Clark's Potions grades were not ideal...
It wasn't that he was clumsy and couldn't handle the ingredients well.
On the contrary, Clark's amazing control made every step of the process as standard as a textbook.
However, when it came time to use his wand, Clark was dumbfounded—that poplar wand remained as quiet as ever, with absolutely no intention of responding to the magic within him.
Unable to complete the crucial step, all previous efforts were wasted.
In response, Snape sneered coldly and mercilessly wrote a big 'T' (Troll) on his report card.
By the way, Hermione, who did the best among the Gryffindors, got an 'E' (Exceeds Expectations). (Note: The raw says '及格' which usually means Pass/Acceptable, but Hermione usually gets top marks, so maybe 'E' or 'O'. Based on context of Snape being harsh, 'Acceptable' fits the raw text better, but let's stick to the grading system. '及格' is Acceptable. Let's translate as 'Acceptable' to be faithful to the raw text's meaning of passing.)
Harry and the others simply all got 'D' (Dreadful) or 'T'.
As for the Slytherins, Clark saw Snape give Draco Malfoy an 'O' (Outstanding).
Crabbe and Goyle, whose cauldron exploded, both got 'E'.
What else could Clark say?
If Hogwarts had a 'Fairest Professor' contest, he would definitely vote for Snape.
After class, Ron kept complaining.
Complaining that the cauldron wasn't handy enough, complaining that the wand was too old, complaining that Snape was biased.
At dinner, he was still indignant: "The old bat did it on purpose! He knows I'm the type who gets more nervous the more people stare at me, yet he stood next to me without moving. What does he mean by that!"
Harry nodded in agreement: "When Snape stands next to you, he scrutinizes your every move with that look of disdain. I had memorized the steps perfectly, but when he looked at me, my mind went blank, and I really couldn't remember anything."
Neville showed an expression uglier than crying: "This is the worst day I've had since coming to Hogwarts."
Hearing this, Clark slapped his forehead and said with chagrin: "Tell me about it. I was quite confident about potion making, who would have thought I'd fail at the last step..."
Speaking of this, the expressions of Ron and the other two became a bit strange.
But they tacitly did not delve deeper into the topic of 'Why Clark's wand always fails, is it because Muggles can't use magic', but instead talked about tomorrow's flying lesson.
Flying lessons could be said to be the most anticipated course for all freshmen.
Ron vividly recounted the story of riding a broomstick to chase away gnomes in the small garden at home, causing Harry and Neville to exclaim repeatedly.
Immediately after, the three naturally started talking about Quidditch.
Clark listened absent-mindedly, his mind full of the wand malfunction.
"This can't go on. If the wand problem isn't solved, over time, everyone will definitely think I'm a Muggle again..." Clark frowned, "Is there any magic that can be used without a wand? Or do I really have to start practicing wandless magic from the first year?"
Clark liked his poplar wand very much.
But the poplar wand seemed not to like him very much...
Alright.
All wands didn't like him.
Thinking of this, Clark pinched his eyebrow with a headache.
Suddenly, a gentle voice sounded in his ear: "Clark, can I talk to you?"
Clark looked up, saw it was Hermione, and gave a friendly smile: "Of course."
"I mean, talk alone..." Hermione held a stack of books, her face serious: "Just you and me."
"Okay." Although puzzled, Clark nodded.
He greeted Ron and the others, then followed Hermione.
After Clark left, Ron touched his smooth chin and said thoughtfully: "Something's wrong—"
"Something's wrong? What's wrong?" Harry asked curiously.
Ron smiled mysteriously: "Of course, it's Granger's attitude towards Clark. Haven't you noticed that she isn't close to her dorm roommates, but has a very good relationship with Clark instead?"
"Eh? It seems so. These days Granger always eats alone, never with her roommates." Harry suddenly realized, "Now that you mention it, she really talks to Clark more than to others."
"I saw some signs in the common room." Ron smiled smugly.
Just then, Neville spoke weakly: "So, do you mean Granger wants to be friends with Clark?"
"Friends? I don't think it's that simple." Ron shook his head.
