Harry Potter: Don't Touch the Badger's Plants

When Ciel took the stage, the Hufflepuff badgers erupted in the most enthusiastic applause of the entire examination. They hadn't forgotten that it was Ciel's excellent performance in the last Lumos Charm quiz that had kept Hufflepuff at the top of the House Cup standings for these past few weeks.

Regardless of whether he could win this time, Ciel deserved their unwavering support!

Professor Sprout was also applauding vigorously, her eyes shining with anticipation. The other professors, observing her behavior, were quite puzzled. Although Ciel had reportedly won first place in the previous Lumos Charm quiz, many students hadn't prepared seriously at that time. Through sheer effort, Ciel might have been able to surpass others then.

But now, with other students also working hard, raw talent would become the decisive factor. Ciel's magical talent really didn't inspire their confidence.

Meanwhile, in the Slytherin section, Malfoy watched Ciel with absolute certainty of victory. He refused to believe that with his own talent and recent efforts, plus the help of the Phosphorescent Draught, he couldn't surpass Ciel. Not to mention that Ciel had recently spent considerable time practicing Quidditch.

How could he possibly lose?

Malfoy clenched his fists, his eyes blazing with excitement. He wanted to crush Ciel completely this time and lead Slytherin to overturn Hufflepuff's leading position in one decisive blow. Only then would he truly feel vindicated.

Malfoy stared intently at the stage, not wanting to miss any opportunity to mock Ciel's inevitable failure.

Ciel, however, seemed completely oblivious to the various gazes directed at him from all directions. Using the Lumos Charm hundreds or thousands of times daily had become almost instinctive. At this moment, he cast it with calm ease—relaxed and effortless.

"Lumos."

The serene incantation sounded clearly through the classroom. The spell traced a perfect arc with precisely the right touch. Brilliant light appeared, entering everyone's sight.

Then something incredible happened.

Those students who were still nervous, fearful, or frustrated about their poor performance seemed to find considerable comfort in that gentle point of light. Tension and regret were soothed. The courage to face failure quietly sprouted within their hearts.

At the judges' panel, Professor Quirrell, the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher who had shown no particular reaction before, suddenly trembled for a moment upon witnessing Ciel's Lumos Charm. He appeared genuinely startled.

Fortunately, everyone was shocked by Ciel's display at that moment. Except for Dumbledore's quick, penetrating glance, no one noticed Quirrell's abnormal reaction. By the time the professors regained their composure, Quirrell had already returned to normal.

The judges' panel erupted in hushed, urgent discussions.

"Wasn't Ciel's talent supposed to be somewhat disappointing?"

"His Lumos Charm has reached this level?"

No wonder the professors were so astounded. After all, this caliber of Lumos Charm was indeed extraordinarily rare in the wizarding world. Most wizards learned the Lumos Charm simply because it was the first basic spell taught. Throughout their lives, wizards only used it as a simple illumination charm.

Those who would conduct in-depth research on the Lumos Charm were one in ten thousand. Like this batch of students, they would soon learn the next spell. If not for this Lumos Charm final examination, within a week, the spell would be forgotten by them. Except during exams, they would never study or practice it in depth again.

After all, wouldn't it be better to spend that time practicing other, more powerful spells?

For this reason, wizards like Ciel who could use the Lumos Charm to this extraordinary extent were genuinely rare in the magical world. They were intensely curious about how a student with supposedly poor talent could achieve this level of mastery.

Meaningful gazes fell upon Professor Sprout. Most professors suspected that she had used some magical plant similar to the Phosphorescent Draught to enhance Ciel's abilities.

But Professor Sprout's eyes were now filled with tears. She glanced at the professors on the judges' panel, her voice somewhat choked with emotion.

"You think I helped Ciel? No, this is solely because of his own efforts. Thousands of Lumos Charm practices every night, day after day, night after night. That's all."

Upon hearing this, even Dumbledore was visibly moved. Professor Sprout wouldn't lie about such matters. This meant Ciel had truly achieved this through his own relentless dedication.

What kind of extraordinary effort could allow him to reach this level with such limited natural talent?

Dumbledore sighed inwardly. If only Ciel's talent were even slightly stronger—if he could just reach slightly below the average level of young wizards, his future would be limitless. What a pity, it was truly such a waste.

Then Dumbledore set aside his regret and stood up, applauding vigorously.

"An almost perfect Lumos Charm," he announced with genuine admiration. "Ciel, your Lumos Charm level surpasses all students in your year. Even older students cannot match your mastery. This must have required unimaginably arduous training."

His voice carried throughout the silent classroom. "Therefore, I declare that first place is yours. You will earn twenty-five House Cup points for Hufflepuff, and Professor Flitwick will create an exclusive spell tailored specifically for you. My Deluminator also belongs to you."

Dumbledore paused for dramatic effect. "Additionally, I personally will award you an extra twenty House Cup points—to thank you for setting such an inspiring example of dedication."

With Dumbledore's announcement, the Charms classroom erupted in chaos. The students had been calculating how the House Cup rankings would change after today's final test. What had filled them with despair was that if Malfoy and the other Slytherins' rankings weren't challenged, Slytherin would seize the lead in the House Cup with an insurmountable advantage.

But now, Ciel had claimed first place with an additional twenty points. With this dramatic shift, Hufflepuff's score remained first, and they had opened up a massive gap with Slytherin!

For a moment, Slytherin students wailed in anguish throughout their section, as if they had plummeted from heaven to harsh reality. They simply couldn't accept it. Two weeks of relentless day and night practice, plus the help of the Phosphorescent Draught, and they still lost?

The badgers were absolutely beaming with joy. They had been leading the House Cup for five consecutive weeks, and the advantage they had accumulated was now quite substantial. At this rate, there was genuine hope for this year's House Cup!

If it really happened, it would be Hufflepuff's first House Cup victory in ten to twenty years!

"The Daily Prophet might even report on this," one badger whispered excitedly.

"My mother will be absolutely thrilled," another added. "When she sent me to school, she said she regretted never winning the House Cup during her time here."

At this moment, Dumbledore approached Ciel with ceremonial gravity.

"Well then, it's time for the award ceremony."

He placed the gleaming silver Deluminator in Ciel's hands with reverent care.

"Take it, child. It's yours now."

Dumbledore looked at Ciel, his regret indescribable, yet he spoke with genuine encouragement.

"May it light your path when you find yourself lost in darkness."

Ciel sensed Dumbledore's encouraging intent and the deeper meaning behind his words. After receiving the precious Deluminator, he smiled with sincere gratitude.

"Thank you, Headmaster Dumbledore. I'm certain it will be of tremendous help to me."

At this moment, Professor Flitwick also approached with an enthusiastic smile, practically bouncing with excitement.

"Well then, Ciel, it's time to tell me what kind of exclusive spell you desire."

(End of Chapter)

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