HP: The Boy who Planted

As Char cast his newly promoted bronze-level Lumos, the effect on the glow mushrooms was immediate and almost magical. The mycelium in the field, which he had tended with such care, began to move in a way he had never seen before. It was as if the mushrooms themselves were celebrating, their filaments stretching and writhing with joy, soaking up the magical light like a feast after a long fast.

Char had spent enough time with these mushrooms to know their normal growth patterns. He could tell at a glance that something extraordinary was happening. The growth rate of the mycelium had increased by at least 20%—a staggering improvement, especially considering that the Hogwarts greenhouse already provided the best possible conditions for magical plants. To see such a leap in growth here, where everything was already optimized, was nothing short of miraculous.

But that wasn't the only surprise waiting for him. Under the steady, warm light of his bronze-level Lumos, Char noticed that some of the mycelium, which had previously shown no sign of forming mushroom caps, were now starting to do so. The caps were a crucial stage in the life cycle of glow mushrooms, marking the transition from mere mycelium to full, mature mushrooms. In the past, even the healthiest mushrooms had taken two or three days to reach this stage. Now, it seemed, the process was being catalyzed—sped up by the enhanced magic of Char's spell.

Char's heart raced with excitement. If this trend continued, his entire batch of glow mushrooms could reach maturity at least five days earlier than he had planned. And this was just the effect of a bronze-level spell. He couldn't help but wonder what would happen if he could push the Lumos charm to silver, or even higher. The thought of reaching epic or legendary levels was thrilling. And, in a moment of daring, he even allowed himself to dream of the mythical level—a rank so rare and powerful that it was almost the stuff of legend.

In all his years of magical farming, Char had never come close to achieving a mythical-level ability. Even after stacking legendary abilities for years—improving his vitality, strength, and resistance to the elements—he knew that mythical status was a leap beyond anything he'd experienced. It was a qualitative change, not just a quantitative one. Yet, watching the glow mushrooms respond to his magic, he felt a glimmer of hope. Maybe, just maybe, the Lumos charm could be the key.

He forced himself to calm down, to focus on the present. "There's plenty of time to chase after legends," he reminded himself. For now, he would do what he did best: cast his spells, tend his plants, and watch the magic unfold.

He spent the next hour moving carefully through the greenhouse, casting Lumos over every corner of the mushroom beds. The mycelium glowed faintly under the spell, a sign that they had absorbed enough magic for the day. Only when he was sure every mushroom had received its share did he finally stop, though he did so reluctantly. The sky outside was already growing lighter, the first hints of dawn creeping over the horizon.

Normally, Char would have to hurry off to class at this point. But it was the weekend, and he had the luxury of time. The glow mushrooms would be fine for now. He could turn his attention to something else.

He glanced at his system panel, noting with satisfaction that the bronze luster of his Lumos charm had deepened slightly overnight. With a few more days of practice, he was sure he could push it even further. But then he remembered the effect his spell had had on the mushrooms, and a new idea struck him.

"If a bronze-level Lumos can speed up the growth of glow mushrooms, what about other magical plants that like light?" he wondered. "What about the goldfish spider plants?"

He knew from experience that the goldfish spider plant—a favorite among Hufflepuffs—thrived under the glow of the Lumos charm. Neville and Hannah, the two "geniuses" of plant care, had managed to mature their plants quickly, but most of the other students' goldfish spider plants were still lagging behind. Many were just a few leaves away from turning completely orange, the final sign of maturity. But the last stage was always the hardest, with progress slowing to a crawl.

Char's heart beat faster. If his bronze-level Lumos could help the mushrooms, maybe it could give the goldfish spider plants the push they needed to mature. With that thought, he hurried back to the Hufflepuff common room.

It was still early, and most of his roommates were asleep. Only one stirred as Char entered, blinking blearily. "Morning, Char. Is breakfast ready in the kitchen?" he mumbled.

Char smiled, holding up a bundle. "It's still early. No classes today, so you should get some more sleep. But I brought you breakfast from the kitchen."

At the word "breakfast," the sleepy roommate perked up, and soon the others were awake as well, drawn by the promise of food. One of them stumbled over, eyes still closed, following the scent. They ate quickly, then collapsed back into bed, grinning with contentment.

Char watched them with a fond smile. Life in Hufflepuff was good—warm, comfortable, and full of small joys. But he had work to do.

He gathered several pots of goldfish spider plants from the dormitory, choosing the ones closest to maturity. Their leaves were mostly orange-red, with just a few stubborn green patches left. Char carried them to the common room, where he wouldn't disturb his sleeping friends.

He raised his wand and cast Lumos, bathing the plants in magical light. Almost immediately, he saw a change. The leaves, which had been turning red so slowly, now shifted color at an accelerated pace. The orange-red hue spread from the edges inward, faster than Char had ever seen before.

He kept the spell going, watching with growing excitement. After two hours, the last traces of green vanished from three pots of goldfish spider plants.

[You have cultivated three goldfish spider plants to maturity]

[You can get rewards: Slightly improved magic perception (Black Iron level) x3]

Three glowing orbs appeared before him, each pulsing with promise. Char reached out and touched them, feeling a surge of anticipation. He had harvested goldfish spider plant rewards before, and each time his magical perception had grown stronger. This time, he hoped, would be the breakthrough he'd been waiting for.

As the orbs merged into his body, a sensation like never before swept through him. It was as if magic itself was racing through his veins, lighting up every part of him. Char closed his eyes, letting the feeling wash over him, knowing that he was on the verge of something truly remarkable.

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