《HP: The Dropout Who Saved the World》


 Chapter 1: The Sorting Ceremony

    (Where Brains Get Stored)


    Author''s Note: Contains numerous creative liberties


    ---


    Jane Yu realized she had transmigrated into the world of Harry Potter while sitting on the sorting stool.


    Just moments before, she had been lying in bed reading some rather questionable manga, thoroughly enjoying herself, and her mind hadn''t quite caught up with the sudden change.


    "Heavens above! What is this! Werewolves... captivity... non-consensual... tentacles? Pure romance... masterpiece?"


    "What on earth do S and M mean???"


    With the Sorting Hat''s brim covering her eyes in darkness, the voice continued screeching in her ear:


    "Oh my! My eyes! Everything''s turned yellow! My thoughts are completely corrupted!"


    "Az... SLYTHERIN!"


    She yanked off the musty old hat and leaped from the stool, freezing in place.


    Before her stretched four long tables, each filled with students.


    In her previous life, Jane had never read Harry Potter. Everything she knew came from her college roommate''s constant chatter about "GGAD"... "You-Know-Who"... "Snape supremacy"... and such.


    In short, her knowledge of this world was purely superficial, leaving her completely clueless about everything else.


    So now she faced an immediate dilemma: Which table belonged to Slytherin?


    However, her hesitation appeared to the whole school as dissatisfaction with the sorting result.


    At the green-draped Slytherin table, numerous students had already furrowed their brows in disgust.


    "What''s her surname?" someone inquired.


    "Yu. Jane."


    "Yu? Never heard of that surname among pureblood families," Pansy Parkinson remarked, admiring her freshly manicured nails.


    "A filthy mudblood? Has the Sorting Hat lost its mind?" Draco Malfoy''s face contorted with revulsion.


    "Calm yourself, Draco. Slytherin doesn''t accept Muggles. She must be half-blood," Blaise Zabini drawled from across the table, his smile not reaching his eyes.


    He had been sorted just before her, as Jane was the last student this year due to her foreign surname.


    "She doesn''t belong here," Blaise concluded.


    Up on the platform, Jane still stood by the stool when Professor McGonagall reminded her disapprovingly, "Miss Yu, I believe you should take your seat at the Slytherin table."


    She pointed toward the dark green table.


    Jane murmured an apology and sat at the far end where several empty seats provided welcome distance from the crowd¡ªperfect for someone with social anxiety like herself.


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    Only then did she notice her back was drenched in cold sweat. For someone with social anxiety, being the center of attention was absolutely terrifying!


    Her inner self was screaming and flailing in panic, her toes curling with embarrassment.


    Worse still, she suddenly realized her mediocre English skills only allowed her to understand half of what was being said, mostly through context and guesswork!


    None of this inner turmoil showed on her face. To others, her long black hair veiled her ears, forehead, and eyes, her lips pressed into a thin line, facial muscles taut, appearing cold and expressionless¡ªcompletely rejecting any social interaction.


    "What''s her problem?" Draco slammed his fist on the table, his face flushing with anger. "Does she think she''s above pureblood families?"


    At the staff table, Professor Snape cast a cold glance their way, his eyes lingering on Jane momentarily before looking elsewhere.


    Jane remained oblivious to having already earned the entire house''s animosity.


    She was contemplating her future.


    Should she drop out, drop out, or perhaps... drop out?


    She vaguely recalled her roommate mentioning a great battle where countless people died. And her green-themed house apparently joined some dark wizard''s ranks, only to face defeat in the end.


    Following the typical 80-20 rule of transmigration stories, she would likely end up among the 80% cannon fodder, dying in the great battle.


    That simply wouldn''t do. She had to survive.


    She shuddered at the thought.


    Fortunately, the bearded headmaster''s speech lasted mere seconds. Though she couldn''t understand a word, she knew it was time for the feast.


    Golden plates before her filled with roast beef, chicken, pork chops, lamb chops, and various preparations of potatoes.


    She cut a piece of beef and took a bite¡ªterrible mistake. The meat had an overwhelming gamey taste. Clearly, the cattle here hadn''t been castrated, making it far more pungent than what she was used to.


    She tried the pork chop next, only to be assaulted by an unpleasant odor¡ªthe pigs evidently hadn''t been castrated either, causing her to spit it out immediately.


    Among all the dishes, only the fish and chips proved edible.


    British cuisine truly deserved its notorious reputation.


    She set down her cutlery.


    However, the ingrained Chinese virtue of never wasting food made her conscience uneasy.


    So she wrapped the three partially-bitten meat chops in a napkin and tucked them into her robe, planning to deal with them later in her dormitory.


    "These need some biscuits to help them go down," she thought, adding several cookies to her napkin bundle.


    To eventually taste proper food again, she resolved to drop out.


    However, a troublemaker had already approached.


    A tall, bulky girl with a thick chin suddenly dropped into the seat across from her and spoke menacingly: "Listen here, little mudblood, you''d better request a transfer out of Slytherin yourself, or you''re dead!"


    This was Millicent Bulstrode, Pansy''s loyal follower who believed those who tainted pureblood honor should be expelled from the house.


    Jane looked up, and Millicent felt as if she''d been fixed in the gaze of a predator. Those dark, empty eyes devoid of emotion were certainly not what one would expect from a typical mudblood.


    Her muscles tensed involuntarily, her instincts screaming at her to flee¡ªshe fought to suppress this panic, knowing that running away would make her the laughingstock of the entire house.


    Being frightened off by a mudblood would destroy her pureblood reputation!


    Jane just found it odd that the girl''s voice was so rough and deep, like gravel in her throat, making it even more challenging for her poor English comprehension.


    She could only carefully study the chubby face, trying to decipher meaning from the expressions.


    Unfortunately, throughout the entire exchange, she only caught one word clearly: "mudblood."


    What could that mean? Placed at the beginning of the sentence, perhaps it was a special magical greeting in British wizarding society?


    So she confidently employed her broken English:


    "Mudblood, jail!"


    Jane intended to first return the greeting, then introduce herself as Jane Yu.


    Knowing her Eastern name might challenge these British folks, she thoughtfully translated it phonetically to "jail."


    "I''m being so considerate," she thought to herself.


    But Millicent''s face transformed dramatically. She shot up from her chair, glared fiercely at Jane, and hurried back to her original seat, even stumbling over the chair leg in her haste.


    What just happened? Jane was thoroughly confused.


    "She threatened me!" Millicent complained to those around her after returning to her seat.


    "I told her to leave the house, and she called me a mudblood and threatened to throw me in jail!" Her fat cheeks quivered with indignation, the folds of flesh on her face bunching up.


    Never in her life had she suffered such humiliation.


    Pansy just sneered, "Useless, getting scared by a mudblood like that."


    Seeing everyone''s contemptuous looks, Millicent wanted to argue but, remembering her lower social status, reluctantly kept quiet.


    "Now that everyone has eaten and drunk their fill, I have a few more words to share," Dumbledore stood up again at the staff table, tapping the table edge, making all the food vanish.


    Jane understood this meant start-of-term notices and listened intently.


    She knew that in normal schools, the first day always included explanations of rules and regulations. Violating them would result in disciplinary action or expulsion.


    And that was exactly what she wanted¡ªpreferably to be sent straight out of the magical world.


    She could return to her previous occupations, making a living as a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner or fortune teller. By 1991, Chinese people had already established acupuncture clinics in London, and Chinatown even hosted feng shui shops.


    Besides, having been an orphan in her previous life, she had no compelling reason to return to that world. She might even make more money here, she reasoned.


    However, no matter how carefully she listened, her weak English comprehension couldn''t be overcome.


    "Forbidden... students... what forest?"


    "Don''t what?... enter fourth-floor corridor... surprise?"


    She had an epiphany¡ªshe needed to enter something called a forest, and visit the fourth-floor corridor for a surprise.


    Entering this forest would violate school rules and get her expelled, but before leaving, she still wanted to experience the surprise on the fourth floor. After all, this was her first time in the magical world, and once she left, she wouldn''t have another chance to experience magical surprises.


    Then the students inexplicably began singing, and since Jane couldn''t understand the lyrics, she could only watch the teachers'' lips and try to mouth along.


    Afterward, the crowd filed out, with Jane trailing at the end of the line, ignored by her classmates.


    This brought her relief.


    Not being questioned was the greatest respect one could show to someone with social anxiety.


    The crowd was heading downstairs, the staircases were moving, people were pushing and shoving, and in an unguarded moment, she lost sight of the group.


    But she wasn''t worried at all.


    Wasn''t this the perfect opportunity to visit the fourth-floor corridor and find that surprise?

 Chapter 2: Night Adventure in the Forbidden Area

    Following the stairs, she began climbing upward¡ªblessed with an unusually good sense of direction, she remembered the staircases'' movement patterns and knew exactly where she was.


    Thus, Jane easily reached the fourth-floor corridor, which was completely deserted.


    She walked along until she came to a door.


    She pushed against it, but it wouldn''t budge¡ªit was locked.


    "Of course getting to the surprise would involve some challenges," she thought, convinced this was Dumbledore''s test for the students.


    She felt for her wand in her robe and tried to bend it¡ªsince she planned to drop out anyway, breaking it wouldn''t matter.


    But the wand proved surprisingly flexible, refusing to snap. It seemed to contain some sort of wire that, under her manipulation, stretched and twisted into an odd shape.


    Jane inserted the wand''s tip into the lock, adjusting its angle and position repeatedly.


    Finally, with a crisp "click," the lock gave way.


    She carefully opened the door and entered the room.


    Inside was a creature with three heads, sleeping soundly¡ªbut beginning to stir.


    "A dog?" Jane wondered aloud.


    "So magical dogs have three heads!" she marveled.


    "Tsk-tsk-tsk..." She made the traditional Chinese dog-calling sound.


    She had never been afraid of dogs, possibly because she often treated stray cats and dogs, and they were always friendly toward her.


    In his slumber, Fluffy felt a mysterious force calling to him.


    "Tsk-tsk-tsk"


    The sound continued, and he couldn''t help but wake from his dream, rising to walk toward its source.


    "It must be master calling!" This was instinct encoded in his DNA.


    But instead, he found a small wizard in black and green robes standing before him.


    He was confused¡ªhis keeper didn''t look like this in his memory. His keeper was male, much larger than this person¡ªand didn''t wear black and green robes.


    However, these doubts vanished when the small wizard pulled out beef, lamb, and pork chops from their robe.


    That big oaf fed him raw meat every day until he was sick of it!


    Food and music were what he truly desired in his dog life!


    "Mom, food, hungry!" Fluffy''s eyes welled up with emotional tears.


    Had Jane understood what he was saying, she would have dismissed him with disgust.


    But with the language barrier between them, she only thought these meat chops were too awful for human consumption and perfect for feeding a dog.


    So she tossed the meat chops one by one toward the three heads.


    "One piece per head¡ªhow''s that for fair distribution?" she thought with satisfaction.


    After three meat chops, the dog''s belly still looked hollow.


    "Poor thing," she sighed, looking at him sympathetically. "Locked up in here like this. The headmaster is so cruel, not even feeding the dog properly."


    By now, Fluffy had flopped onto his side beside her, tongue lolling out, belly exposed, tail wagging like a rattle.


    He really wanted more of those lamb chops!


    Jane couldn''t resist reaching out to pat his heads¡ªhmm, the fur was rather coarse and prickly, not silky at all.


    The three heads began squabbling, each trying to push under her hand for pets.


    "I''ll bring you more meat tomorrow! And give you a fur spa treatment later," she promised, then pulled out another napkin containing three cookies to feed him.


    Honey cakes!


    Something stirred in Fluffy''s ancestral memory.Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.


    His ancestor Cerberus had loved honey cakes throughout his life. Though he was the guardian of the underworld, he often neglected his duties for honey cakes¡ªFluffy shouldn''t follow in his ancestor''s pawsteps, but these treats smelled so good!


    He reasoned with himself: since he couldn''t match his great ancestor anyway, why sacrifice treats for duty?


    A dog''s life isn''t easy, Fluffy sighed.


    Having convinced himself, he began devouring the treats with gusto.


    However, Jane had discovered the trapdoor.


    "So it''s a series of challenges?" she picked the lock.


    Below was pitch darkness, impossible to gauge its depth or what lay at the bottom.


    Seeing her hesitation, Fluffy''s eyes showed an almost human-like exasperation, thinking his new master was rather timid!


    Growing impatient, he stuck his heads down and spat out a large glob of flaming saliva.


    That should have killed all the plants down there, he thought with satisfaction.


    But then he saw Jane starting to undress.


    Minutes later, her black and green wizard robes had been torn into strips. She tied them together into a long rope, putting one end in the dog''s mouth and dropping the other through the trapdoor.


    "Hold tight, baby!"


    Oh! By my ancestor Cerberus''s three heads! She called me baby!


    The thoroughly won-over dog was especially cooperative, with his middle head firmly gripping the cloth rope and lying still.


    Using the rope, Jane slid down, landing easily on her feet among a bed of ashes.


    She kicked at the ashes in disgust, noting her shoes were now dirty.


    "The headmaster really isn''t clean, doesn''t even sweep the rooms?"


    She proceeded down a stone corridor, reaching a brightly lit chamber with a high arched ceiling. Countless birds were flying about, and across the room stood a heavy wooden door.


    "Flying keys?"


    Once again she marveled at the magic, though still hadn''t found the promised surprise.


    She approached the wooden door and applied her now-practiced wand-lockpicking technique.


    The door opened.


    Inside was a giant chessboard with enormous black pieces facing her, and white pieces on the opposite side. The white pieces, faceless, turned to look at her expressionlessly.


    "Let''s see... wizard''s chess?"


    Jane analyzed the situation, hand on chin, and quickly noticed something was wrong.


    The black side was clearly at a disadvantage¡ªif she took their position, she''d likely be crushed.


    "If you can''t beat them, join them." She gazed fondly at the black knight. "Farewell, my dark friend!"


    She walked to the opposite side and mounted the white king: "Brothers and sisters, let''s destroy them!"


    The chess set''s creator clearly hadn''t anticipated this loophole. The game began, with white pieces automatically demolishing the black pieces and dragging them off the board. Soon the wall was lined with lifeless black pieces strewn about.


    "Checkmate!"


    The black king removed his crown¡ªwhite had won. The white pieces, now considering Jane their ally, made no move to stop her as she approached the next door.


    Jane pushed it open.


    A horrible stench hit her, like unwashed grandmother''s foot wrappings mixed with years-old dirty socks. Her eyes watered from the smell. Through tear-blurred vision, she saw an enormous figure.


    It stood twelve feet tall, with greenish skin and hideous features.


    "Really now... what is the headmaster doing? This thing hasn''t been washed in decades!"


    Her mental image of Dumbledore as unhygienic and negligent of pet care was now firmly cemented.


