Herbology

"Ghosts really are strange.

There are kind ones like the Fat Friar, Sir Nicholas the Nearly Headless, and even professors..."

Justin opened his homework, which contained a rough outline.

"Oh, if only he wouldn't suddenly become muddled.

Cedric said there had never been such a long assignment for first-years.

He tried to find Professor Binns, but never managed to.

I guess even if he had found him, he might not have been able to change the professor's mind.

A foot-long essay, Merlin's beard... This is still too difficult. Sean, have you finished yours?"

Justin sheepishly closed his homework, hope flashing in his eyes.

"Mm."

Sean nodded, then took a sheet of Parchment from his bag.

And a notebook with a light-blue cover.

The Parchment contained the essay pointers Michael and the others had written down, while the light-blue notebook was Sean's organized summary of History of Magic.

He had another identical notebook, used to sort through his thoughts and inspirations.

"My goodness! Sean, you really finished it?!"

Justin covered his mouth as soon as he said it.

"Although I do think this wouldn't stump you, every time it happens, it's still a little hard to believe...

Are we really wizards in the same year..."

The latter half of his words grew quieter and quieter until they were nearly inaudible.

"I'll only look at a little of the outline. I definitely won't copy your homework.

If I ever did something like that, may I never be allowed into the kitchens again."

Justin suddenly made the promise solemnly. His gray-blue eyes conveyed sincerity, along with a barely perceptible unease.

"Mm."

Sean placed the notebook in Justin's hands, then left the Great Hall for the Library.

Mornings were when he had the most energy, so Sean would complete some of the more difficult tasks then.

For example, thoroughly organizing History of Magic.

Using books such as Modern Magical History, Significant Magical Events of the Twentieth Century, and Directory of Contemporary Famous Magicians to create a framework all his own.

Sean felt that this would certainly help him earn an Outstanding in History of Magic.

The Library's Oak Tables were reddish brown, with Magic Lanterns, crystal balls, and flower arrangements placed beside them.

Sean was immersed in the wonders of magical history. He had to admit, wizards really had a knack for things.

For example:

During the Middle Ages, Muggles were especially afraid of magic, but they were not very good at recognizing it.

They occasionally did catch male witches or witches, but in such cases, burning them had little effect.

When male witches or witches were burned, they would cast a basic spell that froze the flames.

They would enjoy the mild, tickling sensation produced by the fire while pretending to be in agony and screaming.

Wendelin the Weird was particularly fond of being burned at the stake. She had herself captured in all sorts of disguises.

As many as forty-seven times.

This was very different from the tragic witch burnings Sean had imagined.

And very different from the wizards he had imagined.

After finishing his notes on the Middle Ages, Sean had no choice but to face that question again:

Where was he going to find potion ingredients?

Perhaps Professor Sprout had some materials she did not need?

Perhaps he could find a way to buy some in Hogsmeade Village? So long as he found a secret passage out of the castle.

Perhaps he could ask Professor Sprout whether Young Wizards could use Hogwarts' potion ingredients after class to brew potions? Then secretly practice?

But that method was extremely risky. He would have to be very careful.

Still, there were always more solutions than difficulties. Sean took out his notebook and was just about to sort through his tangled thoughts.

But when he opened the first page, he froze.

Emeric was a short-lived but exceptionally brutal Dark wizard...

Sean flipped another page.

Ulick heard the cry of an Augurey and became convinced that he had died and turned into a ghost...

Something was wrong!

In the Great Hall.

Justin was engrossed as he held the Parchment. His gaze was focused, and he occasionally let out soft exclamations.

"Oh, it can be written like this? What a genius..."

With a new understanding, he opened the light-blue notebook. The contents left the hand turning its pages suspended in midair.

Finding ingredients for brewing potions.

"Sean wants to practice potion brewing himself?"

That was his first thought.

"Sean is troubled because he has no ingredients?"

That was his second thought.

"I have them."

That was his final thought.

He carefully put away the Parchment and notebook. Before Herbology began, he dashed back to the Hufflepuff Common Room.

Vines surrounded the room, and there was always steaming milk, Pumpkin Juice, and all kinds of sweets and pies on the tables.

He followed a small path lined with candlelight into the dormitory and opened his luxurious large trunk.

Among the scattered letters and Postcards were all kinds of jars and Crystal Bottles.

A closer look would reveal that two sets of every potion ingredient a first-year Young Wizard needed could be found there.

He recalled the conversation at Slug & Jiggers Apothecary that day.

"Are you sure you want one of everything packed up?"

"Yes, please, sir."

"Oh, my generous lady, I truly would not wish to deceive a lady as beautiful as yourself...

In fact, these potion ingredients are not on Hogwarts' purchasing list.

Even so, do you still want them?"

"That is precisely why. Pack up two sets, sir."

Only now did Justin vaguely sense his mother's foresight.

"My dear Finley, if everyone has something, you must have a better one.

If no one has something, you should have it all the more.

Those little expenses are investments that ought to be made.

And as for the best investment, you have always known, dear. It is sincerity and love."

"I think I might understand..."

Justin gazed at the stuffed trunk for a long time. The collar of his ever-white, crisply pressed shirt seemed to retain the warmth of his mother's iron.

Hogwarts Library.

Sean walked out of the archway and waited for the staircase to turn toward him.

He had no intention of going to Justin to retrieve his notebook, because the second class of the morning, Herbology, was about to begin.

Besides, there was nothing in the notebook that needed to be kept secret. It only contained a few methods for processing herbs and his idea of finding potion ingredients.

After class, he could exchange the truly useful notes with Justin.

And take back his notebook at the same time.

Eight o'clock.

Gentle sunlight danced across the suits of armor.

The scent of fresh grass from the Greenhouse still lingered in the outer corridor.

Sean pushed open the oak door.

A few Young Wizards had already arrived at the Greenhouse in scattered groups.

Sean saw Professor Sprout set down her hoe and smile as she nodded at him.

"Over here! Sean!"

Michael grabbed Sean's arm.

And pulled him over beside Anthony and Terry.

"Why do I feel like the professor is looking at you?"

Michael craned his neck as he spoke.