After witnessing a golden glow appear on the Pruning Charm text on his system panel, Tom's eyes gleamed with excitement.
He had been diligently practicing the Pruning Charm daily in the abandoned broom shed. Not long ago, the charm's silver sheen had already grown quite brilliant. As a result, the success rate of cuttings, especially with Luminous Mushrooms, had steadily improved and was now nearing ten percent.
However, after a point, the effects of daily practice began to plateau. Although the silver glow of the charm continued to intensify, there was no sign of it advancing to gold.
Now, after practicing Sectumsempra just a few times, Tom noticed a golden shimmer flash across the Pruning Charm on his system panel. It had reached the threshold for upgrading to the gold level.
That was unexpected—yet incredibly effective. Far more than days spent pruning in the shed.
Tom quickly confirmed his theory.
"It seems the creation of Sectumsempra involves some elements of the Pruning Charm,"
"Practicing Sectumsempra is significantly boosting my Pruning Charm proficiency."
He was overjoyed.
Originally, it would have taken at least another month of continuous practice to achieve the gold level. But now, boosted by Sectumsempra, he estimated it could be done in just three days.
A higher success rate with cuttings meant more planting rewards—something of great value to him. Any frustration over not being able to use Sectumsempra in combat for now was quickly forgotten.
In the following days, Tom devoted even more time to practicing Sectumsempra.
Meanwhile, Halloween drew near, and the festive spirit inside Hogwarts Castle intensified. Pumpkin lanterns lit every corridor, glowing warmly against the ancient stone walls. Each House decorated their common areas with their own flair: golden-red lions, blue eagles, green snakes, and earthy yellow badgers proudly adorned walls and ceilings.
The Great Hall, usually reserved for meals, had undergone a full transformation. Each long table reflected the unique aesthetic of its respective House.
Discussions about Halloween costumes filled the air. Some students planned to dress as Vampires, others as Werewolves. Hannah Abbott even attempted to conjure real rabbit ears for her costume.
Even the ghosts were buzzing with excitement.
To allow everyone time to prepare, Quidditch training for all Houses was temporarily suspended. Laughter and energy rippled through the halls.
But not everyone could blend into this cheerful atmosphere.
Tom was one of them.
So was Hermione Granger.
Tom wasn't against the festivities. Nor did he avoid the Hufflepuff discussions about decorations or costumes. He was simply overwhelmed with tasks. His schedule was packed, leaving no room to even consider a Halloween outfit.
Besides, Tom knew trouble was coming.
If Quirrell was going to act on Halloween night, staying outside might become dangerous.
He had little motivation to attend the feast.
Especially now, when his Pruning Charm was so close to breaking through to gold. His entire focus was there.
As for Hermione, her alienation was familiar—just like in the original timeline.
She was visibly unhappy every day.
But she had found a small comfort: Tom.
Each morning, before breakfast, Hermione would arrive early to the Potions classroom to share her thoughts with him. These little moments allowed her to keep going.
Even on the morning of the Halloween feast, she arrived on cue.
The scent of roasted pumpkin filled the castle, but Hermione looked like she hadn't eaten anything.
She slumped onto a desk with a sigh.
"I was mentally prepared,"
"But it still hurts."
"Everyone in Gryffindor stayed up late, excitedly planning their costumes."
"I sat there too—but no one asked for my opinion. Not one person."
"I tried offering suggestions, but nobody paid attention."
She sighed again.
"I think I'm truly isolated now."
"No one says it directly, but I know. I don't have a single friend in Gryffindor."
"Well, maybe Neville."
Tom listened silently. She didn't need comfort—just someone to hear her.
After venting, Hermione's mood seemed to lighten.
"It's okay, doesn't matter."
"I'll enjoy Halloween on my own. Quietly."
"I'm dressing up as Julifa, a sixteenth-century witch scholar."
"Just make sure to applaud when you see me, alright?"
"If no one recognizes me, I'll be so sad."
Smiling, she stood to leave and prepare for Charms class.
"Finally, a new charm today."
"Levitation Charm. I already know it, but maybe I can earn Gryffindor some points."
Tom suddenly remembered something crucial.
In the original timeline, this was the class where Ron insulted Hermione, calling her "an absolute nightmare." It broke her. She had skipped her classes afterward and ended up crying in the bathroom—where she encountered the Troll released by Quirrell.
That incident had eventually bonded her with Harry and Ron, forming the Golden Trio.
Still, Tom didn't want her to go through that pain.
And so, he called out to her before she left.
"Hermione, during today's Charms class… maybe try to hold back a little?"
"Don't offer pointers to others. Just enjoy the festival for yourself."
Hermione paused, raising an eyebrow.
"Is that even a question?"
"I've learned my lesson."
"I won't give advice, no matter how terrible their spells are."
"Really!"
Then she hesitated and turned back.
"Oh—Tom, I've been sensing sharp magical energy from you lately."
"You're practicing cutting spells, right? Like the Pruning Charm?"
She leaned closer, whispering like she couldn't hold it back any longer.
"Your wand is ash wood. It's one of the most stable types."
"That means when casting cutting spells, you need a slightly faster wrist flick than normal."
"I've wanted to say that for days!"
She exhaled, visibly relieved.
"There, I said it. That's the last tip I'll give today."
"I swear I'll hold back!"
Tom was stunned. As she walked away, he couldn't help but smile wryly.
Could she really hold back?
Probably not.
Still, he called out one last time.
"If anything upsetting happens—come stay in the Hufflepuff common room."
"Today's password is: 'Save room for the feast.'"
Hermione turned back and gave him a reassuring wave.
Then she disappeared down the corridor.
Tom shook his head.
"Well, there's still time before the feast."
"I'll keep an eye on her. I won't let her get hurt by the Troll."
"It's the least I can do for her advice."
He glanced down at the ash wood wand in his hand.
Hermione's observation made perfect sense. The unique magical properties of wands required minor adjustments in spellcasting.
He raised his wand again and altered the wrist flick slightly—just as she had suggested.
"Sectumsempra!"
The spell's sharp magical force was unmistakably stronger.
Then, the system panel reacted.
The golden glow on the Pruning Charm suddenly flared, enveloping the text.
[Pruning Charm (Gold Level)]: Advanced!
Tom's eyes sparkled.
At last.
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