CHAPTER SIX
students.“ Just been showing Professor Sprout the right way to doctor a Whomping Willow! But I don’ t want you running away with the idea that I’ m better at Herbology than she is! I just happen to have met several of these exotic plants on my travels...”
“ Greenhouse three today, chaps!” said Professor Sprout, who was looking distinctly disgruntled, not at all her usual cheerful self.
There was a murmur of interest. They had only ever worked in greenhouse one before— greenhouse three housed far more interesting and dangerous plants. Professor Sprout took a large key from her belt and unlocked the door. Harry caught a whiff of damp earth and fertilizer mingling with the heavy perfume of some giant, umbrella-sized flowers dangling from the ceiling. He was about to follow Ron and Hermione inside when Lockhart’ s hand shot out.
“ Harry! I’ ve been wanting a word— you don’ t mind if he’ s a couple of minutes late, do you, Professor Sprout?”
Judging by Professor Sprout’ s scowl, she did mind, but Lockhart said,“ That’ s the ticket,” and closed the greenhouse door in her face.
“ Harry,” said Lockhart, his large white teeth gleaming in the sunlight as he shook his head.“ Harry, Harry, Harry.” Completely nonplussed, Harry said nothing.“ When I heard— well, of course, it was all my fault. Could have kicked myself.”
Harry had no idea what he was talking about. He was about to say so when Lockhart went on,“ Don’ t know when I’ ve been more shocked. Flying a car to Hogwarts! Well, of course, I knew at once why you’ d done it. Stood out a mile. Harry, Harry, Harry.”
It was remarkable how he could show every one of those brilliant teeth even when he wasn’ t talking.
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