Disclaimer: Harry Potter and all of its characters belong to JK Rowling. I own nothing but the original characters I make.
Chapter 66: How?
Dumbledore and McGonagall didn't take long to reach Argus Filch's office. As they approached the doorway, they could already see him inside, standing with a wand in his hand, practicing basic charm spells with clear focus.
"Argus, how—?" Dumbledore began, stepping into the room, his voice tight with confusion and suspicion.
"Professor Dumbledore!" Argus beamed, his eyes sparkling with something neither of them had ever seen in him before—joy. "I've finally become a wizard!"
Dumbledore blinked. That was not the answer he was expecting. Even McGonagall, known for her composed and calm demeanor, looked visibly taken aback.
"What do you mean by finally becoming a wizard?" Dumbledore asked, slowly. His hand had subtly moved to rest near his wand holster, ready to react if anything went wrong.
"It was Dudley Dursley," said Argus with pride. "He made a potion, something that could turn a Squib into a real wizard. I was the first one to try it."
"What?" McGonagall and Dumbledore exclaimed at the same time. It was so unbelievable that even Dumbledore, rarely surprised by anything, couldn't contain his reaction. His sharp "What?" echoed slightly off the stone walls.
"Argus, do you mean that Mr. Dursley gave you a potion, and now you've gained magic?" McGonagall asked, clearly struggling to process what she had just heard.
"Yes," Argus said with a proud smile. To demonstrate, he flicked his wand confidently and said, "Lumos."
A soft white light illuminated from the tip of his wand.
"Albus!" McGonagall gasped, her hand covering her mouth in shock.
"Where is the potion, Argus?" Dumbledore asked, stepping forward with a serious expression.
"Here," Argus replied, reaching into his desk drawer and pulling out a small empty flask.
Dumbledore took it immediately, uncorked the bottle, and sniffed the inside. Although the liquid was gone, a faint scent still lingered.
"I've never smelled a potion like this before," Dumbledore said, narrowing his eyes.
Curious, McGonagall took the flask and sniffed it as well. She paused, then shook her head.
"I don't recognize it either," she admitted. "In all my years of teaching, I've never come across anything like this."
For the first time in many years, both professors found themselves facing something completely outside their expectations—an impossible miracle in the form of a squib turned wizard.
---Dudley POV---
"Dudley, if you manage to create a permanent potion for a Squib, does that mean purebloods can finally marry whoever they want?" asked Susan Bones, leaning over a thick, leather-bound book.
Ever since they had witnessed the miracle where a combination of Focus Potion and Maxima Potion allowed a Squib to use magic, interest in potion-making had soared among the girls. Hermione, Susan, and Hannah had been especially invested, spending hours in the library flipping through potion books.
Dudley, however, had offered them some advice.
"If you really want to understand potion-making on my level," he had said, "you should study chemistry and biology. A lot of science theory is actually useful in potion making, especially a potion dealing with the body."
And so here they were, crowded at a library, studying magical properties and anatomical diagrams.
"To be honest, I don't think I can create a permanent potion for Argus," Dudley said, glancing up from his notes.
"What?" The three girls were stunned.
"Yes," Dudley continued, turning a page. "If you read my latest research here, you'll see the DNA of a Squib is missing something called neurocells AHD. These cells are responsible for binding magic to the body. The Maxima Potion can temporarily generate magic, but without neurocells AHD, the body can't sustain it. The Focus Potion works as an artificial substitute, but it can't stay in the system permanently."
"Then why don't you try creating a potion that mimics neurocells AHD?" asked Hannah curiously.
"Because," Dudley said bluntly, "it's a waste of my time."
Hermione frowned. "What do you mean, a waste of time?"
"Well," Dudley began, holding up three fingers, "first, I'm already a muggle born wizards. Whether I marry a pureblood or a Muggle-born witch, my children are still very likely to be magical. Second, we're currently at war with Moldyshorts, so I'd rather spend my time learning Defense Against the Dark Arts, Charms, and Transfiguration. Third, if I create a permanent potion, I'll lose future business. Right now, I can sell Focus Potion again and again to Squibs. If I make a one-time solution, there goes my sales volume."
The girls stared at him in disbelief. Hermione narrowed her eyes.
"You sound like a capitalist," she muttered.
"Hermione," Dudley said, unfazed, "scientists built airplanes to solve human problems. But I'm a wizard. Why should I make it my mission to permanently fix from being a Squib?"
Despite their skepticism, Dudley had already made up his mind. He was ready to end the experiment and focus his energy elsewhere.
"Dudley, I understand," said Susan slowly, "but let's say you did manage to create a permanent solution. Would it make it okay for purebloods to keep marrying only each other?"
"Nope," Dudley replied without hesitation. "Right now, it's just a loss of magic. But if the cycle continues and the bloodline keeps diluted and broken, it might start affecting organs or other vital systems. So the best advice is to marry outside. Broaden the gene pool."
Susan narrowed her eyes. "Do you have someone from a pureblood family that you like?"
Before she could get angry hearing Dudley question, a small pop interrupted them. A house-elf appeared right beside their table.
"Hello, mister," said the tiny creature. "I am Trinky, the Hogwarts house-elf. Professor Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall are summoning you to the Headmaster's office."
"Alright, Trinky," Dudley replied calmly. "Tell the Headmaster I'll be on my way."
With another pop, Trinky disappeared.
"What was that about?" asked Hannah.
"Why would the Headmaster summon you?" added Susan.
"I have no idea," said Dudley, gathering his things. "Do any of you?"
"Could it be about Argus?" suggested Hannah. "Everyone's talking about him. This morning he was casting cleaning spells like he'd been a wizard his whole life!"
"Wait—do you mean the secret's out?" Susan gasped. "Did Dumbledore find out you created a potion that gave a Squib magic?"
Dudley didn't answer right away. He just sighed and tightened his grip on his wand. Something told him this meeting was going to be very important.
Author Notes: To read advance chapter you can go to my patreon.
Chapter 95: Iron Man
Chapter 96: Tony Stark IQ is 200
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