Ancient Echoes - Harry Potter Male Reader Insert

Chapter 14 - Trials and Tensions

The morning sun cast a warm glow over Hogwarts as the group made their way to Herbology class. Ron, Harry, Hermione, Y/n, and Neville walked together, discussing their upcoming lesson.

"I can't believe we have Herbology first thing," Ron groaned, adjusting himself on the way.

Harry nodded in agreement. "Yeah, not exactly the most thrilling way to start the day."

Hermione, as usual, seemed unperturbed. "Oh, I don't mind Herbology. It's fascinating to learn about magical plants and their uses."

"Of course, you'd enjoy it," Ron whined.

Neville, on the other hand, was unusually enthusiastic. "I actually quite like Herbology. It's interesting, and I heard Professor Sprout is really nice."

"You two are oddballs," Ron continued. "What about you, Y/n? How do you feel about it?"

Y/n chuckled softly, a nostalgic glint in his eye. "I don't mind it all that much. Actually, I have a bit of a talent for Herbology myself. It's all about patience and understanding the plants' needs."

"Well, of course, you'd say that," Ron complained. "You excel at most things somehow. It's quite annoying given your attitude."

"Are you still mad I took your wand last year?" Y/n teased.

"It was you!" Ron cried out. "You had me looking everywhere for it. I almost believed I would return home without a wand and get yelled at!"

"I thought you knew since I was the one who gave it back to you," Y/n said innocently.

"Yeah, because I thought you were being a good friend after finding it!" Ron retorted. "Turns out you were the perpetrator from the start." Ron glared at Y/n.

"Yeah, yeah, keep complaining. Just be glad I didn't break it or use it to scratch places you wouldn't be pleased with." Y/n grinned mischievously.

"Ew!" the group yelled out in unison.

"Whatever," Y/n said as they reached the door to their upcoming class.

As Y/n pushed the doors open, he saw several students wearing similar expressions of reluctance. Herbology was not an appealing course for many. Y/n had felt the same way at first but had come to enjoy the subject due to certain circumstances. As they set themselves up for the class, Professor Sprout entered the room, beaming with joy.

"Morning, everyone," Professor Sprout said, tapping the stand to get everyone's attention. "Good morning, everyone."

"Good morning, Professor Sprout," the students responded.

"Welcome to Greenhouse Three, second years. Now, gather around, everyone. Today, we're going to re-pot Mandrakes. Who here can tell me the properties of the Mandrake root?" Professor Sprout asked. Hermione raised her hand. "Yes, Miss Granger."

"Mandrake, or Mandragora, is used to return those who have been petrified to their original state. It's also quite dangerous. The Mandrake's cry is fatal to anyone who hears it," Hermione explained.

"Excellent, ten points to Gryffindor! Now, as our Mandrakes are still only seedlings, their cries won't kill you yet, but they could knock you out for several hours, which is why I've given each of you a pair of earmuffs for auditory protection. So if you could please put them on right away," Professor Sprout instructed.

The students started putting them on. "Quickly, flaps tight down." They all had their earmuffs on.

"Now, watch me closely. You grasp your Mandrake firmly, you pull it sharply up out of the pot." She pulled up a plant, revealing a root that resembled a monstrous screaming baby. The students looked alarmed. "Got it? And now you dunk it down into the other pot and pour a little sprinkling of soil to keep him warm."