Amelia Potter and the Chamber of Secrets PART 1

65

Instead of roots, a small, muddy and extremely ugly baby popped out of the earth. The leaves were growing right out of his head. He had pale green, mottled skin, and was clearly bawling at the top of his lungs.

Professor Sprout took a large plant pot from under the table and plunged the Mandrake into it, burying him in dark, damp compost until only the tufted leaves were visible. Professor Sprout dusted off her hands, gave them all the thumbs-up and removed her own earmuffs.

'As our Mandrakes are only seedlings, their cries won't kill yet,' she said calmly, as though she'd just done nothing more exciting than water a begonia. 'However, they will knock you out for several hours, and as I'm sure none of you want to miss your first day back, make sure your earmuffs are securely in place while you work. I will attract your attention when it is time to pack up.'

'Four to a tray – there is a large supply of pots here – compost in the sacks over there – and be careful of the Venomous Tentacula, it's teething.'

She gave a sharp slap to a spiky, dark red plant as she spoke, making it draw in the long feelers that had been inching sneakily over her shoulder.

Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Amelia were joined at their tray by a curly- haired Hufflepuff boy Harry knew by sight, but had never spoken to.

'Justin Finch-Fletchley,' he said brightly, shaking Harry by the hand. 'Know who you are, of course, the famous Harry Potter ... and you're Hermione Granger – always top in everything ...' (Hermione beamed as she had her hand shaken, too) 'and Ron Weasley. Wasn't that your flying car?'

Ron didn't smile. The Howler was obviously still on his mind.

'And I don't know you,'

Amelia held out her hand and shook his. 'Amelia Potter no relation.'

'That Lockhart's something, isn't he?' said Justin happily, as they began filling their plant pots with dragon-dung compost. 'He's something all right؟' muttered Amelia. 'Awfully brave chap. Have you read his books? I'd have died of fear if I'd been cornered in a telephone box by a werewolf, but he stayed cool and – zap – just fantastic.

'My name was down for Eton, you know, I can't tell you how glad I am I came here instead. Of course, mother was slightly dis- appointed, but since I made her read Lockhart's books I think she's begun to see how useful it'll be to have a fully trained wizard in the family ...'