Chapter 45: Changes, Harvesting Glowing Mushrooms

It was past midnight in the Slytherin common room. The ornate grandfather clock chimed five times, marking the arrival of Friday.

Upon hearing the chime, the first-year Slytherins came to attention, brimming with mixed relief and anticipation.

"Ten days… it's been ten days!" one whispered.

"Do you realize what we've endured?" another added. "Waking at five each morning, practicing the Lumos Charm so many times that if we didn't hit the quota, no breakfast for us!"

"And at night, if we didn't practice enough, no sleep either," a third complained. "Naps or tea time? Don't even joke about it."

They'd waited desperately for this Friday—for today was the final Lumos Charm test. This wasn't just any assessment: all four Heads of Houses had decided to hold a collective test for first years—an unprecedented event. A notice had gone up last week.

Even more enticing: beyond Professor Flitwick's promise of personalized charms and House Cup points, rumors whispered of a mysterious reward. Something the Heads considered truly coveted. Such news had refocused the entire school's attention on this test. Gryffindors, unexpectedly, even consulted Hermione for Lumos tips.

But for the Slytherins, this only fueled their determination. Over the past ten days, they had worked relentlessly. Slytherin students often had a natural flair for magic; even Crabbe from the original narrative had managed to learn the deadly Fiendfyre curse—though disastrously—proving the potency of pure magical bloodlines.

Typically spoiled and undisciplined, this cohort of Slytherins had surprised themselves. Even Crabbe and Goyle improved significantly; Malfoy made the most dramatic leap. Snape, watching them now, allowed himself something resembling pride.

"Very good," Snape said, clapping once. The room fell silent. "Over these ten days, you've demonstrated what true Slytherins are capable of. You're now eligible to grasp success—by any means."

He revealed shimmering bottles of potion. The students' eyes lit up with hunger and excitement.

"These," Snape explained, "are the Phosphorescence Potions I promised. Within six hours of drinking, your Lumos Charm will be amplified. Rest up now. Drink before tomorrow's test at dawn—and leave no doubt."

With that, Snape exited, leaving the students to dream of victory.

"Between our skill and this potion, first place is ours," one whispered excitedly.

"I can't wait to crush the others," Malfoy mused, picturing the shock on Charle Sprout's face.

"Have you heard what Charle's been up to?" someone asked.

"One—he's been in the greenhouse every day," another replied. "Two—loads of Quidditch practice. Harry's doing the same."

Malfoy sneered. "Fantastic—both of them on the team in first year, while I'm sidelined." He paused, then added, eyes glinting, "But my father could donate Nimbus 2000s. I'd be Seeker in a heartbeat."

He smirked. "Let's talk about Quidditch after I sweep the Lumos test."

The others chuckled in agreement. Quidditch training and greenhouse duties? Too exhausting. They were confident Slytherin would lead the House Cup.

As the night deepened, none felt sleepy. Morning couldn't come fast enough.

Meanwhile—in the Hogwarts greenhouse…

Charle Sprout sighed, surveying the progress tracked on his system panel. Ten days had flown by.

His Magic Perception rating—once dull bronze—now gleamed. The Goldfish Plants didn't just produce rewards—they helped sharpen his perception. Pruned broomsticks aided his acuity further; his Loosening Charm sparkled silver. Even the Pruning Charm, surprisingly, neared gold.

But most encouraging was the Lumos Charm. Just ten days ago, it had reached mere bronze. Now, he sensed the first shine of silver. Encouraging, yes—but likely not enough to guarantee first place in tomorrow's test.

He reminded himself: the Path to silver—and possibly gold—was within reach. That margin could make all the difference.

He gazed at the experimental field. The luminescent mushrooms glowed softly, their growth complete. Reward light orbs floated above them—ready to be harvested.

Swallowing excitement, he extended a hand. The reward orbs swelled, clouding the greenhouse in a luminous sky of light. They surged toward Charle.

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