Chapter 12: Greenhouse No. 1

Everything was connected.

Shean checked his timetable again.

【Ravenclaw First Year

Monday Morning Potions, Potions;

Monday Afternoon History of Magic.

Note: The class schedule for first-year wizards is Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, and 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM.】

The first-year curriculum at Hogwarts was undoubtedly light; there were no classes after 3:30 PM.

This also meant that the young wizards needed a greater capacity for independent study.

After finishing half a roast chicken at the Great Hall's long table, Shean's cheeks bulged. Herbology was different from Potions; although there were still some dangerous plants, Shean could avoid the hazardous ones and use safe magical plants to grind his proficiency—herbs like Valerian or Daisies, for instance.

As long as...

He could find Professor Sprout and convince Madam Sprout to let him into the greenhouses. Doing odd jobs would be perfect.

Just then, several older Hufflepuff wizards walked past Shean, and their conversation caught his attention.

"Walk faster, Professor Sprout is preparing for the first class for the new students today; we're going to be busy for a while."

"It's the same every year. I'd be happy to help the Professor handle the herbs, I just hope I don't run into those serrated trifoliates this year. Do you guys know what they are?"

"Ha?! You mean you've been sneezing for three weeks and you still haven't looked up that herb?"

"I thought you guys were just talking behind my back."

"We *were* talking behind your back, but no one can talk trash about you for three weeks straight, just like you can't stay in a relationship for three weeks straight."

"Hey! Can you stop making fun of me like that..."

"If you hadn't put itching powder in our hats and in—"

"Hehe, stop, I was wrong."

Seeing the three Hufflepuff wizards about to pass, Shean quickly stood up, poking his head out from the long table.

"The serrated trifoliate plant should be Sneezewort. It's a toxic plant, commonly used in confusion potions and stupefying draughts; its dried leaves can also be used to make sneezing powder. If you don't want to be affected, it's best to stay more than two meters away, because its pollen scatters with the wind."

Shean's voice was youthful yet firm, causing the three wizards to stop in their tracks.

"A knowledgeable little wizard, you must be a Ravenclaw freshman, right? But you really shouldn't have told that guy Bruce the truth; he deserves to sneeze his head off."

The wizard with fluffy brown hair had eyes full of teasing.

"Hey, hey, hey, at least don't do it in front of others..." the short-haired wizard beside him said helplessly.

"If you hadn't put itching powder in our hats and in—" a slightly chubby wizard interjected.

"Can we please just let this go, I'm begging you both..." He said this, but there wasn't a hint of regret on his face; instead, it looked somewhat...

If Shean wasn't mistaken, it looked like he was savoring the memory?

"Oh, thanks for telling us. Sneezing for three weeks straight can't feel good. But we have to go now. Next time we meet, I'll treat you to Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans."

Just as they were about to leave, they heard Shean's voice

"I've always wanted to learn about those magical herbs. Can I go with you to help Professor Sprout handle the herbs? I can remember all the plants in the first-year textbook; perhaps I can be of help."

Shean quickly stated his strengths and waited for the result. In fact, even if these Hufflepuff seniors didn't take him, he would have gone on his own once he heard the news.

"Huh?" The brown-haired wizard looked conflicted. "Really? You've memorized that book that's as thick as a brick?!" Bruce's eyes widened.

"Bruce! Professor Sprout never said we could bring people along!" The fluffy-haired wizard immediately realized what his companion was about to do.

"Don't worry, Leon, Greenhouse One has no dangerous plants, remember? Besides, with one more person, we'll work much faster. We have Divination this afternoon, and I don't want to miss the Tarot-style afternoon tea gathering."

The short-haired wizard, Bruce, looked at Shean with great interest. "Sorry, but I have to ask a few questions to ensure you won't be like those little wizards who make a mess of the greenhouses."

He wore an apologetic expression. "What is the nickname of the Aliot tree?" His words were fast and urgent.

"Hyena Tree," Shean answered instantly.

"The leaf shape of Valerian?"

"Oval, oblong, or lanceolate."

"What does Mistletoe produce?"

"Mistletoe berries, which are white berries and excellent ingredients for making common antidotes and Memory Potions."

"Please, you must come with us." Bruce grabbed Shean's hand, his expression incredibly serious. The two beside him also looked surprised.

"I'm Bruce, and they are Leon and Pist."

"Shean Green."

...

And so, Shean obtained the opportunity to go to Greenhouse One. They were to help Professor Sprout handle the herbs, including weeding, collecting some mature herbs, and repelling tentacles extending from Greenhouse Three.

"Those dangerous plants always have a soft spot for Greenhouse One," Bruce spread his hands, then earnestly cautioned Shean, "Although it's rare, if you find them, remember to notify the Professor."

Shean silently memorized his words.

Then, under the warm sunlight of the Scottish Highlands, Shean followed the three experienced wizards out of the castle and arrived before three domed buildings of varying sizes. They had curved roofs, with large panes of glass forming skylights.

"One more thing, Greenhouse One is at the very front. If you go to the wrong one, you'll just have to pray Professor Sprout is there. Just kidding, just remember to run fast."

Bruce explained many details to Shean along the way. Although he didn't seem very reliable, he wasn't vague about important matters. As he spoke, Leon and Pist nodded, clearly in agreement.

Pushing open the creaking wooden door, a stiflingly hot and humid breath immediately rushed toward them, instantly fogging up Pist's glasses.

As far as the eye could see, there were layers upon layers of dizzying green plants. Huge, lumpy, pumpkin-like plants; Sneezewort planted in pots with only a noisy cluster of leaves exposed at the top; and wooden frames intertwined with vines around the perimeter of the greenhouse.

The shelves were filled with all sorts of strange-looking flowerpots. Some plants inside were emitting smoke, some had leaves that pulsed like hearts, and others bore glowing, gem-like fruits.

Among them, only a small path was left for passage. And in the middle of the path stood a short witch with flowing gray hair.