Alistair's face flashed with a hint of unnatural awkwardness as he gave a light cough and said, "That's because your marginalia are extremely useful. Your old book was just sitting there in the cupboard of the Potions classroom, where anyone could take it. I suppose anyone who knows your abilities would find it hard to turn down such an opportunity."
"So that's your excuse for stealing my old book?" Snape scoffed.
"It's also because your potion-making skills are so brilliant. You always manage to find more convenient ways to brew, making the effects even better—it's honestly impossible not to use them," Alistair said, his voice losing conviction as he went on.
Chapter 282