Chapter 16: The First Lesson at Hogwarts
Early the next morning, they had no classes, but Hermione had Transfiguration. After meeting in the Great Hall, Ethan outlined the difficulties he was facing, then Hermione hurried off to class.
Ethan had wanted to ask Professor McGonagall for help, but unfortunately, being unfamiliar with Hogwarts Castle and unable to navigate the moving staircases, he gave up after thirty minutes of effort.
Having already struggled with the castle stairs once, Ethan didn't dare leave at the last minute. He shouldered a copy of One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi, grabbed his stationery and wand, gathered his three roommates, and made his way out of the dungeons toward the temporary Herbology classroom on the third floor.
After a long and arduous journey, they finally arrived a little after ten o'clock.
"Thanks to you, Ethan. If you hadn't reminded us, we would have been really late," Draco clutched his chest, still shaken.
The sudden shift of the stairs had terrified him, while Goyle and Crabbe simply nodded and chuckled in agreement.
"You're welcome. As roommates, we should help each other, shouldn't we?" Ethan's words carried a double meaning that left Draco deeply uncomfortable.
When they arrived, many Ravenclaw students were already seated. The four of them chose seats together, arranged their books and stationery, and waited for Professor Sprout.
Soon, Professor Sprout arrived, the short, stout professor wearing a patched hat. It was less than a minute before class was to begin, but the other Slytherins still hadn't arrived.
When the little snakes finally burst into the classroom, panting, class had already been going for three minutes.
Professor Sprout said gently, "You all need to be careful next time. The staircases inside the castle are intricate; even senior students can get lost. Please leave earlier next time you have other classes."
Sprout didn't punish the late students, which made the students' regard for her soar, and they warmed to the unassuming professor.
"Okay, let's start again and go over what we just covered."
Their Herbology course was divided into two parts: theory and practice.
This academic year, they would learn about magical plants and fungi that were basically harmless. As they progressed through the years and grew stronger, they would gradually work with more dangerous plants.
They would be taught to both Houses together, three times a week. Except for this first temporary class, all other lessons, whether practical or theoretical, would be conducted in the greenhouses.
Since this was their first class, Professor Sprout was worried they wouldn't be able to find the greenhouse, so she had decided to hold their first theory class in the main building for now.
"The greenhouses are behind the castle. I hope you won't be late for the next lesson."
Professor Sprout smiled with satisfaction as all the students nodded obediently.
"Alright, everyone, open your textbooks. We're about to learn about our first magical plant: Dittany."
"This plant possesses magical healing properties. It can heal superficial wounds when eaten raw, and its effects are even more potent when distilled into an essence."
"I'm introducing this herb first, rather than beginning with the basics, because you'll very likely need it in other classes."
Professor Sprout's mysterious smile unnerved the first-year students.
Her words startled several of them, who stared at her in horror, searching her face for any sign that she was joking.
Draco scoffed, leaning toward Ethan at the neighboring table. "Don't listen to the professor's scare tactics. Dittany is indeed a medicinal plant, but my father told me that first-year courses rarely cause actual wounds, so there's nothing to worry about."
"I've read all the first-year textbooks, and there really aren't any spells or subject matter that could cause harm," Ethan replied quietly, smiling.
Next, Professor Sprout elaborated on Dittany's growing habits and preferred environment, showing them various potions made with the herb to expand their knowledge.
Ethan's quill moved swiftly, jotting down every useful detail.
Seeing Ethan's diligence, Draco, who had been somewhat lazy, couldn't help but start writing furiously. The two of them stood out among the Slytherins, nearly rivaling the Ravenclaws.
Sprout appreciated their enthusiasm and even shared some knowledge she hadn't originally planned to cover, which greatly benefited Ethan.
The bell rang, signaling the end of class.
Professor Sprout glanced at her unfinished lesson plan, then at the students before her, remembering she still had another Herbology class that morning. Reluctantly, she ended the lesson, reminding herself to stick to the schedule next time.
"All right, don't forget to go to Greenhouse One for class on Wednesday. That's all for today."
The students stood up, said goodbye to Professor Sprout, and filed out, but Ethan lingered behind.
"Excuse me, Professor. I'm Ethan Jones, from Slytherin," he said politely.
Perhaps because of his good performance in class, she asked gently, "Hello, Mr. Jones. Is there anything you'd like to ask?"
He nodded. "Yes, Professor. I need to ask Professor McGonagall something, but I don't know where her office is. Could you tell me?"
"Her office entrance is on the second floor. After you go downstairs, turn right, and you'll see it marked with her nameplate." Though she couldn't fathom what a first-year Slytherin would want with the Gryffindor Head of House, Sprout gave him the directions anyway.
"Thank you very much, Professor." Ethan bowed slightly.
"It's nothing," Sprout said with a chuckle. "If there's nothing else, you may go. I need to prepare materials for the next lesson."
"Okay. Goodbye, Professor."
Unable to contain his excitement any longer, Ethan hurried downstairs and turned right.
He stood at McGonagall's door and knocked gently. "Professor McGonagall? It's Ethan Jones. I have some questions I'd like to ask." After waiting nearly ten minutes with no answer, he headed to the Great Hall where he'd agreed to meet Hermione.
She was waiting at the Gryffindor table, books spread before her but unread. When she saw him enter, she waved him over. Ethan sat beside her, dropping his bag on the table and resting his chin on his hands. "I went to see Professor McGonagall earlier, but she wasn't in. I'll try again tonight."
"She's busy teaching during the day," Hermione said. "You could try catching her at lunch."
"This morning was a bit rushed. Are you saying you might not be their biological child?"
"Yes, whether you look at genetics or the Sorting Hat, I shouldn't be their child." Ethan's voice was quiet.
Hermione felt a pang of sympathy and wanted to pat his head, but after extending her hand halfway, she thought better of it and placed her hand on his shoulder instead, giving it a gentle pat. "Whatever the case, they love you enough, don't they? Don't think too much about it."
He covered Hermione's hand with his own. "I know. I don't want to leave them. I just want to know who my biological parents are and why they abandoned me."
Hermione felt warmth spread from the back of her hand through her fingers. Her face flushed, and she quickly pulled her hand back.
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