The morning sun filtered through the tall windows, painting the study with warm, golden light. Theo knelt before the suitcase, gently patting soil over a small sprout. Twig peeked from its branch, Flicker flitted nervously, and Lum's soft glow highlighted the tiny leaves of Valerian, Wiggentree, and Knotgrass. Today, Theo wasn't experimenting with potions — he was focused on growth itself.
"Tina, what should we do with the new seedlings today?" Theo asked, brushing soil from his hands.
Tina smiled, kneeling beside him. "We'll start by transplanting some of the younger shoots into larger compartments, so they have room to grow. You've cared for them well, Theo, but the roots need space and proper light now."
Tata carried a small tray of fresh moss, watering vials, and miniature gardening tools, setting them carefully beside Theo. "Remember, Theo," she said softly, "plants may be small, but their needs are precise. Soil, water, sunlight, and care — all must be balanced. Watch them, and they will thrive."
Theo carefully lifted the delicate seedlings, brushing away loose soil. He gently transplanted Knotgrass shoots into a slightly larger compartment, making sure each root was spread evenly. He added a bit of enriched soil around the base, patting lightly to encourage stability. Flicker chirped in curiosity, hopping onto his shoulder, and Theo laughed quietly.
"Easy, little one," he said. "You'll be able to explore after I finish."
Over the next few hours, Theo worked under the watchful eyes of Tina and Tata. They taught him how to:
Check soil moisture without overwatering
Support weak stems with small stakes
Monitor growth rates by noting bud
appearance and leaf development
Arrange plants for optimal sunlight within the suitcase compartments
As the day passed, Theo began to notice subtle signs of progress: tiny leaves unfurling, roots stretching deeper into the soil, shoots leaning gently toward the light. Wiggentree leaves, previously pale, had grown darker and stronger. Knotgrass tendrils twisted with more vigor. Even Valerian roots emitted a faint, calming scent, a sign they were healthy.
"This is amazing," Theo said, leaning closer to observe a tiny sprout. "They're really growing… and I did this!"
Tina placed a hand on his shoulder. "You've done well, Theo. But growth takes time. Magic helps, yes, but it cannot replace care and patience. The plants respond to careful hands and consistent attention more than to power. That is the lesson."
Tata added softly, "Even the strongest wizard must begin with small, steady steps. These plants are teaching you that skill comes from observation and dedication, not just magic."
Theo nodded thoughtfully. He spent the afternoon trimming leaves that had grown too closely together, carefully watering each sprout with the precise amount of solution Tata had prepared, and arranging compartments so that each plant received adequate light from the sunlamps. Flicker occasionally pecked at the moss, Twig observed silently, and Lum's gentle glow seemed to accentuate every tiny movement.
By evening, the suitcase garden was thriving. Theo leaned back, brushing his hair from his forehead, and smiled. "Look at you all," he said softly. "You're getting bigger and stronger every day."
Tina knelt beside him, placing a warm hand over his. "You've learned much, Theo. You are not just raising plants. You are learning care, patience, and the subtle ways magic interacts with life. These lessons will serve you well when you are older, when magic requires more than just intent or power."
Tata nodded. "Yes. Today you have strengthened your understanding of balance and observation. These are the foundations of all magical skill. Every potion, every magical experiment, every rescue — they start here."
Theo watched the plants closely, marveling at the tiny changes he had helped nurture. Wiggentree shoots had grown a few inches taller. Knotgrass tendrils stretched elegantly along the moss. Valerian roots, previously pale and thin, were thickening with life. He realized that his careful work had real effects, that his patience and observation mattered.
"Tomorrow," Tina said, "we will begin studying the more delicate species — those that require extra attention and cannot survive without consistent care. You are ready, Theo. You have the skill, and soon you will have the knowledge to raise even more complex plants."
Theo nodded, feeling a deep sense of pride. Flicker hopped onto his shoulder, Twig peered curiously, and Lum's glow softened for the evening. "I think I'm getting the hang of it," he whispered. "I'll make sure everyone here grows strong."
The sun dipped lower, casting shadows across the room. Outside, the wind rustled through the trees, a faint reminder that the world beyond Newt's house was growing darker. But inside, the suitcase garden thrived, nurtured by careful hands and patient observation. Theo pressed a hand gently to the edge of the suitcase.
"We're growing stronger," he whispered. "All of us."
And for the first time that day, he believed it fully.