The third day of classes at Hogwarts was particularly exciting for Hufflepuff first-years — not only was it Friday, but their schedule included their most anticipated subjects.
The morning began with Herbology, taught by their Head of House Professor Sprout, with Defense Against the Dark Arts and Flying lessons scheduled for the afternoon.
As dawn broke, they made their way to the greenhouses outside Hogwarts Castle, where they joined the Gryffindors.
"Good morning, students, welcome to Herbology."
Pomona Sprout was a short witch with wispy gray hair. Her clothes bore the marks of her dedication, perpetually dusted with soil from her countless hours tending to plants in the greenhouse.
Despite her prestigious position as Head of House, she had the humble appearance of a dedicated gardener.
Professor Sprout, completely at ease with her appearance, stood at the greenhouse entrance and addressed the young wizards with a serious expression:
"Before entering the greenhouse, I must warn you about some important matters.
First, the greenhouse contains dangerous magical plants. Even common Dittany has sharp thorns, so you must not touch any plants without my permission.
Second, maintain silence inside the greenhouse. We're housing some newly arrived plants that are still adjusting to their environment. Loud noises could startle them.
Is that understood?"
"Understood!" Everyone replied in unison.
"Very good." Pomona nodded.
Upon entering, she directed everyone to the left side of the greenhouse, leaving the right side vacant.
Truth be told, even without her instruction, none of the young wizards would have ventured to that side.
"Professor, what are those horrible things!" Exclaimed a pale-faced Gryffindor first-year, staring at the row of strange yellow plants across from them.
By Merlin's beard, he'd never seen cabbages with fangs before — and these had mouths nearly the size of his head. A bite from one would be disastrous. The thought made him step back even further.
"Chinese Chomping Cabbage — best to keep your distance." Pomona said casually, "But there's no need for alarm. Though they may look frightening, they're quite well-behaved. They won't harm you unless provoked. Besides, once they've adjusted to their new environment in a few days, they'll be moved to a larger greenhouse. You won't see them in your next class."
She clapped her hands.
"Alright. Let's begin the lesson. Open your books to page one. We'll be studying Dittany today. Does anyone know what Dittany is..."
Despite the intimidating Chomping Cabbages nearby, the Herbology lesson turned out perfectly.
Professor Sprout's extensive knowledge, combined with her detailed explanations and practical demonstrations, made learning remarkably easy for the young wizards.
By the end of class, nearly everyone could answer all her questions correctly.
Delighted with their performance, Professor Sprout awarded three points to each house and gave everyone a fresh Dittany leaf.
Dittany leaves were the magical world's equivalent of a Band-Aid. Kyle had experience using them — they worked wonderfully for minor injuries. Simply cleaning the wound, applying the leaf, and securing it would lead to healing by the next day. More serious injuries, however, required essence of Dittany.
After class, everyone filed out of the greenhouse together.
Michael caught up with Kyle in the crowd and asked curiously, "What did you pick up earlier?"
"What do you mean?" Kyle looked puzzled, "I was just loosening the soil for the Dittany."
"I saw you." Michael insisted, "When Professor Sprout turned around to get the trowel, you ran to the other side and picked something up under those pots."
"Oh, that!" Kyle said, his face brightening with recognition, "It was nothing — just the fertilizer packet the professor gave me that fell over there."
"Fertilizer packet?" Michael eyed him suspiciously.
A light, small, non-round bag couldn't have traveled that far.
"Well, I might have accidentally kicked it." Kyle explained, his expression fearful, "Those Chomping Cabbages were terrifying. If I hadn't been worried about losing house points, I wouldn't have gone to retrieve it."
"Is that so?" Michael's suspicions gradually faded as he considered Kyle's explanation, "Those Chomping Cabbages were frightening. I wouldn't have dared go over there."
"Exactly." Kyle shrugged, "By the way, when is Professor Sprout teaching you to control your magic?"
"Saturday and Sunday mornings." Michael replied dejectedly, "It's Hogwarts' first weekend, and I still have to attend classes..."
"Can't be helped." Kyle said, patting his shoulder sympathetically, "You can't keep drinking the magic suppression potion forever."
At the mention of the magic suppression potion, Michael instinctively shuddered and shook his head vigorously, "You're right, I'd rather give up all my weekends than drink that stuff."
"See?"
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After returning to the castle, Kyle told Michael and Ryan to head back to the dormitory first. He made an excuse about going to the library, then went straight to the seventh floor to find the tapestry of Barnabas the Barmy being clubbed by trolls.
Barnabas was a wizard who had attempted to teach trolls ballet — a decision that led to him being beaten by six of them. From the looks of the tapestry, the beating had been severe.
After confirming he was in the right spot, Kyle took a deep breath and paced back and forth three times, mentally reciting:
"I need a greenhouse for planting." As he passed the tapestry for the third time, a round archway materialized in the opposite wall.
Without hesitation, Kyle grabbed the brass handle and pushed the door open.
The distinctive fragrance of soil wafted toward him.
Though he had expected something impressive, the scene before him still left him stunned. The room was nearly as large as the Great Hall, with rich fertile soil underfoot and a view of the sun overhead.
Must be some kind of spell, he thought.
Kyle spoke softly, testing, "I need rain."
Instantly, the previously sunny room began pouring rain. The droplets seemed almost conscious, falling only on the soil — leaving him completely dry, not a single hair dampened.
"This is amazing..." He marveled.
This was truly the Room of Requirement in all its glory. Using such a magnificent place as mere storage for second-hand items would be an absolute waste.
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