As the exploration of Greenhouse Three continued, Professor Sprout pointed out several more plants with unusual shapes and different habits.
Every time Professor Sprout asked a question, Draco was always able to take the lead, explaining the plant's habits accurately and thoroughly thanks to the solid knowledge systematically instilled in his mind.
He could not only describe the plant's growing environment and medicinal value, but also add details that even Hermione had never read in " One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi ".
These unheard-of facts left the young wizards speechless with astonishment.
At this moment, their gazes toward Draco were filled with amazement and admiration.
Even Hermione, who was always so confident, couldn't help but frown, wondering to herself: This information was never mentioned in the textbook, so where did he get it from?
This unique extracurricular tutoring session finally came to an end with Professor Sprout's summary.
She looked at Draco standing in the crowd, her eyes practically overflowing with admiration. "I must give special praise to Mr. Malfoy!"
"Your profound understanding of the properties of magical plants, and the way you consider them within the context of their survival strategies, demonstrates extraordinary insight and talent."
"The depth of this knowledge is on par with NEWT-level excellent papers!"
These words were like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, instantly causing a huge uproar among the students.
NEWT level! That's an exam level that only sixth and seventh graders strive for in order to advance to higher education and plan their careers!
Draco, a mere first-year student, has already reached an astonishing level of understanding of Herbology!
Hermione felt a buzzing in her head, almost making her dizzy.
She was shocked not only by Professor Sprout's exaggerated assessment, but also by experiencing, for the first time in her life, the frustration of being outmatched in skill.
She always believed that, thanks to her exceptional diligence and memory, she was already far ahead of her peers.
But today, comparing herself to Draco, she was shocked to realize just how vast the differences between people could be.
In stark contrast to Hermione's dejected state, Nevilleton's current state could only be described as "ecstatic."
His round face was filled with undisguised adoration for Draco.
The way he looked at Draco was as if he were gazing up at a profound and unfathomable tome of Herbology.
The Hufflepuff students were also completely captivated by Draco's talent.
Hannah widened her kind eyes slightly, her face showing amazement and admiration.
She couldn't help but whisper to Susan beside her, " Merlin, NEWT level... and he's only a freshman! That's incredible! It's a miracle!"
Susan nodded, expressing her strong agreement with Hannah's words.
But her gaze lingered more between Hermione and Draco, a hint of sympathy for Hermione in her eyes.
The other students were also discussing it.
"Wow, that's amazing... Malfoy is incredible!"
"How could he know so much? Did he Herbology at home since he was a child?"
"If I had half his talent, the professor would praise me every day!"
"That's really impressive," Macmillan agreed.
He then added, "However, we Hufflepuff also have our strengths, such as integrity and loyalty, qualities that are more important than talent."
Even so, a hint of envy could not be hidden in his eyes as he looked at Draco.
Draco, who was surrounded by the crowd in the center, didn't seem to care at all.
He thought to himself: If one has a living encyclopedia of Herbology in their mind, then of course they know everything.
Let alone the NEWT level, even more difficult tests would be a piece of cake for him.
It's like an open-book exam, what's so difficult about it?
Professor Sprout seemed to sense the subtle shift in the atmosphere.
She changed the subject, turning her gaze to Hermione and the other students, and spoke gently.
"Of course, Miss Granger's keen observation, and all the students who thought carefully and asked questions actively today, made this class so productive!"
These words were like a reassuring pill, putting the young wizards present at ease.
Professor Sprout glanced at the setting sun outside the window, then at the students' faces, which still held a hint of excitement, and at the barely concealed fatigue on their little faces.
She clapped her hands, a signature warm smile spreading across her face, "Alright, explorers, I imagine your minds are now brimming with fascinating 'green knowledge,' and your stomachs must be rumbling by now, right?"
Her humorous words instantly eased the tension created by the previous high praise.
"And so, our extracurricular adventure today has come to a successful conclusion!"
Professor Sprout announced, "Now, line up and return to the castle, walking quietly so as not to disturb the plants that are preparing to 'go home for the night'."
The young wizards burst into laughter at Professor Sprout's humor.
The slight repression that had previously arisen due to Draco's talent vanished.
They unconsciously felt hungry because of the prompt "I'm hungry," and the atmosphere visibly relaxed.
Then, the young wizards, their minds filled with new experiences and their bellies bulging with hunger, quietly shared their awe of the day as they obediently lined up and left Greenhouse Three.
As everyone was preparing to leave, Professor Sprout deliberately walked up to Draco and whispered:
"My dear, if you are interested in studying Herbology in depth, my greenhouse will always welcome you."
Another olive branch! Hermione felt a surge of indescribable helplessness and shock.
How many times has Professor Sprout extended an olive branch to Draco?
First came high praise in class, then a special invitation outside of class, and now they've directly expressed their welcome for him to come to the greenhouse for research anytime.
Even top students in higher grades might not receive this kind of treatment.
This made Hermione, who was already feeling frustrated, even more depressed.
But upon hearing Draco's reply, Hermione was so angry she almost jumped up and down, her whole body nearly exploding with rage.
Draco nodded slightly. "Thank you very much for your invitation, Professor. I am very interested and will consider it seriously."
Consider it?! Hermione screamed inwardly: What is there to consider?!
If it were her, she would have agreed immediately, afraid that if she hesitated even a second, the professor would change his mind!
Where does this guy get the audacity to even say he'll "consider"?!
In short, Hermione was still filled with resentment towards Draco when she left the greenhouse.
After bidding farewell to Professor Sprout, the group left the greenhouse and embarked on the path back to the castle.
Neville practically scurried up to Draco, his round face still flushed with adoration, and he stammered as he spoke.
"Ma, Malfoy... what you just said, about Mimbulus mimbletonia... it was amazing! I... I never imagined plants could be so intelligent... it's simply incredible!"
"It's nothing, Neville. As long as you observe carefully and try to understand, you can also discover the secrets of plants," Draco comforted him.
"Oh right, didn't we agree before that you could just call me Draco?"
" Draco!" Neville called out Draco's name almost immediately.
He nodded vigorously. "Okay, okay! Of course! I mean... that's great! Then, shall we go to the Great Hall for dinner together?"
"Okay," Draco readily agreed.
Draco and Neville then quickly caught up with Hermione and Olivia, who were walking ahead.
Draco quickened his pace to walk alongside the two.
Draco's gaze fell on Hermione, then calmly swept over her roommate Olivia, and he asked, "Want to come along?"
Before the two could exchange a word, Draco continued, "I think my knowledge of History of Magic isn't very good; I often mix up the timelines of many historical events."
"The next section is the History of Magic. If you don't mind, we can discuss it as we walk."