Chapter 86: Devil’s Snare

With the automatic cleaning set in place, Snape's detentions became much easier to handle. That night, George spent just over an hour polishing all the cauldrons in the Potions classroom.

He did it so skillfully that Filch, who was standing nearby, didn't notice anything unusual—although he did find it a bit odd. He simply assumed that George, with all his detention experience, had gotten exceptionally good at it. Not that Filch was bragging, but he figured he could clean a few cauldrons himself in about half an hour.

Satisfied that everything was in order, Filch eventually left with George.

The next morning, George made a point of sharing his story with everyone. At the Gryffindor table, he recounted his late-night escapades in the Potions classroom, claiming he'd discovered a letter addressed to Snape in one of the abandoned cauldrons, only for Filch to confiscate it. While he never explicitly said it, George's hints were clear—the letter was supposedly a love letter. This bit of innuendo sent the Gryffindor girls into a frenzy; they didn't care if it was true, as long as it was entertaining.

Meanwhile, Kyle, over at the Hufflepuff table, was delighted too, though his happiness had nothing to do with Snape gossip. His excitement stemmed from the fact that they had Herbology class that day. Professor Sprout had announced at the end of their last lesson that they were wrapping up the study on rue and would soon begin learning about Devil's Snare. Nothing could be better news.

After breakfast, Kyle and the other Hufflepuffs joined the Gryffindors on the way to the greenhouses outside the castle.

"Why do I get the feeling you're unusually excited?" Kanna asked, glancing at Kyle. "The book says Devil's Snare is a very dangerous plant. Aren't you worried?"

"It's fine," Kyle quickly hid his grin. "Devil's Snare might sound scary, but it's really not that dangerous. If you know how to handle it, it's tamer than a Puffskein."

"Exactly,"

Just then, Professor Sprout appeared behind them with a smile. "Don't mind me—go on, share what you know."

"Right," Kyle cleared his throat. "According to The Magical Vine Plants, Devil's Snare was once very popular, and many witches and wizards kept one or two plants at home. It helped keep underground storerooms free of mice and spiders. But once the Ministry of Magic classified it as dangerous and banned private cultivation, Devil's Snare gradually disappeared from most wizarding households."

"I couldn't have explained it better myself," Professor Sprout said warmly. "Five points to Hufflepuff."

"As Kyle mentioned, Devil's Snare isn't as dangerous as its name suggests, but…" She paused, her expression growing serious. "The key is understanding it. If you're unfamiliar with Devil's Snare, it can indeed become very dangerous—even deadly."

The students grew noticeably quiet at this caution, and Professor Sprout nodded in satisfaction.

Today, they were in Greenhouse Two. Upon entering, they immediately noticed how dark it was—the ceiling and walls were completely covered, with only two dim oil lamps providing light. Fortunately, the greenhouse wasn't very large, and once their eyes adjusted, they could make out their surroundings.

Compared to Greenhouse One, the plants here were far stranger. In addition to the Devil's Snare on the table, Kyle noticed Puffapods and poisonous plants like Poison Ivy and Belladonna. The only disappointment was the absence of any Mandrakes.

"This is the Devil's Snare," Professor Sprout announced, standing beside a stool and pointing to the sprawling mass of vine-like tendrils at the center of the floor. "It's quite beautiful, isn't it? But also very dangerous. Can anyone tell me why?"

Everyone turned to look at Kyle in perfect unison.

"Devil's Snare can extend its tendrils like snakes to wrap around anyone nearby, causing injury or even death," Kyle blurted out.

"Exactly right. Five more points for Hufflepuff," Professor Sprout replied, gesturing towards the Devil's Snare's roots. "Notice that the Devil's Snare here is still quite young."

In the dim light, everyone moved in closer, squinting to see what she meant, but nothing about the plant looked particularly "young" to them. After all, the thing was nearly two meters long.

To demonstrate, Professor Sprout tossed an empty flowerpot towards the Devil's Snare. The moment it hit the ground, the plant's tendrils shot out, ensnaring the pot tightly before crushing it into fragments with a loud 'pop.'

The students gasped and instinctively stepped back, eyeing Kyle and Professor Sprout as if they'd just seen ghosts.

How could this thing not be dangerous?

"Pay attention to the color of the tendrils—they're still a light green," Professor Sprout explained calmly as she swept up the remains of the flowerpot. "Mature Devil's Snare is a dark green. So while getting tangled in it might not kill you, it certainly wouldn't be pleasant."

"Now, can anyone tell me what should be done to escape from Devil's Snare?"

Everyone looked at Kyle again.

"If you get tangled, don't panic," Kyle responded. "By relaxing and staying still, the Devil's Snare will eventually loosen its hold. It also hates light and fire, so sometimes just a simple Lighting Charm can make it release its grip."

Hearing this, Mikel, standing next to him, let out a proud chuckle and puffed out his chest. The Lighting Charm? He knew it like the back of his hand. Without exaggeration, there was probably no young wizard here more skilled at it than him.

"Correct. Hufflepuff earns three more points."

"Today, we'll be learning how to fertilize the Devil's Snare," Professor Sprout said, producing a small wooden bucket filled with tools and compost. "Handle it gently, and if you get tangled, remember to relax completely. Now, who'd like to go first?"

For the third time, Kyle felt everyone's gaze fixed on him, including an encouraging one from Professor Sprout.

"I'll go first," Kyle offered, stepping forward.

"Take your time," Professor Sprout encouraged.

Kyle took the small shovel she handed him and carefully reached for the Devil's Snare's roots. Everyone held their breath as they watched.

Kyle's hand remained steady as he managed to avoid every writhing tendril of the Devil's Snare. He dug a small hole near the roots, then, using tweezers, he plucked a silver pellet the size of a soybean from the compost bucket and gently placed it in the hole. Finally, he filled it in and pulled his hand away from the plant.

"Ten points to Hufflepuff," Professor Sprout announced, her tone pleased.