In the Herbology Class classroom.
Professor Sprout stood in the center, saying in a gentle voice:
"Welcome, everyone, to Herbology Class."
"In this lesson, we will be learning about the division and transplantation of Dittany."
Lucien quickly recalled Dittany from his memory; it was a very common herb, used not only by Wizards but also in the Muggle world for medicine.
The common use for Dittany was to mix it with Horklump juice to create a basic healing Potion.
After Professor Sprout introduced the characteristics of Dittany, she began explaining the transplantation techniques and precautions.
Lucien listened with great interest.
He wondered if it was the newly acquired "Diligent Little Gardener" skill at work, as he grasped the Herbology knowledge and cultivation methods instantly, quickly understanding the key points.
He was already itching to dig in the dirt and plant!
"Dittany is very easy to plant; you just need to ensure the soil remains loose, and the rhizomes are buried at the bottom of the pot..."
"Don't worry if you don't do it perfectly; Herbology is a subject that interacts with life, and it naturally requires patience and continuous attempts."
Professor Sprout's encouragement eased the tension of some of the young Wizards.
"Children, you may begin!"
Lucien picked up a small hoe and tilled the soil in the flowerpot. When the soil reached a certain level of looseness, he instinctively stopped.
He took the fortifying Potion nearby and poured it evenly into the flowerpot.
At the same time, he rhythmically stirred the soil with a trowel, allowing the Potion to mix thoroughly.
Even though it was his first attempt, Lucien found the process strangely familiar, as if he had practiced it many times before.
Hmm, it seemed "Diligent Little Gardener" also came with a proficiency effect for Herbology cultivation, allowing him to quickly get started.
The smell was about right; once he finished preparing the Dittany plant and planted it in the soil, the Potion would be at the perfect potency.
Lucien picked up the Dittany, first carefully observing how the roots were intertwined.
Then he began to separate them.
His movements were gentle, his fingers steady, without the slightest tremor.
Steady but not slow.
Under Lucien's operation, the tangled roots were quickly separated.
Even the finest and softest rootlets were not damaged in the slightest.
He planted the divided Dittany into the flowerpot, carefully covered it with soil, and then appropriately firmed it down.
Phew—
Lucien let out a soft breath, raised his forearm, and wiped the fine sweat from his forehead.
Honestly, gardening was quite fun.
"Well done, Grafton."
Professor Sprout's gentle voice sounded behind Lucien. She had noticed the young Wizard's performance earlier but patiently waited for him to complete the transplantation before offering praise.
"Thank you for your compliment, Professor."
"Your operation is very skilled, and it's clear you are a very careful young Wizard."
"Have you studied gardening before?"
Professor Sprout remembered that when they met at Flourish and Blotts, Professor McGonagall was with Lucien, so he should be from a Muggle family, which led her to guess if he had studied anything related to gardening.
But Lucien shook his head:
"No, Professor, this is my first time cultivating plants."
Lucien's words made Professor Sprout's eyes light up.
"That's very impressive then, to achieve this level on your first attempt."
"The roots are undamaged, the soil is perfectly loose, and the Potion's evaporation is just right."
"Grafton, you might be very good at Herbology."
Lucien humbly said:
"I've read some Herbology books, and I also get a certain feeling when cultivating."
"I'm very happy to be able to practice that knowledge in Herbology Class."
Professor Sprout clapped softly and smiled gently:
"Diligent and hardworking."
"If you came to Hufflepuff, I think it would also be very suitable."
"Grafton is the first to complete the Dittany transplantation! Five points to Ravenclaw!"
After speaking, Professor Sprout added to Lucien:
"I wonder if you'd be willing to help guide your friends?"
Saying this, Professor Sprout gestured towards Harry and Ron.
Harry was fine, just a bit slow at separating the Dittany.
But Ron was making more of a mess, and judging by the force he was using, if he continued, he would probably tear it apart!
Lucien nodded.
"Of course, I'd be happy to help my friends."
Not long after Professor Sprout walked away, Hermione sighed in frustration, saying helplessly:
"Lucien, besides being amazing at spells, how do you even know so much about Herbology cultivation?"
Hermione had been a top student since childhood, the kind who never wanted to be inferior to anyone.
After entering the magic world, she also worked hard.
She diligently read magic books, practiced spells, and previewed Herbology knowledge.
But she was always a step behind Lucien.
Hermione felt like she could only barely glimpse the shadow of Lucien's progress!
"Yeah, yeah, Lucien, how did you handle the Dittany so quickly? Is our Dittany a different variety?"
Ron put down the Dittany and scratched his head.
But he forgot about the dirt on his hands, and his red hair now had black smudges.
Ron's question immediately made Hermione roll her eyes.
"Weasley, don't ask such a stupid question. Also, you can wash your hair when we get back."
Harry shook his head. He loved his good friend's enthusiasm and humor, but he was helpless about his occasional "silliness."
"It's not just spells and Herbology, is it? Since Lucien thinks Snape is quite good, he should be good at Potions too."
As soon as he said this, Harry himself paused, as if he had thought of something, and his movements for separating the Dittany slowed down.
Lucien spread his hands:
"I didn't intend to be so outstanding; I just took out too many loans, that's all."
Lucien's words left the three youngsters bewildered.
Seeing their confused expressions, Lucien knew.
Sigh, the joy here is not to be shared with outsiders.
But Harry suddenly became enthusiastic:
"Huh? You borrowed money?"
"Do you need my help? I still have a lot of Galleons at Gringotts!"
Harry's attitude puzzled Lucien; he didn't understand why this kid Harry was so excited.
Was this really a Gryffindor trait?
In Lucien's opinion, if Hufflepuff was loyal kindness, then Gryffindor was:
Loyalty and righteousness!
Because you are my good brother, I will be wholeheartedly good to you.
Lucien felt it wasn't quite right again. How long had they known each other? How could his status in Harry's heart be so high?
It couldn't be that this kid was foolish with money and liked to be a prodigal son, could it?
Anyway, he was spending the inheritance of a grandfather and father he had never met, so the cub sells the ancestral land without pain?
Skipping that topic, Lucien began to instruct the three youngsters on transplanting Dittany.
The process was detailed and logical, and even Ron managed to complete the cultivation in the end, with time still left before class ended.
This made the three of them admire Lucien even more.
Not only did he learn quickly himself, but he also taught others quickly.
What kind of amazing classmate was this!
Soon, Herbology Class concluded successfully.
Not long after Lucien said goodbye to the three.
Harry caught up to him alone:
"Lucien, are you free?"
"Are you short on money?"
The two questions filled Lucien's eyes with suspicion as he scrutinized Harry.
What exactly was this kid trying to do?
Lucien's unusual gaze made Harry hesitate, but after a few seconds, he spoke as if he had made up his mind:
"Coach, oh no, Lucien, I want to learn Potions!"