Pomona Sprout

Sprout Collection

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Professor Sprout is teaching a Herbology class in the greenhouse. She is holding a Mandrake up in the air.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

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and the Chamber of Secrets

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Learn more about Pomona Sprout

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An Illustration of Sprout from the Chamber of Secrets

Every time Pomona Sprout reminded us of Taurus energy

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In Harry Potter’s world, there’s Divination, Astronomy and prophecies – all used to make sense of the mysteries of the universe and the great beyond. But what about astrology? We know Professor Trelawney did touch upon it, but do any of our favourite characters happen to display personality traits that are unique to their star sign?

Well, we thought it would be fun to find out! As it is Taurus season, we’re looking at helpful Herbology teacher, Pomona Sprout. Of course, any similarities may be a total coincidence. We’ll leave that up to you to decide. Why not share this with your Taurus friends and see what they think?

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## Diligent
If you are looking for someone who is hardworking and tenacious, you need look no further than those born under the Taurus star sign. They are known as the Builders of the zodiac. Their cosmic role is to lay the foundation and construct the castle aka they diligently work to achieve something great. As Head of Hufflepuff, the house who values those who are unafraid of toil, we think this speaks to [Pomona Sprout’s](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/pomona-sprout) personality.

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Sprout’s job as the Herbology professor, was arguably one of the most demanding jobs in the school. While all the other teachers had the usual responsibilities of lesson planning and marking, Sprout’s obligations went even further. She also had to plant, grow and nurture several greenhouses worth of magical plants. With specimens like the [Venomous Tentacula](/fact-file/plants-and-potions/venomous-tentacula), that had a poisonous bite and would try to strangle you at any given moment, it wasn’t a job for the fainthearted. 

If that wasn’t enough responsibility for one person, Sprout also worked hard to be an excellent Head of House – guiding, encouraging and helping those in her charge. In our view, if you were to look up ‘work ethic’ in a dictionary, you would see a picture of this industrious teacher.

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## Patient
We think being a teacher – especially one in a magical school – takes a lot of patience. Unruly students, unruly plants and creatures… and even an unruly poltergeist is enough to make even the most serene person lose their cool. Luckily, Professor Sprout had oodles of patience. Incidentally, this is one trait that is common amongst those with a Taurus star sign. 

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Taureans are a fixed star sign – which means they will out-endure any obstacle. The astrologer Joanna Martine Woolfolk has even gone so far as to say that their patience is legendary. These folks are certainly not quick to anger.

This reminds us of Professor Sprout, who was always welcoming, understanding and we don’t recall her ever raising her voice. Just look at the way she gently brought [Neville](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/neville-longbottom) out of his shell. She patiently encouraged and supported him until he ended up truly excelling in her subject. In fact, he was so good at it, he eventually became the Hogwarts Herbology teacher!  Would he have achieved so much without Sprout’s understanding, kindness and tolerance? He might have… but we think she certainly helped. That patience went beyond Neville – Sprout extended it to all who crossed the threshold of her greenhouse. 

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## Loyal
Trustworthiness is something that is at the core of the Taurean personality. If you want someone you can rely on, who will remain true to those they care about, then we think it’s probably worth making a couple of Taurus friends. 

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And as the Head of House, whose key trait alongside hard work is loyalty, Professor Sprout demonstrated this perfectly. Sprout stayed behind to fight Voldemort and the [Death Eaters](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/death-eaters) in the Battle of Hogwarts. When Dumbledore died, she remained true to him and the future of the school when she said: ‘if a single pupil wants to come, then the school ought to remain open for that pupil’. And she also demonstrated loyalty to her house. When Cedric and Harry were both chosen to be the Hogwarts Champion for the [Triwizard Tournament](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/triwizard-tournament), she made it clear it was Cedric who had her full support. Who can really blame her? It was about time Hufflepuff had their moment in the spotlight!


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## Pragmatic
According to astrologers, Taureans are earth signs making them grounded and down-to-earth. They focus on practical solutions and don’t spend their time on vague ideas. Incidentally, this tendency to want to roll up their sleeves and get stuck in makes them natural gardeners… 

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Now doesn’t that sound rather fitting for this Herbology teacher? Professor Sprout was straightforward and sensible. She got on with whatever needed to be done and didn’t make a fuss. Like the time a [Basilisk](/fact-file/creatures/basilisk) was causing havoc with the Hogwarts plumbing whilst Petrifying [Muggle-borns](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/muggle-borns) (plus one unfortunate cat and a ghost). Sprout sprang into action, growing and tending to a crop of Mandrakes that would later be used in the Restorative Draught to cure the victims. There was a problem that needed fixing, so she did just that.


