Chapter 291: Greenhouse Three

He spoke very naturally, and Wizard Sean silently pondered for a few seconds.

The difficulty of Animagus transformation lies in the complexity of its steps, the high demand on the wizard’s willpower, and the ever-present risks; if these can be overcome, completing an Animagus transformation in first year is not out of the question.

And before undertaking an Animagus transformation, careful observation is essential.

Or rather, before learning any magic, guidance from predecessors is crucial.

Wizard Sean was about to speak when he was interrupted:

“Mr. Green, it’s… very nice to meet you,”

Hannah was somewhat shy when facing Wizard Sean, but turned stern the moment she turned to Jia Jia Siting,

“You’ve failed to bring Mr. Green to the club for so long—I suspect you’ve been slacking off again— you don’t even go to recruit new members… Jia Jia Siting, you’re no better than a vice president in name only.”

“How on earth are you going to find the Castle Spirit Cat—”

She finished, grabbed Jia Jia Siting, who looked miserable, and dragged him off.

Only Wizard Sean remained, holding his book and shaking his head.

…

In the afternoon, Ravenclaw had Herbology class.

Wizard Sean left the castle, crossed the vegetable patch, and walked toward the greenhouse, where magical plants were cultivated.

As he approached, he saw other students standing outside, waiting for Professor Sprout.

Wizard Sean had just joined them when he saw Professor Sprout striding across the lawn, accompanied by Gilderoy Lockhart; bandages were draped over Professor Sprout’s arms.

Wizard Sean frowned thoughtfully, then looked farther away—several branches of the Whomping Willow were also suspended in bandages.

Plants in the magical world are always peculiar—for instance, when injured, they actually need bandages.

Before Wizard Sean.

Professor Sprout’s flowing hair was topped with a patched hat, and her clothes were always speckled with dirt.

But Gilderoy Lockhart was spotless from head to toe, his flowing emerald-green robe shimmering, his golden hair neatly styled beneath a matching emerald-and-gold ceremonial hat.

“Oh, hello there!”

Lockhart beamed at the students,

“I just demonstrated to Professor Sprout how to treat the Whomping Willow’s injuries! But don’t think I’m better at Herbology than she is—I merely happened to encounter a few of these unusual plants during my travels…”

Wizard Sean looked up and saw that Professor Sprout’s expression was far from pleasant.

It was rare in Hogwarts for even Professor Sprout to dislike a wizard—she was a witch of extraordinary breadth of spirit; Wizard Sean truly could not imagine who could make her angry with just one sentence.

“Today, we’re going to Greenhouse Three!”

Professor Sprout said, clearly irritated, her usual cheerful demeanor gone.

As she passed Wizard Sean, her expression softened slightly:

“Mr. Green, your mother took many Mandrake leaves from me—does that mean you’re studying Animagus transformation?”

She naturally drew Wizard Sean closer, asking in a warm tone.

“Yes, Professor.”

Wizard Sean replied.

“Oh my goodness—”

Professor Sprout was delighted, her joy evident on multiple levels,

“Oh—how can you speak like that—child, when holding a leaf in your mouth, you really shouldn’t talk.”

“I understand,”

Wizard Sean nodded slightly, then added,

“Professor, I’ve succeeded.”

“Oh, this… my dear little blossom, you’ve succeeded?”

Professor Sprout’s voice carried genuine surprise and delight.

As the two spoke, they clearly ignored the smiling Lockhart, who, after a quick glance, did not leave but followed them into Greenhouse Three.

“I told you so—Wizard Sean is Professor Sprout’s personal—”

A year had passed, but Michael still hadn’t abandoned his earth-shattering theory.

Anthony once again clamped his hand over Michael’s mouth until his intelligence returned to normal levels.

“But how do you explain it then…”

After breaking free, Michael gasped for air.

“If you could also score full marks.”

Anthony’s book contained a ranking sheet.

In the entire year, Wizard Sean Green was unquestionably first; rumors said the professors had even argued over whether to award extra points beyond a perfect score.

Then came Hermione, the little witch who was both gifted and hardworking; followed by Jia Jia Siting and himself.

The two were tied for third.

Anthony frowned.

Wizard Sean Green was undoubtedly powerful—his Green Notes alone proved it, nearly impossible to catch up with;

Hermione Granger was no less formidable—the Know-It-All, excelling in every area, a tough rival;

Jia Jia Siting Finley, everyone knew he walked in step with Wizard Sean Green, so his achievements were understandable;

but where had Harry Potter, who scored just a few points behind him, trained three times a week at Quidditch, started the year unremarkable, and disappointed everyone, suddenly come from?!

This fellow was terrifyingly strong in Defense Against the Dark Arts and Charms—if things continued like this, he’d knock even the top three off the list.

“Have you found that thing of Wizard Sean’s…”

Anthony spoke.

“Oh! Of course!”

Michael raised his eyebrows,

“Even though I gave the chance to Neville, I discovered something interesting—they’ve all joined a special club.”

As the young wizards chattered noisily, they entered Greenhouse Three.

No first-year wizard had ever entered here before—in the eyes of the students.

In reality, Wizard Sean had already defeated Knarl Vines, crushed Devil’s Tendrils, and bound Poisonous Tentacula together with a snowman summoned by Transfiguration.

Every time he came here, Wizard Sean remembered that magical winter.

Greenhouse Three carried the scent of damp soil and fertilizer, mingled with the heavy fragrance of flowers—flowers as large as umbrellas, hanging from the ceiling.

Professor Sprout stood behind a low bench in the center of the greenhouse.

On the bench lay about twenty pairs of ear muffs of varying colors. As the group sat down, she said:

“Today, we’re repotting Mandrakes.”

“Professor Sprout, you wouldn’t mind if I observed, would you?”

Lockhart’s white teeth gleamed in the sunlight.

From Professor Sprout’s expression, she minded very much.

“I think the Professor minds—after all, professional matters should be left to professionals,”

a voice came from behind him—it was Senior Bruce,

“Respected Mr. Lockhart, you should know that Greenhouse Three always has plants that shed strange powders, with unpredictable effects.”

“I’ve happened to see every plant in this greenhouse during my travels. Oh, but I know—I naturally know—that’s nothing compared to the glory of winning the ‘Most Charming Smile’ award from Witch Weekly five times in a row.”

Lockhart carried himself with elegance.

Some of the young witches nearby were already starry-eyed.

“Then that’s perfect.”

Bruce nodded approvingly, as if he’d come to assist Lockhart as a comedic sidekick, then turned and walked away.

Before leaving, he heard someone say:

“Oh, did you put the tickle powder in place?”

The next part continues—Lu Ming will release it all tomorrow morning.