Chapitre 64: Chapter 64: Professor Sprout’s Explanation
Time always seems to pass unnoticed.
In the Scottish Highlands, the temperature in May can reach 18 degrees Celsius.
Hogwarts also seems to awaken from its winter slumber.
Under the warmth of the spring sun and the gentle breeze, the castle grounds begin to show signs of vibrant life.
Various beautiful plants like Nemophila, Bidens, Field Bindweed, and Blue Lucerne quietly grow on the lawn, emitting a faint fragrance.
The tall Whomping Willow has also sprouted tender green leaves, forming a stark contrast with the ancient castle and showcasing its vitality.
In the clear blue sky, a few magical creatures occasionally fly by. Some are owls flapping their wings, while others are Hippogriffs soaring leisurely. Their appearance adds a touch of mystery to Hogwarts.
Sunlight filters through the clouds, shining on the distant Black Lake. The sparkling water resembles a mirror, reflecting the blue sky and the castle's silhouette.
Everything is breathtakingly beautiful.
...
In the Slytherin common room.
In his dormitory, Ino gazed at the two potted plants on the shelf. After watering them as usual, he stood quietly, lost in thought.
It had been over three months since Voldemort's close encounter. Many significant events had happened during this time.
For instance, Quirrell's body visibly weakened day by day, or Snape suddenly getting injured three days ago, now walking with a limp and unable to make his black robes flare dramatically.
However, these were trivial matters to Ino.
Since feeling that deep sense of powerlessness, he had been living a reclusive life.
Apart from attending classes and meals in the Great Hall, he spent most of his time in his dormitory, occasionally staying in the common room but never leaving the crowd.
Even when visiting the library, he went in the mornings when it was crowded, borrowing enough books for a week in one go.
He no longer stayed in the library until late at night as he used to.
Of course, every coin has two sides. While this ascetic lifestyle reduced some experiences and fun, it brought other benefits.
Most notably, the long-dormant Slytherin story salon was revived.
Invited by Draco, Ino would occasionally tell stories and sing songs in the common room, providing rare entertainment to pass the time.
Three months of peaceful coexistence also changed how others in Slytherin viewed him. The boys were less cautious, and the girls' eyes showed more enthusiasm.
Besides these visible external changes, there were many internal ones.
After three months of repeated efforts, Ino finally obtained a qualified Mandrake leaf, meeting the prerequisite for becoming an Animagus. All that remained was to brew the potion under a full moon and drink it during a thunderstorm.
...
The dormitory's silence was broken by Draco's voice.
"Class starts in half an hour. We should get going!"
Interrupted from his thoughts, Ino turned to see Draco, already dressed, holding two pairs of brand-new dragon-hide gloves.
"Of course, let's go."
Ino smiled, picked up the clay pot from the shelf, and walked out of the common room with Malfoy.
Outside the castle.
In the greenhouse for Herbology class.
With about fifteen minutes until class, the young wizards waiting at the door gathered in small groups, chatting about topics of interest.
An interesting phenomenon was that the house system was deeply ingrained. Even when freely chatting, Gryffindors and Slytherins were distinctly separated, each occupying one side of the greenhouse door, like territories divided by a central axis.
This balanced division was disrupted by Ino's arrival.
Walking from the castle, he did not choose a side but stood at the central axis, facing the door, holding his pot.
On the other side, among the Gryffindors, Neville hesitated after seeing Ino and noticing Malfoy. He wanted to greet Ino but seemed unsure.
"If you cannot face your fears, you will never overcome them," Ino's advice echoed in Neville's mind. Taking a deep breath, he walked forward regardless.
"Ino, has it sprouted yet? I think the seed might be dead since the other pot is so lush."
Hearing the familiar voice, Ino turned to see Neville's slightly apprehensive expression.
Ino was pleased with the scene, as it proved his earlier guidance was not in vain. He gave Neville an encouraging look.
"I don't know either, so I brought it today to ask Professor Sprout after class."
As he spoke, he handed the pot to Neville for inspection.
Since their first encounter months ago, the potted plants had become a bond between them.
Interestingly, although both were Narnian berry seeds and received the same sunlight charm, their growth was vastly different.
Despite its refusal to sprout, Ino never discarded the pot, feeling an inexplicable attachment.
Meanwhile, Neville carefully examined the pot, puzzled, "I think the seed might be faulty. The humidity and temperature should be fine…"
Before he could finish, Professor Sprout appeared in front of the greenhouse.
"Alright, children! It's time for class. Let's pause your chats and follow me to greenhouse three."
As expected of Hufflepuff's head, Professor Sprout's voice was always gentle and nurturing, like a spring breeze.
The previously scattered young wizards now lined up in two orderly columns.
Ino took back the pot from Neville and quietly joined the line.
Greenhouse three.
A dark and damp place, as it was filled with Devil's Snare seedlings.
After thoroughly explaining the characteristics of Devil's Snare, Professor Sprout had the young wizards put on dragon-hide gloves and start repotting the plants.
Given the vigorous growth of these so-called seedlings, with their two-to-three-meter-long vines writhing like black mambas on the ground, the scene was quite horrifying.
Even the Slytherins, who liked snakes, were reluctant to stay longer.
As a result, everyone worked hard, eager to finish early and leave.
This might be one reason why Professor Sprout was so well-liked: as long as the young wizards were capable, early dismissal was common.
...
Thanks to everyone's efforts, the Herbology class ended half an hour early, a rare occurrence.
After class.
Ino lingered, holding the pot.
"Is there something you need, child?" Professor Sprout asked.
"Professor, it's my potted plant. It hasn't sprouted after months."
Saying this, Ino placed the pot on a nearby table.
Professor Sprout approached, but instead of a physical inspection like Neville, she drew her wand and lightly touched the soil in the pot.
Her demeanor was that of a renowned doctor diagnosing a patient.
After a long, silent moment, she spoke softly, "I think I've found the reason."
"It's a very special seed. Perhaps it's due to its experiences or some other reason. It doesn't lack sunlight and warmth; it needs cold and frost."
She paused for a moment, then continued, "A flower that blooms in winter will never sprout in spring. So, you don't need to worry about it now. The seed is very resilient. Just place it outside the castle during winter."
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État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone