Harry Potter: The Last Exodus

Seeds of Honor

As word spread about the statue, the Skyreach community buzzed with excitement. Craftsmen and sculptors from across the continent gathered in the main square to begin planning, exchanging ideas on how best to honor Neville's contributions.

Kai Toshi had a clear vision for the monument. "I want it to capture his kindness and curiosity," he said, studying the sketches that various artisans had prepared. "Neville is a true friend to our people, and we should reflect the respect we have for him."

The artists nodded in agreement, and over the next few days, designs were finalized. The statue would depict Neville holding a small, glowing pill in one hand and a sprouting herb in the other, symbolizing both his mastery over plant life and his skill in alchemy. His expression would be one of calm concentration, a figure of wisdom and humility.

While the artisans worked, Kai Toshi continued to teach Neville's methods to his students, who found themselves inspired by the practicality and versatility of Neville's alchemical approach. The school was already gaining a reputation among the community, and even cultivators from distant areas began to travel to Skyreach to learn this new blend of potion-making.

Meanwhile, back on Evergrove Isle, Neville continued his experiments, unaware of the tribute being built in his honor. Days passed as he tended to his plants, his mind focused on enhancing the healing properties of the glowing moss, which he had named "Luminleaf Moss." The moss emitted a soft, ambient light that brightened paths at night, proving invaluable as a natural source of lighting on the island.

He was just beginning to mix Luminleaf extracts into a salve for night-vision when he received a visitor from Skyreach: a young messenger with a scroll sealed in gold and crimson.

"Master Longbottom," the messenger greeted, bowing deeply, "I bring a message from Skyreach and an invitation from Kai Toshi and Ming-Li."

Surprised, Neville took the scroll and read the message carefully. As he unrolled it, his eyes grew wide. The letter explained the school's progress and invited him to attend the unveiling of a statue in his honor.

Neville smiled, touched and humbled by the thoughtfulness of his friends in Skyreach. Without delay, he began preparing for his journey, packing a small selection of plants and samples to share with the students.

On the day of the unveiling, a large crowd gathered outside the alchemist school. The structure was grand yet harmonious with its surroundings, designed with open windows and wide courtyards to bring in the natural mountain air and light. At the entrance stood the statue, cloaked for now with a rich, deep blue fabric.

Kai Toshi and Ming-Li greeted Neville warmly when he arrived, guiding him to the front of the gathering.

"We have much to thank you for," Ming-Li began, addressing the crowd. "Master Longbottom has given us knowledge that enriches not just our minds but our very way of life."

Kai stepped forward, his voice strong with pride. "May this statue remind us all of the bridges we can build between lands, and the growth that comes from shared wisdom. Neville, would you do us the honor?"

Neville, feeling both shy and honored, approached the statue. With a nod from Kai, he gently pulled the fabric away, revealing the finely crafted monument. Gasps and cheers rose from the crowd as they saw the lifelike statue, capturing Neville's quiet strength and earnest spirit.

After the unveiling, Neville spent hours with the students, answering questions and guiding them in alchemical studies. As the day drew to a close, he felt a profound sense of gratitude—not only for the honor they had given him but for the friendships and shared knowledge that bound their communities together.

As he boarded his ship back to Evergrove Isle, he looked back at the school, watching as his statue stood against the evening sky, glowing softly under the golden light of dusk. He knew he would return often, drawn not just by the admiration but by the ever-growing partnership he had found here. And with that thought, he sailed homeward, ready to continue his work, knowing his efforts had planted seeds that would blossom across this new world.