When Char saw the system prompts floating before his eyes, he took a deep breath, feeling a surge of satisfaction. Neville truly was a natural for growing Goldfish Vine—like a magical catalyst, he'd helped three pots mature perfectly in just five days. The glowing orbs above the plants were larger and brighter than any Char had seen before.
Just then, Neville came rushing up, looking flustered and lost. Spotting Char, his face lit up with relief, as if he'd found a lifeline.
"Cousin, which staircase leads to the Potions classroom?" Neville pleaded. "I forgot again."
Char smiled and pointed to the correct staircase on the right. Neville's gratitude was almost palpable.
"Thank you, Char!"
As Neville hurried off, Char suddenly remembered something from the original story. In Neville's first Potions class, he'd made a mistake with the scabies potion and ended up covered in painful boils, sent to the infirmary by a furious Snape. That incident had left Neville with a deep fear of Potions for years.
Char hesitated, then called out, "Neville! The first Potions lesson is just about brewing scabies potion. You'll be fine—just remember, when you add the porcupine quills, take the cauldron off the fire first. That's the most important step. Do that, and you'll be okay."
Neville nodded, repeating the advice under his breath like a mantra. He seemed a little more confident as he hurried away.
Char watched him go, hoping that this small tip would spare Neville from the worst of Snape's wrath. Even if Neville didn't become a Potions prodigy, maybe he could at least avoid disaster.
Turning his attention back to the system, Char focused on the three reward orbs floating toward him.
"This is the reward for planting Goldfish Vine—slightly enhanced magical perception?"
He reached out, and the glowing orbs sank into his body. Instantly, Char felt a subtle shift—a tingling awareness spreading through his veins, as if magic itself was flowing just beneath his skin. It was faint, but undeniable. For a moment, he felt as if he could sense the very currents of magic in the air, ready to answer his call.
"Is this what it feels like to be a wizard?" Char wondered, savoring the sensation. But just as quickly as it had come, the feeling faded, replaced by a new entry on his system panel:
[Enhanced Magical Perception (Black Iron Level)]
Char wasn't surprised. Three perfect Goldfish Vines wouldn't transform him overnight, but to reach Black Iron level perception was already a solid step forward. He tested his new ability by casting the Earth Loosening Spell—a spell he'd practiced countless times. This time, the magic flowed more smoothly, the effect a little stronger, a little more precise.
He nodded in satisfaction. The improvement wasn't dramatic, but it was real. If he could mature more Goldfish Vines, maybe he'd reach Bronze level soon, and then the difference would be unmistakable. For now, though, he'd have to be patient; apart from Neville, most other students wouldn't mature their plants for weeks.
With a sense of anticipation, Char made his way to his next class. Unlike the drama that often unfolded in Gryffindor and Slytherin's Potions lessons, Hufflepuff's day was quieter—today, it was Charms, their second class of the week.
The little wizards buzzed with excitement. The first Charms class had been more of a history lesson, with Professor Flitwick explaining the importance and evolution of spells. Only at the very end had he demonstrated the Lumos charm, and only a couple of Ravenclaws had managed it before the bell rang.
Now, as the second Charms class began, Professor Flitwick stood before them, his eyes twinkling with good humor.
"Last time, we talked about the history and significance of Charms," he said, "and I only had time to show you the Lumos spell at the very end. Today, we'll spend the whole lesson practicing it!"
He winked, and the class erupted in cheers. Professor Flitwick demonstrated the spell again, his wand moving gracefully as he intoned, "Lumos!" A steady, gentle light glowed at the tip of his wand, drawing gasps of wonder from the students.
"Now, it's your turn," he encouraged. "Boys and girls, let's see what you can do!"
The difference between the houses became clear almost immediately. The Ravenclaws, who had practiced in their spare time, quickly produced flickering balls of light. Professor Flitwick beamed, handing out praise and house points.
Hufflepuff, on the other hand, was a different story. Since Flitwick hadn't assigned homework, most of the badgers hadn't practiced at all. Their attempts were… creative.
"Lumas!"
"Rumos!"
"Lumax!"
Professor Flitwick moved patiently among them, correcting mispronunciations and helping with wand movements.
Char watched the Ravenclaws, noticing something new. Their Lumos spells worked, but the light flickered and wavered. Char realized he could sense the uneven flow of their magic, something he'd never noticed before.
"Is this the effect of my enhanced magical perception?" he wondered.
Just then, Professor Flitwick approached, smiling kindly.
"Come on, Mr. Char. Don't be shy. Let's see your Lumos charm."
Char nodded, lifted his wand, and with a confident flick of his wrist, said, "Lumos!"