    She examined the monster carefully¡ªits chest was wrapped in rags, resembling an ancient caveperson who had developed primitive modesty.


    This must be a female troll.


    But she had no time to contemplate how to deal with this behemoth, as the smell was absolutely overwhelming!


    "Ugh¡ª"


    So Jane pulled a perfume bottle from her robe and began spraying the air frantically.


    The troll''s tiny brain couldn''t process complex thoughts, but it had a sense of smell, and living in constant stench had made it quite irritable. Seeing this tiny insect enter its room, it only wanted to flatten her with its club.


    But it moved slowly, and before it could raise its club, an unusual scent entered its nostrils.


    It hesitated, standing still, nostrils flaring. This scent mysteriously calmed its irritation, making the surrounding walls feel less like a prison and more like a flower garden.


    "Never strike a smiling face" and "Courtesy is never wasted"¡ªJane understood these social principles well.


    Gifts work on any species with a brain, even if that brain is only walnut-sized.


    She opened the perfume bottle and offered it to the troll.


    The troll took the perfume, sat down heavily, and began sniffing it desperately.


    Taking advantage of this opportunity, she opened the next door.


    As soon as she crossed the threshold, purple flames sprang up behind her, blocking the doorway. Simultaneously, black flames appeared in the doorway ahead.


    On a table before her stood seven differently shaped bottles, with a roll of parchment beside them.


    She tried to read it, but her limited English vocabulary held her back.


    "What wine?"


    "Largest bottle and smallest bottle... both drinkable?"


    "Forward... backward?"


    What was all this? She couldn''t understand! Jane felt frustrated by English''s complexity.


    Surely she needed to find the wine among these bottles and drink it to proceed!


    Who knew the headmaster was such a drunk, testing students'' alcohol tolerance!


    But if there was one thing Jane wasn''t afraid of, it was drinking¡ªshe could handle a liter of strong baijiu!


    So she uncorked all seven bottles and sniffed each one carefully.


    The second and sixth bottles had an alcoholic smell¡ªmust be wine.


    She drained both bottles.


    Hmm... must be about 50% alcohol, quite strong, making her head spin a bit.


    That''s the floating sensation she was looking for!


    Since both the largest and smallest bottles were supposedly drinkable, the tiny third bottle must also contain wine.


    She raised this small bottle in a toast to the air, then downed it in one gulp.


    "Pfft! Disgusting!"


    This wine must have gone bad, tasting rancid. An icy sensation spread from her throat to her stomach, nearly making her lose her dinner.


    "I''m out of here, magical world''s wine isn''t for me." She walked toward the black flames blocking the final door.


    Being cautious, she plucked out a hair and tossed it through.


    The hair passed through unburned.


    "Excellent, I''ve passed the headmaster''s test."


    Jane nodded with satisfaction and stepped through the flames into the final chamber.


    The room was empty except for a wrapped bundle in the center.


    "Is this the surprise the headmaster mentioned?"


    She opened the bundle curiously, revealing a bright red stone.


    Examining it from all angles, she couldn''t see anything special about it.


    Looks just like an ordinary ruby, she thought.


    Little did she know that back in the Slytherin common room, chaos had already erupted.

 Chapter 3 Breaking School Rules

    <div>


    Gemma Farley, the Slytherin prefect, was about to explode with anxiety!


    This was her first time leading the new students to Slytherin House.


    Everything had started smoothly. Most of these first-years came from distinguished wizarding families and had received proper upbringing. They walked gracefully in perfect formation - children from renowned families like the Malfoys, Notts, and Parkinsons... all prestigious names in the magical world.


    She had hoped that successfully guiding these new students and establishing a good rapport would strengthen her authority as prefect. Perhaps after graduation, these connections might help her navigate the magical world more smoothly.


    She led the first-years to the hidden entrance of the dungeon, proudly informing them that their common room lay beneath the lake, and announced the password "Pure-blood." Seeing the admiration and respect in the new students'' faces made her feel rather pleased with herself.


    But everything fell apart during the head count!


    One student was missing from their perfectly organized line!


    She counted again in disbelief... twice... Indeed, one first-year had vanished!


    Her meticulously prepared "Slytherin Prefect''s Welcome Speech" - twelve inches of parchment rivaling a full essay, which she had memorized perfectly for this moment - was now useless!


    She quickly instructed the deputy prefect to escort the new students to their dormitories while she slipped out through the common room door to search for the missing student.


    "Please, for Merlin''s sake, don''t be lost. I don''t want to be the prefect who gets dismissed on the first day of school!" Gemma''s inner voice was screaming in despair.


    The corridors, staircases, and Great Hall were completely deserted, not a soul in sight.


    She had no choice but to hurry to Professor Snape''s - their Head of House''s - office.


    "Enter!"


    Despite being from his own house, Professor Snape''s notorious reputation made Gemma nervous.


    She hastily reported the missing first-year incident.


    ......


    Severus Snape could never have imagined such an absurd situation occurring in his house!


    Wandering around on the first night of school - this didn''t seem like Slytherin behavior at all. Even those foolish Gryffindors wouldn''t show such blatant disregard for school rules!


    His face darkened, and combined with his black robes, the atmosphere grew particularly oppressive:


    "Miss Farley, I assume you understand that as a prefect, it''s your duty to keep watch over the new students and prevent them from wandering off."


    Gemma lowered her head in shame: "I''m sorry, Professor, I''ll go..."


    "Return to the common room," the cold voice commanded from above.


    Knowing her Head of House''s temperament, she felt relieved, understanding that Professor Snape would take charge of the situation.


    Snape had to abandon the potion he was brewing, his unpleasant thoughts about Potter''s spawn entering Hogwarts interrupted by this emergency.


    The complex emotions of pain, hatred, and guilt vanished as he strode out the door to search the castle.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.


    When he reached the Great Hall, a gold and crimson phoenix suddenly appeared before him.


    "Severus, please come to the fourth-floor corridor''s restricted section."


    "Expecto Patronum!"


    He impatiently conjured a silver doe, which landed gracefully on the Great Hall floor.


    "A Slytherin first-year is missing. I don''t have time for your treasure hunt," his deep, hoarse voice responded.


    The doe pranced across the room and flew out the window.


    ......


    Meanwhile, Dumbledore had already changed into his nightgown and was preparing for bed.


    Old age made one tire easily; some pre-bedtime sweets would help rejuvenate the mind.


    He savored a Honey Pop while drinking a vial of dental potion to neutralize the sugar''s effects.


    However, just as he was drifting off to sleep, he sensed the magical barriers in the fourth-floor chamber being disturbed.


    Someone was trying to steal the Philosopher''s Stone!


    He jolted upright in bed, throwing out his back with a sharp crack.


    This timing was completely different from what he had planned!


    He had intended to gradually guide Harry to discover the secret of the Mirror of Erised throughout the school year, then place the mirror in the chamber as a hiding place for the Stone.


    It was meant to be a long game to lure out the mastermind behind the scenes.


    But he never expected someone to make a move on the very first day!


    Without even changing out of his nightgown, he grabbed his wand and rushed to the fourth floor, sending Fawkes to summon his trusted ally - Severus Snape.


    However, the Patronus brought back another piece of unfortunate news.


    His heart sank - the perpetrator must have taken a first-year hostage!


    "Please come immediately. The Stone''s protective barriers have been triggered. The student is likely inside," he replied at once.


    Soon after, Snape appeared before him, his black robes billowing menacingly.


    "You''d better have a good explanation for this. A first-year... just arrived today... she knows nothing, hasn''t even learned a single spell!"


    Dumbledore gave a bitter smile, his white beard twitching slightly:


    "I''m sorry... they moved faster than expected."


    The two opened the first door to the restricted section but noticed something strange.


    "Severus... do you smell something sweet in the air?" Dumbledore cast a stunning spell at Fluffy while curiously sniffing the air.


    "I think your brain has been addled by all those sweets if you''re smelling sweetness everywhere," Snape said through gritted teeth. "Though there is a meat smell, like dinner''s roast."


    They both grew serious upon seeing a torn piece of Slytherin uniform in Fluffy''s mouth.


    "How dare it!"


    Snape''s hand trembled as he gripped his wand, looking as if he wanted to cast Avada Kedavra on the three-headed dog. His instincts told him Jane Yu had met a terrible fate.


    "Calm yourself, Severus."


    The blue eyes behind Dumbledore''s half-moon spectacles flashed sharply: "There''s no blood, just the outer robe."


    Snape barely regained his composure as they looked toward the trapdoor, which was indeed open.


    "Lumos."


    The two slid down the trapdoor one after another, expecting to be caught by the Devil''s Snare.


    "THUD!" "OUCH!"


    They crashed in a heap.


    Fortunately, Snape realized something was wrong at the last second and cast a Floating Charm to cushion their fall.


    But from that height, he was certain his leg was broken!


    Dumbledore wasn''t faring any better beside him, groaning and clutching his already-twisted back, which now felt like it would snap in two!


    They helped each other up, using the Wand-Lighting Charm to examine their surroundings.


    "Devil''s Snare ashes." Snape picked up some powder, rubbing it between his fingers and sniffing it. "Some kind of venom completely corroded it."


    "What kind of venom?" Dumbledore asked softly.


    "I can''t be certain, but it must be highly toxic." Snape pulled several potion vials from his robes, collected some powder, and looked regretfully at the remaining ashes.


    "There are also some first-year aconite plants here." He pinched off a piece and placed it in a small vial.


    Limping along, the two continued deeper inside.


    "Filius''s obstacle." Dumbledore examined the lock. "Strange, no signs of forced entry, the flying key is still here, no traces of magical unlocking... how was the door opened?"


    He was puzzled, his eyebrows furrowing along with his broken nose.


    The mystery was deepening.


    "Minerva''s chessboard... all the black pieces are shattered. How did the intruder escape?"


    Then he saw the purple flames at the doorway.


    "It seems our uninvited guest hasn''t left yet." He waved his wand, making the flames vanish.


    Snape went to the table to check his seven potions. The stoppers were all removed, and three bottles were empty.


    "Bloody drunkard!" he cursed viciously, seemingly reminded of some distasteful memory. "Drank all the nettle wine, and the forward potion too."


    A heavy drinker... carrying mysterious poison... possessing mysterious door-opening abilities - in Dumbledore''s memory, he had never encountered such a wizard.


    He gripped his wand tightly, preparing to subdue the enemy the moment they entered the chamber, just as he had done so many times before - a simple Binding Charm followed by a Petrification Spell.


    "Incarcerous, Petri... Jane Yu?"


    The poor old headmaster stood dumbfounded, nearly fainting from shock.


    The chamber reeked of alcohol, and there lay just one girl sleeping soundly on the floor, the Philosopher''s Stone clutched in her hand!


    <div>

 Chapter 4: Shocking the Professors

    In her dazed state, Jane Yu felt a bitter liquid being poured into her mouth, making her want to vomit.


    "Violation of school rules... expulsion..."


    "First-year student... just enrolled..."


    She heard two voices speaking English that she barely understood, finding them rather annoying.


    However, her subconscious caught the word "expulsion," which filled her with joy. She even struggled to force her eyes open and found herself no longer in the chamber, but in a white room full of hospital beds - apparently the school infirmary.


    She turned towards the source of the voices.


    On her left stood a man with a hooked nose wearing black robes, his hair as greasy as if unwashed for days. He was glaring at her so fiercely that she had no doubt if looks could kill, she would have died hundreds of times already.


    She turned to look at her right side - ah, it was her headmaster, with his white beard, still wearing his nightgown, his blue eyes full of scrutiny.


    Poor hygiene, doesn''t feed pets... these were her impressions of the headmaster now.


    She unconsciously shifted towards the left side. Although the professor there had greasy hair too, at least he had a fresh medicinal smell similar to a Chinese herb shop. Compared to the unhygienic headmaster on the right, she preferred the greasy one.


    However, to Dumbledore and Snape, this appeared as if she feared the kindly headmaster and sought protection from the greasy bat instead.


    Both of them made faces as if they''d just eaten a vomit-flavored Bertie Bott''s bean.


    Had it been any ordinary student, Dumbledore would have certainly teased his gloomy old friend about this.


    But before them was a first-year student who, on her very first day, had somehow managed to break through five obstacles and enter the forbidden corridor on the fourth floor, attempting to steal the Philosopher''s Stone while drunk!


    In his hundred-plus years, except for that one person, he had never seen such an audacious student!


    Slytherin... attempting to steal the Philosopher''s Stone... and from an orphanage background... This was hitting all his red flags at once!


    Had the dark forces already infiltrated incoming students from their hidden places?


    This thought made him sad and sorrowful.


    Meanwhile, his old colleague had already started spewing venom in his characteristic hissing manner:


    "Perhaps the esteemed Miss Yu feels that her performance at the Sorting Ceremony wasn''t spectacular enough, and needs to roam the castle at night, break into restricted areas, and attempt to steal the Philosopher''s Stone on her first day to make herself famous throughout the school."


    "Foolish, reckless, idiotic - your head must be filled with flobberworms."


    "What a pity that you''re in my house, or I would certainly recommend your expulsion to the headmaster."


    What? They want to expel her!


    Could there be such good fortune in this world!


    Although this dark-clad professor liked to use many adjectives that Jane couldn''t understand, she still keenly caught the word "expulsion."


    Now this was a true professor!


    Though he looked gloomy, he was so understanding!


    Jane''s eyes immediately showed gratitude and emotion.


    What was with that grateful look?


    Snape felt extremely uncomfortable!


    Just because he mentioned not expelling her, this girl became this excited?


    In his 32 years of life, he had never received such sincere emotion from a student, and it made him feel like ants were crawling all over him.


    Dumbledore, who was watching their interaction from across, his blue eyes twinkling:


    "Child, would you be willing to come chat with this old man in the headmaster''s office?"


    Jane understood this sentence, surely Dumbledore wanted to take her to his office to discuss her expulsion.


    Just following procedure, every school does this!


    She nodded happily and got out of bed.


    Oh no... her head was still dizzy, she couldn''t stand steady!


    Before falling, she grabbed onto the black robes in front of her. With a sharp "rip," the clear sound of tearing fabric rang out as Professor Snape''s black robes were torn clean across the waistline!


    "Are you a troll?"


    Snape''s neck flushed red with anger as he violently yanked back the torn piece of black fabric.


    "Ahem..." Jane felt quite embarrassed, tearing a professor''s coat wasn''t part of her plan.


    She hadn''t expected the robe''s quality to be so poor. She decided that once she opened her Chinese medicine clinic in London, she would order ten sets of black robes for this professor!


    But she didn''t know his name yet, how would she find him later?


    So in the dim castle corridor, she asked that eye-popping question:


    "What''me?"


