Chapter 178: Summer Projects
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As the afternoon turned into evening, Petunia brought out a homemade cake, beautifully decorated with icing and candles. Harry blew out the candles while everyone sang 'Happy Birthday,' and then they all enjoyed a slice of cake. Petunia had outdone herself, and everyone complimented her on the delicious dessert.
After enjoying the cake, Harry steered the conversation toward his business partnership with Cyrus and Augusta. "I've made some improvements to the potions over the summer," he announced, causing both the Longbottom matriarch and Cyrus Greengrass to look up in surprise. Considering Harry's potions were already superior to those available on the market, this was significant news.
Cyrus leaned in, his interest piqued. "What about the cost?" he asked eagerly. If the improvements hadn't led to higher costs, the potions would be even more competitive in the market.
Harry's smirk was all the confirmation they needed. "None," he replied, leaving Cyrus, Augusta, and the others who understood the implications astonished.
"You've made a breakthrough in magical concoction?" Augusta pressed, her voice a mix of excitement and disbelief.
Nodding, Harry reached into his bag and placed a few flasks on the table. As he opened them, Augusta, Cyrus, and Arthur could immediately tell these were an improvement from the already high-quality potions they were used to.
"Amazing," they chorused, each examining the flasks with a professional eye.
The partnership had started around the time of the Yule Ball, with the Longbottoms supplying the herbs, Cyrus handling other materials and logistics, and Harry concocting the potions in large batches. Despite initial hesitations, Harry had consistently delivered top-quality potions, and now, he was claiming further improvements without additional costs.
The adults around the table exchanged impressed glances. Augusta, who had seen many promising students falter under the pressure of real-world applications, was particularly struck by Harry's aptitude. "Well, I must say, Harry, you continue to exceed our expectations."
Cyrus, ever the businessman, was already calculating the potential. "This will give us a significant edge in the market. We should discuss expanding our distribution soon."
Harry nodded, pleased with the response. "I think we're ready to take things to the next level."
Harry then proceeded to take out four more flasks from his bag, each labeled distinctly. "Fire Protection Potion, Strengthening Solution, Swelling Solution, Girding Potion," he announced, showcasing the potions he had crafted for his second year at Hogwarts. As Augusta, Arthur, and Cyrus eagerly took the flasks for testing, their expressions mirrored their previous astonishment; these potions were also above average, crafted using Magical Concoction method.
Continuing with the momentum, Harry presented a few more flasks, his voice steady and clear, "Shrinking Solution, Confusing Concoction, Antidote to Uncommon Poisons, Wideye Potion, Doxycide, Undetectable Poisons." He paused, then added, "These aren't at the level of Magical Concoction, but still above market level." He set these third-year potions on the table, allowing his audience to take in the full scope of his work.
The room fell silent for a moment as Hermione and the other students looked on, astounded. Harry had always been ahead of his class in most subjects, and his prowess in potions was particularly notable—even Snape had to respect his abilities. But the notion that he could perfectly concoct potions up to the third year was nothing short of amazing.
Hermione was the first to break the silence. "Harry, this is incredible. How did you manage to refine them to this extent?" Her eyes were wide with both curiosity and admiration.
Harry smiled, feeling a mixture of pride and excitement. "A lot of practice, some innovation, and a bit of magic," he replied modestly, not delving into the more intricate details of his Magical Concoction method.
Arthur, examining one of the flasks closely, looked up with a thoughtful expression. "This could really change things for a lot of people, Harry. These potions could help many in the wizarding community."
Cyrus nodded in agreement, his mind clearly racing through the business implications. "We should definitely consider ramping up production. With this quality, demand is only going to increase."
Augusta, who had been silently assessing the potions, finally spoke up, her voice imbued with a hint of pride. "Harry, I've seen many promising young wizards in my time, but your dedication and skill are truly exceptional. It's a pleasure to be part of this venture with you."
The discussion gradually shifted towards the future, with everyone around the table contributing ideas on how to expand the distribution and reach of their potions. Harry listened intently, offering his thoughts when needed and taking note of various suggestions.
Harry smiled warmly at his friends, excitement bubbling up as he encouraged them, "Let's hear your ideas." The energy in the room was palpable; each friend eager to share their concepts, hoping to find the same success in the wizarding market as Harry had with his potions.
During a recent train ride back from Hogwarts, Harry's friends had expressed both envy and admiration upon learning that he had become one of the country's foremost potion creators in just half a year. Motivated by their enthusiasm, Harry had promised to support any original idea they could bring to the table—whether through financial backing or magical assistance—in exchange for a share in their ventures. This offer wasn't limited to just the friends present; it extended to those who weren't able to join them today.
Hearing Harry's encouragement, Neville was the first to stand up, pulling out a binder to present his idea. Over the summer, he had diligently followed Harry's training regimen, and his appearance had changed significantly. His former chubbiness had given way to a more toned physique, and he now carried himself with a newfound confidence. Even Augusta and Arthur looked surprised as Neville prepared to share his idea.
"Um, I've been working on something a bit different," Neville began, clearing his throat. "It's not a potion, but rather a concept for a magical plant hybrid. I call it the 'Lumos Blossom.'"
The room quieted, everyone's attention fixed on him. "It's a plant that absorbs and stores natural light during the day and then glows brightly at night. It could be used to light up areas without using elestrisity? Electrikitty?"
Hermione, seeing his struggle, leaned over and whispered, "Electricity."
"It could be used to light up areas without using electricity or magic," Neville explained, his voice growing steadier with each word.
Susan clapped her hands excitedly. "That sounds amazing, Neville! It could be really useful for outdoor gatherings or in places where it's hard to get light!"
Hannah nodded in agreement, her eyes sparkling with interest. "And it could be great for those who are afraid of the dark. It's like a natural nightlight!"
Augusta, intrigued, leaned forward. "Tell me, Neville, what kinds of plants are you considering for this hybrid?"
Neville flipped through his binder, showing them some sketches and notes. "I'm thinking of crossing the Lumos Vine, which has minor luminescent properties, with the Everbright, a plant known for its hardiness and long-lasting flowers."
Arthur, who had a keen interest in herbological innovations, raised his eyebrows. "That's quite ambitious for a second year, Neville. Have you started any initial experiments?"
"Not yet, Uncle," Neville admitted. "I'm still in the planning stages. I need to research more on their care and the best conditions for hybridization."
Harry looked over Neville's sketches, impressed but curious about the practical aspects of bringing such a concept to market. "How do you plan to protect the merchandise?" he asked, understanding the need for exclusivity in their venture. Neville looked a bit perplexed by the question. "You mean?"
Harry nodded, elaborating, "If we're to enter the market for profit, we have to make sure we're the only ones who can procure this type of item. If any Tom, Dick, or Voldy can cultivate the plant from one they've purchased, soon, we won't be able to sell at all."
Harry had a couple of ideas in mind, like preventing the plant from seeding or having seeds that only grow into regular plants. However, this was an opportunity for Neville to think on his own, so Harry didn't offer these solutions.
Neville frowned slightly, clearly realizing the complexity of what he had proposed. "I... I haven't thought about that part yet. I'll need to figure out some way to protect it."
Harry nodded and smiled. "This is a good idea, Neville. Work on the details, and let's see if we can do it."
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