The next day.
Because there were no morning classes, all the Slytherin freshmen happily slept until noon.
However, in the early morning corridors of Hogwarts, a few young wizards wearing green serpent badges on their chests were walking toward the library, their faces full of perplexity.
"Leo, is that guy you mentioned really that amazing?"
The speaker was a chubby boy whose face was covered in pimples.
His loose robes bulged awkwardly, and his confused expression made no effort to hide his skepticism.
"Sure, he earned the House a lot of points yesterday," the boy continued, "but why go to him instead of asking the pure-bloods? They must be way better than your roommate, right?"
"Really? Then go ask them," Leo said dryly, glancing sideways.
"Let's see which one even bothers to talk to you."
The chubby boy lowered his head immediately, shame carving itself plainly across his pudgy face.
The others wore similar expressions, though deep in their eyes flickered a trace of unspoken resentment.
Maybe in a few years, after being dulled by house politics and crushed by the weight of influence and status, that defiance would vanish completely.
Then, they—like the upper-year half-bloods—would willingly bow to the pure-bloods, becoming submissive followers.
But for now—so soon after enrollment—some part of them still refused to kneel.
Even if they had to endure the house's long-standing hierarchy, no one's knees were born weak.
And truth be told—every wizard sorted into Slytherin carried some kind of hidden ambition. Who would willingly live their whole life beneath others?
So, after hearing Leo's introduction, the group—half skeptical, half hopeful—came here nonetheless, longing for someone who might truly help them change their fate.
The morning library was unusually quiet.
Rows of polished desks gleamed faintly, and hardly another student could be seen.
Passing by Madam Pince, the severe librarian, they followed Leo through towering shelves until, at the very back of the library, they found the one they had come for.
Golden sunlight filtered gently through the tall windows, spilling across the black-haired boy immersed in a thick tome.
His slightly messy hair glimmered faintly where the light caught it.
If not for the occasional sound of turning pages, one might have mistaken the figure for a finely crafted statue.
Somehow, the stillness around him imposed silence. The newcomers couldn't tell when it happened, but each of them unconsciously straightened up.
Setting down the book he was reading, Snape lifted his eyes to the group and said evenly:
"Until today, we've never spoken.
But since you chose to come, I imagine you're all here because you want to become better at magic.
I only began earlier than you and learned the value of study sooner—that's the only reason I've gotten this far.
I don't mind sharing what I've learned freely with all of you.
The only thing I ask in return is simple—bring more people who need help into our little group."
The moment his words landed, all of the Slytherin students stared at him in disbelief.
They could hardly believe their ears—was there really someone this selfless in their house?
Never mind whether he was truly skilled; just this open generosity alone set him apart from the cold indifference they had grown accustomed to in Slytherin.
"Free?" the chubby boy echoed in astonishment.
Snape nodded.
They exchanged glances, even Leo himself momentarily doubting what he'd heard.
Could there really be someone in this world who would teach purely out of goodwill, asking nothing in return?
Before coming, they had all prepared for a hefty price.
If the boy really could teach them something useful, they were ready to scrape together a few Galleons between them.
But never—*never*—did they expect a teacher who would refuse payment entirely!
Still uncertain, they sat down.
Under Snape's calm, precise instruction, they quickly sank into the vast ocean of magic.
Unlike professors who lectured in broad strokes, Snape's teaching—like himself—was sharply detailed, structured, and exact.
What step had gone wrong, how to fix it, what to try next—
every difficulty was broken down into simple, logical pieces until they could all understand.
Like an elegant mathematical proof, forged through reasoning and repetition.
If one had the patience to endure a little monotony and truly listen, the results were undeniable—each of them was left in quiet awe of his clear teaching.
By the time their empty stomachs began rumbling, they finally surfaced from the trance of focused learning.
**[You performed an 'immersive' teaching session for 7 people. Total experience gained: 7,639 points!]**
Snape allowed a faint smile to touch his lips as he checked the results.
Although the first lesson was usually the easiest to reach the "immersive" level, this windfall was already worth half a month's worth of tutoring Lily!
Barring any surprises, lessons like this could continue weekly—even more often.
And once the students experienced his teaching firsthand—
each one of them, even the dullest—had managed to cast the *Levitation Charm* by the end.
The joy on their faces said everything.
Doubt was gone.
Even if Snape wanted to dismiss them now, they'd probably cling to his robes and refuse to leave.
Not to mention, he wasn't charging a single Knut.
In their eyes, Snape now stood as something else entirely—a noble figure beyond greed or rivalry, serious and refined, yet indispensable.
Swearing solemn oaths to bring more struggling classmates to future lessons—and proudly promising that no pure-blood would ever be allowed to join—
the little snakes reluctantly bid him goodbye, their faces glowing with smiles they couldn't suppress.
It had only been one class.
Yet already, every one of them could see a bright new future for themselves reflected in Snape's calm shadow.
If anyone dared to harm him now, these boys—having tasted progress for the first time—would not hesitate to defend him with their fists.
And so, inevitably…
Without anyone realizing it—except perhaps one boy with a mind far darker than his years—
something ancient and subtle was forming among them.
The simplest kind of power structure, born from shared interest and common benefit.
Each member ready to protect the group's strength.
Each ready to grow stronger in turn.
As the circle expanded, it would strengthen exponentially.
And in time—once there was structure, unity, ideology, and a shining goal strong enough to justify the means—
an organization not unlike the Death Eaters would quietly rise within Hogwarts.
And it all started here—
With a single generous, selfless, free "study session."
Slowly walking to the window.
Under the cascade of noon sunlight, Snape's cold, calm expression never changed.
He raised his hand slightly, letting threads of golden light fall like tangible ribbons across his palm.
They shimmered there—the reflection of something infinitely precious—mirrored in the depths of his black eyes.
Then, in the next second,
he clenched his fist—tight.
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