Char gazed at the tiny orb of reward light floating above the guardian tree seedling.
[Comprehension of Defense Against the Dark Arts (Iron Level)]
Since the seeds had only just sprouted, the process wasn't considered a full planting success, so the rewards were modest—nothing compared to what he would gain once the tree matured. But Char didn't mind. The guardian tree was a much greater challenge than the piranha algae. With the piranha algae, the main hurdle had been discovering the right frequency of light. Once that was found, cultivation became relatively straightforward.
But every step of the guardian tree's process demanded a solid foundation in herbology. Simply completing the seed processing proved Char had reached a new level. While there was still a long way to go before the guardian tree could be considered truly planted, he was at least on the right path.
A flicker of regret passed through Char's mind. "The real challenge is getting the seedling from the potion into the soil," he thought. "The requirements for loosening the soil alone are incredibly strict. I'd need a gold-level loosening spell to be sure of success, and the same goes for the pruning spell."
He shook his head. No wonder Professor Sprout called the guardian tree the first milestone for every herbologist. Magical perception, mastery of essential spells—they were all indispensable. Mastering the guardian tree meant you'd reached a certain standard in herbology, and common plants would no longer pose a challenge.
"I'm still far from that level," Char admitted to himself. "Next, I need to keep improving my magical perception and focus on my spellwork—especially the loosening and pruning spells. I'll try to reach gold level as soon as possible, so I can attempt the next stage of planting the guardian tree."
He looked at the seedling in the reagent bottle, its tiny roots reaching out. "Before that, I'll ask my aunt to seal the seedling in this state. And while I'm at it, I should tell her about the effect of the frequency light spell on the goldfish spider plant—and the mutation I discovered in the piranha algae."
With that, Char carefully carried the seedling and headed for the Hufflepuff Head of House's office.
When Professor Sprout saw Char approaching, she was surprised. He rarely left the greenhouse when he didn't have classes. He was so dedicated to his work that she sometimes worried about his social life—though the other badgers seemed to support him, and he got along well with Cedric and the Quidditch team.
But her attention was quickly drawn to the reagent bottle in Char's hand. The potion inside was clear, its magic drained, and at the bottom, the guardian tree seed had sprouted roots. Professor Sprout stood up so suddenly that her chair clattered to the floor. She barely noticed the noise, her eyes fixed on the seedling.
"Char… you did this?" she stammered, her voice trembling with excitement.
Char nodded. "I felt in good condition today, so I gave it a try. I didn't expect to be so lucky."
Before he could finish, Professor Sprout gently took the bottle from his hands, cradling it like a precious treasure. She had never treated even her own proudest achievements with such reverence.
Char had completed the first step in cultivating the guardian tree just a month and a half into his first year. Professor Sprout remembered her own beginnings: she'd become interested in herbology in her second year, and it had taken her more than two months to achieve the same result—and that had been considered fast. Char's progress was remarkable.
She was filled with joy. This meant Char had a unique talent for herbology. The Sprout family had produced a child with the potential to become a master!
As Professor Sprout marveled at the seedling, Char continued, "I've completed this step, but I'm not sure about the next. Could you help me seal it with a potion for now? Also, I have something important to tell you."
Professor Sprout was taken aback. Sealing the seedling with a potion was standard procedure for guardian trees, but Char had more to say. From the look on his face, it seemed even more important than the guardian tree.
Char began to explain his discovery about the frequency light spell. At first, Professor Sprout was puzzled. Why was he so excited about a modified Lumos charm? But when she heard that the goldfish spider plant grew better under the blue-violet segment of the frequency light spell, a spark of realization lit up her mind.
The magical world had already done extensive research on the goldfish spider plant, but no one had ever tried adjusting the light frequency. This was a completely new angle—one with enormous academic potential.
Professor Sprout's thoughts raced. If the frequency light spell worked on the goldfish spider plant, it might work on others as well. The research possibilities were endless, and the academic value was incalculable. Just this one discovery could lead to dozens of top-tier herbology papers.
She no longer needed such accolades herself—as a master of herbology, she had already published in dozens of top journals. But Char did. If he could establish himself as a pioneer in this field, his future would be secure.
Professor Sprout took a deep breath. "Char, don't tell anyone about this yet. The effect of the frequency light spell on the goldfish spider plant is enough for a top journal, but once it's published, everyone will try to replicate it. If someone else makes a more dramatic discovery, our work will be overshadowed. Let me continue studying the spell and see how other magical herbs react. Ideally, we'll find a plant that undergoes a surprising mutation under the right light. That would be enough to make our research stand out. From then on, anyone using the frequency light spell in their research will have to cite our work."
She smiled confidently. "I'm sure I can achieve this by the end of the school year. With your pioneering contribution, no one will object to you getting one or even two more experimental plots in the Hogwarts greenhouse."
Char's eyes widened. "Aunt, you mean I could get two more experimental plots?"
Professor Sprout nodded. "Of course. Precious experimental space should go to students with real potential in herbology, so they can achieve more during their time here. It's only fair."
Char took a deep breath. He had planned to tell Professor Sprout about the piranha algae mutation anyway, but he hadn't expected such a reward. More experimental space would be a huge advantage—he could plant another magical herb, or double the size of an existing plantation.
So, without hesitation, Char came clean. "Aunt, I haven't told you everything about the frequency light spell. The amazing mutation you mentioned—I've already achieved it."
Professor Sprout froze, staring at Char in disbelief. "Ah?" she said, her voice barely a whisper.
Char smiled, knowing he had just opened the door to a whole new world of possibilities—for himself, for Professor Sprout, and for the future of herbology at Hogwarts.