As soon as Vizette and Luna caught sight of the wheel-shaped castle, two owls came up to them, circling above their heads and hooing incessantly.
The Christmas gifts from Sprout were thriving; the variegated Christmas cactus vines were lush and green, and they were blooming with rose-like flowers.
As the two passed by, the vines of the Christmas cactus swayed back and forth, as if welcoming them home.
"No wonder so many wizards like to grow Christmas cacti; they look so lively." Vizette picked up a watering can and sprayed water around the plant, making the color-changing Christmas cacti sway even more joyfully.
Luna reached over the vines and gently touched a bright red flower. "It's beautiful in spring too. The flowers are pink and lovely."
...
Another mural had been added to the first floor. Large swathes of grass green covered the walls, and Luna used fine brushes to outline the lawn blowing in the wind, creating a lush and expansive grassland.
The sun hung high above the wall, gilding the farmhouses on the grassland with a golden sheen. Scattered around were shepherd dogs and lambs, creating a scene that was both tranquil and vibrant.
Xenophilius changed into an apron and just as he brought the steaming stew to the table, he asked, "How are you feeling? If you're really not feeling well... shall I bake you some bread?"
Vizette shook his head. "I feel much better after being in the wind. I'm a little hungry now."
"If you can feel hungry, you should be fine. Come and eat!" Xenophilius called out.
After dinner, Vizette picked up his wand and waved it lightly. "Scourgify!"
The grease on the plates flew up and landed in the nearby trash can, making Xenophilius's eyelids twitch. "You're so skilled at this?"
"I usually help Professor Snape process medicines, so I use them quite frequently."
"Professor Snape? Severus Snape?"
"You actually helped him process the medicinal herbs?" Xenophilius looked surprised. "He's not an easy person to get along with, back when I was still in school..."
"Cough cough cough..." This seemed to be a painful memory, and he abruptly changed the subject. "But he was very capable, even back in his student days..."
"Later you became the youngest Potions Master and even made the newspapers... What happened to you? Were you physically punished? I heard from Arthur that Snape seemed to physically punish his students."
Vizette shook his head. "It wasn't corporal punishment, it was a private lesson once a week, and I learned a lot of useful knowledge from it."
"Snape would give individual lessons?" Xenophilius's eyes widened, and one could even see the bloodshot veins at the corners of his eyes.
"You're Ravenclaw, right? I heard from Arthur that Snape is biased towards Slytherin. You must be Ravenclaw, right?"
"Don't try to fool me with the Sorting House theory just because Slytherin has a bad reputation. I'm still very open-minded."
Vizette nodded seriously. "Yes, maybe it's because I have some talent?"
"Okay…" Xenophilius tried to regain his composure and put on a relieved expression. "That's good! You can help me with some housework from now on."
Unlike before, he didn't go back to work, but let Vizette and Luna stay behind as well.
He even solemnly brewed a pot of hot butterbeer, as if he had something important to announce.
Vizette and Luna exchanged a glance, and Luna gently shook her head, indicating that she didn't know the reason.
In the living room filled with the aroma of hot butterbeer, Xenophilius sat upright. "Regarding the upcoming travel plans, is there anywhere you'd like to go?"
Vizette and Luna asked in unison, "What are the plans for the next trip?"
"Yeah! Remember that book about fighting trolls?" Xenophilius grinned. "It sold really well at Flourish and Blotts!"
"We just happen to have some spare cash... and Vizette is on vacation, so how about we go on a trip? Where do you want to go?"
Vizette and Luna exchanged another glance, seemingly waiting for the other's choice.
Xenophilius noticed their subtle interaction. "Just suggest a place! The final decision is mine anyway."
"Let's go to Sweden?" Luna and Vizette said the same thing, and they looked at each other again.
"So in sync?" Xenophilius interlaced his fingers and pressed them together against his chin.
He turned to look at Vizette, his gaze scrutinizing him. "Do you all want to go to Sweden?"
Luna didn't speak, she just looked at Vizette.
Vizette nodded. "Sweden is quite interesting. Not only do you have Swedish Shortsnout dragons and trolls, but you can also find Bowtruckles and Horklumps."
"I remember Professor Snape saying that the efficacy of Horklump juice can decrease due to factors such as transportation, collection methods, and time."
"So we have to go to Sweden to get the best quality Horklump juice. I'm thinking of collecting some there to make invigorating potions."
He had always wanted to implement his plan to make money.
However, due to his busy schedule with studies, the relevant plans had been put on hold.
Now that he had so much time during summer vacation, he planned to start by brewing magic potions and officially launch his plan.
Of course, there was another crucial and important reason that he didn't say aloud: Luna said that Sweden could find the Crumple-Horned Snorkack.
...
Hearing Vizette express his thoughts, Luna breathed a sigh of relief. She didn't want Vizette to only consider traveling to Sweden to accommodate her.
"Brewing invigorating potions? That's a great plan!" Xenophilius rubbed his hands together. "Not only can we sell them for money, but we can also keep some for ourselves!"
"And you can learn potions from Snape, that should be pretty reliable, right? Invigorating potions... I remember St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries always needs them, I can find a way..."
He suddenly got up and rummaged through the cabinet, muttering, "I remember last time a reader wrote in, someone sent me a small bag of Dittany seeds... Where did they all go?"
Luna reminded him, "Dad, didn't you tell me to plant the Dittany in the garden? It's already sprouted."
"As expected of my darling! Truly amazing!" Xenophilius sat back down and rubbed his hands together, his expression as if he had taken Felix Felicis, his face full of excitement and confidence.
"This way, we can save money on buying Dittany leaves... If we go to Sweden, we might be able to pick them ourselves in Hökläp without having to buy them! It's like getting something for nothing!"
"It can't be considered getting something for nothing..." He scratched his head and looked at Vizette, saying, "When something like this happens, we still need to settle the score!"
"I'll help you sell the potions, and I'll take a cut. The rest is yours... Is that okay?"
"Okay!" Vizette nodded.
Xenophilius continued, "Of course! As for those commissions, I just charge the normal rate for pharmacies."
"Anyway, you know Snape. If you have any questions about the money, you can just ask him. Is that alright?"
"Of course, no problem!" Vizette nodded. "Thank you very much for your help."
"Extra income, huh? I won't lose out." Xenophilius waved his hand. "Potion Masters aren't easy to find. And you're not just any potion master, you're one who's been training under a Potion Master!"
...
BONUS CHAPTERS RELEASED!
Did you enjoy the extra chapters this week? If you want to keep the streak alive for next week, Vote with Powerstones!
Can't wait? You can read 100+ Chapters Ahead instantly on P@treon right now!
[email protected]/Ren_Saga