Herbology: Hermione and Argus's Double Act

Inside a professor's quarters.

"Master, I don't understand. Why are you interested in Grindelwald?"

"You must know, his father is..."

"It is not your place to tell me what to do!"

An icy voice rang through Quirrell's mind.

The next second, intense pain swept through his entire body.

Quirrell fell to the floor with a thud.

Wails poured ceaselessly from his mouth.

All ten of his fingers were rubbed raw and bloody against the floor!

"Master, I was wrong! Please spare your loyal servant!"

"I hope this will be the last time!"

Voldemort's hoarse warning came from the back of his head.

Several minutes later, Quirrell slowly rose to his feet, leaning against the wall.

His clothes were already soaked with sweat.

"When is his next Defence Against the Dark Arts class?"

"Whose?" Quirrell failed to catch on.

He asked the question instinctively.

As a result, suffocating pain struck again.

"I understand! Master! Grindelwald's next class is the day after tomorrow!"

"The day after tomorrow..." Voldemort considered for a moment before saying, "Prepare the potion in advance. The day after tomorrow, I will personally test his talent. Do you understand?"

"Yes!" Quirrell nodded hastily.

"He and the Acolytes behind him could become perfect tools for me. If you handle this well, you will have rendered a great service."

"When the time comes, I will teach you all the magical knowledge you desire."

"Thank you for your generosity, Master!"

Back in his dormitory.

Argus lay on his bed as system notifications sounded in his mind.

[Congratulations to the host for completing a nighttime excursion. Achievement obtained: Nightwalker]

[Achievement point reward: 50]

"At least I got an achievement reward. Otherwise, I'd really have lost out this time!"

Argus seriously considered how to handle what came next.

When he encountered Quirrell today, Voldemort had used Legilimency on him.

His ability to use complex magic proved that his condition was not too bad.

At least, he was much stronger than when he tried to seize the Philosopher's Stone from Harry.

If Voldemort had been able to use Legilimency then, he would not have failed to find the Philosopher's Stone hidden in Harry's pocket.

Although Argus had not clashed with him directly tonight, he had still drawn his attention.

He would have to be more careful in his upcoming Defence Against the Dark Arts classes and as he moved around Hogwarts.

"Strength! I'm still not strong enough!"

Argus sighed softly.

He was currently at an extremely awkward stage.

He was too young, which left his magical power insufficient.

Although he knew a great many spells, he had too little combat experience.

He fell short of those above him, but surpassed those below!

"I'll have to pick up the pace of getting stronger."

He had been at Hogwarts for only two days, yet he already felt a profound sense of danger.

After drawing up a series of plans in his mind to increase his strength, Argus fell into a deep sleep.

The next day.

He arrived at the Hogwarts Great Hall with his head still groggy.

No sooner had he sat down than he received some news.

Since so many Gryffindor and Slytherin students had been injured in Potions Class yesterday, all four houses would be taking Herbology together today.

This made our Miss Know-It-All very happy.

It was her first time attending class with Argus.

She pulled Argus along, skipping all the way to the Herbology classroom.

The rich smell of earth mingled with the scent of fertilizer in the air.

Professor Sprout wore an ochre robe and a patched hat.

She faced everyone with a beaming smile.

"Quiet down, young witches and wizards."

"I know you're a little excited to have a class with so many fellow students for the first time, but there will be plenty of time for you to talk later."

"First, let's look at the plant we'll be studying today."

"Step back a little, young witches and wizards."

Professor Sprout dragged a box out of a corner and opened it.

A mass of dark green vegetation was waving long tendrils inside the box.

"Now, who can tell me what plant this is?"

Hermione glanced at Argus and excitedly raised her hand.

"Miss Granger."

"It's a Christmas cactus, Professor!"

"A Christmas cactus..." Professor Sprout nodded.

"Are there any other answers?"

When no one spoke, she looked a little disappointed.

Then she turned a slightly expectant gaze toward Argus.

"Mr. Grindelwald, what plant do you think this is?"

Argus examined it carefully. "Long, dense tendrils and dark green vines."

"Those are indeed the characteristics of a Christmas cactus."

"So you also think this is a Christmas cactus?"

"No!" Argus walked over to the window and abruptly pulled open the curtains.

Brilliant sunlight fell into the box, and the tendrils that had been waving about rapidly contracted.

They soon retreated into a corner of the box.

They writhed continuously.

"A Christmas cactus wouldn't fear sunlight. Clearly, this is Devil's Snare disguised as a Christmas cactus."

"Very good, Mr. Grindelwald!"

Professor Sprout could not stop smiling.

"For your careful observation and extensive knowledge."

"Five points to Slytherin!"

She then looked toward the dejected Hermione.

"Miss Granger also has quite an impressive grasp of the textbook."

"For your eagerness to learn, three points to Ravenclaw!"

Unwilling to accept defeat, Hermione pouted and leaned close to Argus, saying sulkily, "Hmph! Just you wait!"

"Next time, I definitely won't lose to you!"

Professor Sprout waved her wand, drawing the curtains shut.

Sensing that the irritation had vanished, the Devil's Snare slowly unfurled.

"Devil's Snare is a dangerous vine-like plant. Under certain circumstances, it disguises itself as a Christmas cactus."

"Mature Devil's Snare can extend tendrils to entangle approaching enemies. It is very strong, and people are often injured after mistaking Devil's Snare for a Christmas cactus."

"Or even killed!"

"The way to deal with it is also very simple!"

"What Mr. Grindelwald just did was an excellent demonstration."

"Devil's Snare likes dark, damp environments. Strong light or flames will make it retreat."

Professor Sprout explained in great detail, thoroughly analyzing the characteristics of Devil's Snare, the methods of dealing with it, and its natural enemies.

Argus, however, noticed that Harry's mind had wandered off at some point.

He had not heard any of the explanation at all!

Argus inwardly shook his head.

Even when the food is put right into your mouth, you won't chew.

Without Hermione's help, let's see how you get through Professor Sprout's trial in the future.

Because Devil's Snare was dangerous, after explaining the relevant information, Professor Sprout gave everyone another demonstration of how to deal with it.

Then she put it away and brought out the next plant.

Hermione immediately perked up, raising her hand high before Professor Sprout even asked.

Fortunately, this was not Snape's class, or he would have made at least a few sarcastic remarks at Hermione's expense.

"Miss Granger, why don't you tell us?"

"This is a Bubotuber, Professor! Its pus is very effective at treating acne!"

"Very well answered, Miss Granger!"

"Does anyone know this plant? Mr. Grindelwald?"

"A Leaping Toadstool, Professor."

"And this plant? Miss Granger?"

"It's dittany!"

The rest of the lesson almost became a double act between Hermione and Argus.

The two answered fluently about plants that many of the young witches and wizards had never even heard of.

Professor Sprout seemed to be doing it deliberately. Every time she called on Hermione, Argus was invariably next.

After more than half the lesson had passed, she could not help remarking.

"If today's lesson were an exam, I would certainly give both of you a big O!"