"Goldfish Vine?"
Neville repeated the unfamiliar name, his brow furrowed in curiosity. "What's it used for?"
Char smiled, happy to explain. "It's a magical herb that's used in potions related to memory. Many memory potions require Goldfish Vine as a key ingredient."
Neville's eyes widened with interest. "Why does it work like that?"
Char continued, "It's all about how it grows. Goldfish Vine doesn't need special soil, water, or sunlight. In fact, it's a bit like those succulents Muggles like to keep on their windowsills. But if you want it to thrive, it needs to absorb something very special—forgetting."
"Forget…ting?" Neville echoed, puzzled.
Char nodded. "Whenever someone forgets something near a Goldfish Vine, it absorbs that forgetting as nourishment. The more forgetting it takes in, the faster and better it grows."
Neville stared at the little green plants, his mouth open in amazement. "There's really a plant like that? Merlin's beard, that's brilliant!"
He peered closer at the pots, then blinked in surprise. "Cousin Char, are these getting greener? They look brighter than before."
Char grinned. "That means they're absorbing forgetting right now. Neville, did you forget something?"
Neville's face turned thoughtful. "I… I think I might have. But what was it?" He frowned, trying to remember, but the harder he tried, the more it slipped away.
Char glanced at the glowing reward orbs hovering above the Goldfish Vine pots. They were visibly swelling, brighter and larger than before.
[You have successfully planted Goldfish Vine]
[Reward available: extremely weak increase in magic perception ability (gestating)]
[After the Goldfish Vine matures, the reward will be upgraded to: weak increase in magic perception ability]
Char's heart lifted. The Goldfish Vine was thriving, thanks to Neville's forgetfulness. "It's working," Char thought with satisfaction. "Neville is the perfect catalyst for Goldfish Vine. I planted these a month ago, and they barely grew. But with Neville here, they're already catching up. If he keeps them, they might mature in no time."
He'd been pondering what magical plant to focus on next. Mandrake? Devil's Snare? Venomous Tentacula? The rewards would surely be impressive, but Professor Sprout had warned him: the more powerful the herb, the more precise the magic required. Even the smallest mistake could ruin a whole crop. That's why Herbology Masters were so rare—they either had a natural gift for magic perception or spent years honing their senses.
Char's own magic perception was still weak. Even if he copied Professor Sprout's every move, it would only be surface-level imitation. He simply wasn't ready for the most challenging magical plants. That's why he'd chosen Goldfish Vine—its reward was a direct boost to magic perception. If he could raise his perception, he'd be able to take on more difficult plants soon.
And as for the "forgetting" Goldfish Vine needed? Neville had plenty to spare. So did many Hufflepuffs, who were always losing things or forgetting homework. Char's eyes sparkled with anticipation as he watched the Goldfish Vine thrive in Neville's presence.
Suddenly, Char pushed the pots toward Neville. "Neville, you seem really interested in magical plants. Why don't you keep these Goldfish Vine? They'll help you know if you've forgotten something, and they'll be happiest with you."
Neville's eyes went wide. "Oh, no, I couldn't—these must be valuable—"
Char cut him off with a laugh. "Nonsense! I can always grow more. Besides, I think you're a natural Herbologist. These little guys will love you."
Neville hesitated, but Char's encouragement finally convinced him. He cradled the pots, his cheeks flushed with gratitude. "Thank you, Cousin Char! I promise I'll take good care of them. I won't let you down!"
Char smiled, feeling a quiet satisfaction. He didn't worry about Neville accidentally killing the plants—if anything, Neville's forgetfulness would help them thrive. Maybe Neville would even manage to grow perfect-quality Goldfish Vine, giving Char a shortcut to more advanced magical plants.
As the train filled up, more students filed into the compartments. Soon, the door slid open and a girl with bushy brown hair and bright, inquisitive eyes poked her head in. Her front teeth stuck out a bit, giving her a slightly otter-like look.
"Hello, my name's Hermione Granger," she said, her voice confident and friendly. "Is this seat taken?"
She caught sight of the Goldfish Vine in Neville's hands and gasped. "Oh! Is that Goldfish Vine? I read about it in 'One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi.' I can't believe you have magical plants already! May I take a closer look?"
Char tensed, suddenly on high alert. Before Neville could answer, he blurted, "No!"
Hermione looked startled, a little hurt. Had she done something wrong?
Char quickly clarified, his tone nervous but earnest. "It's not you, Hermione. It's just… you look like someone who never forgets anything. A real top student. Goldfish Vine likes forgetful people. Smart people are… well, kind of poisonous to it."
Hermione's disappointment faded into a shy smile. "Oh, I see. That's fascinating! I suppose I'll just admire them from here, then."
Neville giggled, and even Char relaxed. The three of them settled in, the Goldfish Vine glowing quietly on the windowsill, as the Hogwarts Express began its magical journey north.