Mandrakes, Blushing Smiles, and a Greenhouse Miracle
Morning sunlight poured into the Great Hall, painting everything gold.
Keith entered with Rias, Susan, and Helena, calm as ever.
His eyes briefly flicked toward the Gryffindor table.
Ron Weasley was standing on the bench, animatedly bragging.
"…and then the Willow just snapped, I tell you—"
Keith looked once.
Then looked away.
"Idiot," he muttered mildly.
Rias smirked.
At the Gryffindor table, Katie Bell and Angelina Johnson were eating.
Keith smiled at them.
Both froze.
Katie nearly dropped her spoon.
Angelina's ears turned red.
They quickly pretended nothing happened.
Keith continued scanning the hall.
At the center—
Daphne, Cassandra, and Astoria were surrounded.
"What are you using?"
"Is it potion-based?"
"Which brand?"
The girls looked increasingly cornered.
Astoria clutched her teacup like a lifeline.
Keith chuckled softly.
Cosmetics… sure.
Nearby, Hermione and Penelope sat together, deep in conversation, occasionally glancing his way.
Keith made a mental note.
Then he sat at the Hufflepuff table with Helena, Susan, and Rias, calmly enjoying breakfast.
Susan looked unusually cheerful.
Helena looked thoughtful.
Rias looked smug.
Herbology — Hufflepuff & Ravenclaw
The greenhouses were warm and fragrant.
Professor Sprout clapped her hands.
"Today's lesson—Mandrakes."
Groans echoed.
Sprout continued, unfazed.
"You'll be transferring them from one pot to another.
Remember—ear protection."
Keith's group consisted of himself, Susan, Rias, and Helena.
Across the greenhouse, Hermione worked with her Ravenclaw group, focused and precise.
The moment Keith lifted the Mandrake—
It opened its mouth.
Keith exhaled softly.
A faint, invisible dragon pressure rolled out.
The Mandrake's scream died mid-breath.
It yawned.
And promptly fell asleep.
Susan blinked.
"…Did it just—?"
"Yes," Keith replied calmly.
They transferred the Mandrake smoothly.
Task complete.
Professor Sprout stared.
Then smiled broadly.
"Twenty points to Hufflepuff!"
Cheers erupted.
Hermione squinted suspiciously at Keith.
After Class — An Awkward Request
As students filed out, Professor Sprout lingered.
"Keith," she said, adjusting her hat nervously.
"I was… wondering…"
Keith turned politely.
"Yes, Professor?"
"…If you might help me with the greenhouses."
He nodded instantly.
"Of course."
Her shoulders relaxed in visible relief.
Keith snapped his fingers.
"Zygard."
A familiar green glow appeared.
Zygarde Core emerged, squishing happily.
Sprout gasped softly.
Zygarde hopped into the soil.
Green light pulsed outward.
Plants straightened.
Leaves deepened in color.
Growth accelerated gently, perfectly balanced.
Sprout's eyes shone.
"…Merlin's beard."
She quickly produced a pouch.
"Nature-type treats," she said eagerly.
Zygarde squeaked happily, devouring them before bowing politely.
Then—pop—it vanished back into the portable dimension.
Keith smiled.
"Anytime, Professor."
Sprout watched him go, hand over her heart.
"I'm going to have the best harvest in Hogwarts history," she whispered.
As Keith left the greenhouse—
He felt it.
Eyes on him.
Plans forming.
Hearts racing.
And somewhere deep beneath Hogwarts—
Something old and dark stirred, irritated by the dragon's presence.