History of Magic class.
Lucien gently flipped through his History of Magic textbook.
Suddenly, Professor Binns, the teacher for this course, floated straight through the blackboard and into the classroom.
Yes, Professor Binns was a ghost.
Rumor had it that this professor had been teaching History of Magic since the founding of Hogwarts.
Of course, back then, he had still been alive.
It was said that one day during class, he simply forgot to bring his body, and ever since then, he had continued teaching as a ghost.
Lucien often couldn't help but wonder—Professor Binns had managed to keep his position not only because he was genuinely knowledgeable, with ancient historical facts at his fingertips, but also because he himself had become a part of history.
But another reason, perhaps, was that hiring a ghost meant not having to pay a salary?
"In my class, I only state facts!"
When Professor Binns lectured, his voice was completely devoid of emotion.
That voice, like an old vacuum cleaner, caused the young Wizards to nod off frequently, as if they'd been hit with a Sleeping Charm.
Terry, yawning repeatedly, glanced over and saw Lucien resting his chin on his hand, listening to the dry lecture with great interest. He was immediately astonished.
"Lucien, don't you find it boring?"
"Not really."
In Lucien's opinion, the reason History of Magic was considered boring came down to this:
On one hand, history—aside from some "unofficial records" or official accounts that read like wild tales—was usually rather dry.
And Professor Binns, of all people, only focused on "facts," never mentioning the more engaging myths or legends.
On the other hand, young Wizards were used to teachers occasionally showing off dazzling magic during lessons.
But ghosts could no longer perform complex spells, and this purely theoretical lecture was just as torturous as Quirrell's Defense Against the Dark Arts class.
"History is also a very important field of knowledge. Sometimes, when you don't understand what's happening now, flipping through history books might help you find something similar."
Seeing Terry beginning to doze off, Lucien whispered—half to him, half to himself:
"Maybe magic progresses, but what major changes have Wizards themselves undergone? History of Magic is, after all, still a history of Wizards."
…
The History of Magic class finally ended, and Professor Binns drifted straight through the blackboard to leave.
Most of the young Wizards didn't even realize class was over, still half-asleep.
Lucien picked up his textbook and walked out of the classroom.
After a few steps, he called out to the young Witch ahead:
"Hermione, aren't you waiting for Harry and Ron?"
Hermione shook her head, her thick, bushy brown hair swaying as she moved.
"I tried calling them just now, but Harry was muttering, 'Runespoor venom needs to boil for five minutes before adding,' and Ron kept shouting about fish and chips, chicken legs, and meatballs. Neither of them woke up when I called."
Hearing this, Lucien smiled faintly.
It seemed Harry was still studying diligently—so much so that he was reciting the homework Lucien had assigned even in his dreams.
Ron, on the other hand… well, that boy definitely looked well-nourished.
"Yesterday, I was chatting with Harry, and he mentioned the Cerberus to me again, but he's forgotten which room it was in..."
Hermione suddenly looked at Lucien warily.
"Lucien, that creature is very dangerous! Even if you have that kind of magical healing potion, you shouldn't approach it recklessly!"
Oh, this little girl was quite sharp—worthy of being the early leader of the Golden Trio.
And did she also think Qilin saliva was just a healing potion? Well, that was probably a normal person's reaction.
A few days ago, he had seen Ron secretly trying to get a bottle of saliva from Fang. Forget it, he should find a chance to remind him to throw it away.
"No, I just figured it was normal for you all to forget the way. You were all in a panic at the time."
This, however, seemed to upset Hermione. The little girl snorted softly.
"I didn't forget! From the Trophy Room, turn right, go up the stairs, and when the stairs turn..."
Listening to Hermione rattle off the directions to the Cerberus's room, Lucien smiled and nodded.
They were still children, after all—and now he had the information he needed.
He'd go find the Cerberus and borrow some blood to refine the adhesive.
Then he could begin crafting and assembling the mechanical animal forms.
Hmm, the Cerberus was also a magical creature, but unfortunately, there was only one upstairs—not a group.
As a research subject, the recorded data would be incomplete.
So far, he had documented three magical creatures: the Mooncalf, the Diricawl, and the Acromantula. He still needed two more to pay off his pet growth loan.
Thanks to the animal affinity brought by the Qilin, this task had become much easier.
He should pay off this loan as soon as possible.
He could also write to Newt and ask if he could exchange some Erumpent Exploding Fluid.
Once he created the "Delayed Truth" potion, he could then try developing specialized Alchemy bullets.
"Hey, speaking of which, Lucien, Harry seems to be getting along with you really well lately."
Lucien nodded casually.
"Yeah, pretty well. He's been asking me for some knowledge."
"No wonder. I've seen him holding little cards and reciting things even while eating these past few days."
Hermione paused, then asked with a hint of anticipation, "By the way, Lucien, are you going to the library this weekend?"
Faced with Hermione's invitation, Lucien thought for a moment.
Lately, he needed to work on Alchemy—whether it was the mechanical animals or the special bullets, it all required hands-on practice.
He probably wouldn't have time to go to the library.
"If I have time, you'll see me there. I'm heading off now. And by the way, your memory is excellent."
After saying that, Lucien waved goodbye, preparing to head into the Forbidden Forest once again in search of a lucky magical creature.
Even though it was a compliment directed at her, and Lucien's tone had been genuinely sincere, Hermione still felt a bit strange.
…
Forbidden Forest.
Lucien held a fluffy, round ball in his hands, weighed it thoughtfully, then tossed it lightly into the air.
"Guji~~!"
A soft sound came from the round ball.
Lucien simultaneously controlled two quills. One was rapidly recording:
Puffskein.
Body is spherical, covered in soft fur.
Gentle in nature, does not resist even when tossed around...
And on another piece of parchment, he wrote:
~~~
"Dear Mr. Newt Scamander,
I am Lucien Grafton. Thank you for clarifying my questions regarding the Undetectable Extension Charm.
Regarding the stabilization of solidified magic, I've already mastered it, but when it comes to spatial expansion…
…Also, I might need some Erumpent Exploding Fluid for an upcoming Alchemy project. I wonder if you might…"
~~~
He sealed the letter, slipped it into a small satchel, and hung it around the Qilin's neck.
"Lumen, you know the address—can you Apparate there directly?"
Lucien asked this because when Wizards Apparate to places they've never been, there's a high risk of Splinching.
Although Lumen's Apparition skills far surpassed those of human Wizards, Lucien still felt the need to ask.
"Don't worry, Master, it's no problem. At most, there might be a slight error. I'll just try a few more times when I arrive—or if it's not far, I'll fly over."
Lucien gently stroked the Qilin's head.
"Alright. When you go deliver the letter tonight, be careful. Go early, and come back early... And remember to be polite."
Lumen shook the small satchel hanging from his neck.
"Got it. Master has taught me everything."
__________
11 Advance Chaps- P@treon/DarkDevil1