"Weren't you… weren't you supposed to be a squib?!" Fleur exclaimed, getting up from the ground.
"....." A grin slowly surfaced on Lucas's face as he slowly got up from the ground.
He had figured out a reason why he was resistant to magic. And why he was able to use magic just now.
It wasn't just resistance.
It was…. Absorption.
Lucas might not have magic of his own. But, he can absorb others'!
That's why he was able to use the stinging hex just now.
After Fleur started firing spells at him, Lucas had felt the same feeling that the previous owner was feeling for the past few days. Like something was stuck in his chest but he couldn't quite get rid of it.
Granted, it was quite faint in comparison to how bad it was yesterday, but it was the same. Yesterday's explosion… it must be due to the previous Lucas releasing all of that stored magic at once.
What was different this time was that he was able to get rid of it much easier than the last time.
'Does that mean it's getting easier to use?' He wondered.
"Hey! Are you actually ignoring me?! I asked, How in the seven hells did you do magic?!"
Lucas snapped out of his thoughts. For now, he has to
Lucas tilted his head to the side, looking clueless. "Did I really do magic?"
"Of course! Are you blind?! That was a stinging spell! It's still hurting me!" She yelled, rubbing the area where she had been hit.
Lucas looked even more confused. "Well, it's supposed to hurt, isn't it? It hurts me a lot too. Everyday."
"It—" Fleur paused. There was a flash of something foreign on her face. Was it guilt? Or was it concern? But the next moment, it was gone, replaced by annoyance. "I must have had too much wine. You're obviously a squib," she said with a scoff.
'Of course I am.' Lucas could recall the time he was tested. He had produced no magical output at the time, so he was declared a squib, or a muggle. And not ready to accept the fact, the previous owner had tried many times to do magic on his own, but it hadn't work.
The one and only time the previous owner was able to do magic was yesterday, when he created an explosion and died. How tragic, but Lucas thanked the previous owner for it.
Fleur fired another spell that hit the floor beside him. "Get ready."
Lucas got into stance just in time as Fleur once again began firing her spells. He tried his best to dodge, but he was still inevitably hit a few times. What was different this time was, the spells were much weaker this time. And Fleur would stop firing when he falls or when he is completely unable to dodge.
After practice, Lucas laid on the floor, gasping for breath. He was completely spent. Fleur was also panting. Her cheeks were rosy due to the exertion, and her breasts were jiggling with each heavy breath.
"You really are...different today." Fleur observed. "You've become… less annoying."
Lucas could understand what Fleur meant. The previous host was so wimpy he wouldn't even try to properly defend himself due to fear. Now Lucas is using his body to its full capacity, and of course, he won't be pathetic like the previous host.
To him, this was good exercise. This is the wizarding world, and spells are the main method of attack here. It's common sense to start practicing your dodging skills early.
As for pain?
Lucas smirked. He has long become accustomed to pain due to his previous life. CVID is not an ordinary disease. And he survived more than what the doctors predicted even without proper treatment. Compared to that, the minor discomfort caused by Fleur's light spells is nothing.
"You can go now. Shoo. I need to train my enchanting," said Fleur dismissively as she turned around, heading for the counter where her books and equipment were placed.
Lucas watched her go. The tight training suit clung to her derriere, giving him a tantalizing view. 'Wait, is she not wearing any underwear?' He almost had a nosebleed.
....
Leaving with the training room, Fleur felt a burning gaze on her back. But then, she ignored it.
That squib? He has always on lust suppression potion. Even if he looks it's not like he can do anything with that soft thing.
'Oh right, not a squib anymore...'
Fleur still couldn't get used to this fact.
But still, it changed little. Her dad sacrificed so much for this wretch and he only awakens his power now.
She surprised by his unique power but she just couldn't see that coward doing anything worthwhile with it.
He has indeed gotten a little bolder now and a little less annoying. But still...
She recalled her father's last words and felt angry again.
...
