The next day, in Herbology, Ron and Harry rushed into the greenhouse at the very last moment.
"Watch your step, Potter! Weasley!" Professor Sprout called loudly. "That vine is that child's branch!"
"Sorry, Professor." Ron and Harry made it just before class began and let out a great sigh of relief, keeping their heads down as they found a random spot to stand.
Professor Sprout glared at them in annoyance, but, good-natured as she was, she did not scold them further. Instead, she clapped her hands and began the day's lesson.
"Children, today we'll be studying a magical plant. Can anyone tell me what it's called?" Sprout lifted a flowerpot beside her. Inside grew a plant that shaded from pink to green, with a cluster of pink pods dangling from its top.
"It's a puffapod, Professor." Neville plucked up his courage and raised his hand. Herbology was the subject he felt most confident in. There were no Slytherins in this class, nor was there the fearsome Professor Snape.
"Yes, yes, Mr. Longbottom is correct. Five points to Gryffindor." Sprout nodded happily. "Now, Longbottom, can you tell us anything more?"
Everyone immediately turned to look at Neville, making him feel rather awkward. But the encouragement in one of those gazes made him flush red, straighten his chest, and answer:
"It produces a kind of pod-shaped fruit, which is where the puffapod gets its name. Inside are glittering beans that can be used to make basic potions. And..." Neville paused.
"And! These beans are very special. If they touch anything solid, they flower immediately. People could perhaps use them to decorate their homes or celebrations!"
"Excellent!" Professor Sprout led the applause, and the young wizards immediately joined in. Amid the applause, Neville smiled shyly and scratched his head.
"A wonderful answer. I