    Snape''s face turned as black as coal. Today he truly witnessed something unprecedented - a Slytherin student, standing before him after causing so much trouble... actually didn''t know her Head of House''s name!Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    "Is your brain filled with knotgrass? The professors were introduced during the Sorting Ceremony. Or perhaps your ears are stuffed with flobberworms, preventing you from hearing anything?"


    Jane looked completely bewildered.


    Why was this professor using fancy adjectives again? She couldn''t understand.


    "Enough, Severus. Let''s continue this once we reach our destination, the portraits are all being woken up," Dumbledore intervened.


    He was afraid he might laugh out loud if this continued. Watching the infamous Professor Snape being flustered was one of the great entertainments in his mundane life as headmaster.


    Besides, a student breaking into the restricted area was a serious matter - it wouldn''t be appropriate to smile in such circumstances.


    Jane understood now - this professor was called Severus.


    They walked up a spiral staircase shaped like a griffin to reach the headmaster''s office entrance.


    "Sherbet lemon," Dumbledore spoke the password to an incredibly ugly gargoyle at the entrance.


    The door opened.


    Jane sat down in a chair, looking around at the office''s decorations.


    The circular office''s walls were covered with portraits, all sleeping with closed eyes. The Sorting Hat sat on a shelf to one side, also snoring. A large gold and red bird - like a golden pheasant - opened its eyes slightly at the noise from its perch. It seemed rather weak. The desk was covered with documents and several quills.


    Even more eye-catching was the candy jar on the left side of the desk. It was stuffed with oddly shaped candies and chocolates, some even jumping slightly inside.


    "Child, would you like some Cockroach Clusters? They''re fresh and delicious," Dumbledore offered, seeing her staring at the candy jar.


    However, Jane''s look towards him had reached the height of disgust.


    Poor hygiene, animal abuse, eating cockroaches... everything he did seemed unlike what a good person would do.


    Seeing Jane firmly shake her head, Dumbledore could only disappointedly pop them into his own mouth.


    "Well... let''s talk about the restricted area," he interlaced his fingers, blue eyes looking at Jane. "Miss Yu, how did you get through those obstacles?"


    Jane understood again - he was asking how she passed the trials.


    She fell into deep thought, wondering how to answer this question with her poor English.


    After a while, she replied concisely: "Feed dog."


    So that''s why there was a dinner smell in the air when they entered the three-headed dog''s room!


    Dumbledore and Snape looked at each other - the three-headed dog''s weakness was music, it would fall asleep upon hearing music, but they had never thought of... feeding it!


    Snape remembered something and pulled out a small bottle from his pocket, pouring out some powder to examine carefully.


    "Indeed it''s the three-headed dog''s venom that corroded the Devil''s Snare."


    "And there are traces of saliva affecting the new aconite plants."


    Being able to command the three-headed dog to do her bidding, perhaps Miss Yu had a talent for magical creatures!


    Now both men looked at her differently.


    This first-year... perhaps Hufflepuff would have been her proper house, Dumbledore thought.


    "I see, child. Helga would have liked you," his expression softened, though the scrutiny remained in his eyes as he continued questioning, "Then how did you open all those doors without keys?"


    Jane pulled out her wand and placed it on the desk.


    Dumbledore picked up the twisted, curvy wand with one hand - no, rather than a wand, he preferred to call it a twisted pretzel. He then cast several Prior Incantato spells with his own wand, but there was no response - its core had indeed never cast any spells.


    Seeing the headmaster meticulously examining the wand, Jane found it quite strange - wasn''t using the wand as a skeleton key simple enough? Why study it for so long?


    She slid off her chair, walked forward to take back the pre... wand, and started to bend it - her action was immediately stopped by the headmaster, who was now looking at her with a complex, pained expression.


    "Child, I have no intention of expelling you, don''t treat your other half this way."


    He thought Jane was acting self-destructively under his questioning, trying to snap her wand to leave school.


    However, what happened next made his half-moon spectacles nearly fall off.


    The girl inserted the wand into his office drawer''s keyhole, and with a "click," the lock opened.


    "Oh... so that''s how..." he took the wand again, gently bending it back and forth - it seemed very flexible, able to bend and twist freely without breaking under external force.


    "Cherry wood, child, you would be good at Transfiguration," he discovered another of Jane''s talents.


    Dumbledore returned the wand to her, his tone even gentler: "So we only have two puzzles left - how did you get through the chess set and the potions?"


    Jane started thinking again. She wanted to say she stood on the right side with the white pieces... how do you say right again? Oh yes, right!


    So she looked up at the headmaster and firmly said: "I stand on the right white side!"


    What! She had such high awareness?


    Dumbledore was extremely shocked - a newly enrolled student actually so firmly declared standing on the right side with the white wizards. He carefully examined Jane''s expression, only seeing pure sincerity.


    How could he extinguish such an innocent heart?


    Any distrust would be harmful to a child.


    He decided not to question further. At over a hundred years old, he should be more lenient with an eleven-year-old child.


    "Good child," he stood up, closing his eyes with a long sigh. "I''m very glad you have such thoughts. But you''re still a new student, these matters should be left to us adult wizards."


    A rough hand gently patted Jane''s black hair.


    "I know you went there to prove your courage and fearlessness. In fact, courage isn''t exclusive to Gryffindor - history has seen many courageous Slytherins..."


    "Moreover, excessive courage and confidence can become recklessness and arrogance. If you hadn''t thought of these methods, we might have only found your corpse."


    "Therefore, I must deduct 100 points from Slytherin."


    Dumbledore opened his eyes to look at Snape, who was indeed radiating cold air over the lost house points.


    "Severus, please take Miss Yu back to rest."


    Seeing tears in Jane''s eyes, he thought the child might have been frightened by his criticism and the point deduction, and quickly consoled her: "You''re an excellent child, with precious character and talent. You will achieve great things."


    No! I don''t care about any of that! The little figure in Jane''s heart was screaming.


    My plan for expulsion had failed!


    That bright red stone, her surprise, was also gone!


    She couldn''t help but shed thick tears, and the headmaster, seemingly unable to bear it, gave her another handful of Cockroach Clusters.


    With a handful of cockroaches, she cried even louder.


    Snape let out a cold snort, dropped a "follow me," and with a swish of his torn black robes, left the room.


    He understood this type of Slytherin - they were all great actors, speaking whatever suited their audience.


    ......


    After they left, Dumbledore couldn''t settle his mind.


    Two things disturbed his mood.


    First was that he needed to reset the bait for the hidden dark forces, and second was Jane Yu, this Slytherin.


    He leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms: "Perhaps our sorting was too hasty..."


    Love of adventure, courage, sneaking out at night to prove oneself... these traits appearing in a Slytherin student made him reflect on whether his past education had suppressed certain people''s true nature.


    "Ah¡ª"


    ......


    Meanwhile, Snape was leading his troll-like new student down the stairs with an imposing air.


    "Miss Yu," he wouldn''t even spare her a glance, his voice concealing anger.


    He stopped at the common room entrance, making a crisp turn that caused his black robes to flutter.


    "You''d better watch your words and actions, don''t act as recklessly as those foolish lions. It won''t improve your situation in Slytherin."


    Jane looked up, meeting Professor Snape''s eyes, trying to read his emotions.


    Cold, seemingly without extra emotion...


    "Pureblood!" The common room door opened.


    "Your dormitory is in the furthest room," the black robes gradually disappeared.


    Jane scratched her head, trying to analyze and understand the meaning of his words.


    "Slytherin... situation... improve?"


    Was he saying she should improve Slytherin''s environment? That''s what she thought.


    Who would have thought this cold-looking professor was such an environmentalist at heart.


    She surveyed the common room - the windows looked out to the bottom of the Black Lake, where schools of fish and a giant squid were swimming. Inside, the fireplace burned with crackling wood. There wasn''t much lighting; under the flickering candlelight, the room was quite dim.


    No wonder he wanted her to improve the environment!


    Studying, writing homework, and chatting in such a dark and damp place would surely lead to rheumatism and glaucoma!


    Since she had accidentally torn his robes and couldn''t leave school for now, she might as well try to improve Slytherin''s environment to repay this Head of House.


    But clearly not today... she was too exhausted and needed a long sleep.

 Chapter 5: Shocking the Prefect

    "Merlin''s beard! How did our gemstones turn negative?"


    "Negative one hundred points?"


    By early morning of the second day, news of Slytherin losing one hundred points had spread throughout the school.


    Every Slytherin student was pale-faced. Being dragged down by a full hundred points would be difficult to make up no matter how hard they tried in class.


    Even more humiliating was their loss of face.


    How could they face the mockery from other houses?


    After dinner, almost all Slytherin students sat in the common room with grave expressions.


    "We must investigate! Find this student!"


    "When I find them, they''ll wish they''d never been born!"


    The first-years discussed among themselves, dismayed by such an unfortunate start.


    This year had already begun with a Mudblood in Slytherin who''d shown open dissatisfaction with their sorting, and now their house points were in the negative on the first day. They feared they might lose their seven-year streak for the House Cup.


    It was utterly disgraceful, bringing shame to their alumni and ancestors who''d graduated from Slytherin.


    Some parents had even written asking about the situation, adding to their embarrassment.


    Then Millicent spoke up in her sharp voice: "It must be Yu Jane! I didn''t see her in the common room all last night!"


    "She must have been caught wandering around after hours and lost us points!"


    Gemma Farley, wearing a prefect badge, looked serious. Even with her good nature and tolerance, she couldn''t maintain her smile when a new student had gone missing and their house points had been devastated.


    "Thank you for the information, Miss Bulstrode. I will investigate this matter."


    Her gaze swept over the first-years as she added her congratulations on their sorting into Slytherin and explained the house principles. Her well-memorized "Slytherin Prefect''s Welcome Speech" finally came in handy.


    She emphasized at the end:


    "Although we''ve had a terrible start this year, I hope you remember that honor is earned by everyone. We''ve held the House Cup for seven years, and this year will be no exception."


    "Once you become a snake, you''re one of us - part of the elite. I don''t want to see house points lost due to internal conflicts."


    Her meaning was clear - she didn''t want to see points lost due to ostracizing Jane, as Slytherin''s fragile hourglass couldn''t withstand any more damage.


    She then hurried to Professor Snape''s office to gather information.


    She realized that for an entire night plus a day, no student had seen Jane Yu!


    Snape''s office was located in the castle dungeons, adjacent to the Potions classroom. The place was dark and damp, exuding an eerie atmosphere.


    However, just as she was about to knock on the office door, she heard voices through the crack.


    "You needn''t tell me... I''ll be watching her."


    That was Professor Snape''s voice!


    Her hand stopped just before touching the door as she held her breath, not daring to move.


    "She''s suspicious. I don''t believe any first-year would be brainless enough to take on a three-headed dog in the fourth-floor corridor alone."


    What?!


    Gemma could hardly believe her ears!


    The missing first-year, Jane Yu, had gone to the forbidden fourth-floor corridor alone and faced the three-headed dog!


    As an upper-year student, she''d learned about three-headed dogs - they were XXXX classified magical creatures, dangerous/requiring specialist knowledge/skilled wizard to handle.The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    She''d bet the entire sixth-year Slytherin class together couldn''t subdue one.


    Yet an 11-year-old witch who hadn''t attended a single class had faced it!


    She hadn''t realized the gap in talent between people could be so vast!


    She dazedly returned to the common room, sinking into a sofa with one hand on the armrest, staring blankly ahead.


    She should have been angry about the hundred points lost, should have confronted this new student named Jane Yu.


    But instead, she felt a secret admiration, appreciation, and joy rising in her heart.


    She needed to reconsider how to approach this first-year.


    However, at that moment a rough female voice rang out in the common room: "All day... no one''s seen her, she missed Herbology and History of Magic, losing us another 20 points!"


    Looking toward the voice, Gemma found it was Millicent causing a commotion again.


    The first-years all chimed in, with the Parkinson child speaking acidly: "Oh, Bulstrode, how dare she treat you like that in the Great Hall earlier!"


    "If she shows up, I''ll make her regret being born!" Millicent threatened, her fleshy cheeks quivering.


    Gemma frowned, wanting to knock some sense into this stupid girl''s head with a Potions textbook - did she really think she could easily handle a first-year who could take on a three-headed dog?


    But she couldn''t reveal what she''d overheard at Snape''s office.


    "Miss Bulstrode, I believe I should reiterate - I don''t want to see any internal conflicts here."


    "After all, our House Cup is hanging by a thread."


    She stared intently at Millicent Bulstrode, her blonde hair casting dark shadows in the dim light.


    Only then did Millicent realize Prefect Gemma was in the common room watching everyone''s actions. Her face and neck flushed red as she mumbled an "apologize" before hurrying back to her dormitory.


    "Idiot," Pansy muttered, filing her nails and rolling her eyes at Millicent''s retreating figure.


    She wasn''t stupid enough to speak so boldly in front of a prefect!


    Though she''d dealt with Millicent, Gemma remained troubled. The new student avoided all interaction with classmates and seemed so advanced in magic that she didn''t need to attend classes.


    She needed to talk to her, at least use her position as prefect to ensure no more points would be lost.


    At that moment, Jane Yu was sleeping soundly in her dormitory bed.


    After all, having returned from the headmaster''s office at dawn, it was reasonable to skip classes and sleep all day!


    It would perfectly contribute to her plan for expulsion!


    However, her sweet dreams were interrupted by a knock at the door.


    "Who is it, disturbing people in the middle of the night!"


    She got up grumpily, her black hair disheveled, muttering as she went to open the door.


    There stood a tall, blonde upper-year student.


    "Miss Yu... um... sorry... for disturbing you so late... could we talk?"


    ......


    Gemma had imagined many scenarios for their meeting - cordial conversations, handshakes and reconciliation - but she hadn''t expected to be unable to speak a complete sentence when actually facing this first-year!


    The moment the dormitory door opened, she felt an intangible force and pressure emanating from Jane Yu, like the grudge of a female ghost, directly suppressing her spirit.


    A voice in her head kept screaming at her to turn and run, but fear glued her legs firmly to the ground as cold sweat soaked through her back, making her shirt stick to her skin.


    "Come in," she heard a clear, childish voice say.


    As if granted amnesty, she entered the small dormitory.


    It took Jane half the day to understand the intention of this self-proclaimed Slytherin prefect.


    She wanted Jane to interact friendlily with classmates and attend classes normally to avoid losing more points.


    "Miss Yu, I know you have extraordinary abilities, but many of your yearmates come from prominent magical families. Having conflicts with them won''t do you any good," Gemma rambled on.


    "You''ll be spending seven years here with your classmates, please be more friendly..."


    Jane was confused.


    Students from magical families in conflict with each other?


    The prefect wanted her to improve relationships between classmates, make them friendlier?


    But she didn''t know any classmates - this was asking too much!


    So she refused: "I can''t do it."


    Prefect Gemma''s expression changed.


    This first-year actually didn''t care about the famous Sacred Twenty-Eight!


