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"Because this is my first time teaching, I hope I can hear everyone's opinions and suggestions. Students, do you think there is anything about my lessons that could be improved?"
After leading the students through today's Dark creature, the Hinkypunk, a will-o'-the-wisp-like creature, Lupin stood at the lectern and asked the question.
He had only rested for one lesson. By the second lesson, he had already been able to return to normal teaching. However, Dudley had not taught only one lesson for him, because Hogwarts had all seven years to teach.
"Professor Lupin, I think that aside from learning how to deal with Dark creatures, everyone should also learn something useful."
Unsurprisingly, the speaker was Dudley.
"Oh? What suggestions does our Professor Dursley have?"
Seeing that it was Dudley, Lupin smiled as he spoke.
Good-natured laughter rose around them. Dudley's lesson truly had been worthy of the word professor. Word of that class had spread quickly among the Hufflepuff and Gryffindor students. The Ravenclaws and Slytherins who had failed to attend were extremely regretful after learning of it. If they had known Mr. Dursley was teaching that day, they would have skipped their own classes to sit in.
"For example, the Patronus Charm."
Dudley glanced at the gloomy sky outside the window and at the ragged black cloaks that occasionally drifted past high above.
"At the very least, everyone should have at least some way to protect themselves when facing those things outside."
Dudley's words made the students put away their laughter. Even Lupin's smile faded.
Dementors truly did not have much intelligence. After Dumbledore taught them a lesson, they had behaved for a few days. After Dudley taught them a lesson, they behaved for another stretch of time. But now, they were showing signs of restlessness again.
They merely hid far away whenever they saw Dudley or Dumbledore.
Dudley was not Hogwarts's nanny. He would not guard the students at all times. If they did not want to be harmed, they had to rely on themselves.
"Professor Lupin, what do you think?"
The Patronus Charm was an advanced spell. It was not easy to learn. But difficult did not mean impossible. The premise was that a professor had to teach it.
"Mr. Dursley, you could also teach everyone."
Dudley shook his head. His own Patronus Charm had not yet taken shape. He only relied on overwhelming quantity to crush everything, so naturally he would not mislead others.
Besides, he was not a professor. This was not within his responsibilities. Do not expect free labor from him.
Seeing Dudley clearly refuse, and then seeing the students' expectant eyes, Lupin could only take up the responsibility himself.
"In that case, from today onward, aside from learning how to deal with Dark creatures, every lesson will also include some time for studying the Patronus Charm."
"This spell is not easy to learn. Many Aurors cannot cast it. Everyone must take it seriously."
Dudley would have liked to see those Dementors charge into Hogwarts only to discover that every student had a Patronus Charm ready.
Student life was dull and long, ordinary yet interesting. During this period, Dudley sent invitations to several more selected students, and he also tested several students who applied to join the disciplinary group.
In short, the disciplinary group gained a few more members.
During Potions class, Dudley did not study the potion Snape was teaching along with the other students. Instead, he began researching something new on his own.
"First, fresh borage root."
Dudley took out a plant topped with small purple-red flowers. Using a knife, he cut its gray-yellow root into thin slices, then crushed the flowers and leaves.
Borage was useful for restoring vigor.
"Then juniper berries."
Dudley placed several dried black berries into the cauldron. He added the sliced borage root as well and began simmering them over a low flame.
Juniper berries had warming, restorative properties and could support muscle and bone recovery.
"Next, privet berries."
Dudley placed a cluster of red-black berries into the crushed dittany from earlier, then added a small amount of clear water.
Privet berries were traditionally used in restorative draughts and vision-sharpening preparations.
"Finally, unicorn horn powder and armadillo bile."
The previous ingredients were ordinary apothecary herbs. These two were parts of magical creatures.
He mixed the golden powder and dark green liquid together, weighed them, and added them little by little as the cauldron was stirred continuously.
After another while, he also added the crushed plants.
Before long, a thick herbal scent spread from Dudley's cauldron.
Dudley smelled it and nodded in satisfaction.
Snape merely frowned slightly. Although he did not know what potion Dudley intended to make, he felt that one of Dudley's steps was unnecessary. Still, he said nothing and silently walked past the boy.
He had promised Dudley that he would absolutely not interfere, and that he would only answer questions when asked.
If the previous steps still had a certain logic, the following steps made Dudley's method take a strange turn.
"Fern-root starch."
Dudley took out a pile of hard, dark, dried starch strips and poured them into the cauldron.
"Pepperwort."
He took out the herb that had once served as the main ingredient for the Mild Magic-Enhancing Potion and poured it in as well.
After simmering for about seven or eight minutes, Dudley took out another pile of bright red ingredients.
"Chili peppers."
"And... potatoes."
Very quickly, the sharp herbal smell in the cauldron faded. Replacing it was a rich, appetizing scent.
Grrr.
Neville's stomach suddenly growled. In the Potions classroom, it was exceptionally clear.
His face instantly turned bright red.
"Longbottom, if you are hungry, eat the entire pile of aconite in front of you. I guarantee you will never feel hungry again."
Snape finally could not bear it anymore. With a dark face, he stood in front of Dudley.
"And you, Dursley. Are you planning to cook something to eat in my class?"
"Of course not, Professor. I am researching an entirely new potion."
Dudley answered without raising his head. His eyes remained fixed on the cauldron.
"Hmph."
Snape gave a cold snort, swept his sleeves, and left.
Even if Snape valued you, do not expect him to look pleasant toward you.
Unless you could look exactly like Lily.
As time passed, that appetizing scent gradually faded, and the sharp scent of potion ingredients returned.
The bell rang. The students began leaving the classroom, but Dudley remained completely focused on brewing the potion.
In any case, Potions was the final class. He had no classes left to skip afterward.
Snape originally wanted to say something, but when he saw 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.
After a while, the classroom door was gently pushed open. Hermione tiptoed inside.
She did not disturb Dudley. She simply placed the food she was holding on a nearby desk, cast a charm to keep it warm, and then quietly sat beside Dudley, propping her head in both hands as she watched him in silence.
After another while, Harry also slipped inside. What he brought was a cup of iced pumpkin juice.
After putting down the pumpkin juice, he tactfully left.
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