Succubus System At Hogwarts

(≧∇≦)ﾉMany thanks to Corey Williams for becoming a patron of the story!

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When Draco and the other two returned, Ian and his team had already picked more than half of the red fruits.

"How did it go? What about the other groups?" Ian asked Draco while placing more fruits into the basket.

"Tsk! Theodore and his group also thought of using sunlight, and Theodore just learned Lumos Solem," Draco said, curling his lips in displeasure. "We need to move faster. Their group is picking the fruits quickly too."

"It's fine. I'm here. I guarantee first place," Ian said confidently, raising his eyebrows. He aimed his wand at the Devil's Snare and flicked it. "Incendio!"

In an instant, a flame erupted from the tip of Ian's wand, casting a warm, flickering light across their faces.

The Devil's Snare recoiled and began wilting at a visible speed, accompanied by a faint crackling sound.

Ian's mastery of the Fire-Making Charm left everyone stunned. None of them had expected him to already know such an advanced spell.

"Awesome!" Draco exclaimed, watching the flames rise. "That's seriously awesome!"

Ian pressed his lips together, offering a reserved smile. "Alright, let's focus and finish picking the fruits."

With Ian's Incendio helping to weaken the Devil's Snare, the group quickly gathered the remaining fruits. Hermione carried the basket as they made their way toward Professor Sprout.

Professor Sprout was busy helping other students who were tangled in the Devil's Snare.

When she saw Ian and his group approach, she adjusted her glasses and said with surprise, "Oh, it seems you've found an effective way to deal with the Devil's Snare. How clever!"

"All thanks to Ian. He came up with using light and fire," Hermione said with a proud smile.

"Well done, Mr. Potter," Professor Sprout said, patting Ian's shoulder with approval. "You have excellent control over your spells. It seems you've been doing very well in Charms class."

Ian felt a little embarrassed by the praise. He smiled modestly. "You're too kind, Professor. I just enjoy studying spells."

Professor Sprout praised Ian a few more times before inspecting the fruits in their basket. Nodding in satisfaction, she said, "I'll award ten points each to Slytherin and Gryffindor for your teamwork and ingenuity."

"Professor, what are these fruits used for?" Ron asked curiously.

"They are used as raw materials for potions," Professor Sprout explained. She then brought out seven magical seeds and accompanying manuals. "As a reward, I'll give each of you a lucky clover seed. Take good care of it—it will bring you surprises."

"Lucky clover? Professor, what happens when it matures? Will it bring us luck?" Harry asked.

"Mr. Potter, you could think of it that way," Professor Sprout said with a smile. "When the lucky clover matures, you can make small wishes to it, and it might help grant them with a certain probability. But it's not just about luck. You'll understand more as you grow it."

Ian examined the unassuming seed in his hand with a doubtful expression. Lucky clover... Could this be one of the ingredients for Felix Felicis, the Lucky Potion?

He vaguely recalled that lucky clover was listed in the formula for Felix Felicis—and that it was exceptionally rare.

Ian gently stroked the seed in his hand, his thoughts racing. If this is truly used for Felix Felicis, then this lucky clover is a treasure! Professor Sprout is being very generous. Giving out seven seeds at once is no small gesture.

With this realization, Ian looked at Professor Sprout with renewed enthusiasm. "Professor, may I help you take care of the magical plants? Would that be possible?"

Professor Sprout has all kinds of treasures—perfect for rewarding diligent students like me! kekeke~

Professor Sprout was momentarily taken aback by Ian's intense expression but soon laughed. "Of course, Ian. You're welcome to help care for the magical plants whenever you have free time. But why the sudden interest?"

"To enrich my knowledge of magical plants, Professor!"

Ian declared, thumping his chest with a righteous look.

"Besides, it must be tiring for you to care for all these plants on your own. If I help you, it'll ease your workload a little."

"Haha, then it's settled. You can come every Wednesday afternoon," Professor Sprout said cheerfully. "You can start with the more dangerous plants that first-years aren't allowed to handle. I'll explain their habits to you."

"Thank you, Professor! You're so kind!" Ian beamed, his excitement practically spilling over.

"As a reward for helping out..." Professor Sprout said thoughtfully, noticing Ian's eager expression. "How about this: I'll give you a magical plant every month. How does that sound?"

"That's amazing, Professor!"

