Rain began to fall outside Hogwarts Castle. The dense threads of rain descended gently from the sky, creating a curtain of water under the cloudy heavens. After lunch, Augustus, Malfoy, and Lilian crossed the castle grounds toward the greenhouses, where a variety of magical plants were cultivated.
The afternoon lesson was Herbology with Professor Sprout. As they approached the greenhouses, they saw other students waiting outside for Professor Sprout to arrive. The trio had just joined the group when Professor Sprout strode across the lawn, accompanied by Gilderoy Lockhart. Her arm was wrapped in several bandages.
Professor Sprout was a stout witch with tousled hair beneath a patched hat, her robes always streaked with dirt. She had a particular fondness for Augustus, often awarding him extra points during her classes.
"Oh, hello there!" Lockhart called out to the students, beaming. "I was just demonstrating to Professor Sprout how to heal a Whomping Willow! But don't let that make you think I'm more skilled in Herbology than she is! It's just that I've had the chance to encounter such fascinating plants during my travels…"
"Today, we're heading to Greenhouse Three," said Professor Sprout, her tone noticeably less cheerful than usual, tinged with irritation.
The students murmured excitedly. They had only been to Greenhouse One before, and Greenhouse Three promised more fascinating—and dangerous—plants. Professor Sprout took a large key from her belt and unlocked the door. Outside, the rain continued to fall lightly, connecting the earth and sky like a sparse, falling Milky Way. Inside the greenhouse, Augustus was greeted by the damp scent of soil and fertilizer mingled with the rich fragrance of enormous flowers that dangled umbrella-like from the ceiling.
Professor Sprout stood behind a table in the middle of the greenhouse. On it were about twenty pairs of earmuffs in various colors.
"Today, we'll be repotting Mandrakes. Now, who can tell me about the properties of Mandrakes?"
Her gaze bypassed most of the students, landing directly on Augustus. He smiled wryly and raised his hand.
"Mandrakes, also known as Mandragora, are potent restorative agents," he began. After a brief pause, he continued, "They're used to return those who have been transfigured or cursed to their original state."
"Excellent—ten points to Slytherin," Professor Sprout nodded approvingly. "Mandrakes are a key ingredient in many antidotes. However, they are also dangerous. Can anyone explain why?"
Sitting beside Augustus, Lilian raised her hand. Malfoy gave her a puzzled side glance.
"Hearing the cry of a Mandrake can be fatal," Lilian answered confidently, casting a proud look at Augustus.
"Correct—another ten points to Slytherin," Professor Sprout said. "Now, the Mandrakes we have here are still young."
She gestured toward a row of deep trays filled with small greenish-purple plants. Everyone leaned in to get a closer look.
"They don't seem all that dangerous," Malfoy muttered skeptically.
"Each of you take a pair of earmuffs," Professor Sprout instructed.
The students scrambled, each hoping to avoid the fluffy pink earmuffs.
"When I tell you to put them on, make sure your ears are completely covered," she warned. "I'll give you a thumbs-up when it's safe to remove them. Alright—put them on!"
Following her instructions, they donned the earmuffs. The world seemed to fall silent, the sounds of the outside world cut off entirely. Professor Sprout herself wore a pair of pink earmuffs, rolled up her sleeves, and firmly grasped a clump of leaves. She pulled, revealing not roots but an ugly, baby-like creature with leaves growing from its head. Its pale green skin was speckled with blotches, and it flailed its limbs, screaming silently within the muffled world.
Professor Sprout pulled out a large pot from beneath the table, stuffed the Mandrake inside, and packed it in with damp, dark compost until only the leaves were visible. She dusted off her hands, gave two thumbs up, and removed her earmuffs.
The students followed suit.
"I didn't think plants could be this ugly," Malfoy complained, brushing his forehead. "I've lost my appetite for dinner tonight!"
"You should be grateful. There are far worse plants to come—this is nothing," Lilian retorted, seizing the chance to tease Malfoy.
"Our Mandrakes are still young, so their cries won't kill you," Professor Sprout calmly reminded them, as if she had merely watered begonias moments ago. "But they will knock you unconscious for hours. I'm sure none of you want to miss your first day back, so make sure you keep your earmuffs on at all times. I'll signal when it's time to clean up."
She divided the students into groups of four. Augustus, Malfoy, Lilian, and a boy named Antonio Klas formed a team.
"I'm Antonio Klas," he introduced himself shyly. "Augustus, I've always wanted to meet you. And Miss Lilian, you've both always been exemplary Slytherins. I deeply admire you."
Augustus nodded warmly. "Nice to meet you. We're classmates—no need for formalities."
"Relax," Lilian added with a smile. Antonio still seemed a little bashful, though. Meanwhile, Malfoy fiddled absentmindedly with a plant, clearly distracted.
They put their earmuffs back on and focused on repotting the Mandrakes. What had seemed so effortless when Professor Sprout demonstrated was anything but. The Mandrakes resisted being uprooted, squirming violently, kicking their tiny feet, waving their fists, and grinding their sharp little teeth.
By the end of the lesson, rain was still drizzling outside. Augustus, Malfoy, and Lilian stepped into the rain, droplets falling softly on Augustus's black robes and golden hair. A gentle breeze carried the earthy, refreshing scent of rain-soaked soil through the air.
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