"Hogwarts: Why So Nervous? The Little Badger’s Just Planting a Tree."

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A night passed.

Sharell glanced at the system panel and shook his head slightly.

"Lumos's rating is still stuck right on the border between Black‑Iron and Bronze."

"Although it's moved up from before, it still hasn't fully reached Bronze level."

It seemed unlikely that he would make a sudden breakthrough in battle. Relying on inspiration alone wasn't going to be his path forward.

Yet Sharell didn't feel discouraged. He reminded himself that this small step in Lumos was just a result of his persistent effort over the last two days. There was no need to rush; gradual progress was enough. After all, even without Bronze status, his mastery of Lumos was already among the best in his year. The spell didn't rely on innate talent—just practice volume, and he was confident in that.

By the time of the upcoming mini-test, he was certain of a top ranking. And with the final exam two weeks away that would determine the exclusive Charms assignments, he had no doubt: Bronze would come before then. With the help of the Luminous Mushroom and the Goldfish Vine, harvesting maturity on schedule, Lumos would undergo a qualitative leap. Not a single wizard in his year would surpass him by then.

A moment later, Sharell left the Greenhouse and headed into the Charms classroom. He was taken aback—he hadn't been late, but normally only a few sleepy students would be there. Today, however, every seat was full. The Hufflepuffs, always a bit forgetful, were present in full force, diligently practicing Lumos. Even the Ravenclaws—usually lazy in class—were already sweating slightly, clearly hard at work.

Sharell was amazed, yet he understood their motivation. Charms was Ravenclaw's pride, and no one wanted to appear weaker than Gryffindor. He'd heard that Hermione Granger had stunned Professor Flitwick on Wednesday with her Lumos skill, even outperforming the Ravenclaws. Flitwick was praised her countless times—and lamented why such a gifted Witch hadn't been sorted into their house.

The Ravenclaws must've taken that to heart. Their practice had doubled in intensity over the last two days, and the results were clear. Though they still trailed Sharell slightly, they'd surpassed the Hufflepuffs.

As Professor Flitwick called the class to order and initiated today's demonstrations, students began casting Lumos in alphabetical order. The Ravenclaws were generally stronger than Hufflepuffs, which brought satisfaction to Professor Flitwick. But even so, none matched the brilliance Hermione had shown earlier. Flitwick sighed at the thought—how had such a bright witch been sorted into Gryffindor?

Finally, only a few Hufflepuffs remained. The mini-test winner seemed certain—and that name was Hermione Granger. Encouraged Ravenclaws and eager Hufflepuffs alike felt the competition heat up.

The last few Hufflepuffs took their attempt—none were strong enough to claim bonus points. That left only Sharell.

Amidst cheers from his classmates—Hannah Abbott, Susan Bones, and the others—he walked onto the stage.

"Sharell."

"Don't be nervous."

"Don't feel pressured."

"A loss isn't your fault; Hufflepuff accepts each other in success or disaster."

"No matter what, we're behind you."

The warmth of their support filled Sharell's chest. He realized, in that moment, that he had truly become part of Hufflepuff.

He couldn't allow their lead in the House Cup to slip—not when Aunt Sprout and his classmates had worked so hard. He inhaled deeply, then raised his wand.

He paused for just a heartbeat. Then the realization struck: what had been missing in his Lumos push was a sense of hope. That tiny flicker in the darkness was meant to kindle faith.

At that realization, the little bar on the panel finally glowed Bronze—fully.

Lumos (Bronze Level)

A crescendo of applause filled the room. The Hufflepuffs, faces flushed, clapped incessantly. Even Professor Flitwick exhaled gently—he'd seen Sharell practicing in the greenhouse each morning, watched the steady progress. He knew talent was sometimes painful, but effort could shine just as brightly.

And now…

"Lumos!"

Sharell's wand tip burst into a radiant, steadfast glow—like a lighthouse guiding sailors at sea. It radiated reassurance and calm. Professor Flitwick's eyes widened—he witnessed something extraordinary.

"This is…?!"

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