autumn | severus snape

twenty seven

The humid air of the greenhouse was filled with the smell of fresh earth and the faint sweetness of flowering plants. Ophelia's hands were coated in a thin layer of soil as she carefully examined the roots of a Bubotuber plant, her fingers brushing against its knobby surface as she listened to Professor Sprout explain its uses in salves and ointments.

Professor Sprout stood beside her, inspecting the Bubotuber with a critical but pleased eye. "Excellent work, Ophelia," she said. "You've got a natural touch. Not many students handle these as well as you do on their first try."

Ophelia beamed, wiping her brow with the back of her hand, accidentally smudging dirt across her forehead. "Thanks, Professor. There's something about plants... I don't know."

Sprout's face softened, and she nodded. "Plants can teach us a lot, if we let them. They may seem simple, but each one has its own way of thriving, its own way of defending itself." She patted the large pot beside her with a fond smile. "This Bubotuber, for example, one touch of its pus and you'll have boils covering your hand. But handled with care, it can be a powerful remedy."

Ophelia chuckled. "It sounds a bit like some people I know."

Sprout laughed, her eyes twinkling. "Quite right! A little patience and respect goes a long way, Ophelia. Sometimes," Sprout continued, her voice soft and wise, "the things we fear most are simply waiting for the right touch. Not everything dangerous means to harm."

Ophelia felt the minutes slip away as she became absorbed in the earthy smell of the soil, the delicate process of handling the plant, and the soothing nature of Professor Sprout's guidance.

"Now, once you've settled it in," Sprout said, her hands carefully patting down soil around a newly repotted Fanged Geranium, "give it a little water, just enough to make it feel at home. Plants like to know someone's looking out for them."

Ophelia nodded, reaching for the watering can and carefully pouring a thin stream around the base of the plant. "It's strange, but I feel like they're... listening, or something."

Professor Sprout smiled warmly, the corners of her eyes crinkling. "That's because they are, in their own way. You're showing them kindness, and they respond to it." She placed a gentle hand on Ophelia's shoulder. "And when we nurture things around us, we end up growing a little ourselves."

Ophelia smiled, but before she could reply, the greenhouse door creaked open, and in walked Professor Brown, the new Muggle Studies professor. Her light brown hair flowed behind her, catching glints of the sunlight, and she wore a wide smile as she spotted Ophelia and Professor Sprout.

"Am I interrupting?" Brown asked, her voice airy but laced with curiosity.

Sprout turned, brushing the soil from her hands. "Oh, Professor Brown! Not at all. Just a bit of practical learning for Miss Delisle here."

Brown nodded, her eyes flicking to Ophelia with a warm, interested look. "Lovely. I've been so eager to get to know all the students." She stepped closer, her gaze settling on Ophelia with what seemed to be a faint glint of curiosity.

"Oh," Ophelia said, "I don't take Muggle Studies."

Brown's smile didn't falter, though her eyes sparkled with something Ophelia couldn't quite place. "Oh, I know, dear. But I still make it my business to know everyone at Hogwarts. Muggle Studies may be my subject, but I'm fascinated by... connections," she said, her tone light but her gaze sharp.

Ophelia felt a flicker of discomfort under Brown's scrutiny, her fingers idly brushing a bit of soil from her sleeve. "Connections?" she echoed.

Brown's smile widened. "Between people, between choices. Like the way certain students seem to... stand out to certain professors, shall we say."