Gemini held it in. Held it in again. Really couldn't hold it anymore. Didn't dare look at them. Could only glance, then snorted and choked back laughter. Laughed until Snape's face turned pitch black.
"Just laugh if you want to!" Snape said viciously. "No need to make those improper sounds with your mouth!"
Gemini wiped the tears squeezed from her eyes. Politely excused herself. Quickly left the room. Right outside the door burst into laughter. Laughed so hard she could barely stand. Had to lean against the wall.
After a long while, Gemini rubbed her cramping cheeks and returned to the room.
"So what are you here for? I didn't get any notice." Gemini coughed twice. Asked seriously.
Snape awkwardly placed his suitcase on the table. Started pulling out potions one by one.
"These are newly developed. Because the distance is so far, I improved them. One bottle can last most of a year. Every vacation I'll deliver them." Snape said. "Of course, that Muggle brat can drink them too. All come in pairs."
Gemini carefully asked about the dosage. Had Coby take them to Aunt Wu. Have her coax the two little ones to drink them.
Hearing the children's screams from over there, Snape kept turning back.
"Want to see Harry?" Gemini asked.
Snape's whole body stiffened. "No, I think I should—"
Before he finished, the reception room door slammed open. Harry held Dudley's hand. Both ran in on short legs, pattering. Running while shouting: "Gemini! Gemini! I don't want to drink it! Aunt Wu wants to poison us!"
This string of English mixed with Chinese in a jumbled mess—Gemini somehow understood. The two people across wore confused faces. What were they saying?
Gemini looked at Harry suspiciously. "How could that be? Tell me, how is Aunt Wu trying to poison you?"
Harry carefully looked at the doorway. "She had colorful water. Wanted me and Dudley to drink it. I just smelled it! Almost died! Ask Dudley if you don't believe me!"
Dudley nodded his head rapidly. Agreed with Harry's words. "That's right! Aunt Wu wants to poison us! Must be because she found the bed-wetting evidence we hid!"
Harry slapped his own forehead. "Dudley! Don't say that!"
Dudley also realized he'd let it slip. Immediately covered his mouth. Blinked his sky-blue eyes, carefully watching Gemini.
Gemini didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Patted both their butts. "That's the nutrient potion uncle sent. Drink it and you'll grow tall and big quickly. Didn't Harry say yesterday he wanted to grow taller than Uncle Jianjun next door?"
Harry looked at Gemini in shock. "That's not poison?! Growing tall and big requires such a huge price?!"
While saying this, turned to look at the uncle Gemini mentioned. Emerald green eyes directly met black eyes. Snape instantly lost his voice. Even lightened his breathing.
At this time Aunt Wu also knocked and entered. Looking troubled, holding a bunch of bottles and jars. "Gemini, look at this..."
Gemini was also curious. What smell could make Harry, who never complained about food or drink, claim it was poison?
Took the tender yellow potion. Opened it and smelled. An indescribable smell rushed straight to her head.
Though Gemini could tell this was indeed good potion. Effect absolutely excellent. But this smell—Gemini blinked. Quickly capped the potion. So strong her tears almost fell. If there was a choice, Gemini would rather not grow tall than drink this thing!
Aunt Wu placed several ceramic bottles on the table. "These are from Elder Sun. Also nutrient potions. Said to nourish the two children's bodies. Take a look. How about we drink what Elder Sun sent? This potion thing—I think even adults can't drink it."
Gemini picked up a ceramic bottle. Opened and smelled it. A fresh herbal fragrance with slight bitterness spread out. Just cleared the mind. Inside were pills specially made into small animal shapes. Gemini poured out one. Put it in her mouth. The pill dissolved instantly. Slight sweetness with herbal breath filled her mouth. After swallowing, this breath went straight to the stomach. Cool and very comfortable.
After savoring the herbs inside, Gemini turned to look at Snape. Gave him one pill. Used her eyes to indicate—he lost this round!
Snape silently took the pill. Couldn't tell from the surface what was used. Could only smell several herbs from the faint fragrance. Put it in his mouth and carefully tasted. Materials basically came out. But how to make pills like this—he didn't know yet.
"Harry, it's okay. From now on just eat pills, alright? This potion—maybe uncle didn't make it well. When he makes it better next time we'll drink it?" Gemini negotiated gently with the little one. This child was very stubborn. Ate soft not hard. The more forceful you were, the less he listened. Instead if you spoke nicely, he'd feel bad refusing.
"Okay then. Tell uncle to make it properly. Can't make poison again! I already told Elder Sun! When I grow up next year, I'll learn to make pills with him! If that doesn't work, I'll teach this uncle later!" Harry said confidently.
Gemini was momentarily speechless. This was said in English. Snape behind Harry was already starting to smoke. Gemini just felt her head ache. Harry was shamelessly saying he'd teach someone. That uncle he mentioned was his future teacher!
Dumbledore slurped his tea. Not a sound. Determined to pretend he didn't exist.
"Hmph! Mr. Potter has such ambition!" Snape squeezed this sentence through his teeth darkly. Avoided Harry's eyes. Looking at mini James, Snape just felt anger surge to his head.
Harry scratched his head in confusion. Why did it feel cold? But his attention didn't notice Snape's black face at all. Just asked curiously: "Who's Mr. Potter? I'm Harry. He's Dudley. There's no Mr. Potter here. Uncle, did you mistake us for someone?"
Gemini quickly covered her mouth. Afraid she'd accidentally laugh out loud.
Snape looked darkly at the little brat before him. Suddenly didn't know what to say. This two-year-old child didn't understand sarcasm at all. If he cursed more directly, he couldn't say it. Could only sulk alone.
