I am Harry Potter's Cousin, Big D

Compared to the leisurely weekends of other young wizards, Dudley's schedule was packed. Morning exercise, a trip to the library, and then an afternoon of private Potions lessons with Professor Snape.

Hermione desperately wanted to go. Although Snape's reputation wasn't as great as Dumbledore's, he was still one of the world's leading Potions Masters. To get his individual instruction was something many people dreamed of. Unfortunately, Professor Snape had not invited her. Dudley had promised he would teach her everything he learned, assuring her it would be the same.

An hour before the appointed time, Dudley arrived at the entrance of the Potions classroom and found the door locked. Snape hadn't arrived yet. So, Dudley leaned against the cold stone wall and started reading a book on Herbology. To learn Potions well, one had to have a deep, professional knowledge of its foundational science.

"You are more punctual than I imagined."

Snape's calm, velvet-smooth voice, tinged with its usual hint of danger, sounded from behind him. Dudley put down his book and turned. "Good afternoon, Professor," he said politely. Although Snape's footsteps, like his voice, were preternaturally light, almost silent to ordinary wizards, Dudley's heightened senses had heard him approaching. In terms of pure physical fitness, Dudley was a 'little superman,' as long as he wasn't compared to mixed-blood giants like Hagrid.

Snape unlocked the door, and the two of them entered the classroom again. This time, it was a one-on-one lesson.

"My private lessons are not easy," Snape began, his voice echoing in the empty dungeon. "If I find that you cannot keep up with the progress, or if you simply do not have the talent, then you will get out of my classroom." His words were ruthless, but after all, they were not related. The only thing that connected them was the fact that Dudley's aunt was the sister of Snape's unrequited love. He wasn't Harry; Snape would not treat him with any special consideration.

"Of course, Professor." Dudley's tone was respectful, but there was a hint of unshakeable confidence in his posture. No matter how difficult or complex the process, as long as it was something a human could accomplish, Dudley didn't think he couldn't do it. He was a diligent, hardworking student, and with his Data Eye, if he still couldn't succeed, he might as well smash his head against a block of tofu and die.

"Very confident," Snape noted. "I hope the potions you make live up to that confidence." He gestured for Dudley to find a seat, then retrieved some ingredients from a nearby cupboard and placed them on the workbench. "The Wit-Sharpening Potion. This will be the content of your first lesson."

The Wit-Sharpening Potion was an advanced healing potion, one commonly used at St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries. It belonged to the same broad category as Essence of Dittany and the Blood-Replenishing Potion, but their functions were different, like the difference between various cold medications in the Muggle world. A Blood Replenishing Potion simply replenished blood. Essence of Dittany was primarily for external injuries. The Wit-Sharpening Potion, however, was an auxiliary healing agent, a magical stimulant that greatly enhanced the effectiveness of other healing potions. Because of this, the difficulty of brewing it was much greater than the other two. According to the standard Hogwarts curriculum, this was content for the upper years.

"Do you have any questions?" Snape asked, taking out his own ingredients. "If not, we will officially begin."

"Professor," Dudley said, "I have something I want to give you." He took out the items he had prepared in advance and gently placed them on the table. It was a complete set of Muggle laboratory equipment: test tubes, beakers, evaporating dishes, an alcohol lamp, a Buchner funnel, and various other instruments.

"Muggle things?" Snape glanced at them, his tone carrying a familiar hint of disdain. Almost every wizard had a natural sense of superiority when faced with the mundane creations of the non-magical world.

"Yes, Professor," Dudley replied truthfully. He began to introduce each piece of equipment, explaining its use. As he spoke, Snape's expression gradually changed from initial disdain to solemnity. Take the balance, for example. There was simply no comparison between the old brass scales used by wizards and the precision of a Muggle pan balance. A top Potions Master like Snape, of course, knew what accuracy meant. Often, just a tiny difference could determine a potion's success or failure.

"I think these things are beneficial for making potions, so I brought them," Dudley said. "Professor, whether it's made by Muggles or wizards, isn't a tool good enough as long as it's useful?"

After the introduction was complete, Snape was deeply intrigued by the laboratory equipment. He couldn't wait to try it out.

"Very convenient things," he conceded, "but you will not need to use them in my class from now on. As a wizard, you cannot rely solely on tools." Seeing that Dudley had no intention of objecting, Snape showed a rare look of approval. "This set of tools will stay with me for now."

"Of course, Professor. These were originally meant as a gift for you."

In truth, Dudley agreed with Snape's statement. Strictly speaking, this equipment was of limited help to a top Potions Master like him. Apart from the issue of precise scales, most of the functions could be accomplished with magic. For Dudley himself, after he had obtained his Data Eye, the effectiveness of the laboratory equipment had been greatly reduced. Snape was just finding it novel. His daily life was quite boring; he had no other hobbies besides potions and more potions. Oh, and perhaps now, looking at Harry's eyes and deducting points from Gryffindor.

However, for those new to the art, this equipment was an invaluable aid. Potions and technology each had their own advantages and disadvantages. Combining the two was the right path.

'Whether it's made by Muggles or wizards, isn't a tool good enough as long as it's useful?' The words echoed in Snape's mind. 'Lily once said something similar.'

In a place that Dudley couldn't see, Snape's gaze towards him softened once again.

(End of Chapter)

***

[Check Out My Patreon For More Chapters On All

Of My Fanfics!!] [www. [email protected]/meowthtl]

[+300 Power Stones = +1 Bonus Chapter]

[+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter]

[Thank You For Your Support!]