Harry pushed up his glasses and said somewhat worriedly: "Does doing this affect school rules?"
Ron waved his hand: "Don't worry, the school doesn't care about this. It's consensual, what is there to manage? If they want to manage, they should manage Percy and that girl named Penelope first. During the holidays, Percy always wrote letters, completely occupying the family's useful owl."
Neville became more confused the more he listened: "Violating school rules? Consensual? Percy and Penelope? What... what are you guys talking about?"
On the other side.
Clark and Hermione came to a secluded corner.
Hermione looked up at Clark and said in a deep voice: "Clark, don't you think our house points are a bit dangerous?"
Clark didn't expect Hermione to talk about this. He blinked and said: "You mean, we don't have enough points to be deducted?"
Hermione couldn't help but hold her forehead: "I mean the House Cup! We haven't won the House Cup for a long time."
Clark was silent for a second and said: "Neither you nor I can decide this matter. You've seen it too, Professor Snape deducts points from us whenever he gets a chance. According to today's situation, it would be strange if we weren't at the bottom."
He paused, then added: "Besides, the House Cup is just something nice to have. We haven't even been in school for a week. So many seniors don't think about the House Cup, it's meaningless for you to think so much."
"How can it be meaningless? I can't control the seniors, but among the first-year students, you and I are the easiest to get points..." Hermione extended her hand to Clark: "So, defend Gryffindor's honor with me, and make Gryffindor great again!"
Clark opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but was inexplicably speechless.
He shook his head, shook hands briefly with Hermione, and said helplessly: "Gryffindor belongs to everyone, not just you and me. I promise to perform well when there is a chance to add points. As for other things... it's hard to say."
Hermione seemed very happy to have found an 'ally' and shook hands with Clark enthusiastically: "Good! I believe in you!"
Clark still shook his head, let go of Hermione's hand, and euphemistically persuaded: "Don't take on responsibilities that don't belong to you on your own. The atmosphere in Gryffindor is very good now. Aren't we living happily without the House Cup? Really, don't destroy the current atmosphere for a House Cup."
Hermione seemed determined and said firmly: "I don't want to destroy the Gryffindor atmosphere, I want to make the Gryffindor atmosphere better."
"Isn't that the same?" Clark sighed and didn't continue to persuade.
To be honest, he understood Hermione quite well.
Because when he was in elementary school, he had almost the same mentality as Hermione.
Then.
He was troubled by a few bad boys.
After being beaten a few times, Clark changed his mind.
He believed.
Hermione would change sooner or later and become less self-centered.
It's just that when that day comes, Clark sincerely hopes Hermione won't be too sad and never recover...
In the blink of an eye, the next day arrived.
The long-awaited flying lesson finally officially began.
On the lawn in front of Hogwarts Castle, a short-haired witch greeted the young wizards on both sides spiritedly while adjusting her deerskin gloves: "Good afternoon, students."
"Good afternoon, Madam Hooch." The Gryffindor and Slytherin freshmen responded actively, even the drowsy autumn afternoon sun couldn't melt the excitement in their hearts.
Flying broomsticks!
Merlin above, is there anything more thrilling than this?
"Very good, you look ready. Then, welcome to your first flying lesson at Hogwarts." Standing at the front of the line, Madam Hooch turned around, revealing her hawk-like amber eyes.
Scanning the young wizards on both sides, she said loudly: "Now, everyone stand to the left of your broomstick."
As her words fell, the Gryffindor and Slytherin freshmen couldn't wait to step forward, chattering as they stood next to the neatly arranged flying broomsticks.
Ron chuckled and winked at Clark beside him: "Watch closely, I will show you flying skills that only veterans know."
Clark said 'Oh' and looked down at the slightly old flying broomstick at his feet.
This thing doesn't need a wand...
Should... probably... maybe...
No problem will occur.
Clark felt certain in his heart.
Come on!
He was ready!
Madam Hooch clapped her hands: "Move faster, everyone listen to my command, place your hand directly above the flying broomstick. Mr. Malfoy, be gentle, don't kick your broomstick with your foot..."
