"Goldfish Vine?"
Neville repeated the unfamiliar name with a puzzled expression.
"What is it used for?"
Robert patiently explained,
"It's a herb used in brewing memory-related potions."
"Many potions that deal with memory require Goldfish Vine."
"As for why it has such effects, it's related to its unique growth requirements."
Neville's eyes lit up with curiosity. Then Robert continued,
"This magical plant doesn't have high demands for soil, water, or even sunlight."
"In fact, it's quite similar to the succulents that Muggles like to grow."
"But to truly thrive, Goldfish Vine must absorb human [forgetting]."
Neville froze.
"Forgetting?"
Robert nodded.
"Whenever someone forgets something near a Goldfish Vine, it absorbs that forgetfulness like a nutrient."
"The more [forgetting] it takes in, the faster and healthier it grows."
"Its maturation rate also speeds up significantly."
Neville's eyes widened.
"Merlin's beard, that's amazing!"
He looked intently at the small pots of Goldfish Vine with growing fascination.
Suddenly, he cried out.
"Robert, why do these pots of Goldfish Vine look like they've become greener?"
Robert nodded slightly.
"That means they're actively absorbing [forgetting]."
"Neville… did you forget something?"
Neville stood there, stunned. He began racking his brain.
"Forget something...? I think I did forget... but what was it?"
While Neville struggled to remember what had slipped his mind, Robert's gaze drifted to the floating light clusters—visual indicators hovering above the Goldfish Vine. His eyes sparkled.
[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]
The small reward orbs above the vines around Neville began to glow brighter and grow slightly larger—proof they were absorbing rich nutrients.
"It's working," Robert thought.
"Neville is a perfect catalyst for cultivating Goldfish Vine."
"I planted these vines a whole month ago, and they barely grew."
"But now, with Neville near them, the change is immediate."
"If I let these stay with Neville, they might mature rapidly."
Warmth filled Robert's chest. Over the past few weeks, aside from cultivating margaret flowers, he had been thinking hard about which magical plants to plant next.
He had considered high-value herbs like Mandrakes, Devil's Snare, Venomous Tentacula, or even biting cabbage.
But these potent herbs required exceptionally refined magical control during the planting and growth stages. Even a slight inconsistency in magical flow could result in failure or produce defective herbs.
Professor Sprout had once said,
"The more powerful the plant, the stricter the magic precision needed. Herbology isn't just watering and pruning—it's about magical sensitivity. Without it, even seasoned wizards can't handle advanced magical plants."
That's why Herbology Masters were so rare.
They either had a natural gift for sensing magic—or had trained for years to fine-tune their perception to such a level.
With Robert's current magical perception, he could imitate Professor Sprout's techniques on the surface—but not reproduce the same results.
So instead of rushing into growing high-level herbs, he chose to build up his foundation—by planting Goldfish Vine.
The reward for cultivating it?
A gradual enhancement of magical perception.
By nurturing and harvesting enough mature Goldfish Vines, his sensitivity to magical energies might increase significantly—allowing him to move on to more advanced herbs confidently.
And as for the [forgetting] that Goldfish Vine needed?
Well, Neville had plenty to offer.
Not to mention the other Hufflepuffs—often labeled forgetful or clumsy. Their day-to-day forgetfulness could be an unexpected resource.
Now, as Robert watched the vines near Neville edge closer to maturity, anticipation flickered in his eyes.
Without waiting, Robert slid the wooden trays of Goldfish Vine toward Neville.
"Neville," he said gently, "you seem genuinely interested in magical plants."
"These Goldfish Vines can also help you track whether you've forgotten something."
"I'd like you to have them."
Neville's eyes widened in surprise.
He quickly waved his hands in protest.
"No, that's too generous! I can't accept this—these are too valuable—"
But Robert wouldn't let him finish.
He launched into a rapid barrage of arguments:
—"I'm simply giving a treasure to a future hero."
—"I can tell by your aura—you're destined to be a Herbology genius."
—"Come on, they're just a few pots. What, do you think I'm stingy?"
Neville, stunned by the flood of words, could only nod blankly and accept the plants.
But the emotion in his eyes was unmistakable—deep gratitude.
It was the first time someone had trusted him like this.
"Robert," he said softly, fists clenched, "I'll take good care of them."
"I won't let you down."
"…Thank you."
Robert gave a warm, satisfied smile.
He didn't even worry whether Neville might accidentally kill the plants.
Please! With Neville's memory record, if he couldn't grow Goldfish Vine, probably no one in the wizarding world could.
In fact, Neville might do even better than expected—he could potentially produce perfect quality Goldfish Vine.
And that would accelerate Robert's progress in growing high-level magical herbs even more.
As the departure time for the Hogwarts Express neared, young witches and wizards were beginning to board the train.
Seats in the compartments were filling up quickly.
In the compartment where Robert and Neville sat, the door slid open.
A young girl with messy brown hair and slightly protruding front teeth—giving her a resemblance to an eager otter—peeked inside.
"Hello, my name is Hermione Granger."
"Is this seat taken?"
Before either of the boys could answer, Hermione's eyes landed on the Goldfish Vines in Neville's arms. She gasped in recognition.
"Is that Goldfish Vine?"
"I read about it in One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi!"
"You haven't even started at Hogwarts, and you already have magical plants?"
Her expression was full of admiration and longing.
"Can I look at them more closely?"
Robert's body tensed immediately. It felt like he was suddenly under threat. He answered swiftly—without waiting for Neville's response.
"No!"
Hermione blinked, startled by the sudden rejection.
A flicker of disappointment crossed her face—then worry. Had she done something wrong?
Had she made a bad first impression?
But Robert continued, his tone earnest and a bit panicked.
"You look like a smart person. Someone who never forgets anything."
"A future top student."
"Please… stay away from the Goldfish Vine."
"It prefers fools. Smart people are poisonous to it."
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