    Slytherins were known for being cunning, judging situations carefully, and self-preservation - she couldn''t believe any house member would rashly offend these pureblood families.


    Unless... this first-year''s background made her confident enough to do so.


    Could she be from some reclusive Eastern magical family?


    She became even more cautious in her approach.


    "May I call you Yu?" Gemma put on what she considered her most perfect and polite smile.


    This time Jane understood.


    "Of course, Prefect Gemma."


    Exchanging first names was a sign of goodwill and closer relationships in British wizarding society.


    Gemma relaxed and continued exercising her social skills:


    "I understand. But perhaps for my sake, would you be willing to attend classes? Constantly losing points due to absences puts a lot of pressure on my work."


    Jane understood - because she''d skipped classes today, they''d lost more house points.


    This seemed to have caused trouble for the prefect?


    Although she wanted to be expelled, causing difficulties for others made her feel somewhat guilty.


    "I''ll go to classes."


    For Gemma, this was completely unexpected!


    Her family wasn''t particularly powerful or influential, and she''d thought Jane would be as dismissive of her as she was of the pureblood families. She hadn''t expected such ready agreement!


    Having achieved her goal, she happily left a Chocolate Ball as a gift and gave Jane a hug.


    Then she marched out triumphantly like a victorious general.

 Chapter 6: The Charms Class

    Jane Yu considered herself a woman of her word.


    Since she had promised Senior Gemma, she would definitely keep that promise.


    So early the next morning, she appeared in the Great Hall right on time for breakfast.


    The first-year students stared at her as if they''d seen a ghost.


    Blaise nudged Draco in the ribs and, having caught his attention, nodded towards Jane.


    "Have you written to your father about her? What''s her deal?"


    Draco, struggling with his knife and fork against a stubborn pie on his plate, replied impatiently, "I wrote on the first day, but Father hasn''t replied yet."


    "Fine then." Blaise sat back, disappointed. "Seeing how the prefects protect her, I thought she might be from some important family."


    Pansy nearby let out a derisive snort, leisurely sipping her pumpkin juice. "What''s this? Got a thing for exotic girls? Look at her second-hand robes and used textbooks! If you ask me, all this mysterious background stuff is just in your heads."


    If it weren''t for Prefect Farley''s attitude, these little snakes would have torn Jane apart long ago!


    Unconsciously, this mysterious new student had attracted the attention of the entire first year.


    ......


    The breakfast was truly awful.


    Jane quickly swallowed her last bite of pumpkin pie and dabbed her mouth with a napkin - a gesture that made all the first-year Slytherins frown in unison.


    Completely oblivious to others'' stares, she grabbed her copy of "Standard Book of Spells, Grade 1", swept past the table of students, her black and green uniform swishing behind her as she walked out of the Great Hall alone.


    Pansy froze with her pumpkin juice halfway to her mouth, staring after Jane in disbelief. "How dare she go to class alone? Does she even know the way?"


    Indeed, Jane didn''t know the way to the Charms classroom. She didn''t even know which floor it was on.


    But she had a mouth.


    Though she was socially anxious, that only applied to living people... and portraits definitely didn''t count as living.


    She stood before the staircases. These stairs varied in width and would change direction, leading to different places. Some doors were actually just decorative walls. Everything seemed to be in constant motion.


    "Excuse me... could you tell me the way to the Charms classroom?" She randomly knocked on the frame of a portrait.


    The painted figure seemed surprised by her query but pointed her in the right direction nonetheless.


    So she continued her journey, stopping to knock on a portrait at each new staircase.


    A few minutes later, she passed through the fourth-floor Charms corridor.


    Noticing a tapestry in the corridor, she curiously lifted it to peek behind.


    It led to another corridor, seemingly filled with suits of armor.


    She made a mental note of this.


    Walking further along the corridor, she finally found the Charms classroom.


    When the first-year Slytherins stumbled into the classroom in a disheveled group, they found Jane already seated in the front row, head resting on her desk with her eyes closed.


    The little snakes looked at her in disbelief.


    "Merlin''s beard! How did she find her way here?" Blaise exclaimed admiringly.


    A seed of curiosity took root in his mind.


    "If she knew the way, why didn''t she show us?" Pansy complained bitterly.


    She had caught her ankle in a vanishing step while climbing the stairs, scraping it painfully.


    Blaise merely shrugged.


    At that moment, Draco walked up beside him, slamming his "Standard Book of Spells" onto the desk. He was sweating profusely from the journey, his usually sleek gelled hair having lost its shine.


    "Those idiots Crabbe and Goyle went the wrong way, and that blasted staircase suddenly changed direction - I nearly missed class!" he ranted.


    Blaise gave him a wry smile. "Why don''t you ask Miss Yu how to get to class? She was the first one here."


    This attempt at deflecting blame proved highly effective, immediately igniting Draco''s fury.


    "What? You expect me to ask directions from a stinking Mudblood?"


    He glared at the back of Jane''s head. "Just wait and see, in a couple of days, I''ll have my father get her thrown out of Slytherin!"


    Jane was currently unaware of having provoked Draco Malfoy''s wrath.


    She was watching Professor Flitwick, the Charms teacher.


    According to Professor Flitwick himself, he had goblin ancestry, which explained his diminutive stature - he needed to stand on a pile of books just to be visible to his students. Looking at his small frame, it was hard to imagine he had been a dueling champion in his youth.


    "Charms is a practical subject. I will teach you proper spell pronunciation and wand movements," he explained.


    "Today we''ll learn the Wand-Lighting Charm, one of the most commonly used spells by wizards."


    "The incantation is ''Lumos'', like this..."


    He began to demonstrate. The Wand-Lighting Charm apparently required no special movement, just a slight shake of the wand to produce light at its tip.


    Jane couldn''t understand most of what the professor was saying.


    So during Professor Flitwick''s lengthy welcome speech, she had lowered her head and was idly flipping through her textbook, studying the spell diagrams.Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    Lacarnum... inflamari makes something catch fire?


    Wingardium... leviosa makes something fly?


    These illustrations looked interesting - she was starting to fall in love with magic.


    Then she heard Professor Flitwick''s clear pronunciation of "Lumos" and saw the light emanating from his wand tip.


    "Now, you may all begin practicing," Professor Flitwick announced.


    The classroom immediately filled with various pronunciations of "Lumos."


    However, among the uniform lighting charms, one voice stood out distinctly.


    Jane had been muttering "Lacarnum" (fire-making spell) and "Wingardium" (levitation charm), which led to a verbal slip.


    "Lacar...wingar...lumos!"


    A ball of fire burst from her wand tip, blazing with blinding light, shooting up like a firework toward the ceiling. Without sustained magical power, the flames exploded at the classroom ceiling, showering sparks down onto the stack of books Professor Flitwick was standing on.


    The books caught fire immediately, the flammable materials instantly creating a sea of flames around the podium.


    Jane couldn''t even see the diminutive Professor Flitwick through the flames!


    Oh no!


    Sure, she wanted to drop out!


    But she hadn''t planned on burning a professor to death!


    "Ahhh¡ª"


    "Fire! Help!"


    "Murder! She''s killed Professor Flitwick!"


    The first-year Slytherins cried out in panic. Watching the spreading flames, they jumped from their seats, attempting to flee the scene of disaster.


    Some students had already made it to the door, staring at Jane in horror from the doorway.


    Her expression was terrifying! Black hair shadowing her pale face in the fierce flames, dark eyes hidden beneath thick bangs, one hand tightly gripping that oddly-shaped wand - she looked like the Grim Reaper!


    She even had the composure to casually flip through her textbook amidst the inferno!


    Draco''s face had turned pale, one hand clutching his follower''s robes. Being seated so close to the front, his blonde hair had been singed by the sparks, giving off a burnt smell.


    "My hair!" he shrieked.


    "Expel her, I''ll definitely have my father expel her!"


    However, Jane in the midst of the inferno had no time to pay attention to her classmates. She was rapidly flipping through her textbook, trying to find some spell to extinguish the massive fire.


    "Aguamenti... extinguishing..."


    Just then, she heard Professor Flitwick''s voice from within the blazing podium. He didn''t sound panicked at all - rather, there was a hint of excitement and enthusiasm in his voice.


    The flames were extinguished, leaving water flowing across the classroom floor.


    The books at the podium had been completely burned, Professor Flitwick''s already thinning hair was now completely gone, his facial hair had been burned away, his robes were in tatters, and one of his spectacle lenses had fallen out.


    Thank goodness the professor was alright! Jane thought.


    I certainly don''t want to be sent to wizard prison!


    But then another joy welled up in her heart.


    Burning the classroom, nearly burning the professor... surely they''ll have to expel me now!


    Yet Professor Flitwick stormed up to her, or rather... bounced up excitedly?


    "Brilliant spellwork!"


    "A perfect combination of the Fire-Making Spell, Levitation Charm, and Wand-Lighting Charm!"


    "Twenty points to Slytherin! For Miss Yu''s remarkable ingenuity!"


    Jane nearly dropped her jaw in disbelief. She hesitantly reminded the over-excited professor:


    "But... I accidentally set the classroom on fire and almost hurt you."


    Please don''t be stingy with punishment, just take me to the headmaster''s office and expel me! she prayed internally.


    "Indeed," Professor Flitwick waved his arms, talking to himself, "I must go tell Dumbledore that I''ve discovered a Charms prodigy!"


    Indeed... Dumbledore?


    Jane understood! The professor acknowledged that she had burned the classroom and was finally willing to take her to Dumbledore to process her expulsion!


    She broke into a broad smile, following Professor Flitwick toward the headmaster''s office.


    As they passed the group of first-year Slytherins who had fled into the corridor, Professor Flitwick addressed them:


    "Continue practicing after class, and if you have any questions, ask Miss Yu!"


    The little snakes were stunned into silence.


    They had witnessed this grand classroom-burning performance and the creation of a new spell, and heard about the twenty house points awarded.


    Many were still too shocked to react.


    "Draco, are you still going to write to your father about getting her expelled?" Blaise nudged his friend.


    Draco''s face reddened as he clutched his hair. "Who said anything about expelling her? But she needs to take responsibility for my hair!"


    For Slytherin students, respect for power was ingrained in their nature.


    When they discovered a powerful individual among their classmates, their attention would naturally follow.


    However, there were always a few dim-witted ones who didn''t get the message.


    Millicent Bulstrode was one of them.


    "Impossible! She must have stolen that spell from somewhere!"


    "It was just an explosion caused by her poor magical control!"


    She gritted her teeth, shooting hateful glares in the direction Jane had disappeared.


    "If I don''t get her thrown out of Slytherin, I''m not worthy of the name Bulstrode!"


    ......


    Meanwhile, Jane and Professor Flitwick had arrived at the headmaster''s office.


    "A genius! Albus!"


    "I''ve discovered a genius!"


    As soon as they entered, Professor Flitwick excitedly grabbed Dumbledore''s hands.


    Dumbledore was clearly shocked by the professor''s bald head and tattered robes. He rubbed his eyes in confusion, making sure he wasn''t seeing things, wondering what could have reduced the renowned dueling champion to such a state.


    He helplessly pulled out two chairs. "Filius, please calm down. And Miss Yu, let''s sit down and discuss what happened?"


    Professor Flitwick was far from calm, still immersed in overwhelming joy!


    A rare talent had been discovered by him, the talent scout!


    "Can you believe it, Albus? An eleven-year-old first-year, already creating new spells!" he sprayed spittle as he spoke. "A perfect fusion of the Fire-Making Spell, Levitation Charm, and Wand-Lighting Charm, demonstrating such mastery - ordinary standard spells wielded with such extraordinary power!"


    He jumped onto his chair, standing to display his tattered robes, bald head, and burned-off beard.


    "Look, these are the marks left by powerful flames. Regular Aguamenti had no effect; I had to use the Extinguishing Spell to put it out!"


    Dumbledore''s expression immediately grew serious. He carefully examined the fire-damaged areas, checking the magical traces, confirming it was indeed a powerful flame.


    Professor Flitwick continued gesturing enthusiastically: "I''d say this deserves an Order of Merlin..."


    Dumbledore interrupted him with a smile, turning to question Jane:


    "Miss Yu, could you demonstrate this spell for us?"


    Professor Flitwick''s face drained of color, a "No-" caught in his throat.


    Then a clear "Lacar...wingar...lumos" rang out in the small headmaster''s office. Bright, eye-searing flames rose up and fell onto the desk, instantly igniting the entire piece of furniture.


    Perfect, the headmaster''s office is on fire too - they''ll have to expel me now!


    Jane smiled as she watched the burning desk.


    "Finite Incantatem! Extinguishing..."


    Dumbledore instantly cast three or four spells - he hadn''t expected the fireball to be so large!


    But it was too late. The documents on his desk had all turned to ash, and his freshly bought sweets from Honeydukes had melted and stuck to the desk.


    The sight pained him so much that he pulled out several strands of his beard.


    The piercing light and great fire had awakened all the portraits on the walls. Those former headmasters, both men and women, began whispering among themselves.


    Phineas Nigellus Black''s voice boomed out angrily:


    "A student burning the headmaster''s office? Outrageous, presumptuous! Must be expelled!"


    However, upon noticing Jane''s black and green robes, he awkwardly choked on his words:


    "Er... not bad fire-making, very precise magical control..."


    Dumbledore smiled wryly and spoke: "No, this is not a simple Fire-Making Charm."


    Professor Flitwick complained from the side: "Albus, I warned you, this is a powerful flame - it shouldn''t have been used so casually in here..."


    Dumbledore rubbed his temples, sitting down in his fire-damaged, wobbling chair. "Miss Yu, you possess remarkable creativity and talent. I will submit an application to the Ministry of Magic for your spell creation, and I hope one day to see your spells appear in textbooks."


    He seemed to have recovered from the grief of losing his candies, his bright blue eyes twinkling at Jane.


    "I should award you fifty points, but since Filius has already given you points, I can only add thirty more."


    "However, I hear your spell caused some small problems in the Charms classroom... you''re a responsible young lady, aren''t you?"


    And so the task of cleaning up the Charms classroom fell to Jane.


    Another expulsion plan... failed!


    Facing another setback, the little figure in Jane''s heart shed tears like wide noodles.


    ......


    After sending Professor Flitwick and Jane away, Dumbledore fell into deep thought again.


    Slytherin... attempted theft of the Philosopher''s Stone... orphanage background... extraordinary learning ability... teacher''s favorite...


    The debuffs seemed to be accumulating.


    But she was still just a first-year, showing Gryffindor-like courage and willingness to take responsibility for her mistakes...


    I need to guide her properly.


    Dumbledore thought to himself.


    Hogwarts cannot produce another Dark Lord.


    Must influence her with love...


    "Then let''s award thirty points to Slytherin as encouragement!"