Meanwhile, glad to be dismissed, Lucas left before Fleur changed her mind. As he recalled, he was not totally free yet. As a butler of the Delacour Family, the main work delegated to him was of seeing to the fulfilment needs of the two young misses. Aside from that, it was taking private lessons from Miss Fontaine on various things. The rest of the work is for other servants.
Yesterday, due to his tiredness, or you could say, the original owner's death, Lucas had missed out on both of these duties. For the first time. That's why he was reprimanded by Mistress Apolline this morning.
Lucas recalled Apolline's strict look. Even though she was incomparably beautiful, she had an air of severity around her that made her appear quite intimidating. Lucas didn't fancy making that lady angry again. That's why, after taking a bath, he timely went to attend his lessons.
He decided to leave exploring this power for later. But now that he knew that he had just done magic, his steps were much lighter, and he had much more hope. He can
The one who has been teaching Lucas was none other than Miss Fontain. Since she is the head maid, she doesn't have to do the actual work. Her job is managing the servants.
As expected, the head maid was waiting for him at the usual location, the Library.
The Delacour Library was a marvelous place, combining magic and architecture into a beautiful place filled with knowledge. Upon entering, one is greeted by a magnificent chandelier made entirely of floating, illuminated phoenix feathers. The library is multi-leveled, with spiral staircases and hidden passages leading to rare book collections.
Miss Fontaine was sitting at one of the benches, waiting for him with various books lying in front of her. Upon seeing him, a smile lit up her face.
"Lucas. You are on time. Come sit here."
Lucas paused in his footsteps when he saw her smile. It was nothing special to other people, and even he felt silly for thinking about it, but… it had been a while since anyone smiled at him, just being happy to see him. The last person he could truly recall was his mother.
Lucas went to the seat indicated by Vivienne, which was right next to hers.
Vivienne gripped Lucas's hand. "How do you feel now? Why didn't you tell me you weren't feeling well yesterday?"
Lucas resisted the impulse to retract his hand. "I... didn't want to bother you, Miss Fontaine," he answered.
Well, the original owner always used to put others before himself. Especially Miss Fontaine. So Lucas didn't say anything wrong.
Miss Fontaine sighed, looking distressed. "Lucas, you have to stop this. I've told you over and over. You have to be more selfish. You have to let me take care of you. Otherwise, you're just hurting me."
"..."
For the life of him, Lucas couldn't understand why this lady cared so much for him. More like, he couldn't understand how the original owner could be so lucky.
Looking at the concerned Vivienne, Lucas nodded. "I'll try, Miss Fontaine. I really will."
That was true. Being selfish? Lucas was asked to be less selfish in his previous life, but never the opposite. But since this lady has so kindly asked, he definitely has to follow her orders.
Miss Fontaine seemed satisfied with that answer since a smile bloomed on her beautiful face. "You are changing, Lucas. I'm glad."
She turned her attention back on the materials gathered in front of them. Books, two cauldrons, and a bunch of ingredients and potion equipment.
"So, I was thinking I'd teach you about the revitalizing potion. It will help you the next time you feel like yesterday. Of course, it would still be best to tell me first."
Lucas nodded. "Thank you, Miss Fontaine."
Since he couldn't learn magic, Lucas was well versed in other things like Potion, Astronomy, Herbology, cooking, etc.
"Alright, so the Revitalizing Elixir is a potent potion designed to restore energy, vitality, and heal minor physical and mental fatigue. It is known for its sparkling, emerald-green appearance and a refreshing minty aroma. The recipe is quite rare, and not accessible to public knowledge, and that's why it's not included in the Beauxbatons curriculum."
"Here is the recipe. We're going to make it together," said Miss Fontaine, showing him the book.
Lucas looked at the ingredients listed in the recipe.
1) 1 Measure of powdered
2) bicorn horn
3) Lacewing flies
4) A bit of stewed mandrake
5) Bat spleens
6) Dash of ginger
7) Snake fang
8) 3 drops of Essence of Vigor
9) Below was the recipe.
Lucas read the first step.
1) Begin by gathering all your ingredients and setting up your cauldron over a low flame.
2) Add a handful of Lacewing flies to the cauldron. Stir them gently clockwise three times..
