What? I Woke Up and Became the Biggest Slave Owner of the Century? (Continued)

"I just stayed up a little late... You know, I've always worked very hard."

"I studied a bit last night."

"Mm... It's fine. I drank some Potion and got through it."

Hermione shook her head. "Anyway, staying up late is bad for you. Even though I have a lot to do now... I haven't stayed up all night."

"...And... thank you for your Potion."

The little pills Black had sent back to her through Crookshanks that day were truly very useful.

No matter how sleepy she was, as long as she took one little pill, she immediately became alert again.

"You're welcome..." Black said absentmindedly as he loosened the soil around the plant in the flowerpot.

He glanced at Hermione, then asked tentatively, "You seem to have been very busy lately... What have you been busy with?"

Hermione opened her mouth, remembered Professor McGonagall's warning, then shook her head.

"N-No, nothing. I just picked a few extra electives. So I've been a little busy."

She brushed back her hair, speaking with a hint of guilt.

She seemed somewhat afraid that Black would press further.

She hurriedly added, "Stop talking, Professor Sprout is looking over here..."

Black glanced at Professor Sprout.

Then he could not help curling his lip.

Professor Sprout was patiently instructing Neville on how to loosen the soil around the Aconite.

When had she looked over here?

That was far too clumsy a way to change the subject.

Still, he had only asked casually to begin with.

It was not as though he absolutely had to make Hermione tell him.

"Working yourself too hard is bad for your health. If you feel unwell and don't have time to come find me yourself..."

"Then have Crookshanks come find me, and I'll bring the Potion to you."

Black spoke as