As Professor Sprout finished speaking, a system notification sounded in Draco's mind.
[Ding--Original storyline added, Fortune Points increased by 20!]
That's some consolation, though.
"What?!"
Ron's voice suddenly rose in pitch.
He perked up immediately when he heard that Professor Sprout had Draco do the demonstration.
Ron pointed at Draco, his tone sneer, "Him?! He came to demonstrate?! He didn't even bring a book! And now he thinks he can learn it by pretending to look at it a few times? Professor, are you kidding me?"
" Mr. Weasley!" Professor Sprout's voice suddenly turned cold, carrying a clear warning and displeasure.
"In my class, you are not allowed to treat your classmates with this kind of questioning attitude! Especially before they have even started their presentation!"
Ron was intimidated by the professor's imposing manner and reluctantly shut his mouth.
But his eyes remained fixed on Draco with unyielding resentment, the anger in them almost bursting forth.
Draco smiled calmly, his gaze sweeping over Ron indifferently.
"Whether you can do it or not isn't determined by words alone. Bringing books doesn't necessarily mean you can do it."
He then turned to Professor Sprout and said earnestly, "Yes, Professor, I will do my best to demonstrate."
"Very good, Mr. Malfoy." Professor Sprout's face regained its gentle smile.
"In Herbology, and indeed in all of Hogwarts ' studies, it's not just about your skills, but also your attitude."
"What we need is precisely Mr. Malfoy's spirit: focus on what you have to do, do your best, and let your actions and results speak for themselves, rather than engaging in pointless arguments and preconceived prejudices."
These words were undoubtedly a warning to Ron for his previous actions.
Ron felt a burning pain on his face and was extremely embarrassed.
But he remained defiant, secretly tugging at Harry's sleeve, and said through gritted teeth, "I bet he'll either tear the leaves to shreds, or he won't squeeze out any juice, or he'll just make a complete fool of himself!"
While Ron was making the bet, Draco put down his tools and walked steadily toward the professor's workbench.
Under the watchful eyes of the young wizards, Draco stood before the workbench, his gaze fixed on the thriving Dittany plant.
Within seconds, he began operating the machine.
The entire set of movements was fluid and seamless, executed in one go, and was as precise as a textbook example.
Seeing such a perfect technique, the young wizards couldn't help but gasp and exclaim in surprise.
The initial skeptical gaze instantly turned into surprise and admiration.
Wow... that technique is so steady!
"Wow! They really got it down, and the plant didn't even budge!"
"My God, how did he do that? Holy crap, did he secretly practice?"
"This seems even more precise than the professor's demonstration!"
Professor Sprout's admiration had turned into undisguised joy and pride.
Ron stood there, feeling a sharp dizziness and ringing in his ears, as if the whole world was laughing at his foolish Prophecy.
Quick and precise, Draco soon executed a perfect maneuver.
This was undoubtedly another slap in the face for Ron.
After finishing, Draco put down the tweezers, his gaze gently falling on the Dittany, and asked softly, "I hope I didn't hurt the little Dittany doctor?"
[Ding--Original storyline added, Fortune Points increased by 20!]
Professor Sprout's eyes lit up the instant he heard those words.
She stepped forward excitedly, her voice brimming with barely suppressed joy. "You're absolutely right! Perfect, simply perfect!"
As she spoke, she strode forward, not looking at the perfect drop of sap first, but carefully examining the Dittany plant that Draco had taken the leaf from.
Seeing that the plant was almost completely still, the cut was smooth, and the sap had gathered normally, her admiration deepened.
"Not just perfect execution, Mr. Malfoy," Professor Sprout turned to face the class.
" Mr. Malfoy's sincerity! Did you see it? He wasn't just 'using' it, he was 'treating' it like a true partner! That's the essence of Herbology! That's the foundation of our study of this subject!"
After saying that, she looked at Draco again. "Ten points for Gryffindor! For your impeccable play, and even more so for your precious connection with plants!"
Then she looked at the young wizards and added:
"I hope that each of you will remember what Mr. Malfoy demonstrated today: not only precise techniques, but also an attitude of respect for life and kindness! This is more important than any knowledge!"
Draco bowed slightly and said humbly, "Thank you, Professor. I'll leave my time to the other young wizards. I'll take my leave now."
Professor Sprout's eyes showed a hint of amazement, clearly not expecting Draco to not only execute the maneuver perfectly, but also to be so thoughtful in his exit remarks.
"Very good, Mr. Malfoy, very thoughtful." She nodded approvingly to Draco. "Please return to your seats."
If Draco's perfect play was a resounding slap in the face to Ron, then...
Professor Sprout's words were tantamount to, after the slap, elegantly writing the word "clown" on his face.
Ron didn't even have the courage to look at Draco; he wished he could disappear into the ground and silently prayed that Draco wasn't looking at him.
In fact, Draco didn't pay any attention to him.
In Draco's view, Ron was more like a tool to help him earn Fortune Points, and he couldn't be more eager for more "opponents" like him.
Lavender and Parvati stood in the crowd, their eyes sparkling.
"Wow... he even thought of that, and he's concerned about whether Dittany was hurt..."
"He said 'little doctor,' exactly the same as the professor... How thoughtful!"
"Not only is her technique excellent, but her emotional intelligence is also high. She's just too outstanding!"
The two of them showered him with praise again.
Hermione watched Draco calmly retreat, and listened to his extremely tactful words, her heart churning even more violently.
This is no longer just a competition of skills; it's a complete domination of composure, emotional intelligence, and on-the-spot problem-solving abilities.
"How... how could he be so... calm? So... composed?"
Hermione's heart was filled with a mixture of resentment and a hint of indescribable admiration.
She pressed her lips together even tighter, trying to hide her emotions, but she couldn't take her eyes off Draco.
Draco's gaze met Hermione's.
He nodded slightly to her, a faint smile in his eyes.
Hermione blinked a few times, as if blinded by the sunlight, and her heart skipped a beat.
She quickly lowered her head, pretending to be engrossed in the tools and plants in front of her, but her ears involuntarily flushed red, which spread all the way to her neck.
She could feel her heart pounding irregularly and rapidly in her chest, as if it were about to leap out of her throat.
That brief eye contact and that ambiguous nod felt like a tiny electric current, instantly jolting through her nerves.
This made her feel inexplicably irritated, and a little panic that she didn't even want to admit.