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

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Looking at the reassuring glow at the tip of Roger's wand, Professor Flitwick, who had just been wondering whether the boy might be discouraged, found himself genuinely surprised.

The quality of Roger's Lumos charm far exceeded that of the other young wizards in the classroom. In fact, it rivaled the one Hermione Granger had cast during the mini-test on Wednesday.

Professor Flitwick hadn't expected to see a Lumos charm of such caliber in this round. He certainly hadn't anticipated it from Roger—a student whose magical aptitude he hadn't previously considered exceptional.

For a moment, Flitwick was overwhelmed with emotion.

It had only been two weeks since they started learning the Lumos charm. To master it to such a degree in that time was either a sign of remarkable talent—or the result of tremendous effort.

It seemed Roger's effort had far exceeded Flitwick's estimation.

Still deep in thought, Flitwick suddenly became aware of several nervous gazes directed his way. He realized he hadn't yet commented on Roger's performance, leaving the Hufflepuff students visibly anxious.

Snapping back to the moment, Flitwick immediately brightened and declared loudly,

"A beautiful Lumos charm!"

"Roger, you've captured the very essence of this spell."

Then he turned to the class.

"Remember this, everyone—spells, and magic in general, are closely tied to your intent and emotions when casting. You must understand and experience the mental focus each spell requires. Only then can you unleash its full power."

"This is the path that anyone pursuing mastery in Charms must walk."

Turning back to Roger, Flitwick smiled warmly.

"Five points to Hufflepuff—for this level of magic, surely extraordinary effort was involved."

The Hufflepuffs, who had looked bewildered by the charms theory, immediately lit up at the award.

Never underestimate the significance of five points—earning that many at once in an ordinary class wasn't easy.

After all, in the original story, Gryffindor—the leading house in the first year—had ended with just 482 points. Hufflepuff had finished with 352. On average, that's less than a point per day!

The Hufflepuffs were just starting to celebrate when someone raised a pressing question.

"Professor, who's first place in this mini-test, then?"

Flitwick had earlier promised that first place would receive an additional ten points. If Roger could claim that too, then no matter what underhanded schemes Slytherin employed today, they couldn't possibly catch up this week.

But the question gave Flitwick pause.

Who was the top performer in the mini-test?

Hermione Granger or Roger Sprout?

Both had demonstrated the same level of proficiency.

However, Hermione had taken the test two days earlier—on Wednesday—while Roger cast his spell today, on Friday.

That seemed slightly unfair to Hermione. Had she also taken the test today, perhaps her performance would've been even better.

But then again, Roger had clearly worked exceptionally hard over the last two days.

Flitwick was torn.

How could he choose?

Then a thought struck him—why did there have to be just one first place?

This wasn't about selecting a champion—it was about inspiring students to grow.

Why agonize over something that wasn't even the point of the test?

Who said there couldn't be two first places?

Clearing his throat, Flitwick addressed the class.

"The results of the Lumos charm mini-test are as follows—"

"First place, Hermione Granger, from Gryffindor."

A visible wave of disappointment passed through the Hufflepuff students.

But before they could dwell on it—

"—and Roger Sprout, from Hufflepuff!"

"Both displayed rare proficiency in casting the Lumos charm. They are tied for first place in this mini-test."

"Their respective houses will each receive ten points."

"Third place goes to Padma Patil of Ravenclaw, earning five points for her house."

The room erupted.

The Hufflepuffs let out a thunderous cheer.

They had scored fifteen points in just one Charms class!

The lead they now held over Slytherin was practically untouchable—for the week at least.

The Ravenclaws, though slightly disheartened, accepted the results gracefully. After seeing Roger's performance firsthand, they had no complaints. And they still secured five points.

Besides, there was still the final Lumos charm test coming up in two weeks.

Flitwick had already promised special, personalized charms for those who ranked. First place would earn 25 points, second place 15, and third 10.

A house sweeping the top three could earn 50 points in one go.

That was enough to flip the House Cup standings completely.

The Ravenclaws were fired up.

The mini-test didn't matter. What counted now was the final test. They had two weeks to prepare—and they intended to give it everything they had.

At least they had something to show today.

Unlike—

Slytherin.

Just then, the class bell rang.

The little badgers left the classroom in high spirits. The eagles remained calm and thoughtful.

But the snakes?

They were devastated.

Just as they emerged from Potions class, they rushed to check the hourglasses for an update on the House Cup scores.

Their house had been on a roll lately, rapidly catching up with Hufflepuff.

Today's Potions lesson had even seen Snape bending over backward to award them points. If someone's potion resembled the textbook instructions even slightly, Snape gave them a point.

All told, Slytherin had gained ten points in one class!

Surely they had overtaken Hufflepuff now?

But when they arrived…

Their expressions twisted in disbelief.

Despite their ten points, the gap with Hufflepuff had widened?

Fifteen points from Charms?!

As the details trickled in—that both Gryffindor and Hufflepuff had tied for first in the mini-test, Ravenclaw placed third, and Slytherin got nothing—a dark figure loomed behind them.

Professor Snape.

He looked like a thundercloud in human form.

"Professor Severus..."

"Head of House..."

Snape's face was darker than a cauldron bottom.

He had pulled strings all lesson long just to give them points—and yet, they were still behind?

And now, not even placing in Charms?

Disgraceful.

Snape's voice was cold enough to freeze blood.

"You are the worst batch of Slytherins I have ever taught."

"Back to the common room. Now."

The little snakes didn't dare to breathe.

Back in their common room, silence reigned.

Snape stood before them, radiating frustration.

"In the final Charms test two weeks from now, you will sweep the top three."

Some of the students paled.

"Professor... that's really difficult..."

That was a mistake.

Snape's eyes narrowed.

"Difficult?"

"The Lumos charm? Difficult?"

"By Merlin, Slytherin is becoming a disgrace."

"When I was your age, I could already perform seventh-year spells."

Silence.

Then, after taking a deep breath, Snape's voice lowered into something cold and commanding.

"From now on, you are banned from any extracurricular activities."

"Every spare minute will be spent practicing the Lumos charm."

Then he added ominously,

"I will give you some... assistance."

"For example—a potion. One that temporarily enhances the power of the Lumos charm."

A collective breath of relief passed through the room.

A potion—crafted by the Potions Master?

That might just be their secret weapon.

Meanwhile…

Back in the greenhouse, Roger was brimming with anticipation.

With his Lumos charm having now advanced to Bronze level, how would this affect the cultivation of his Lumina Mushrooms?

How much faster would they grow?

He inhaled deeply, raised his wand, and cast Lumos once more.

The tip glowed brightly—clear and steady—illuminating the cluster of Lumina Mushroom seedlings.

Then, under the light, the mycelium immediately began to shift and react.

Faster than ever before.

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