carefully before acting—you're a Slytherin. Learn to use your brain and don't act recklessly like certain others." Snape added, offering some advice while subtly mocking the Gryffindor students nearby.

Then he walked away. 

Daphne had her house to thank for this outcome. If she had been in Gryffindor, points would undoubtedly have been deducted. 

Following Daphne's demonstration, the other students began to imitate her method. They found various objects to wrap the elderberries, then devised ways to crush them. 

Perhaps due to Daphne's method saving a great deal of time and effort, today's Potions class was unusually free of major accidents. 

By the end of the class, even Snape's expression seemed noticeably calmer. 

"Very creative. Potion-making does require some innovative thinking, but it's always better to think things through first," Rhys said, reviewing the recent class experience with Daphne as they walked out of the Potions classroom. 

Passing by the notice board in the entrance hall, Rhys noticed a small group of students gathered around, reading a newly posted piece of parchment. A few Gryffindor students looked particularly excited, calling out to Harry and Ron to join them. 

Curious, Rhys walked over and saw that it was an announcement. The parchment detailed plans for a Dueling Club being established at the school, with the first meeting scheduled for that evening. Any interested students were invited to attend. 

"Interesting. Is the school finally focusing on developing the students' combat abilities?" Rhys remarked, genuinely pleased by the news of the Dueling Club's creation. 

What Rhys didn't realize was that this new initiative was indirectly tied to him. 

Previously, when a spy from the Secret Order tried infiltrating Hogwarts by water magic, Rhys had discovered and dealt with them. Following the trail, he eliminated the spy and left the body to be delivered to Dumbledore by the Hog's Head's enigmatic bartender. 

The repeated attempts by suspicious individuals to breach the school's defenses, coupled with Dumbledore's own experience, made it clear that such intrusions were unlikely to cease anytime soon. This was an unprecedented level of attention aimed at Hogwarts. 

Raising the students' self-defense capabilities had quickly become a priority.

It just so happens that Hogwarts now has the most reliable Defense Against the Dark Arts professor in recent years...

Thus, under Dumbledore's suggestion, the Dueling Club was established. 

"This looks interesting," Daphne said thoughtfully as she read the notice on the board. 

"Let's participate," Rhys decided.

It was a perfect opportunity to assess the current combat skills of Hogwarts' young wizards and witches. 

He didn't set his expectations too high—just as long as it wasn't two people firing sparks at each other or as dull as watching Muggles set off fireworks, he figured it would be acceptable. 

By 8 p.m., nearly the entire student body had shown up. 

The words "Dueling Club" had an allure for these energetic young wizards almost equal to "Quidditch." 

Whether it was the chance to engage in a spirited duel with someone from a rival house without risking detention, to impress a young lady with one's magical prowess, or to learn practical spells for combat, everyone had their reasons. 

The Great Hall quickly filled as students poured in, all heading for the same destination. Rhys and the Greengrass sisters were no exception. They followed the crowd into the hall, where the club's first meeting was being held. 

The long house tables had been moved aside, leaving the vast space open. The ceiling above was velvet-black, illuminated by the soft glow of a thousand floating candles.

At the center of the hall stood a circular platform. Its height and design ensured that students in every corner could clearly see what would unfold onstage. 

In one corner of the Great Hall, a pile of hundreds of cushions lay stacked, while a thick, plush carpet covered the floor. It was evident that tonight's lesson wouldn't just involve theory.

Students gathered eagerly around the circular platform, wands in hand, their faces alight with excitement. The area around the stage was packed tight, resembling a tin of sardines, as everyone vied for a closer view.

"Who do you think will be teaching us how to duel?"

Rhys overheard Astoria ask.

Daphne replied, "It's likely Professor Flitwick. He was a dueling champion in his youth. But I'm sure other professors will be involved too—there's no way they'd let Professor Flitwick duel the students himself."

Rhys turned to glance at Daphne. She looked ready to spring into action, clutching her wand so tightly that her knuckles had turned white.

Little girl, are you sure you're not just a tiny bit more eager than you're letting on? 

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