"Harry Potter- Ravenclaw"Chapter 4: The Unusual Mandrake
The walk from the castle to the greenhouse wasn't exactly short, but to Wyzett, it felt as if time slipped by in an instant.
It seemed like he'd only blinked before Luna, who had been clearing the path ahead, spun around with a rosy flush on her cheeks. "It feels like we just started, and now we're already here!"
With the Christmas holidays drawing near, the air had grown colder and colder.
The Mandrakes had grown larger too, and now they were becoming restless—digging through the soil for air, and even trying to clamber out of their pots at every opportunity.
Professor Sprout stood waiting, pink earmuffs hanging around her neck and a trowel in hand. "If Mandrakes catch cold, their roots can rot—and then all our work goes down the drain."
"That's why keeping them warm is so important! We need to put socks and scarves on our little darlings—don't let a single one catch a chill."
"First, tap the edge of the pot three times with your trowel… yes, just like knocking on a door. They're all grown up now. Wait for them to stretch out their roots, and only then start digging."
Beside her sat two baskets, brimming with brightly colored scarves and socks. "These little ones are awfully picky about colors. Watch their reactions closely."
That was why Wyzett had brought his Mandrake to the greenhouse today.
Aside from him and Luna, there were about ten others—Neville, Hannah, Cedric, and more—standing in a semicircle around Professor Sprout.
Dressing a Mandrake was delicate work, not something for a regular lesson. Only a handful of students had been invited for this special, private class.
As Professor Sprout handed out earmuffs, Luna leaned in and whispered, "Our Mandrake seems especially well-behaved, doesn't it? It's always so calm… like a Mooncalf."
"It really is," Wyzett agreed. "The only time it gets excited is when I bring out the special fertilizer—then it bounces around like it's dancing."
…
Once everyone had their earmuffs on, Professor Sprout picked up a pot of Mandrakes, raised her trowel high, and tapped the rim three times.
The Mandrake inside reacted instantly. The moment the third tap landed, it shot out its roots, scrabbling eagerly at the soil.
Professor Sprout tilted the pot so everyone could see, then carefully scraped away the top layer of earth. The Mandrake practically leapt out, grabbing the pot's edge and striking a pose as if ready to make a break for it.
She scooped it up, pulled a scarf and socks from the basket, and waved them in front of the Mandrake.
The Mandrake nudged the orange scarf, then swished its roots at the blue-and-pink socks.
Professor Sprout shook the scarf, swapped the socks for orange ones, and deftly bundled the Mandrake up for winter.
Once the first Mandrake was dressed, she gestured for everyone to remove their earmuffs.
"See that? Usually, if they dislike something, they'll lash out. But pay attention—the way they move tells you a lot. You'll have to learn to read them…"
After a few more tips, she had everyone put their earmuffs back on and split into pairs to dress the rest of the Mandrakes.
…
Just as Luna had said, their Mandrake was the picture of good behavior.
When Luna slipped socks onto its roots, it bobbed its head in contentment, even when she tested out different colors. Not a hint of protest.
And it was clearly bigger than the others—at least a full size larger.
If not for the details not quite matching, and Professor Sprout's personal confirmation, Wyzett might have thought it was already fully mature.
Meanwhile, Neville and Hannah had a much fussier Mandrake. No matter the color, it waved its roots in irritation, refusing to cooperate.
Apparently annoyed by all the fuss, Wyzett's Mandrake suddenly opened its mouth wide. The Mandrake in Neville's hands did the same.
Luna cocked her head, scooped up their colorfully-dressed Mandrake, and brought it over to the baskets.
The Mandrake reached out, grabbed a gray scarf and socks, and tossed them to Neville.
That did the trick—Neville's Mandrake scooted forward, eager to be bundled up. Hannah hurried to wrap it up warmly.
…
So it went, with Wyzett and Luna taking turns carrying their Mandrake around the greenhouse.
Maybe it was the confidence that came with its size, but their Mandrake grew more and more lively—patting other Mandrakes with its sock-clad roots and strutting about like a little king.
The sight left Luna giggling, her cheeks glowing with laughter.
Despite the two of them no longer helping with the dressing, the overall pace picked up. In less than an hour, nearly a seventh of the Mandrakes were ready for winter.
To thank everyone, Professor Sprout handed out packets of biscuits—baked with magical plants, judging by the fresh, sweet scent wafting from the waxed paper.
They tasted different too—crispier than the ones in the Great Hall, and each bite sent a pleasant warmth spreading through the body.
At the bottom of each packet was a recipe, complete with detailed steps and measurements.
Professor Sprout smiled. "Try making these at home during the holidays—your family will love the surprise."
After the greenhouse emptied, Wyzett approached with his Mandrake. "Professor Sprout, I think my Mandrake… is a bit different from the others?"
"I thought so too," she replied, nodding. "It's bigger, livelier…"
"You'll be home for Christmas, won't you? Why not leave it here so I can observe it for a while? Maybe I'll figure out what makes it special."
Wyzett nodded. "I'll bring its special fertilizer over—it can't go without it."
"Perfect," said Professor Sprout. "Maybe that's the secret—a particularly picky little fellow…"
Wyzett agreed. This Mandrake was certainly unique—so much so that it once protested for fertilizer and sent Lockhart straight to the hospital wing.
…
Beneath the eagle statue, the bronze ring shivered, and a clear, melodic voice rang out:
"I never walk, yet I can travel from London to Rome; I have no wings, yet I soar through the sky; I close my eyes, yet I see wonders untold. What am I?"
At the same time, Wyzett and Luna answered together, "Imagination!"
The bronze door swung open. Inside, students clustered around the notice board, reading a freshly posted announcement.
Anthony waved at Wyzett and Luna as they returned. "Eight o'clock tonight! There's going to be a 'Dueling Club' in the Great Hall!"
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