"HP: Too Late, System!"Chapter 366: The Improved Wolfsbane Potion—All for You, Bill
Bill could hear the meticulous planning in Douglas's voice, as well as his clear desire to keep them out of danger for as long as possible. He sighed, a note of regret mingling with deep trust.
"All right, Old Dao, if you say so."
His tone was tinged with disappointment, but the trust between brothers ran deeper.
"But don't go playing the lone hero, you hear me? If you need anything—anything at all—let us know. Cha and I are always on standby.
Seriously, what support do you need? We can be there in a flash. I've got a few contacts in Italy, too. Gringotts may only have a small branch over there, but it's perfect for gathering intel."
Relief washed over Douglas as he realized Bill wouldn't insist on tagging along. He was determined to keep Greyback in Italy this time. If memory served, Bill had been bitten by a werewolf in the original timeline. The details were hazy after so many years, and the System couldn't fill in the blanks, but he was pretty sure he remembered right.
It was for this reason he'd started researching an improved Wolfsbane Potion in the first place—if Bill ever got hurt like he did in the books, Douglas wouldn't be caught off guard.
And by accident, he'd ended up developing a potion that could actually purge the werewolf curse, potentially solving the entire werewolf problem for good.
Now, with the perfect opportunity at hand, he could finally rid Britain of its most dangerous werewolf once and for all.
"Not right now. For this, the fewer people involved, the better. You know how it is—with someone as slippery as Greyback, sometimes surprise is your best weapon. Don't worry, I'm not going in blind."
He shifted the topic, a playful note in his voice.
"Once the Italy business is wrapped up—if all goes well—I'm planning a trip to Egypt.
There's some research on curses and ancient magic I want to check firsthand.
And, of course, I need to see how my old curse-breaking master's doing. After all these years rolling around in pyramids, are you really as mummified as you claim?"
Bill's laughter was instant and infectious.
"Haha! Brilliant! Egypt would love to have you! Listen, we've just uncovered a new site—some of the curses inside are absolutely bonkers. You'd love it! The pace here's been insane these past couple of years, I promise you won't regret it.
And that dragon blood Cha got his hands on? I've mixed it with some Egyptian wizarding techniques to brew a batch of dragon blood wine. By the time you get here, it should be ready to drink…"
Douglas grinned.
"Then I'll have to make the trip. There's no better place to taste ancient Egyptian wine than Egypt itself.
It's settled, then. Let me take care of Italy first, and I'll let you know the exact date when I'm coming."
Bill's hearty laugh echoed down the line.
"No problem! We'll roll out the red carpet for you, Professor Holmes!"
Douglas couldn't help but laugh, too.
"Oh, and when you see Cha, give him my regards. Tell him to spend less time flirting with dragon girls and more time writing home. He's probably up to his neck in work—I haven't been able to reach him lately."
"Yeah, yeah, you old worrywart. I'll pass on the message, don't you worry!"
Bill's tone softened after a moment of silence.
"Old Dao, if you've got your plan, we trust your judgment.
But remember, no matter what happens, if you need us—even for a second—Cha and I will drop everything and come running.
Gringotts is important, but brothers come first."
They chatted a while longer, sharing recent stories.
When the call ended, Douglas sat for a moment, a gentle smile on his lips.
Having brothers like this—there was nothing better.
He gazed out the window. The sunlight was perfect.
—
As noon approached, Douglas appeared in his Hogwarts office via a special channel.
Sirius and Lupin were already there. Sirius had his legs propped up, trying to flick a Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Bean into his mouth with his wand. It took a sharp turn and shot straight up his nose, making him cough and splutter.
Lupin, meanwhile, sipped a cup of tea—who knew where he'd found it—looking perfectly at home. In truth, Douglas's office had long since become Lupin's personal café and second office.
Douglas had always left access for Sirius and Lupin—just in case of emergencies. They'd always respected the privilege, never bringing in outsiders.
He shrugged off his coat and slung it over the back of a chair, his tone teasing.
"What's this, Director Black? Got your own grand office, but still can't resist squeezing into my little corner? Or are the chairs in the administrative office too hot for your taste, so you're here to cool off?"
At the sight of Douglas, Sirius instantly forgot his failed bean assassination, breaking into a grin so bright it nearly outshone the tears still clinging to his eyes.
"Doug, you're finally back!"
Lupin set his teacup down, a gentle smile on his lips as he watched Sirius's antics.
"He's nearly finished off all your tea, Doug. Especially that rare jar of Eastern red tea you've been saving."
Douglas eyed the two of them suspiciously.
"Something's up. You two are never this chummy unless you're up to something."
Lupin's eyes twinkled with a hint of helplessness.
"Douglas, while you were away, our Director Black here has truly outdone himself in the management department."
Douglas raised an eyebrow, sat behind his desk, and poured himself a glass of water.
"All right, Director Black, what's your latest scheme?"
Sirius grinned, swinging his legs down and sauntering over to the desk.
"You know how you're always short-handed brewing that improved Wolfsbane Potion of yours?"
Douglas glanced at Lupin.
"I already put Moony in charge of that. Why? Got a better idea?"
Sirius rubbed his hands together, leaning in conspiratorially.
"I know Moony's handling it, but he's been working himself ragged. And come on, Hogwarts is full of Potions students—ready-made labor! Plus, as Administrative Director, shouldn't I be thinking about ways for students to earn a little extra on the side…?"
A sly smile flickered at the corners of Douglas's mouth.
"So, you went behind my back and talked to the students yourself?
And, let me guess, they told you they'd need Professor Snape's approval to brew my potion?"
Sirius gave a sheepish thumbs-up and nodded, turning to Lupin.
"See? That's why he's the boss—he's got us all figured out."
Douglas snorted.
"Hardly a mystery. I'm Snape's favorite cautionary tale—no way he'd let any dunderhead near his advanced class, especially if there's even a whiff of my involvement in Potions."
Lupin added dryly, "So, back in the day, was it because he thought you were brainless that he kept you out of his advanced class?"
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