 Chapter 7: Scouring Charm

    In secret, a plot against Jane Yu was brewing.


    Millicent, holding her equally fat cat, was in the dormitory embellishing stories to Pansy.


    "That low-born rat crawling out of some Muggle heap! Tricking Professor Flitwick with her cheap tricks, burning down the classroom so we couldn''t continue our lessons!"


    "She threatens us as soon as she arrives, and lost our house over a hundred points..."


    "We should hex her, show her that Slytherin doesn''t welcome Mudbloods!"


    Pansy was at her vanity applying eyeliner when Millicent''s coarse voice made her hand slip, causing the black liquid to smear.


    "Tch." She impatiently tossed aside her eyeliner. "I''d advise you to be careful. I doubt a girl our age could fool the professors."


    Daphne chimed in from the side: "Gemma''s a smart prefect, she just warned us not to lose points."


    Coming from the Greengrass family, she was Pansy''s supporter and always backed her views.


    "You..." Millicent was incredulous that both her roommates had refused to help.


    But knowing Pansy''s infatuation with the Malfoy heir, she calculated her next move and continued stirring the pot:


    "But that big fire today burned Draco''s hair!"


    This successfully raised Pansy''s hatred. Remembering the hat Draco had worn all day, she suddenly understood and said through gritted teeth:


    "What? How dare she... how dare she treat a Malfoy like that!"


    She then kicked aside her chair and ordered Millicent to fetch her trunk from under the bed.


    With a fawning expression, Millicent quickly crawled on the ground and pulled out the trunk, her fat body writhing on the floor.


    Pansy rummaged through it for a moment before pulling out a glass vial containing white powder.


    "This is itching powder. When sprinkled on someone, it causes unbearable itching."


    She handed the small vial to Millicent, narrowing her eyes in warning:


    "I can offer you some help."


    "But you should know what will happen if this gets exposed and you rat us out."


    Millicent''s face paled as she clutched the vial, hurriedly agreeing and swearing she would never tell.


    That night, Jane''s dormitory door opened a crack.


    A plump figure squeezed through.


    Having learned that Jane had detention in the Charms classroom tonight, Millicent knew this was the perfect time to strike.


    She surveyed the room and bed - faded sheets and blankets, an old trunk, second-hand robes in the wardrobe, and nothing but a bottle of body wash and shampoo in the bathroom.The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.


    This further convinced her that Jane was just a poor Mudblood with no background.


    Unscrewing the body wash cap, she poured in the white powder and shook it vigorously to mix.


    "Get ready to be humiliated, you filth!"


    With a malicious smile, Millicent replaced the cap, returned the bottle, and slipped out of the dormitory.


    She could already imagine Jane writhing and scratching frantically in public, driven mad by the itching.


    She thought her plan was foolproof - even Merlin himself couldn''t prove she did it.


    But she failed to notice her fat cat sneaking out of the dormitory.


    ......


    At this time, Jane was unaware her room had been invaded.


    She had just finished cleaning and was returning the mop and broom to the supply closet.


    Though it was supposed to be detention, Professor Flitwick had actually used this opportunity to give her some extra tutoring.


    Reparo and Scourgify.


    Seeing how quickly she mastered them, Professor Flitwick beamed with joy, telling her that Scourgify was normally taught in fourth year.


    "Excellent, Yu! You''re learning faster than fourth-years!" he praised.


    When Jane returned to the common room, she found a cat curled up in one of the silver and green sofas.


    With an adoring smile, she picked up the cat and examined it carefully.


    Hmm... very heavy and fat, seemingly high body fat percentage.


    Its fur was matted in places, with bristly black and yellow long hair, and yellow-green irises that showed wariness.


    "Another pet whose owner doesn''t bathe or groom it."


    She was puzzled - didn''t these wizards take care of their pets?


    First that three-headed dog, then the troll, and now this cat... they all smelled rather unpleasant.


    "Come on, little one, let''s give you a bath!"


    Jane carried the fat cat back to her dormitory and placed it in the bathroom tub.


    She put on her dragon-hide gloves, grabbed a brush and body wash, ready to begin Operation Grooming.


    "Running low on body wash..." she muttered, emptying the entire bottle to work up a lather, which she spread over the cat while using the brush to detangle its matted fur, ensuring even coverage.


    White bubbles and soap quickly engulfed the entire cat.


    Feeling the sticky sensation all over, the cat suddenly twisted its body and let out a shriek, its feet scrabbling against the tub as it tried to escape. It even turned and bit Jane hard - but only caught the dragon-hide glove, causing no harm.


    Still, the bite made her reflexively let go, and the black and yellow cat leaped up, covered in white foam, darting out of the bathroom and streaking toward the dormitory exit.


    "So magical cats hate water too?" Jane panted, having expended considerable effort trying to control the fat cat. "Its weight really makes a difference - those kicks and bites were powerful."


    "Scourgify!"


    She waved her wand, and the foam and water in the tub, along with the cat''s footprints on the floor, instantly vanished.


    The empty body wash bottle disappeared as well.


    ......


    A dark shape raced through the Slytherin common room corridor screaming, bursting into a girls'' dormitory.


    Seconds later, that dormitory erupted with successive shrieks.


    ......


    "Have you heard? There''s a ghost haunting the Slytherin girls'' dormitory."


    "Tell me more?"


    "The first-years Pansy, Daphne, and Millicent all missed class today. When Head of House ordered Prefect Gemma to check on them, she found them unconscious with red, swollen welts all over their faces and heads, like severe allergic reactions. They were sent to the hospital wing."


    "What''s that got to do with a ghost?"


    "That dormitory was filled with screaming all night last night!"


    Rumors of the haunted girls'' dormitory spread through Slytherin, with students discussing it endlessly. Soon all the protective mistletoe was stolen from the greenhouses, infuriating Professor Sprout.


    In the hospital wing.


    Madam Pomfrey fed the three students bottle after bottle of purple-black potion - a remedy for itching and allergic reactions.


    But they still scratched incessantly at the itching, their sharp nails leaving new bloody marks. Their eyes were filled with tears, their words full of impotent rage and hatred:


    "Jane Yu! That bitch, that wretch!"


    "I''ll kill her!"


    Jane knew nothing of these incidents, nor that someone was plotting to hex her.


    Three days into the term, she continued to keep to herself, working on her plan to get expelled.


    That afternoon was Transfiguration, and she planned to cause some trouble to make Professor McGonagall - that strict lady - throw her out, advancing her expulsion progress bar.

 Chapter 8: Transfiguration Class

    Jane Yu never dreamed she would catch a tabby cat in the Transfiguration classroom.


    As she entered and set down her textbook, she spotted a cat''s head with bronze-colored fur and pure black stripes peering out from behind the lectern.


    It was unique, with markings around its eyes that looked like square spectacles.


    "Meow~meow~" she greeted it in cat language.


    Any ordinary kitten would have "meowed" back by now.


    But this tabby cat was different. It jumped onto the lectern, gave her a contemptuous glare, then haughtily turned its head away to stare straight ahead at the empty seats.


    Cat, you''ve successfully caught my attention!


    Jane thought to herself as she eagerly approached the lectern, letting it familiarize itself with her scent.


    But it jumped away disdainfully.


    If you won''t take the carrot, you''ll get the stick - she''d have to take matters into her own hands!


    Jane gently pinched the scruff of its neck, reached under its armpits to lift it up, while supporting its hindquarters with her other hand. The whole sequence was executed smoothly and instantly, and suddenly the tabby cat was cradled in her arms.


    It seemed to stare at her in disbelief, struggling with all four limbs, but eventually gave up under Jane''s firm hold, submitting to being squished and petted.


    Jane''s fingers worked gently but firmly, massaging its head slowly before softly pressing its baihui acupoint; then stroking from head to back repeatedly.


    Under this treatment, the cat melted into a puddle in her arms, practically liquefying.


    Mm, even forced sweetness is still sweet.


    But suddenly, everything changed!


    "Incarcerounsfiguration!"


    The tabby cat was instantly bound with rope and stuffed into a cat carrier transformed from a chair.


    It let out a cry of distress, extending sharp claws to scratch at the carrier.


    But it was no use.


    Jane was filled with joy - she would finally have her very own kitty!


    Who cared about Transfiguration class compared to having a pet cat!


    Once she had both a cat and dog, she''d be living her best life!


    She rushed toward the dormitory with the carrier, leaving the Slytherin students who were about to enter the Transfiguration classroom in her wake.


    "You be good and stay here until I get back from class."


    Placing the carrier on the bed, Jane instructed the cat, regardless of whether it could understand.


    Then she hurried back to class.


    ......


    Since she began teaching in 1956, Minerva McGonagall had appeared in her Animagus form for every first-year''s first Transfiguration lesson.


    According to her plan, she would first appear as a tabby cat on the lectern, then leap down and transform when the bell rang, drawing gasps of amazement from the students.


    For 35 years, she had executed this flawlessly, achieving excellent results as the new students were awed by the mysteries of Transfiguration and threw themselves enthusiastically into studying the subject.


    But this year seemed different.


    As usual, she had transformed into a cat and stood on the lectern, surveying the empty classroom below, already planning her next move - turning the lectern into a pig and back. She was thinking she should change her opening speech, as the old one was getting clich¨¦...


    Oh? A student arriving so early for class?


    Professor McGonagall was surprised, pleased to see such enthusiasm for Transfiguration, though it would have been better if it were a Gryffindor rather than a Slytherin - she thought to herself.


    No, something wasn''t right.


    This new student seemed a bit too eager, with an enthusiasm that was hard to resist.Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.


    Hmm?


    Why am I floating?


    Who''s petting me? My fur!


    This... actually feels quite nice?!


    "Meow¡ª"


    As she was bound with rope and stuffed into the carrier, four words flashed through her mind:


    My life is over!


    She had intended to transform back immediately and dock Slytherin ten points.


    But through the carrier''s transparent plastic, she immediately saw the swarm of Slytherin students outside, then she and the carrier were rapidly moving through the corridor - carried by this new student.


    The corridors were full of students from all years heading to class.


    She blushed furiously.


    Her claws awkwardly nearly carved a castle inside the carrier.


    If students saw their respected Professor McGonagall in such an undignified state, where could she hide her face!


    As she bounced along, she examined the carrier transformed from a chair, mentally praising this new student''s impressive Transfiguration skills - easily at second or third-year level.


    If this were during class, she would have immediately declared: "Ten points to Slytherin!"


    But unfortunately this wasn''t class time. As soon as Jane left the dormitory, she restored the carrier to its original form, darted out of the Slytherin common room, transformed back to human in a secluded corner, and sprinted toward the Transfiguration classroom.


    But she was still twenty-three minutes late!


    This was undoubtedly a heavy blow to her 35-year teaching career.


    ......


    "Where''s Professor McGonagall?"


    "It''s been 20 minutes since class started, why isn''t she here yet?"


    "Should we go check her office?"


    The little snakes began whispering among themselves.


    Jane was also amazed.


    Who would have thought Professor McGonagall would be even later than her!


    She had unilaterally decided this professor was a fellow slacker like herself.


    "My sincere apologies, students, there was a small incident..."


    Professor McGonagall appeared in the doorway, hurrying into the classroom.


    She seemed very flustered, her witch''s hat askew, her dark green robes somewhat disheveled, her face flushed from vigorous exercise as she caught her breath: "I''ve wasted your time, let''s get straight to the topic."


    "First, Gamp''s Law of Elemental Transfiguration... Transfiguration cannot create something from nothing..."


    After the students took copious notes, she gave each person a match to practice turning it into a needle.


    Soon the classroom was filled with the sound of incantations.


    Most Slytherin first-years came from magical families, their background making basic magic easier for them. Many quickly achieved changes in their matches, gradually turning them from wood to silver.


    "Focus, carefully imagine the needle..." Professor McGonagall moved through the crowd, guiding the students.


    After ten minutes of putting all his effort into it, Draco''s wand tip pointing at the match, it finally transformed into a sharp-pointed, gleaming silver needle.


    He raised his hand proudly, calling out to show off.


    "Look!"


    The surrounding little snakes cheered.


    "A perfect silver needle! Five points to Slytherin!" Professor McGonagall announced, picking up the needle.


    Then a boy named Theodore Nott also succeeded, winning another three points for Slytherin.


    Jane sat in the last row of the classroom, hiding herself.


    She was planning how to "accidentally" give a pig''s tail to the unfortunate Miss Millicent in front of her.


    She had looked up the meaning of "mudblood" after that day, finally understanding she had been insulted.


    But why did the professor keep hovering around her?


    It gave her no chance to act - she couldn''t very well transfigure the professor!


    Professor McGonagall had glanced subtly in her direction several times, casually passing by her desk repeatedly.


    The cat professor couldn''t help but sigh with regret.


    This student clearly had such talent and excellent transfiguration skills, yet was unwilling to show it.


    She thought she understood Jane: a poor orphan, bullied in Slytherin, forced to hide her abilities to avoid attention.


    Thus her gaze was full of sympathy when she looked at Jane.


    Time ticked by minute by minute as Professor McGonagall walked to the lectern, preparing to end the lesson.


    It was now or never!


    Jane''s heart raced as "transfiguration" burst from her lips, a red light shooting from her wand tip.


    ......


    "Ah¡ª"


    The students'' screams rang out.


    "Crack!" came the sound of breaking wood from the ceiling!


    The aged candle chandelier in the Transfiguration classroom suddenly broke free from the ceiling!


    Students screamed and scattered.


    Theodore tried to dodge but was too late.


    The chandelier was about to crash onto his head.


    Everyone closed their eyes, unable to watch the impending bloodshed.


    Then a clear, melodious "transfiguration" rang out.


    The chandelier instantly transformed into a pig''s tail, landing in Theodore''s arms, still quivering!


    The students turned in shock toward the source of the voice, seeing Jane standing there expressionlessly, her wand not yet lowered.


    Professor McGonagall hurried forward, picking up the pig''s tail to examine it carefully.


    "Perfect transfiguration! Miss Yu shows helpfulness and care for her classmates - twenty points to Slytherin!"


    Looking in Jane''s direction, her maternal affection was practically overflowing.


    Poor child, still helping classmates despite being bullied, such a kind-hearted girl!


    And she likes cats too, with excellent petting technique...


    Though it had disrupted her lesson plan, more importantly, she had discovered Jane''s heart of gold!


    Jane lowered her wand dejectedly.


    Who could have predicted Millicent would suddenly duck down to pick up her quill?


    Her inner self was crying into a handkerchief.


    Her transfiguration spell had gone astray and hit the chandelier instead!


    No progress on getting expelled!


    Well, at least saving a classmate counted as good karma.


    She consoled herself thus.


    Little did she know that her heroic rescue had changed how some students viewed her.


    Theodore clutched the pig''s tail, staring blankly in her direction, lost in thought.

