Herbology Class — Keith Surprises Professor Sprout
After lunch, the first-years headed toward the greenhouses for their very first Herbology lesson.
The Hufflepuffs gathered at the entrance, chatting excitedly, when the Gryffindors joined them.
That was when Keith noticed it:
Ron Weasley and Neville Longbottom had teamed up with Seamus Finnigan.
A new trio.
Not like the canon one.
More like…
The Chaotic Trio.
Ron was loudly bragging as usual.
Ron (puffed up):
"My best mate Neville is the Boy-Who-Lived, you know! We're practically famous!"
Neville smiled awkwardly.
Seamus nodded enthusiastically.
And Ron kept bragging.
Keith sighed quietly.
Keith (internally):
Good luck… you three will need it.
He didn't care enough to intervene.
He had his own group now:
RiasHelenaSusanCedricTonks and half the school already watched him like he was royalty.
Partners Assigned
Professor Sprout clapped her hands.
"Everyone, pair up! Quickly now!"
Keith was immediately claimed by Susan.
Susan (soft smile):
"We're partners, Keith!"
Keith nodded.
Rias and Helena paired together, smiling.
Meanwhile, Ron and Seamus were arguing over which of them should "protect" Neville from dangerous plants.
Professor Sprout looked like she aged five years hearing them.
Today's Lesson: Moonleaf Thyme
Professor Sprout cheerfully lifted a pot containing shimmering bluish-green leaves.
Professor Sprout:
"Today, we will study Moonleaf Thyme.
A gentle herb, useful in healing draughts… and highly sensitive to mana."
She asked the class:
"Now… who can tell me the optimal method to cultivate it for maximum yield?"
Hermione's hand shot up.
But Keith raised his hand lazily — almost bored.
Sprout blinked.
Keith rarely answered unless he knew the topic perfectly.
Sprout:
"Yes, Mr. Runcandel?"
Keith calmly explained:
Keith:
"If you layer the soil with powdered moonstone, increase the morning dew exposure by 30%, and rotate the pot four times clockwise daily, the herb's mana absorption becomes stable.
Yield increases by about twenty to thirty percent."
The greenhouse went silent.
Susan stared at him.
Helena blinked.
Rias smiled knowingly.
Neville's jaw dropped.
Ron muttered, "What's moonstone got to do with anything?"
Professor Sprout stood completely still.
Prof. Sprout (shocked):
"…Mr. Runcandel… this method… that's… brilliant!"
She immediately scribbled everything down in her notebook at lightning speed.
Then gave Keith a glowing smile.
Sprout:
"Hufflepuff earns twenty points!
And Mr. Runcandel… please remain after class."
The entire class stared at Keith like he was some ancient herb deity.
Except Rias, who smirked.
Helena, who sparkled with pride.
And Susan, who looked like she couldn't believe her partner was this talented.
End of Class — Sprout Tests Keith's Method
After the students left, Professor Sprout personally went to Greenhouse 3 with Keith's notes.
She set up the soil, moonstone powder, dew basin, and rotation schedule exactly as he said.
The moment she finished, the Moonleaf Thyme shimmered brighter and its leaves perked up as if awakening.
Sprout gasped.
Sprout:
"This… this could double the healing draught supply for the school year…"
Her eyes shone with pride, excitement, and awe.
She hurried to the staff room to show the other professors.