"Go play. I still need to entertain guests. Remember not to run around everywhere." Gemini quickly shooed them both out. Let them stay a bit longer—Gemini feared Snape would die of anger.
After the two children left, the room instantly quieted down. Dumbledore smiled and put down his teacup. "Really lively and lovely children. Look, Severus, how smart Harry is!"
Snape furiously packed up the potions he'd brought from far away. "Next time! At Christmas I'll bring new ones!"
After speaking, Snape sat there without a word. As if sulking with himself.
Gemini carefully offered her opinion. "Professor Snape, Harry and them are just children. I can tell the potion's effect is indeed very good. Can say it couldn't be better. Just the taste issue—if they can't drink it, even the best potion is useless."
Snape snorted coldly. Turned to look out the window. Secretly thinking—go back and test it on the Malfoy brat. If he could drink it, then definitely the Potter brat was too delicate!
They stayed not many days. After Harry's birthday, they said goodbye. Dumbledore gave Harry a copy of The Tales of Beedle the Bard as a birthday gift. Seeing Dudley's envious eyes, Dumbledore realized he'd miscalculated. Searched around. Pulled out a colorful picture book and gave it to Dudley. This was bought in China. Dudley didn't mind. Happily accepted the gift.
Snape had no such concerns. Because he hadn't thought to bring gifts at all. Could only ignore Harry's expectant eyes and pretend he didn't see!
Harry, who didn't get a gift, sighed regretfully. Shared his received gifts with Dudley. The story collection Dumbledore gave was pushed aside by both. Huddled together happily flipping through the picture book. After all, both couldn't read yet. The picture book had drawings. Naturally more interesting to them.
After seeing them off, Gemini returned to peaceful life. Every day researching books borrowed from Sun Aihua. Learning Chinese. Going out with Walburga for walks. Days passed quickly.
At Christmas, Snape ran over from far away again. Again pulled out a pile of improved potions. Gemini tried them. Could only say—much better than last time.
But the pills Sun Aihua sent were also improved. Already starting to have various candy flavors.
Snape darkly took back his potions. Left Christmas gifts for Harry and Dudley. Furiously returned to Britain.
After that the two were like they had a grudge. Twice a year during vacations, always competed on nutrient potions. Compared whose taste was better. Whose looked prettier. Finally whose effect was better.
After the new year, Harry and Dudley were already three by Chinese reckoning. Sun Aihua specially came to the courtyard to confirm with Gemini. Because Harry always envied Sun Aihua's ability to make beautiful and tasty pills. He wanted to learn. Dudley was very interested in Sun Aihua's sword. Every visit he had to touch the scabbard.
Sun Aihua wasn't stingy either. Tested Dudley's aptitude. Silent for a long while. Reluctantly accepted Dudley as a disciple. But still told Gemini frankly—Dudley's talent could only be a big fish in a small pond among ordinary people. Entering the cultivation world—forget it.
This already made Gemini very happy. She feared later when Harry had magic, Dudley would still be ordinary. The two brothers would have a rift.
As for Harry wanting to learn alchemy—let him learn. Whether he succeeded was another matter. The child had this idea—then learn. This way he wouldn't run wild all day either.
Time passed year by year. Snape and Sun Aihua's rivalry had escalated from nutrient potions to all types of potions. As an apprentice, Harry became their judge and test subject. This made Harry dread summer and winter vacations every year.
Harry and Dudley also went to school in China. But both would return eventually. Every day only went to school in the morning. Afternoon time was home tutoring. The tutor was hired by Gemini through Sterling from Britain at high salary. Purpose was to keep Dudley from losing touch with British education. Originally Dudley attended private Smeltings. That was his father's alma mater. After Gemini told Dudley, he said he wanted to attend his father's school. Harry naturally also said he wanted to attend his parents' school. Both reached good agreement. According to different schools, courses were quite different. Harry's focus was on essay writing and Latin. Dudley's courses were much more complex. What British primary school required, he also had to learn.
At night, one learned alchemy, one learned Daoist magic. Didn't interfere with each other.
Busy until after their 10th birthdays. At the tutor's reminder, Gemini decided to return. Time was about right. If Dudley wanted to apply to Smeltings, must return a year early.
Before leaving, Sun Aihua specially stated—this courtyard would be kept for Gemini and others. When they had vacations, could still come back.
Gemini of course agreed. Aunt Wu stayed at the courtyard. She wasn't young anymore. British lifestyle habits were also different. Feared going would be uncomfortable. Just stayed here to watch the house.
After returning to Britain, though Dudley was still a Muggle, after all he'd cultivated with Sun Aihua. Barely had a bit of magical power. House-elves at home didn't dare look down on him. Dudley also accepted these elves well.
Harry also went to school with Dudley. Though he'd go to Hogwarts later, Gemini didn't want him cooped up at home for a year. Anyway coursework wasn't heavy. Just consider it relaxation.
This year back in Britain, at least half the time both were adapting. After all, grew up in China. Lifestyle habits there were different from Britain. Until after Christmas, both finally adapted.
Summer vacation came again. Dudley smoothly received Smeltings acceptance letter. Harry was still anxiously waiting for July 31st's owl.
On the 30th, Number 4 Privet Drive welcomed an unexpected guest.
"Gemini! Come out quick!" Harry's voice rang downstairs. Gemini rubbed her head and climbed out of bed. Yesterday she'd been researching Snape's recently updated notes until dawn.
Yawning, went downstairs. Saw the visitor. Gemini instantly woke up.
"Tony?! How did you get here?!" Gemini asked in surprise.
Tony, who was looking around the reception room, laughed and turned back. "Wow! You haven't changed at all! Time really loves you. By my count you haven't seen me in years. But I just saw you weeks ago!"
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