If Loren were to make another breakthrough in alchemical research, he might even be able to cure Neville completely.
After all, Neville had suffered torment in his childhood, followed by memory charms that damaged both his mind and soul, leaving him with lingering memory problems.
Once Loren helped Neville record his schedule into the notebook and set up reminders, he returned to his meal. After eating, there would be a nap, and in the afternoon came their very first class at Hogwarts—a moment to look forward to.
…
After lunch, Loren and Hermione took their usual nap. Yes, under Loren's influence Hermione had also picked up the habit of napping: if there was time and space, nap; if not, no harm done.
Their first class at Hogwarts was Herbology, taken with Hufflepuff.
Truth be told, Dumbledore did show a bit of favoritism toward Gryffindor: Herbology with Hufflepuff, Charms with Ravenclaw, Potions with Slytherin.
When a Head of House taught their own students, they naturally cared more—it was only human.
At half past one, Loren rose promptly, washed up briefly, and fetched from his storage space *One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi*, the textbook he had already memorized, before leaving his dorm.
Descending the stairs, he could already see the common room. Hermione was up and reading a library book, while Neville sat nearby studying *One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi*.
First-years sat in small groups, some reading, others marveling over the castle.
Harry and Ron were side by side, whispering about Filch and his cat. Loren's sharp hearing picked it up even from the stairs.
A memory from the original story surfaced: on their first morning, Harry and Ron stumbled into the fourth-floor forbidden corridor, making enemies with Filch, until Quirrell intervened.
"Has the trial already begun? Is Quirrell scouting or setting up his trap?"
The thought flickered by, but Loren let it go. As long as Harry was here, he would eventually reach the Philosopher's Stone—and Loren would follow.
Entering the common room, Loren walked straight to Hermione. Along the way, every student greeted him. His display that morning had already spread through Gryffindor Tower, and he was something of a celebrity now.
He returned each greeting patiently, taking several minutes to reach Hermione, who had noticed him long ago but merely smiled as she watched him interact.
Taking her hand, Loren pulled her up, called to Neville, and prepared to head for the Great Hall to await Professor Sprout.
Neville packed his book and followed, and other first-years trailed after. With Hogwarts' shifting staircases and deceptive doors, following Loren was the safest bet.
He was like a prefect, leading the Gryffindor first-years to the hall.
The Hufflepuff first-years were already there. Seeing Loren, they all rose to greet him.
Older Hufflepuffs had already told them about Draco awfulness. Anyone who insulted Draco was their friend, and Loren—who had stomped him into the ground—was practically a hero.
Having gone through this once before, Loren remained calm, answering greetings one by one before leading the Gryffindors to their table.
At two o'clock sharp, Professor Sprout appeared and led them to the greenhouses.
Inside, she first called the roll, then warned them never to approach any greenhouse beyond the first outside of class.
There were many greenhouses at Hogwarts. Numbers one through seven were for classes, each suited to a different year. Others contained rare plants for Potions use, saving the school a fortune.
The first greenhouse was safe, filled with harmless magical plants for beginners. From the second onward, dangerous species appeared—the most infamous for second-years being mandrakes, whose cries could kill.
As she spoke, Professor Sprout's eyes lingered on the Gryffindors—on Loren, in particular.
She had already heard of his stunt that morning. McGonagall had suggested a school-wide announcement and a new rule to make Loren an example, but Dumbledore had refused. A new rule was quietly added, but no announcement made.
The logic was clear: if unannounced, Loren's feat would soon fade to idle chatter. But if announced, he'd become a sensation, and Gryffindors being Gryffindors, many would try to imitate him—dangerously so.
In Sprout's eyes, Loren was already a troublemaker, not unlike the Weasley twins.
Catching her gaze, Loren put on the most innocent look he could manage.
Once her warning was done, class began. The first lesson was on *White Moss*. Sprout explained its environment and properties in detail, pausing to ask questions.
When Hermione eagerly tried to answer, Loren stopped her and nudged Neville instead. Herbology was Neville's gift, and he had just discussed *White Moss* with Loren the day before. His answer was perfect, earning Gryffindor five points.
Sprout, who had always pitied Neville, was delighted. Now that he showed promise, she was determined to nurture it.
Class ended at three-thirty, a short schedule tailored for first- and second-years. Students drifted back to the castle, but Loren and Hermione stayed behind with questions. Neville followed.
Sprout never turned away keen students. As she answered, she soon realized Loren's knowledge far surpassed first-year level, venturing into higher-year plants. She grew more detailed in her explanations, and Neville and Hermione both benefited.
But then she noticed something odd: Loren cared little about growth conditions or medicinal properties. Instead, he was intensely curious about taste, pressing her for details on every plant.
At last, seeing the hour grow late, Sprout dismissed them warmly, saying Loren could come to her anytime with questions.
On the way back, Neville's curiosity finally burst out:
"Loren, why do you want to know the taste of every plant?"
"Of course it's to eat them," Loren said matter-of-factly.
"But many are poisonous! Eating them could cause serious harm—even death."
Neville tried to dissuade him.
"Don't worry, Neville. I'd never risk my life like that. I'm just interested."
It was a kind lie. Hermione knew the truth: Loren had been buying herbs not only for potions but also for cooking. He had turned them into magical delicacies loved by all. That was why he always emptied the apothecaries of stock.
Neville, reassured, relaxed.
"Neville, come train with me every morning. I think you have the makings of a legendary wizard."
Neville blinked, confused.
"Your insecurity is partly physical. You've got a good foundation. Start training now, and it's not too late. I'll make you tall and handsome. What do you say?"
Convinced, Neville agreed to join Loren's morning exercises.
"I'd like to join too, but it's too early. I can't get up," Hermione said from the side.
Loren pinched her nose affectionately. "Leave that to me. I've got just the thing. I'll give it to you tonight."
He then turned back to Neville, painting grand visions of what training would bring.
And so, filled with anticipation, the three returned to the castle.
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