Forbidden Request

Chapter Six: Roots Of Curiosity

The early afternoon sun cast a warm, golden glow over the Hogwarts grounds as we made our way to the greenhouses for Herbology class. I was accompanied by Poppy, whose excitement was palpable, and Eleanor, who was already deep in conversation about her latest magical research.

Herbology was held in one of the larger greenhouses, which was filled with a myriad of magical plants and flowers. Each plant was labeled with its name and its specific magical properties. The scent of earth and greenery permeated the air, mingling with the faint aroma of fresh rain from a recent downpour.

As we arrived, Professor Garlick, a lively and enthusiastic witch known for her passion for plants, greeted us with a bright smile. Her warm demeanor was as nurturing as the plants she taught us about. She quickly divided us into groups and began explaining the day's lesson: the care and use of Mandrakes, including their potent properties and the necessary precautions to handle them safely.

"Mandrakes are among the most valuable magical plants," Professor Garlick began, her voice carrying easily over the hum of excited chatter. "Their cries can be lethal, so it's crucial to wear ear protection while handling them. Today, we'll be learning how to safely repot these young Mandrakes and extract their essence for use in restorative potions."

The class split into smaller groups, each taking a station where the young Mandrakes were planted. Poppy eagerly dove into her task, her short hair bobbing with her enthusiastic movements. Eleanor, too, was fully immersed in her work, her concentration evident as she carefully maneuvered the delicate plants.

I was working at a station near the back of the greenhouse, carefully following the instructions on how to handle the Mandrakes. Though the plants were relatively small, their potential for creating powerful ingredients for potions made them fascinating. My focus was on the task at hand, my hands carefully working with the soil and the Mandrakes' roots.

Across the greenhouse, Sebastian Sallow and Ominis Gaunt were stationed together. Despite Ominis's blindness, he navigated the space with a practiced ease, guided by the red trail from his wand. Sebastian, ever the showman, was adding a touch of playful mischief to their work.

"Careful, Ominis," Sebastian said with a grin, his voice carrying a teasing lilt. "If you knock over that pot, I'll have to get a new one."

Ominis, his face displaying a mixture of amusement and exasperation, replied dryly, "I'm more concerned about you juggling Mandrakes like they're Quidditch balls."

Sebastian made an exaggerated show of pretending to lose his balance with one of the Mandrakes, nearly toppling it. "You've got to admit, a bit of flair makes the class more interesting."

Ominis's lips curled into a small smile. "And what about when that 'flair' gets us both in trouble? Remember the time you nearly set the greenhouse on fire with that 'flair' of yours?"

Sebastian laughed, not at all deterred. "Ah, but that was all part of the fun. Besides, we survived, didn't we?"

Their easy banter was punctuated by Ominis's sharp, yet playful retorts, each one a testament to their deep friendship. Ominis's wand guided him with a steady glow, while Sebastian's antics seemed to be a constant source of both amusement and mild exasperation for his friend.

At one point, Sebastian dared Ominis to use his wand to navigate with his eyes closed, an act that led to an exchange of good-natured jabs and laughter. Ominis, ever the sport, complied, his wand emitting a steady, red light as he moved with practiced ease.

As Professor Garlick approached, her eyes twinkling with amusement at the scene, she called out, "Sebastian, Ominis, are we here for Herbology or a comedy show?"