July.
Mr. Lupin had been working at Vinson's Plantation for nearly two weeks.
Caring for magical plants was a tedious task. Complicating matters, magic could not be used in the process. Some plants were sensitive, and certain medicinal materials would lose their efficacy if exposed to magic. This made Mr. Lupin's work not only exhausting but also painstakingly precise.
Furthermore, many of the plants at Vinson's were aggressive. Even with Mr. Vinson's detailed instruction manual, Mr. Lupin often worried about being attacked without warning. This constant apprehension sometimes caused him to be careless in his work. Fortunately, whenever he had questions, Mr. Vinson was always ready with an answer.
"Mr. Lupin, don't forget the Bubble-Head Charm."
"Use the back of your hand, not your palm."
"This is fertilizer number one; you should be using fertilizer number three."
"Mr. Lupin…"
Even during his free time, Harry would often lend a hand. In fact, Harry was more skilled with plants than Mr. Lupin himself. This embarrassed Lupin, since he was the one being paid for the work. Harry's expertise came from six months of assisting Mr. Vinson, learning the characteristics and care methods of nearly all the plants in the plantation. If it weren't for Potion Class studies, Harry might have continued helping full-time.
With both Mr. Lupin and Harry assisting, Mr. Vinson no longer needed to monitor the greenhouse constantly. During the day, he could now sit in the potted plant shop, preparing his Professor duties for Care of Magical Creatures at Hogwarts.
Just yesterday, Professor Kettleburn had sent him a letter, along with a copy of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. The letter included Kettleburn's thoughtful outline of previous course arrangements. Fire Salamanders, Crups, Thestrals, Unicorns—common, less dangerous magical creatures.
At Hogwarts, Care of Magical Creatures was an elective offered only to students from the third to the fifth year. Most students ceased taking the course after completing their O.W.L. exams, meaning only the passionate continued into the sixth and seventh years. At the end of his letter, Professor Kettleburn had warned Mr. Vinson not to let students come into contact with overly dangerous creatures, noting that he had survived sixty-two periods of probation during his own tenure. Mr. Vinson found this amusing and somewhat perplexing; it seemed the Principal was unusually tolerant.
For the textbook, Mr. Vinson chose to stick with Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. After all, Newt Scamander's work cataloged nearly every magical creature known in the wizarding world, making it an invaluable reference.
As Mr. Vinson focused on lesson preparation, Mr. Lupin and Harry exited the plantation gate. The creaking door caught Mr. Vinson's attention. Mr. Lupin looked unusually fatigued, sweat glistening on his forehead as if the day's labor had drained him completely. In the past, his weariness had been noticeable but never so extreme.
The pale-faced Mr. Lupin approached Mr. Vinson. "I've finished today's work. May I leave early? I have some urgent matters to attend to." He hesitated, then added, "It's nothing serious—I'll be fine after a short rest."
Mr. Vinson frowned slightly. "You do look off. Would you like to rest tomorrow?"
Mr. Lupin shook his head, forcing a smile. "It's just the heat. I'll be fine."
Though concerned, Mr. Vinson allowed him to leave. "If you need anything, let me know. Here, drink this—it should help." He handed Lupin a potion. Lupin nodded, feeling both grateful and guilty, and drank it in one gulp.
Damn full moon, he thought.
After Lupin departed, Harry stood silently, eyes following his mentor with unease. His normally cheerful friend seemed worn and distracted, even almost stepping on an Exploding Potato earlier.
"Is he okay?" Harry asked Mr. Vinson.
The older man ruffled Harry's already messy hair. "Don't worry. Yesterday was the full moon. Lupin will be weak for a day or two. You should focus on the Potion homework I assigned. How's the Blood-Replenishing Potion coming along?"
Harry groaned. He had never claimed to enjoy Potions.
Meanwhile, Mr. Vinson considered whether allowing Lupin to take a full day off during the full moon might be more humane. It did seem inhumane to make him work in such a vulnerable state.
