Chapter 20

The days passed quietly after that, and every week, I diligently went to Madam Pomfrey to learn medical spells. I had to admit, learning with a mentor was far more efficient. By the end of the term, I had mastered many basic medical spells and could handle minor injuries on my own. I might even qualify as a junior nurse.

After the busy exam period, my grades came out, and I did quite well, ranking in the top twenty in my year. Lily, as usual, was among the top few. Even the Slytherins couldn't deny her excellence, aside from her blood status. She was kind, enthusiastic, outstanding, and beautiful—our acknowledged Gryffindor princess.

Unlike someone who styled himself as the Gryffindor Knight, our classmate Potter—he originally claimed to be the Gryffindor Prince, perfect for the Princess. I had retorted that a prince and princess from the same family would be siblings, not a couple. So, he changed his title to Knight. This knight was arrogant and often lost points for Gryffindor without realizing it. In my opinion, he didn't deserve our Lily.

This term, Potter had plenty of show-off moments. He was selected for the Gryffindor Quidditch team as the Seeker. Flying was his strong suit; his small, agile frame made him a good fit for the position. However, I wondered how he could excel in catching the tiny Golden Snitch despite his poor eyesight and glasses. After watching one of his matches, I thought I had the answer—he flew around the pitch more chaotically than the Snitch itself.

My flying class grades were also excellent. I loved flying, the sensation of soaring high and fast. Such thrills were a luxury in my previous life. However, I didn't dare to seek such thrills on the school's shoddy brooms. At the start of the term, someone advised me to try out for the Quidditch team, but after learning the rules in detail, I chose to prioritize my safety.

However, I was always excited for Quidditch matches, as they brought many injured players to the hospital wing. Initially, I watched Madam Pomfrey treat them, but eventually, I assisted under her guidance, with Dumbledore's permission, of course. Thus, during every match, I'd eagerly anticipate the practice opportunities while muttering, "I'm not cursing you to get hurt…"

As a result, I became familiar with Quidditch players from all houses, including Slytherin. You can't give attitude to the person treating you. No matter who you are, pain levels everyone out in the hospital wing. Even the aristocrats would grimace in pain. Plus, being Madam Pomfrey's "apprentice" meant I had adopted her stern approach to making patients drink their potions. Madam Pomfrey appreciated my responsibility, though I simply enjoyed their varied expressions of reluctance.

I discussed potion taste with Severus. He said it would be challenging to adjust the flavor without affecting the efficacy, but it was possible. However, if potions tasted better, people might become more careless, leading to more injuries. Still, I could consider persuading Severus to make some palatable potions.

Potter and his friends were frequent visitors to the hospital wing. Sirius Black, the Beater, often heroically shielded Potter from attacks, both from players and Bludgers. This frequent interaction gradually softened our previously tense relationship, thanks to Severus. We started using first names, though I still called Potter "Potter" since "James" reminded me of my more adorable owl.

Before the break, the school gave us permission slips for our parents to sign, allowing us to visit Hogsmeade from the next term when we'd be in third year.

On the Hogwarts Express, the three of us occupied a compartment as usual. Locking the door and casting silencing spells had become our routine.

"Severus, I think Sawyer's idea is feasible. We can meet people who want to consign their potions at Hogsmeade on weekends," Lily suggested eagerly once the door was secured. "That way, Severus can inspect the potions in person. But… we'll only be third years next term, it might be hard to convince people."

"Ageing Potion," Severus replied succinctly.

"Exactly. Though it has a time limit, it'll suffice for potion inspections. Lily and I can handle the transactions." We were quite sharp.

"I mentioned the potion shop to my mother in my letter. She said we could take over if we solve the consignment issue. I'll discuss it further with her when I get home. I think this plan could work."

"Of course it will. As a Chinese proverb says, 'Three cobblers with their wits combined equal Zhuge Liang,'" I said, striking a heroic pose and laughing heartily. "With the three of us working together, no problem is too big! Ha-ha-ha!"

"Are you calling me a cobbler?" Severus raised an eyebrow, making Lily and me burst into laughter.

"Meeting people to consign potions every weekend?" Eileen considered, while we looked at her with hopeful eyes. "It's a good idea. Plan it out thoroughly, and if I approve, you can take over the shop."

"Yay!" Lily and I cheered, while Severus's restrained expression still showed excitement.

Eileen watched us high-fiving and laughing, then patted our heads. "Alright, discuss your plans and present them to me when you're ready."

For the next week, we met whenever possible to discuss our plans. We avoided Petunia, as our discussions would make her feel out of place and uncomfortable.

After our discussions, Lily compiled a plan and presented it to Eileen. Unsurprisingly, she approved and praised it.

We began preparing to take over the potion shop. Eileen planned to leave after we returned to school, so we had to fully take over and organize everything during this break. We were happily busy.

At Christmas, Eileen and Severus had moved. Eileen sold their house at the end of the alley and bought the house next to mine at 22 Spinner's End. The previous occupants seemed to have bought a better place and moved out. Spinner's End wasn't in the best condition; the area was declining, with the nearby mill on the brink of bankruptcy. Eileen easily bought the house and moved in. Living so close, Severus would have some company during the holidays.

Severus's new home quickly became our gathering spot. The previous owner had made a basement, likely for storage. Now, Severus had set it up as a potion lab, where we also discussed the potion shop, practically making it our office.

When we finished our tasks, we still had half a month before the term started. Frequent trips between home and Diagon Alley had us ready for the new term. I suddenly remembered the Christmas gifts from Eileen over the past two years—I'd intended to check them out over the summer but had completely forgotten in the midst of our busyness. With half a month left, I still had time… I hoped.

I quickly found the books on my bookshelf: "How to Manage Your Hair" and "Beauty Secrets." I spent the night reading them.

The next day, in Severus's basement, I declared, "I'm going for a makeover! I need your help."

Their expressions asked "why," so I held up the books. "These were Eileen's Christmas gifts…" I twisted a strand of my short hair, looking troubled. "But it seems my hairstyle isn't destined for 'beauty.' Severus, could you make me a potion to grow my hair quickly?"

Severus looked at my hair, then seriously said, "You look good with short hair."

I was momentarily stunned but then laughed. "If Severus says so, it must be true. But I still want to grow it out. I've had short hair all my life; it's time for a change."

"I think short hair suits you, but long hair is more feminine," Lily commented sagely. "After all, you'll get married someday."

"Pfft," I laughed. Hearing a thirteen-year-old girl talk about my future marriage felt so odd. "Yes, unlike you, our Gryffindor Princess who'll never have trouble finding a suitor!" I laughed heartily.

"Sawyer!" Lily blushed, making me laugh even more. Even Severus couldn't keep a straight face.

Severus did make me a hair-growing potion, a modified version. The original was for hair loss, which could cause excessive hair growth in my case. His version suited my needs, growing my hair to waist length in five minutes. My new hair was shiny and slightly wavy. I used a simple beautifying charm from the book to give it big, loose waves.

Lily exclaimed, saying it looked beautiful and completely transformed me. I flirtatiously batted my eyelashes at her. "Of course, I've got a good foundation." Striking what I thought was a graceful pose, I asked Severus how I looked. He seemed momentarily dazed, his eyes darting away as he muttered that it was fine. His face looked normal, but I almost missed the redness at the tips of his ears. Hehe, looks like my charm is quite effective. My elegant pose crumbled into a mischievous grin.

At home, my new look was enthusiastically welcomed by Isaya. "Sawyer, you've finally come to your senses! Try on that dress we bought last year; I hope it still fits. I thought I'd never see you wear it…" And so, I was plunged into a gentle but relentless makeover session.