Professor Sprout stared blankly at Chang. For a long moment she did not react, as though her mind had short-circuited.
A topic like Shadow Thorns—something so notoriously difficult that every master of Herbology had to rely on the Disillusionment Charm just to cultivate them—and this boy had discovered an entirely new method? If she hadn't known Chang personally, hadn't built up absolute trust in his abilities, she would have assumed this was some charlatan's scam to swindle research funding.
When she finally recovered, her mood flipped entirely. Her melancholy vanished as if swept away by a fresh spring breeze, and her excitement surged like a rush of adrenaline.
"Let's go. Take me to the Little Greenhouse!"
As soon as they arrived, Professor Sprout's eyes locked onto the plant Chang had mentioned. Her sharp gaze, honed from decades as a Herbology Master, recognized it instantly. There was no doubt: a living, thriving Shadow Thorns. And not merely successful—the characteristics she observed were already stronger than those of ordinary specimens.
"This is already a superior strain of Shadow Thorns, isn't it?"
She felt as though she were dreaming. For most Herbologists, if they could optimize even one magical plant in their entire lives and produce a new subspecies, it would be enough to secure their legacy. Yet Chang, barely more than a semester into his studies, had already given the world three: Blood Emeralds, Piranha Algae, and now this—Shadow Thorns.
Just the thought of what he might accomplish if he continued left her smiling with unrestrained joy. This, more than any personal achievement, filled her with pride.
When she calmed herself at last, professional curiosity surged to the front. "Chang, how did you do it? What special method did you use?"
He shook his head. "Nothing special. I just thought—the Disillusionment Charm is a form of Invisibility. The Invisibility Cloak is also Invisibility. So, perhaps the Cloak could replace the Charm."
Sprout frowned deeply. "That's all? But Herbology Masters have tested that idea before. Historically, they used the best Invisibility Cloaks they could find—but they never worked."
Chang spoke softly, almost apologetically. "Maybe the Cloaks they used weren't good enough. Not like the one passed down in the Potter family, which still holds extraordinary power even after a thousand years. One that remains immune to detection and counter-spells."
He demonstrated, draping the cloak over a Shadow Thorns root. Under its cover, the root slipped through the most difficult stage of cultivation without resistance.
Sprout gasped. So it was possible! For centuries, the Herbology community had dismissed the Invisibility Cloak solution simply because they had never tested one of this caliber.
Chang looked embarrassed. "So you see, it has little practical value—"
But Sprout cut him off, her voice firm and eyes blazing. "Genius. Only a genius would imagine such a possibility. Only a genius dares to challenge what everyone else accepts as common sense. Practicality is for ordinary folk. A genius creates, and that is value enough!"
Chang frowned slightly. "But if anyone else could borrow this Cloak, they could replicate the method."
Sprout shook her head, smiling with pride. "And why haven't they? Because they don't have the connections. That too is a kind of strength. Only you, Chang, would think to borrow such an artifact—and only you would dare apply it to Shadow Thorns cultivation."
She clapped her hands in delight. "I've already thought of the paper title: A Revolutionary Method to Bypass the Disillusionment Charm Requirement in Shadow Thorns Cultivation. Another top journal article, guaranteed!"
Chang felt dizzy. So this was the power of having an aunt who was a Herbology Master. Top journals, published on command. In his previous life, he had envied the so-called academic tyrants. Now, he was one himself.
Sprout sighed regretfully. "It's a pity Christmas and New Year's have already passed. The Association's awards for last year have all been distributed. Had your Shadow Thorns been published then, you might have contended for the Herbology Youth Award."
Chang blinked. "But I've already received the Herbology Association's Second-Class Medal. Is the Youth Award more important?"
Sprout grew serious. "They can't be compared. The Second-Class Medal is an honorary recognition, rare but symbolic. The Youth Award, on the other hand, carries tangible rewards. Since ancient times, the Association has encouraged young Herbologists by gifting winners treasures from its vaults—alchemy tools, rare potions needed for cultivating magical plants, even seeds of legendary flora." Her eyes gleamed. "Some seeds as ancient as the Whomping Willow."
At this, Chang's eyes lit up. The Whomping Willow! One of the most powerful plants in the world, second only to the World Tree Root. If the Youth Award could bring him something similar, how could he let the opportunity slip away?
Sprout, however, looked ashamed. "I thought you were still far from that level. Otherwise, I'd have planned to publish your work strategically. Usually, candidates need at least two top journal papers in one year to be considered. I should have timed it better."
Chang considered this. Then he pointed toward a plant in the greenhouse. "Aunt, what about this Devil's Snare? Could it earn another top journal publication?"
