Chapter 51. Harry's Doubts
Hagrid's uncomfortable expression made Harry realise something.
Snape's dislike of him must have a special reason; it wasn't simply that he didn't like him.
And Hagrid must know something.
However, no matter how Harry tried to bring it up indirectly, Hagrid refused to continue the topic and just kept stuffing rock cakes into his pockets.
As for Adrian Wesson?
At some point, he seemed to have been fixed on a newspaper the whole time.
In fact, Adrian's attention had indeed been drawn away by this issue of the Daily Prophet.
The headline blazed in bold type: GRINGOTTS BREAK-IN.
What's more, the area around that line had already been half cut out, as if its owner had planned to clip it but stopped halfway.
It said that on 31 July a group of people had infiltrated Gringotts, apparently to steal some item, but before that, someone had already removed the thing in advance.
"The Philosopher's Stone…" Adrian couldn't help murmuring.
Adrian naturally had an impression of the Philosopher's Stone.
After all, the beginning of Harry Potter's story unfolded around the Stone.
As a wizard, to say one had no interest in the Philosopher's Stone would be a lie.
Adrian was no exception.
Extending one's lifespan, brewing a true Elixir of Life, turning metal into gold.
Who could truly resist these?
But what Adrian was really curious about was how the Philosopher's Stone was made.
The pinnacle of alchemy, the symbol of undying life—how did Nicolas Flamel achieve such a miracle?
Adrian's eyes were on the newspaper, but his thoughts had already drifted far.
Perhaps he could let the Tree of Wisdom take a look at the Stone…
There might be unexpected gains.
"Professor Wesson?"
Ron's voice broke his train of thought.
"Mm? What is it?" Adrian finally came back to himself and looked at Ron.
"Hagrid wants me to give you this, Professor," Ron said, handing Adrian something.
Adrian lowered his head to look at the rock cake that had been shoved into his hand, and the corner of his mouth twitched slightly.
"Er… thanks," he said, looking a bit helplessly at Ron.
Hagrid's afternoon tea went on for a long time, but Adrian left halfway through—he had to think about what homework to set for his lovely students.
Although he hadn't assigned after-class work to the third- and fourth-years, the fifth-years wouldn't escape.
After all, the O.W.L.s were pressing.
Nine months would pass in the blink of an eye.
As the simplest, most straightforward yardstick for judging whether a professor was competent, the O.W.L.s were unmatched.
So Adrian couldn't let his students slack off at this crucial time.
…
Evening, dinner time.
Adrian strolled into the Great Hall.
This was one nice thing about Hogwarts—once you sat down, the food would arrive in an endless stream.
Of course Adrian knew it was because the House-elves had prepared everything in advance.
At that thought, he couldn't help feeling a little envious.
After all, those peculiar beings didn't require wages, were full of energy, and were unfailingly loyal.
To a wizard, they were ideal helpers.
But Adrian quickly shook off these irrelevant thoughts. He wasn't here to ponder House-elf labour issues today—he was here to enjoy a hearty dinner.
Those rock cakes had already left him with a mild psychological shadow; he urgently needed a normal meal to soothe it.
However, before he could pick up a piece of roast beef, a familiar voice interrupted him.
"Professor."
Adrian looked up to find Harry standing opposite him, expression grave.
"What's the matter?" Adrian raised a brow. "Something you need, Harry?"
Harry didn't answer at once. He took Adrian by the arm and led him out to a secluded corridor.
Harry glanced around; after confirming no one was nearby, he lowered his voice and said to Adrian, "Sir, I want to ask you something about Professor Snape."
Adrian blinked, lifted his brows, and said, "What's brought this on—suddenly asking me about Snape?"
Harry pressed his lips together, as if weighing how to say it. At last he sighed and, a bit helplessly, said, "This afternoon I went to ask him myself whether I'd done something wrong to make him so angry with me in class."
Adrian was astonished. He gave Harry a once-over, as if checking whether he'd been hit by some odd spell that gave him the nerve to confront Snape.
"And then?" Adrian asked, curious.
"Professor Snape docked me another five points—for disrespecting a professor," Harry said with a trace of resentment.
In truth, he already regretted it a bit. He'd naïvely thought professors were amiable—like Adrian.
But the reality was the opposite.
When Professor Snape looked at him, it was as if he meant to swallow him whole.
Harry stared at Adrian, confusion and doubt in his eyes. "For Professor Snape to hate me that much, there has to be a reason. Sir, you must know something."
Adrian looked at Harry's expression and rubbed his temples.
In fact, this wasn't something he should be explaining.
After all, it was, to some extent, someone else's private business.
And explaining it all to Harry felt… somewhat inappropriate.
Adrian pondered for a moment, then spoke anyway—because whatever the case, Harry was his student. He couldn't very well lie and say he knew nothing.
That would be pointless.
"When I first came to Hogwarts, Snape was already a fifth-year."
Hearing Adrian answer, Harry's eyes lit up.
Adrian went on, "At the time, he and your father, James Potter, didn't get on."
At the word "father," Harry froze.
He'd had his suspicions before, but learning it really was because of his parents still felt a little unreal.
"When a cocksure Gryffindor meets a Slytherin with a prideful streak, it rarely ends well."
Harry frowned and pressed, "And then?"
Adrian spread his hands. "That I don't know. I only know that back then, everyone at Hogwarts knew they were at odds. The most likely reason Snape dislikes you so much is your father."
Seeing Adrian fall silent, Harry lowered his head, heavy-hearted, thoughts in a tangle.
It wasn't just because of Snape; even more, it was because of the name Adrian had said—James Potter.
What kind of person had he been?
After a moment, Adrian looked at the dazed Harry, patted his shoulder, and steered him back towards the hall. "Come on, let's go eat."
…
Like this story Leave a review ; it would really help me out a lot.
Want to Read Ahead in Advance?
Join my Patreon!
+75 Chapters
Support me in
Patreon.com/BestElysium