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## Strong values
As one of the zodiac signs that is ruled by the planet Venus, Taureans have strong sense of who they are, and their core values are unshakeable. Like their zodiac symbol, the bull, they stand strong in the face of adversity.

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We think this is a trait can be applied to Professor Sprout. She might have been jovial and kind, but she also had a core of iron and a strong moral compass. While we know one of her key values was the loyalty she showed to Hogwarts and her house, her strong belief in doing what she thought was right is evident in some of the smaller moments too. Take the period of time when [Umbridge](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/dolores-umbridge) ruled the school. Sprout didn’t just toe the line, she made it clear that she was not on board with Umbridge’s vision. How did she do this? Well, there was the time she gave Harry a silly amount of house points for handing her a watering can… Which just so happened to be after his daring interview in [*The Quibbler*](/fact-file/objects/the-quibbler) that went against all of the lies Umbridge was spouting. A subtle act, but one that show her true values nonetheless. 


How to live like Professor Sprout 

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Professor Mcgonagall and Professor Sprout are standing in a corridor looking concerned.

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We can learn a lot from Professor Pomona Sprout, resident Herbology whizz and Head of Hufflepuff house – a truly eccentric inspiration. Here’s just a few tips, inspired by the lady herself, on how we can live our lives in a more Sprout-y way.

## Embrace nature more

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As the Herbology Professor at Hogwarts, Professor Sprout naturally had an affinity with the magical side of flora and fauna. The concept of magical gardening may not be as initially grabbing as, say, [Defence Against the Dark Arts](https://www.wizardingworld.com/quiz/dastardly-dada-difficult-quiz), but we quickly realised how deeply important the lesson was.

Without Herbology, the victims of the Basilisk in *Chamber of Secrets* wouldn’t have had the help of Mandrakes to restore them to help. Without Herbology (and a little help from Dobby...), Harry wouldn’t have been able to use Gillyweed to help him succeed in the Triwizard Tournament. 

The power of plants (be they magical or otherwise) is something Professor Sprout knew how to utilise well – and something Neville Longbottom quickly realised he had a talent for too. Even at the [Battle of Hogwarts](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/the-characters-that-made-us-proud-at-the-battle-of-hogwarts), Sprout suggested using exploding Snargaluff Pods to cause havoc rather than the more traditional hexes or curses – and it worked to great effect. After all, what’s a greater force than the force of nature?

## Champion an open mind

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> ‘I am sure Dumbledore would have wanted the school to remain open,’ said Professor Sprout. ‘I feel that if a single pupil wants to come, then the school ought to remain open for that pupil.’ <br>
> Professor Sprout, *Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince* 

As Head of Hufflepuff, Professor Sprout exemplified the house’s traits of compassion and tolerance. While the other Hogwarts houses favoured intelligence, bravery and determination, Hufflepuff house simply welcomed everyone – as long as they worked hard and were loyal. Professor Sprout is the physical embodiment of these traits – and gave us that wonderful quote above about Hogwarts school staying open to all after Dumbledore’s death.

Championing education and inclusion just makes the world a better place in general, really, and we should follow Sprout’s example as best we can.

## Lead with kindness

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Despite a no-nonsense attitude in the greenhouses, Professor Sprout was fierce, but also fiercely positive. Her encouragement of Neville, in particular, led to the once-nervous student excelling in her subject – maybe if Snape had been a little nicer in Potions, Neville would’ve done better there, too. 

Not that Professor Sprout was a pushover – she would still tell the class off for dawdling, and as we mentioned, was an instrumental force at the Battle of Hogwarts. So just remember, you can still be compassionate and kind without having anyone walk over you!

## No need to conform

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Known for her flyaway hair and eccentric personality, Professor Sprout was always unabashedly herself. And so she should be!

Who’s got time to brush hair when there are life-saving Mandrakes to be taken care of? If you want to pop on a battered hat, embrace dirty fingernails, and just focus on your passions in life, then do exactly that. Or if you want to wear a slightly nicer hat, do that too! Nothing should be off the table. Just be like Sprout – and be yourself.

Who cares what anyone else thinks? If you do over-worry, maybe now is time to turn over a new leaf. After all, Professor Sprout loves leaves. (sorry). 

