Normally, the students in the House of the Snake acted like they were untouchable. And, in a way, they were. Between the high proportion of wealthy and influential purebloods and Snape's blatant favoritism, Slytherin students rarely got punished or had to suffer the consequences of their actions. But wild beasts didn't care how pure your blood was. Blood was blood and Harry was sure there were some hungry critters hiding in the trees.
The sudden bout of subdued humility wouldn't last very long, but Harry planned on enjoying it while he could.
'Hopefully, being saved by Hagrid will convince Draco to leave him alone, at least for now,' Harry hoped to himself.
"What's first on the schedule today?" Seamus asked, distracting Harry from his thoughts and dragging his attention back to the Gryffindor table.
"Herbology with the 'Puffs," Lavender said helpfully. "I can't wait! I heard we'll be learning about Many-Scented Orchids today!"
"You're interested in them?" Neville asked, surprised, and Lavender nodded eagerly.
"That's right! I heard you can make all kinds of perfumes with them!" Lavender replied. "Their oil is also what is used to make Bertie Botts Every Flavor Beans!"
The idle chatter between students continued until they reached the greenhouses, which were one of the more interesting parts of Hogwarts. Where most of the castle was very medieval in design, the greenhouses were oddly modern, at least in appearance and function.
It was also the only class that seemed to take the concept of 'safety measures' into account for the students and provided gloves, goggles, and other safety gear. Perhaps they realized how dangerous handling poisonous or magical plants with their bare hands could be? Or maybe it was just Professor Sprout who was the odd one out among the Hogwarts staff?
'If only Snape's potion classes had the same level of preparedness,' Harry griped to himself as he tugged on a pair of thick leather gardening gloves.
"Good morning, students! Today, we will be learning how to tend to Many-Scented Orchids today!" Professor Sprout said cheerfully as class began. "Now, you'll want to be careful with how you handle them! The roses will make different scents based on the way they are treated!"
She flicked her wand, and two dozen flower pots floated over to each student, a single pink and orange orchid flower growing in them.
"Today, we will go over how to prune them, change their soil, and harvest the petals," Sprout said. "Does everyone have a flower?"
The lesson was interesting, if a bit smelly due some of the orchids emitting foul stenches whenever a student gripped the stem too hard, gave it too much water, or plucked a petal incorrectly. Harry was really impressed by Neville, though. The quiet young boy was the only student who didn't make a single mistake when it came to handling his plant.
"Great job, Neville!" Ron praised as the class ended and everyone fled the greenhouses to escape the cloying stink.
"Yeah, your hands were so steady," Harry said. "Not a trace of nerves in sight!"
"Longbottom Manor has a big garden," Neville said, blushing from the compliments he was receiving. "I like tending to it. It's peaceful."
"That's really neat," Hermione said. "I've tried gardening before. Is it hard?"
"It can be," Neville admitted. "But I think the hard work is worth it."
They then had to pick up the pace to make it to their next class of the morning.
"Hey, there's Hannah and Susan," Ron pointed out, spotting the two Hufflepuffs in the hallway.
"Morning, you two. Did you know Draco got attacked in the forest? And that there's a guy attacking unicorns?" Harry asked as they caught up to two Hufflepuff friends as they entered the Transfiguration classroom together.
"Yeah, we heard it from Justin and Ernie," Hannah confirmed.
"And then we double-checked it ourselves with Daphne and Tracy in Slytherin. They couldn't confirm the unicorn bit, but it does seem like Draco was spooked by something in the Forbidden Forest," Susan added.
"That still sounds so stupid every time I hear it," Harry muttered. "Why punish a student with near death like that?"
Then he paused and waited for Hermione to chime in. When she didn't, he looked over at her. He wasn't the only one. Everyone else in their friend group looked at her in concern. The bushy-haired witch blushed in annoyance and glared at them.
"What?" she demanded.
"Uh, usually you're so quick to defend the school," Ron pointed out.
"Yeah. And you also often have a quote or anecdote or factoid from Hogwarts, A History," Susan added.
"Yes, well, even I think venturing into a forest that was declared off-limits as some sort of punishment is a stupid idea," Hermione huffed.
"Fair enough," Harry said.
Their conversation was put on pause when Professor McGonagall entered, flicking her wand and sending a bunch of metal needles over to their desks.
"You've all learned how to turn a matchstick into a needle. Now, you will learn the opposite: how to a needle into a matchstick," she said brusquely. "This will require a bit more focus than usual, as unlike a needle, a match is made up of two distinct portions. The wooden part, or handle, and the head, which ignites when struck."
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