Greenhouse three today, chaps! Said Professor Sprout her usual cheerful self.
There was a murmur of interest. They had only ever worked in greenhouse one before— greenhouse three housed far more interesting and dangerous plants. Professor Sprout took a large key from her belt and unlocked the door. Harry caught a whiff of damp earth and fertilizer mingling with the heavy perfume of some giant, umbrella-sized flowers dangling from the ceiling. He was about to follow Draco and Blaise inside when Lockhart's hand shot out.
Harry! I've been meaning to have a word— you don't mind if he's a couple of minutes late, do you, Professor Sprout?
Judging by Professor Sprout's scowl she did mind, but Lockhart said that's the ticket and closed the greenhouse door in her face.
I take it you've read my books since we last talked Lockhart said.
No, I have not Harry said I have no intention to either.
Right Lockhart said giving Harry a Hearty wink and strode off. Harry opened the door to the greenhouse and strode inside.
Professor Sprout was standing beside a trestle bench in the center of the greenhouse. About Twenty pairs of different colored earmuffs were lying on the bench. When Harry had taken his place between Draco and Blaise, she said, We'll be repotting Mandrakes today. Now, who can tell me the properties of the Mandrake?
To nobody's surprise, Harry's hand was the first in the air.
Mandrake or Mandragora is a powerful restorative, said Harry. It is used to return people to their original state.
Excellent. Ten points to Slytherin said, Professor Sprout. The Mandrake forms an essential part of most antidotes. It is also, however, dangerous. Who can tell me why?
The cry of the mandrake is fatal to anyone who hears Harry said promptly.
Precisely. Take another ten points said, Professor Sprout.
Now, the Mandrakes we have here are still very young.
She pointed to a row of deep trays as she spoke, and everyone shuffled forward for a better look. A hundred or so tufty little plants, purplish-green in color, were growing there in rows.
Everyone take a pair of earmuffs said, Professor Sprout.
Harry simply conjured green earmuffs.
When I tell you to put them on, make sure your ears are completely covered said, Professor Sprout. When it is safe to remove them, I will give you the thumbs up. Right — earmuffs on.
Harry snapped the earmuffs over his ears. They shut out sound completely. Professor Sprout put the pink, fluffy pair over her ears, rolled up the sleeves of her robes, grasped one of the tufty plants firmly, and pulled hard.
Instead of roots, a small, muddy and extremely ugly baby popped out of the earth. The leaves were growing right out of his head. He had pale green, mottled skin, and was clearly bawling at the top of his lungs.
Professor Sprout took a large plant pot from under the table and plunged the Mandrake into it, burying him in the dark, damp compost until only the tufted leaves were visible. Professor Sprout dusted off her hands, gave them the thumbs up, and removed her earmuffs.
As our mandrakes are only seedlings, their cries won't kill yet, she said calmly as though she'd done nothing more exciting than water a begonia. However, they will knock you out for several hours, and as I'm sure none of you want to miss your first day back, make sure your earmuffs are securely in place while you work. I will attract your attention when it's time to pack up.
Four to a tray— there is a large supply of pots here—compost in the sacks over there — and be careful of the venomous tentacula, it's teething.
She gave a sharp slap to a spiky red plant as she spoke, making it draw in the long feelers that had been inching sneakily over her shoulder.
Harry, Draco, and Blaise were joined at their trap by a curly-haired Hufflepuff boy Harry knew by sight but had never spoken to.
Justin Finch-Fletchley he said brightly, shaking Harry by the hand. Know who you are, of course, the famous Harry Potter. . . And You're Draco Malfoy— son of Lucius Malfoy owner of the Malfoy apothecary, Blaise Zabini, your mum has been married and widowed seven times.
Blaise Didn't smile.
That Lockhart's something, isn't he said Justin happily as they began filling their plant pots with dragon dung compost. Brave chap. Have you read his books? I'd have died of fear if I'd been cornered in a telephone booth by a werewolf, but he stayed cool and — zap — just fantastic.
My name was down for Eton, you know. I can't tell you how glad I am I came here instead. Of course, Mother was slightly disappointed, but since I made her read Lockhart's books I think she's begun to see how useful it'll be to have a fully trained wizard in the family. . . .
After that, they didn't have much chance to talk. Their earmuffs were back on and they needed to concentrate on the Mandrakes. Professor Sprout made it look extremely easy, but it wasn't. The Mandrakes didn't like coming out of the earth, but didn't seem to want to go back into it either. They squirmed, kicked and failed their sharp little fists, and gnashed their teeth; Harry spent ten whole minutes trying to squash a particularly fat one into a pot.
By the end of the class, Harry like everyone else was aching and covered in earth. Everyone traipsed back to the castle for a quick wash and then the Slytherins hurried off to Transfiguration.
Professor McGonagall's classes were always hard work, but today was especially difficult.
Harry pointed his wand at the beetle and focused his magic. He closed his eyes. He imagined a green button and he opened his eyes seeing the button in front of him.
Ten points to Slytherin Mr. Potter Professor McGonagall said for being the first one to actually change the beetle in a different color of button.
