C15 The Tsundere Snape

The protective crystal was activated successfully, thwarting the attempt at Legilimency.

Snape's reflexes were quick as he released a cloud of poison powder. With a swift retreat and a flick of his left hand, the powder halted mere centimeters from his face.

A menacing glare emanated from Snape's eyes as he brandished his wand at Liang Mu's throat, pushing him back until he collided with a chair.

Grimacing from the pain, Liang Mu removed the necklace from around his neck and locked eyes with Snape, showing no fear.

"Professor, please lower your wand."

"A wizard who resorts to poison has no ground to tell another to disarm," Snape retorted, his voice raspy with the thirst of a bat craving blood. Liang Mu's defiance brought back memories of battles Snape preferred to forget from his days as a Death Eater.

"You have no right to lecture me after using Legilimency on a child."

During their exchange, Liang Mu noticed the indistinct dark mark on Snape's left arm. Catching Liang Mu's gaze, Snape quickly withdrew his hand, concealing his arm within his cloak.

"Hmph."

With a dismissive snort, Prof. Snape regained his composure, his face returning to its usual impassive state, as if the frenzied bat from moments before was someone else entirely, showcasing his espionage skills with impeccable finesse.

Liang Mu, rubbing his sore throat, straightened his wrinkled collar and faced Snape with a composed demeanor.

As Young Master Liang Mu, he knew Snape wouldn't dare kill him, not overtly at least. Now that the threat of Legilimency was neutralized, Liang Mu felt empowered to confront Snape, adopting a firm stance.

Having reflected on the film and analyzed Snape, Liang Mu had prepared multiple contingencies. He had anticipated this situation and it was precisely the outcome he had hoped for.

The Little Wizard, exceptionally gifted in Potions, reminded Snape of his own timid youth, but unlike his past self, Liang Mu showed the resilience he had always aspired to have.

Through admiration, similarity, and now desire, Liang Mu was convinced that despite their current animosity, Snape's regard for him was far from low. Just as everyone wishes to correct past mistakes, Snape was no exception.

At that moment, the boy Snape had once longed for was standing right before him. It was inevitable that Snape would feel something stir within him, especially since he was already swayed. His previous resistance was likely just that—a resistance, born from the fear of giving in too easily, hoping to frighten Liang Mu into retreating.

Unfortunately for Snape, Liang Mu did not back down; instead, he boldly stepped forward.

From Snape's snort, it was clear that he was beginning to yield, an exceedingly rare occurrence. Previously, only Dumbledore and Lily had managed to soften him, and now, it seemed Harry Porter's eyes had joined that exclusive list.

"Did you concoct the poison yourself?" Snape inquired, bringing Liang Mu's wandering thoughts back to the present.

Liang Mu nodded, watching Snape gather the toxic powder.

"Such a slipshod method of production, and the way you use it, like a nouveau riche. If you're so eager to meet your end, a simple stab would suffice without squandering Magic Medicine," Snape's biting remarks resumed, yet Liang Mu couldn't help but smile inwardly.

Snape thrust the strength enhancer and a tattered notebook against Liang Mu, then gestured for him to head towards the door. "Mr. Liang Mu, our agreement stands, but I'd rather not have my future students attending their own funerals before the term even begins, all because of their little stunts. And do ask your current Potions teacher if he has any Giant blood in him," he added.

With those final words, Snape unceremoniously tossed Liang Mu out and slammed the door shut.

Liang Mu glanced back at the firmly closed door, pocketing the strength enhancer. The notebook, however, he slipped into Duobao's pocket, as this was hardly the place for perusing notes.

After securing Duobao, Liang Mu checked his watch and casually picked a direction to wander through the castle. The tea party should have concluded by now.

"Uh, uh, Young Master Liang Mu," came Dobby's quivering voice from behind.

When Liang Mu turned to look, Dobby instinctively recoiled, sneaking a glance to gauge his reaction. Seeing no anger, Dobby spoke up, "Hmm, please follow me. Young Master Malfoy is waiting for you."

Entering the room, Malfoy, who was surrounded by a few Little Wizards, immediately leapt from the sofa and hurried toward Liang Mu upon his arrival.

"Are you okay, Liang Mu? Did Prof. Snape do anything to you?"

Liang Mu, seeing Malfoy's concern, smiled and gestured reassuringly.

"No, Prof. Snape is very kind."

Malfoy's eyes widened in disbelief at Liang Mu's praise of Prof. Snape. Could it be that Liang Mu had been given some kind of Magic Medicine by him?

Noticing the absence of Bi Su and the others, Liang Mu quickly inquired, still eager to keep an eye on them.

"Where did they go?"

"Oh, those guys? They said they had something urgent and left. Is something wrong?"

"Nothing."

Liang Mu smiled, though he was clueless about their sudden departure, he was certain it was up to no good. As for the kids left behind, Liang Mu was confident he could have them wrapped around his finger by the end of the day.

In the evening, after dinner,

Liang Mu stood in the fireplace, bidding farewell to the blond boy before him. Malfoy's face showed his reluctance to part ways. Liang Mu had won his respect as an older brother, and that included the dozen new followers he had recently taken under his wing.

With a sprinkle of powder and a puff of smoke, Liang Mu was back in his own home.

Since it was his first visit to the Malfoy residence, he had to rely on coordinates provided by Malfoy to get close, but returning was naturally much easier.

"Young Master, the water is hot and ready for you to wash up whenever you're ready."

Upon Liang Mu's arrival, the butler waved his wand, casting a spell to clean him up without a word.

"Your clothes and hot water are prepared."

Indeed, the butler was always the most attentive.

After washing away the day's weariness, Liang Mu reclined against his headboard, reviewing the notes from Snape. Duobao had spent the day treasure hunting throughout the castle and was now asleep beside him. Yet, the day's haul was impressive, with plenty of gold, silver, and jewels.

In the films, despite the worn and ragged appearance of many family heirs, they were actually quite wealthy. The annual income of these families was consistently on the rise, and this was true even for the Weasley family, known for their distinctive red hair.

After a short time, Liang Mu set the worn notebook down on the table, his face etched with disappointment. It was a rather mundane introductory text on Potions. However, it was distinguished by the presence of Prof. Snape's personal annotations and some unidentified oil stains.

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