Herbology

Li Wei walked along the edge of the Gryffindor group. When he turned his head, he could catch sight of Harry Potter and Ron Weasley.

Come to think of it, he was probably the most detached transmigrator outside the main protagonist's circle, wasn't he?

He had been here for so long, yet he had not even exchanged a single word with Harry Potter.

But there was no rush. Their paths would cross sooner or later.

The practical Herbology classroom shared by Ravenclaw and Gryffindor was located in Greenhouse One.

Outside Hogwarts Castle stood three greenhouses, each more dangerous than the last.

Greenhouse One was the safest of them.

It was filled with mild, relatively harmless magical plants and herbs, mainly for first-year young wizards to use in class.

The person in charge here, and the professor teaching them Herbology, was Hufflepuff's Head of House—Professor Pomona Sprout, a short, plump witch.

She wore a thick cloak stained with soil all year round, along with a patched apron. Her fingers were short, thick, and covered in calluses, and her honest smile made her seem like the elderly aunt back home who was always working in the fields.

"Welcome! Welcome, children!"

Professor Sprout smiled gently as she urged them in a soft voice.

"Though I would love to have a nice chat with you, children!

Herbology requires practical work, and you need proper protection.

Quickly put on the aprons and dragon-hide gloves beside you. Be careful of the Stinging Nettle in the greenhouse—it can sting your skin!"

The young wizards of Ravenclaw and Gryffindor hurriedly changed into aprons and dragon-hide gloves at the greenhouse entrance.

Li Wei and Hermione helped each other into their aprons, tying the straps behind one another's backs. Only after putting on their dragon-hide gloves did they hear Professor Sprout begin roll call.

"...Hmm, everyone is here!"

Professor Sprout nodded in satisfaction. At least the afternoon class would not have any late arrivals like the morning class had.

She led the young wizards from the two Houses deeper into the greenhouse.

The moment Li Wei and the others entered, they discovered that the greenhouse was far larger inside than it appeared from outside.

This place must have been enchanted with an Undetectable Extension Charm too!

Li Wei thought to himself. He planned to learn this spatial spell as soon as possible and make himself a small-world suitcase like Newt Scamander's.

The greenhouse was packed with all kinds of magical plants and herbs.

Under the care of Professor Sprout and the students from previous years, they had grown especially lush and dense. At a glance, the place resembled the Amazon rainforest.

"Children, today's lesson is about introducing you to and helping you understand Stinging Nettle."

Professor Sprout pointed at a patch of nearly mature Stinging Nettle growing in one corner of the greenhouse and asked the students from the two Houses.

"Who can tell me what you know about Stinging Nettle?"

"Tell me about its medicinal value and which potions it can be used in."

The moment she finished speaking, Li Wei from Ravenclaw and Hermione from Gryffindor both eagerly raised their hands!

Professor Sprout beamed at the sight.

She had not expected that, aside from the little badgers of her own House, Ravenclaw and Gryffindor also had young wizards who loved herbs so much.

She looked left at Li Wei, then right at Hermione, and Professor Sprout found herself in a dilemma.

If she had known, she would not have asked all her questions at once. Now there was only one question, but two young wizards had raised their hands. Whom should she choose?

Just as Professor Sprout hesitated, Li Wei's shameless side revealed itself.

Without waiting for Professor Sprout's permission, he answered on his own in front of Hermione's astonished gaze.

"Stinging Nettle has tall stems... and stinging hairs. Accidental contact leaves an intense prickling pain on the skin... Its fruits are oval or nearly spherical, all flattened.

"Stinging Nettle tastes bitter, slightly sour, and pungent. It has a warm nature and can dispel wind and dampness, promote blood circulation, relieve pain, calm the liver, and suppress convulsions.

"After being dried, Stinging Nettle is often used as a base ingredient in potions to temper their properties and reduce the irritation caused by harsh ingredients.

"It can be used to brew a potion for treating boils, as well as a Swelling Solution that causes localized swelling.

"After being crushed, it can also serve as a simple insect repellent. Scattered around wizard tents or storage chests, it drives away small magical pests."

Li Wei answered every one of Professor Sprout's questions in one breath, squeezing every last drop out of the topic.

And after he finished, he did not forget to raise his brows smugly at little Hermione. His cocky expression made her grit her teeth, her delicate brows shooting upward in fury!

"Oh, what a wonderful answer, child!" The kindly Professor Sprout wore a broad smile and did not mind that Li Wei had jumped in before being called on.

Without even looking at the roll sheet, she announced.

"For your thorough and accurate answer, Mr. Lee Wickens, Ravenclaw receives ten points!"

Yes! At the sound of Professor Sprout awarding points, Li Wei cheered inwardly!

The House Cup's points and rankings would eventually be converted into credits as well.

Every point earned now would become glittering credits when the term-end tally came around!

"Children! I hope you write down everything Mr. Wickens said earlier!"

Professor Sprout looked at the young wizards from both Houses, picked up a pot of nearly mature Stinging Nettle, and said.

"Next, I will explain Stinging Nettle in greater detail. During this process, I will ask questions from time to time."

"Anyone who answers correctly will receive House points as a reward, as well as one Fizzing Whizbee!"

"All right, children, you will not need to do any hands-on work this lesson. Watch carefully and listen closely to what I have to say!"

With that, Professor Sprout began using practiced movements and calm, gentle words to explain and introduce Stinging Nettle to the young wizards of Ravenclaw and Gryffindor.

During the lesson, Li Wei and Hermione both raised their hands to answer questions in turn, winning quite a few points for their respective Houses.

As they competed back and forth, the two of them became famous throughout Ravenclaw and Gryffindor!

However, Li Wei did not dare answer questions unprompted again as he had before Professor Sprout allowed him to.

After all, anything could be done once or twice, but not three times.

Being impulsive and reckless the first time could be explained as eagerness to perform. If he did it often, though, it would simply mean he did not know the rules and would only make people dislike him.