Disclaimer: All characters and settings belong to JKRowling...(obviously).
For years Snape had battled with Dumbledore with the schedule of Slytherins have Potions with Gryffindor.
It would be more prudent for the Hufflepuffs to have been with Slytherins and the Gryffindors with Ravenclaws, but for some reason the Headmaster could 'never make it work', too Snape's displease.
It was not that he had any problem with Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws lessons, if anything they were his favourite to teach. The Ravenclaws always doing well and Hufflepuffs paying attention to his every word.
The Slytherins and the Gryffindors however are a complete disaster. Always trying to outwit each-other, and always distracted.
First lesson of the year for the First years and it was Hufflepuff and Ravenclaws very first lesson.
Snape was teaching instructions off a Hiccupping Solution, and very easy potion, with minimal ingredients and work involved, but one that a first year's first potion, will never be perfect.
But they were making it as he instructed and when.
Time is up. Your potion should now be ready.
He swept through the class and examined each potion and rated them out of 10. No one got more than a 7/10 all of them Ravenclaws. That was until he got to the last boy.
"What is your name", Snape asked surprised.
"Justin Finch-Fletchly, professor", he young lad squeaked worried.
"Well, well, young Justin here gets a 10/10. I Believe this potion could cure hiccups on the smell alone….. I do think that deserves 25 points to…..", His eyes quickly darting to his badge…. "Hufflepuff….".
Justin looked rather taken aback. "Thank you professor".
"Everyone's dismissed…. But please stay Justin, I would like a word".
Everyone left and Snape turned to young Justin.
"First time making a potion mr Finch-Fletchly?".
"Yes, sir. I mean I liked chemistry when I was younger, but this isn't really the same thing?".
Snape's eyes flickered up at him. "Chemistry…..Muggle Born?".
Justin's smile faltered slightly. And I could tell he had probably been warned that Snape is Head of Slytherin, notorious for blood purity.
"Yes Sir….",
Snape smiled. "I didn't recognise the name. I admit, I am double impressed….. most students from the most famous of old wizarding families can't make a potion that good on their first attempt. I look forward to another lesson to see what else you can do….. no pressure. But muggle born. I think that deserves an extra 15 points. Hufflepuff could finally do well in the house cup if you continue the way you are in potions…..I look forward to telling Professor Sprout".