Chapter 9 Misunderstanding!

Chapter 9

"Holy crap!" Devero exclaimed.

This effect was just too powerful! Doubling the effects of any potion? No wonder his shoddy Polyjuice Potion suddenly worked almost as well as the real thing. And the ability to discern a potion's composition and crafting process just by looking at it? That was insane!

Devero immediately decided: tomorrow, he'd visit the potion shop in Diagon Alley and inspect every single potion. With this ability, he could reverse-engineer their brewing methods and, combined with his doubled potion effects, create extraordinary potions using cheap, cut-corner ingredients—just like he did this time.

After a burst of excitement, Devero calmed down. "With this trait, I could improve potion recipes to make money. With money, I can explore more secret realms and keep upgrading my traits!"

Perfect! He basically had a perpetual motion machine now.

Devero grinned and checked his inventory, remembering he still had an unused Spell Proficiency Card. His Knockturn Alley experience reminded him he needed a reliable escape method. Apparition was the obvious choice, but he'd been hesitant due to safety concerns. Using the card on it now seemed like the smartest, most practical decision.

Without hesitation, Devero activated the Spell Proficiency Card.

[Ding!]

[Spell Proficiency Card used successfully!]

A flood of Apparition knowledge poured into his mind. For an average person, this overwhelming information might've knocked them out, but as a Magical Prodigy, Devero could handle it. After a brief moment to adjust, he was fine—and thrilled.

Checking his spell library, he saw:

[Apparition (Mastery/Voiced)]

It had jumped straight to mastery! That was equivalent to a wizard with three years of Apparition licensing experience. He could now go wherever he wanted—like a seasoned pro!

Suddenly, as Devero was plotting where to test his new skill, a voice came from behind.

"Tom?"

Devero froze and turned around stiffly. Snape stood in the doorway, his sharp eyes fixed on him.

"Tom?" Snape's voice was low and laced with suspicion. "What are you doing here?"

Devero's heart sank. This was bad. He fumbled for an explanation, stammering, "Uh, Professor Snape, um…"

"Where's Devero?" Snape's face darkened, his eyes narrowing like a snake's as he stared at the Tom-disguised Devero.

"Oh, well…" Devero's mind raced. If his trait hadn't upgraded, doubling the Polyjuice Potion's effect, Snape would've seen through his imperfect disguise instantly. But now, it was flawless, and he was struggling to explain without landing himself in the Ministry's hands.

"You went to Knockturn Alley today?" Snape said abruptly, his hand moving to his waist as if gripping something tightly, his eyes locked on Devero's every move.

Devero knew Snape had misunderstood. He waved his hands frantically. "No, no, no, Professor, you've got it wrong!"

But he forgot he was still holding his wand.

"Expelliarmus!" Snape barked.

A red flash shot from Snape's wand, aimed straight at Devero. But as a Magical Prodigy, Devero's recent training kicked in. He reacted swiftly, shouting, "Protego!"

A transparent barrier formed just in time, barely deflecting Snape's spell. Sparks flew, and Devero realized Snape's magic was far stronger than his own—he'd nearly failed to block it. Was this the power of an adult wizard?

No time to think. Snape didn't let up, waving his wand again. "Stupefy!"

A blue light hurtled toward Devero. He dodged quickly and countered, "Accio table leg!"

A table leg flew toward Snape, who sidestepped it effortlessly and cast again. "Petrificus Totalus!"

A purple glow spiraled toward Devero. He cast another Protego, but his magic was starting to strain. He couldn't keep this up—he had to explain!

"Professor Snape, listen! It's me, Devero! I used Polyjuice Potion to look like this and went to Knockturn Alley just for fun!"

Snape snorted, his face cold as ice. "Expelliarmus!"

Another red flash. "A kid who hasn't even started school brewing Polyjuice Potion? You expect me to believe that?" His voice was low and terrifying, barely containing his anger.

Devero blocked the spell, but his magic was draining fast. He gritted his teeth—he had to change tactics.

"Apparate!"

Pop! Devero vanished.

Without hesitation, Snape spun and cast behind him. "Expelliarmus! Expelliarmus!"

Red light burst from his wand, hitting both of them. Snape's wand flew from his hand, and he stumbled back but stayed on his feet. Devero, however, wasn't so lucky. He crashed into the hallway wall, collapsing in pain, unable to stand.

He'd meant to Apparate behind Snape to disarm him, but Snape's battle experience was too vast—he'd countered instantly. The gap in their magical power was glaring.

Snape grabbed his wand and yanked Devero up by the collar, pressing his wand to Devero's chin. "Tell me now—where's the boy? Who'd you sell him to?!"

Devero had never seen such a terrifying expression on Snape's face. Every inch of his body ached, and his clothes felt ill-fitting. Snape's expression shifted from menacing to confused, then to outright shock.

"Devero?! It's really you?!"

Snape's eyes widened, staring in disbelief as the boy's appearance slowly reverted to normal.