When Lucien said, "That makes you my friend too," Hagrid was so touched he nearly burst into tears.
Aside from Harry, Lucien was the first young wizard to openly call Hagrid a friend.
"Oh, you're right, Lucien. I'm being a bit daft," Hagrid said, wiping his eyes. "Friends shouldn't turn down a mate's kindness."
He carefully took the potion Lucien offered, tucking it into a cabinet and locking the door for good measure.
Blimey, Hagrid's such a solid bloke, Lucien thought, pleased to see how much Hagrid valued his gift.
"Hagrid, those potions are pretty easy to whip up. If you find them useful, I can make more."
Hagrid grinned broadly, nodding eagerly. He didn't treat the potions like they were cheap just because Lucien said they were simple to make. To him, they were gifts from a friend, full of meaning.
"Hagrid, I've actually got a favor to ask…" Lucien began.
"Sure thing! What's up?" Hagrid replied without hesitation, catching Lucien off guard before he could even finish.
Lucien had figured Hagrid's straightforward nature meant it was best to be direct, but this was too quick. He hadn't even said what he needed!
Whatever, it's nice dealing with a friend like this.
"Here's the thing—I'd like to grow some plants. Could you maybe…?"
"No problem! I'll clear a patch for you in the garden," Hagrid interrupted again, already offering to help before Lucien could finish. "What're you planting? Juicy tomatoes? Crisp cucumbers? Or maybe a whopping great pumpkin? You can give 'em to the house-elves in the kitchen—they'll turn 'em into something tasty. Pumpkin pasties are cracking…"
Hagrid rambled on, and Lucien could barely get a word in. He hadn't expected the half-giant to be this chatty. Does he not get to talk to people much? Is he just bursting with things to say?
All Lucien wanted was to mention growing a few Chinese Fireball Cabbages, and now they were on a full-blown tour of the vegetable recipe handbook.
"Ahem, Hagrid, I'll keep those ideas in mind," Lucien said, cutting in. "But I was thinking of planting some Chinese Fireball Cabbages. Would that work?"
Hagrid paused, stroking his bushy beard and smacking his lips, which made Lucien a bit nervous. Does he only like magical creatures and not plants? Or does he think it's too dangerous for a first-year to grow Fireball Cabbages?
If Hagrid couldn't help, Lucien would have to find a spot in the Forbidden Forest, which would be a hassle to tend and would need protections against thieving creatures—maybe potions or spells…
"They're a bit tough, aren't they? Not exactly tasty," Hagrid said, snapping Lucien out of his thoughts.
"Wait, what?"
Hagrid was saying Chinese Fireball Cabbages weren't tasty? Lucien was planning to use them as weapons or traps—who in their right mind would eat them?
Hang on—Hagrid could chomp through rock-hard Rock Cakes like they were nothing, and he thought Fireball Cabbages were tough? They must be seriously hard.
Perfect. If they don't bite, they'll still pack a wallop if I chuck 'em at someone.
Lucien explained he was just curious about magical plants and wanted to grow them, not eat them.
Hagrid nodded, completely unfazed by a first-year messing with dangerous plants, and promised to help look after the cabbages.
Since there was still time, Lucien, ever the dutiful teacher, showed Harry how to brew the improved Sleeping Incense.
He'd already traded the formula to Snape, and it would eventually make its way into the curriculum, so others would learn it sooner or later.
Harry threw himself into Potions with surprising enthusiasm, and Lucien realized the kid had real talent. He'd only struggled before because he couldn't stand Snape.
"When using Sleeping Incense, wear the wakefulness mask—or at least hold your breath. This version's stronger. Oh, and for lighting it…" Lucien taught Harry a simple Spark Charm, perfect for igniting the incense.
Leaving Harry to practice, Lucien headed to the garden to plant his Chinese Fireball Cabbages.
He'd planned to trade potions for seeds, since Hagrid had some leftovers from a previous planting.
But Hagrid waved him off, handing over the seeds for free. "Helping a mate grow bigger cabbages doesn't need payment," he said, echoing a familiar sentiment.
Lucien couldn't argue with that. He grabbed the seeds and headed out to plant.
After Lucien left, Harry turned to Hagrid. "Hagrid, here's my key. Could you pop by Gringotts and check for some magic books for me…?"
---
The next morning, while most Ravenclaw first-years were sleeping in, enjoying a lesson-free day, Lucien was already up and studying in the library.
He rubbed his slightly sore shoulders, shaking his head. Yesterday, he'd planned to use magic to dig the garden, but something—probably that "Diligent Little Gardener" title—made him want to try digging by hand.
What a shock. Swinging a hoe by hand was faster than using magic, and once he picked up the tool, he felt like he had endless energy. He ended up plowing two extra rows in the garden.
So that's what "Diligent" means in "Diligent Little Gardener."
With this title, he might actually make a fortune farming.
While Lucien was buried in his book, he didn't notice a girl with long, pale blonde hair sitting at a nearby table.
It was Daphne Greengrass.
She'd spotted Lucien studying when she arrived and chose a seat not too far away, glancing at him now and then while pretending to read.
But every time, his deep, striking green eyes stayed glued to his book—not once looking her way.
Remembering how Lucien had brushed off her invitation and walked away, Daphne felt a pang of frustration.
She was a Greengrass, used to being the center of attention at home and now at Hogwarts. Why wouldn't he even glance at her?
"Help! Save me! It's so high up!" a frightened cry echoed through the library.
Everyone looked up, searching for the source.
Lucien lifted his head and saw, outside the window opposite him, a chubby, round-faced blonde boy dangling in midair.
"Neville?!"