"Today is one of the busiest days of the week," Ginny told Belle over breakfast. "We have Double Herbology AND Charms this morning." She sighed. "Happy Monday."
Belle pulled out her schedule that Professor McGonagall had given her. "It looks like I also have Arithmancy," she said. "And a private lesson with a Professor Vector."
Ginny patted Belle's hand sympathetically. "I know you'll do well," she said.
"Thanks," Belle said. "I wish I had your confidence."
Ginny led the two of them outside of the castle. Belle realized that she hadn't been outside in days, except going through a courtyard once or twice. The castle was huge and you could spend all your time indoors. She inhaled the smell of the grass and fresh air. It felt good to be outside.
After some time, Belle and Ginny arrived at the Herbology greenhouse, a place teeming with life and vibrant colors. The scent of earth and blooming flowers enveloped them as they stepped inside, greeted by rows upon rows of exotic plants stretching toward the ceiling.
In the middle of the greenhouse stood a middle-aged woman and a tall young man.
Ginny whispered to Belle, "The woman is Professor Sprout and the man is Neville Longbottom. He's a friend of ours."
Neville grinned at the two of them. His warm smile immediately put Belle at ease.
Belle and Ginny found a spot near a row of pulsating plants, their spiky bodies emitting faint gurgling noises. "We're learning about Mimbulus mimbletonia," Ginny said. "That's what this plant is called."
"One of my favorite plants," Neville said, coming up beside them. He lowered his voice and said to Belle, "Professor Sprout confided in me about what happened. Professor McGonagall told her it was okay to tell me. I'm sorry about what happened to you. I'll do my best to help you figure things out."
"Thank you," Belle said. "That's very kind of you."
"It's nothing at all," Neville said in an undertone. "After everything Hermione did for me over the years, this is the least I can do."
Other students came to stand beside the three, so Neville waved at Belle and Ginny and walked back to Professor Sprout.
The lesson went as smoothly as could be expected. As in, not at all.
Belle got sprayed by the Mimbulus mimbletonia with a thick, sticky sap. The other students stared at her in surprise.
Professor Sprout bustled over and said, "No matter," and waved her wand. The sap vanished from Belle. She was stunned at the magical display but quickly hid her wonder.
Professor Sprout assigned them all an essay on the properties of Mimbulus mimbletonia due the following class.
As they walked back to the castle, a blonde girl who had been in the class joined Belle and Ginny.
"Hello, Luna," Ginny said, cheerfully. "How are you?"
"I'm doing well," Luna said. "Thank you for asking." Luna looked closely at Belle. "Something seems different about you. Did wrackspurt get you today?"
"Um…what?" Belle asked.
Ginny quickly intervened. "No, Luna," Ginny said. "I can't tell you now, but something happened to Hermione."
Belle couldn't help but be intrigued by Luna's ethereal presence. She held herself differently than anyone she'd ever met.
"Wait, Luna!" Ginny exclaimed. "You take Ancient Runes, right?"
Luna turned her calm gaze to Ginny. "Yes," she said. "I do."
"Excellent," Ginny said. "Let's meet up tonight after dinner. The three of us."
Luna smiled. "I'd like that," she said. "It's been a while since we all talked."
As they arrived in the Charms classroom, Belle immediately recognized Professor Flitwick. She smiled at him.
After everyone had settled in their seats, Professor Flitwick called the class to attention. "Today, class, we are going to ascend higher to higher learning by learning the spell, Ascendio!" he said with a small laugh at his pun. "My apologies, I couldn't help myself. I hope everyone is prepared for some mild flinging of the person!"
Professor Flitwick demonstrated the proper pronunciation of the spell, Ascendio, and how to cast the spell. As he cast the spell, he lifted off into the air. As he began to descend back down, he cast another spell that Belle didn't hear to slow his descent.
"Remember class," Professor Flitwick said. "Use the Cushioning Charm we practiced the last two weeks if you don't want to hurt your knees too much today."
As students began to say the spell, no one lifted into the air like Professor Flitwick. Belle noted that some hovered a few inches off the ground, but no one flew up the way Professor Flitwick had.
Ginny was trying beside Belle, but didn't have more luck than the others. The same could be said for Luna.
Taking out her wand, Belle imagined herself lifting into the air and coming back down slowly. As soon as the image appeared in her head, she lifted into the air and slowly descended back down.
"Ah! Miss Granger has done it!" Professor Flitwick cried. "20 points to Gryffindor."
Belle smiled at Professor Flitwick. She HAD done it! And it felt good.
Ginny whispered in Belle's ear, "Now that was a perfect imitation of Hermione. Mastering a spell before anyone else."
Belle whispered back, "I didn't do it the proper way."
"It worked didn't it?" Ginny asked. "Hopefully, I'll be able to float a bit before this lesson is over."