"Professor Snape?"
Leo asked tentatively, trying to gauge the professor's sudden mood shift.
Snape instantly composed his expression, returning to his characteristic unapproachable demeanor. This rapid transformation made Leo internally marvel at the old bat's face-changing speed.
"Since you're willing to exchange, consider what compensation you require."
Snape spoke in a deliberately flat tone, as if he hadn't just experienced obvious emotional fluctuations moments before.
He summoned parchment and a self-inking quill, which landed directly in front of Leo, indicating he should document the improved sleep-inducing incense formula immediately.
While writing, Leo contemplated what he should request in exchange. Primarily potion formulas that could mask his scent or movements during forest expeditions. Exchanging formula for formula seemed reasonable, and Snape would probably agree to such terms.
Leo didn't doubt whether Snape possessed such specialized knowledge. As the most promising young Potions Master of the current era, he definitely wouldn't lack advanced formulas.
As for lure-type potions that could attract specific magical creatures, he'd skip that particular request for now. Asking Snape for those would raise too many suspicious questions.
After all, as a new student, requesting such things would be obviously telling others he planned to venture into the Forbidden Forest illegally.
"Professor, could I exchange for a potion formula that masks both scent and sound?"
Hearing Leo's request, Snape nodded without hesitation, gesturing for another piece of parchment to float over while text automatically appeared across its surface.
Snape simply assumed Leo retained a typical childish nature, wanting to use such potions for pranks, or merely desired to learn new brewing techniques out of academic curiosity.
Leo examined the provided formula with growing excitement:
"Stealth Essential Oil: Applied to pulse points, eliminates personal scent completely, reduces movement sounds significantly, and has an effective duration of one hour."
Excellent! This formula satisfied both scent masking and sound dampening requirements simultaneously. Worthy of Snape's reputation. When the professor made an effort, he delivered genuine quality.
This formula exchange was definitely worthwhile.
After completing their transaction, Leo departed Snape's office with his valuable new knowledge. Potions class had been scheduled for two consecutive periods, making it nearly noon already.
Leo headed directly toward the Great Hall. Because he'd spent considerable time discussing formulas with Snape, the vast chamber contained relatively few students at this hour.
After quickly finishing lunch, he hurried toward the Herbology classroom. This particular lesson paired Ravenclaw students with Gryffindor house.
The moment Leo arrived at the greenhouse complex, he heard someone calling his name enthusiastically:
"Leonardo, over here!"
Hermione waved gently in his direction, while Harry and Ron also turned to acknowledge his presence.
"Good afternoon, Leonardo! What classes did you attend this morning?"
Leo nodded politely to the trio and answered Hermione's inquiry: "Potions with Professor Snape."
"Hiss..." Harry immediately sucked in a sharp breath, seemingly reminded of his traumatic previous Potions class encounter.
Hermione asked with obvious concern: "Professor Snape didn't give you trouble, did he? After all, Leonardo, you're so excellent and study so seriously. I worry he might target you out of spite."
Leo considered briefly. Snape had awarded him house points and allowed him to "acquire" a valuable new potion recipe through legitimate exchange.
"No, he was quite reasonable actually."
Hearing Leo's assessment, Harry stared at him with obvious amazement. How could anyone possibly think Snape was reasonable?
At this moment, Harry again remembered Leo's earlier suggestion about removing his glasses during Potions classes, but he still lacked confidence in his brewing abilities.
Leo handled the various Herbology tools while waiting for the class bell, familiarizing himself with their weight and balance.
The moment his fingers touched a small gardening hoe, the system's voice resonated within his mind:
[Ding! Congratulations host on triggering a passive loan opportunity!]
[Loan Name: 'Diligent Little Gardener' Title (Monthly Loan)]
[Loan Content: After equipping this title, the host gains magical plant affinity, increased crop yields, and accelerated growth cycles.]
[Loan Task: Cultivate ten Carnivorous Cabbages to full maturity.]
[Do you wish to accept this loan?]
Leo hadn't expected that simply touching gardening equipment would trigger a loan opportunity. The last time he'd passively activated one was while browsing the pet shop in Diagon Alley, resulting in his Qilin acquisition.
Examining the loan information, Leo realized this represented his first encounter with a "title" type loan. From the description, it seemed like applying a permanent beneficial enchantment to himself.
Magical plant affinity sounded genuinely useful for someone planning extensive creature research.
"System, what's the precise extent of this plant affinity?"
[Unless magical plants are being actively controlled or commanded by another person, they will not initiate attacks against the host.]
That was remarkably valuable! Many magical plants possessed aggressive tendencies, but sometimes they were needed as essential potion or alchemical components. Having plant affinity would make harvesting such materials significantly more convenient.
Moreover, enhanced plant yields and shortened growth cycles offered practical long-term benefits for any serious researcher.
However, the specific task requirements made Leo frown with concern. Simply cultivating Carnivorous Cabbages wouldn't present problems, but he'd read in Herbology references that such plants required at least two months from planting to reach full maturity.
Yet this was a monthly loan, needing repayment within thirty days precisely.
Wait... this title's effects could accelerate plant growth cycles considerably. Additionally, while reading "Powerful Potions," Leo had encountered fertilizer formulations that could dramatically speed plant development.
With proper application, he should be able to reduce maturation time to fit within the monthly deadline.
This was perfect timing! He already needed to repay the improved formula weekly loan, and counting the sleep-inducing incense plus stealth oil, he still required three additional different potions.
Besides fertilizers, he could also brew simple formulations like magical pesticides and herbicides. This approach would conveniently satisfy his formula loan requirements simultaneously.
Additionally, Carnivorous Cabbages could easily bite through human bones when fully grown. After cultivating them successfully, they might serve as unexpected weapons or defensive measures, released to chase and harass enemies during combat.
Sometimes physical attacks proved more surprising and effective than conventional spells.
Leo considered logistics carefully. He simply needed to locate appropriate space for cultivation. After class, he could ask Professor Sprout about borrowing one of the nearby greenhouses for his project.
"System, I want to accept the 'Diligent Little Gardener' loan."
[Ding! 'Diligent Little Gardener' (Monthly Loan) successfully acquired!]
[Evaluation: Do you feel your farming instincts awakening?]
Leo noticed that on his system panel, his name now displayed (Diligent Little Gardener) as an active title.
He picked up a small shovel and gardening hoe with both hands, immediately sensing an odd change in his perceptions.
Why did he suddenly feel this overwhelming urge to plant something immediately?