The third day at Hogwarts is eagerly anticipated by Hufflepuff first-years, as it's Friday, and the classes align with their interests. The morning begins with Herbology, led by Professor Sprout, followed by Defense Against the Dark Arts and Flying lessons in the afternoon.
Early that morning, the Hufflepuffs and Gryffindors gathered outside Hogwarts Castle near the greenhouse. Professor Pomona Sprout, a small witch with gray hair and dusty robes, welcomed them with a smile. Her attire bore traces of her gardening work, which suited her hands-on approach to Herbology.
"Good morning, everyone. Welcome to Herbology class," she greeted them. Then, her tone turned serious. "Before you enter, remember that all the plants in this greenhouse are magical and can be dangerous. Even common Dictamni have sharp thorns, so no one is to touch anything without permission. Also, don't make loud noises as some of the plants here are sensitive and might react to sudden sounds. Does everyone understand?"
The students chorused, "Yes!"
With that, Professor Sprout directed them to one side of the greenhouse, intentionally leaving the other side empty. Not that anyone minded; few students had any desire to sit near the rows of peculiar, yellow-fanged cabbages.
A Gryffindor first-year muttered uneasily, "Professor, what are those things?"
It was the first time he'd seen cabbages with fangs large enough to bite someone. He imagined the potential damage and instinctively stepped back.
"Those are biting cabbages," Professor Sprout explained casually. "They may look intimidating, but as long as they're left alone, they're harmless. In a few days, they'll be moved to a larger greenhouse, so you won't have to worry about them next class."
With everyone settled, Professor Sprout clapped her hands. "Now, let's begin. Turn to the first page in your books—we'll start with Dictamni today. Who here knows about this plant?"
Despite the biting cabbages, the class went smoothly. Professor Sprout's knowledge of Herbology was vast, and her detailed explanations combined with live examples made the subject easy to grasp. By the end, nearly every student could answer her questions, which earned each house three points and a fresh Dictamni leaf. Known as a magical "Band-Aid," the leaf could be applied to minor wounds to promote rapid healing, as Kyle, one of the students, noted from his past experience.
After class, the students filed out of the greenhouse. Mikel caught up with Kyle, eyeing him with curiosity. "I saw you pick something up during class. What was it?"
Kyle, feigning innocence, replied, "Just a fertilizer bag. I accidentally kicked it over there."
Mikel looked unconvinced, noting how the bag had ended up far from its original spot. But Kyle insisted, adding with a shiver, "Honestly, if not for Professor Sprout's watchful eye, I wouldn't have dared to go near those biting cabbages!"
Mikel eventually accepted Kyle's explanation. "Those cabbages really are terrifying," he admitted. "I'd have stayed far away, too."
Kyle changed the subject, asking, "Did Professor Sprout mention when she'd help you control your magic?"
"She told me to come by on Saturday and Sunday mornings," Mikel sighed. "It's my first weekend at Hogwarts, and I still have to study."
Kyle offered a reassuring pat on his shoulder. "Better that than drinking more magic suppressant potion."
At the mention of the potion, Mikel winced and vigorously nodded. "You're right. Anything's better than that."
Later, as the students headed back to the dormitory, Kyle made a detour to the eighth floor, where he found a tapestry showing a troll repeatedly striking the wizard Barnabas, who had apparently tried to teach them ballet.
Kyle took a deep breath, mentally repeating, "I need a greenhouse for growing crops," and walked past the tapestry three times. On his third pass, a door with a round arch appeared on the wall. He entered, greeted by the earthy scent of soil and a vast, sunny space that seemed as large as the Great Hall.
Curious, he whispered, "I need rain." Instantly, rain began to fall over the fertile soil without a single drop touching him. Kyle marveled at the Room of Requirement's versatility, realizing its potential beyond merely storing old belongings.
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