As November rolled in, the weather at Hogwarts took a sudden turn toward winter. Cold wind blew across the courtyards, and the students bundled themselves into thick robes, hurrying along the cobbled paths to their destinations.
But for Archer, today was anything but rushed.
He stood inside Shed No. 2—a secluded greenhouse on the outskirts of the Herbology gardens. In one hand, he held a worn and weather-beaten book; in front of him stood a short but lush apple tree.
Though the tree was barely two meters tall, its branches were thick with dark green leaves. A few apples hung near the top—mostly red, but with a greenish hue around their crowns. They were nearly ripe.
And this was no ordinary apple tree.
[Type: Apple Tree]
[Level: 2]
[Trait: Purification]
The fruit of this tree had the magical trait known as "Purification." While the tree itself didn't possess magical qualities, its fruit could cleanse the human body of harmful substances. Eating one of these apples could detoxify poisons, dispel minor curses, and bring the body back to optimal balance.
Archer had confirmed its power himself the previous year. Even under the effects of a potent poison from a Venomous Tentacula, a single apple had cured him instantly. The fruit's healing capability was undeniable.
But to Archer, that still wasn't enough.
He gazed at the tree, flipping through the pages of the old book in his hand, searching for something more.
At that moment, a voice called out from outside the shed.
"The things you asked for are ready, Archer," said Godric, entering the shed with a suitcase in hand. "One new cauldron, a pouch of finely-ground gold powder, and a stable worktable."
Archer wordlessly waved his wand. The suitcase opened, and the three items floated out, settling softly on the nearby bench.
"Thanks," Archer said.
He placed the cauldron in the center of the table and opened the pouch. Taking a small pinch of the golden dust, he inspected its texture between his fingers.
"Finely ground. Good," he muttered. "It won't interfere with the ritual this way."
Godric leaned against the doorframe, watching. "I had to look around half of Diagon Alley to find a shop that sold gold this pure. But what exactly are you making? Potions? I've never seen one that calls for gold dust."
Archer shook his head and laid the book on the table.
"I found something interesting in here," he said.
Godric stepped closer. On the battered cover, the title read:
A Collection of Alchemical Rituals Worth Trying
His eyebrows rose. "Alchemy rituals? That's rare."
"Want to take a look?" Archer asked.
"Sure—if it doesn't blow up in my face."
"Just don't tear it," Archer warned. "Or Professor archet will have us both cursed."
Godric opened the cover gingerly. Scribbled beneath the title in crooked handwriting were two ominous lines:Friendly reminder: The things inside are not worth trying.
Below that:Another reminder: You might lose an eye—or grow a third one! Hahaha.
Godric blinked. Then, without reading further, he shut the book.
"Are you absolutely sure this book is safe?" he asked.
"It's just a reference," Archer said casually.
"That somehow makes it sound even more dangerous," Godric muttered, already debating whether he should send a preemptive letter to St. Mungo's Hospital.
Just then, Archer sensed a change.
The apples on the tree were glowing faintly, the green disappearing completely. Now they glowed a deep, vivid red—ripe and pulsing with quiet energy.
[Name: Apple]
[Trait: Purification]
[State: Mature]
"They've ripened," Archer said, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.
"They look pretty normal," Godric observed. "You sure these aren't just overhyped Honeycrisps?"
Archer gave a short laugh. "They're very different."
With a flick of his wand, one apple floated gently from the tree and hovered in front of Godric.
"Go ahead. Try it."
Godric hesitated, eyeing the apple like it might bite him instead. Finally, he grabbed it and took a cautious bite.
"Well?" Archer asked. "Feel anything?"
Godric chewed thoughtfully. "Tastes good. But... nothing else. At least not yet."
Archer narrowed his eyes. "Nothing at all?"
Godric shrugged. "Maybe I just wasn't cursed enough to notice?"
Archer exhaled slowly. He had hoped the Purification trait might affect Godric's lycanthropy—a magical disease, after all. But clearly, this was not enough.
With another gesture, Archer harvested the remaining apples from the tree and arranged them on the table. Godric had eaten one; six remained.
"All right. Let's start."
He rolled up his sleeves and began to set up the ritual.
First, a large pot of moon-dew, collected at the peak of the last full moon. Next, a few priceless drops of phoenix tears, gathered from the ever-elusive Fawkes. Then, he poured in the entire pouch of gold powder.
Finally, he picked up a small silver knife.
Without hesitation, Archer sliced into his own arm.
Blood trickled down, dark and thick, dripping into the golden mixture in the cauldron.
The last ingredient:
A cup of blood from a kind-hearted person.
Archer wasn't entirely sure if he counted. But whose blood could he trust more than his own?
Godric winced. "Archer, seriously... are you sure this is okay?"
Archer didn't answer.
The instant his blood touched the liquid, a brilliant light burst from within the cauldron.
Gold and silver swirled together. Magical energy pulsed through the air like a heartbeat.
Quickly, Archer grabbed two of the apples and dropped them into the cauldron. The boiling intensified, the apples sinking out of sight.
A few tense moments passed.
Then, as suddenly as it had started, the light faded and the bubbling ceased.
Archer picked up a pair of silver tongs and reached into the still-steaming liquid. One by one, he removed the two apples.
They had turned completely golden.
[Name: Golden Apple]
[Trait: Purification! ! ! ]
He placed them gently on the table, eyes gleaming.
"Eldra," he whispered.
Even Godric was speechless. The golden apples glowed faintly, as though lit from within.
They had been transformed.