In the Herbology classroom,
Professor Sprout stood in the center and spoke 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 memory; it was a very common herb, used not only by Wizards but also in the Muggle world for medicine.
The most common use for Dittany was mixing 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 necessary precautions.
Lucien listened with great interest.
He wondered if it was his newly acquired Diligent Little Gardener skill at work, as he immediately grasped the Herbology knowledge and cultivation methods, quickly understanding the key points.
He was already itching to dig into the soil and start planting!
"Dittany is very easy to cultivate; you just need to keep the soil loose and make sure the rhizomes are buried at the bottom of the pot…"
"Don't worry if you don't get it perfect. Herbology is a subject that interacts with life, and it naturally requires patience and continuous practice."
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 the right looseness, he instinctively stopped.
He took the fortifying Potion nearby and poured it evenly into the pot.
At the same time, he rhythmically stirred the soil with a trowel, letting the Potion mix thoroughly.
Even though it was his first attempt, Lucien found the process strangely familiar, as if he had practiced it countless times before.
It seemed the Diligent Little Gardener title also carried a proficiency effect for Herbology, allowing him to grasp the techniques immediately.
The scent of the soil was just right; once he finished preparing the Dittany plant and placed it into the pot, the Potion would be at its perfect potency.
Lucien picked up the Dittany and carefully examined its intertwined roots.
Then he began to separate them.
His movements were gentle, his fingers steady, without the slightest tremor.
Hmm~ hm, hmm, Hmm~ hu hmm~ Steady~ steady~ but not slow~
Under Lucien's hands, the tangled roots were quickly separated.
Even the finest and softest rootlets remained completely intact.
He planted the divided Dittany into the flowerpot, carefully covered it with soil, and pressed it down just enough to firm it.
Phew~~~
Lucien let out a soft breath, raising his forearm to wipe the fine sweat from his forehead.
Honestly, gardening was quite fun.
"Well done, Grafton."
Professor Sprout's gentle voice came from behind him. She had noticed the young Wizard's performance earlier but patiently waited until he finished the transplantation before offering praise.
"Thank you for your compliment, Professor."
"Your technique is very skilled, and it's clear you're a very careful young Wizard. Have you studied gardening before?"
Professor Sprout remembered seeing Lucien with Professor McGonagall at Flourish and Blotts, which made her assume he was from a Muggle family. She wondered if he might have studied something 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 brighten.
"That's very impressive, to achieve this level on your first attempt. The roots are undamaged, the soil is perfectly loosened, and the Potion's evaporation is just right. Grafton, you might be very good at Herbology."
Lucien replied humbly:
"I've read some Herbology books, and I also get a certain feeling when cultivating. I'm very happy to be able to put that knowledge into practice in Herbology Class."
Professor Sprout clapped softly and smiled warmly.
"Diligent and hardworking. If you had been sorted into Hufflepuff, I think it would have suited you very well."
"Mr. Grafton is the first to complete the Dittany transplantation! Five points to Ravenclaw!"
After speaking, Professor Sprout added, "I wonder if you'd be willing to help guide your friends?"
As she said this, Professor Sprout gestured toward Harry and Ron.
Harry was doing fine, just a little slow at separating the Dittany.
But Ron was making more of a mess, and from the way he was handling it, 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 always been a top student, the type who never wanted to fall behind anyone.
After entering the magical world, she worked even harder. She diligently read spellbooks, practiced charms, and reviewed Herbology knowledge.
But she was always a step behind Lucien.
Hermione felt like she could only barely glimpse the shadow of his progress!
"Yeah, yeah, Lucien, how did you handle the Dittany so quickly? Is our Dittany a different variety?"
Ron set down the Dittany and scratched his head.
But he forgot about the dirt on his hands, leaving black smudges in his red hair.
Ron's question immediately made Hermione roll her eyes.
"Ron, don't ask such a stupid question. And you can wash your hair when we get back."
Harry shook his head. He loved his best friend's enthusiasm and humor, but he was helpless against Ron's occasional "silliness."
"It's not just spells and Herbology, is it? Since Lucien thinks Snape is quite good, he must be good at Potions too."
As soon as he said this, Harry paused, as if he'd suddenly realized something, and his movements in separating the Dittany slowed.
Lucien spread his hands.
"I didn't intend to be so outstanding; I just took out too many loans, that's all."
His words left the three youngsters bewildered.
Seeing their confused expressions, Lucien sighed inwardly.
The joy here was not something he could share with outsiders.
But Harry suddenly perked up.
"Huh? Did you borrow money? Do you need my help? I still have a lot of Galleons at Gringotts!"
Harry's attitude puzzled Lucien; he couldn't understand why the boy was so excited.
Was this really a Gryffindor trait?
In Lucien's view, if Hufflepuff stood for loyal kindness, then Gryffindor embodied: Loyalty and righteousness!
Because you're my good brother, I'll give you my all.
But then again… how long had they even known each other? How could his place in Harry's heart already be so high?
Could it be that this boy was just careless with money, happily acting like the main character in his world?
After all, he was spending the inheritance of a father and grandfather he had never even met—of course selling off the ancestral land wouldn't hurt.
Setting that aside, Lucien turned his focus to guiding the three youngsters through the Dittany transplant.
His instructions were clear and logical, and even Ron managed to finish the task in the end, with time to spare before class ended.
This left the three of them with even greater admiration for Lucien.
Not only did he learn quickly himself, he also had the ability to teach others just as quickly.
What kind of incredible classmate was this!?
Soon, Herbology Class came to a successful end.
Not long after Lucien parted ways with the three, Harry caught up to him alone.
"Lucien, are you free? Are you short on money?"
The two questions made Lucien narrow his eyes suspiciously as he studied Harry.
What exactly was this kid up to?
Lucien's odd look made Harry hesitate, but after a few seconds, he seemed to steel himself and blurted out:
"Coach—oh, I mean, Lucien, I want to learn Potions!"