When Sirius spoke of the Philosopher's Stone, Char couldn't hide his utter astonishment. It took him a long moment to process the words before he finally asked, his voice laced with surprise, "The Philosopher's Stone? Isn't its purpose to turn stone into gold and create the elixir of life? What does that have to do with repairing Demeter's silver cup?"
Sirius shook his head gently and began to explain. "My king, the Stone's ability to turn stone into gold is a common misunderstanding. That is merely a simplification for the masses. After all, how many alchemists in all of history have ever succeeded in creating a Philosopher's Stone? For such masters, galleons are as common as dirt. Why would they use the Stone's ultimate power, the ability to transmute all things, merely to create gold? And why would such a mundane ability be ranked alongside the creation of the Elixir of Life as one of its primary functions?"
Hearing this, Char grew thoughtful. It did seem to make a certain kind of sense. What, then, did the ability to turn stone into gold truly represent?
Sirius finally provided the answer. "The Philosopher's Stone can transmute ordinary magical materials into exceedingly precious, or even long-extinct, ancient materials. To possess the Philosopher's Stone is to hold the key to ancient alchemy in the modern age. That is why it is the ultimate dream of every alchemist. In their eyes, its value is far greater than mere immortality! Only the Philosopher's Stone could possibly repair Demeter's Silver Cup for you in this era."
Now, Char finally understood. The description of the Philosopher's Stone in the original books was from the perspective of Harry and his friends, who had no grasp of the artifact's true worth. At the same time, Char's heart began to beat faster. That very treasure was, at this moment, located within Hogwarts Castle. If he planned it properly, there might be a chance to obtain it.
But just as the risky idea took root in his mind, his heart suddenly seized with alarm. A sharp, psychic pain lanced from the space between his eyebrows, a clear warning from his sixth sense: anyone who attempted to take the Philosopher's Stone would not meet a good end.
Char immediately suppressed the bold idea, his thoughts returning to a state of calm.
"The Philosopher's Stone is indeed a treasure," he mused, "but to make a play for it means I would have to contend with Two-Face. That confrontation is an unavoidable part of the equation. And this time, Two-Face isn't the frail, fragile creature from the story who was easily defeated by a few random punches. The danger level is far too high. Besides, even if I managed to snatch the prize from the tiger's jaws, how could I possibly hide it from Dumbledore? If he found out, the losses would far outweigh the gains. I wouldn't be able to keep the Stone, and Dumbledore would not relax his scrutiny of me for a single moment in the coming years. What's more, even if I took such a massive risk and got the Stone, Sirius might not even know how to use it. And even if he did, he might not succeed. Would repairing a few scratches on Demeter's silver cup truly bring about a qualitative improvement in my power?"
Various considerations swirled through Char's mind. A moment later, he completely rejected the plan. Just as he had kept the roots of the World Tree and the seeds of the Fire God hidden, burying the two mythical items where no one knew of them, Char would not engage in any venture that carried great risks for uncertain benefits. After all, the improvement of his strength had already far exceeded his expectations. This was not the time to take unnecessary risks. There was no need.
As the decision was made, Char breathed a quiet sigh of relief. The turbulent emotions of a moment ago settled back into tranquility. He had absolutely no intention of getting involved with the Philosopher's Stone or any of the drama that surrounded it. After the sublimation of his legendary power, Char had enough confidence to deal with whatever arrangements Two-Face might have left in the Forbidden Forest. With only a few days left, he couldn't afford to relax.
"Let's just get back to farming."
Compared to the thrilling plots that were set to unfold, Char still preferred the simple, steady work of cultivation. Because he had been wary of Two-Face, he hadn't tended to his small greenhouse for a long time. The thought of returning to his farming brought a sense of peace and stability to his mind. Now that Quirrell was too preoccupied to target him, he could return to his greenhouse and continue his planting. Rather than worrying about those messy, unpredictable events, Char had many of his own projects waiting to be advanced.
Sprout Island was now slowly getting back on track and didn't require his constant attention. With his mind made up, he confidently left the island to Sirius and the others and returned to Hogwarts.
He headed straight for the small greenhouse that he hadn't set foot in for so long. Just as Char disarmed the protective magic and was about to enter, he felt a sudden, instinctual connection and froze. He tightened his grip on his wand and turned.
A tall figure stood not far behind him. The moonlight cast a silver halo around him. Dumbledore looked at Char, his ocean-blue eyes filled with a pleased expression.
