While other students were enjoying a relaxing weekend, Dudley's schedule was packed. He started with morning exercise, went to the library, and then had a private Potions lesson with Professor Snape in the afternoon.
Hermione had really wanted to go. While Snape didn't have the same reputation as the greatest white wizard, Dumbledore, he was one of the world's top Potions Masters. Getting one-on-one instruction from him was a dream for many. Unfortunately, Professor Snape hadn't invited her.
Dudley told her not to worry, saying he'd just teach her everything he learned.
Dudley arrived at the Potions classroom a quarter of an hour early. The door was locked, so Snape hadn't arrived yet. Dudley leaned against the wall and started reading a book on Herbology. Herbology is the foundation of Potions, and you need a solid understanding of it to be any good at brewing.
"You're more punctual than I expected."
Snape's dangerously calm, "black velvet" voice came from behind Dudley. Dudley closed his book. "Good afternoon, Professor," he said politely.
Although Snape's footsteps were as quiet as his voice, and to most students he moved like a ghost, Dudley could hear him clearly. His hearing was much more sensitive than the average person's. To be honest, in terms of physical ability alone, Dudley was already a sort of "mini-superhero"—as long as you didn't compare him to a half-giant like Hagrid.
Snape opened the Potions classroom door, and the two of them entered. This time, it was a one-on-one lesson.
"My private lessons are not for the faint of heart," Snape said mercilessly. "If I find that you can't keep up, or if you simply lack the talent, you will get out of my classroom."
They weren't related, so Snape wasn't going to go easy on him. The only connection between them was the fact that Dudley's aunt was Snape's old crush. Dudley wasn't Harry; Snape wouldn't give him special treatment.
"Of course, Professor," Dudley replied, his tone respectful, but with an underlying confidence. No matter how difficult or complex the process was, if a human could do it, Dudley believed he could, too. He was already a hardworking student, and with his data-eye, it was almost like he was cheating. If he couldn't do it now, he might as well go jump off a cliff.
"Full of confidence," Snape sneered. "I hope the potion you brew lives up to it."
Snape gestured for Dudley to sit anywhere he liked, then took some ingredients from a nearby cabinet and placed them in front of him.
"A Stimulating Solution. This is your first lesson's task."
A Stimulating Solution is a type of healing potion, and it's one of the most common medicines used at St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries.
The Stimulating Solution, Essence of Dittany, and Blood-Replenishing Potion all generally fall under the category of healing potions, but they focus on different things. It's like the difference between Muggle cold medicine, fever reducers, and vitamin C tablets.
The Blood-Replenishing Potion simply helps restore lost blood. That's it. Essence of Dittany is a magical liquid made from the Dittany plant, used to heal external wounds. Most wizards know how to brew it. Finally, the Stimulating Solution is a supportive potion. While it has some healing and stimulant properties, that's not its main purpose. It can increase the effectiveness of other healing potions. In other words, a combination of Essence of Dittany and a Stimulating Solution can dramatically increase a person's healing.
Because of this, the Stimulating Solution is much harder to brew than the other two. At Hogwarts, this would be a lesson for an upper-year student.
"Any questions? If not, we will begin now."
Snape said indifferently as he laid out the ingredients for the Stimulating Solution. Only two supplementary ingredients were needed: Horklump Juice and fresh Dittany leaves. But the brewing process itself was incredibly complex.
"Professor, there's something I'd like to give you."
Dudley pulled out a prepared box and placed it on the table. Inside was a complete set of lab equipment: test tubes, beakers, evaporating dishes, a spirit lamp, and a Buchner funnel.
"Muggle tools?"
Snape only needed a glance to tell that none of these items were made in the wizarding world.
"Yes, Professor," Dudley answered honestly, taking the items out one by one.
They were piled up on the table.
Snape's voice carried a hint of disdain, and it wasn't surprising. Almost every wizard has a natural sense of superiority when it comes to Muggles. Very few wizards have a deep respect for Muggle-made things. As far as Dudley knew, the only notable wizard who cared about Muggle inventions in recent history was Gellert Grindelwald.
"This is a beaker, this is a measuring cup, this is…"
Seeing Snape's dismissiveness, Dudley didn't rush. He simply took each piece of equipment and explained its use. As Dudley spoke, Snape's initial look of disdain slowly turned into one of seriousness.
Take the scales, for example. There was simply no comparison between an old-fashioned brass scale and a modern digital one. The precision of the latter was far superior. A top-tier Potions Master like Snape knew exactly what precision meant. Even a tiny difference could be the deciding factor between a successful and a failed potion.
"I think these tools will make it easier to brew potions, so I brought them with me."
"Professor, as long as a tool is useful, does it matter if it's made by Muggles or wizards?"
After the explanation, Snape was completely captivated by the lab equipment in front of him. He was itching to get his hands on them.
"They're useful, but you are not to use them in my class."
"A wizard should not rely on tools alone…"
Seeing that Dudley didn't object at all, Snape gave him a rare look of approval.
"I'll be keeping this set for now."
"Of course, Professor. They were meant for you anyway."
Dudley actually agreed with Snape's point about not relying on tools. To be honest, for a master like Snape, these tools would only be of limited help. Aside from the precision measurements, much of the function of the equipment could be done with magic. For Dudley, after gaining his data-eye, the effect of the equipment was minimal. Snape was just intrigued by something new. After all, Snape's daily life was quite boring, and he had no other hobbies besides potions. Oh, wait, he had a new one: staring at Harry's eyes and taking points from Gryffindor.
But for a novice, this equipment would be a game-changer. Both magic and science have their strengths and weaknesses. It's not about favoring one over the other; the real path to success is combining them.
"Does it matter if a tool is made by Muggles or wizards, as long as it's useful?"
"Lily used to say something similar."
When Dudley wasn't looking, the expression in Snape's eyes softened again.