 Chapter 9: Potions Class (Part 1)

    <div>


    There were two Potions classes scheduled for Friday.


    The little snakes were particularly cautious about any class involving their Head of House and the Gryffindors.


    Draco sat in an ornately carved chair in the Slytherin common room, surrounded by several friends.


    "Tomorrow''s Potions class is with Gryffindor. That damned Potter won''t have an easy time of it!"


    He let out a short, mocking laugh before continuing, "My father wrote back saying Professor Snape will take loads of points from those stupid lions. Just wait and see!"


    Blaise, sitting nearby, asked with interest, "Interesting. What did your father say about that one?" He nodded subtly toward the girls'' dormitory.


    Draco''s brow furrowed, his expression troubled. "Father said to keep watching and not act rashly. This Jane Yu might be an orphan from some Eastern magical family."


    At the mention of Jane Yu''s name, Theodore, who had been lost in his own thoughts, turned his head.


    He was usually a loner, rarely joining their gatherings, and when he did, he often remained silent.


    "What does she like?"


    Draco and Blaise looked at him in surprise when he spoke. It was as rare as seeing the sun rise in the west - Theodore actively asking about a girl?


    "Merlin''s beard, what spell has she cast on you?" Draco stood up, staring at him incredulously.


    But Blaise quickly caught on: "Ah, right. She saved you today. Even if she were a Muggle, courtesy demands you thank her."


    "I see. Though I haven''t settled the score about her singeing my hair yet!"


    Draco sat back down with a cold snort, trying to sound mature: "My mother always says women love flowers and jewelry most."


    "Every time my father gives her these, she''s especially happy."


    Theodore pressed his lips together and nodded seriously, thinking he understood.


    ......


    Meanwhile, Snape was feeling extremely irritated.


    The Potter brat alone had been enough to tie his insides in knots.


    Now he had to deal with Jane Yu, who''d been caught prowling restricted areas!


    In his eyes, having these two in his Potions classroom was like having two trolls performing the tarantella dance.


    He could only hope they wouldn''t act like complete idiots and blow up his classroom.


    Friday''s Potions class arrived right on schedule.


    The little snakes and lions filed in, exchanging dirty looks.


    Draco cast a contemptuous glance at Harry.


    "Just you wait, Potter!"


    Professor Snape strode into the classroom with a dark expression, his long black robes billowing behind him. The classroom windows closed one by one with his steps.


    He reached the podium, turned sharply, and picked up the roll to begin taking attendance.


    Harry''s name was clearly near the beginning, and he paused, speaking in a mocking tone: "Ah yes, Harry Potter. Our new... celebrity."This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.


    Draco''s group immediately began snickering behind their hands.


    "Potter''s in for it now!"


    A moment later, he came across Jane Yu''s name and paused again, his brows furrowing enough to trap a fly: "Jane Yu ¡ª our Eastern lady. I hope you can do more than just twirl that twisted stick in your hand. It would be better if you could engage that rusty thing atop your neck. It might make things less... excruciating for you."


    Millicent and Pansy burst into uncontrollable laughter.


    Jane couldn''t understand all these sophisticated expressions, but she made sure to remember one thing: the bespectacled boy with the scar on his forehead in Gryffindor was Harry Potter, the protagonist of this book.


    Protagonist + friends = Main character group = Extremely dangerous.


    Must stay away from the protagonist group to survive.


    She looked at the boy sitting next to Harry Potter, with red hair and freckles; then at the girl on the other side, with bushy brown hair and large front teeth.


    Committing their appearances to memory, she decided to give the trio a wide berth in the future.


    Up on the platform, Professor Snape had begun his opening speech, his serpentine intimidation encompassing the entire classroom.


    "You are here to learn the subtle science and exact art of potion-making..."


    "I can teach you how to bottle fame, brew glory, even stopper death..."


    These words had particular impact on the glory-seeking Slytherins. Jane noticed many students breathing rapidly, their eyes gleaming with desire.


    "That is, if you aren''t as big a bunch of dunderheads as I usually have to teach," he added, glancing toward the Gryffindor side. Jane noticed a round-faced blonde boy who looked close to tears.


    The girl next to Harry Potter was eagerly leaning forward in her seat. Jane couldn''t understand what she was doing... after all, Professor Snape didn''t look like someone who would show any favor to Gryffindors.


    "Potter! What would I get if I added powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?" Snape suddenly asked.


    After receiving an "I don''t know" in response, he followed up with two more questions: "Where would you look if I told you to find me a bezoar? What is the difference between monkshood and wolfsbane?"


    Jane shook her head internally. The protagonist was clearly still in his early weak phase. Following typical power fantasy patterns, he wouldn''t come into his strength until the middle or late story - of course he couldn''t answer these questions now!


    Meanwhile, the arm of Hermione Granger, the girl next to the protagonist, was practically touching the ceiling.


    The Slytherin students began laughing, with Draco, Crabbe, and Goyle nearly falling out of their seats.


    Professor Snape continued his sarcastic commentary: "Fame clearly isn''t everything, is it? I think it''s safe to say Mr. Potter hasn''t opened a single book before term started, hmm?"


    He then deducted one point from Gryffindor, and Jane noticed the dark professor''s mood seemed to improve considerably after that.


    His black eyes suddenly fixed on Jane: "Perhaps Miss Yu would like to answer these three questions."


    What now?


    She couldn''t even understand what he''d asked earlier!


    But no matter - if this could lower their impression of her and make this professor a stepping stone on her path to expulsion, all the better.


    With this in mind, Jane sat up straight in her seat, looked directly into the professor''s eyes and declared: "I don''t know, sir."


    Professor Snape''s nose nearly twisted with rage!


    He knew this student who''d been caught prowling restricted areas on the first night was trouble!


    In his Slytherin house, students usually studied their textbooks before term began, and could at least answer one or two of these basic Potions questions... he''d even been prepared to award 2 points for getting just one answer right!


    "Defying a professor - one point from Slytherin!" he announced.


    The little snakes erupted in shock.


    Draco could be heard saying to his cronies in disbelief: "Merlin''s beard! My father said Professor Snape never takes points from Slytherin in Potions!"


    Professor Snape overheard this comment and shot Draco a fierce glare. Now completely incensed, he switched to indiscriminate attack mode.


    "Disrespecting a professor - another point from Slytherin!"


    The classroom fell dead silent.


    Draco sat pale-faced in his seat, not daring to make a sound.


    This was probably the first time in history that Professor Snape had gone on a rampage against Slytherin.


    The Potions class continued.


    "You will work in pairs to brew a cure for boils," he commanded.


    The Slytherin and Gryffindor students quickly paired up, leaving only Jane sitting alone in the last row.


    Suddenly all eyes in the classroom were on her.


    Some Slytherins whispered and snickered.


    Harry felt Ron nudge his arm. "Bro, remember her? She''s the one who didn''t want to go to Slytherin during the Sorting Ceremony?"


    Harry did remember her, because his experience had been different... The Sorting Hat had given him a choice during their conversation, letting him avoid Slytherin. This girl clearly hadn''t been so fortunate and was now being bullied and ostracized by these snakes.


    Up at the front, Snape was watching Jane. Suddenly, a malicious smile curved his lips:


    "Harry Potter... our illustrious savior. You seem quite amused. No doubt it''s your surplus and useless sense of compassion at work. Why don''t you pair up with Miss Yu?"


    What?


    Harry gaped - he swore he hadn''t been smiling!


    Ron and Hermione watched with admiring eyes as their brave comrade gathered his things and headed to the back row.


    Meanwhile, Jane''s mind was being flooded with images of galloping llamas.


    Her plan to avoid the protagonist group had just gone up in smoke!


    <div>

 Chapter 10: Potions Class (Part 2)

    "Hi~" Harry looked nervously at the girl wearing the black and green school uniform before him.


    Merlin above, he had never spoken so civilly to a Slytherin before.


    He always felt that these Slytherins had a venomous quality about them, like they could strike and bite him at any moment.


    Jane gave him a cold nod, her face expressionless.


    She had already decided to minimize interaction with the protagonist to avoid getting caught up in more trouble.


    But this seemed to make Harry even more uncomfortable.


    "Um, I''ll go get the ingredients," he mumbled hastily before heading to the supply cabinet.


    This is truly terrifying, he thought.


    When he finished gathering dried nettles, snake fangs, porcupine quills and horned slugs, he turned to find Jane standing right behind him, holding some ingredients he didn''t recognize.


    He scrambled to his feet: "Sorry, I was too slow..."


    Their heads collided violently as he stood up!


    That hurt!


    Harry saw the girl clutching her forehead tightly, tears welling up in her eyes, and immediately panicked.


    "I''m so sorry! Are you alright?" he anxiously checked on Jane''s condition.


    Being around the protagonist really is dangerous!


    Jane thought through gritted teeth. Just one encounter and she''d already gotten a bump on her head. The protagonist''s power was truly terrifying!


    She lowered her hand from her forehead, waving dismissively to indicate she was fine, and returned to her seat with the ingredients.


    Harry followed behind her, apologizing profusely until Jane, unable to bear his chatter any longer, made a stopping gesture that finally silenced him.


    Brewing potions wasn''t too different from brewing Chinese medicine in her past life. Making this boil-cure potion wasn''t particularly difficult. She put on her dragon-hide gloves and crushed six snake fangs in the mortar while Harry cut the dried nettles into small pieces.


    She then added four measures of crushed snake fangs and the dried nettle pieces to the cauldron, heating and stewing the horned slugs - just like steaming rice noodle rolls in her past life, she thought absently.


    After heating, she removed the cauldron from the flames, added two porcupine quills, and stirred clockwise five times in one fluid motion.


    But she wasn''t finished yet. Before waving her wand, she added one drop of dittany essence. Pink smoke rose from the cauldron as the potion turned sky blue.


    Harry watched her in amazement from the side, having done little more than hand over tools and chop ingredients.The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.


    What an impressive brewing session! he marveled internally.


    It wasn''t until they were bottling the potion that he turned his stiff neck and nearly jumped out of his skin to find Professor Snape standing at their table.


    They didn''t know how long he''d been there, staring intently at their work with a dark expression and folded arms.


    Noticing Harry''s gaze, he forced out through clenched teeth:


    "Idling about - one point from Gryffindor."


    He then picked up the bottle of potion, removed the cork to smell it, and carefully examined its color - a crystal-clear blue, obviously of high quality.


    "What made you think to add dittany essence?" His black eyes fixed on Jane.


    "Tissue regeneration," she answered concisely.


    Professor Snape let out a cold snort, giving her a long look: "Not following standard procedure."


    He didn''t deduct any more points from Slytherin, but instead tucked the small bottle into his robes and strode toward the front rows - where several students had already created chaos.


    Suddenly, acid green smoke and a sharp hissing sound filled the dungeon. A cauldron had melted into a twisted blob, and the potion was seeping across the stone floor, burning holes in people''s shoes.


    The round-faced blonde boy - Jane now knew his name was Neville - was drenched in the potion. Angry red boils sprang up all over his exposed skin as he began to whimper in pain.


    "Idiot!"


    Snape snarled, clearing the spilled potion away with a wave of his wand.


    "I told you to take the cauldron off the fire before adding the porcupine quills!"


    He pulled out the small bottle of blue liquid - Jane''s potion - from his robes and threw it at Neville:


    "Apply this!"


    Neville, sobbing and hiccupping, took the bottle with trembling hands, nearly dropping it under Snape''s death glare.


    "Weasley, why didn''t you help him apply the medicine? Did you think watching a classmate''s misfortune would make you look better? That''s another point from Gryffindor." Snape glared at Ron fiercely.


    Ron was speechless and could only take the bottle to help apply the potion on Neville.


    The potion worked remarkably well. Wherever it touched, the angry red boils writhed and sealed themselves, the redness fading to reveal healthy pale skin.


    Snape had to admit that even if he had brewed it himself, the results couldn''t have been better.


    In just an hour and a half, Gryffindor had lost 3 points, while Slytherin had lost 2.


    Both snakes and lions were pale-faced as they climbed the steps out of the dungeon classroom. Even Draco didn''t have the spirit to harass Harry anymore.


    "Bloody hell!"


    As soon as they were out, Ron immediately found Harry to vent: "Snape''s completely unreasonable! He''s always taking points from Fred and George. I think he equally hates everyone in the Weasley family."


    Harry was also dejected: "He kept targeting me today... and Jane too."


    At the mention of Jane, Ron immediately said, "It''s really strange - I''ve never seen him target a Slytherin student like that before. They say he never used to take points from his own house."


    "I don''t understand either," Harry''s thoughts were churning, "Her potion-making skills are clearly very high... what she made was far beyond the textbook standard, but Snape didn''t give her any points either."


    "Really?" Ron was shocked, "Then why did she answer ''I don''t know'' when Snape asked her those three questions he''d asked you?"


    Harry suddenly stopped in his tracks, grabbing Ron''s arm:


    "I get it now."


    Ron looked horrified as his best friend''s face lit up with emotion.


    "She did it to avoid embarrassing me... She must have known the answers, but because I couldn''t answer earlier, she pretended not to know either."


    Harry''s heart swelled with gratitude.


    When one person fails to answer a question and loses points, Gryffindors would blame them. But when a second Slytherin also can''t answer, Gryffindors would only think the questions were too difficult or that Snape was being unfair.


    Jane was such a considerate person! Why did she have to be sorted into Slytherin?


    Harry sighed regretfully.


    Ron''s face contorted.


    [Insert meme: Old man on subway looking at phone.jpg]


    "Uh, mate, don''t you think you might be overthinking this..."


    "Ron, you know what? When I was getting ingredients, I bumped into Jane''s head - it swelled up but she didn''t blame me. Then while brewing the potion, she completed the task meant for both of us by herself!" Harry declared firmly.


    This convinced Ron.


    "You have a point. She really does seem different from those snakes. No wonder she desperately didn''t want to go to Slytherin - the Sorting Hat must be getting senile!"


    Harry nodded in agreement: "If she''d come to Gryffindor, she wouldn''t be bullied by those people."

 Chapter 11: The Potions’ Hidden Uses

    The "bullied" Jane Yu they spoke of was indeed facing trouble.


    After Potions class, as punishment for "not following standard procedures", she was ordered by Snape to clean up all the leftover potion residue from class.


    Her underdeveloped magical power clearly couldn''t sustain that many "Scourgify" spells, so she had to work manually - pouring the heavy residue from cauldrons together to burn with an "Incendio".


    But Jane had other plans.


    Dried nettle pieces, excess crushed snake fangs, porcupine quills and slugs...


    These quality ingredients were enough to brew several bottles of boil-cure potion in private.


    Moreover, those failed potions from improper brewing were natural prank materials!


    She put on her dragon-hide gloves and carefully collected these ingredients, hiding them in her robes.


    She also took some ominously green failed potions and bottled them.


    Finally, she burned the remaining residue.


