Hogwarts: Becoming the White Lord from Breathing

Chapter 95 The Humble Snape
Snape's lips trembled.

He almost snatched it, reaching out with the speed of a falcon spreading its wings, his demeanor like a lion whose territory had been invaded, yet his strength was as gentle as if he were treating the most fragile thing in the world.

His thumb and forefinger pinched a corner of the photograph in Damon's hand. He didn't dare to pull it, just held it gently, and was always on guard against any possibility of damaging it. If Damon moved the photograph at this moment, he would immediately let go of his hand.

Damon heard his hoarse voice, which contained an untold sorrow, like Othello discovering that he had misunderstood his wife, and then finding a chance to make amends after learning the truth. It was a kind of cautiousness that even joy felt abrupt.

"Give it to me. Please."

Damon's two fingers were merely lightly holding the photograph, but Snape felt as if those fingers were the strongest iron clamp in the world. He couldn't open it, and could only plead with the person he was so desperate for.

If it were just an ordinary picture of Lily, he would never have gone to such lengths—to let Damon see him in such a sorry state would have been extremely difficult for Snape to accept.

But he had no other choice.

He saw the swaying shadows of trees above his fingertips, the green grass, the sunlight shining on the earth, the deep red hair mostly hidden by his fingers, and those moving eyes.

Damon didn't speak, but with a slight twist of his two fingers, he handed it to Snape like a cigarette—this frivolous gesture displeased Snape, but he didn't dare utter a sound.

He silently stretched out his left hand again, and with both hands together, he 'pinched' the photo in front of him—he finally confirmed that the photo belonged to him. He spread his hands and looked at the beautiful figure in front of him.

Damon saw the corner of his mouth twitch.

Snape abruptly turned his back, leaving Damon with only his back view.

His voice rang out slowly, carrying a meaning that was impossible for others to fathom: "Where did you find it?"

"Never mind that," Damon chuckled. "Did you like my gift? I have many more~"

Snape found a box, carefully put the magical photograph away, and then placed it under a tight protective layer before finally storing it in a corner box—the place where he usually kept his precious potions.

Damon was somewhat surprised—Snape was so calm?

Soon he understood.

The method is very simple: just look into Snape's eyes.

He had never seen such a determined look in his eyes before—resolute and calm. Just by looking into those eyes, you knew that he would get what he wanted, even if it meant resorting to any means necessary and betraying the world for it.

"Two hours of teaching per week, and a new photo—do you agree?"

He looked at Damon, his face devoid of any mockery—he could no longer possibly show even the slightest hint of sarcasm.

"How many weeks are there in a semester? Where am I supposed to find that many photos to satisfy you?"

"We can trade like this for now. When you run out, I'll teach you properly again."

"Then do you still want me to process the potion ingredients?"

".Need not."

"Will you teach me diligently?"

".certainly."

"Then will you still find reasons to deduct Gryffindor points?"

"...Only here, absolutely not."

"Will you wash your hair properly every day from now on?"

"If you wish, I will."

"and you."

Damon is not saying anything more.

Snape looked at him as if he wanted to kill him.

Although he was certain that Snape would agree to whatever he said next, he should stop now.

After all, it was the other person who taught him Occlumency; if he harbored any ill intentions, it would be quite troublesome. "Alright, let's begin, Professor. I should have already paid you for today, right?"

"No, you have to give me one more after the lecture."

"why?"

"I'm begging you."

"Ok."

The chill of the Black Lake seeped into the classroom through the windowpanes, while the candlelight by the fireplace cast soft shadows. In the dim light, Snape stood before Damon, his expression unusually calm.

"Your brain-blocking technique has already been remarkably effective. To continue improving, you can only do so through persistent practice measured in 'years'."

He paused.

"But there is another special method, which is that I use Legilimency on you."

Of course, even I cannot absorb your thoughts when you are prepared, so you must open a crack in the door.

I want you to constantly recall your happiest moments, and while closing the door to your heart, to continuously elevate your emotions—emotions are the key to intruders, and I want you to hand over the key to me, and then firmly resist my intrusion behind the door.

Your mind will become more focused during this process, and your brain will gradually become more wary of legatomic spells.

“That sounds reasonable.” Damon nodded.

Snape hesitated for a moment before speaking:

"But in the process, I will inevitably be able to read some of your emotions—I may be able to probe some of your happy memories, which you will deliberately reveal to me."

“Oh,” Damon paused, “you should only be able to sense what I’m thinking, right?”

Snape nodded. "Once I break through your defenses, I will retreat immediately and will not look at your memories again."

He was as conservative as a naive virgin peeping at a girl bathing for the first time, trying his best to ensure his 'purity and cleanliness', for fear of displeasing Damon and causing something unpleasant to happen.
"I'm all set, shall we begin now? What do I do?"

Snape turned around and took a potent potion from the box.

The liquid has a deep purple base with an amber-like sheen, and after being taken out of the box, it carries an extremely faint bitter almond aroma.

"This is an emotional amplifier, also known as a heartstring solvent, and it's a level-five controlled magic potion."

"Drink it, imagine your happiest moment, and depending on your mood level, it can last for about half an hour."

If it weren't for this, I would have no way of reading your thoughts.

Damon took the potion from Snape and shook it gently.

The light within the bottle swayed gently, radiating a captivating glow.

He tilted his head back and swallowed it in one gulp.

Despite its viscous texture, it tasted like water when it entered the mouth—Damon felt as if he were tasting the flavor of fire, a familiar yet somewhat unsettling aroma.

The moment the potion was ingested, his mind became clear.

Damon suddenly felt a tickle in his throat.

A great joy filled his heart.

He felt a strong urge to sing out loud.

why not?
"I'm about to begin. Remember, amplify your emotions, but remain vigilant."

Snape raised his wand and said cautiously:
"Legilimens"

(End of this chapter)