Professor Sprout looked at Char, her eyes full of genuine admiration.
"This… this is perfect-quality Marguerite, Char. You are truly a genius in Herbology!"
Her praise was heartfelt, not flattery. While the method for planting Marguerite seemed simple, its requirements were anything but. The plant needed a hot, stuffy environment and, most unusually, it thrived on the happy, satisfied emotions of its caretaker. To reach perfect quality, the conditions had to be just right—almost uncomfortably so for most wizards, even with protective charms. And as for the emotional requirement, it couldn't be faked or forced by potions; it had to be genuine joy.
How many people could be truly happy in such stifling heat? Even most Herbology Masters would find it unbearable. But Char was different. He felt nothing but joy and fulfillment as he worked, and that happiness was what allowed this batch of Marguerite seeds to reach a perfect state right from the start.
If this could be maintained, Professor Sprout realized, these Marguerites would be more effective for brewing talent-enhancing potions than anything described in the textbooks. Her heart stirred with hope. She happened to know the recipe for such a potion—one that, in rare cases, had transformed wizards of modest talent into magical geniuses. The main ingredient? Perfect-quality Marguerite. The other ingredients were even rarer, and the potion required a master like Severus Snape to brew it. But now, with Char's help, the first and most essential ingredient was within reach.
She kept her hope to herself, not wanting to raise Char's expectations until she was sure she could gather all the ingredients. No matter how difficult or dangerous the search, she was willing to face it for Char—her only family.
With a gentle but firm hand, Professor Sprout pulled Char away from the greenhouse.
"No matter what your old habits were, Char, here you must eat well and sleep well! That's an order."
Char could only nod in defeat. If it weren't for her insistence, he would have happily stayed up all night with his plants. Thankfully, Professor Sprout explained that the Marguerites needed the most positive emotion right after planting—like laying a strong foundation for a house. Since Char had already given them the perfect start, he didn't need to keep them company constantly. After a month, they would be fine with just daily care, and in about six months, they'd be fully mature.
Char's eyes sparkled with anticipation. Six months! That was fast in the world of magical plants.
At dinner, Professor Sprout forked a piece of nourishing food onto Char's plate.
"Work and rest go hand in hand, Char. Whether you're a Potions Master or a Herbology Master, you must learn to balance life. Now, try the Hufflepuff kitchen's best dishes."
Char took a bite, and his eyes lit up. He ate with gusto, then looked up with concern.
"Aunt, you haven't eaten yet, have you? Please, eat with me."
They exchanged a warm smile. For the first time in many years, the old Sprout family manor was filled with laughter and light.
Time passed in a blink. Nearly two months later, it was September 1, 1991—the first day of Char's new life at Hogwarts.
That morning, Professor Sprout woke early and went straight to the greenhouse, as she had each day since Char's return. As expected, she found Char already hard at work, tending to his beloved Marguerites in the warm, stuffy air.
She called out, "Char! Today is your big day. You don't have to work so hard—school starts today!"
Char paused, surprised.
"Today? Already? Time really does fly."
A month ago, he'd filled the entire greenhouse with Marguerites and had spent every day since caring for them, watching the reward halos above each plant grow brighter and larger. He'd been so absorbed in his work, he'd nearly forgotten about the start of term.
With a small smile, Char took out his wand and approached a patch of Marguerites. He traced a triangle in the air, then flicked his wrist as if snipping with invisible scissors.
"Arbor-Siccus! Deadwood Removal!"
This was the Pruning Charm, the second spell Professor Sprout had taught him after the Soil Loosening Spell. With a flash of magic, dead branches and withered leaves fell away, instantly turning to ash and enriching the soil. The plants looked healthier and more vibrant than ever.
Professor Sprout watched, her eyes shining with pride.
"Char, your Pruning Charm is getting better every day."
Char grinned.
"I haven't learned any other spells in two months—just Soil Loosening and Pruning, from morning till night. If I couldn't do them well by now, I'd be unworthy of the Sprout name."
Professor Sprout's heart swelled with pride.
"My dear Char, the Sprout name will shine through you. But these Marguerites have passed their most delicate stage. I'll take care of them from here. You don't want to be late for your first day!"
Char looked at the sea of Marguerites, reluctant to leave. But thoughts of Hogwarts—and especially the legendary Hogwarts greenhouses—quickly filled him with excitement. If the Sprout family greenhouse was this magical, what wonders awaited him at school?
He packed his things efficiently, his anticipation growing. Professor Sprout watched him, her lips curled in a fond, expectant smile.
"I wonder which House you'll be sorted into, Char… If it's not Hufflepuff, I'll toss the Sorting Hat into the fertilizer bin!"
Char laughed, and Professor Sprout took his hand.
"Hold on tight. Let's go—King's Cross Station awaits!"
Together, they set out for the next chapter of Char's magical journey, hearts full of hope and excitement for all that lay ahead.