𝕱𝖗𝖎𝖉𝖆 𝕱𝖔𝖗𝖙𝖊𝖘𝖈𝖚𝖊 ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ɢɪɢɢʟᴇꜱ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴛᴏᴍʙꜱ

Hidden in Plain Sight

The second Tuesday of the school year dawned crisp and clear, with a slight chill in the air that hinted at the coming autumn. The early sun cast long shadows across the dewy grass, and Frida walked briskly, her excitement bubbling under the surface. She loved Tuesdays, especially the mornings, when she could immerse herself in the fascinating world of magical plants. Only Wednesdays were better, when they had double Herbology, not only one.

As she entered Greenhouse Three, the earthy scent of soil and the sweet, sharp aroma of various magical plants greeted her. The air was thick with humidity, and the glass walls were misted over, refracting the morning sunlight into soft, glowing beams.

Frida slid into her usual spot near the front, where she could get the best view of the plants Professor Sprout would be demonstrating.

"Good morning, everyone!" Professor Sprout called out cheerfully as she entered, her hands covered in dirt, her face lit up with the usual enthusiasm. "Today we'll be working with Puffapods!"

Professor Sprout placed a few of the bright pink pods onto each table. They glowed softly, like tiny lanterns. "Puffapods are very sensitive," she explained. "They respond to the slightest touch. The key is to be gentle but precise."

Frida's eyes sparkled with excitement. She had read about Puffapods in her Herbology textbook and couldn't wait to handle one herself. Her fingers itched to get started, but she restrained herself, waiting for the professor's instructions.

"First, let's review the proper way to handle the pods," Professor Sprout continued. "Remember, they are delicate, and if you handle them too roughly, they'll burst open before you're ready."

As Professor Sprout demonstrated, Frida watched intently, memorising every movement. She was practically vibrating with anticipation by the time they were allowed to pick up the pods themselves.

"Go ahead, class. Handle them gently," Professor Sprout encouraged.

Frida carefully cradled a Puffapod in her hands, marvelling at its smooth surface. The pod felt warm, as though it was alive and humming with energy. With a steady hand, she positioned it above her flowerpot and slowly opened her fingers.

As it touched the soil, it burst open in a brilliant display of colour. Tiny pink and lavender flowers exploded outwards, filling the pot with a fragrant bouquet. Frida couldn't help but smile, her eyes bright with satisfaction.

"Beautiful work, Frida!" Professor Sprout exclaimed, beaming at her. "You've got a real gift with plants."

Frida's cheeks flushed with pride. "Thank you, Professor," she said, her voice full of delight. She was always eager to learn more, to get her hands dirty and discover the secrets of magical plants.

Next, Professor Sprout moved on to a revision of Mandrakes after shaking up the class from their morning fuzzyness. Frida leaned forward, eager to absorb any new details she might have missed before.

"Can anyone tell me why Mandrakes are so important?" Professor Sprout asked.

Frida's hand shot up instantly. "They're used to make a powerful restorative draught that can cure petrification," she answered confidently. "They're also quite dangerous when mature because their cry can kill."

"Exactly right, Frida," Professor Sprout said, nodding approvingly. "And can you remind the class of the signs that a Mandrake is mature?"

"The leaves will turn a deep green, and the stem will thicken," Frida replied. "And they become quite like... um, drama queens, temperamental," she added with a slight grin.

The class chuckled, and even Professor Sprout smiled. "Very good. It's crucial to handle them with care at that stage." Frida felt a warm glow of accomplishment.