    However, on her way back to the common room, she was cornered by two older students in a secluded spot.


    They wore malicious smiles, arms crossed with wands dangling casually:


    "So this is Jane Yu?"


    "The first-year who lost our house over a hundred points?"


    Millicent''s rough voice came from behind them:


    "That''s her - the one who deceived professors and sent us to the hospital wing with poison!"


    She pushed past the two older students, her fat face emerging with eyes shooting hatred at Jane, trying to tear her apart with her glare:


    "How did you find out? I shouldn''t have left any traces."


    Seeing Jane''s innocent and confused expression only made her angrier. She began screaming hysterically:


    "Filthy half-breed, blood traitor... what are you playing innocent for?"


    "You don''t really think you can survive in Slytherin after offending the Parkinson and Greengrass families, do you?"


    What on earth was this fat girl rambling about?


    Jane was puzzled - she hadn''t done anything, so why was this girl having a meltdown?


    Was the academic pressure really that intense?


    She scratched her head in confusion.


    Though she did remember this Millicent had used "mudblood" to insult her during the first week.


    She''d originally planned to give her a pig''s tail, but now boils seemed more appropriate.


    Revenge was a dish best served hot.


    She intended to be thorough about it.


    Millicent, unaware of her impending doom, continued ranting as her facial fat quivered:


    "Your good days are over. If you don''t leave Slytherin voluntarily, we''ll make you regret it today!"


    Seeing Jane unmoved, maintaining her usual calm expression, Millicent grew even more aggressive. She waddled forward like a fat duck, raising her hand to slap Jane''s face.


    School bullying? This was quite a novel experience for Jane.


    But her combat skills were not to be underestimated.If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    She caught Millicent''s wrist with one hand - Millicent felt like her arm was caught in an iron vice, crying out in pain. With her other hand formed into a fist, Jane struck Millicent''s stomach. As Millicent doubled over in pain, Jane grabbed her hair and kicked her backside, sending her sprawling ungracefully to the ground.


    For an orphan, fighting was a mandatory life skill.


    Jane disgustedly wiped her hands, feeling the oily residue from Millicent''s hair on her left hand.


    Pig-like squeals erupted from the ground as Millicent clutched her stomach, moaning. Her twisted face full of hatred and pain still managed to shout orders:


    "Derrian, Williams, what are you idiots standing there for?"


    "Get her!"


    "This is your best chance to prove yourselves to the Parkinson and Borgin families!"


    The two older students exchanged glances before raising their wands menacingly at Jane''s throat:


    "Stupe-", "Rictu-"


    But before they could finish their curses, Jane acted.


    She nimbly dodged the red stunning spell, using her small stature to her advantage as she darted forward. She pulled out the glass bottles hidden in her robes and smashed them against their foreheads.


    "Crash!" The bottles shattered, glass cutting their faces as green liquid splashed over them and Millicent.


    "Ahhh!" Three screams rang out as their exposed skin was quickly burned, erupting in angry red boils. The concentrated failed potion was incredibly potent - the boils were extremely painful and unbearably itchy, rapidly spreading across their unaffected skin.


    Soon the boils had seeped under their clothes, growing on their stomachs and thighs. The three lost all dignity as they lifted their clothes, dropping their wands to frantically scratch. But their hands quickly developed boils too, until they were as red as cooked shrimp.


    "Bitch! Slut!"


    "You half-breed!"


    They rolled on the ground like writhing insects, still hurling verbal abuse at Jane.


    Their wild screaming finally drew onlookers, and someone quickly went to notify the professors.


    Professor Snape arrived swiftly, black cloak billowing.


    "Idiots, fools!"


    Seeing their condition, he immediately realized what had happened and glared at them furiously.


    "Professor, Jane attacked us!" Derrian whined from the ground, scratching frantically with tears and snot running down his face.


    This only made Snape''s expression darker.


    "Perhaps Mr. Derrian thinks it''s something to be proud of... three people, including two senior students, being attacked by a first-year witch."


    The watching students began to snicker.


    It was easy to imagine the mockery these two seniors would face in the power-obsessed Slytherin house after being taken down by a first-year.


    "If I were you, I''d find a hole to crawl into and hide my shame," he said to the student called Derrian.


    Then he turned to Jane, his lip curling and eyes cold, his hooked nose seeming even sharper: "Disregarding school rules, attacking fellow students. Unless Miss Yu can provide a reasonable explanation, perhaps expulsion would be appropriate."


    Perfect, just like that!


    Expel her!


    Scold her harshly and send her to the headmaster''s office for processing!


    Jane was almost delirious with joy, a smile tugging at her lips.


    She decided to add fuel to Snape''s decision, dramatically shrugging: "Didn''t want to waste the potions, so I used them on them."


    She could tell the black bat was about to faint from anger!


    Her assessment was correct - faced with such brazen defiance, Snape''s heart condition was acting up. This new student was as troublesome as the original Marauders.


    He was so angry he could barely form complete sentences. His trembling finger pointed straight at her as he grabbed her collar, dragging her toward the headmaster''s office: "Arrogant, reckless fool, you''ll pay for this."


    With his movement, the remaining potion ingredients in Jane''s robes scattered across the floor.


    Snape stopped, quickly identifying what the materials were and where they came from.


    "Who gave you permission... to remove ingredients... from the classroom!"


    He quickly realized something and strode to the three on the ground, carefully examining their boils - he''d thought they were just harmless jinxes, but immediately noticed something wrong.


    Those boils were clearly caused by failed boil-cure potion!


    "Ha... such advanced potion-making skills? You should be thankful Hogwarts no longer allows corporal punishment, or the dungeons would be your new home."


    Snape''s eyes were practically shooting flames. The watching students couldn''t help backing away - this was the first time they''d seen their Head of House so angry.


    Yes, just like that!


    Anger is good for the soul!


    Off to the headmaster''s office, everyone wins!


    Jane''s inner self was celebrating - stealing ingredients, attacking students with potions, each offense was a serious violation of school rules. Surely this would get her expelled.


    Or so she thought.


    But her pleasant fantasy was quickly interrupted.


    "Professor, I believe I can explain what happened."


    Suddenly, a polite voice came from the crowd. Its owner appeared tall and thin, with an otherworldly air about him. Jane noticed he had beautiful blue eyes.


    Theodore stepped forward: "I was reading here when Miss Yu passed by. These three tried to curse her - she was only defending herself."


    "You can check Mr. Derrian''s wand, Professor. He cast a curse."


    Snape gave him a long look, recognizing the Nott heir, his expression softening slightly.


    Silently, he picked up the discarded wand and cast Prior Incantato - indeed, the last spell had been "Rictusempra".


    He gave a cold laugh and decided not to pursue the matter further: "For taking potions materials without permission, Miss Yu, you''ve earned yourself detention for the term."


    The watching students drew in sharp breaths, giving her sympathetic looks.


    Jane''s face fell immediately.


    Not because of the detention.


    But because this perfect opportunity for expulsion had been ruined by this boy!


    Why repay kindness with cruelty!


    Her eyes sparkled with tears of frustration - but Theodore mistook them for gratitude and quickly turned away as if burned.

 Chapter 12: The Detention Journey

    The detention room was actually Professor Snape''s office.


    The walls were dim, with a yellow candlelit chandelier hanging from the ceiling. Along the walls were shelves lined with large glass jars containing various slimy organs - presumably parts from different creatures.


    When Jane pushed open the door and entered, Snape was bent over grading recently submitted student essays.


    Seeing her enter, he viciously marked a ''P'' on a piece of parchment.


    Some poor soul caught in the crossfire, Jane thought without remorse.


    "I hear... you''ve had some conflicts with your classmates," Snape''s face betrayed no emotion. "I''m not interested in your childish squabbles. However..."


    "Only fools conduct such business in public, crowded places. I don''t wish to see Slytherin''s hourglass continue to empty... do you understand?"


    What?


    Did she hear that correctly?


    Was he implying it was fine as long as they weren''t caught?


    Jane hadn''t expected Professor Snape to be such a man of passion!


    One who understood the principle of an eye for an eye!


    She looked up in surprise at those bottomless black eyes, feeling an rare surge of emotion.


    But that feeling quickly vanished.


    "Your detention task: process mantis shrimp, remove shells and skin," Snape mercilessly dropped a bucket of mantis shrimp in front of her. "No magic allowed - it will damage their potency."


    Jane resignedly put on her dragon-hide gloves and picked up a still-living, writhing mantis shrimp - wait, these were just prawns!


    Her eyes lit up, mouth nearly watering as her mind filled with images of salt and pepper prawns, steamed prawns, spicy prawns...


    She took out her wand and pierced the prawn''s tail, running it along the shell through its entire body. With her free hand pressing firmly on the tail, she gently lifted her wand, causing the meat to naturally separate from the shell.


    She''d learned this technique in her past life while eating prawns during a trip to Zhoushan, though chopsticks were more convenient than a wand.


    The perfectly intact shell and meat gleamed like artwork under the dim light.


    Heavy rain was falling outside Hogwarts castle, but it had no effect on the potions office beneath the Black Lake. The only sounds were Snape''s page-turning and quill scratching as he graded papers.Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.


    Just as Jane thought Snape had forgotten her existence, he suddenly spoke:


    "Mantis shrimp - the shell has calming properties. Ground to powder and added to the Draught of Living Death, it enhances the potion''s effectiveness."


    "The meat, when brewed into the Elixir to Induce Euphoria, can alleviate the side effects of emotional depression."


    "These two potions you''ll learn in higher years... wait, what are you doing?"


    Snape stood up in disbelief, looking as though he''d seen a troll dancing before him: "How did you do that?"


    He grabbed some of the peeled shells, examining them carefully - they were crystal clear, perfectly intact except for a clean slit along the edge, as though the meat had simply slipped out on its own.


    A full bucket of mantis shrimp that should have taken two hours to process was completed in just thirty minutes.


    Jane glanced at him, internally tutting at his inexperience.


    It was just peeling prawns - why act like it was some impossible task?


    She picked up the last prawn and with a quick chopsti- wand movement, separated meat from shell into the bucket.


    Little did she know what waves she''d caused in Professor Snape''s mind.


    All commercially available mantis shrimp shells came broken. This was because their appendages and tails had powerful spring force - processing them while alive usually resulted in shattered shells due to their violent struggles. Wizards typically peeled them by starting from the abdomen, removing the shell segment by segment.


    He had observed Jane''s technique in class - though smooth and clever enough to produce high-quality boil-cure potion, he''d dismissed it as mere cunning.


    A single brewing session couldn''t fully reveal someone''s potion-making talent.


    But this method of processing potion ingredients was truly revolutionary in the wizarding world...


    Perhaps she did have some genuine talent.


    He pondered this.


    "Who taught you to peel them this way?"


    Jane removed her gloves and gave him an odd look, asking in return: "Isn''t this just how you eat prawns?"


    Snape sat back down, studying her intently before changing the subject:


    "You and Borgin - what happened?"


    It took Jane several seconds to understand what he was asking. By then, Snape had impatiently shifted position several times.


    "She called me mudblood, told me to get out of Slytherin."


    Snape froze, silent for a long while, his fingertips trembling imperceptibly:


    "Anyone whose name appears in the Book of Admittance has been acknowledged by Hogwarts."


    "The Sorting Hat doesn''t make mistakes."


    He waved his hand, indicating her detention was over.


    After Jane left, his black eyes grew vacant as he stared expressionlessly at the wall, seemingly lost in distant memories.


    Jane, oblivious to Snape''s pain and remorse, hummed cheerfully as she returned to the common room, only to be stopped at the entrance by a boy.


    She recognized him as Theodore Nott, who had helped defend her earlier.


    He didn''t speak at first, lips pressed together, his blue eyes seemingly emotionless as he stared at her, extending his right hand.


    Jane looked confusedly at the outstretched hand as it opened to reveal a silver and green brooch.


    "A gift," Theodore finally spoke, his voice crisp like melting snow.


    Jane stepped back, repeatedly refusing.


    She''d heard these magical accessories could be cursed.


    Given her terrible relationships in Slytherin, who knew what might be on it!


    Even if this boy wanted to repay her kindness, she didn''t need such things... she wasn''t in the habit of wearing brooches.


    Besides, she''d only accidentally helped him - she couldn''t accept rewards without merit!


    Seeing her refusal, Theodore looked uncertain, his pressed lips finally parting: "It has defensive magic that can block one attack. After today''s events... you might need it."


    Jane didn''t understand and didn''t want to linger - it was pouring outside, and the wind by the common room was fierce. She felt nearly frozen.


    You might not feel cold, but I do!


    So she brushed past him and pushed straight through to her dormitory.


    Leaving Theodore alone in the wind, clutching the brooch.


    Seems I''ve made myself disliked... I should never take Draco''s advice again.


    He thought to himself.

 Chapter 13: Professors Above All

    <div>


    Jane''s position in Slytherin was quite delicate.


    On one hand, her blood status was questionable, she came from a poor background, and lost major house points for night wandering at the start of term. On the other hand, her demonstrated abilities had earned the respect of her peers.


    Poisoning Millicent''s group into the hospital wing, taking down two senior students, creating new spells in class, improving potions, showing excellent transfiguration skills, and saving the Nott heir...


    These feats made students wary of underestimating her abilities.


    However, Jane kept to herself, lived alone in a single room, and showed little house loyalty. None of her yearmates could really connect with her.


    This resulted in the peculiar scene of conversations stopping and all eyes turning to her whenever she entered the common room.


    One day, Draco was lounging on a long bench in the common room, flanked by Crabbe and Goyle, with Blaise and Theodore sitting opposite.


    Draco was going on about flying.


    He complained loudly about first-years being banned from house Quidditch teams, then launched into a story about how, as a child, he''d flown over London and narrowly avoided a Muggle helicopter.


    Blaise rolled his eyes - he''d grown up hearing Draco''s boasts and had heard this story hundreds of times.


    Not wanting to torture his ears further, he cleverly changed the subject:


    "I heard next week''s flying lessons will be with Gryffindor."


    This immediately caught Draco''s attention.


    Clearly his arch-nemesis Harry Potter was more interesting than flying stories - he''d already built up quite a hatred.


    He began bragging smugly:


    "Ha, I heard he''s never touched a broom in his life. He''ll probably wet himself in fear as soon as he gets off the ground!"


    "That cursed Scarhead - can''t wait to see him make a fool of himself!"


    Crabbe and Goyle, stuffing their faces with snacks and getting crumbs all over their robes, nodded and grunted in agreement.


    Just then they saw Jane coming down the girls'' dormitory stairs, crossing through the common room.


    Everyone froze, watching in unison as she exited through the door.


    Draco apparently remembered something, brushing off his robes and frowning at the silent Theodore:


    "Did you give her the gift?"


    At this, Theodore''s mood darkened slightly.


    "No, she wouldn''t accept it."


