https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-149-The-Dark-Wizard-and-the-Fraud-Professor/13006806/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-151-Giants-Don-t-Exist-in-Hogwarts/13006808/
Chapter 150: Cedric's Unpleasant Experience
Chapter 150: Cedric's Unpleasant Experience
The discussion about Professor Quirrell didn't last long, as Cedric had more to share about the previous Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, Bigelow.
According to Cedric, the professor before Auren was even worse.
Cedric recalled his first year at Hogwarts, when he was a new student filled with dreams and high expectations.
But this idyllic state lasted less than two days. During their first Defense Against the Dark Arts class, the professor, under the guise of teaching, recklessly cast harmful spells on the students.
Vomit Charm.
Horn Charm.
Hairy Charm.
Jelly Legs Jinx.
Skull Expansion Spell...
Cedric had experienced them all.
Although the professor would always remove the negative effects of the spells promptly, ensuring no lasting physical harm, the sensations while under the spells were excruciating.
Especially the Skull Expansion Spell, the dizzying discomfort it caused was still fresh in Cedric's memory.
Furthermore, the professor would divide the class into two opposing groups based on their houses, encouraging them to duel using malicious spells.
Each Defense Against the Dark Arts class was a torment for Cedric, and it would take him several days to recover.
Fortunately, this ordeal didn't last long.
According to Cedric, on Halloween, a group of fully armed individuals stormed Hogwarts and took the professor away.
Initially, everyone thought they were dark wizards with ill intentions.
But a few days later, they learned from the Daily Prophet that the professor was an escaped patient from St. Mungo's Hospital, specifically from the Department of Mental Health.
...
After Cedric's revelation, Kyle and Conna stared at him in disbelief.
"It's true," Cedric said, spreading his hands when he saw their skeptical expressions. "You can ask the Weasley brothers; they know about it too."
Kyle shook his head, silently feeling sorry for Cedric and the Weasley brothers for a moment.
Indeed, those who dared to apply for the position of Defense Against the Dark Arts professor were not ordinary people.
Compared to Cedric's experience, Professor Quirrell's class didn't seem so bad.
By the time they attended their afternoon Herbology class in Greenhouse Three, they had completely forgotten about the previous topic.
This place was a paradise for magical plants.
Mandrakes, Venomous Tentacles, Bubotubers... all the plants they had only heard of before were here.
"Today, we'll be repotting the Mandrakes."
Professor Sprout pointed to a row of deep trays beside her and asked, "Now, who can tell me the properties of Mandrakes?"
Autumn, who was in the same class as Kyle and Conna, raised her hand.
"Mandrakes are a powerful restorative," Autumn replied without hesitation. "They are used to restore people who have been transfigured or affected by spells to their original state."
"Very good, ten points to Ravenclaw," Professor Sprout said. "Mandrakes are a crucial component in many potions, but they are also dangerous. Can anyone tell me why?"
"Hearing the Mandrake's cry can be fatal," a boy in the middle spoke up.
"Absolutely correct, another ten points to Ravenclaw," Professor Sprout said.
At the same time, she glanced at Kyle with a hint of regret.
This child was too honest; raising his hand in class wasn't enough. He should have spoken up directly... just like the Ravenclaw boy who answered earlier.
What a missed opportunity for extra points.
Just as she was thinking this, Professor Sprout suddenly noticed that Kyle hadn't put down his hand.
"Oh, Kyle, do you have something to add?" Professor Sprout asked.
"Yes, Professor," Kyle replied. "Apart from its crying, dried Mandrake leaves are also quite dangerous for Animagi."
"Yes, you're not wrong there," Professor Sprout nodded, but soon shook her head.
"However, it's not as dangerous as you think."
"In fact," she continued, "the effect of dried Mandrake leaves on Animagi is very weak. Only prolonged consumption in animal form will lead to irreversible consequences."
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"By prolonged, I mean at least three years. If a wizard reverts to human form during this period, the negative effects can be instantly eliminated."
"Furthermore, there are very few Animagi in the wizarding world. According to the Ministry of Magic's registry, there are only seven registered Animagi. As far as I know, none of them like to stay in animal form for extended periods, let alone eat Mandrake leaves."
"Therefore, while dried Mandrake leaves do affect Animagi, the probability of such an occurrence is actually very small."
"Apart from the greedy Barnabas a hundred years ago, there hasn't been a second recorded case in the wizarding world."
"Is that so?" Kyle nodded thoughtfully. "I guess I overthought it."
"No, it's that you've read too many books." Professor Sprout smiled and said, "I remember only a very obscure herbology book mentioned this, what was it called?"
"Medieval Herbal Selection," Kyle replied. "I saw it at Mr. Scamander's place."
"Yes, that's the book." Professor Sprout smiled. "Everyone knows Mr. Scamander as a brilliant Magizoologist, but few know that he's also a master herbologist."
"Hufflepuff, ten points."
Professor Sprout clapped her hands and addressed the class, "This is an extra bit of knowledge. You just need to be aware of it; there's no need to memorize it."
Then, she pointed to the row of deep trays again and began explaining the precautions for repotting the Mandrakes.
"Four people to a tray, remember to wear your earmuffs." Professor Sprout reminded them, "Although these Mandrakes are still young, their crying won't be fatal, but it can knock you out for several hours.
I'm sure none of you want to miss the first day of school, so make sure to wear your earmuffs while working. When it's time to clean up, I'll find a way to get your attention."
With the earmuffs on, repotting the Mandrakes wasn't too difficult. Just be careful not to stick any body parts into their mouths.
Although Mandrakes don't have teeth, they have a layer of hard keratin in their mouths that can give a nasty bite.
Kyle grabbed a clump of leaves and skillfully pulled out a Mandrake.
The Mandrake immediately started screaming and writhing, its light green body twisting and turning.
Its commotion was much louder than the others, as if it was particularly resistant to Kyle.
"I just plucked a few leaves, no need to be so dramatic," Kyle muttered to himself. He reached under the table and took out a large flowerpot, stuffing the Mandrake inside.
Chapter end
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