Draco listened, smiled indifferently, and whispered to Crabbe and Goyle: "This broken thing can't compare to the brooms in my house at all. My father donates to Hogwarts every year, why don't they buy a few new brooms? I really don't understand."
Crabbe and Goyle laughed foolishly in cooperation, looking at Draco with admiration.
Madam Hooch pursed her lips, pretending not to see, and continued: "Is everyone ready? Now say 'Up'."
Clark didn't dare to neglect and whispered: "Up."
Regrettably, the broomstick didn't move at all.
Seeing this, Clark's heart sank.
Scanning left and right...
It's okay, it's okay.
Not everyone can successfully summon the broomstick.
Like Clark, there were quite a few people whose broomsticks remained motionless at their feet.
Clark was relieved and continued to try.
"Up."
"Up!"
"UP!!!"
"Hurry up, I beg you!"
Repeated attempts were unsuccessful, and Clark became more and more anxious.
In the end, even Neville succeeded.
Clark's heart gradually sank.
"Alright, there's no helping it..." Clark muttered something in a voice only he could hear. At the same time, while no one was paying attention to him, he quietly lifted his right foot, released a force field, and stomped down.
Bang!
A muffled sound was heard.
The flying broomstick on the ground was forcibly bounced up by the shock and landed in Clark's hand.
Clark held the broomstick as if nothing had happened, staring straight ahead with a calm look.
Harry and Ron were relatively close to Clark, felt the strange vibration just now, and looked over one after another.
Clark met their eyes and smiled: "What's wrong?"
"No... nothing." Ron withdrew his gaze in confusion.
Harry pondered for a moment and asked uncertainly: "Clark... did you lift your foot just now?"
"Lift my foot? No. You must have seen wrong." Clark smiled feigning calmness: "Do you want to say that I bounced the broomstick into my hand by brute force?"
Harry's tone was strange: "No, I didn't think that."
Clark fell silent instantly.
Harry laughed dryly: "Thinking about it, this is grass. Who can bounce a broomstick up by brute force?"
"Yeah, yeah, that kind of thing is impossible." Clark also laughed along.
After laughing for a while.
The two heard Madam Hooch's whistle for 'liftoff'.
Harry nodded to Clark, straddled the broomstick, then pushed off the ground with both feet, instantly flying quite high.
Clark let out a long breath, straddled the broomstick following the example, patted the long handle of the broomstick with his hand, and whispered: "I beg you, give me some face, don't make it hard for me."
After speaking, he pushed off the ground violently with both feet.
Whoosh—
Clark's figure rose rapidly.
Startling Madam Hooch and other young wizards into looking sideways repeatedly.
"Look! Clark is flying!"
"He's flying so high!"
"...Wait, why is he starting to fall?"
"Still falling? Oh, not falling."
Many discussions entered his ears, but Clark's face showed neither joy nor sorrow.
The good news is, he did fly.
The bad news is, he flew by himself, having not half a Galleon's relation to the broomstick he was gripping.
The moment he took off, Clark did think he had succeeded.
But soon he discovered that because he was too anxious, he unconsciously used too much force.
The 'flying' in others' eyes was actually a simple 'jump'.
But because Clark jumped too high, it was considered 'flying'.
When falling, Clark had to use his own ability to stay in mid-air while gripping the broomstick.
"Anyway, I can fly. Even without a broomstick, I can fly fast and well." Clark comforted himself in his heart, "In this way, everyone won't think I'm a Muggle."
Just thinking about it, Madam Hooch flew to Clark's side and said softly: "Mr. Cavill, you look a bit nervous, your legs are gripping too tight. Relax, no problem."
Relax?
Can't relax at all!
Clark forced a smile: "I'll try my best."
Madam Hooch didn't say anything more and flew to guide other young wizards.
Clark breathed a sigh of relief.
However, just when he rejoiced that he had finally muddled through this matter, the sound of wood splintering suddenly came from beneath him.
Clark: ???
Looked down.
He happened to see a piece of broken wood falling along his thigh.
Clark cried out inwardly that this was bad.
The Hogwarts flying broomstick was too old, and gripped by his force, it actually shattered directly...