The Workload and Hazards
The next few weeks followed a similar routine. Mr. Lupin rose before sunrise to tend the plants, carefully following Mr. Vinson's instructions. Even seemingly harmless plants could lash out without warning, and some required delicate handling to prevent their magical properties from deteriorating.
Harry continued to assist, often working faster and more efficiently than Lupin. Though this sometimes embarrassed him, he took pride in teaching Harry. Vinson had always emphasized the importance of passing knowledge along, and Lupin found satisfaction in seeing Harry's steady progress.
Mr. Vinson, meanwhile, balanced lesson preparation with monitoring the greenhouse. Though he trusted Lupin and Harry, he often checked on them, ensuring that the workload remained manageable. Despite their competence, the plantation's plants could be unpredictable.
One afternoon, Lupin accidentally misapplied fertilizer to a particularly aggressive herb. The plant immediately recoiled, sending spines toward him. Reflexively, he dodged, muttering curses under his breath. Harry, watching closely, handed him a Bubble-Head Charm and demonstrated the correct method.
"See?" Harry said, smiling. "A little care goes a long way."
Lupin chuckled weakly. "I suppose that's why you're better at this than me."
"Better?" Harry grinned. "I've had a lot of practice."
Their camaraderie grew, and even the arduous work felt lighter with someone by his side.
Class Preparations
In between plantation duties, Mr. Vinson devoted time to his teaching materials. The elective required careful planning to balance student engagement with safety. Unlike Kettleburn, who tolerated sixty-two periods of probation, Vinson preferred a more structured approach.
He planned lessons that gradually introduced students to magical creatures. Initial classes focused on Fire Salamanders, Crups, and Thestrals—creatures unlikely to cause serious harm. Later, more exotic animals would be introduced, always under strict supervision.
Vincent believed students learned best through observation and controlled interaction. His approach mirrored Lupin's care for the plants: cautious, deliberate, and grounded in knowledge.
The Full Moon Effect
Full moons posed a recurring challenge for Lupin. Even with potions to alleviate fatigue, the days following transformation left him drained. On such days, Harry often carried out the more physically demanding tasks.
One evening, after an exhausting day in the greenhouse, Lupin collapsed onto a bench. Harry brought him water and helped him sit comfortably.
"You shouldn't push yourself so hard," Harry said, frowning.
"I don't want to trouble you or Mr. Vinson," Lupin replied. "Besides, the work has to be done."
Harry shook his head. "We're a team. You're not alone in this."
The bond between mentor and student deepened. Lupin found reassurance in Harry's competence, while Harry learned patience, diligence, and the subtle art of magical plant care.
Lessons in Responsibility
Over the months, Lupin noticed subtle improvements in his efficiency. Plants that had once been troublesome were now manageable. Even aggressive species showed signs of adapting to his care, responding better to his touch and spells.
He began documenting their responses, creating his own notes alongside Mr. Vinson's manual. This growing repository of knowledge would one day be invaluable, both in the plantation and at Hogwarts.
Meanwhile, Harry continued to excel, balancing his duties with his classes. Lupin admired his diligence, recognizing the potential Harry had yet to fully realize.
The days at Vinson's Plantation, though exhausting, became a crucible for learning, patience, and mutual respect. Through careful observation, diligent care, and the occasional life-saving potion, they navigated the challenges together.
Reflections on Growth
By the end of July, Lupin felt both physically exhausted and intellectually invigorated. The work had taught him lessons in precision, caution, and adaptability—skills that would serve him well at Hogwarts.
Though the full moon remained a looming threat, the support of Harry and guidance from Mr. Vinson made it manageable. Lupin began to accept that vulnerability did not equate to weakness; careful planning, teamwork, and knowledge could mitigate even the most daunting challenges.
Harry, for his part, had matured as well. Exposure to rare plants, responsibility for delicate operations, and the guidance of two seasoned mentors had honed his skills. He understood the balance between caution and curiosity, preparation and improvisation—a balance essential for both magical care and life itself.
Together, they continued their work, not just as apprentice and teacher, but as partners in a shared mission: the careful, mindful stewardship of magical life.
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