Tag Archives: Harper B.

Duggles! The new term at Dogwart’s has started. I was so busy with the holidays, I never told you about what happened with Hairy Pawter’s midnight Hippogriff joy rides or when coach called me into her office. I’ll get to all of that, but first I want to tell you about what happened this morning.

One of our new classes is Hounds and Herbology. We Ravenpaws get to take this class with the Hufflepups; I’m so relieved to have a break from the Slytherhounds. Well, when Professor Bark marched in, we all stared at her in amazement. She is green from her nose to the tip of her tail, even her fur, which is covered with a long cape that looks just like a lawn.

“Welcome to Herbology for Hounds,” she announced. “Follow me to the planting area.” We all pranced along behind her to a large plot of fresh dirt. Honey and I sat beside each other while we waited for directions.

“I’d like you all to work in groups of three,” the Professor continued. A small apricot poodle pranced over to us. “I’m Jewel…from the Hufflepup house.” She smelled good, so we wagged and sniffed, and got to know each other.

“Today we are going to work with Horehound. This herb is a cleansing lung tonic, very good for chest colds and to help restore your bark should you lose it.” The Professor brought out a tray of small leafy green plant stems. “We will be planting these cuttings in the garden, then casting growing spells so they take root and grow immediately.” I glanced at Honey and wagged. With the holiday vacation, it had been a while since we were allowed to practice magic.

It turns out, we were all very good at digging holes. There was dirt flying everywhere, and in a matter of minutes, the whole area was ready for planting. A number of dogs, perhaps myself included, were pulling bones out of their back pockets to bury in the holes. “Pups! We’re not here to bury your loot. Remove those bones immediately, place a clipping into your hole, and dig the dirt back into place.” We all followed directions this time. Then came the good part.

“Now for the growing spell.” We all wagged. You might remember, at Dogwart’s we cast spells with our tails, because we’re all too tempted to chew the wands. Professor Bark demonstrated the proper flick of the tail for the growing spell. “First like this,” she barked, “and the roots take hold.” We saw the horehound she was working on begin to perk up. “Then, wind your tail up and point just so. If you cast correctly, your plant will grow.” As Professor Bark completed the spell, the Horehound stems widened and stretched, and the plant slowly bloomed with beautiful green leaves.

What happened next really wasn’t my fault. It was Honey’s. Our rooting spells had gone splendidly, but just as I was taking a turn with the growing spell, Honey barked, “Look, Harper, here comes Hairy Pawter and Chase!” I lost my concentration and started to wag just as I cast the spell. Unfortunately, the spell landed on Jewel. The next thing I knew, she had sprouted!

When Professor Bark turned and saw Jewel, she howled, “And who did this?” Honey put her tail between her legs. “I suppose someone wagged while casting?” she continued.

“Yes, Professor,” I admitted.

“You’ll be fine, Jewel. Now off to the veterinary department of the hospital wing for you. They may need to use a muggle artifact to give you a good mowing, but it shouldn’t hurt at all. You’ll be back to yourself in no time.”

“Honey and I will go with you,” I volunteered.

Jewel looked at me like she didn’t know if that was a good idea. I really can’t blame her.