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Chapter 44: The Savage Cabbage
Chapter 44: The Savage Cabbage
The third day of the start of term at Hogwarts was probably the most anticipated day for the Hufflepuff first-years, as it was not only Friday, but also a day filled with their favorite subjects.
In the morning, they had Herbology with Head of House Professor Sprout, followed by Defense Against the Dark Arts and Flying lessons in the afternoon.
Early in the morning, they arrived at the greenhouses just outside Hogwarts Castle, joining the Gryffindors.
"Good morning, class, and welcome to Herbology," said Professor Pomona Sprout, a short witch with flowing gray hair who often spent her days tending to the plants, resulting in her clothes always being covered in dust.
Despite her impressive title as Head of House, she looked more like an unassuming gardener.
However, Professor Sprout herself didn't seem to mind this. Standing at the entrance of the greenhouse, she addressed the young witches and wizards with a serious expression. "Before we enter, there are a few things I must remind you of, and they are important.
First, all the plants grown in the greenhouse are magical and can be dangerous. Even common plants like the White Willow have sharp thorns, so you must not touch any plant without my permission.
Also, no loud noises or screaming once inside. We have a few new plants that have just arrived at Hogwarts, and they are still adjusting to their new environment. Loud noises may startle them.
Are your instructions clear?"
"Yes, Professor!" the students chorused.
"Very good," nodded Professor Sprout.
Once inside the greenhouse, she directed everyone to the left side, leaving the right side completely empty.
...To be honest, even without her instructions, no student would have dared venture to that side.
"Professor, what in Merlin's beard are those things!" exclaimed a Gryffindor first-year, his face turning green as he stared at the row of strange yellow plants in front of him, each with a mouth full of sharp fangs.
He had never seen cabbages with teeth before, and their mouths were almost as big as his head. One bite from those jaws, and the consequences would be dire.
With that thought, he edged a little further back.
"Savage Cabbages," said Professor Sprout nonchalantly. "Stay away from them, but don't be too alarmed. They may look terrifying, but they're harmless if you don't provoke them.
In a few days, once they've adjusted to their new environment, they'll be transferred to a larger greenhouse, so you won't see them here during your next lesson."
"Now," Professor Sprout clapped her hands. "Let's begin the lesson. Open your books to the first page, and we'll start with the White Willow.
Can anyone tell me what the White Willow is used for..."
Ignoring the menacing presence of the Savage Cabbages, the Herbology lesson was perfect.
Professor Sprout had an immense wealth of knowledge about Herbology, and her detailed explanations, coupled with real-life examples, made learning a breeze for the students.
By the end of the class, almost everyone could answer every question she posed flawlessly.
Delighted by their performance, Professor Sprout awarded three extra points to each house and gifted each student a fresh White Willow leaf.
In the magical world, these leaves were the equivalent of band-aids. Kyle had used them before, and they worked wonders. All one had to do was clean the wound, apply the leaf, and secure it in place. The injury would usually heal by the next day.
Mikel found Kyle in the crowd and ran to his side, curiously asking, "What did you pick up just now?"
"What are you talking about?" Kyle looked at him puzzled. "I've been fertilizing the White Willow the whole time."
"I saw it with my own eyes," Mikel insisted. "When Professor Sprout turned to get the shovel, you dashed to the other side and picked something up from under those flower pots."
"Oh, that!" Kyle exclaimed. "It's nothing. I just dropped the fertilizer pack Professor Sprout gave me, so I went to pick it up."
"Fertilizer pack?" Mikel eyed Kyle skeptically, clearly not buying his story.
The small bag was so light, and it wasn't even round; there was no way it could have rolled that far.
"Well, maybe I accidentally kicked it over there. I was so scared when I realized what I'd done," Kyle said with a frightened look on his face. "Those Savage Cabbages are truly terrifying. Honestly, if I hadn't been worried about Professor Sprout deducting points, I wouldn't have gone to retrieve it."
"Is that so?"
Seeing Kyle's convincing expression, Mikel gradually dismissed his suspicions and nodded. "Those Savage Cabbages do look scary. I wouldn't have dared to go over there if I were you."
"Exactly," Kyle agreed, spreading his hands. "By the way, has Professor Sprout mentioned when she'll teach you to control your magic?"
"Yeah, she told me to find her on Saturday and Sunday mornings," Mikel said with a hint of dejection. "And this is supposed to be my first weekend at Hogwarts... I still have to take lessons."
"There's no other way," Kyle said, patting him on the shoulder consolingly. "You can't keep relying on the Anti-Devil Potion."
At the mention of "Anti-Devil Potion," Mikel shuddered involuntarily and shook his head repeatedly. "You're right. I'd rather never have a weekend again than drink that stuff."
"Indeed."
Upon returning to the castle, Kyle suggested that Mikel and Ryan head back to their dormitory while he made an excuse about going to the library. Instead, he made his way directly to the eighth floor and located the tapestry depicting the giant clubbing the foolish Barnabas.
Foolish Barnabas was a wizard who had attempted to teach giants ballet dancing, only to be brutally beaten by six giants.
Based on the scene depicted in the tapestry, he had apparently gotten a sound thrashing.
After confirming the location, Kyle took a deep breath and walked back and forth three times near the tapestry, silently reciting his request.
"I need a greenhouse for gardening."
As Kyle passed the tapestry for the third time, a circular archway appeared on the wall opposite it.
Without hesitation, he grasped the brass handle and pushed the door open, stepping inside.
A unique fragrance of soil filled his nostrils.
Despite his expectations, the scene before him still left Kyle stunned.
The room was almost as large as the Great Hall, with fertile soil underfoot and sunlight streaming from above.
It was likely another enchantment of some sort.
Kyle tentatively spoke in a soft voice, "I need rainwater."
The next second, the once sunny room was suddenly drenched in pouring rain. And miraculously, the raindrops seemed to have a mind of their own, falling only on the soil and not a single hair on Kyle's head was dampened.
"This is incredible," Kyle marveled.
Now, this was what you called a real Room of Requirement!
To use it as a storage room for second-hand goods was truly a waste of its potential.
(End of Chapter)
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