Chapter 44: Chomping Cabbage

The third day of Hogwarts was likely the most anticipated day of the year for new Hufflepuff students. Not only was it a Friday, but it also featured the classes they were most excited about.

In the morning, they had Herbology with Professor Sprout, and in the afternoon, Defence Against the Dark Arts and Flying lessons. Early that morning, the students gathered outside the greenhouse along with Gryffindor.

"Good morning, students, and welcome to Herbology class," greeted Pomona Sprout, the Herbology professor.

She was a short, gray-haired witch, and because she spent most of her time in the greenhouse tending to the plants, her clothes were always covered in dust. Compared to the high-ranking headmaster, Professor Sprout looked more like a humble gardener. But she didn't mind. Standing at the entrance to the greenhouse, she carefully surveyed the young wizards before her.

"Before we enter the greenhouse, I need to tell you something very important. First of all, the plants grown in the greenhouse are all magical and often dangerous. Even the common Dittany has sharp thorns, so do not touch any plants without my permission.

Also, once inside, no loud noises or shouting. I've recently received some new plants that are still acclimating to their environment. Loud sounds might upset them. Do you all understand?"

"Yes!" everyone replied in unison.

"Very good," Professor Sprout nodded.

Once inside, she arranged everyone on the left side of the greenhouse, leaving the right side completely empty. In fact, even without her doing so, none of the students would have ventured over there.

"Professor, what are those things?!" a first-year Gryffindor asked, his face pale with fear as he stared at the strange yellow plants on the opposite side.

By Merlin's beard! It was the first time he had seen cabbages with sharp teeth, and their mouths were nearly as big as his head. Just thinking about getting bitten made him shuffle further back.

"Chomping Cabbages," Professor Sprout said with a casual air. "You'd best keep your distance. But don't be too nervous. They might look frightening, but they're well-behaved as long as you don't provoke them. And in a few days, they'll be moved to a larger greenhouse, so you won't see them next time you come to class."

"All right, let's get started," she clapped her hands. "Turn to page one in your books. Today, we'll be learning about Dittany. Does anyone know what Dittany is...?"

If you ignored the terrifying Chomping Cabbages, the Herbology class was practically perfect. Professor Sprout's deep knowledge of magical plants, combined with her clear explanations and real-life examples, made it easy for the students to learn.

By the end of the lesson, nearly everyone could answer her questions flawlessly, which pleased Professor Sprout immensely. She awarded three points to each House and handed out fresh Dittany leaves to all the students.

Dittany leaves, as Kyle knew, were like the magical world's version of a "band-aid." He'd used them many times before, and they worked wonders. After cleaning a wound and applying the leaf, the injury would usually heal by the next day.

Of course, Dittany leaves were only suitable for minor cuts and scrapes from daily life. For more serious injuries, Dittany essential oil was required.

After class, everyone walked out of the greenhouse together. Mikel spotted Kyle in the crowd and quickly ran up to him, curiosity shining in his eyes.

"What were you picking up just now?" Mikel asked.

"What do you mean?" Kyle looked at him suspiciously. "I was just loosening the soil for the Dittany."

"I saw everything," Mikel said firmly. "You ran across the room when Professor Sprout turned around to get a shovel, and you picked something up from under those flower pots."

"Oh, that!" Kyle said, realizing what Mikel was talking about. "It's nothing. The professor dropped a bag of fertilizer, so I went to pick it up."

"A bag of fertilizer?" Mikel looked at him skeptically, clearly not convinced. The bag had looked small and light, not at all like something that would have fallen so far. It didn't even seem round enough to roll.

"Well, maybe I accidentally kicked it over. I was pretty shocked when I found it," Kyle replied with an exaggerated look of fear. "Those Chomping Cabbages are terrifying. Honestly, if I wasn't worried about losing points from Professor Sprout, I wouldn't have gone near them."

"Is that so?" Mikel's doubts began to fade as he listened to Kyle. Nodding, he said, "Those Chomping Cabbages do look scary. I definitely wouldn't have gone over there if I were you."

"Who's to say?" Kyle shrugged. "By the way, did Professor Sprout mention when she'd teach you to control your magic?"

"Well, she told me to meet her on Saturday and Sunday mornings," Mikel said, his voice tinged with frustration. "It's the first weekend at Hogwarts, and I've got to go to class..."

"There's nothing you can do about it," Kyle said, giving him a sympathetic pat on the shoulder. "You can't keep taking the Magic Suppressing Potion."

At the mention of the potion, Mikel shuddered and quickly shook his head. "You're right, I'd rather give up weekends forever than drink that stuff again."

"Exactly."

When they reached the castle, Kyle told Mikel and Ryan to head back to their dormitory without him. Claiming he was going to the library, he instead made his way straight to the eighth floor. There, he found the tapestry depicting a troll beating up Barnabas the Barmy, the wizard who had foolishly tried to teach six trolls how to dance ballet. Judging by the artwork, the trolls had certainly given him a rough time.

Satisfied he was in the right place, Kyle took a deep breath and walked back and forth in front of the tapestry three times, mentally repeating, I need a greenhouse for farming.

On his third pass, a circular archway appeared on the wall across from the tapestry. Without hesitation, Kyle grabbed the brass handle and pushed open the door.

A wave of earthy fragrance greeted him, and though he had been prepared for what might lie ahead, the sight still took his breath away. The room was enormous, almost as big as the Great Hall, with rich soil beneath his feet and a bright sun overhead. Kyle figured it was all some kind of charm.

Curious, he whispered, "I need rain."

Immediately, a downpour began inside the room, yet the rain fell only on the soil. The magical water seemed to avoid Kyle entirely, leaving him completely dry.

"This is incredible," Kyle said, truly amazed. It was, without a doubt, the Room of Requirement.

Using it for storage? What a waste.