Chapter 64: Kael's Talent for Herbology!

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Soon the three of them arrived at Herbology Greenhouse 1.

There were ten Herbology Greenhouses like this one at Hogwarts.

They were numbered from one to ten, and the higher the number, the more precious and dangerous the herbs inside.

Herbology Greenhouse 1, where first year wizards took their lessons, was full of simple and harmless herbs.

Things like Dittany,

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Bubotuber,

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 Gillyweed 

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and Aconite (also known as Wolfsbane or Monkshood)!

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They were all there when they entered the greenhouse.

Both the Gryffindors and Slytherins had heard about Professor Sprout's reputation from the older students.

They were all looking forward to their first herbology lesson.

"Sorry, Professor, we're late" Kael apologised to Professor Sprout, who was surrounded by several Gryffindor students.

"Oh no, child, not at all!"

"You're not late; class hasn't started yet, has it?"

"In fact, I'm very much looking forward to seeing how you perform in Herbology!"

As the rumours said, Professor Sprout was indeed kind and gentle.

As it turned out, she had high hopes for Kyle. No teacher dislikes teaching outstanding students. For them, there's no greater feeling than seeing their students excel, and Professor Sprout was no exception.

Herbology and Potions aren't completely separate subjects. Any master of Potions needs to know a lot about Herbology if they want to be really successful in that subject. And Kyle, having just been awarded the Order of Merlin, Second Class, for his invention in Potions, was no ordinary student.

"Of course, Professor. You can't improve in Potions without a solid foundation in Herbology!" Kyle replied promptly.

Apart from his mastery in Potions, Kyle also possessed a talent for Herbology.

"Right, let's get started!"

Once everyone was there and ready to go, Professor Sprout clapped her hands and told the students to take their seats.

"Today we're going to be learning how to take care of Gillyweed."

She waved her hand and the pots of Gillyweed from the corner of the greenhouse flew to each student's desk.

Gillyweed is a magical plant with heart-shaped, round leaves and serrated edges.

"Gillyweed is a material used in potion-making, particularly for beauty potions."

"I'm sure Professor Snape will be showing you how to make these potions in future Potions classes!"

"A single Gillyweed sells for 1 Galleon at Diagon Alley's apothecaries, with the purchase price between 10 to 11 Sickles."

"Today, we'll be learning how to repot Gillyweed. The student who does the best will get a Gillyweed plant!

As soon as Professor Sprout was done speaking, all the students suddenly seemed a lot more interested. Although the Slytherins had plenty of Gillyweed, it was a different story when a professor gave it as a reward. Cassandra seemed the only one who wasn't interested.

She was naturally gifted at Herbology, and Gillyweed was a relatively simple plant, so she had mastered it long ago. Kyle was no different – his talent for Herbology had given him the title of 'Natural Herbology Master'.

Kyle was a natural at Herbology. He could understand simple plants just by looking at or smelling them. On top of that, Kyle had already come across these plants in Knockturn Alley.

On top of that, as he worked, he came up with new and creative ideas about Gillyweed potions.

Kyle whispered to Cassandra, "Do you have any questions?" while Professor Sprout was writing on the board with her back to the students.

"You can ask me, if you like. To be honest, I'm much more talented in herbology than in potions.

"People in Knockturn Alley call me a born Herbology Master!"

Kyle found teasing the proud Cassandra far more entertaining than the class itself.

"Thanks, but I already grew Gillyweed when I was seven," Cassandra replied confidently.

"Just because you've grown it doesn't mean you know all its effects!" Kyle teased.

"Of course I know it. Professor Sprout said it herself – Gillyweed is used to make beauty potions, which are quite popular among witches."

"No, no, no, I think you're misunderstanding me." Kyle gave a little smile. "That's just what it's used for on the surface." He then shared a potion recipe he had just thought of.

"All you have to do is triple the Gillyweed quantity, add puffer fish eyes and a dash of Knarl saliva, and you'll have a fresh batch of Uglifying Potion!" (T/N: Potions that make anyone ugly.)

"I guarantee that anyone who drinks it will have their facial features enlarge threefold!"

Cassandra was taken aback.

Pufferfish eyes are a key ingredient in swelling solutions. Knarl saliva is used in healing potions. And Gillyweed… She hadn't tested it herself, but based on the potion properties, Kyle's theory seemed entirely plausible. Could it be? Did he actually understand Herbology? No, this was more than just understanding. Could there really be such a thing as a "born Herbology Master"?

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So how's the chapter I used Deepl Write to find for any grammar mistake.