    Draco immediately jumped up in surprise, making a fuss: "How dare she? A witch from Muggle filth, how dare she refuse you?"


    In his eyes, refusing the Nott heir was as serious as Harry Potter refusing him - a noble Malfoy.


    And Potter at least had his "Boy Who Lived" title - this Jane Yu had nothing!


    Then he remembered his singed hair and Pansy being poisoned into the hospital wing.


    "We were going to leave her alone since she saved you, but she''s so ungrateful!"


    He fumed indignantly, mentally adding to Jane''s hatred points.


    She successfully jumped to #2 on his enemy list.


    ...A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    Jane was completely unaware she''d somehow offended the young master again.


    She was too busy worrying about her expulsion progress.


    To Professors Flitwick and McGonagall, she was their prized student. They''d smile kindly whenever they saw her, even stopping to ask about her school life.


    Faced with such kindness, she felt uncomfortable, considering it almost sinful to disrupt their classes.


    This won''t do, she warned herself.


    She couldn''t form too many emotional connections here.


    So in the next Charms class, under everyone''s watchful eyes and amid gasps from her classmates, she aimed at Professor Flitwick - or rather, the blackboard behind him - gritted her teeth and cast "Diffindo".


    Disrupting class, damaging school property - surely this would get her sent to the headmaster''s office!


    "Ah-!"


    The spell moved incredibly fast, barely grazing Professor Flitwick''s hair. Clearly unprepared, holding only his pointer and not even having time to draw his wand, he fell backwards off his stack of books in his attempt to dodge, lying still for several moments.


    The students looked at her with horror, as though seeing a demon.


    But then Professor Flitwick struggled up from behind the books, glasses askew and nose bleeding, quite disheveled. Yet he held something in his hand and spoke excitedly:


    "Five points to Slytherin! For Miss Yu''s quick thinking!"


    What?


    Jane froze.


    Professor Flitwick opened his palm to show the students - it was a Bludger, now cut in half and lying motionless.


    At the window, what was once intact glass now had a large hole, clearly made by the Bludger.


    Madam Hooch arrived breathlessly, apologizing profusely to Professor Flitwick.


    "Oh Rolanda, perhaps my head resembles a goal hoop - if not for Miss Yu''s spell, the back of my skull would surely have been split open!" Professor Flitwick said humorously.


    In Transfiguration, Professor McGonagall watched her like a hawk the whole time, giving her no chance to cause trouble and awarding points at every opportunity - nothing could be worse.


    Only in Defense Against the Dark Arts did she escape attention. But this wasn''t necessarily comfortable. Between Professor Quirrell''s garlic stench and his stuttering, she could barely understand a word all lesson.


    In the second week of Potions, she was singled out by Professor Snape.


    The protagonist Harry, clearly kind-hearted and having learned of her situation in Slytherin, bravely approached her back-row seat before class, setting down his textbook amid surprised looks from both houses.


    Behind him was Ron''s admiring gaze for his heroic friend, while before him was Jane''s puzzled expression.


    His breathing quickened as he stammered:


    "Sorry... may I... sit here?"


    Jane startled - according to novel conventions, when a background character starts receiving the protagonist''s attention, they often become stepping stones for the hero''s ascension, lab rats on their path to success, or targets eliminated by villains to fuel the hero''s revenge.


    She shuddered, looking at Harry differently.


    These peasants are trying to harm the emperor!


    Just as she was about to refuse, a deep voice tinged with anger rang out from the podium:


    "Mr. Potter, I believe this is Potions class, not a place for your foolish hormone-driven advances."


    "Return to where you belong."


    "Miss Yu, come to the front - you''ll work alone."


    Snape glared intensely at Harry, then shot Jane a look that left her bewildered.


    Heaven knows how nauseating it was for him to see a black-haired, bespectacled Gryffindor Potter standing beside his newly discovered potions prodigy, a Slytherin student - like trying to stick a flower in a pile of dung.


    Without Potter, Jane completed her potion even faster, much to his satisfaction.


    Already wanting to make up for the points he''d taken from Slytherin, he was generous:


    "One point to Slytherin for Miss Yu''s flobberworm stewing technique!"


    "Beautiful color - another point to Slytherin!"


    It''s over!


    The little figure in Jane''s mind began to writhe and crawl darkly.


    Even the seemingly most fierce and unapproachable Professor Snape was now frantically awarding points!


    Could her expulsion plan still succeed?


    After class, Jane packed up her books and turned toward her dormitory, only to be roughly bumped at a corner.


    When she steadied herself, she found a platinum-blond boy with grey eyes before her, flanked by two followers - one fat, one thin.


    "Ha, Potter''s got himself a girlfriend!"


    The boy made a face at her, looking down his nose:


    "Let''s see... second-hand robes, second-hand cauldron, second-hand books, poor as dirt - perfect match for Scarhead Potter, isn''t it?"


    His two followers obligingly burst into laughter.


    Then he dropped the mocking expression for a menacing one:


    "You''d better ask Dumbledore for a house transfer soon, go cuddle with your Chosen One boyfriend-"


    His voice cut off like a strangled duck as a black-robed figure appeared behind him - Professor Snape looming darkly.


    "I believe I should discuss your upbringing with Malfoy Senior, Draco."


    Draco''s face changed, panic showing: "Professor, I was just asking Yu some questions..."


    He was quickly cut off.


    "I wasn''t aware you''d become such a diligent student."


    Snape''s smile didn''t reach his eyes: "Since young Mr. Malfoy is so passionate about Potions, tomorrow at 8 PM, join Miss Yu in my office - I''m sure you''ll enjoy the extra tutoring."


    Learning he had detention, Draco went pale and left in a daze.


    Meanwhile, Jane quietly withdrew the small potion vial from her right hand.


    Yes, she had knowingly provoked this.


    Professor Snape gave her a long look, holding out his palm.


    Caught!


    Jane''s face fell as she handed over the vial.


    Her gloom lasted until she returned to her room and saw the schedule - Flying lessons!


    Madam Hooch had no initial goodwill toward her - surely causing trouble in her class would get her sent straight to the headmaster''s office!


    What a perfect opportunity for mischief!


    <div>

 Chapter 14: Flying Lessons (Part 1)

    At the Quidditch pitch.


    The Slytherin students had arrived early.


    Most first-year snakes were excited about flying lessons, thanks to Draco''s promotion - constantly bragging about his daring broomstick adventures in the common room.


    More importantly though, sharing class with Gryffindor brought their competitive spirit to a peak.


    This manifested in arriving earlier than the little lions and raising hands more frequently in class.


    Unlike them, Jane was solely focused on causing trouble.


    She carefully observed the pitch layout and surrounding buildings.


    The field was oval-shaped with a small circle in the center, about twenty broomsticks laid out on the ground. The spectator stands were thoughtfully designed to completely encircle the pitch.


    She noticed the headmaster''s office was quite close.


    If she cast Diffindo from here, it should be able to break that window.


    But how to ensure Dumbledore knew she did it?


    This puzzled her.


    Soon, the Gryffindor first-years arrived at the pitch.


    Draco and his cronies immediately began taunting Harry and Ron.


    Both sides were at daggers drawn.


    But Madam Hooch''s arrival broke the tension. Being impatient, she got straight to business.


    "Well, what are you all waiting for?" she barked. Her hawk-like yellow eyes swept over each student.


    "Stand by a broomstick. Come on, hurry up!"


    "Stick your right hand over your broom," she commanded sharply, her grey hair bristling.


    "And say ''UP!''"


    When the broom jumped into Jane''s hand, inspiration suddenly struck.


    Of course - if she carved her name on the broom, then used Wingardium Leviosa to send it to the headmaster''s office window, then cast Diffindo at the window and throw the broom in - this would clearly tell Dumbledore who was responsible!


    But she needed an opportunity... one where Madam Hooch wouldn''t stop her.


    That opportunity came quickly.


    "Come back, boy!" Madam Hooch shouted.


    The boy called Neville rose straight up, sweating profusely. The broom wouldn''t obey him, seeming to have a mind of its own as it carried him toward the castle walls - once, twice, three times he crashed, his terrified face watching the rapidly receding ground.


    Finally he slipped off the broomstick, his robe catching on a castle spire, leaving him dangling helplessly in mid-air, limbs flailing. The broom continued rising higher and higher before drifting toward the Forbidden Forest and disappearing.


    The Slytherins had already started whispering and snickering at Neville''s predicament.


    Seeing Madam Hooch too preoccupied to watch this side, Jane immediately cast her spell.


    "Wingardium Leviosa!"


    The broom she''d secretly carved her name on shot skyward like a rocket, zooming to position outside the headmaster''s office window.


    "Defodio!"


    Another red spell shot from her wand - but oh no, the aim was off!


    Considering the parabolic trajectory, she''d aimed the spell higher, forgetting that magical spells don''t follow Newton''s laws but travel in straight lines.


    The spell hit Neville''s robe. With a ripping sound, he screamed as he plummeted straight down.If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.


    Fortunately, the broom bearing Jane''s name was positioned below and caught him.


    Neville grabbed the broom with all four limbs, feeling like he''d been given new life.


    Having come this far without achieving her goal, Jane immediately cast a second Diffindo at the headmaster''s window.


    Direct hit.


    "Crash!" The window shattered, glass shards raining down.


    The broom carved with Jane''s name, finding itself with a new rider, immediately began fighting Jane''s levitation spell, thrashing violently in the air before executing a 360-degree roll and diving through the broken window hole, disappearing into the headmaster''s office with Neville.


    Jane was dumbfounded.


    Madam Hooch was speechless.


    The Gryffindor and Slytherin students'' jaws dropped.


    Seconds later, thunderous applause broke out.


    Harry and Ron clapped until their hands were sore, while Hermione''s face flushed with excitement.


    ...


    Dumbledore was brewing a pot of honey tea.


    He liked adding lots of sugar cubes to make it sweeter. Paired with some lemon drops, it was perfect.


    There seemed to be some commotion outside the window.


    He stretched lazily, thinking with amusement that it must be the Quidditch team practicing again.


    These children always made such a racket - being around young people made him feel young again.


    How nostalgic...


    Hmm... the noise seemed to be getting louder, as if coming from the roof.


    Must be a Bludger or Quaffle that a Beater accidentally hit out of bounds, striking the wall.


    I''ve seen it all, he thought.


    But suddenly there was the sound of shattering glass, startling him into casting Protego.


    "Crash!"


    The headmaster''s office was in chaos - broken glass everywhere, a broomstick snapped into pieces scattered across furniture, with one piece even stuck in the Pensieve. Fawkes, startled, was flying around the room screeching, dropping feathers everywhere. All the portraits had awakened and were chattering away.


    The office had never been so lively!


    Neville, face covered in blood, struggled to his feet, trembling and cowering as he sat sobbing "woo woo", his body covered in cuts from the glass.


    "Cough cough cough..."


    Dumbledore choked on his tea, coughing violently.


    This was indeed a sight he hadn''t seen before!


    Madam Hooch arrived at the headmaster''s office at her twenty-year-old running speed.


    "Sorry, Headmaster Dumbledore, this child''s broom went out of control," she panted heavily.


    Together with Dumbledore, she helped Neville up. All three faces were pale.


    "Thank Merlin you didn''t break any arms or legs!"


    Just then, the sharp-eyed Dumbledore spotted something among the glass debris.


    He picked up a piece of broomstick and examined it closely through his glasses, finding a name carved on it.


    "Yu, Jane?"


    Madam Hooch also saw the name carved on the broomstick piece, but after this incident, her previously balanced opinion had completely shifted in Jane''s favor.


    After all, without Jane''s intervention, a serious student accident would have resulted in complaint letters from parents flooding in like snowflakes!


    Her beloved position as flying instructor would have been at risk!


    "Headmaster Dumbledore, I believe this shows Miss Yu''s enthusiasm for flying lessons."


    "You don''t know - she bravely cast spells to save Neville with this broom!"


    She then explained everything that had happened on the pitch to Dumbledore.


    She earnestly spoke well of Jane, trying to cover up the offense of carving into and damaging school property.


    "To encourage her, I had said I would reward her with a broom if she flew successfully."


    "Caring for classmates, eager to help others, excellent spell work!" she emphasized.


    "I believe she has broken down house barriers and changed my preconceptions about Slytherin."


    This was her conclusion.


    ...


    After Madam Hooch took Neville to the hospital wing, Dumbledore began casting Scourgify.


    Everything returned to normal, except for the broomstick piece bearing Jane''s name that remained as evidence of what had occurred.


    He placed it on his desk, staring at it deep in thought.


    Something felt off...


    After a moment, he had Fawkes deliver messages to several professors.


    "Minerva/Filius/Severus, please come to the headmaster''s office."


    They arrived quickly.


    Professor Snape swept into the office with a dark expression, immediately hissing venomously:


    "I hope you have something urgent. Fourth-years are in class, and in a few minutes the entire room will be blown up by cauldrons."


    Dumbledore smiled wryly at his old friend, offering a steaming cup of honey tea:


    "Sorry, Severus. Perhaps you''d like some honey tea?"


    Before Snape could reply, Professor McGonagall interrupted seriously:


    "Albus, look inside - I''m afraid this tea is undrinkable."


    Dumbledore looked closer and found the tea was full of glass shards!


    His heart seized as he had to wave his wand to clean away the freshly brewed tea he''d only taken one sip of.


    Leaning back in his chair, his blue eyes twinkling, he said:


    "It''s nothing major - I just wanted to ask about Jane Yu''s recent classroom performance."


    At these words, Professor Snape radiated cold fury:


    "Perhaps you can put aside those baseless suspicions. She''s perfectly normal, couldn''t be more normal."


    Dumbledore crossed his hands, his blue eyes peering at Snape through his half-moon spectacles with obvious doubt:


    "But I hear her performance in all subjects is quite extraordinary?"


    Before Snape could react, Professor Flitwick stepped forward to defend Jane:


    "Oh Albus, I don''t think we should treat an 11-year-old student this way."


    "She''s creative, loves Charms, and just saved my head in the last class."


    The usually stern Professor McGonagall nodded and smiled upon hearing this:


    "Her Transfiguration is excellent, and she saved a student in my class."


    "An evil person could never do such things."


    "Jane has a heart of gold, Albus. I don''t think we should continue monitoring her."


    "It''s disrespectful to this child''s wonderful qualities."


    Dumbledore hadn''t expected that in just two weeks, his trusted lieutenants would all switch sides.


    He began to wonder if he had done something wrong.


    Standing up, he walked to the window overlooking the Quidditch pitch:


    "Minerva, I''ve always trusted your judgment..."


    He suddenly fell silent, his expression growing serious as he stared intently at the pitch.


    Following Dumbledore''s gaze, Professor McGonagall also looked outside and couldn''t help but gasp.


    "By Merlin! What are they doing!"