A Chance for Redemption

As the morning sunlight filtered through the windows, Alex hurried to the potions class with Professor Klaus. He couldn't shake off the nervousness that lingered from the last potions class, where he and Jiten were unceremoniously kicked out by the professor. Determined to prove himself, Alex was ready to show Professor Klaus that he was not a useless student who only caused trouble.

Upon entering the classroom, Alex noticed Jiten with dark circles under his eyes. Concerned, he approached his friend, who revealed that he had made a significant breakthrough in perfecting the evaporation sleeping potion the previous night. Before Alex could inquire further, Professor Klaus strode into the classroom, his presence commanding attention. Upon seeing Jiten and Alex, a sneer formed on Klaus's face as he began the class.

"Good morning, class. Today was meant to be a theoretical class, but I felt it was important to examine your skills. So, today, all of you will be evaluated," Klaus declared with a grim tone. He continued, "You will be tasked with concocting the potion you learned in the last class."

Realizing that he and Jiten had been absent from the previous class due to their dismissal, panic surged through Alex. He turned to Jiten, who was fast asleep, oblivious to the impending examination. Alex's body ached from the physical training with Oswin, and he felt ill-prepared for this unknown potion.

Professor Klaus held up a flask, showcasing an example of the endurance potion they were expected to create. It had a yellowish appearance. "This examination will be done in pairs. You have until the end of the class to produce the best endurance potion. The pair with the best potion will receive an A, while the worst will receive an F. Now, begin!"

As Klaus finished speaking, students around Alex started bustling, gathering ingredients and getting to work. Alex, however, was completely lost. He attempted to wake Jiten from his slumber. "Bro, I need your help. You can't sleep now. We're in the middle of an examination. We have to make an endurance potion by the end of class."

Jiten remained fast asleep, his head resting on the table. In his sleep, he murmured, "Alex, we have plenty of time. It's just an endurance potion..."

Alex grew even more anxious witnessing his friend's nonchalant attitude. Time continued to pass, and Alex remained clueless about what to do. He glanced at Professor Klaus, who wore a smug smile while observing his predicament. Frustrated, Alex toyed with the idea of seeking guidance from the teacher. However, seeing Klaus revel in his struggles, he abandoned the thought.

Meanwhile, other students began finishing their potions, diligently transferring them into flasks. Panic gripped Alex tighter as the situation worsened. "Last ten minutes, everyone! Good luck!" Klaus's words struck Alex's heart like a spear. With hope dwindling, Alex felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned to find Jiten awake and alert.

"Fire boy, thanks for letting me sleep. We're a bit short on time, but we'll manage. Go and distract Klaus while I work on the potion," Jiten said.

Relieved by Jiten's return, Alex expressed his gratitude. "Thanks, Jiten! Are you sure you can handle it?"

Jiten looked at Alex, confusion in his eyes. "Alex, it's an endurance potion. I can do it with my eyes closed. Now, go and distract Klaus."

Alex nodded, taking a deep breath, and approached Professor Klaus. "Professor Klaus, may I have a word?" he asked, mustering as much humility as he could.

Klaus looked at Alex, his disdain evident. "What do you want, student Alex?"

Alex felt Klaus's animosity but pressed on. "Professor, I'm here to apologize for my behavior in your previous class. Since that day, I've felt remorseful every day for being so disrespectful in the presence of a true potion master."

Klaus's chest puffed with pride, visibly affected by Alex's words. Seizing the moment, Alex continued, "Professor, if you could ever find it in your merciful heart to forgive me, I dream that one day a master like you would guide me in the world of potion making."

"Student Alex, all students are treated the same by me. Now, the time is up. Everyone, bring me your potions," Klaus declared, ending the examination. Alex's mind raced with worry. Was the time Jiten had enough to complete the potion?

As he anxiously scanned the room, Alex spotted Jiten holding a flask with a glowing paper attached, displaying both their names. But what puzzled Alex was the transparency of their potion. While all the other potions were a vibrant yellow, theirs stood out with its clarity, it looked like water.

Klaus began analyzing each potion, one by one. When he reached Alex and Jiten's flask, his expression turned to one of shock. "Congratulations, students Alex and Jitendrasingh. You have won this evaluation. This is one of the best endurance potions I have ever seen."

Alex's eyes widened in disbelief, glancing at Jiten, who stood calmly as if it were no big deal. Happiness swelled within Alex. It felt like a chance to reconcile with the teacher who had despised him.

As Klaus presented them with their prize, two flasks containing a red liquid, Alex prepared to express his gratitude. However, before he could speak, Jiten interjected, "What am I supposed to do with this weak healing potion?"

Silence engulfed the room as all eyes turned to Jiten. He had just insulted a potion made by potion expert in front of the entire class. The audacity of his words left everyone stunned. Jiten returned the potion to Klaus, who was too shocked to respond. With an abrupt dismissal, Klaus ushered everyone out.