Disclaimer: Harry Potter and all of its characters belong to JK Rowling. I own nothing but the original characters I make.
Chapter 45: It's Him
"Fraction of his power?" Dumbledore repeated.
"Yes. I believe he's still hiding his true strength," Snape replied. "Dumbledore, is there anything in the Prophecy about the cousin? I suspect Dudley might be the real weapon to defeat the Dark Lord, unlike that Potter brat."
It was true that Snape didn't like Dudley Dursley—not because of Harry, but because of his mother, Petunia Evans. Initially, Dudley seemed alright: he studied diligently, did his work quietly, and didn't show off his knowledge like his uncle, James Potter, or try to answer every question the teacher asked. However, things changed during Dudley's fourth year, particularly after Malfoy attacked him.
"Hmm," Dumbledore stroked his beard, pondering about Dudley Dursley.
The fact that Dudley had become a wizard was unexpected. Mrs. Figg had reported that the Dursley family was paranoid about magic and Petunia would have noticed if her son showed any signs of being magical. Yet for eleven years, they hadn't noticed a thing. Then, on Dudley's 11th birthday, the Book of Admittance recorded his name.
This altered everything Dumbledore had planned for Harry. Instead of Hagrid, it was Professor McGonagall who brought Dudley to Hogwarts. While Harry went saving the people in the castle, Dudley kept his head buried in his books.
Dumbledore had even asked the professors about Harry Potter, wondering if he possessed any hidden talents or magical power. The Prophecy had spoken of a power the Dark Lord knew not, and after much consideration, Dumbledore believed it to be love—Harry's greatest strength. Love had saved him, and likely would again.
"Dudley is an exceptional student. Every professor tells me he's diligent and one of the most talented students in Hogwarts," Dumbledore said calmly. "But he wasn't part of the Prophecy."
"I understand, but I believe Dudley Dursley might surpass the Dark Lord," said Professor Snape.
"Why do you say that, Severus?" asked Dumbledore.
"Do you remember the last time I dueled him?" Snape reminded.
"Yes, I remember. It was quite spectacular," Dumbledore replied.
"Indeed. Although it appeared to be a draw, I was actually close to losing the duel. It ended before he could defeat me," Snape admitted.
"Really?" Dumbledore's eyes twinkled as he stroked his beard thoughtfully.
"Yes, I hate to admit it, but he didn't use any spells beyond a fourth-year level," said Snape. "If I had been able to Apparate, I might have stood a chance."
---Lucius Malfoy---
"Severus," greeted Lucius Malfoy.
"Lucius," replied Snape, glancing up as Lucius approached. "Do you have a message for me?"
"Yes, I do," confirmed Lucius.
Snape nodded, bracing himself for the inevitable summons.
"He wants to know why you fainted in class after looking at Harry Potter's cousin. He's summoning you to meet him," Lucius informed.
Snape had anticipated that the Dark Lord would demand an explanation after what happened in Potions class. He had already spoken to Dumbledore about confessing to the Dark Lord regarding Dudley's power. They both agreed it might sow more fear among the Death Eaters.
"The boy has better Occlumency than I do," Snape admitted.
"You mean... you tried to read his mind?" Lucius asked, visibly shocked.
"Yes. I attempted to, but I was repelled. In that moment, he managed to harm me," Snape confessed.
"What? How?" Lucius asked, his amazement mixing with growing fear of Dudley.
"I hate to admit it, but Dudley Dursley is the greatest student I've ever taught," Snape said. "You remember last year when I dueled him?"
"Yes, my son was one of his victims," Lucius muttered bitterly.
"To be honest, I nearly lost," Snape revealed.
"What? You, the best duelist, almost lost?" Lucius asked, incredulous.
"Correct. But the most frightening part is that he only used spells below a fourth-year level. I was restricted—unable to Apparate or use Dark Magic," Snape explained.
"Hmm..." Lucius frowned, deep in thought.
"As a friend, never look into his eyes and try to read his mind. He's dangerous," Snape warned.
Lucius shivered at Snape's words.
"Thank you for the warning," replied Lucius, his voice tense.
---DADA Class for 5th year---
The Defense Against the Dark Arts (DADA) class started at the end of the week, meaning it was five days after Hogwarts had opened for the term.
Unlike Potions class, which started early, DADA was different—it began near the week's end and this time, all the houses were combined because Lucius Malfoy was too lazy to separate the classes.
So, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, Gryffindor, and Slytherin sat together. Moreover, Lucius's job wasn't really to teach magic. His assignment was to weaken the Muggle-born students at Hogwarts.
This approach worked for DADA but not for Potions. In Potions, for example, Professor Snape had to make sure no potion went disastrously wrong, so he could cast Evanesco to vanish it before an explosion occurred.
That's why in his class it is always Hufflepuff with Ravenclaw and Gryffindor with Slytherin. The smaller the class, the easier it was for him to spot if a student had brewed something incorrectly.
Sometimes, though, he would let the potion explode—if the solution wasn't too dangerous because Madam Pomfrey was there to fix any burns or other injuries. But if the potion was too hazardous and could cause serious harm, like the loss of a limb, he would vanish it before disaster struck.
Draco Malfoy entered the DADA classroom with a beaming smile. Of course, he was proud that his father was now a professor at Hogwarts.
But little did he know, his father's tenure as a professor would soon stain the reputation of the Malfoy family. The Dark Lord had ordered Lucius not to teach the students, especially the Muggle-borns.
As the class began, it was clear something was wrong.
"Keep your wands. We won't need them here," Lucius Malfoy announced.
The students were shocked, even Draco was surprised. Some followed his order, while others, like Harry Potter, frowned.
"Now, open your books and turn to page three," Lucius continued.
The class progressed in an unusual manner—no, it wasn't normal at all. For half an hour, they just read from the textbook. There were no wand movements, no practical magic.
"Professor?" Harry Potter spoke up.
"Raise your hand and name," Lucius said, clearly trying to irritate him.
Harry raised his hand and said, "Harry Potter."
"Yes, Mr. Potter?" Lucius responded.
"Professor, don't we need to use our wands to fight Dark Wizards?" Harry asked.
"No, you don't need a wand for that. The Ministry is capable of protecting you," Lucius replied dismissively.
Before anyone could respond, a small chuckle echoed through the room.
"It looks like the House of Malfoy doesn't know how to use magic. Is that why you don't want us using our wands?" Dudley Dursley asked.
Lucius Malfoy froze. The voice sounded familiar—too familiar. His family, no the Dark Lord had been haunted by Patronus messages almost every day before school began.
"It's him," Lucius muttered, his eyes narrowing as he glared at Dudley.
Author Notes - Sorry a bit late, I was busy recording myself and become content creator. $200 dollar per months is not enough for a living, so I tried something new.
By the way, if you wanted to read advance chapter to chapter 68 you can go to my patreon, there are free trial option for apprentice member.
-patreon.com/zorojurown