Hogwarts: I'm Harry's older cousin

Chapter 218, Section 216: The Scent in the Potions Classroom?

"Since this is my first time teaching, I hope to get everyone's opinions and suggestions. Students, do you think there's anything I can improve in my lesson?"

After leading the young wizards to learn about today's dark magic creature—the Hinkpunk, a will-o'-the-wisp-like creature—Lupin stood on the platform and asked a question.

He only missed one class and was able to attend class normally in the second period. However, Dudley taught him more than one class because Hogwarts has seven years.

"Professor Lupin, I think that in addition to learning how to deal with dark magic creatures, everyone should also learn some useful things."

Unsurprisingly, it was Dudley who spoke.

"Oh, does our Professor Dursley have any objections?" Lupin asked with a smile when he saw Dudley.

A burst of good-natured laughter rang out from all around. The Dursleys' lesson was indeed worthy of the title "Professor." The content of that lesson was widely publicized by the Hufflepuff and Gryffindor wizards. The Ravenclaws and Slytherins who missed the class were very annoyed when they learned about it. If they had known that it was Mr. Dursleys who taught that day, they would have skipped class to audit the lesson.

"For example, learn the Guardian Charm."

Dudley glanced out the window at the gloomy sky and the occasional tattered cloth flashing by high above.

"At least it gives everyone some ability to protect themselves when facing those things from the outside world."

Dudley's words silenced the young wizards' laughter, and even Lupin stopped smiling.

Dementors really don't have much intelligence. Dumbledore taught them a lesson and they behaved themselves for a few days. Dudley taught them a lesson and they behaved themselves for a while, but now they're showing signs of stirring again.

He simply kept his distance when he saw Dudley and Dumbledore.

Dudley is not Hogwarts' nanny; he won't be by the young wizard's side every moment. If he wants to stay safe, he has to rely on himself.

"Professor Lupin, what do you think?"

The Guardian Charm is a high-level spell and is not easy to learn, but that doesn't mean it's impossible to learn, provided that the instructor teaches it to everyone.

"Mr. Dursley, you could teach others too."

Dudley shook his head. His own guardian spell wasn't even fully formed yet; he only relied on its sheer quantity to crush everything. Naturally, he wouldn't mislead anyone.

Besides, he's not a professor, so this isn't within his job scope. Don't expect to get something for nothing from him.

Seeing Dudley's clear refusal and the expectant eyes of the young wizards, Lupin had no choice but to take on the responsibility himself: "Then starting today, in addition to learning how to deal with dark magic creatures in each class, you will also set aside some time to learn the Patronus Charm."

"This spell is not easy to learn; many Aurors don't know it. Everyone needs to be on your guard."

I really want to see what it'll be like when these Dementors storm into Hogwarts, only to find that each of them has a Patronus Charm.

The learning journey was tedious and long, ordinary yet interesting. During this time, Dudley sent invitations to several selected young wizards and also tested several young wizards who applied to join the discipline group.

In short, the number of members in the discipline group has increased by a few more.

In Potions class, Dudley didn't learn the potions taught by Snape with the other young wizards; instead, he started researching new material on his own.

"First, there's fresh Atractylodes macrocephala."

Dudley took out a plant with small purplish-red flowers at the top, cut its grayish-yellow root into pieces with a knife, and then crushed the flowers and leaves.

Atractylodes macrocephala has the effect of replenishing qi.

"Then comes the Schisandra chinensis." Dali put some dried black fruit into the crucible, added the freshly chopped Atractylodes macrocephala root, and began to simmer it over low heat.

Schisandra chinensis has the functions of nourishing the kidneys and promoting body fluid production, strengthening muscles and bones, making the body stronger, and replenishing vital energy.

"Next up is the privet." Dali added a bunch of plants with small red and black fruits to the crushed white scutellaria, and then poured in a little water.

Privet fruit has the effects of nourishing the liver and kidneys, clearing heat and improving eyesight.

"Finally, there's unicorn horn powder and armadillo bile." The first few fall under the category of traditional Chinese medicine, while the last two are parts of magical creatures' bodies.

Mix the golden powder and dark green liquid together, weigh them, and add them little by little while stirring constantly in a dry pan.

After a while, the crushed plants were added in as well.

Soon, a strong medicinal aroma wafted from Dali's dry pot.

Dali nodded in satisfaction upon smelling the aroma.

Snape merely frowned slightly. Although he didn't know what potion Dudley was planning to make, he felt that Dudley had taken an unnecessary step, but he didn't say anything and silently walked away from him.

I promised Dali that I would never interfere with him, and that I would only answer his questions when he asked.

While the earlier steps still had some logic, the later ones caused Dudley's style to go astray.

"Bracken root powder!"

Dali pulled out a bunch of hard, dark, dry vermicelli and poured it into the crucible.

"Houttuynia cordata" then took out the main ingredient that had been used to make the mild magic-enhancing potion and poured it into it as well.

After simmering for about seven or eight minutes...

Dudley pulled out a bunch of bright red substance once again.

"chili."

"And potatoes."

Soon, the smell of Chinese medicine in the crucible faded considerably, replaced by a rich fragrance.

咕.

Neville's stomach suddenly rumbled, the sound incredibly clear in the potions room.

His face immediately turned bright red.

"Longbottom, if you're hungry, eat all that aconite in front of you, and I guarantee you'll never feel hungry again."

Snape finally lost his temper and stood in front of Dudley with a dark expression.

"And you, Dursley, are you planning to cook something in my class?"

"Of course not, Professor. I'm researching a brand new potion."

Dudley answered, but he didn't even look up, his eyes fixed on the crucible.

"Hmph," Snape snorted, flicked his sleeve, and left.

Even if Snape takes a liking to you, don't expect him to be kind to you.

Unless you can look exactly like Lily.

As time went by, the fragrance gradually faded, and it returned to the smell of Chinese medicine.

The bell rang, and the young wizards began to walk out of the classroom, while Dudley remained focused on brewing potions.

Anyway, Potions class is the last class, so there's no such thing as skipping class.

Snape wanted to say something, but seeing Dudley so focused, he ultimately said nothing. Before leaving, he placed the key to the Potions classroom on Dudley's desk and gently closed the classroom door.

A little while later, the classroom door was gently pushed open, and Hermione tiptoed in.

She didn't disturb Dudley, but simply placed the food she was holding on the table beside her, cast a spell to keep it warm, and then silently sat down next to Dudley, supporting her head with her hands, watching quietly from the side.

A little while later, Harry slipped in. He was carrying a glass of frozen pumpkin juice.

After putting down the pumpkin juice, he tactfully left.

(End of this chapter)