HP: Supreme Potion Collector [Original Female Protagonist]

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Orli was momentarily stunned, unable to react.

Professor McGonagall, thinking she was hesitating, added:

McGonagall: "You needn't worry too much about Severus deliberately making things difficult for you. Although he isn't particularly... gentle, this matter has been discussed with Albus, so you can go with peace of mind. During your free time while working, you can also practice some potion-making, which I think is quite necessary for you."

Orli: "Of course, Professor, I'd love to go!"

Orli almost jumped up with joy. She tried hard to control herself, but excitement still leaked through her voice.

This was exactly what she needed! She had been worried about finding a place to brew potions peacefully, and now everything was solved!

Moreover, she would get guidance from a Potions Master, and although he had a bad temper, an unpleasant face, and spoke harshly, Orli decided to put up with it for the sake of potions.

McGonagall: "Oh, you're willing to go, that's wonderful."

McGonagall nodded with satisfaction.

McGonagall: "I was hesitant before, but it seems this decision is quite suitable."

Orli nodded gratefully to McGonagall.

It was already very late, and Professor McGonagall quickly escorted her back to the tower. Before leaving, she patted Orli's shoulder:

McGonagall: "Remember in the future, don't confront any professor. But if anything happens, you can always come tell me."

She looked at Orli with grandmotherly eyes, making Orli's eyes sting for a moment.

But soon, that moisture retreated from her eyes as Professor McGonagall's next words were:

McGonagall: "Severus says you have talent. Cherish this opportunity and study hard."

Orli struggled to control her nearly crumbling expression as she bid Professor McGonagall goodbye.

But she knew very well that Snape's original words couldn't have been like that.

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Mini Side Story:

"What Were Snape's Original Words"

At the weekly professors' joint meeting, the atmosphere was harmonious.

Of course, if one ignored the out-of-place black bat and Quirrell's occasional strange twitches, the scene would have been perfect.

After refusing Dumbledore's licorice wands for the third time, Snape's impatience was almost visibly written on his face.

Dumbledore: "Well, well. Let's move on to today's final topic, regarding this year's student assistance positions."

Dumbledore said cheerfully, dropping sugar crumbs all over his robes.

McGonagall: "For this year's assistance positions, I believe only Orli Waters meets the application requirements."

Professor McGonagall took out the new student list and carefully double-checked it.

Dumbledore: "Well then, does the library need anyone?"

Dumbledore turned to look at Madam Pince, the librarian.

Madam Pince: "I already have several fourth-year students. Besides, with a first-year girl, I really can't expect her to climb ladders. I doubt she could move many books anyway."

Madam Pince shook her head.

Dumbledore: "Then we can only arrange for her to go to Filch, to polish trophies in the trophy room."

Dumbledore hesitated.

Snape: "Ahem."

Snape cleared his throat. In the silence, it seemed rather abrupt.

Snape: "Headmaster, perhaps you should consider your Potions professor's heavy workload, and when necessary, find ways to share some of it."

He emphasized the words "Potions professor" heavily and glanced at Quirrell, seemingly still resentful about not getting the Defense Against the Dark Arts position.

Dumbledore: "Oh, look at my mind."

Dumbledore smiled, wiping his fluffy beard.

Dumbledore: "She is a Waters, after all. Good thing Severus reminded us."

McGonagall: "However, Severus, I recall she's currently serving detention with you for confronting you in class?"

Professor McGonagall looked at Snape with slight confusion.

Snape: "At least her hands aren't as unruly as her brain."

Snape said expressionlessly.

Snape: "At least she extracts toad eggs more intact than house-elves do."

Dumbledore: "Well then, that's settled."

Dumbledore winked at McGonagall.

Dumbledore: "From now on, every Sunday afternoon, let Orli help Severus."

McGonagall: "Albus, I think we should hear Orli's own opinion."

Professor McGonagall insisted.

Flitwick: "Time really flies."

Professor Flitwick spoke cheerfully.

Flitwick: "It seems like just yesterday when Severus was helping Horace."

But Snape clearly had no interest in reminiscing. Or perhaps Professor Slughorn and his Slug Club hadn't left him with any pleasant memories.

After the meeting, Professor McGonagall stopped Snape.

McGonagall: "Severus, do you really think Orli is suitable to help in the Potions office?"

Snape: "Perhaps you'd prefer her to follow Filch, cleaning windows and mopping floors?"

Snape said with a tense jaw.

McGonagall: "No, that's not what I meant. I mean, how is she performing in Potions? I've always felt she would be a promising child."

Professor McGonagall added.

Snape was silent for a moment, then uttered two concise words:

Snape: "...Barely acceptable."

But for Professor McGonagall, these two words were enough to surprise her. After all, she had never expected Snape to use any positive words for a Gryffindor student.

Of course, she would still try to get more for her student:

McGonagall: "Then perhaps, after she finishes her work, you could give her some extra guidance in Potions? Even if it's just allowing her more opportunities to brew potions, we shouldn't waste her talent."

Snape: "She'd better not cause me too much trouble."

Snape said coldly before turning and walking away.