## Plant seeds of hope

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> ‘You realise, of course, that nothing we do will be able to keep out You-Know-Who indefinitely?’ squeaked Flitwick.<br> 
> ‘But we can hold him up,’ said Professor Sprout.<br> 
> ‘Thank you, Pomona,’ said Professor McGonagall, and between the two witches there passed a look of grim understanding.<br>
> *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows*

Sprout knew better than to simply follow instructions and keep her head down. During Voldemort’s ascent, Professor Sprout was fearless, along with her fellow professors, and made sure the castle was defended at all costs in her own unique way. Sprout was smart at the Battle of Hogwarts – using her knowledge of plants to gain an advantage in the fight. We’re not asking you to throw Devil’s Snare at anybody, but be inspired by Sprout’s off-kilter ways of thinking about things, rather than leaping for the obvious solution. Sometimes there are other ways to make a difference. 

After all, Pomona Sprout was one of a kind, and so are you!

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Why Professor Sprout was the perfect Head of Hufflepuff

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Professor Sprout teaching a Herbology lesson on Mandrakes.

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## Professor Sprout was certainly unafraid of hard work 
Out of all the subjects at Hogwarts, Herbology strikes us as one of the most demanding for a professor. While Defence Against the Dark Arts or Charms are highly skilled and impressive in their own way, lessons are normally confined to a classroom. With Herbology, there are hundreds of magical plants that need attending to across multiple greenhouses – and a lot of them are rather dangerous (watch out for that Venomous Tentacula). Professor Sprout took care of all the flora in the greenhouses but did so whilst planning and teaching exceptional lessons, leading Hufflepuff house and taking on extra duties wherever necessary. After all, she was the one who grew and raised the Mandrakes that restored those who had been Petrified in *Chamber of Secrets*. She was clearly unafraid to roll up her sleeves, get stuck in and work hard – just like any true Hufflepuff.

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## This Head of Hufflepuff exemplified kindness
Amongst the many teachers at Hogwarts, we always had the feeling that Professor Sprout was the most approachable and jolly. You just had to look at the way she nurtured the talent of Neville Longbottom to see how kind she was. Here was a student that suffered with severely low self-esteem and lacked confidence in their magical abilities. However, Sprout saw his talent for Herbology, encouraged his passion and was unafraid to sing his praises – unlike some other professors we could mention who often crushed his spirit… aka Snape. Her kindness and investment in him paid off. Not only did he have a genuine enthusiasm for her subject (remember his excitement to show her his brand-new Mimbulus mimbletonia?) but he ended up following in her footsteps and became a Herbology professor himself. Sprout gave Neville a chance when others didn’t and that act of kindness was one amongst many that shouldn’t be ignored.

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A second year Herbology lesson in the greenhouse. The students stand round a table of Mandrakes as Professor Sprout talks to them.

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## Her loyalty was never in any doubt
We had no reason to ever doubt Professor Sprout’s loyalty and trustworthiness. She was clearly dedicated to Hogwarts and her students. When Dumbledore tragically died and the teachers were discussing what it meant for the wizarding school, it was she that declared that ‘if a single pupil wants to come, then the school ought to remain open for that pupil’. While this was an excellent example of her loyalty to Hogwarts, it also demonstrated her loyalty to Dumbledore’s memory. She was also dedicated to her house. Though she was very accepting of those who weren’t a member of Hufflepuff, and wasn’t usually one for showing favouritism, when both Harry and Cedric were selected as the Hogwarts Champions, it was no secret that it was the dashing Hufflepuff who had her unwavering support. And who can blame her? It was awesome to see Hufflepuff take centre stage for once!

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## She was welcoming to all  
Apart from that one instance with Cedric, Harry and the Triwizard Tournament, Professor Sprout was always welcoming to all pupils at Hogwarts. While some of the other teachers clearly had their favourites – Professor Slughorn and his Slug Club spring to mind – she celebrated the excellence and achievements of all her students. It could be so easy for her to focus all her energies into rewarding those from her house, especially as Hufflepuff were always the underdog who never seemed to win the House Cup. Yet she didn’t. She was fair when it came to giving praise and awarding house points and kept an open mind. It didn’t matter who you were, if you were willing to try, she’d be there to encourage you. And if you happened to be willing to take a stand against a certain High Inquisitor with an interview in *The Quibbler*, she might even have thrown a few extra house points your way… 

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## Pomona Sprout was down to earth 
Professor Sprout did a lot behind the scenes to help out and never felt the need to show off about her achievements. If it wasn’t for her, who knows how long Hermione and the others would have remained Petrified for. Yet, unlike glory-seeking Gryffindors, or ambitious Slytherins, or even Ravenclaws like Gilderoy Lockhart, she never did things for clout. She did them because they were the right thing to do. She had a strong moral compass and instilled that mentality in her students. When it came to the Battle of Hogwarts, after Gryffindor, Hufflepuff had the most students remain behind to fight. We have no doubt that some of them must have been influenced by the example set by their humble and honourable Head of House.