"Good evening, Char," he said, his voice gentle. "The moonlight is beautiful tonight. Old men like me often find we can't sleep, so I must come out to enjoy it. Won't you invite me in to sit for a moment?"
Char looked at Dumbledore, his heart sinking slightly. Couldn't sleep, went for a walk, and just happened to run into me? That was all nonsense. Dumbledore taking the initiative to find him at this time could only mean one thing: trouble.
Char sighed inwardly. I, Char Sprout, just want to live a quiet life. Plant some flowers, grow some trees, and eventually become invincible. Why must things always go against my wishes?
But looking at Dumbledore, Char knew he had no choice. He could only brace himself and let Dumbledore into the greenhouse to see what the old wizard wanted.
As they entered, Dumbledore first looked around at the plants, an expression of amazement on his face. He had seen several of the varieties during the previous academic review, but now, only half a semester later, it seemed there were many more mutant plants, including some rather amazing specimens. His eyes passed over the branches of the Whomping Willow stuck in the ground, then locked onto a particular shadow in the corner.
The shadow, hidden deep in the gloom, suddenly felt as if it had been completely seen through by the white-haired old man's piercing gaze. Its ancient shadow magic seemed utterly unable to obscure his sight, and it felt a strong, primal sense of crisis.
Char felt helpless, sensing that Dumbledore had just seen through most of the secrets hidden in his little greenhouse.
At this time, Dumbledore withdrew his gaze and looked back at Char, a strange light flashing deep in his eyes. Snape's evaluation of the boy had been spot on. This child was truly gifted in herbology. This observation seemed to solidify Dumbledore's resolve.
He sighed for a moment, then turned to Char. "Char, I've heard several professors say that your performance this school year has been quite outstanding, far exceeding the level expected of a first-year wizard. It seems Hogwarts is very lucky to have gained a rare and talented student."
Had it been any other young wizard, they would have been dizzy with joy after receiving such praise from Dumbledore. But Char was not a young wizard in mind. In his previous life, he had often been subjected to his mentor's manipulations. Generally, when a supervisor offered praise, it meant something bad was about to happen—most likely being sent to work on a collaborative project with a company, all for the supervisor's benefit, leaving very little time for one's own research. Dumbledore was probably even more cunning than his former mentor. Char would not be so easily fooled.
After Dumbledore's praise, Char put on a shy expression, waving his hands repeatedly as if embarrassed.
Dumbledore felt a little relieved. After all, he's still just a child. It seemed his conversation with Char was off to a good start. Now, he could get to the point.
But before Dumbledore could speak, he heard Char reveal an "inside story" that made his eyes widen.
"Headmaster, I really don't deserve your praise," Char said earnestly. "The professors praise me so much for a reason. I gave gifts to all of them. If they didn't accept, I asked my aunt to intercede. After all, with an aunt who's the head of Hufflepuff House, the professors have to give me some respect and make my first year a bit easier."
He sighed dramatically. "It pays to have connections. Oh, by the way, Headmaster, I'm growing some excellent Chalaati grass. May I give you some when it's ripe? Please take good care of me after this."
Dumbledore stood there, dazed. The speech he had prepared in his mind was suddenly stuck. He didn't even know where to begin and could only say in a dry voice, "Char, that's not a good idea. In this life, one must still rely on one's own efforts—"
Char immediately took over with a look of fervent agreement. "Yes, yes, yes! A great idea, Headmaster! In one's life, of course, one must rely on one's own efforts. But one must also consider the course of history! My aunt is my support, and this era, led by you, Headmaster Dumbledore, is the foundation for my growth and development."
Then, Char launched into an enthusiastic speech about the new era of the wizarding world under Dumbledore's leadership, leaving the Headmaster stunned. He felt as though he had been transported to a meeting at the Ministry of Magic. It completely threw him off.
After a while, Dumbledore finally came to his senses and looked at Char with a very strange expression. Char didn't feel the least bit guilty. The worker should not be embarrassed; Dumbledore should be. He just stared back at the Headmaster with wide, innocent eyes.
After a moment of stalemate, Dumbledore took a deep breath, changed his tone, and said, "Char, this year's Defense Against the Dark Arts exam will be held in the Forbidden Forest. I believe you already know that. But there is one more thing. For the young wizards who have been punished and must patrol the Forbidden Forest at the end of the semester, their punishment will be incorporated into this test. They will enter the examination area from a different entrance. That is to say, you, Harry, Hermione, and Ron will be together this time."
