Chapter 90 – Potions Class
Professor Sprout was short, with long hair tucked under a patched-up hat, dressed very plainly. Her clothes were smeared with soil, and even the dirt under her fingernails suggested she spent more time gardening than performing typical wizardly duties. Compared to most witches and wizards, she resembled a farmer—always working with plants.
Gilderoy Lockhart, in contrast, was meticulous, wearing a flowing turquoise robe, his shiny blond hair topped with a matching hat trimmed with gold.
"Hello, everyone!" Lockhart greeted the students warmly, flashing his dazzling white smile. "I just taught Professor Sprout how to revive that withered willow—but I won't tell you all that I believe my knowledge of Herbology surpasses hers. I've encountered some truly fascinating plants on my travels," he added with a sly wink.
"Today's class is in Greenhouse Three," Sprout announced in a rough voice, her face more serious and less kindly than usual.
The students murmured excitedly. It was their first time in the third greenhouse—they had only been to the first greenhouse before. Plants in the third greenhouse were rarer and more dangerous, so teaching there was usually reserved for older students or special occasions. Perhaps because they were second years, or perhaps the professor was in an unusually good mood today.
Sprout produced a large set of keys and unlocked the door with a special brass key. As the door swung open, a wave of damp soil, fertilizer, and plant scents rushed over them.
The plants in Greenhouse Three were unusual. Their flowers were larger than umbrellas, hanging from the high ceiling. Hermione looked around curiously, marveling at the bizarre shapes of the plants, including enormous pitcher plants.
As she followed the teacher into the greenhouse, Lockhart suddenly grabbed Harry, telling Sprout that he needed some private time with him. Before Sprout could respond, Lockhart had closed the door behind him with Harry.
Sprout, slightly annoyed, walked to the center of the greenhouse, and the students followed her to the main teaching area.
A small table was placed in the center, holding over twenty different-colored earmuffs. The professor instructed the students to line up. A few minutes later, Harry quietly slipped in.
Once everyone was settled, the professor, growing impatient, asked, "Today, we will learn how to repot Mandrakes. Now, who can describe the characteristics of a Mandrake?"
Hermione knew the professor was slightly irritated, but that didn't concern her. As a diligent student, all she needed to do was pay attention and answer questions carefully.
She raised her hand immediately, which drew no surprise from anyone.
Professor Sprout glanced at the eager Gryffindor student and said, "Miss Granger?"
"Mandrake, also known as Mandragora, can be used to create powerful restorative potions," Hermione recited clearly from memory, every word precise. "It can restore health to those who have been cursed or deformed."
"Very good! Ten points for Gryffindor," Sprout said, her mood improving at Hermione's correct answer. She continued, "Mandrake is commonly used in antidotes and restorative potions. However, it is also very dangerous. Why, exactly, is anyone's guess."
Sprout's generosity surprised the students. Awarding more than five points at once was rare. Hermione, eager for every advantage, lightly brushed Sprout's hand as she stood up, almost bumping into Harry's head.
"The cry of the Mandrake can kill," she added confidently, giving the professor a completely satisfactory answer.
"Absolutely correct—another ten points," Sprout said again, demonstrating her unusual generosity.
Hermione was thrilled. She kept her eyes fixed on Professor Sprout, eager to answer even more questions. Just from these two simple questions, she had already taken twenty points for Gryffindor. Though it felt slightly unfair, she watched the House Cup edge closer to Gryffindor's favor.
Even Harry was motivated. Sprout usually taught cautiously and awarded points slowly, but today she was unusually generous. Harry wanted to earn a few extra points to compensate for any deductions Snape might impose in Potions class.
Other students were also fired up, eager to answer questions themselves. Many were confident they could succeed.
However, it seemed Sprout realized she had already been too generous. She stopped asking questions and signaled, "These are young Mandrakes," pointing to a row of deep trays beside the table.
The students followed her gesture, eager to inspect these marvelous and dangerous plants closely.
Harry glanced over and saw hundreds of green and purple seedlings, looking no different from ordinary plants. He hadn't paid much attention to Herbology over the summer, so he didn't yet know exactly what the Mandrakes' "cry" entailed.
Professor Sprout didn't give them much time to observe. She had intentionally delayed a bit earlier, and now she needed to keep the lesson on track. She urged, "Everyone must put on the earmuffs."
Harry hurried to grab a pair of black earmuffs. He returned Ron's and took another for himself. Slow-to-react Neville had to wait for a pink fluffy pair. Harry silently felt sorry for him.
Turning his head, Harry avoided looking directly at the astonishing plants. He heard Sprout shout, "Make sure the earmuffs fit tightly over your ears—no gaps—or you won't hear anything!"
She raised her voice again: "Do not remove your earmuffs until I signal it's safe. No one is allowed to take them off without my order. I do not want anyone in the hospital! Now… put them on."
Harry quickly fitted the earmuffs over his ears. The soundproofing was excellent; he immediately entered a silent world.
Professor Sprout took a pair of green fuzzy earmuffs for herself, rolled up her sleeves, and firmly grabbed a clump of Mandrake, pulling it from the soil.
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