章節 58: Chapter -57 Lilly used to say something similar.

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Chapter -57.

While other young wizards are enjoying their laid-back weekends, Dudley's schedule is jam-packed! He starts his mornings with some exercise, heads to the library, and then spends his afternoons studying potions with Professor Snape.

Hermione was actually hoping to join in on the fun. Even though Snape might not have the same reputation as Dumbledore, the greatest white wizard, he's still one of the best potion masters around. Getting one-on-one lessons from him is a dream come true for many!

Sadly, Snape didn't extend an invitation to her.

Dudley, ever confident, assured her that he could teach her just as well.

Arriving a minute early, Dudley found the potions classroom door locked. Snape hadn't shown up yet, so he leaned against the door and started reading a book on herbalism. After all, understanding herbalism is key to mastering potion-making!

"You're more punctual than I expected," came Snape's calm voice, with a hint of danger that felt like 'black velvet' behind Dudley.

Dudley looked up from his book and replied politely, "Good afternoon, Professor."

Even though Snape moved quietly, almost ghost-like, Dudley's keen hearing picked up on him easily. He had a sensitivity that set him apart, making him feel like a 'little superman'—well, at least until he thought of someone like Hagrid, the half-giant!

Once inside the potions room, it was just the two of them for a private lesson.

"My private lessons aren't a walk in the park," Snape warned.

"If I see you can't keep up or lack talent, you're out of my classroom."

His words were tough, but Dudley understood that it was a privilege to have Snape's attention, especially since the only connection between them was that Dudley's aunt had caught Snape's eye.

"Of course, Professor," Dudley replied respectfully, though a hint of arrogance lingered in his tone. He believed that if it was something humans could do, he could do it too. After all, he was a hardworking top student, and with his data magic eye, he felt unstoppable!

"Very confident," Snape remarked. "Let's see if your potion lives up to that confidence."

Snape gestured for Dudley to take a seat while he gathered materials from a nearby cabinet. "Today, we'll be making the Revitalization Potion."

This potion is a healing potion commonly used at St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries, one of the best hospitals in the wizarding world. The Revitalization Potion, along with White Fresh Essence and Blood Supplement, all fall under the healing potion category, but each serves a different purpose—kind of like how different medications work for colds and fevers in the non-magical world.

The Blood Supplement helps replenish lost blood, while White Fresh Essence promotes wound healing. The Revitalization Potion, on the other hand, enhances the effects of other healing potions, making it a bit trickier to brew than the others. In fact, it's usually taught in the higher grades at Hogwarts!

"Any questions? If not, let's get started," Snape said casually as he pulled out the ingredients for the potion.

Dudley raised his hand. "Professor, I have something for you!" He pulled out a complete set of experimental equipment—test tubes, beakers, evaporating dishes, alcohol lamps, and Buchner funnels—and placed them on the table.

"Muggle items?" Snape raised an eyebrow, quickly recognizing they weren't from the wizarding world.

"Yes, Professor," Dudley replied, unbothered. He began to explain each piece of equipment, stacking them neatly.

At first, Snape seemed uninterested, but as Dudley described the uses, his attitude shifted. For instance, the accuracy of a modern balance far surpassed that of the old brass ones. A top potion master like Snape knew how crucial precision could be—sometimes, even a tiny difference could make or break a potion!

"I believe these tools can really help with potion-making, so I brought them along," Dudley said. "Whether they're made by Muggles or wizards, if they're useful, isn't that what matters?"

After Dudley finished his introduction, Snape found himself intrigued by the equipment laid out before him, almost eager to dive into some practical work.

"Very handy tools, but you won't be using them in my class," Snape replied. "As a wizard, you can't rely solely on tools."

Dudley nodded, understanding the sentiment. "Of course, Professor. They were meant for you anyway."

In truth, Dudley agreed with the idea that one shouldn't depend entirely on tools. For a master like Snape, these instruments offered limited help. After all, with Dudley's data magic eye, he felt the tools were less essential. Snape, too, found them more of a novelty than a necessity.

Life for Snape could be pretty dull, with potions being his only real passion—well, that and keeping an eye on Harry and deducting points from Gryffindor!

For beginners, though, these tools were like magical helpers. Potions and technology each have their strengths and weaknesses, and the best approach is to blend both.

"Whether made by Muggles or wizards, as long as the tools are useful, isn't that enough?" Dudley reiterated.

"Lily used to say something similar," Snape replied, his gaze softening as he looked at Dudley, who was blissfully unaware of the moment.