Harry came back, his expression revealing neither happiness nor sadness. If one had to describe it, he looked somewhat bewildered.
Professor Sprout was asking a question when he returned.
"Who can tell me what properties Mandrakes have?"
The question was no challenge for Hermione, who had already memorized the textbook required for second-year Herbology. Well, Su Er knew too, but he left this chance to shine to Hermione.
"It's a powerful restorative, used to return people who have been transfigured or bewitched to their original state." As Hermione answered, Neville muttered beside them.
"If you knew the answer, why didn't you raise your hand?" Su Er asked him, but Neville only gave him a shy smile.
The Mandrake's root was shaped like a person, with leaves growing from the top of its head. Since it was still a seedling, it looked more like a baby. Many of them were seeing Mandrakes for the first time, and all let out inaudible cries of surprise.
By the end of class, most of them were sweating heavily and covered in dirt, because the Mandrakes seemed unwilling to be pulled out or put back into the soil. They writhed hard in the young wizards' hands, kicking their feet wildly, waving their tiny pointed fists, and gnashing their teeth.
Of course, a few were comparatively clean, and Su Er was one of them. Thanks to Neville, he had easily stuffed his Mandrake into its new pot.
"They have one particular trait: they're extremely ticklish. Just tickle its feet gently, and it'll behave. Be careful of its hands, though."
"None of that is in the books." Hermione's eyes widened in surprise. "Where did you discover that?"
Neville took off his Dragonhide Gloves and scratched his head with a sheepish look.
"I often come here to help