Ian exclaimed, practically jumping for joy. He looked at her with heartfelt gratitude. "Professor, you're the most generous teacher ever!"

Professor Sprout was such a kind person—surely she would help him gather all the materials for Felix Felicis, right?

"Merlin himself would commend you, Professor," Ian said, his eyes sparkling with admiration. "I've never met a professor as generous as you!"

Flattery, when used well, never failed.

Professor Sprout chuckled, clearly pleased by Ian's words, and waved her hand in a jovial manner. "Since your group has completed the task, let's end class a little early today."

"Thank you, Professor," Ian replied with a grin. He winked at Hermione and the others, and the group cheerfully left Greenhouse No. 3.

"Ian, why are you so eager to help Professor Sprout with the magical plants?" Hermione asked as soon as they stepped outside.

"Isn't it obvious? Because Professor Sprout will reward him with rare magical seeds," Cassandra said, crossing her arms. Her tone was playful but carried a hint of teasing. "Ah, truly a Slytherin Potter!"

Ian rubbed the tip of his nose and gave an awkward smile. "That's not fair! I'm genuinely helping the professor. Of course, if she's generous enough to reward me, who am I to refuse?"

"At least you're honest about it," Cassandra said with a chuckle before turning and walking off with her books. "Let's head back to the castle."

She couldn't wait to start cultivating her lucky clover. Perhaps... it might even grant her a wish to confess her feelings successfully....

Watching Cassandra's retreating figure, Ron scratched his head, looking confused. "Why's she acting so weird?"

"Don't worry about it," Ian said. "Let's head back. I'm eager to plant my lucky clover too!"

"Me too!" Harry said, his eyes lighting up with excitement. "If the lucky clover could just help me escape Snape's potions homework..."

"Don't count on it, Harry," Ian said, bursting Harry's bubble. "The lucky clover only might grant small wishes. Don't daydream too much."

"Ah..." Harry sighed, visibly deflated. "Fine, I get it."

"Bahahaha, even if Merlin grants your wish himself, Snape wouldn't change!"

The group returned to the castle, their laughter echoing through the corridors.

...

Meanwhile, in another part of the castle, the portrait of Phineas Nigellus Black was reporting to a contemplative Dumbledore.

"This is what the Potter boy has been up to recently," Phineas said. "Though the boy seems kind, he is very much a true Slytherin."

Dumbledore suddenly chuckled. "But he is honest, isn't he? Miss Vole saw right through him, and he didn't deny it."

Phineas was momentarily taken aback but then nodded. "Indeed. Though this boy is cunning like a Slytherin, he is undeniably kinder than most of them."

"If you ask me, you're overthinking it." The portrait of Headmistress Dilys Derwent suddenly chimed in. "He's a good child. In my opinion, he's far more sensible than his brother. Honestly, it's baffling that you're so suspicious of a child like him."

"Dilys, have you forgotten about Tom? He was also a sensible and excellent child," said Headmaster Armando Dippet with a weary sigh.

Dilys scoffed. "Oh yes, you were so fond of him at the time that you nearly handed him the position of Defense Against the Dark Arts professor."

"I..." Armando faltered, then sighed in defeat. "Who could have guessed that a child could be so cunning? He deceived all of us with his perfect disguise."

Dumbledore cleared his throat lightly, prompting Armando to correct himself.

"Alright, everyone except Dumbledore."

"So now you intend to be wary of all Slytherins?" Dilys said indignantly. "Have you not observed what Ian has done these past days? He's a kind and decent child. Stop suspecting him at every turn!"

"Ian is, without a doubt, a good child. No one is denying that," Dumbledore said with a gentle smile. "Our concern isn't with him specifically, but with the possibility that he could be influenced by less wholesome ideas."

"You're worrying over nothing!" Dilys snapped, shooting a glare at Armando before turning her stern gaze on Dumbledore. "Ian is clearly a good boy. Don't let Armando's paranoia sway you—he's being an old fool."

"Naturally, I'll rely on my own judgment," Dumbledore reassured her with a calm smile. "Ian is indeed a fine young man. I'll keep an eye on him to ensure he doesn't lose his way."

"Hmph!" Dilys huffed but said no more. As a retired headmistress, she knew her influence only went so far.

The portraits fell silent once again, the occasional sigh echoing softly through the stillness of the castle.

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