Reborn as Petunia Evans with a System Chapter 74 - 72

I was walking beside Severus through the quiet upper corridor of the castle, our footsteps echoing faintly on the stone floor. The castle felt unusually calm today no Peeves, no rowdy laughter from younger students, just the two of us heading toward the Headmaster’s office.

Professor Dumbledore had summoned us earlier that afternoon. Apparently, the International Guild of Experintal Potioneers had recognized our work on the prototype Wolfsbane Potion and awarded us a formal comndation. Severus told the Guild’s recognition carried serious weight in the professional magical world he even ntioned that his grandfather, who used to write for their academic journal, had once received the sa honor.

"Did Professor Flitwick tell you the password?" I asked as we reached the stone gargoyle guarding the spiral staircase.

Severus gave a small nod. "Lemon drop."

The gargoyle sprang to life, leaping aside to reveal the rotating staircase behind it. We stepped on, rising slowly toward the oak door that marked the entrance to the Headmaster’s office.

When we knocked, the door creaked open with a soft welco of its own.

"Ah, Miss Evans, Mr. Black," Professor Dumbledore greeted us warmly, standing behind his desk, robes of deep plum trimd with silver stars. "Please, do co in."

"Would either of you care for a lemon drop?" he asked, eyes twinkling behind his half-moon spectacles as he held out the familiar glass bowl.

I hesitated, then reached for one. "Thank you, sir," I said, unwrapping the sweet and popping it into my mouth. I blinked. It was... sharper than I’d expected. A jolt of tartness right at the start, followed by llow, sugary notes. Not bad, actually. Or maybe I just liked anything that was mostly sugar.

Dumbledore offered one to Severus as well, but Severus politely declined.

"I’m allergic to lemon, sir," he said calmly.

"Ah," Dumbledore said gently, setting the bowl aside. "A pity. But understandable. Now then congratulations to both of you. Word of your work reached from the Guild’s London Chapter this morning. A most impressive accomplishnt."

"I have high hopes for you both," Dumbledore continued, his voice gentle but firm, like a grandfather handing down a legacy. "Few students attempt anything as bold as what you’ve done. To approach such a volatile condition as lycanthropy with compassion and invention it speaks volus of your character."

Severus inclined his head, ever the polite scholar. "Thank you, Professor."

Dumbledore smiled. "Your parents must be proud. I rember your mother, Mr. Black—Eileen was a gifted potion-maker in her own right. She had an extraordinary instinct for combinations others wouldn’t dare attempt. It seems talent runs in the family."

Severus shifted slightly, hands folded behind his back. "Thank you, sir," he said again, voice quieter this ti.

Dumbledore’s gaze turned to next. "And Miss Evans I see a bright future ahead of you."

I flushed a little. "That’s kind of you, Professor."

"I simply speak what I see," he said with a smile.

The Headmaster moved around his desk and extended a small velvet box toward us. "The Guild sends their regards and these."

We opened the box together. Inside lay two silver pins shaped like a wolfsbane blossom, delicate and precise, gleaming in the firelight. Beneath each pin was an embossed card:

"For Innovation in Applied Healing—Wolfsbane Prototype, 1973

"Thank you, Professor," I said again, and Severus echoed the sentint beside .

Dumbledore folded his hands. "Now, off you go. "

Severus and I both stood, murmuring our thanks. The office felt a little warr as we stepped back into the corridor, the door quietly closing behind us.

[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]

CONGRATULATIONS!

New Achievent Unlocked: "Breaking the Curse"

You and your partner have been recognized by a certified Potioneering Association for the successful developnt of a Wolfsbane Potion.

**→ REWARD:

Exclusive Potion Recipe: Lupinam Vitae (Prototype Cure for Lycanthropy)

100 thousand Galleons

Rare Ingredient Pack x1

My eyes widened.

Wow. It’s been ages since I heard from the system. Sure, I’d get the occasional notification so Galleons here, a bonus there when practicing but this? This was major.

"Are you all right?" Severus asked, his voice low but edged with amusent.

I blinked, snapping out of the daze. "Yeah. Sorry. Just... thinking."

"Anyway," I said, nudging him lightly, "you need to get going."

"To where?"

"To the Quidditch pitch, obviously," I said, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. "You’ve got practice. Your match with Hufflepuff is in two days, rember? You need to do your best, Seeker "

Severus blinked, then gave a short laugh. "Oh. Right. I nearly forgot."

I raised an eyebrow. "You? Forgetting Quidditch practice? Are you feeling ill?"

"Only mildly," he deadpanned. "But I’ll manage."

Then he added, more softly, "Co on. I’ll walk you back to Ravenclaw Tower before I head to the pitch."

I smiled. "You really don’t have to, you know."

"I know," he replied, already turning toward the corridor. "But I’m going to anyway.

When we finally reached the stairwell leading to Ravenclaw Tower, I paused at the landing and turned to face him.

"Good luck at practice," I said. "Be careful, and don’t let felix knock you off your broom again."

"That was once."

"And nearly fatal."

He gave a slightly long-suffering look. "Yes, Mum."

I rolled my eyes. "Off with you."

He smirked, . "I’ll see you at dinner.

"Yeah," I called after him, smiling. "I’ll see you there. Do your best, okay?"

Severus smirked, that cocky glint returning to his dark eyes. "Of course I will."

I laughed, unable to help it. "That was the smuggest ’of course I will’ I’ve ever heard."

He tilted his head, voice drawling. "Confidence is a crucial part of success."

I gave him a mock-bow. "Well then, Your Highness of House Ravenclaw, may your brooms stay steady and your Snitch be swift."

He offered a mock-salute and turned to go, but paused mid-step. "You’ll be at the match?"

"Wouldn’t miss it," I said, smiling. "You’re going to crush them."

"Not too hard," he murmured. "We wouldn’t want to break their spirits."

"Truly magnanimous," I said, hands clasped behind my back. "The Hufflepuffs should count themselves lucky that the Ravenclaw Seeker is also a gentleman."

"Mm." He stepped backward, still facing . "Don’t let the others know, though. It might ruin my reputation."

I grinned. "Your secret’s safe with ."

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