Fertilizing the Devil's Snare was perhaps the most difficult lesson in first-year Herbology.
Kyle found it simple, having gained experience from caring for Biting Cabbages for several months.
A mature Biting Cabbage posed far more danger than a Devil's Snare that merely bound its victims — one small mistake could land him in the hospital wing drinking Skele-Gro or worse.
After spending time in "hell mode", tackling this easier challenge felt quite relaxing.
His classmates, however, had no such experience. Upon their first encounter with the Devil's Snare, they screamed and yelled as its tendrils tormented them.
Some students panicked the moment the tendrils wrapped around them, forgetting Professor Sprout's instructions entirely and struggling instinctively. Without her nearby, they would have ended up bound like meatballs.
Kyle remained attentive — whenever Professor Sprout was occupied, he helped free his trapped classmates from the Devil's Snare's grip.
This earned Hufflepuff another ten points from the professor.
"Thank you, Kyle." Ryan rubbed his sore arm where the plant had squeezed it, "When I watched you earlier, it looked so simple. I didn't expect it to be this difficult — I can't even get near it."
"Don't worry," Kyle said, patting his shoulder. "Just be careful and avoid touching those tendrils."
"I'll try my best." Ryan sighed, "It's a shame Professor Sprout won't let us use the Lumos Charm. It would be much easier then."
"You're overthinking it." Kyle said, shaking his head gently.
If they used Lumos, the young Devil's Snare would surrender immediately, defeating the purpose of the lesson.
If fertilizing merely involved digging holes and adding nutrients, a toddler could manage it. The lesson's purpose went far beyond that.
"I was just saying." Ryan muttered, making another attempt to reach the plant.
Kyle shifted his focus to observe the rest of the class.
Most students struggled like Ryan, but there were standouts.
Kanna proved to be the second student to successfully fertilize the Devil's Snare. Though she moved cautiously and took several pauses, she completed the task on her first attempt — an impressive achievement.
Cormac McLaggen from Gryffindor also succeeded, albeit more slowly, finishing midway through the lesson. By then, the Devil's Snare's tendrils had noticeably slowed, giving the remaining students a better chance.
By lesson's end, over half the class had managed to fertilize the plant, though all were drenched in sweat and eager to return to the castle for a shower.
Professor Sprout instructed them to form two lines. Once everyone was properly positioned, she carefully opened the greenhouse door.
Sunlight flooded the greenhouse, causing the Devil's Snare to freeze instantly, as if stunned.
Kyle, who had purposely stationed himself at the back, saw his opportunity. While Professor Sprout was distracted, he swiftly produced a small knife he'd brought, cut off a piece of root, and tucked it into his pocket.
The sunlight's effect was so potent that the Devil's Snare remained motionless even after the cut.
Acting natural, Kyle joined his classmates in exiting the greenhouse, even exchanging pleasantries with Professor Sprout — or "the Stoled", as she was known.
"Goodbye, Professor."
"Goodbye, Kyle." Professor Sprout replied with a smile, "Since you're fond of plants, would you like to help with the Bouncing Bulbs? They'll be ready for dividing next lesson."
"I'd love to, Professor."
What a fortunate turn of events... Kyle's spirits lifted even higher.
After saying goodbye, he hurried toward the castle. The Bouncing Bulbs could wait — his first priority was bringing his pocket's contents to the Room of Requirement on the eighth floor.
Devil's Snare, being a vine-type plant, possessed remarkable survival abilities. If he planted this root section in soil quickly enough, it would grow into a complete Devil's Snare.
Suddenly, a commotion erupted nearby.
Kyle looked up to see crowds of people running toward Hagrid's hut, including several of his Herbology classmates.
"Could Hagrid's three-headed dog have been discovered?" He frowned and hurried to investigate.
His suspicion proved correct — Hagrid's three-headed dog had indeed been found, and officials had come for him.
Three Hit Wizards from the Ministry stood at the hut's door, their wands pointed threateningly at Hagrid.
"We received a report that you purchased an unregistered magical creature in September." One of the Hit Wizards announced, "Hand it over and come with us to the Ministry."
"I didn't!" Hagrid protested, his face flushing, "I only bought some anti-Flesh-Eating Slug medicine that time!"
"But someone saw you trading magical creatures." The Hit Wizard insisted.
"That's a lie!" Hagrid said, his nervousness showing, "Besides, you've already checked my house, haven't you? It's just me and Fang here!"
"It's not up to you to decide." The man said, eyes narrowing at Hagrid's expression, "If you're really innocent, the Ministry will clear your name... what do you have to worry about? Or is it that you have something to hide and are afraid to come to the Ministry?"
His aggressive manner infuriated the young wizards gathered around them.
Though they weren't particularly close to Hagrid, they remembered him as the gentle giant who had guided them from the station to the castle on their first day at Hogwarts.
The students — especially the first-years — cared nothing for the Ministry. They knew Hagrid was one of their own, and that was all that mattered.
The crowd erupted in boos and shouts, demanding the Hit Wizards leave Hogwarts at once. Several quick-thinking students, realizing they were powerless against Ministry officials, rushed to the castle to seek help.
Noting the growing tension, the Hit Wizards exchanged glances before raising their wands, clearly preparing to seize Hagrid by force.
Just as Kyle moved to intervene, another figure beat him to it.
"Don't pretend to be righteous." Came Professor Oren's voice. He had materialized behind the three Hit Wizards, his tone dripping with disdain, "You're here based on only one side of the story, aren't you?"
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