HP: It's a snake, not a badger.

Chapter 92 Fifth Grade!

Today is the last day of summer vacation, and Emeric is feeling a bit down because he has to move out of the Severus's house again.

"Who's the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor this semester? Do you know Severus? I think Gellert probably can't stand teaching these idiots anymore."

The man, engrossed in brewing potions, completely ignored him, letting him ramble on. Seeing that he kept rambling on, Severus finally spoke.

"Since you have so much free time, go pack your things."

Severus stared intently at the potion's reaction in the cauldron, a strand of hair held back by a hairpin, revealing his delicate features, and his slender fingers tapped lightly on the table.

"Da, da, da."

Emeric narrowed his eyes slightly. He wondered if he'd get slapped if he kissed her now; such beautiful hands would surely smell wonderful. The little pervert was thinking about things that would get him a beating, but he didn't have the guts to do them.

"Besides clothes, is there anything else you need to bring? Severus, when are you going to school? Can I go with you?"

"Behave yourself. I'll take you to the train station later, and you can take the bus to school by yourself."

Emeric wasn't angry about being rejected; he was used to it. He just didn't know why Severus had distanced himself even more after returning from the Malfoys' house. He'd ask Draco about it on the train later.

After he had covered up all the furniture, Severus finished his research for this stage and slowly came downstairs.

"Let's go."

He took the trench coat from the floor-standing coat rack by the door and draped it over his shoulders. The dark gray coat accentuated the man's figure exceptionally well. Emeric was very pleased with his taste; he had added quite a few new clothes to the wardrobe, styles that Severus liked, but all made of the finest materials.

The two barely spoke until they left Spider's End. Severus suspected that Emeric had done something wrong, otherwise they wouldn't have been so quiet.

Emeric did indeed do something wrong. While tidying his clothes, he came across Severus's textbook, signed "Half-Blood Prince," and unconsciously slipped the book into his ring. It was the first time he'd ever stolen something from someone else, and he was terrified of being caught the moment he spoke.

"What did you do?"

"I took some old books. I feel your notes from your school days are very useful. Can't I take them?"

"Old books? Don't lose them."

"Okay, I'll be going now, Draco is calling me."

Emeric immediately ran off, grabbing his suitcase and leaving, as if afraid Severus might remember what was in the pile of old books.

"Severus, what exactly do you think of Emeric? Don't tell me it's just a normal teacher-student relationship. I've never seen you get this close to any student in all these years."

Lucius immediately recognized his friend in the crowd, and after seeing Emeric leave, he walked straight over to Severus and questioned him.

"Don't go! I got ripped off by this little bastard. Help me get revenge."

"?"

"Why should I help you? This is a matter between you two merchants, what does it have to do with me, a potions professor?"

Severus laughed in exasperation. It was the first time he had ever seen this side of Lucius. Who would tell their parents when they couldn't beat a child, especially since he wasn't Emeric's parent?

"If you don't agree, I'll write to Draco and have him discuss feelings with the Godfather every day. You know, Draco listens to me the most."

"I'll give him more homework. Is there anything else, Master Malfoy?"

"No, thank you very much, my friend."

Lucius was very sensible. After hearing Severus's affirmative answer, he immediately stepped aside. Otherwise, what if Severus got angry and added something to his beauty potion?

----------

"How was your summer vacation? Especially you, Harry, how were things going?"

"Our family went on a trip! Thank you, Brother Ellie, and thank you for your advice to Dad!!!"

"You're welcome, Ron. I'm a businessman, let's make money together."

Emeric accepted Ron's thanks with a smile. Some of the rare medicinal herbs were too expensive, and if he didn't earn more, he wouldn't be able to afford gifts. He was determined to make a lot of money to send Severus all sorts of gifts.

"We get along very well! Thank you, Brother Ellie. How are you doing?"

"I'm doing well too. I wish us all the best."

Harry was doing well. Although Lily wasn't the mother he had imagined, she was more real, and he liked her more. His mother would gently pat his head, and also sternly tell him what he should and shouldn't do.

"Ron, get in the car, it's moving fast, get in the car!!!"

"Yes, yes, Miss Hermione."

As is customary, Harry and Draco sat together, with Emeric sitting opposite them. Hermione and Ron sat facing each other by the window, and Emeric fed them a bunch of snacks.

"Okay, you guys eat, I'm going to sleep."

The four little ones were used to Emerick's habit of sleeping as soon as he got on the train. They divided up the snacks and started eating. No one in the whole carriage had time to talk, and only the rustling sound of eating could be heard.

After eating until she was half full, Hermione took out her newly bought textbooks and began to read them with great interest. She sincerely hoped that this year's new professors would not be some strange creatures again.

Ron didn't seem to care much. He continued eating, wondering where Emeric got so much delicious food and wanting to try a little of everything.

Chew, chew, chew

"So delicious"

Hermione would pour Ron a cup of tea every now and then, afraid he might choke, and occasionally taste a small snack Ron offered. Harry and Draco were glued together, taking turns eating small cakes and cookies made by Narcissa.

"Waaaaah~~"

"Brother Airi, wake up, we're almost at our stop!!"

Draco called out and poked at Emerick several times before finally waking him up; otherwise, he doubted Emerick would have slept until the train conductor kicked him out.

"Um... thank you, Xiaolong."

They followed the flow of people out, looking at the new young wizards with some感慨 (gǎnkǎi, a feeling of mixed emotions, including regret and amusement). They had all been just as clueless back then, and so much had happened in just two short years.

"I hope this year won't be this exciting again," Hermione sighed sincerely.

But as soon as he entered the Great Hall, Emerick felt that Hermione's wish was likely to fail. He immediately smelled the werewolf on the new professor and looked at the professor's seat with some worry, fearing that the werewolf might have taken its medicine on time and hurt someone.

"You should stay away from the new professor; he's not safe."

"it is good."

Draco obediently agreed. Although he didn't know why Emeric said that, he figured it wouldn't harm him; it was just to keep an eye on the new professor.

After the young wizards were sorted into their houses, Dumbledore began introducing the professors. Emeric paid particular attention to the werewolf professor and winked at Lyra, signaling her to keep an eye on Professor Lupin.

He'd go ask Dumbledore later what he was thinking, daring to let a werewolf in, whether he really thought the school was too peaceful or just too idle.