3) ...
He raised his eyebrows. These ingredients and instructions… he didn't find them strange at all. He could actually understand why they were being used and exactly what to do.
He began to light up the cauldron with confidence. But he was stopped by Miss Fontaine who was observing him.
"You forgot the protective gear, Lucas," she gently chided. I've always told you: Potion-making is an art, but–"
"Safety's the smartest part," finished Lucas. "I remember," he said as he quickly put on the gloves, glasses, hat and cloak which were on the table and Miss Fontaine did the same.
Lucas used the magic wood and lit up the flames. These magic flames don't produce any smoke and are very stable. You wouldn't know just how hot they are until you touch them.
Adding a handful of lacewing flies, he began stirring it clockwise three times. Miss Fontaine guided his movements. "You have to do it gently. It's sensitive..."
Lucas nodded, trying to focus. He added a dash of ginger to give the potion a hint of warmth and spice. Stir counterclockwise three times, then pause again.
Then he added the three drops of Essence of Vigor.
"This essence will amplify the revitalizing effects of the potion. Stir in a figure-eight pattern to integrate the essence completely," while he brewed Miss Fontaine would teach him additional information as well.
"Now, comes the tricky part. Add the snake fang. You have to be careful with that, since it still contains venom."
Miss Fontaine moved behind him and leaned forward, grabbing his arms to guide him. "You have to veerrry slowly lower it into the cauldron," she said with her mouth right next to his ear, her bosom pressing against his back. Her soft mature voice fell directly into his ear, giving him goosebumps.
Lucas almost dropped the snake fang. "Y-Yes Miss Fontaine."
"Right there!" Miss Fontaine whispered with satisfaction as he did the task successfully. "Good boy..." she said, patting his head.
"..."
Lucas decided... that he liked his potions classes.
….
After he had learnt how to brew the potion, Miss Fontaine had decided to move on to another subject, which was herbology.
Lucas looked at Miss Fontaine with some hesitation.
"What is it, Lucas? Is something bothering you?"
"Miss Fontaine... I know very little about the outside. Could you tell me more?" He asked. It was indeed true. The previous Lucas had very little knowledge of the outside world.
This world was a bit different from the one in the books. Lucas has to find out just how much. And how much of his book knowledge he can use.
Miss Fontaine gave Lucas a surprised look. "Why are you asking this all of a sudden?"
Lucas scratched his head. "Well, you did ask me to be more selfish. So, I tried…" he said, looking timid. Acting like the previous Lucas was getting easier for him.
Vivienne was suddenly overcome with emotion. "Oh Lucas, you're actually changing! Magnifique!" She exclaimed, kissing his cheek.
"So tell me Luci, what do you want to know?"
Lucas knew from the memories that Miss Fontaine would only call him Luci when she's extremely pleased with him.
Lucas thought about it. He had to think of something that wasn't too out of bounds for someone like Lucas to ask, but also something that is useful.
So he said, "Miss Fleur has been preparing for something called the Triwizard Tournament. Could you tell me more about it?"
He couldn't directly ask her about Hogwarts. The questions have to be natural and reasonable.
"Hm…" Miss Fontaine put a finger on her chin. "The Triwizard Tournament is a prestigious magical competition held between three wizarding schools: Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry (representing England), Beauxbatons Academy of Magic (representing France), and Durmstrang Institute (representing Bulgaria). Its purpose is mainly to promote international magical cooperation and understanding."
"It's an extremely dangerous competition with high mortality rates among the participants. That's why it was banned in the past."
Lucas nodded. He already knew that. "But it is being reinstated this year? Where will it be held?" He asked, already knowing the answer again.
Though, what Miss Fontaine said was out of his expectations.
"No, it has already been continued 5 years ago. It was held at Durmstrang at the time. Now five years later, it's the second time it's being held after its reinstation. This year it's going to be held at Hogwarts."
"...?"
Lucas blanked out for a moment. Did he hear it wrong? What the fuck is she talking about?
Looks like this world is far more different than he had thought.
"Miss Fontaine, could you tell me more about Hogwarts?"