Devil's Snare

In Herbology class, Professor Pomona brought out many kinds of plants, as well as some fungi—or, simply put, mushrooms.

Of course, there were also some rather interesting plants, such as the Protego Tree. It was a magical Rowan Tree that protected anyone who touched its trunk from attacks by Dark Creatures. Wizards liked using it to make magical protective charms against evil.

Naturally, Professor Pomona also mentioned some dangerous plants, such as the poisonous and highly dangerous Venomous Tentacula, Mandrakes whose cries could kill, and the small pot of Devil's Snare Professor Pomona was holding now.

"This is a young Devil's Snare." Pomona raised her wand and touched one of its shoots. The shoot immediately extended its tendrils and wrapped them around the wand.

"As you can see, once something approaches them, Devil's Snare will ensnare the creature. Once it has grown to a certain size, it can easily cause injury or death. If you are caught by Devil's Snare, it is best not to struggle, or the vines will only tighten further."

Professor Pomona gave her wand a flick, allowing everyone to see the characteristics of Devil's Snare clearly.

"Devil's Snare prefers dark, damp environments, so light and warmth are naturally its enemies." A small flame sprang from Professor Pomona's wand, immediately forcing the Devil's Snare back.

"As you can see, fire poses a threat to it. If you are attacked by Devil's Snare, lighting a fire to drive it away is a very effective method."

Everyone picked up their quills and hurriedly took notes. Pomona was in no rush, only continuing after they had finished writing. "Those unfamiliar with Devil's Snare may confuse it with Crab Claw Orchids, so you must pay special attention to this..."

Herbology class was quite practical. Pomona gave everyone a rough introduction to all sorts of magical plants, and everyone benefited greatly from it. The class quickly captured everyone's interest. The only trouble was that two lessons were held back-to-back, making the class especially long. They had been standing the entire time, and their legs were starting to go numb.

The bell signalling the end of class finally rang, and most of the students breathed a sigh of relief.

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

"We have Defense Against the Dark Arts this afternoon." Lee Jordan looked a little excited. Defense Against the Dark Arts was one of the courses most first-years looked forward to.

"Have you heard?" As George left Greenhouse One, he suddenly said to the other three, "Defense Against the Dark Arts is cursed. The professors who teach it always run into all sorts of bad luck. They resign every year, and none of them has taught for more than a year."

"It's cursed." Albert naturally knew what was going on.

The curse came from Voldemort—well, Tom, the Dark Lord who shared a name with their cat.

It was said that after Tom failed to get the job as Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor, he bore a grudge and cursed the position. He wanted to drive away large numbers of Defense Against the Dark Arts Professors, make others afraid to take up the post, and force Dumbledore to compromise.

"Yes, that's what they say. Apparently, a powerful wizard cursed the position. Otherwise, with Professor Dumbledore's abilities, he should have already broken the curse."

A curse that had lasted for decades was enough to show how formidable its caster was.

"For now, we can only hope our new Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor is up to the job," Albert said as they walked.

They had just turned a corner when a wave of stench hit them head-on. By chance, they saw Filch catching a third-year Gryffindor who had thrown a U-No-Poo into the corridor.

"What happened?" Albert covered his mouth and nose as he asked a student nearby.

"That guy made a bet with someone and lost, so he had to throw a U-No-Poo into the corridor right in front of Filch." The older student shook his head and walked away. It could not be helped—the smell of a U-No-Poo was simply unbearable, practically a biological gas bomb.

"He really has a death wish!" Albert could not help shaking his head repeatedly. For some reason, he suddenly felt that Filch had it pretty rough. If it were him dealing with this sort of thing, he would probably feel exhausted too.

"That's so cool." The twins' eyes gleamed as they eagerly watched, because they could tell that Filch had been thoroughly angered by the stunt.

Albert raised a hand to his mouth and gave a light cough, reminding them, "Ahem. Do you two want to help the Hospital Wing wash chamber pots too?"

The Weasley twins, who had been a little excited, immediately wilted. Washing chamber pots? Better not!

Lee Jordan reminded them, "Actually, wouldn't it be fine as long as you didn't get caught?"

"With your current skills, not getting caught would be rather difficult." Albert continued pouring cold water on them. "Unless you want to imitate that guy over there who has a death wish."

On the way back to the Great Hall for lunch, the twins remained silent the entire time. No one knew what they were thinking about.

"We've decided." The two looked at each other and announced in perfect understanding.

"Decided what?" Albert looked up and asked in confusion.

"We've decided to do it after all," the twins said in unison.

"Do what?"

"Throw U-No-Poos into Filch's office." The twins said it with utterly serious expressions.

At that, Albert nearly sprayed the Pumpkin Juice in his mouth all over the two sitting opposite him.

"Ahem, ahem." He covered his mouth and coughed repeatedly.

Lee Jordan, beside him, also gaped, not knowing what to say.

Those two were really... asking for trouble!

"If you really want to do that, I can give you some... small suggestions." After thinking it over, Albert added, "Though I haven't figured them out yet."

"Hey, even you..." Lee Jordan shook his head repeatedly. He finally understood a little why Albert had been sorted into Gryffindor.

This guy had quite a lot of nerve too!

"By the way, I'm curious how you can still eat so much at lunch." Lee Jordan stiffly changed the subject.

"Rubbish. I ate at seven this morning. Can that compare to you lot, who ate after eight-thirty?" Albert could not help rolling his eyes at Lee.

Since there was little to do in the morning and English breakfasts were plentiful, people generally were not very hungry by noon.

They ate little at lunch, and sometimes did not eat at all.

"So, how should we prank Filch?" The twins were more concerned with the matter at hand.

"We can't go too far, but we need to make Filch really angry, right?" Albert glanced at one corner of the long table. The fool who had asked for trouble had already been released and was now surrounded by a crowd.

Lee, who had just finished eating, also went over to ask what had happened. Sure enough, excessive curiosity was a disease.

"Right." The twins withdrew their gazes and nodded repeatedly.

"You've already prepared yourselves for detention?" Albert asked again.

"Right!" The two nodded in unison once more.