In the Herbology classroom, Professor Sprout stood at the center, her warm voice filling the greenhouse.
"Welco, everyone, to Herbology," she said. "Today, we'll be learning how to divide and transplant Fluxweed."
Lucien quickly recalled what he knew about Fluxweed. It was a common herb, used not only by wizards but also in the Muggle world for dicinal purposes. Its most typical use was mixing it with Horklump juice to create a basic healing potion.
After explaining Fluxweed's properties, Professor Sprout moved on to the techniques and precautions for transplanting.
Lucien listened intently, soaking it all in.
Maybe it was the "Diligent Little Gardener" trait he'd just unlocked, but the herbology knowledge and cultivation thods clicked instantly. He grasped the key points with ease.
He couldn't wait to get his hands dirty—literally!
"Fluxweed is easy to grow," Sprout continued. "Just ensure the soil stays loose and the roots are buried deep enough in the pot…"
"No need to worry about getting it wrong. Herbology is about working with living things, so it takes patience and plenty of practice."
Her encouragent eased the nerves of so of the younger students.
"Alright, children, let's get started!"
Lucien grabbed a small trowel and began working the soil in his pot. Once it was loose enough, he stopped almost instinctively.
He took a vial of Strengthening Solution from the table and poured it evenly into the pot, stirring the soil rhythmically with his trowel to mix it thoroughly.
It was his first ti doing this, yet it felt oddly familiar, like he'd practiced it a hundred tis before.
Must be the "Diligent Little Gardener" trait kicking in, he thought. It's boosting my proficiency, helping pick this up fast.
The soil slled just right. Once he prepared the Fluxweed plant and set it in, the potion would take effect at the perfect mont.
Lucien picked up the Fluxweed, carefully examining the tangled roots.
Then he began separating them.
His movents were gentle, his fingers steady without a hint of trembling.
Precise but not slow.
Under Lucien's careful hands, the knotted roots ca apart smoothly.
Even the tiniest, most delicate tendrils remained undamaged.
He planted the divided Fluxweed into the pot, gently covering it with soil and pressing it down just enough.
Phew.
Lucien let out a soft breath, wiping the sweat from his forehead with his forearm.
Not gonna lie, planting's kind of fun.
"Well done, Grafton," ca Professor Sprout's gentle voice from behind him. She'd been watching his work but waited until he finished to offer her praise.
"Thank you, Professor," Lucien replied.
"Your technique is very polished," she said. "I can tell you're a careful young wizard. Have you studied gardening before?"
Sprout recalled eting Lucien at Flourish and Blotts with Professor McGonagall, so she assud he ca from a Muggle family and might have dabbled in horticulture.
But Lucien shook his head. "No, Professor, this is my first ti working with plants."
Sprout's eyes lit up. "That's impressive, then! To do this well on your first try—the roots are pristine, the soil's just right, and the potion's effects are perfectly tid. Grafton, you might have a real knack for Herbology."
Lucien smiled modestly. "I've read a bit about Herbology, and I get a good feeling when I'm working with plants. Practicing what I've read in class makes really happy."
Sprout clapped softly, her smile warm. "Dedicated and hardworking. You'd fit right in at Hufflepuff, you know. Grafton's the first to finish transplanting Fluxweed—five points to Ravenclaw!"
As she turned away, she added, "Would you mind helping out so of your friends?"
She nodded toward Harry and Ron.
Harry was doing alright, just moving a bit slowly with his Fluxweed.
Ron, though? He was making a ss of it, tugging so hard it looked like he'd snap the roots any second.
Lucien nodded. "Of course, I'd be happy to help my friends."
Once Sprout walked off, Hermione slumped, letting out a frustrated sigh. "Lucien, you're not just brilliant at Charms—how are you this good at Herbology too?"
Hermione had always been a top student, determined to excel in everything. Since entering the wizarding world, she'd thrown herself into studying, practicing spells, and prepping for Herbology.
Yet she was always a step—or ten—behind Lucien.
She could barely keep up with his shadow!
"Yeah, mate," Ron chid in, setting down his Fluxweed and scratching his head, saring dirt into his red hair. "How'd you handle the Fluxweed so fast? Are our plants different breeds or sothing?"
Hermione rolled her eyes. "Weasley, don't ask daft questions. And you might want to wash your hair later."
Harry shook his head, chuckling. He loved Ron's enthusiasm and humor, but his occasional cluelessness was sothing else.
"It's not just Charms and Herbology, is it?" Harry said. "If Lucien thinks even Snape's alright, he's probably ace at Potions too."
As soon as he said it, Harry froze, like sothing had just clicked. His hands slowed on the Fluxweed.
Lucien shrugged. "I'm not trying to be amazing or anything. Just took out too many loans, that's all."
His words left the trio baffled.
Seeing their confused looks, Lucien just smirked. So things you just can't explain to outsiders.
But Harry suddenly perked up, his eyes lighting up. "Wait, you borrowed money? Need help? I've got loads of Galleons in Gringotts!"
Lucien blinked, thrown by Harry's sudden excitent. What's got this kid so worked up? Is this a Gryffindor thing?
To Lucien, Hufflepuffs were kind and loyal, but Gryffindors? They were all about loyalty with a side of heart-on-sleeve passion.
Still, he and Harry hadn't known each other that long. Could he really an this much to him already?
Unless… is this kid just loaded and loves playing philanthropist? Spending his grandpa and dad's inheritance without a care?
Lucien brushed the topic aside and started guiding the trio through transplanting their Fluxweed.
His instructions were clear and thodical. Even Ron managed to finish his planting, with ti to spare before the lesson ended.
The trio's admiration for Lucien only grew.
Not only did he learn fast, but he could teach just as quickly.
What kind of genius classmate is this?
Herbology class wrapped up smoothly.
After parting ways with the trio, Lucien hadn't gone far when Harry caught up with him.
"Lucien, got a minute?" Harry asked. "Are you short on cash?"
The two questions made Lucien squint suspiciously at him. What's this kid up to?
Harry hesitated under Lucien's odd look but steeled himself and blurted out, "Coach—er, Lucien, I want to learn Potions!"
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