Chapter 47: Devil's Snare

In Herbology class, Professor Sprout presented various plants, including some fungi, or simply put, mushrooms.

Of course, there were also some interesting plants among them, such as the Whomping Willow. It was a magical pear tree that protected anyone who touched its trunk from dark creatures. Wizards liked to use it as a protective charm against evil.

Naturally, Professor Sprout also mentioned some dangerous plants, like poisonous and highly dangerous Venomous Tentacula, Mandrakes whose cries could be lethal, and the small pot of Devil's Snare she was holding.

"This is a young Devil's Snare," Professor Sprout said as she touched the tender shoot of the plant with her wand, and immediately, the shoot extended tendrils that wrapped around the wand.

"As you can see, once you get close to them, Devil's Snare will ensnare any living being near it. When it grows to a certain extent, it can easily cause injury or death to individuals. When you get caught in Devil's Snare, it's best not to struggle, as the vines will only tighten."

Professor Sprout gave her wand a flick to demonstrate the characteristics of Devil's Snare to the students.

"Devil's Snare thrives in dark and damp environments, so light and warmth naturally become its enemies." Flames burst from Professor Sprout's wand, immediately driving away the Devil's Snare.

"As you can see, fire poses a threat to it. Once you encounter an attack from Devil's Snare, using fire to drive them away is an effective method."

Everyone picked up their quills and diligently took notes while Professor Sprout patiently waited. After everyone finished writing, she continued, "People who are not familiar with Devil's Snare may confuse it with the Chinese Chomping Cabbage, so pay special attention to that..."

Herbology class was very practical, with Professor Sprout providing a rough introduction to various magical plants, leaving everyone with a deep understanding. This class quickly captured the interest of all students. The only trouble was that two classes were scheduled back-to-back, making the class time exceptionally long, and everyone had been standing throughout the lesson, causing their legs to feel a bit numb.

Finally, the bell for the end of the class rang, and most students breathed a sigh of relief.

Professor Sprout did not assign any homework, which was good news for everyone.

"We have Defense Against the Dark Arts in the afternoon." Lee Jordan seemed a bit excited. Defense Against the Dark Arts was one of the most anticipated courses for most first-year students.

"You guys heard about it?" George said suddenly to the other three as they left Greenhouse One. "The Defense Against the Dark Arts class has been cursed. The professors who teach that subject always encounter all sorts of bad luck. They resign every year, and no one lasts more than a year."

"Cursed?" Albert naturally knew what was going on.

The curse originated from Voldemort, well, Tom, the Dark Lord who shared the same name as their cat.

It was said that after Tom failed to secure the position of Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, he harbored a grudge and placed a curse on the position, aiming to eliminate a significant number of Defense Against the Dark Arts professors and make others afraid to take up the role. He especially wanted to force Dumbledore to compromise.

"Yeah, that's what they say. Apparently, a powerful wizard placed the curse on the position; otherwise, with Professor Dumbledore's abilities, he would have lifted the curse by now."

A curse lasting for decades was enough to show the strength of the caster.

"Now, we can only hope that our new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor is competent," Albert said as they turned a corner, only to be greeted by a foul stench and the sight of Filch catching a Gryffindor third-year student who had just thrown a dungbomb into the corridor.

"What's going on?" Albert covered his mouth and nose with his hand, asking a nearby student.

"That guy made a bet and lost. As a result, he had to throw a dungbomb in front of Filch in the corridor," the older student said, shaking his head and walking away. There was no helping it; the smell of dungbombs was too unbearable, almost like a biological gas bomb.

"That's just insane!" Albert shook his head repeatedly. For some reason, he suddenly felt that Filch had it quite tough. If it were him in that situation, he would probably feel exhausted as well.

"It's so cool!" The Weasley twins' eyes lit up with excitement. They could tell that Filch was furious after that incident.

Albert raised his hand to his mouth and coughed lightly, reminding them, "Ahem, do you guys want to help clean bedpans at the hospital wing?"

The Weasley twins, who were initially excited, immediately deflated. Cleaning bedpans? No, thanks!

Lee Jordan chimed in, "Actually, as long as you don't get caught, it's all good."

"With your current skill level, not getting caught might be a bit challenging," Albert continued, pouring cold water on the twins. "Unless you want to learn from that crazy daredevil over there."

During the journey back to the Great Hall for the meal, the twins remained silent, lost in their thoughts.

"We've made a decision." They looked at each other and announced with mutual understanding.

"What decision?" Albert looked up, puzzled.

"We've decided to do that thing," the twins said simultaneously.

"What thing?"

"Throw dungbombs into Filch's office." The twins said it with a straight face.

Albert almost sprayed the pumpkin juice in his mouth onto the faces of the two in front of him.

"Ahem." He covered his mouth, coughing repeatedly.

Lee Jordan, standing beside them, also opened his mouth wide, unsure of what to say.

These two are... really daring!

"If you really want to do that, I can give you some... small suggestions," Albert said after thinking for a moment, then added, "But I haven't figured it out yet."

"Hey, why are you..." Lee Jordan couldn't help but shake his head repeatedly. He finally understood why Albert was sorted into Gryffindor.

This guy has quite a bit of courage too!

"By the way, I'm curious how you managed to eat so much food at lunch," Lee Jordan awkwardly changed the topic.

"Obviously, I ate at 7 a.m. What can you guys who eat after 8:30 compare to that?" Albert couldn't help but roll his eyes at Lee.

Since there were fewer events in the morning, the British breakfast was still plentiful, so they generally weren't very hungry by noon.

They ate less at lunch, sometimes even skipping it.

"So, how should we prank Filch?" The twins were more concerned about the current issue.

"It shouldn't be too extreme, but we need to make Filch really angry, right?" Albert glanced at a corner of the long table, where a daredevil had already been let out and was now surrounded by a group of people.

Lee, who had just finished eating, also joined the group to inquire about the news. Curiosity really was a kind of illness.

"Yes." The twins both looked back and nodded repeatedly.

"Are you ready to be put in detention?" Albert asked again.

"Yes!" Both of them nodded in unison.

(End of this chapter)

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