Hogwarts: I am Harry's eldest cousin

Chapter 35: Have You Seen a Toad?

Toads, also known as frogs, are amphibians with bumpy skin and toxic glands. Neville, however, wasn't missing an ordinary toad; he was looking for an invisibility-capable Golden Back Toad.

Golden Back Toads, native to countries north of Brazil in South America, were larger and more aesthetically pleasing compared to other toads. Moreover, they were known for their intelligence, earning them the nickname "Einstein of toads."

The ability to turn invisible wasn't a typical trait of Golden Back Toads; it seemed that Neville's pet, Trevor, inherited this magical ability from Neville's magical lineage.

Creatures with magical lineage were considered rare, and Neville's possession of such a toad indicated a certain financial standing.

Observing Neville's situation, it was evident that he was well-off; otherwise, he wouldn't have an invisible toad. Ron, in the adjacent compartment, seemed to express a bit of jealousy upon hearing about the pet toad.

"If I bought a toad, I'd find a way to lose it as soon as possible. The sooner, the better."

"It's not like I intentionally lose him! He always tries to run away from me!"

Neville passionately defended himself, showcasing genuine affection for his toad named 'Trevor.'

Perhaps due to the magical bloodline within Neville, his Golden Back Toad, 'Trevor,' exhibited more intelligence than an average one.

"Can you help him, Dudley?"

Softening at Neville's pitiful expression, Hermione gently tugged at Dudley's sleeve and whispered.

Even without Hermione's suggestion, Dudley intended to help. It wasn't a big deal.

"I'll help you find him."

Putting the book away, Dudley prepared to assist, knowing that reading wasn't an option until they reached Hogwarts.

Initially unimpressed with Neville's tearful appearance, Dudley realized the boy had a robust physique. If they trained together, they could achieve a good physique.

While Neville was pleased with Dudley's offer, the following request made him hesitate.

"If I find him, can I borrow him for a few days?"

Though Dudley wasn't fond of toads, the slime they produced was a useful potion ingredient. Moreover, he was curious about the difference between the magical bloodline-infused slime and the regular one.

"Sure, mate," Neville agreed reluctantly.

Dudley retrieved a small bottle of slightly impure pink liquid from his pouch.

"Magical Creature Attractant (Inferior)"

This substance was a byproduct of Dudley's potion brewing, and its effects were uncertain. Fortunately, the system labeled it, preventing Dudley from discarding it as a failure.

As the saying went, 'knowledge is a prerequisite for becoming a spellcaster.' Even the remnants of failed potions could have some utility.

Taking some of Trevor's usual food from Neville, Dudley carefully added a drop of the attractant.

Since the production method for this potion was still unclear, Dudley couldn't mass-produce it yet.

Inhaling the faint, peculiar fragrance, undetectable by ordinary people but apparent to magical creatures and Dudley, the compartment soon witnessed a miraculous scene.

"Croak, croak."

Accompanied by the distinct croaking sounds and subtle leaps, a toad, slightly larger than a hand, gradually materialized on the table. It voraciously began devouring its food.

"Oh, Trevor, you're back!"

Neville joyfully embraced the toad, rubbing it against his chest.

Dudley understood why Trevor had escaped. Cold-blooded amphibians like toads preferred cool, damp environments. Neville's direct handling, with warm human body temperature, likely prompted Trevor to flee. It wasn't surprising.

"That's a potion," Ron commented, eyeing Dudley's bottle. "I heard from George and Fred that potions are magical concoctions that can sometimes do things even spells can't."

"Harry, did your brother make this himself?"

With Harry's confirmation, Ron whispered in a hushed tone, "Your brother is amazing."

In his barely audible voice, he added, 'Not like my brother, who just bullies me.'

While it wasn't unusual for pre-enrolled wizards to self-learn a few spells, brewing potions independently, as Dudley had done, was quite remarkable.

Brewing potions often involved inherent dangers.

Pleased with the praise, Harry beamed proudly. He was more delighted than being praised himself, increasing his favor towards Ron.

"That's Dudley. There's nothing he can't do."

Harry praised Dudley wholeheartedly.

"Neville, if you truly like Trevor, you should study how to care for him."

In a well-intentioned counsel, Dudley handed Neville a book from his backpack. It wasn't a magical book but a Muggle-published guide on the care of cold-blooded animals, including amphibians.

Dudley's luggage was diverse, including multiple sets of dumbbells. Only his strength could manage such a load.

"Thank you, sir."

Neville carefully stowed the book as if it were a treasure, diminishing some of his fear of Dudley. He felt a newfound closeness to Dudley, elevating the latter's stature in his eyes.

"Call me Dudley."

"Okay, Mr. Dudley."

Before the compartment door was gently pushed open again, this time not as lightly as Ron or as considerate as Neville, but rather forcefully.

Three boys entered, led by the platinum-haired boy whom Dudley had frightened to tears. However, he hadn't noticed Dudley; his keen interest was fixed on Harry. Tilting his head, he sniffed the air.

"People on the entire train are talking, saying that Harry Potter is in this compartment. That's You, right ?"

(End of Chapter)

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