"We won! We won!"
"The House Cup is ours!"
Every Gryffindor student had completely lost control with excitement.
They jumped onto the tables, throwing goblets, wizard hats, and anything they could grab into the air.
Cheers, shouts, whistles—every sound in the Great Hall eventually merged into one name that echoed everywhere.
"Lucian Thornwick!"
"Lucian Thornwick!"
"Lucian Thornwick!"
Harry Potter was shouting just as loudly as everyone else.
For the first time in his life, the natural "Boy Who Lived" spotlight that had always followed him seemed a little less unique.
Because beside him stood someone whose brilliance came not from a legend—
But from real, undeniable achievements.
Hermione's intelligence.
Ron's chess talent.
The twins' teamwork.
All the traits once praised as "genius."
Compared with the endless creativity and miraculous feats Lucian had displayed this year… they all seemed to fade into the background.
Eventually, the feast began to wind down.
Gryffindor students were still overflowing with excitement.
They gathered together, shouting and laughing, already planning an all-night celebration in the common room.
Amid the cheerful noise, a figure carefully made her way through the crowd.
There was hesitation in her steps—but also determination.
She stopped in front of Lucian.
It was Hermione Granger.
"Lucian…"
Her voice carried a faint tremor, still lingering from the excitement of the evening.
She looked up at him.
In her bright brown eyes sparkled something like a sky full of stars—pure admiration.
From the first shock during Potions class…
To the moment he appeared during the troll incident…
In an unbelievable way he solved the Philosopher's Stone trials.
Again and again, the knowledge and logic Hermione had always been proud of had been completely overturned.
Then rebuilt.
She had once believed magic could be mastered through study and effort.
But Lucian had shown her something different.
True magic was creation.
"Thank you, Lucian," she said sincerely.
"For saving us… again and again."
"Just a small matter," Lucian replied calmly.
As if he had simply done something ordinary.
Strangely, that calm attitude only made Hermione admire him more.
She nervously twisted the edge of her robe, gathering courage.
A faint blush appeared on her cheeks.
"Um… during the holiday… Could I write to you?"
"I have a lot of questions about Ancient Runes and spell transformations. I was hoping you might… help explain them."
For Hermione, who loved learning more than anything, asking another student for help took real courage.
Because in her mind, Lucian was no longer simply a classmate.
He felt more like a mentor of magic.
Lucian looked at her for a moment.
A small smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.
"Of course."
Hermione's eyes lit up instantly.
"But," Lucian added calmly, "some things are difficult to explain through letters."
Her expression dimmed slightly.
But before she could say anything, Lucian continued:
"The school book list for next term should arrive soon."
"During the holiday, we could meet in Diagon Alley and look at the books together."
Hermione blinked.
For a moment she seemed stunned.
Then her face turned completely red.
"Y-Yes! That sounds great!"
She nodded quickly, almost afraid he might change his mind.
Then she hurried away, cheeks glowing bright red.
Inside, she felt an excitement she couldn't quite explain.
Lucian watched her leave with a faint smile.
He was about to head out as well—
When someone quietly stepped into his path.
The surrounding air seemed to grow slightly colder.
Standing there was a girl from Slytherin.
Daphne Greengrass.
Known among students as the "Ice Queen of Slytherin."
Unlike Draco Malfoy, she showed no jealousy or resentment.
Her expression remained as calm and distant as always.
But in her cool blue eyes, Lucian could see something unusual.
Curiosity.
Shock.
And perhaps… a trace of appreciation.
While most Slytherins kept their distance from him, unwilling to approach after their defeat—
Daphne Greengrass had walked directly toward him.
And that alone was enough to make nearby students stare in surprise.
—------------------------------
Pat reon Advance Chapters: patreon.com/DevilWarden