Masquerade (Hermione x Female OC)

Chapter 14 - To guide

Total Words - 1901

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Hosted by the Library Club and overseen by Professor Sprout, the exhibition, Herbology Wonders, a blend of book showcase and personal plant journeys, took place in the cozy hall at Hogwarts named The Greenleaf Chamber. This smaller, more intimate venue allowed students to interact closely with the various displays.

The hall was arranged with desks on three sides, each one adorned with an assortment of fascinating wizarding plants. At each desk, students of different years presented their beloved flora and shared their personal experiences and advice.

One desk proudly displayed a Bowtruckle habitat. A fifth-year student enthusiastically explained how they had painstakingly crafted an environment that mirrored the tree-dwelling creature's natural habitat, fostering a healthier and happier Bowtruckle family.

Nearby, a meticulously maintained Dirigible Plum tree stood tall. A sixth-year student talked about the fruit's unique properties and the joys of tending to these whimsical, floating delights.

The exhibition also featured various books on herbology, from historical tomes filled with ancient plant lore to contemporary guides on magical plant care. Each book held its own significance.

As students roamed from desk to desk, they absorbed the rich mosaic of knowledge and passion that wove through the hall.

René stood in front of a group of tiny first-year students, their eyes wide with curiosity as they looked at the Serpentine Ivy coiled around the classroom walls. Her tone was informative.

"Alright, everyone, gather 'round," René beckoned, her voice carrying authority mixed with a hint of patience. "This here is the Serpentine Ivy. It might look intimidating, but it's a friendly plant if you treat it right."

The children listened intently as she continued, "The Serpentine Ivy can be trained to move and protect an area. Think of it like a guard dog. It reacts to specific spells or commands, which makes it useful for guarding your homes or...maybe even your secret treehouses."

Excitement bubbled as the kids imagined secret treehouses. "Now," she said, gesturing toward a section of ivy that moved gracefully in response to her wand, "with the right wand movement and incantation, you can guide it to create a barrier. But remember, it can sense your intentions."

After the demonstration, the students were buzzing with questions and excitement. René took her time answering each.

Later, as she was gathering her things and busy side eyeing Draco and his pair of commanders and their antics, Rene noticed a small, wide-eyed girl standing by herself near the ivy. Recognizing her as Mia, Danielle's cousin, the older girl approached.

"Hey, umm...Mia, right?" she greeted with a warm but slightly awkward smile. "Are you enjoying the exhibits today?"

Mia nodded shyly but seemed a bit overwhelmed. René knelt down to be at her eye level, remembering how her younger brother liked it when she did that.

"Don't worry, they might look a bit scary, but they won't hurt you," Rene reassured her gently. "Think of them as friendly magical creatures. They just need a bit of understanding. You will learn as grow with them. You are a seed after-all."

The little girl's eyes brightened, and she gave a smile, nodding and the waving her a goodbye. René wasn't used to dealing with kids, but she could tell that her efforts had eased the girl's nervousness.