Dumbledore's voice became earnest. "I believe you understand how dangerous the Forbidden Forest is. Helping each other is a necessary condition for you to leave it safely. With great power comes great responsibility. The strong should strive to protect the weak. Do you agree?"
Dumbledore had expected Char to hesitate and be conflicted, but to his surprise, Char nodded in agreement. "Right. What the principal said makes a lot of sense. With great power comes great responsibility. And with less power comes less responsibility. Of course, the strong should try to protect the weak."
Seeing that Char was no longer spouting official-sounding nonsense, Dumbledore breathed a sigh of relief. After all, he is still a kind and honest Hufflepuff. As expected, he would not leave his classmates in danger. Although, if Pomona knew about this, she would probably try to kill him. But Dumbledore was truly confounded by Quirrell's arrangements and had to make his own, quickly.
He showed a look of joy. "That's wonderful! If you protect Harry and the others—"
But his words were cut short as Char stood up in shock, his voice raised an octave. "What did you say, Principal? Are you mistaken? Me, protect Harry and the others? Don't you mean that Harry and the others should protect me?"
Dumbledore opened his mouth. "Ah? No... When did I ever say that?"
Char replied as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. "Didn't you just say that the strong should protect the weak? If the three of them and I go into the Forbidden Forest together, three is better than one, right? Besides, they are from Gryffindor, brave and fearless. I am an honest, weak person. Three Gryffindors are stronger than one Hufflepuff, that makes sense, right? So they are the strong ones, and I am the weak one. Of course, I am the one who needs to be protected."
Before Dumbledore could react, Char continued, "As for the idea that greater ability means greater responsibility, from that perspective, I naturally bear the smallest responsibility in this team. Harry Potter is the famous savior who once defeated You-Know-Who. He has the greatest ability and therefore the greatest responsibility, is that okay? Ron Weasley, a child of the Weasley family, grew up surrounded by the wizarding world. His mother is Molly Prewett, of the famous Prewett family, whose brothers once fought the Dark Lord. Growing up in such an environment, Ron was influenced by it, so his abilities must be better than mine, as I grew up in the Muggle world. So Ron's ability comes second, and his responsibility is second. That's fine, right? As for Hermione Granger, she's Miss Know-It-All of Gryffindor. I only know Herbology, but she knows so much more, so her abilities are greater than mine. So, Hermione, third in ability, third in responsibility. As for me, it's well known I was admitted to Hogwarts based on my magical talent alone. My talent is the weakest in the entire school. With the least ability comes the least responsibility, so of course, I must play the role of the one being protected."
Char looked at Dumbledore with horror on his face. "Headmaster Dumbledore! You don't want me, the smallest and weakest one, to protect Harry and the others, do you? I am a weak, pitiful, and helpless little boy! I'm not familiar with the Forbidden Forest at all. I'm about to pee my pants just thinking about it!"
Dumbledore looked at Char, speechless for a long time. He swore, he had never seen such a little... actor. Keep pretending! he thought. I've inquired. Your magic is no match for Harry and the others, yet you describe yourself as so pitiful and weak. How did a Hufflepuff turn out like this?
But just a moment later, Dumbledore remembered something. Char had struggled in the Muggle world for so many years, working as a laborer on a plantation at a young age, living in hardship until he was eleven. Even Harry hadn't had such a turbulent childhood. Harry, at least, had a place to live and didn't have to worry about food every day. Perhaps this life was what had made Char so cautious and vigilant.
Thinking of this, Dumbledore felt a surge of guilt. Asking Char to do such a dangerous thing did seem like too much. But the situation was dire. It was very likely that Quirrell would make arrangements to deal with Harry and the others if they were left alone. In the Forbidden Forest, the effectiveness of Hogwarts' protective magic would be greatly weakened. If Harry died there, all of Dumbledore's future plans would come to nothing. It would even ruin the chance to destroy Voldemort for good. The possibility made Dumbledore's eyes sharp again.
Just as he was thinking about how to persuade Char to help, Char was also thinking about the situation. From the very beginning, when he saw Dumbledore coming to him, he knew this matter would most likely be unavoidable. No one in the wizarding world could resist Dumbledore's will when he was set on something. For him to be forced to come directly to a first-year student meant he truly had no other options.
