"Today, we will be re-potting Mandrakes. Now, who can tell me the properties of a Mandrake?" Professor Sprout asked, she was a short, dumpy sort of witch, who was the perfect example of an over friendly Hufflepuff, but she knew her Herbology and taught well. Hermione’s hand was in the air straight away, along with a few of the Ravenclaws, Hermione smiled and opened her mouth as Professor Sprout nodded at her. "Mandrake’s also known as Mandragora by Herbologists, are a powerful restorative, it is used to return people who have been transfigured or cursed back into their original state." Hermione said confidentially as she repeated what she had been told by her Mother and Aunt’s Narcissa and Bellatrix, all three of whom had excelled in Herbology. "Excellent, 10 points to Slytherin" Professor Sprout said grinning at the girl. "The Mandrake forms an essential part of most antidotes. It is also dangerous, who can tell me why?" this time Harry raised his hand almost lazily compared to Hermione whose hand shot up once again. "Mr Riddle?" she asked, nodding at him. "The Mandrake’s cry is fatal to anyone who hears it, our Minister in 1912, Venusia Crickerly, died due to hearing it" Harry stated, when he had been learning about all the Ministers in his Father’s lessons, he had come across the fact and he had always remembered it, mostly because he had laughed himself silly."Well done, take another ten points Slytherin" Professor Sprout said proudly. "Now, these Mandrakes are still seedlings" she said pointing to row of deep trays which held a hundred or so tufty little plants, they were purplish green in color and looking very unremarkable. "Their cries won’t kill you yet, but they will knock you out for several hours, which is why we have these earmuffs." she continued. "When you place them on, make sure they are firmly over your ears, and when it is safe to remove them, I will give you all the thumbs up. Now hurry and place them on" Harry reached forward and grabbed a simple black pair and placed them on his ears, automatically all sound was blocked, it was a strange sensation.