Harry Potter: From Young Wizard to White Devil

Just as the Golden Triangle was caught in conflict, Vaughn was stopping Professor Snape. "Professor, do you have time this weekend? I have some questions I'd like to ask you."

Snape glanced at him from the corner of his eye and replied tersely, "When do I ever have time..."

But Vaughn acted as if he hadn't heard and continued respectfully, "Many potions aren't available on the market, and I've already grasped the basics. You don't know how happy I was when I received my Hogwarts admission letter."

"Ever since I brewed my first blood tonic at the age of eight, I've dreamed of becoming your student one day."

"..."

Snape swallowed the words on the tip of his tongue, the corners of his mouth twitching slightly, as though trying to suppress an emotional reaction.

"Sunday," he said at last. "Evening. Don't be late."

"Thank you very much, Professor. I'll be there on time!"

Snape strode off, and for once, the echo of his leather shoes on the floor seemed lighter than usual.

Vaughn was equally pleased.

He needed fame points to grow stronger, and for now, potions played the most crucial role in expanding his reputation. He had already worked in the field for several years and had built a solid theoretical foundation.

In the future, if he could master advanced potions and deepen his understanding, he'd not only be able to optimize existing formulas and verify his theories but even create new potions.

The 'Vaughn Beauty' product line was good for making money, but its reputation value had long since peaked.

That night, having secured Snape's agreement, Vaughn happily went to the Ravenclaw common room—he found the logic riddle guarding the bronze door rather easy.

After mixing a pile of snacks from senior girls with Hexby, they strolled toward the Black Lake to digest. That's when Vaughn spotted Hermione sitting alone by the lakeside.

The evening wind stirred, rippling the dark surface of the lake under the moonlight. A massive squid floated lazily in the water, and in the distance, a few Gryffindor students were tossing food into the lake.

"I heard from Fred and George that the giant squid was transformed by Gryffindor himself."

Startled by the sudden voice, Hermione snapped out of her daze.

She quickly wiped her face. When she looked up, Vaughn had already sat beside her, holding out a piece of chocolate. "Here. Chocolate helps lift your mood."

His pockets were bulging with candy. Hexby, chewing on jerky, wagged his tail under their feet.

Hermione guessed he must've just come from Ravenclaw. Both he and Guoguocha were quite popular among the girls there.

"Thanks..." she murmured, then glanced at the squid and reflexively corrected, "Gryffindor lived a thousand years ago. How could anything he transformed still be alive? That's clearly nonsense."

As soon as she said it, she frowned. Why can't I stop myself? Must I be serious all the time? Is something wrong with my personality?

Vaughn noticed her mood and, after a brief pause, asked, "Did you have a falling out with Harry and Ron?"

"Uh... how did you know?"

"You're never here just to stare at the lake. You're either in the library or on your way to it," Vaughn smiled. "So far, we're the only ones you seem to talk to. Aside from those two, I can't think of anyone else who would drive you to hide here."

Hermione blinked. She hadn't realized it before, but now that she thought about it, she didn't really have friends—aside from Vaughn and... those two.

The thought made her sink further. After a pause, she quietly repeated what Ron had said behind her back.

Then she whispered, "Vaughn, am I really that annoying? I just... I just want everyone to follow the rules."

She thought he'd offer comfort—he was always warm, humorous, a little mischievous.

But instead, he nodded. "A little bit."

"..." He gently patted her shoulder, facing the wind and gazing at the lake.

"Have you heard of a saying, 'No one likes hearing the ugly truth.' Of course, that's not your fault or anyone else's. It's just human nature. People instinctively resist being reminded of their mistakes."

Hermione looked at him and suddenly noticed an odd quality in his presence. Such words would sound odd coming from someone their age, almost like he was pretending to be older than he was.

But Vaughn said them so naturally, it was as if time settled around him. It didn't feel strange at all.

She blurted, "Then why have you never found me... annoying?"

"Because I appreciate that kind of honesty."

His smile held warmth, and Hermione's cheeks flushed. Then he added, "The more losses I've suffered, the more I value friends like you. Ron's just immature—he doesn't understand these things yet."

Hermione wanted to ask, Why do you understand?

But something stopped her. Some things, she sensed, Vaughn wouldn't say aloud. So she remained silent.

They sat side by side by the water, watching the giant squid lazily overturn a small boat. Gryffindor students shrieked as they splashed into the lake, then burst into laughter.

"Hermione," Vaughn said gently, "for my sake, forgive Ron. And help me keep an eye on them."

She blinked. "What do you mean?"

Vaughn smiled, though there was a trace of helplessness in it. "Harry's situation is more complicated than it looks. Dumbledore seems to be testing him. I'm worried about Ron tagging along, but I can't just break up their friendship."

"So I'm counting on you. If anything happens, let me know."

Hermione was stunned. She caught the hidden implication and whispered, "You mean… Harry might be in danger at school?"

"Not danger. More like… a trial. But..." Vaughn shrugged. "No one can guarantee things will always stay under control—not even Dumbledore."

Hermione's mind buzzed with questions. She wanted to ask what Vaughn really knew.

But before she could speak, Vaughn stood up and gathered his things. He handed her more chocolate.

"That's it. Go back and get some rest, Hermione." And just before he left, he turned and grinned: "Keep it secret, my spy."

Hermione's cheeks turned red again. She completely forgot what she had meant to ask.

Vaughn left with a calm expression. He had no intention of following the path of the Chosen One.

His goal at Hogwarts was simple: first, master potions and build his reputation; second, learn advanced magic spells and accumulate power.

With that focus, he had no time to chase after the savior's every move.