Reborn as Petunia Evans with a System

Chapter 21: Chapter 20



The Potions classroom was exactly as Petunia had imagined—dark and foreboding, with rows of workstations equipped with cauldrons, stirring rods, and burners. The shelves were lined with jars of curious ingredients, some bubbling, others pulsating as if alive. The air smelled faintly of herbs and something metallic.

Petunia and Severus took their seats next to Pandora and Emmeline. Pandora tilted her head curiously. "What took you so long?"

"I was talking with my sister," Petunia replied, a smile playing on her lips.

"And hexing Sirius Black," Severus muttered, his voice barely audible but amused.

"What was that?" Pandora asked, leaning closer.

"Oh, nothing," Petunia replied quickly, laughing it off. "We were just… delayed."

The classroom door opened, and Professor Horace Slughorn waddled in, a jovial smile plastered on his round face. He was dressed in luxurious green robes with golden accents, his rotund figure exuding an air of affable authority.

"Good morning, class," Slughorn began, clapping his hands together. "Welcome to your very first Potions lesson! I am Professor Slughorn, and I'll be guiding you through the delicate art of potion-making. Potions, my dear students, are a subtle science and an exacting craft. A single wrong move, and… well, let's just say things can get explosive!" He chuckled, his eyes twinkling.

"Now then," he continued, pacing the room. "Who here can tell me about the Forgetfulness Potion? Hands up!"

A flurry of hands shot into the air, mostly Ravenclaws but also a few Slytherins. Slughorn surveyed the room before his eyes landed on Severus.

"You there, young man," Slughorn said, pointing. "What's your name?"

"Severus Snape, sir," Severus replied, his voice calm and steady.

"Ah, Mr. Snape," Slughorn said, his curiosity piqued. "Tell us, what is a Forgetfulness Potion?"

Severus stood, his voice confident. "The Forgetfulness Potion induces a temporary state of memory loss. Its main ingredients include Valerian root, mistletoe berries, and a dash of Lethe river water. It's a pale green liquid when brewed correctly, but improper preparation can result in an unstable mixture that may cause dizziness or confusion instead of memory loss."

Slughorn's eyes gleamed with approval. "Excellent, Mr. Snape! Five points to Ravenclaw. Now, let's discuss how to brew it."

Professor Slughorn demonstrated the process step by step and wrote it at the board.

Prepare Ingredients: Crush the Valerian root into a fine powder. Carefully measure out three mistletoe berries and set them aside

.Heating: Add Lethe river water to the cauldron and bring it to a simmer.

Mixing: Slowly stir in the Valerian root powder clockwise, then add the mistletoe berries one by one.

Timing: Let the potion brew for exactly five minutes while stirring counterclockwise.

Final Touch: Add a single drop of wormwood essence and let the potion turn pale green.

" Now, everyone, pair up the one who is seated beside you is your partner and now try brewing this potion with your partner " 

Petunia and Severus gathered their ingredients together. Petunia couldn't help but marvel at the assortment—mottled roots, sparkling liquids, and tiny berries that looked almost too delicate to touch.

"Crush the Valerian root first," Severus instructed. "I'll measure the Lethe water."

They worked in tandem, each step precise and fluid. Petunia felt a sense of accomplishment as the potion gradually turned the desired shade of green.

"We're done!" she whispered excitedly.

Slughorn inspected their work and beamed. "Perfectly brewed! Five points each to Ravenclaw. Excellent teamwork, you two."

Pandora and Emmeline, however, were struggling. "How did you finish so fast?" Emmeline asked, her brows furrowed in frustration.

"Severus is brilliant at Potions," Petunia replied, smiling widely.

Their moment of triumph was interrupted by a loud BANG. A cauldron had exploded on the far side of the room. Slughorn rushed over to find a Ravenclaw, Edgar Travers, and a Slytherin, Marcellus Flint, covered in green goo and glaring at each other.

"Detention for both of you!" Slughorn scolded. "And twenty points from each house! You cannot let personal squabbles interfere with potion-making!"

After class, Petunia returned to her dormitory, feeling accomplished. Sitting at her desk, she pulled out parchment and a quill to write to her parents.

Dear Mum and Dad,

I hope this letter finds you well. My first day at Hogwarts has been nothing short of magical, and I wanted to tell you everything about it!

Lily and I were sorted into different houses—she's in Gryffindor, and I'm in Ravenclaw. I know this might be surprising, as it's the first time Lily and I have truly been apart. I won't lie—it feels a little strange not having her with me in Ravenclaw. There are moments when I feel a pang of loneliness because we've always been together. But I'm so happy for her. She's always talked about how much she wanted to be in Gryffindor, and seeing her so happy makes me happy too.

Severus was sorted into Ravenclaw as well, which has been wonderful. He's been such a comfort to have nearby. You wouldn't believe how brilliant he is at Potions! In our very first class, he impressed the professor and earned points for Ravenclaw. We worked together to brew a Forgetfulness Potion, and we finished first

Of course, it hasn't all been peaceful. There are some mischievous boys causing trouble, particularly one named Sirius Black and his friend James Potter. They've been poking fun at Severus and me since the train ride. But don't worry I stood up for myself. You'll be proud to know I hexed them with a Bat-Bogey Hex, and it worked perfectly! It was so satisfying to see their faces when they ran off covered in bats made from their own bogeys.

Hogwarts itself is beyond anything I could have dreamed. The castle feels alive with magic there are moving staircases that change direction when you least expect it, enchanted paintings that talk and move, and secret passages everywhere. The Great Hall is breathtaking, with a ceiling that mirrors the sky outside. And the professors! They're remarkable. My favorite so far is Professor McGonagall. She transformed from a cat into a person during our first Transfiguration lesson it was incredible! She's strict but fair, and I really admire her.

I've already made a few new friends. My roommates, Pandora and Emmeline , are both lovely. Pandora is a bit eccentric she says the most curious things, but it's endearing. Emmeline is more down-to-earth and very kind. We've been exploring the castle together and helping each other get used to life here.

I have a little surprise for you magical candy! My favorite is the Chocolate Frog. It's delicious, but you'll need to be quick when you open it—they're enchanted to hop like real frogs! I've included one in the parcel I'll send soon, so you can try it yourselves.

I miss you both so much, but I'm truly happy here. It feels like a new adventure every day, and I can't wait to learn more. Please give my love to everyone at home. I'll write again soon, and maybe next time I'll include some stories about my classes in more detail.

All my love,

Petunia

She sealed the letter and placed it in an envelope.

Her roommates came over as she finished. "Ready for dinner?" Emmeline asked.

"Can we stop by the Owlery first?" Petunia asked. "I want to send this letter home."

"Of course," Pandora said with a dreamy smile. "I love the Owlery. So many personalities among the owls."

The three girls made their way to the Owlery, where Petunia attached her letter to Anna, her tawny owl. "Fly safe," she whispered as Anna took off into the twilight.

In the Great Hall, Severus was already seated with his roommates. Petunia smiled at him as she took her seat beside him.

"Good day so far?" she asked.

"Better than expected," Severus replied, his voice soft but content.

As they ate, Petunia couldn't help but feel a sense of belonging. Hogwarts was truly home now.


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