Therefore, Char knew he didn't really have a choice. What he could do was gain the greatest possible benefits for himself. The job of protecting Harry and the other two in the Forbidden Forest was unacceptable... but he couldn't do it for nothing. The worst thing in the world was to be taken for granted. If he was cheated from the start, he was afraid Dumbledore would come to him with more requests in the future. Char had no desire to be a babysitter for the trio every year. Even for the great Albus Dumbledore, he had to make an offer.
But how to ask for it? That required some skill.
A moment later, before Dumbledore could speak again, Char changed the subject. "But you're right, Headmaster. With mutual help, we can survive the Forbidden Forest. We can't just sit and watch our fellow students walk into danger. Harry is the savior of our wizarding world. Hermione is a promising academic. As for the annoying Ron... well, he's also a life. They are all my classmates. Even if it means sacrificing my life as the only child of the Sprout family, I must bring them all out safely. Everyone must face their end, some with great weight, some with none at all."
Dumbledore took a deep breath, the look in his eyes softening. He felt more and more guilty. Although the child had experienced many hardships and become much more cautious, his fundamental Hufflepuff nature remained unchanged. Good boy!
Moreover, Char's words, "the only child of the Sprout family," made Dumbledore's heart move. He had to give the boy something, right? Otherwise, it would be a poor show.
The next moment, while Char was in the middle of reciting, "In the magical world, life and death are of the essence, and we should not avoid disasters or blessings," Dumbledore said in a decisive tone, "I won't let you protect Harry and the others in vain. Hmm... You have to be compensated!"
Then, Dumbledore's eyes fell on the guardian tree in the small greenhouse. After pondering for a moment, he waved the Elder Wand in his hand.
"Expecto Patronum!"
In an instant, a loud phoenix cry echoed through the greenhouse. A shining silver phoenix, carrying a divine magical power, flapped its wings and flew out from the tip of the wand.
When Char witnessed this, the shock in his mind was beyond words. From his perspective, Dumbledore's Patronus Charm was like a silver, sacred moon, its brilliance drowning out everything else. The entire greenhouse was filled with this extremely powerful, sacred magic.
"This is... Dumbledore's magic?"
The descriptions he had read and the scenes he had watched in his previous life seemed so pale and powerless compared to the real feeling of it. It was no wonder a top wizard like Snape couldn't even muster the slightest desire to resist Dumbledore. Even Voldemort kept his distance, never daring to face him directly, even after his return. This wizard, coupled with the Elder Wand, was truly terrifying. Char even began to suspect that Dumbledore was the wizard closest to the mythical level, and perhaps not just in one kind of magic.
After a while, Char recovered from his shock, his sight following Dumbledore's Phoenix Patronus as it flew towards the guardian tree. A strange feeling washed over him. When the Patronus landed on the guardian tree, its incredibly powerful sacred magic enveloped the plant. In Char's sight, the reward light ball on the guardian tree began to expand at a rapid speed, maturing in moments what would have taken at least a month.
But that wasn't the most significant change. With the influx of sacred magic, the color of the reward light ball began to rapidly shift, upgrading from silver to gold, then to platinum, until tiny diamond-like glimmers appeared within the platinum light. The drastic changes finally came to a halt.
Even though he had seen countless shocking scenes, Char couldn't help but widen his eyes. "What is this?"
Dumbledore, looking a little drained, also brathed a sigh of relief. He smiled slightly. "The guardian tree is a sacred tree that possesses divine magic and can resist the dark arts. As it happens, I do have some knowledge of divine magic. I hope the guardian tree can help you this time."
Looking at the reward balls, now more than twenty shimmering with platinum and diamond light, Char's gaze suddenly became intense. This was the top wizard in the magical world. Even the little bit of power that leaked from between his fingers was enough to make one incredibly wealthy.
At that moment, a system message appeared before Char's eyes that made his heart pound.
[The guardian tree you planted is affected by divine magic power after being sublimated three times to the legendary level.]
[The guardian tree you planted is affected by mythical magic.]
[The reward level of the Guardian Tree has been greatly improved.]
[When the guardian tree matures, you can get the following rewards:]
[Defense Against the Dark Arts (between Platinum and Diamond)]
[Dark Magic Resistance (Gold Level)]
[Occlumency Blessing (Gold Level)]
[Guardian Spell Blessing (Silver Level)]
...
Looking at the information that was constantly updating, there was only one thought left in Char's mind.
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