HP: The Boy who Planted

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When Char noticed the golden light shimmering on the words "Pruning Spell" on his system panel, a strange, satisfied look crossed his face. For weeks, he had practiced the Pruning Spell every day in the abandoned broom warehouse. Recently, the silver glow on the panel had grown brighter, and the success rate of his cuttings—especially for glow mushrooms—had climbed to nearly 10%. Yet, despite his efforts, progress had slowed. The silver glow intensified, but the leap to gold level seemed out of reach.

Now, after only a few sessions practicing the Shadowless Spell, a ray of gold had appeared. The breakthrough was at hand.

Char's heart swelled with excitement. "It seems the Shadowless Spell really does have roots in the Pruning Spell," he thought. "Practicing it is giving my Pruning Spell a huge boost." What had once seemed like a month's worth of work was now just a matter of days. Soon, the success rate of his cuttings would rise even higher, and that would mean more rewards from his magical plants.

The disappointment of not being able to use the Shadowless Spell yet melted away. Char threw himself into practice, spending every spare moment honing his technique.

Meanwhile, the castle buzzed with the excitement of Halloween. Everywhere, pumpkins grinned from lanterns, and the Great Hall was transformed with colorful decorations reflecting each house's spirit: golden lions, blue eagles, green snakes, and khaki badgers. Students chattered about costumes—some wanted to be vampires, others werewolf, and Hannah Abbott even tried to charm herself real bunny ears. Even the ghosts joined in the anticipation, floating through the halls with uncharacteristic cheer.

In this festive atmosphere, Quidditch training was suspended, giving everyone time to prepare for the grand dinner. Laughter and chatter echoed through the corridors, but not everyone felt included.

Char was one of those on the outside, though not by choice. He simply didn't have time for costumes or parties. His days were packed—classes, plant care, spell practice, and now the Shadowless Spell. He barely had a moment to breathe, let alone join in the fun. Besides, knowing that Quirrell would cause trouble on Halloween night, he thought it best to keep a low profile. He didn't even plan to attend the dinner—not when he was so close to a breakthrough.

Hermione Granger, too, felt out of place. Like in the original story, she was excluded by her housemates. Every morning, she would come to the Potions classroom early, where Char was always working, and pour out her frustrations. Just talking seemed to help her get through the day.

On the morning of Halloween, the castle smelled of roasted pumpkin and cinnamon. Hermione skipped breakfast and went straight to find Char.

"I thought I was prepared," she sighed, slumping onto a table. "But when it actually happened, I still couldn't believe it. Last night, everyone in Gryffindor was up late, planning their costumes. No one asked me anything. I tried to join in, but no one listened. I think I'm really isolated. Except for Neville, I don't have a single friend in Gryffindor."

Char listened quietly. He knew Hermione didn't need advice—just someone to listen. After she finished, she looked a little lighter.

"It's okay. I'll enjoy Halloween on my own," she said, forcing a smile. "I'm going to dress up as Juliefa, a famous witch scholar from the 16th century. If you see me at the party, remember to applaud. I'd be sad if no one recognized me."

She stood up, ready to leave for Charms class. "I'm looking forward to today. We're finally starting new spells—the Levitation Charm. I already know it, but maybe I can win points for Gryffindor."

As Hermione turned to go, Char suddenly remembered something from the original story. In Charms class, Hermione would try to help Ron, only to be insulted. She'd end up crying in the girls' bathroom, where she'd be found by the troll. That was how the friendship between Harry, Ron, and Hermione began.

Char couldn't let that happen. Hufflepuff owed Hermione a debt for her help with the Luminescent Charm. He had to keep her safe.

"Hermione," he called after her. "Try to hold back in Charms class today. Don't correct anyone. Just for today, okay?"

Hermione raised an eyebrow. "Do I really need to be told? I've learned my lesson. No matter how badly someone casts a spell, I won't say a word. Really!"

She hesitated, then added, "By the way, Char, I've noticed something. There's a sharp magic around you lately. Are you practicing a cutting spell, like the Pruning Charm? I've been meaning to tell you: your wand is made of ash, which is very stable. For cutting spells, you need to flick your wrist a little faster than the standard gesture."

She smiled, relieved. "There, I said it. That's my last piece of advice for today. I promise I'll hold back!"

Char watched her go, a wry smile on his face. Could Hermione really resist the urge to correct others? He doubted it.

He called after her, "If something upsetting happens, come to the Hufflepuff common room. The slogan for today is 'Save room for a good meal!'"

Hermione turned and gave him a thumbs-up before disappearing down the hall.

Char sighed and looked at his ash wand. He'd never considered how the wand's properties might affect his spells. He tried the Shadowless Spell again, this time flicking his wrist a little faster.

"Sectumsempra!"

The magic felt sharper, more powerful. And on his system panel, the golden glow on the words "Pruning Spell" suddenly blazed, covering everything.

[Pruning Spell (Gold Level)], promoted!

Char smiled. The breakthrough had come at last. Now, with the gold-level Pruning Spell, he was ready for whatever lay ahead. And as for Hermione—he'd keep an eye out, just in case. After all, he owed her that much.