Devil's Snare

Devil's Snare

During Herbology class, Professor Pomona brought out many different plants, as well as some fungi—well, simply put, mushrooms.

Of course, there were also some rather interesting plants, such as the Guardian 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 amulets to ward off evil.

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 tendrils and wrapped them around the wand.

"As you can see, once something approaches them, Devil's Snare will ensnare it. Once it grows to a certain size, it can easily injure or kill people. When Devil's Snare wraps around you, it's best not to struggle, or the vines will only tighten further."

Professor Pomona waved her wand, allowing everyone to get a clear look at Devil's Snare's characteristics.

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

"As you can see, flames can threaten 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 scribbled down notes. Pomona was in no hurry, only continuing after they had finished writing. "Those unfamiliar with Devil's Snare may confuse it with Christmas cactus, so pay particular attention to this..."

Herbology class was very practical. Pomona gave everyone a rough introduction to various magical plants, and everyone benefited greatly. The class quickly captured everyone's interest. The only trouble was that the two lessons were held back-to-back, making the class especially long, and they had been standing the whole time. Their legs were starting to go numb.

The dismissal bell 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 classes most freshmen 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 lasted more than a year."

"It's cursed." Albert naturally knew what had happened.

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 secure the position of Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor, he bore a grudge and cursed the post. He wanted to force out a large number of Defence Against the Dark Arts Professors so no one else would dare take the job, and even hoped to make Dumbledore compromise.

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

For a curse to last decades was enough to show how formidable its caster was.

"All we can do now is hope our new Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor is capable," Albert said as they walked.

They had just turned a corner when a foul stench hit them head-on. They happened to see Filch catching a Gryffindor Third Year student who had thrown a Dungbomb into the corridor.

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

"That guy made a bet with someone and lost. He had to throw a Dungbomb into the corridor right in front of Filch." The older student shook his head and walked away. There was no helping it—the Dungbomb smelled too awful. It was practically a biological Poison Gas Bomb.

"He really has a death wish!" Albert shook his head repeatedly. For some reason, he suddenly felt that Filch had it pretty rough. If he were in Filch's position, he would probably be exhausted too.

"That's so cool." The Twins' eyes gleamed as they eagerly watched. They could tell that Filch had been thoroughly enraged by the stunt.

Albert raised a hand to his mouth and coughed lightly, reminding them, "Ahem, do you want to help the School Hospital wash Chamber pots too?"

The Weasley Twins, who had been rather excited, instantly deflated. Washing Chamber pots? Better forget it! Lee Jordan reminded them, "Actually, it'd be fine as long as you don't get caught."

"With your current abilities, not getting caught would be rather difficult." Albert continued pouring Cold water over them. "Unless you want to imitate that guy over there and court death."

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 unison.

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

"We've decided to do it after all," the Twins said together.

"Do what?"

"Throw Dungbombs into Filch's office." The Twins said it with utterly serious expressions.

Albert nearly sprayed the Pumpkin Juice in his mouth all over the two of them.

"Cough, cough." He covered his mouth and coughed repeatedly.

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

Weren't these two taking things a little too far?!

"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 was finally beginning to understand why Albert had been sorted into Gryffindor.

This guy had plenty of nerve too! "Still, I'm curious how you can eat so much at lunch." Lee Jordan stiffly changed the subject.

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

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

They ate little at lunch, sometimes even skipping it altogether.

"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 courted death had already been released and was now surrounded by a group of people.

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

"Right." The Twins both withdrew their gazes and nodded repeatedly.

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

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