Chapter -35 Have you seen a Toad?

Chapter -35.

Toads, often just called 'toads,' are those warty little amphibians with some pretty interesting features, including poison glands. 

But Neville's toad isn't just any toad; it's a golden-backed toad that has the cool ability to turn invisible! 

These golden-backed toads are larger and found in countries north of Brazil in South America, and they're definitely more eye-catching than your average toad. What's really special about them is their intelligence, which is why they're often referred to as the Einstein of toads. 

Now, the invisibility part isn't something you'd usually find in a golden-backed toad, so it's likely that Neville's Trevor has some magical creature blood in him. 

Creatures with magical bloodlines are pretty rare, so it seems like Neville comes from a good family; otherwise, how would he end up with such a unique toad? Ron's grumpy comment about 'pet toads' kind of gave that away, didn't it? 

"If I had a toad, I'd find a way to lose it fast!" 

"I didn't mean to lose it! It just keeps trying to run away from me!" 

Neville shot back, clearly showing how much he cared for his toad, Trevor. 

Thanks to that magical bloodline, Neville's golden-backed toad is way smarter than your average toad. 

"Can you help him? Dudley." 

Seeing Neville looking so down, Hermione felt a little sorry for him and gently tugged at Dudley's sleeve, whispering. 

Even without Hermione saying anything, Dudley was already planning to help; it didn't seem like a big deal. 

"I'll help you look for it." 

Dudley said, putting his book away, realizing he probably wouldn't get to read it before they reached Hogwarts. 

Honestly, he didn't have the best first impression of Neville; his crying and whining didn't really show the spirit a boy should have. But Neville was built pretty sturdy, and Dudley thought that maybe if they worked out together, he could get in shape. 

Neville perked up at Dudley's offer, but then he hesitated when Dudley added, 

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

Dudley wasn't really into toads, but he knew that their slime could be a good potion ingredient. Plus, he was curious about the difference between the slime from a golden-backed toad with magical blood and that of a regular one. 

"Y-yes, sir," Neville stammered, his face falling a bit. 

Seeing Neville agree, Dudley pulled out a small bottle of slightly murky pink liquid from his pouch. 

"Magical Creature Lure (Inferior)" was something Dudley had whipped up while brewing potions. 

Luckily, he had a system display; otherwise, he might have tossed it aside as a failed attempt without realizing its potential. As the system often says, "Knowledge is key to becoming a spellcaster," and even failed potions can have their uses. 

Dudley asked Neville what Trevor usually eats and carefully dripped a drop of the potion onto it. He only had this small bottle, and he hadn't quite figured out how to make more, so mass production was out of the question. After all, most failed potions are pretty much useless. 

It would have been easier if he knew the Summoning Charm, but Dudley didn't. Not even Hermione, who had learned a few spells at home, knew it; that charm is taught in the fourth year at Hogwarts. 

Soon, a faint, strange scent filled the compartment. This scent is usually undetectable to regular folks; only magical creatures and Dudley could pick it up. 

Before long, something magical happened. "Goo goo." With the unique croaking of a toad and some soft jumping sounds, a toad about the size of a palm appeared on the table, happily munching on the food. 

"Oh, Trevor! You're back!" Neville exclaimed joyfully, scooping up the toad and giving it a gentle hug. 

Dudley understood why Trevor wanted to escape. For amphibians that love dark, damp places, being picked up by Neville was probably a bit much; human body temperature is way too warm for them. No wonder it wanted to run away! 

"Is that a potion?" Ron asked, staring at the small bottle in Dudley's hand, surprised. "I've heard George and Fred say that potions can sometimes do things that spells can't." 

"Harry, did your brother brew that himself?" 

After Harry nodded, Ron lowered his voice and said, "Your brother is amazing." Then, in a tone only he could hear, he muttered, "Unlike my brother, who just bullies me." 

It's not too unusual for young wizards to learn a few spells on their own; every year, there are a few gifted ones. But Ron had never heard of anyone teaching themselves how to brew potions. That can be pretty risky! 

Hearing Ron praise his brother made Harry puff out his chest with pride, feeling even happier than if he'd been praised himself, which made him like Ron even more. 

"That's Dudley for you; I've never seen anything he can't do," Harry said, generously praising him. 

When it comes to complimenting Dudley, Harry never holds back. 

"Neville, if you really like Trevor, you should learn how to take care of him properly," Dudley kindly suggested, pulling out a book from his backpack and handing it to Neville. "Here, take this; it's always good to learn a bit more." 

It wasn't a magic book, just a Muggle guide on caring for cold-blooded animals, specifically about amphibians. 

Dudley's luggage was quite the mix; he had several sets of fitness equipment like dumbbells, which only he could handle. 

"Thank you, sir," Neville said, accepting the book carefully, feeling a bit more at ease and less scared of Dudley, who now seemed even more impressive to him. Growing up, Neville had few friends, especially not kind young wizards like Dudley, which made his nose tingle a bit. 

"You can just call me Dudley," he said. 

"Okay, Dudley." 

Just then, the compartment door swung open again, but not gently like Ron or with a polite knock like Neville; it was flung open quite roughly. 

Three boys walked in, led by the silver-haired boy who had been scared to tears by Dudley earlier. 

He didn't even notice Dudley and walked right in, his face full of curiosity, staring intently at Harry and slightly tilting his head as he spoke through his nostrils. 

"Everyone on the train is talking about how Harry Potter is in this compartment. That's you, right?"

Tl/N: If you want to read more [upto Ten chapters] while supporting me, you can join me on patreon.com/EmptyThoughts ;Thanks.

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Note : Guys, some power stones will be really helpful.

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Upcoming chapters :-

36. I like to win over people with kindness.

37. Arriving at the Hogwarts.

38. Are you really a wizard?