Chapter 61: The Little Mushroom Girl Picking Mushrooms

The Gryffindors were cheering for Harry and Malfoy's flying chase, completely focused they didn't even notice Dudley and Hermione's discreet actions. Some Slytherins noticed but wisely chose to cover their eyes silently.

"We dare not speak."

"We dare not ask."

"We do not know."

Thus, the two smoothly crossed the lawn, running along a small path to the edge of the Forbidden Forest.

Throughout the journey, Hermione's heart was pounding nonstop. As a diligent student, skipping class was a taboo for her. But the thrill was too enticing, too exciting. Hermione's cheeks flushed like a ripe red apple.

Flying class was dull for those who couldn't fly, and seizing this opportunity to explore seemed more interesting. Having been at Hogwarts for a while, Hermione felt she hadn't properly explored the magical place. The Forbidden Forest, even during the day, seemed dimmer than the rest of Hogwarts.

Hogwarts, located in the Scottish Highlands of the British Isles, had a temperate maritime climate. The predominant trees were oak, maple, and beech, creating a dark, unending expanse. To others, it might feel oppressive, but Dudley, with his upbringing in a mountainous region, was unfazed.

Where Dudley grew up, every place was a mountain.

The Forbidden Forest was just a larger forest, with its real attraction being the magical creatures and plants residing within.

"Wow!"

The moment they entered the forest's edge, Hermione was captivated by the scenery. Sunlight filtered through the leaves and branches, creating dappled patterns of green and yellow on the forest floor. The play of light, dancing with the wind, provided a harmonious beauty.

Even Hermione's previously restless heart found tranquility in the forest's enchanting beauty. While Hermione was immersed in the Forbidden Forest's charm, Dudley, observing her, noticed her recent preoccupation. It wasn't just the frustration of failing the flying class; there was something else bothering her. However, respecting her privacy, he refrained from prying. Dudley hoped that this trip to the Forbidden Forest would help her relax.

In her core, Hermione possessed a stubbornness, much like his own.

Harry was the same way.

But she seems to be following him. No, her personality has become similar after being with him for a long time.

Are stubborn people attracted to each other?

Perhaps spending time with each other made their personalities converge?

Well, that sounded like some kind of doppelganger talk.

Hermione jumped ahead and was so curious about everything in front of her,

transformed from Gryffindor's Miss Know-It-All into an ordinary, lively girl.

"Over here, Dudley! Come quickly!"

Standing beside a tree with a trunk large enough to be hugged by four or five people, Hermione beckoned to Dudley, who approached. Following her pointing arm, Dudley saw a small plant with five yellow petals nestled between the tree branches.

"Look there!"

The sunlight filtered through the tree crown and shone on the trunk. The texture of the bark became clearer due to the illumination. Looking in the direction pointed by Hermione, Dudley was in the gap between the trunk and the branches. I saw a small yellow plant with five petals.

St. John's Wort, a relatively rare herb. According to legend, this herb harbored evil powers left by a devil on its petals. When you rubbed the veins, blood-like sap would appear. It was used to treat anemia and menstrual issues, but primarily for wounds and gunshot injuries.

Hermione chirped like a lark as she explained to Dudley the uses of this herb

Dudley didn't make any comment, just smiled and listened patiently.

Although he recognized this herb early on.

Once Hermione finished her explanation, Dudley effortlessly climbed the tree, retrieved tools from his pouch, and carefully dug up the herb, placing it in a small bottle.

"Excellent technique," commented Hermione. While she excelled in theoretical knowledge, her practical skills fell short. Reflecting on Dudley's meticulous approach, she couldn't help but smile.

Thinking about Dudley's large hands delicately handling the herb with just two fingers, Hermione burst into laughter.

The silver bell-like laughter echoed in the Forbidden Forest. Her two prominent front teeth were strikingly visible.

"Hermione, you look so beautiful when you laugh. Keep smiling."

Dudley, straightforward as ever, provoked a blush from Hermione, who playfully punched his chest, concealing her inner shyness.

Hogwarts' Forbidden Forest was indeed a natural magical treasure trove. Though the collected herbs weren't exceptionally rare, the quantity was significant. Every few steps revealed another plant.

From mistletoe, comfrey, valerian, burdock, to mugwort—Dudley gathered them all, especially the mugwort, indicating a plan to cultivate it.

Dudley also discovered the elusive Bubotuber, a peculiar plant that bridged the gap between magical creatures and plants.

It resembled a grotesque, big, dark, slimy slug. Despite its hideous appearance, the plant held high medicinal value. Dudley handled it with extreme care.

By the way, its juice will cause some damage to the skin, so be sure to wear dragon skin gloves when removing it.

By the time they finished collecting, Dudley noticed Hermione standing near a mushroom-like plant emitting a faint glow.

It seemed even the all-knowing Miss Granger had her moments of ignorance.

"This is a magical herb called Fungiflare. We study it in our fourth-year Herbology class. Technically, it should belong to the fungi category like other mushrooms, but there isn't a separate subject for magical fungi in Herbology."

"The mushroom cap is highly sensitive. When stimulated, it releases spores that induce full-body paralysis, useful for making paralysis potions."

While the Fungiflare itself was more precious than Bubotubers, wizards were mostly interested in its spores.

"The Fungiflare can be used in potions that enhance physical strength."

"Unfortunately, most wizards aren't interested in such potions."

For wizards, enhancing strength held no real significance. Potions like such as slight magic enhancement potions or magic enhancement potions were more practical. However, it was precisely what Dudley needed. After careful harvesting, the magical herb Fungiflare was added to his collection.

"Singing the Mushroom-Picking Song, carrying a large basket on the back."

"One, two, three, four, five, five, five, five, six, seven, eight."

In high spirits, Dudley unconsciously began humming a tune, dragging Hermione along while they strolled and gathered magical herbs.

Unknowingly, they wandered deep into the Forbidden Forest. When they finally realized, the moon was hanging among the branches.

"Oh no!"

Dudley's sudden realization shocked him.

"We missed dinner!"

PS*******

"The Little Girl Picking Mushrooms" is a children's song written by Chen Xiaoguang , composed by Gu Jianfen , and first sung by Zhu Fengbo . It was created and released in 1982.

On September 30, 2004, "Little Girl Picking Mushrooms" was selected into the "100 Patriotic Education Songs" selected by the Propaganda Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, the Central Civilization Office and other units to celebrate the 55th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China

(End of this chapter)