Emotions.
Joy, anger, sorrow, happiness, worry… they were all ripples caused by fluctuations of the soul, containing tiny yet tangible traces of soul energy.
Naturally, they could not compare to the energy released at the moment of death, but they had the advantage of being everywhere and continuously collectible.
Wherever people gathered, emotions would intertwine.
And which group experienced the most frequent emotional fluctuations?
Children and adolescents.
Lucien looked around at the young wizards in the Great Hall. Where could there be more than in a school?
Moreover, because of magic, the emotions of wizards generated more energy than those of Muggles.
Holding the multicolored crystal ball, Lucien felt a slight regret. This item had to be personally maintained with magic, and the method Professor Nicolas had taught was both complex and difficult to master.
Otherwise, if he could hide a few in Muggle schools, the emotional energy collected would surely soar.
Aside from nighttime, when most were asleep and only those staying up late or wandering at night could provide emotional energy, everyone's emotions were rich throughout the day.
Of course, during classes, emotions such as surprise, anxiety, and fear were more common. During breaks and weekends, joy and pleasure dominated.
In fact, after learning Nicolas's methods for observing and collecting emotions, Lucien had returned to Hogwarts and discovered something rather interesting.
This magical castle not only absorbed the dissipated magic of young wizards to maintain its operation, but also gathered their emotional energy.
The handiwork of the Four Founders.
He truly wanted to see the structure of the castle's core. What principles lay behind the ancient alchemy and magical runes?
Such a vast magical structure, or rather a magical creation, must possess one or even multiple cores, responsible for regulating magic and ensuring the castle's normal operation.
Hmm, Dumbledore, as Headmaster, must know, but matters involving the school's secrets would not be easily shared, would they?
Did he have to wait until he became Headmaster Grafton?
…
Afternoon.
Outside the greenhouses.
Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff students were waiting for their Herbology professor.
Before long, Professor Sprout arrived.
She was dressed as practically as ever, wearing a thick, patched hat, her clothes stained with dirt.
Lucien quickly noticed that Professor Sprout, usually gentle and optimistic, now wore a stern expression. She seemed quite unhappy.
Following her line of sight, Lucien immediately understood the source of her displeasure.
Lockhart trailed behind her, dressed in a dazzling silver robe adorned with medals of all sizes that swayed as he walked.
He wore no hat, letting his golden hair gleam under the sunlight.
As they drew closer, Lucien could hear what Lockhart was saying.
"Pomona, the method this morning wasn't very effective. I must have mixed it up with that incident involving a troll. After all, my adventures are so numerous, it's only natural to get them confused from time to time, isn't it?"
"Ordinary charms will only anger the Whomping Willow, but there exists an extremely ancient, nearly forgotten calming ritual. All one needs to do is sing a beautiful elf lullaby under the moonlight…"
Lucien's mouth twitched slightly at those words. The method Lockhart described sounded very similar to an ancient technique Professor Nicolas had once taught him.
However, Lucien was certain that Lockhart was merely boasting and making things up. If someone were to ask him for the exact method, he would likely change the subject with excuses such as, "Oh, it's far too complex and dangerous. It could lead to… unpredictable consequences, so it's not yet time to reveal it to the public," before making his escape.
Lockhart continued chattering away, completely oblivious to the rare look of irritation on Sprout's face.
His attention had already shifted to the young wizards waiting for class. Lockhart flashed his signature smile.
"Hello, everyone. I'm helping Professor Sprout treat the Whomping Willow. Please don't get curious and try to imitate it. Even injured, that thing isn't something young wizards can handle. After all, I've repelled banshees, tricked trolls, fought werewolves…"
Some of the girls giggled at his smile, while a few boys looked on with admiration for his so-called adventures.
Just as Professor Sprout was about to interrupt, Lockhart, wearing a self-satisfied expression, suddenly noticed someone familiar in the crowd.
Those dark green eyes…
Recalling the book signing a few days ago, Lockhart immediately recognized their owner, the young wizard whose appearance and temperament were no less striking than his own.
He hadn't expected such a coincidence.
There had been so many people at the ceremony the previous night, and he had been too busy basking in the admiration to notice Lucien.
Now, Lucien's gaze was calm, without any scrutiny or judgment, yet it still made Lockhart uneasy.
It felt as though all his layers of disguise had been seen through, exposing his true self.
"Ahem, I've just remembered I have something to attend to. I won't disturb your lesson. I'll be going now, all right?"
Lockhart abruptly stopped speaking and quickly left, heading back toward the castle.
Strangely, the feeling of guilt and unease gradually faded.
Lockhart let out a breath of relief, his confidence returning.
It didn't matter. With the guidance of that magical diary, he would create a great incident at Hogwarts and have a truly remarkable adventure.
When that happened, he would undoubtedly become the center of attention in the wizarding world.
At the thought of immense fame and endless praise, Lockhart's steps became noticeably lighter.
Although he had left abruptly, Professor Sprout didn't mind. It was better that he was gone.
This new colleague was truly insufferable.
She waved to the students.
"Alright, everyone, let's head to Greenhouse Three."
In their first year, they had only worked in Greenhouse One, where all the plants were harmless.
Greenhouse Three, however, contained far more interesting plants, but they were also much more dangerous.
Once the young wizards were in position, Professor Sprout said,
"Today, we'll be repotting Mandrakes. Now, who can tell me their characteristics?"
Since the class consisted of Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw students, the former skilled in Herbology and the latter well-read, there was no shortage of answers.
"Mandrake, also known as Mandragora. Its root is used to make a powerful restorative, capable of returning those who have been transfigured or cursed back to their normal state."
Lucien was very familiar with this plant. He even had a patch growing in his trunk.
At first, he had been curious about the Mandrake's properties, especially since the cry of a mature Mandrake could be fatal.
Later, he had used them to brew antidotes for Transfiguration sweets. Simple pranks were fine, but if someone turned a young wizard into an animal, they had to be turned back, right?
Otherwise, Hogwarts would end up filled with all kinds of birds and beasts roaming about. The idea of a furry school made him shiver.
"Very good, Ravenclaw, ten points."
Professor Sprout then asked about the dangers of Mandrakes. After receiving the correct answer, she awarded Hufflepuff another ten points and clapped her hands.
"Excellent. Everyone, take a pair of earmuffs first."
As soon as she finished speaking, the students rushed toward the bench where the earmuffs were placed.
No one dared to be slow. After all, no one wanted to be stuck with the pink ones.
________
o(*≧▽≦)ツ💫 Read up to 12+ chapters in advance on Patreon/DarkDevil1