With the auto-cleaning kit, Snape's detention became significantly easier.
That evening, George cleaned all the cauldrons in the Potions classroom in just over an hour.
He used the kit discreetly. Though Filch found the speed unusual, he merely assumed the brat had become efficient from serving so many detentions.
Filch privately thought he could clean these cauldrons in half an hour himself.
After inspecting the work and finding no issues, he dismissed George.
The next morning at the Gryffindor table, George turned his detention into an entertaining story. He claimed he'd discovered a letter addressed to Snape in one of the discarded cauldrons — though Filch had confiscated it.
While he never stated it directly, the implication was clear: it was a love letter.
The young Gryffindors were thrilled by this gossip. Whether true or not didn't matter — the entertainment value was enough.
Meanwhile, at the Hufflepuff table, Kyle was excited for a different reason.
His enthusiasm had nothing to do with Snape's alleged love letter — they had Herbology that day.
Professor Sprout had announced in their previous class that they'd finished studying rue and would begin learning about Devil's Snare. For Kyle, this was the best news possible.
After breakfast, Kyle and his classmates made their way to the greenhouse outside the castle for their joint class with the Gryffindors.
"Why are you so excited?" Kanna asked, glancing at him, "The book says Devil's Snare is very dangerous. Aren't you concerned?"
"It's not that bad." Kyle quickly suppressed his smile, "Actually, Devil's Snare just has an intimidating name. It's not truly dangerous — with the right approach, it becomes as gentle as a Puffskein."
"Absolutely correct." Professor Sprout appeared behind them, smiling, "Please, don't let me interrupt — continue sharing what you know."
"Alright." Kyle cleared his throat, "According to 'Magical Vines and Creepers,' Devil's Snare was once quite popular. Many wizarding households kept one or two plants to control rats and spiders in their cellars. However, after the Ministry of Magic classified it as dangerous and banned private cultivation, it gradually vanished from homes."
"I couldn't have explained it better myself — five points to Hufflepuff." Professor Sprout said cheerfully.
She paused, her expression becoming more serious.
"As Kyle said, Devil's Snare isn't as dangerous as its name suggests, but it's only harmless if you understand it. Without proper knowledge, it can become very dangerous — even lethal."
After these words, the young wizards grew noticeably quieter. Professor Sprout nodded with satisfaction.
They were in Greenhouse Two today.
Upon entering, they found themselves in near darkness. The roof and sides were completely covered, with only two dim oil lamps providing light.
Fortunately, the greenhouse wasn't large, and once their eyes adjusted, they could make out their surroundings.
Compared to Greenhouse One, the plants here were much more unusual. Besides the Devil's Snare on the table, Kyle noticed explosive Bouncing Bulbs and poisonous plants like Venomous Tentacula and Belladonna.
The only disappointment was that he didn't see any Mandrakes here.
"This is Devil's Snare." Professor Sprout said, standing behind a stool and pointing to a large mass of spider web-like tendrils on the ground, "Beautiful, isn't it? But it's also dangerous. Can anyone tell me why?"
Everyone turned to look at Kyle in perfect unison.
"Devil's Snare can extend snake-like tendrils to wrap around anyone who comes near, causing injury or death." He said without hesitation.
"Exactly right, another five points to Hufflepuff." Professor Sprout said, pointing to the Devil's Snare's roots, "Look everyone, our Devil's Snare here is still quite young."
In the dim light, everyone leaned forward but couldn't see anything special. They couldn't understand how she could tell it was "young" — the plant was already almost two meters long.
Professor Sprout threw an empty flowerpot at the Devil's Snare. The moment it landed, the plant's tendrils grabbed it tightly and, with a crack, shattered it into pieces.
The young wizards collectively stepped back, looking at Kyle and Professor Sprout as if they were mad.
This was what they called "not so dangerous"?
"Notice the tendrils — they're still a tender green color, while mature Devil's Snare is dark green." Professor Sprout said calmly as she cleaned up the flowerpot pieces, "So while being caught won't kill you, it certainly won't be pleasant. Now, who can tell me how to escape from Devil's Snare's attack?"
Everyone looked at Kyle again.
"If caught, don't panic. When you relax your whole body and stop struggling, the Devil's Snare will release you." He said, "Also, Devil's Snare hates light and fire — sometimes a simple Lumos is enough to break free."
Hearing this, Michael next to him chuckled and puffed out his chest proudly.
Lumos? That was his specialty. Without a doubt, among all the young wizards present, no one knew the Wand-Lighting Charm better than he did.
"Exactly right, another three points to Hufflepuff. Today we'll learn how to fertilize Devil's Snare." Professor Sprout brought out a small wooden barrel, "Here are the tools and compost. Your movements must be gentle during the process, and if you get caught, remember to relax completely. Now, who wants to try first?"
For the third time, Kyle felt everyone's eyes on him, including Professor Sprout's.
"I'll go first." He stepped forward.
"Don't be nervous."
Kyle took the spade Professor Sprout handed him and slowly reached toward the Devil's Snare's roots.
Everyone held their breath.
With a steady hand, Kyle perfectly avoided every tendril of the Devil's Snare, successfully digging a small hole near the roots.
Using tweezers, he took a soybean-sized silver pellet from the barrel of compost and placed it in the hole. Finally, he filled the hole with soil, completing the fertilization.
Just as Kyle withdrew his hand from the Devil's Snare, he heard Professor Sprout's voice.
"Ten points to Hufflepuff."
✭✭✭
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