HP: god of potions

Chapter 101

Umbridge was undeterred, holding up a parchment triumphantly. "Educational Decree Twenty-Five," she declared. "It gives me the authority to amend punishments. I think a lifelong ban from Quidditch should suffice for him." Hearing this, Gray smiled. In fact, this was the reason he interfered. This time-related dream is really a hassle. Either way, this is the golden path, he thought to himself as he decided to act sad. "But I love Quidditch, a lifelong ban?" he said. If McGonagall didn't know Gray, she would have believed him too, as his acting was too perfect. "Yes, indeed," Umbridge replied smugly, none the wiser, confiscating his broom without a second glance. "Have a wonderful day," she chirped, sweeping out of the office. Gray then looked at McGonagall, his voice trembling with disbelief. "You've—!" She cut him off, her voice soft but resigned. "Cut off the act, Gray. You hate Quidditch more than anyone. You did this for Harry and the Weasleys, right?" she asked as Gray smiled. "Come on, she wants to mess with Hogwarts; then let her reap what she sows," he said before exiting her office.

Later in the Gryffindor common room, shrouded in gloom that night, Gray entered, surprisingly singing, "I take what I want, and I want you. Bad, bad news. Baby, I am the powder and your fuse… Just add some friction," which shocked the team waiting for him to return. "Did you just sing?" Fred asked, as Ron replied, "Yeah, he definitely sang," followed by Jamal, who said, "I never knew you could sing." This, of course, was followed by his fan girls, who were even crazier. "Guess me being monstrously powerful didn't dampen their enthusiasm," he thought, as Hermione, the most concerned, asked.

"Gray, are you okay?" she asked as she stood beside him. He smiled at her before patting her head. "I am fine," he said before quickly retracting his hand as things became awkward and silence descended. "I just got banned from Quidditch for life anyways," he added, smiling happily. "Wait, seriously?" Harry asked. Gray replied, "Yeah, but it looks like that was aimed at you guys. If you had swung at draco, then you wouldn't have been able to play your little sport," he said disinterestedly. They looked at him, and they genuinely admired him. Angelina Johnson approached him and said, "Thank you, Gray. I will not forget what you have done for us." The rest of the team echoed her sentiments. "Yeah, yeah, I'm going to my room," he said as he left. "But we don't have seperate rooms," Jamal said, confused.

Inside Pangea, Gray, who had tirelessly worked for hours, finally saw his hard work bear fruit. "Finally, this damn fuel is done," he said, holding a silver potion in his hand. His eyes lingered on the shimmering liquid inside the flask, a mix of determination and relief evident in his expression. "I can finally start to assemble the damn engine," he muttered, glancing at the description of the potion and allowing himself a brief, satisfied smile. Without wasting another moment, Gray began the meticulous task of putting the engine together, his movements precise and calculated.

He started with the engine's core, a cylindrical housing where the potion would rest, its glowing silver light illuminating the workspace. Gray carefully fitted the inner conduits, crafted from dragon-blood-infused materials, ensuring their alignment was flawless. He then added the refined boomslang skin, stretching it delicately over the antenna-like structures to enhance the wireless transmission of energy. His hands worked deftly as he secured the powdered phoenix feathers into small compartments near the engine's base, their regenerative properties crucial for maintaining energy flow. The powdered quartz and liquefied starstone were carefully inserted next, their shimmering forms sliding seamlessly into the storage and regulation units Gray had designed.

With the magical components in place, Gray turned to the technological elements. He began assembling the advanced sensors and processors, connecting them to the potion housing and wiring them through the engine's frame. His fingers moved swiftly as he integrated feedback loops and calibration modules, ensuring the system could adapt in real time. Wiping sweat from his brow, Gray adjusted the final pieces, bolting everything into place with a sense of purpose. Each screw and wire had its place, and the engine slowly began to take its intended form—a seamless blend of magic and technology.

Once the engine was completed, Gray took a moment to admire his creation, but his work was far from over. Moving to the next phase, he began constructing the light bulbs and posts that would be powered by his wireless energy engine. He shaped the bulbs with meticulous care, embedding tiny energy-receiving mechanisms attuned to the engine's output frequency. Each light post was designed with elegant precision, fitted with connectors that could tap into the energy without the need for physical wiring. His workshop buzzed with activity as he methodically tested each component, ensuring the system worked perfectly.

By the time Gray finished, he stood amidst a series of glowing bulbs and posts, their light emanating without wires or visible connections. The engine pulsed with energy, a testament to his vision and perseverance. Combining magic and technology, Gray had not only created a groundbreaking engine but also a system that blurred the lines between spells and science. The air in the workshop seemed charged with potential, and as Gray looked over his work, a rare smile crossed his face—he was one step closer to revolutionizing energy itself.

-scene change(dream)-

James and Lily Potter stood on Platform 9¾, their presence drawing attention from a few passersby. Both in their 30s, they appeared to be keeping a watchful eye on an older-looking Harry Potter. Lily fussed over Harry, smoothing his robes and adjusting his tie, her voice gentle but insistent.

"Harry, promise me you'll be careful this year," Lily said, her tone tinged with worry. "You always get yourself into trouble."

"Mum, I'm always careful!" Harry whined, rolling his eyes as he stepped back slightly, hoping to escape her fussing.

James chuckled, placing a hand on Harry's shoulder. "Let the boy go, Lily. He's not a child anymore."

Before they could continue, someone bumped into James, causing him to stumble slightly. Turning to see who it was, the three of them caught sight of Gray. He looked older than his 15 years, standing taller than most of his peers, but his demeanor was somber, his expression hollow and distant. Without acknowledging them, he walked briskly past, his gaze fixed ahead.

"Gray! Gray, stop!" Lily called out, her voice full of urgency as she stepped after him. But Gray only quickened his pace, ignoring her entirely. Lily started to follow, but James stopped her, his hand firm on her arm. "Lily," James said quietly, his voice filled with pity.

Lily hesitated, her face crumpling with emotion. "Why won't he just stop?" she whispered, her voice breaking.