After successfully planting the Guardian Tree, Char fell into a deep sleep.
He didn't know how much time had passed.
When he finally opened his eyes again, he found himself lying in a hospital bed.
Bright sunlight streamed through the window.
"Is it morning?"
"Did I sleep all the way until morning?"
At that moment, a tired voice sounded—Professor Sprout's.
"Char," she said gently.
"You're finally awake?"
"You've been asleep for almost three days."
Char was stunned.
"Three days?!" he exclaimed, eyes wide.
He had never slept that long in all his years.
With his legendary physique, staying awake for several days without rest was nothing unusual. A short nap was normally all it took to regain his energy.
Although planting the Guardian Tree had exhausted his spirit, it still didn't explain such a prolonged slumber.
Professor Sprout didn't answer right away. She only smiled mysteriously.
"Instead of asking me," she said, "why don't you try to sense your current state?"
Char paused and focused inward.
A sudden look of shock spread across his face.
His entire body felt unusually light and refreshed—an unprecedented sense of vitality coursed through him.
When he glanced at his system panel, his pupils shrank even more.
His Magic Perception Enhancement, previously silver with just a glimmer of gold when boosted by Water Magic, now had nearly half of its silver sheen replaced with gold—without the Water Boost buff active.
His Magic Perception had improved?
This level of advancement rivaled what he had gained after harvesting a full batch of Goldfish Vine!
Seeing the expression on his face, Professor Sprout chuckled.
"You noticed, didn't you?"
"You can feel how much your Magic Perception has improved."
She finally explained the mystery.
"When you fainted, Severus suggested something. He said we might as well brew a potion to help you sleep a few more days. It would significantly benefit your body—especially your magical sensitivity."
She sighed deeply, her voice full of emotion.
"Severus really went all out. He used many rare ingredients from his personal collection."
Char's heart trembled at her words.
A potion capable of enhancing Magic Perception was equivalent to permanently increasing magical talent—something unimaginably valuable.
Even though he had once treated Snape's Cerberus injury, he now owed the professor a massive favor.
Then, seeing Professor Sprout's haggard face and bloodshot eyes, Char softened.
"Auntie," he said softly, "how long have you been awake?"
She smiled faintly and shook her head.
"I'm not tired," she insisted.
"When I used to work on the farm, it was common to go without sleep for three days and nights. If I could do that for plants, I can certainly do it for you."
A flood of mixed emotions surged in Char's chest.
"You should go rest now," he urged.
"I feel fine—just a bit exhausted before. But if you wear yourself out, I wouldn't be able to forgive myself."
Professor Sprout's eyes reddened slightly.
She gave him one last reminder to call for her if he felt unwell, then slowly shuffled toward the door.
Just before leaving, she paused.
"Oh, right," she said, turning back with a mischievous grin.
"While you were asleep, your friends came to visit—Neville, Harry, and the others."
Her tone shifted playfully.
"Hannah, Susan, Hermione—they all stopped by too."
She winked at Char.
"I didn't realize you were so popular with the girls! How about it? Is there someone you like? You can tell Auntie."
She grinned.
"If you want, I can even rearrange seating in Herbology so you sit next to her. After all, you have three Herbology classes every week!"
Char was caught between laughter and exasperation.
Her expression was as if she couldn't wait for him to marry and settle down.
"Auntie," he said helplessly, "I'm only eleven."
But Professor Sprout didn't back down.
"Dating at eleven is fine! Start early, gain more experience," she said cheerfully.
"Oh, and I can host inter-house gatherings! Maybe start with Ravenclaw?"
"There's a beautiful second-year girl named Cho Chang. Just one year older than you. I could talk to Professor Flitwick—set up a dance—"
As her words grew more exaggerated, Char's face twitched.
Cho Chang?
Harry's beloved in the original story?
She was certainly pretty. Harry, a certified lookist, was never drawn to average girls. Cho, Ginny—they were all top-tier beauties.
Still, all Char wanted right now was to plant more trees.
Luckily, a new voice interrupted them.
"Professor?"
"Is Char awake?"
