HP: Hogwart's Journey

Robert sneaked a glance at the other professors, who were all picking up their wands and using various methods to examine the candies. Snape continued to mock, "Oh, really? Let me see the ingredients of these candies... Hmm?" His face showed a strange expression—perhaps surprise, anger, or even... admiration? Did I not sleep well last night? Professor Snape showing admiration?

After a while, all the professors put down their wands. Their serious expressions made the young wizards fall silent, their eyes fixed on the teachers' table. "I didn't detect any dangerous ingredients in the candies," Snape said calmly. "Though it's far from a potion, its main effect is to temporarily remove acne."

The Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, Madam Marie, added, "There are no traces of dark magic. It's safe to eat." Professor Sprout chimed in, "There's no sign of the potion losing its efficacy due to expiration. In fact, it has a long shelf life."

The other professors also confirmed that they found no issues and turned their gazes to Headmaster Dumbledore. The Headmaster smiled, "So, it was just a misunderstanding?"

The young wizards whispered among themselves. Many who had bought the Weasley twins' candies breathed a sigh of relief and began to cheer up. Although Snape's tone was flat, anyone who had taken Potions knew—if he didn't vanish your potion, it meant your potion was definitely effective! Moreover, he seemed to acknowledge the acne-removing effect of the quick-acting candies, which was like having a Potions Master's endorsement for the twins' creation.

"I believe that's the case," Robert affirmed. "Percy was just worried that his brothers' inexperience in potion-making might cause the quick-acting candies to fail. So, during a routine letter home, he complained to Mrs. Weasley, and it was misunderstood."

Just then, an owl flew toward Headmaster Dumbledore. After glancing at the letter, the Headmaster said, "Well, I think I should explain this matter to the Accidental Magic Reversal Squad." With that, he left the teachers' table.

Professor McGonagall also stood up, her expression stern. She glared at Percy, who had lowered his head, and said, "Weasley, please come to the Headmaster's office tonight to explain the situation." She then looked at Robert, "Mr. Leslie, you should come too."

She then addressed the other students, "I need two students who have tried the quick-acting candies..." Robert turned and saw Stebbins raising his hand high. The twins' reputation at school was trustworthy, and soon many hands were raised, even from older students. Eloise Midgen, the girl cursed by the acne gods, glared at Percy before raising her hand.

Professor McGonagall randomly selected two students and left the Great Hall. The Gryffindor students escorted them to the door, followed by the Hufflepuffs. As they passed the Slytherin table, a few Slytherins patted the twins on the shoulder in consolation.

However, this did little to lift the twins' spirits. They looked miserable and kept explaining to Robert, "We really didn't expect things to turn out like this... If we had known it would affect Dad, we wouldn't have sold the candies..."

Robert sighed and comforted them, "Don't worry too much. Your candies don't contain any forbidden ingredients, and selling magical products isn't against the rules. Once everything is explained, it'll be fine. You should trust the Ministry to handle this fairly!" This seemed to ease the twins' anxiety slightly.

The day dragged on. Although the twins had written to the Weasleys to assure them that their candies were safe, they received no reply, which drove them nearly mad. Finally, after dinner, they didn't have to wait long in the Gryffindor common room before Professor McGonagall came to fetch them, which made them feel a bit better.

When they arrived at the Headmaster's office, Robert saw the anxious Weasley parents, who seemed eager to say something but were stopped by a witch. "Alright, Molly, Arthur, you're overreacting. They're just kids. How harmful could their potion be? According to our investigation, even a Potions Master who bought their product gave it high praise," the witch said, smiling at the twins. "Are these the two wizards who invented the quick-acting acne-removing candies?"

The twins seemed stunned and nodded dumbly.

"Actually, if you had informed your parents earlier, you could have secured the copyright for these candies. But now, since they've been tested, the ingredients are public knowledge. Still, thank you both. Professor McGonagall, I don't think we need to question other users of the candies. We've already investigated everything, and it was just an accident." With that, the witch bowed, looking extremely pleased. Robert could easily guess how much profit she stood to gain.

"Wait a moment, ma'am," Robert called out to the witch. She glanced back at him, smiled, and said nothing before heading toward the fireplace to leave.

"As the inventors of the quick-acting acne-removing candies, I believe the Weasley twins hold the copyright, even if the ingredients are now public," Robert quickly added, but the witch left without looking back.

Mr. Weasley stopped Robert, saying, "It's alright, Robert. As long as Fred and George are safe, losing the candy's copyright isn't a big deal."

"Not a big deal?" Robert looked at Mr. Weasley in surprise. "Are you sure?"

"Of course," Mr. Weasley said with a cheerful smile. "The Ministry said they'll handle everything, so don't worry."

Robert shrugged, "Alright, Mr. Weasley. I admire your willingness to give up a monthly income of at least 200 Galleons for Fred and George. You really..."

Mr. Weasley raised his voice, "How much?"

Mrs. Weasley, who had been comforting the twins, was startled and looked over in confusion. The Headmaster and Professor McGonagall also turned their attention to Robert.

Robert looked at Mr. Weasley in confusion, "Didn't the Ministry tell you? Fred and George earned 70 Galleons in less than a month selling the quick-acting acne-removing candies. Considering the initial lack of a market and the fact that Hogwarts and Hogsmeade aren't major wizarding hubs, if they monopolized the recipe and sold it in Diagon Alley, they could easily make over 200 Galleons a month. And if they expanded internationally, that number could multiply several times."

The Weasleys gasped.

"Since the candies are consumable—meaning one is needed for each breakout—this product could become a family business, like Sleekeazy's Hair Potion," Robert tilted his head, watching the couple's troubled expressions, and cautiously asked, "You didn't know this, did you?"

(End of Chapter)