“Mandrakes are extremely dangerous magical plants.” “When repotting them, you must always wear dragon-hide gloves and soundproof earmuffs.” “Otherwise…” “You could collapse on the spot.” Professor Sprout handed Charlotte a pair of gloves and thick earmuffs.
Once she had confirmed he was wearing them properly, she firmly grasped the Mandrake growing in the flowerpot and pulled it free.
“SKREEEE!” An ear-piercing shriek instantly filled the greenhouse.
Even through the thick earmuffs, the scream pierced straight into Charlotte’s ears.
It was so powerful that he felt slightly dizzy.
Even so…
Charlotte couldn’t take his eyes off the tiny Mandrake.
It looked just like a wriggling human baby.
This was the first time he had ever seen such an extraordinary magical plant.
Professor Sprout quickly lowered it into another pot filled with fresh soil.
“It’s actually quite simple.” “As long as you handle it correctly, nothing will go wrong.” “Why don’t you give it a try?” Following Professor Sprout’s instructions carefully…
Charlotte successfully transplanted a Mandrake into its new flowerpot.
“Excellent!” Professor Sprout beamed.
“Herbology is a truly fascinating subject.” “It may not possess the overwhelming power of Defence Against the Dark Arts…” “And it isn’t as fashionable as Alchemy…” “But every witch and wizard in the world depends on it.” “For example…” “You were asking about the Restorative Draught.” “It’s actually a very simple potion.” “But at a critical moment…” “It can save someone’s life.” As though chatting with an old friend…
Professor Sprout continued replacing Mandrakes while patiently explaining Herbology.
“Brewing the Restorative Draught isn’t difficult.” “First…” “Add three ounces of Mandrake root to a dehydrating solution.” “Once it’s completely dehydrated…” “Place it into a cauldron containing five hundred millilitres of pure water.” “Remember.” “It must be pure water.” “The rest is even easier.” “Boil it for thirty minutes.” “Then add frog brains.” “Five minutes later…” “Add the horn of a Graphorn…” “In the end…” “You’ll obtain a transparent brown liquid.” “That’s the finished Restorative Draught.” By the end of the afternoon…
Charlotte had not only learned how to brew the Restorative Draught…
He had also gained a wealth of knowledge about Herbology and Potions.
He became increasingly convinced that the short witch who always wore a patched old hat was every bit as accomplished a Potioneer as Professor Snape.
Perhaps…
She wasn’t inferior to him at all.
Hufflepuffs simply never cared about seeking recognition.
Which was why few people at Hogwarts realised just how talented Professor Sprout truly was.
At dinner…
Hermione looked at Charlotte in surprise.
“Since when did you become interested in Herbology?” “I thought you’d been studying Charms and Defence Against the Dark Arts lately.” Charlotte smiled.
“It was just a spur-of-the-moment decision.” “Professor Sprout taught me how to brew a potion today.” “Would anyone like to try making it together?” Ron immediately shook his head while tearing into a chicken drumstick.
“No thanks.” “Harry and I start thinking about Professor Snape the moment we see a cauldron.” “And school rules say we’re not allowed to brew potions without a teacher supervising.” Harry nodded in agreement.
“Ron’s right.” “Professor Snape even said…” “If he catches anyone secretly brewing potions…” “He’ll force them to drink an entire bottle of Shrinking Solution.” “You’ll end up as a baby for twenty-four hours.” Charlotte hadn’t actually expected them to agree.
He had only asked casually.
Besides…
Plenty of students secretly brewed potions inside Hogwarts.
Fred and George Weasley, for example, were constantly experimenting with strange concoctions.
As long as the potion wasn’t forbidden…
The worst punishment usually amounted to losing a few House points.
Hermione raised her hand.
“I’ll do it.” “And I know the perfect place.” “No one will ever find us.” Charlotte smiled knowingly.
He already knew exactly where she meant.
Moaning Myrtle’s bathroom.
It really was an excellent place for secret experiments.
After dinner…
Charlotte returned to his dormitory and opened his status screen.
Name: Charlotte Elvis Age: 11 Race: Human Occupation: Wizard (Animagus) Talent: Thunderstorm Strength: 8 Intelligence: 9 Magic Power: 9 Spells: Killing Curse (Level 9)Disillusionment Charm (Level 9)Thunderstrike (Level 9)Occlumency (Level 3)Patronus Charm (Level 3)Shield Charm (Level 2)Disarming Charm (Level 2)Impediment Jinx (Level 2)…
Masteries: Transfiguration (Level 2)Potions (Level 1)Herbology (Level 1)Astronomy (Level 0)Divination (Level 0) Skill Points: 51 Although Professor Sprout had described the Restorative Draught as an extremely simple potion…
For Charlotte, whose Potions Mastery was only Level 1…
It would still be somewhat challenging.
Without hesitation…
He upgraded Potions Mastery to Level 4.
In an instant…
A vast amount of brewing knowledge and practical experience flooded into his mind.
His current understanding was now comparable to that of a highly talented fifth- or sixth-year Hogwarts student specialising in Potions.
At that very moment…
Inside a cramped room somewhere within Hogwarts…
The dim candlelight flickered.
Filch’s ugly face suddenly began to writhe.
His features shifted rapidly…
Until they transformed into Quirinus Quirrell’s.
On the back of his head…
Voldemort’s grotesque face twisted with fury.
“When…” “Are you finally going to obtain the Philosopher’s Stone?” The hoarse, icy voice echoed through the room.
Quirrell immediately dropped to his knees.
His whole body trembled violently.
“My Lord…” “I’ve already learned from Hagrid how to deal with the three-headed dog.” “Soft music will lull it to sleep.” “But ever since the troll incident…” “Dumbledore has become much more vigilant.” “He’s ordered Snape to keep constant watch over both the fourth-floor chamber…” “And everyone within Hogwarts.” “I haven’t found another opportunity yet.” “Worthless fool!” Voldemort’s furious roar forced Quirrell flat onto the floor.
Then the Dark Lord continued, “Today…” “In Hogsmeade…” “I smelled two very familiar scents.” “Harry Potter…” “And Charlotte Elvis.” “I can hardly wait to tear open their chests…” “And rip out their hearts!” His voice became colder still.
“I’ll have Lucius Malfoy cooperate with people inside the Ministry of Magic.” “They’ll find a way to lure Dumbledore away.” “You…” “Will retrieve the Philosopher’s Stone as quickly as possible.” “Otherwise…” “I’ll teach you what true despair really feels like.” Quirrell remained prostrate on the floor, shaking uncontrollably.
“As you command…” “My Lord.” CREATORS’ THOUGHTS Dark_Verse IF YOU LIKED THE CHAPTER PLEAsE WRITE REVIEW