"What were you two talking about—'behind the scenes,' 'dancing'?"
It was Hermione.
Professor Sprout, unexpectedly flustered, winked again at Char, blew him a whistle, and whispered, "You two chat." Then she hummed a tune and walked out.
Hermione looked confused but didn't pry.
"I was so worried when I heard you fainted," she said with relief.
"If you'd slept another day, I would've stormed into the Potions classroom!"
"You've helped me so much, Char."
Char waved off her gratitude.
"How are things in Gryffindor now?" he asked.
"Better, I hope?"
Hermione smiled brightly.
"Yes! I've made some friends at last. I used to misjudge Harry and Ron, thinking they didn't care about their studies. But they were actually staying up late, working hard. Their grades haven't skyrocketed, but they're trying—and that's what matters."
Char nodded.
Even though the Golden Trio's bond had formed later than in the original timeline, fate was strong—they were bound to come together eventually.
Just then, Char noticed two figures sneaking outside the door.
Speak of the devil...
"Harry, Ron—stop peeking. Come in."
A moment later, Harry and Ron entered with sheepish smiles.
Char looked at the three of them and sighed.
"I suppose you didn't just come to visit, did you?"
Hermione exchanged glances with the boys before speaking solemnly.
"We need your help, Char," she said.
"During the Quidditch match, Harry's broomstick lost control. It wasn't an accident. Someone cursed it."
"I saw Snape staring at Harry and chanting a spell. I think... I think he's trying to kill Harry."
"We believe Snape has deceived Dumbledore. He's dangerous. He might be plotting something that could destroy Hogwarts."
"We want you to investigate him secretly—but only if it's safe."
Char listened but didn't react as they expected.
Instead of being shocked, he looked amused, even a little exasperated.
Hermione grew anxious.
"I'm telling the truth, Char! I saw him casting a spell!"
Char sighed.
"I don't think you're lying. But why do you assume that Snape was the one cursing the broom?"
"Maybe someone else cast the curse, and he was trying to save Harry."
Harry's expression turned indignant.
"No way. That morning, I saw a bite on Snape's leg. Cerberus bit him. That proves he broke into where the stone is!"
"That means he's up to no good."
Char stayed calm.
"That proves nothing. Snape is a Dean—he has as much right to be there as anyone. He could've been protecting the stone and got bitten accidentally."
"In fact," he added, "I treated that wound myself."
Silence.
The three stared, stunned.
Ron's face turned bright red.
"Fine!" he snapped.
"We thought you were a good person. But you're just siding with Snape!"
"I knew it—you're just like him! That greasy bat—"
"Levicorpus!"
Ron was suddenly hoisted into the air, hanging upside down by his ankle.
Char's eyes were icy.
"Ron Weasley. And you two—Harry, Hermione."
"You're free to suspect whoever you want. But never insult Professor Snape in front of me."
"To me, he is a respected mentor."
"Remember this: students of our house never betray those they believe in."
"That's not our style."
With a flick of his wand, Char released the spell.
"Liberacorpus."
Ron crashed to the floor, groaning. Then he stormed out, grumbling, "Told you he wasn't on our side..."
Harry and Hermione followed him, disappointed and confused.
Char, however, remained expressionless.
He didn't need to please them. They were still immature.
Staying away might be the wiser move—for now.
Outside, behind a pillar, a black-robed figure stepped forward—Snape.
He had overheard the entire conversation.
He sneered at the idea that he wanted to kill Harry.
"Just like James," he muttered bitterly. "Equally foolish."
But Shire's fierce defense caught him off guard.
He'd expected to be spied on—not to be defended so decisively.
Shire's words echoed in his ears:
"Never betray those you believe in."
Snape stood silently for a long time, eyes filled with pain and shame.
Eventually, he stepped into the ward.
Before Shire could speak, Snape said curtly:
"Since you've recovered, don't laze around. Get to the Potions classroom."
"I need to test if you actually retained what I taught you."
He paused, then added,
"If your Guardian Tree doesn't get a dose of Holy Tree Magic Potion soon, it'll be about as useful against Dark Arts as a puff of smoke."
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