The air inside the Ministry of Magic felt heavy, a quiet tension lacing each corridor as Draco walked beside his mother and Professor Snape. The polished marble floors gleamed beneath his boots, reflecting the flickering glow of enchanted torches. Each step seemed louder than the last — a reminder that today was pivotal.
"Remember, Draco," Narcissa said softly, her voice calm but firm. "You need to command their respect. Pureblood wizards respect strength, composure... and purpose."
Draco gave a slight nod. He understood. Today wasn't just about potions — it was about changing the narrative surrounding the Malfoy name.
Earlier that morning, Draco had spent nearly an hour pacing his room, anxiety clawing at his thoughts.
I can't just stand there and list ingredients. They'll tear me apart...
"System," Draco muttered under his breath. "I need your help. If I mess this up, they won't just reject my patents — they'll see me as a joke."
[System Activated][Generating Strategic Script for Maximum Impact...]
The screen glowed faintly before text began forming.
Step 1: Command the Room
Introduce yourself as a creator, not just a Malfoy.Emphasize innovation and practicality.
Step 2: Anticipate Criticism
Address the strengths of known potions first, then reveal your improvements.
Step 3: Leverage Their Pride
Pureblood officials respect tradition. Frame your potions as a means to uphold magical legacy — stronger, smarter solutions for wizardkind's challenges.
Draco exhaled deeply, memorizing every point. He rehearsed each line until the words felt natural.
"Let them sneer," he murmured. "I'll leave them speechless."
Flashback - The Conversation with Lucius
The day before the Ministry visit, Draco found himself in his father's study. Lucius Malfoy, impeccably dressed in dark robes, sat behind his ornate mahogany desk, fingers steepled beneath his chin. Narcissa stood nearby, her expression firm yet cautious.
"Draco's inventions are no trifling matter," Narcissa began delicately. "He's created potions that rival those on the market — even surpass them."
Lucius scoffed, swirling his glass of firewhisky. "Creative hobbies are well and good," he said dismissively. "But you expect me to believe Draco has achieved something seasoned potioneers have not?"
"See for yourself," Narcissa said, placing five vials on his desk.
Lucius arched a brow but examined the potions with mild curiosity. He uncorked the Lunar Elixir and inhaled. "Hmm... stable aroma."
Next was the Phoenix Renewal Tonic — Lucius eyed the rich golden hue skeptically. "Replenishing stamina efficiently is no small feat..."
When he reached the VitaVibe Elixir, Draco stepped forward. "That one rivals Pepperup Potion," Draco said confidently. "It doesn't overheat the body and its effects last twice as long."
Lucius' expression turned incredulous. "You expect me to believe that?"
"Test it," Draco urged.
Lucius downed the potion with a swift motion. Moments later, color returned to his face, and his posture straightened. His eyes widened slightly — not that he'd admit it.
"...Impressive," Lucius muttered.
Finally, Draco presented the Mind's Lantern Elixir. "This potion clears mental fog and enhances cognition — ideal for recovering from mental damage or strong Confundus spells."
Lucius' gaze turned sharp. "Potions like this attract attention... dangerous attention."
"That's why the patents will be in my name," Draco countered firmly. "No connection to the Malfoy family. It keeps us clear of suspicion."
Lucius frowned. "You think distancing yourself will protect you?"
"I believe rebuilding our family's reputation starts by proving we contribute — not manipulate." Draco's voice was unwavering. "Our name will rise through strength, not whispers."
Lucius studied him for a long moment before finally nodding. "You'll handle this yourself, then. Prove you can,"
"And wait a while I shall call upon Snape to come and approve of your creation as him being with you will get you more crediabiality"
Lucius' reluctant approval felt like victory.
Arrival at the Ministry
Draco's thoughts snapped back to the present as they approached the security checkpoint. The guards barely glanced at Narcissa but hesitated when they noticed Snape — an unspoken reminder of his Death Eater past. Snape's cold stare discouraged any remarks, and they were quickly waved through.
As they stepped out of the elevator to the floor of Wizarding Patent Office, They were greeted by Alaric Greaves, Head of the Wizarding Patent Office, an older man with thinning grey hair and sharp eyes.
"Lady Malfoy," Greaves greeted with a slight bow. "Professor Snape. Young Mr. Malfoy... I understand you've come with something impressive."
"You'll see soon enough," Draco replied evenly.
Greaves chuckled, clearly entertained by Draco's confidence.
"Come," Greaves said. "We've prepared a secure chamber."
The Showcase Begins
Before the presentation started, Narcissa stepped forward with poise, her voice calm yet commanding. "Before my son begins," she said, her gaze sharp as it swept over the panel, "I request an oath from each of you — a vow of confidentiality in the name of House Malfoy. These creations are not only remarkable but dangerous if misused. Secrecy is paramount."
The panel members exchanged glances before reluctantly drawing their wands. Each placed their hand over their heart and incanted an oath-binding charm, their magic sealing the promise. Only then did Narcissa step back, satisfied.
Inside the chamber, four Ministry officials sat behind an ornate oak desk. Among them was Eleanora Burke, a sharp-eyed witch with a reputation for tearing down applicants. Ambrose Mulciber, known for his harsh criticism, sat beside her, arms crossed and gaze narrowed. Two additional members — veteran potion masters — scrutinized Draco with evident doubt.
"Introduce yourself, Heir Malfoy," Burke said curtly.
Draco took a deep breath and stepped forward.
"I stand before you today not as the heir of the Malfoy family," Draco began steadily, "but as a potioneer dedicated to innovation. Each creation I present has been crafted with precision — blending tradition with improvement, to meet the growing demands of our world."
Burke's lips thinned. "And why should we trust the word of a third-year Hogwarts student with no formal mastery under his belt?"
"Because these potions speak for themselves," Draco answered confidently. "I've spent months improving formulas that have been stagnant for years. I invite you to judge the results yourselves."
Draco began presenting his potions. With each potion, he explained its purpose, strengths, and how they improved upon existing formulas.
"The Lunar Elixir grants enhanced night vision and heightened magical sensitivity under moonlight — without the usual dizziness seen in traditional night vision brews."
One of the potion masters, a stern-looking man with silver-rimmed glasses, scoffed. "Night vision potions have existed for centuries. What makes yours better?"
"Most traditional night vision brews create a lingering sense of vertigo," Draco explained. "I adjusted the moonstone concentration and added powdered demiguise hair to stabilize sensory response. The result is sharper vision without disorientation."
The potion master arched a brow but said nothing further.
"The Phoenix Renewal Tonic accelerates magical recovery but requires strict dosage control for optimal results."
"What's the risk of overdose?" Ambrose Mulciber challenged. "And how can a child ensure precision?"
"The tonic's golden root extract concentration is precisely balanced," Draco replied. "Taking more than the recommended dose only extends recovery time instead of causing magical backlash."
Mulciber's frown deepened, but he made a small note on his parchment.
"The Shadowstep Serum enhances defensive movement but should only be taken once every 24 hours for stable results."
"And what's stopping it from being abused in duels?" Burke asked sharply.
"Its effects are momentary," Draco answered. "Enough to provide a split-second edge — not to overpower your opponent. Timing and precision are key."
"Convenient explanation," Burke muttered dryly, but there was less bite to her tone.
"The VitaVibe Elixir replenishes stamina without overheating the body, unlike Pepperup Potion, and maintains strength for longer periods."
One of the potion masters leaned forward in curiosity. "So it eliminates the infamous Pepperup steam issue?"
"Correct," Draco confirmed. "Powdered griffin claw stabilizes the body's internal warmth while enhancing muscular endurance. The effects are steadier, allowing Aurors and duelists to maintain peak performance without overheating."
The potion masters exchanged approving glances.
"Finally," Draco said, placing his last vial carefully on the table. "The Mind's Lantern Elixir sharpens cognitive function and aids those recovering from memory-related curses — a vital breakthrough in post-war trauma treatment."
Burke's sharp gaze narrowed. "Memory restoration? You expect us to believe a boy discovered that?"
"It's not a cure for severe damage," Draco said firmly. "But for those affected by prolonged memory fog or confusion spells, it stabilizes the mind's recall function. It's particularly effective in helping healers manage memory-damaging curses."
The room fell silent. The officials exchanged brief glances — and for the first time, Draco sensed genuine interest.
"If you're so confident," Mulciber sneered, "demonstrate one for us."
"Gladly," Draco said, retrieving the VitaVibe Elixir. He uncorked the vial, poured a measured dose into a goblet, and downed it in one swift motion.
A moment later, warmth spread through his body, his fatigue vanishing like morning mist. His posture straightened, and clarity sharpened his thoughts.
"That's hardly proof," Burke said coldly. "How do we know that's not just a placebo effect?"
"I anticipated this," Draco replied calmly. "If any of you would volunteer to test the elixir yourselves, I'd be more than willing."
The silver-rimmed potion master stepped forward. "I'll test it," he said with quiet confidence.
Draco poured another measured dose and handed him the goblet. The potion master drank it swiftly and waited. Moments later, color returned to his face, and the tension in his shoulders seemed to melt away.
"I... feel remarkable," the potion master murmured. "Alert, yet steady. This is far better than standard rejuvenation potions."
"Would you care to examine the ingredients and formulation yourself?" Draco offered.
The potion master nodded, clearly intrigued.
"As you can see," Draco said with a calm smile, "my work speaks for itself."
For the first time, the room was silent. Burke adjusted her glasses, carefully studying the glowing potion.
"...Impressive," Greaves murmured.
The panel members gathered in whispers, occasionally shooting glances toward Draco. Burke in particular seemed skeptical, occasionally scowling in thought. After several tense minutes, Alaric Greaves cleared his throat.
"Mr. Malfoy," Greaves began, "these potions are, without question, impressive. However, such innovation attracts attention — and not always the right kind. Are you prepared for competitors... or even theft attempts?"
Draco kept his expression composed. "I am aware of the risks, sir. My formulas have been well-protected, and I understand the importance of discretion."
"And you are requesting these patents be held under your name alone?" Burke pressed.
"Yes," Draco answered firmly. "This is my work."
After a lingering pause, Greaves nodded. "The patents will be awarded to Draco Malfoy. Congratulations."
Draco spent the next hour signing several documents, detailing ingredient specifics, brewing instructions, and legal terms. Each parchment bore the Ministry's enchanted seal, ensuring its authenticity. Narcissa watched proudly as Draco carefully read each clause before signing — a reflection of his growing maturity.
"You will receive official confirmation by the end of today," Greaves informed them. "The finalized documentation will also be delivered to your family's estate."
Later that evening, Lucius Malfoy stood in his study, scanning the freshly delivered parchment bearing Draco's name — the patents now officially recognized under his son alone. A rare smile touched his lips, a quiet pride surfacing beneath his reserved demeanor.