Snape simply glanced at Lucien's Sleeping Draught and nodded.
"No need, this Potion is fine."
As a Potion Master, and having almost entirely observed Lucien's brewing process, Snape didn't need to test it; he knew its quality already exceeded classroom standards.
"Lucien Grafton, for not following the Professor's instructions, Ravenclaw loses three points."
"For being the first to complete the Potion, with skilled technique and correct methods, Ravenclaw gains eight points."
Hearing Snape deduct three points and then add eight, Lucien pouted, unable to help but grumble inwardly.
Just add five points directly, why be so awkward?
If Snape could be more honest and straightforward, and not put on such airs, that whole mess from back then wouldn't have happened.
...
"Class dismissed. Pack up your equipment; do not leave anything in the classroom."
As Snape was about to leave the classroom, he suddenly added:
"Grafton, come to my office."
Lucien didn't understand why Snape wanted to call him.
Did he annoy him just now?
But he also gave me points.
"Do I need to invite you, Grafton?"
See, he's getting impatient again.
Lucien still packed up his tools, letting them float behind him.
He arrived at Snape's office.
That eerie, dark aura immediately assailed him.
Upon entering, there were two rows of shelves piled with various bottles and jars.
Lucien looked around the office with a hint of curiosity.
Hmm, it perfectly matched his fantasy of a traditional Wizard's cottage.
One could easily spot things like bat wings, dried frogs, and fragrant herbs...
Huh, what's that?
Lucien spotted a jar containing a complete Unicorn horn?
Next to it seemed to be a Dragon's heart? And was that a Phoenix tail feather?
Soon, Lucien noticed that an entire row of shelves was filled with various rare and precious magic materials.
As expected of a Potion Master, he's quite wealthy, with such a rich collection.
"Sit down."
Snape said to Lucien indifferently.
Lucien sat opposite Snape.
"Who taught you the method for brewing Sleeping Draught?"
Snape's direct question made Lucien's brow furrow slightly.
Why was Snape asking this? His formula was exchanged from the system; there shouldn't be any historical issues, right? Could he tell if the formula had a familiar origin?
As his thoughts raced, Lucien replied:
"I saw the original version in a book. When practicing brewing, I tried a few changes. Luckily, the Potion's effect didn't worsen."
However, Lucien's answer did not satisfy Snape. He said stiffly:
"Let's get straight to the point. The method you used is excellent. It not only reduced the consumption of ingredients but also enhanced the effect. I estimate it strengthened it by two to three times."
"This is a basic Potion. If it truly is your own improvement, I'd like to incorporate your method into future textbooks."
"Of course, you will be paid sufficiently as compensation. I wouldn't stoop to stealing a student's achievement."
"If you learned it from your family or an elder, you can convey this idea to them; the compensation will still be substantial."
Snape's words stunned Lucien.
Incorporate his improved formula into textbooks and pay him compensation?
This formula was a loan he took from the system, and now he had a chance to "sell" it to Snape?
Wait, he hadn't repaid the loan yet. The loan required brewing 5 Potions, and he had only brewed the improved Sleeping Draught.
If he gave the formula to Snape, but Lucien ultimately didn't repay the loan and the formula was reclaimed, what would happen to the one Snape had?
And he would at least have already received compensation from Snape.
Oh, isn't this like borrowing money from someone, using that money to do business and earn grain, and when the creditor comes calling, they only take back the principal, but he doesn't lose out because he still has extra grain.
"System, what if I..."
After hearing Lucien's idea, the system replied:
[*&!#￥~""]
[A kind and upright host should not exploit such loopholes (ಥ ﹏ ಥ)]
"Alright, I'm not teasing you anymore, I'll repay the loan."
Lucien was happy to acquire new knowledge. Learning to make a few Potions wasn't difficult for him.
In fact, by repaying the loan, he would have learned the improved formula, brewed new Potions, and still get compensation from Snape.
Definitely a three-for-one deal.
"Professor, this formula is indeed my own improvement."
"I come from a Muggle family, not from a family or elder as you mentioned."
Hearing Lucien's answer, Snape was about to nod but froze.
"You're really from a Muggle family?"
"Yes."
"You mean, a first-year new Wizard improved a Potion formula?"
"Yes, that's me."
However, Snape's expression turned cold. He thought Lucien was lying, a child desperate to prove his talent, which was why he claimed the achievement as his own.
"Oh, then tell me, how did you gradually refine and improve the formula?"
Lucien, however, was not flustered. Fortunately, he had practiced Sleeping Draught last night, and combining it with Old Bat's explanation in class today, his understanding of this Potion had deepened considerably.
After briefly organizing his thoughts, Lucien began to dissect the key to the formula's improvement.
As he narrated methodically, Snape's gaze shifted from mockery to seriousness.
"...To be honest, my Potion talent is quite ordinary. It was just good luck, and Sleeping Draught is only a basic Potion, so I managed to succeed by chance."
Lucien felt that what he said was not false. Compared to his SS-grade talents in Transfiguration, Dark Arts, and magic, his A-grade Potion talent was indeed ordinary.
However, Lucien's words made Snape's mouth twitch.
To be able to improve a Potion formula without systematic teaching.
Possessing such inspiration and intuition that ordinary people strive for their entire lives, Lucien actually thought his talent was ordinary and attributed it to luck?
Lucien's modesty, on the contrary, reminded Snape of those students in Slytherin who would get a little talent and act conceited.
As Dean, Snape suddenly felt a surge of anger, and his face darkened a few shades.
Seeing Snape's face suddenly worsen, Lucien was also confused.
No, did he annoy him just now?
"Ahem, there's no need to underestimate yourself. Your Potion talent is quite... good."
Lucien secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
So Old Bat wasn't angry, then why was his face alternating between dark and pale?
"Thank you for your recognition. Inspiration or luck is just a fleeting spark; I will still study step by step."
Lucien replied politely, already considering what compensation to exchange for the formula.
Potion ingredients might not be useful, and ready-made Potions might not be what I need.
Hmm, what I'll need in the short term are auxiliary Potions that can help me approach and observe magical creatures, such as those that eliminate scent or attract them. I'll ask Snape later if he has any of those.
Lucien, engrossed in planning his compensation, didn't notice that after hearing his last sentence, Snape's eyes had glazed over.
Inspiration or luck is just a fleeting spark...
Snape, in a daze, suddenly remembered that girl again, with her fiery red hair and emerald green eyes looking at him.
Thank you for your encouragement, Severus, but inspiration or luck is just a fleeting spark, isn't hard work what truly lasts?
She was also Muggle-born, exceptionally talented in Potions, and modest when praised...
"Professor, I am very willing to exchange the formula..."
Lucien looked up at Snape, only to find his expression a mix of smiles and tears, his eyes hollow.