Upon hearing Professor Sprout's offer of extra tutoring, the students in the greenhouse instantly split into two factions.
Of those who remained, eight or nine out of ten were Hufflepuff's young wizards.
Hufflepuff students have a natural affinity for Herbology, and with Professor Sprout being their Dean, who would dare leave?
In contrast, Gryffindor students had already slipped away, leaving only Neville, Hermione, and Olivia behind, except for Draco.
Neville is genuinely obsessed with herbs, Olivia is driven by curiosity, while Hermione is clearly still struggling with the decision of whether to stay or leave.
Draco smiled bitterly to himself; others could leave gracefully, but he seemed unable to.
In that case, Hermione might as well go into the water.
With that thought in mind, he slowly walked to Hermione's side, who was still struggling, and kept a polite distance from her.
"Professor, if I may ask, hasn't Mimbulus mimbletonia always been housed in Greenhouse Three?"
Draco raised his voice towards Professor Sprout to voice his question, and every word clearly reached Hermione's ears.
Upon hearing this, Professor Sprout's eyes immediately flashed with approval.
"Ah, Mr. Malfoy! You are absolutely right."
She smiled and nodded, her gaze sweeping over the students whose faces were already showing curiosity.
"According to our usual Hogwarts classification and management standards, Mimbulus mimbletonia, considering its unique... well, 'expression of discontent' manner, is indeed carefully housed in a special segregated area within Greenhouse Three."
Professor Sprout used a tactful yet humorous approach, successfully piquing the students' curiosity.
She paused for a moment, giving the students time to process the information and secretly observing their reactions.
Neville did indeed swallow nervously, but his eyes were full of anticipation.
Hermione's eyes lit up instantly, as if she had discovered a new continent, and her previous struggles and hesitations had vanished.
The other students also mostly showed expressions of anticipation.
After the observation, Sprout continued, "Now that we've discussed it today, and my brave little explorers have shown such curiosity that goes beyond the classroom..."
Her gaze swept across the faces of Draco, Hermione, Neville, and the others, and every student she looked at involuntarily straightened their backs.
"I think perhaps we can... make an exception just this once."
The remaining young wizards gaped in disbelief. What had they heard? They could go to Greenhouse Three.
"However, I must state beforehand," Professor Sprout's tone suddenly became more serious before the young wizards could even process what was happening.
"The other 'residents' in Greenhouse Three are not as mild-mannered as Dittany."
"Every plant there has its own unique habits, some of which are even somewhat dangerous."
"We must remain absolutely silent, follow my pace closely, and absolutely not touch any plants without my permission, not even breathing heavily on them. Can you do that?"
Upon hearing this, Hermione and Neville immediately nodded hastily, their faces filled with a mixture of excitement and nervousness.
The students lowered their voices and promised to strictly abide by the rules.
For a first-year wizard, being able to enter the somewhat risky Greenhouse Three is an honor they can boast about for a whole year.
For a moment, all the remaining young wizards secretly rejoiced that they hadn't left, and at the same time looked at Draco with gratitude.
In their view, if it weren't for Draco's performance, the professor might not have had the idea of taking them to Greenhouse Three.
Olivia moved closer to Hermione and gently tugged at her sleeve. " Hermione, that thing sounds... really amazing. Why don't we stay and take a look?"
Hermione's gaze remained fixed on Professor Sprout, her inner struggle long since vanished.
Her cheeks flushed with excitement. "... Yes, you're right. This is indeed a rare opportunity; let's stay."
Seeing that Hermione was no longer bothered by it, Draco's lips curled up almost imperceptibly.
Then, led by Professor Sprout, the "selected" expedition team left Greenhouse One with awe and curiosity.
We headed along the corridor toward Greenhouse Three, which held even more mystery and danger.
Everyone held their breath and walked very quietly, afraid of disturbing the surrounding tranquility and ruining this hard-won opportunity.
As the students followed Professor Sprout quietly into Greenhouse Three, the sight before them made them hold their breath, not daring to even exhale.
The air here is more humid and warmer than in Greenhouse One.
The air was filled with the fragrance of earth, the freshness of vegetation, and a unique aroma that was hard to describe, a blend of magical scents that invigorated the senses.
The light is also cleverly controlled, with some areas as bright as day, suitable for the growth of light-loving plants.
Some are shrouded in a dim light simulating a specific ecological environment, exuding a sense of mystery.
The plants were of all shapes and sizes, some slowly wriggling as if they were alive.
Some of them emitted a faint glow, illuminating the surrounding environment in a dreamlike way.
Some were separated by intricate magical barriers, clearly indicating that they were highly dangerous species.
Everything seemed more "vibrant" and more "dangerous," making people both yearn for it and dare not approach it easily.
Professor Sprout stopped on a clearly marked path, slowly turned around, and faced the group of first-year students who were filled with amazement.
"Alright, explorers, we've arrived. Remember our agreement: be quiet, follow, observe only with your eyes and heart, and absolutely do not act on your own, understand?"
She emphasized again that she would look at each person carefully to make sure everyone nodded to indicate that they understood before continuing.
Professor Sprout slowly turned to the side, extended his finger, and pointed to an area beside the path that was gently separated by a semi-transparent, water-like curtain of light.
In that area, several different kinds of plants grow, each exuding a peculiar aura.
"Now, it's time to test your eyesight and knowledge," Professor Sprout said softly.
"Observe this area carefully without disturbing any 'residents.' Who can tell me first...?"
She paused deliberately, creating suspense.
"Which one of these ' Mimbulus mimbletonia ' plants is the one we came to visit specifically today? What is the basis for our decision?"
Upon hearing this, the other students immediately looked curiously towards that area, their brows furrowing as they fell into deep thought.
A few of the bolder ones couldn't help but exchange opinions in hushed tones, but their voices were so low they were almost inaudible.
Their gazes were mostly drawn involuntarily to Hermione and Draco.
Presumably, the two of them will be able to give the correct answer.