Behind His Facade [Draco x Reader]

Chapter 5: Mandrake Mayhem

I made my way to the greenhouses, looking forward to Herbology class.

As I pushed open the door to Greenhouse Three, a warm, humid air enveloped me, a stark contrast to the cool castle corridors.

The scent of damp earth and blooming flowers filled my senses.

Rows of wooden tables stretched before me, each covered with an assortment of several empty terracotta pots lined up beside a single, occupied one.

The Mandrake seedling inside looked ominous, its twisted, root-like features eerily unsettling.

Hermione and Ron were already standing next to the table, examining the pots with curiosity.

Draco and Goyle stood across from us, their usual smirks subdued.

Professor Sprout, wearing her signature wide-brimmed hat, stood at the front, surveying the room with a warm smile.

"Welcome, first years! Today, we'll be re-potting Mandrake seedlings. Be careful; they can be...temperamental."

Professor Sprout's eyes scanned the room, ensuring everyone's attention.

"Before we begin potting, I must emphasize the importance of safety when handling Mandrakes. These plants are notorious for their... unsettling vocalizations."

She paused, surveying the room again.

"When Mandrakes are disturbed, they emit a high-pitched scream. This sound can have varying effects, depending on the plant's age and maturity."

Professor Sprout held up a pair of earmuffs.

"That's why these are essential. When potting young Mandrakes, the noise can knock you out for several hours if you're not protected. As they mature, the consequences become far more severe."

Her expression turned grave.

"A fully grown Mandrake's scream can be lethal. The sound waves can cause internal damage, even death. It's crucial you wear these earmuffs at all times when handling Mandrakes."

She pointed towards the earmuffs layed out on the table infront of everyone.

"Remember, the younger Mandrakes may seem harmless, but their cries can still cause disorientation and unconsciousness. Let's demonstrate."

Professor Sprout carefully lifted the Mandrake seedling from its pot, and the room fell silent.

Without warning, the Mandrake let out a piercing shriek.

The sound was muffled by the earmuffs, but I still felt a shiver run down my spine.

"Even with protection, the noise can be unsettling," Professor Sprout shouted. "Now, let's proceed with potting your own Mandrakes."

-

As we began re-potting our Mandrake seedlings, the room erupted into chaos.

The air was filled with the intense, piercing screams of the disturbed plants.

Despite wearing earmuffs, the sound still reverberated through every cell in my body.

I winced, focusing on the task at hand.

Hermione worked beside me, her face set in determination and slight disgust.

Ron, however, looked pale, his eyes darting toward Neville Longbottom.

Neville, usually a gentle soul, had crumpled to the floor, his earmuffs still securely in place.

Professor Sprout rushed to his side.

"It's all right, Neville," she said soothingly.
"Just the sight of the Mandrakes can be overwhelming. Someone, please, help me get him outside for some fresh air."

Seamus Finnigan and Dean Thomas quickly volunteered, carefully lifting Neville and carrying him out of the greenhouse.

Draco, across from us, seemed unfazed, his eyes fixed intently on his own Mandrake.

Goyle and I, however, exchanged nervous glances.

As I worked, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of sympathy for Neville.

The Mandrakes' screams were unnerving, even with protection.

Hermione leaned in, her voice barely audible over the cacophony. "Poor Neville."

Ron nodded, his eyes still on the door. "Hope he's okay."

I nodded, refocusing on the task.

As I carefully repotted my Mandrake, I glanced around the room, checking on my classmates.

Hermione worked diligently, her eyes fixed on her plant. Ron looked relieved, having finally managed to pot his Mandrake without incident.

Across from us, Draco handled his Mandrake with an air of confidence.

However, his smirk faltered as he inserted his finger into the Mandrake's mouth, seemingly to adjust its positioning.

The Mandrake's reaction was instantaneous.

Its tiny jaws snapped shut, biting down on Draco's finger.

Draco's eyes widened, and he yanked his finger out, wincing. A flash of anger appearing on his face.

"Stupid plant," he muttered, trying to maintain a stoic demeanor.

But his embarrassment was palpable.

"Looks like someone needs to work on their handling skills," Ron whispered, grinning.

Hermione elbowed him, frowning. "Shh, Ron."

Professor Sprout, oblivious to the incident, continued circulating around the room, offering guidance.

I tried to stifle a smile, feeling a twinge of satisfaction at Draco's misfortune.

As the last of the Mandrakes were potted, Professor Sprout glanced over the room, a warm smile spreading across her face.

"Well done, class! Considering the... unpredictable nature of Mandrakes, I'm impressed with your handling skills. Most of you, anyway."

Her gaze flicked to Draco, who still nursed his injured finger.

"Class dismissed! Leave your potted Mandrakes on the table, we'll collect data on their growth next lesson. Hopefully, you all enjoyed your first Herbology class!"

The greenhouse erupted into a flurry of activity as students gathered their belongings.

Hermione and Ron exchanged relieved glances.

"Survived our first Herbology class," Ron whispered to me.

I grinned, shouldering my bag. "And only one casualty."

As we filed out of the greenhouse, the sounds of the Mandrakes' screams faded into the distance, replaced by the warm sunshine and fresh air of the Hogwarts grounds.