Albus Dumbledore: the myth and the man

[Eustace_Scrubb]

No: HPFGUIDX 96185

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "vmonte" <vmonte at y...> wrote:
> Lilian wrote:
<snip>
> DD tells Filch that they can revive Mrs. Norris using a special
> potions of Mandrakes AND that Professor Sprout just acquired quite a
> number of Mandrakes this year. Off went my pocket-sneakascope!
> What a happy coincidence! Nope, didn't buy that (anymore).
> 
> DD knew already that Lucius Malfoy (Kneasy started a thread
> concerning this) would try something at Hogwarts and that it would
> have something to do with the Chamber of Secrets. He knew also, as
> he was around during the first time it all happened, that kids were
> likely to be petrified so he took care that this time they would
> have some means to revive them. Probably asked Mundungus to help
> Prof. Sprout to some Mandrakes.
> 
> vmonte responds:
> Nice post! Great observation! You're right, it's too much of a 
> coincidence that Professor Sprout had all those Mandrakes handy.  
<snip>

Eustace_Scrubb:
Now, I may just be a bit obtuse (hey, don't nod in agreement that
fast!), but how do we know that repotting mandrakes isn't a standard
part of the 2nd year herbology curriculum?

Yes, I know that DD says "Professor Sprout recently managed to procure
some Mandrakes." (COS, Am.pb.ed., p.142) That statement doesn't make
it sound absolutely normal, but neither does it sound like they're as
rare as Crumple-horned Snorkacks.  I wonder what...aside from seeing a
basilisk's reflection...causes petrification?--I bet there are other
causes.

Cheers,

Eustace_Scrubb