Sprout turned to look. At first, she had been so focused on the Shadow Thorns that she hadn't noticed. But now, seeing it clearly, she froze. Though still in early cultivation, its traits were unmistakable: this was an improved subspecies.
"Chang," she whispered, "don't tell me you created this too?"
He hesitated, then nodded. "Sort of. I was thinking of titling the paper: A Method for Improving Devil's Snare Based on Sectumsempra."
Sprout inhaled sharply. Before she could recover, Chang added casually, "And soon, the Blood Emerald might be mass-cultivated as well. Should we publish that too? With three papers, would I qualify for this year's Youth Award?"
Sprout's face flushed crimson. Without another word, she dashed out of the greenhouse. Moments later, she returned, arms full of Shadow Thorns roots, and thrust them into Chang's hands before rushing off again. From outside came her laughter, unrestrained and booming.
"My Chang—the makings of a legend! Who can compare? Who dares? He will reign supreme in the world of Herbology!"
Chang stood stunned, glancing at the roots in his hands. "Aunt's… mental state… is she really okay?"
A short while later, Sprout burst into Dumbledore's office, kicking open the door with a grin that seemed uncharacteristic for her usual composure. Dumbledore raised an eyebrow.
"Pomona… did you eat some strange plant? Are you sure you're alright?"
"I feel better than ever!" she declared, her eyes sparkling with manic energy.
Dumbledore frowned. "Earlier this morning, you were furious with the review committee. And now… you're beaming. Pomona, calm down. Regarding Chang's right to use the Little Greenhouse, I won't let them interfere—"
But Sprout cut him off. "Let them review. Let them argue however they want. I didn't come here about that." She whipped out a segment of Devil's Snare and, with a flick of her wand, made it coil around the corner of Dumbledore's desk. With terrifying force, it twisted the thick walnut wood until a whole corner snapped off.
Dumbledore stared in disbelief. He had seen Devil's Snare before—Sprout herself had set it as a challenge to guard the Philosopher's Stone—but it had never been this powerful.
Sprout's tone was icy. "I intend to replace all the Devil's Snare in my challenge with this improved variety. And I'll coat them with fire-resistant sap. And venom."
Dumbledore paled. "Pomona… isn't that a bit extreme—"
Before he could finish, Sprout slammed a pot of Biting Cabbage onto his desk. The plant roared. She shouted furiously, "Chang is the pride of the Sprout family! If anyone dares to trouble him, they will answer to me! Anger me, and they'll learn what real trouble looks like!"
Dumbledore shivered. Yes, this was why one never provoked a Head of House. Once they lost patience, no one could endure the storm. He raised his hands in surrender. "Alright, Pomona. We'll do it your way. Just… restrain yourself a little. We don't want casualties in the second challenge."
Meanwhile, Chang studied the Shadow Thorns roots in his hands. With proper care, and as long as their ancient shadow magic didn't activate prematurely, the Little Greenhouse conditions might allow him to harvest them before his second school year. Dozens of golden reward spheres awaited! His heart pounded with anticipation.
But even with the Cloak's help, cultivating so many would take time. He sighed, glancing at the clock. Class was about to begin.
"Transfiguration today?" he murmured, brightening. Recently he'd had new insights but still had unanswered questions. Skipping class for planting could wait—the Shadow Thorns wouldn't be ready for months, but improving his Transfiguration skills would pay off immediately.
With eager steps, he left the greenhouse and hurried toward the classroom.
Coincidentally, Hermione Granger was already there, notes clutched tightly in her hands. Her eyes gleamed with determination. Ever since she had realized Chang had surpassed her in Transfiguration during the last lesson, she had studied with even greater diligence. She had cut back time spent discussing the Philosopher's Stone with Harry and Ron, sacrificing nearly everything for this subject. Hermione Granger had never come second in any academic pursuit, and she would not start now.
When the bell rang, Professor McGonagall cleared her throat. "Last time, I assigned homework. Now it is time for questions. Who has any?"
Hermione and Chang raised their hands at the same time—but Chang was a fraction faster. McGonagall nodded at him.
With earnest curiosity, he asked, "Professor, I recently observed that when different kinds of magic collide at a microscopic level, they produce reactions that generate entirely new forms of magic. Could you explain this phenomenon further?"
The classroom fell silent. Students glanced at one another nervously. The pressure of having a genius in class was suffocating. Hermione, notes in hand, froze. Her expression turned blank. Last time she had at least followed the general discussion between Chang and the professor. But this? She hadn't the faintest idea.
Professor McGonagall, however, leaned forward, eyes burning with interest. "Hmm?!"
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