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## She’s as tough as old boots 
Unfortunately for Hufflepuff, many people consider them to be pushovers because of their kind natures. However, that is not the case. They can be fiercely protective of those they care about and will defend them to the bitter end – just like the badger featured on their house emblem. Professor Sprout was no exception. She was right in the thick of things during the Battle of Hogwarts. She stood up for her school, students and the wizarding world and did so in style – with the help of some of her beloved magical plants. Who wouldn’t be afraid when faced with a determined Sprout and her Snargaluff pods? This professor might be warm and welcoming, but we also wouldn’t want to get on the wrong side of her and her Devil’s Snare. 

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What do you think? Have we missed anything? Do you agree that Professor Sprout was an excellent Head of Hufflepuff? Or do you think there is another more suited to the role?

Unsung Heroes: Pomona Sprout

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Let’s hear it for Professor Sprout – a true Hogwarts staple who was kindly and warm of heart on the surface, but an absolute powerhouse at her root. With her ramshackle patchwork hat, mad flyaway hair and soil-encrusted nails, the jovial professor wasn’t just green-fingered, but integral to the Hogwarts staff and surprisingly handy in a scrape.

Yes, Sprout may have been pleasant and approachable on paper, but she still stood her ground outside the greenhouse. Take the moment when Voldemort was on the rise and the remaining Hogwarts faculty were contemplating cancelling all classes following the untimely death of Albus Dumbledore. 

In spite of her grief she stood firm in her conviction that ‘…if a single pupil wants to come, then the school ought to remain open for that pupil’.

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Pomona Sprout in her greenhouse from the Chamber of Secrets

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Her thoughtful words of encouragement spurred a timid Neville Longbottom to great academic success – indeed, the once-hapless student went on to replace Professor Sprout as Head of Herbology. She handed out house points by the score to the brightest students, whatever their house affiliation… though it must be said she made a special point of snaffling prime plant and fungi specimens from the greenhouses to adorn the Hufflepuff common room. Small wonder that house so excels in the finer points of magical horticulture.

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To be sure, she could be a soft touch sometimes – consider her dedication in fashioning tiny scarves and socks to comfort her beloved Mandrakes through the harsh winter. This gentle, attentive consideration for others, even to such ungrateful and disagreeable creatures as Mandrakes, marks Sprout out as the quintessential Head of Hufflepuff house. And let’s not forget the pivotal role her precious Mandrakes went on to play, providing the basis of the Restorative Draught that saved the likes of Hermione Granger, Nearly Headless Nick and (not least) Mrs Norris the cat from the debilitating effects of Basilisk exposure.

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A screaming mandrake seedling in a Herbology Lesson 

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All of which is certainly not to say she was a weak-willed pushover. Most certainly not. When Harry Potter was pitted against Cedric Diggory in the Triwizard Tournament, Sprout made no secret of her preference for the heroic Hufflepuff underdog over the illustrious Mr Potter.

She was brave as well. Herbology expert or otherwise, it’s a bold soul who puts a wounded Whomping Willow in a sling. In the course of her career she must have been exposed countless times to such charming flora as the Venomous Tentacula: it is most risky when teething, and not a plant for the faint of heart.

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In her own subtle way, she scorned evil by disdaining Headmistress Dolores Umbridge in the Great Hall with a sly sidelong glance at her longtime friend Minerva McGonagall. She furthermore undermined her twee temporary boss by slyly awarding Harry Potter spurious house points following the young wizard’s courageous and controversial *Quibbler* interview denouncing Voldemort, and by extension Umbridge’s tenure.

And when He Who Must Not Be Named was poised to attack Hogwarts, Sprout, acknowledging the hopelessness of her colleagues’ predicament, somehow mustered the courage to rally her nervous faculty with a stirring: ‘We can hold him up.’ When the inevitable battle began, Pomona took a hands-on role defending the castle, bravely flinging her own cultivated Mandrakes from the battlements at the invading horde of Death Eaters.

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Sprout holds a mandrake in her greenhouse.

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So let’s raise a Restorative Draught to Pomona Sprout – perhaps not an obvious hero, but certainly (in more ways than one) a grower.

*Each month Pottermore will shine a spotlight on a character from the Harry Potter stories who we feel deserves more credit. Come back next month when we celebrate [Aberforth Dumbledore](/features/unsung-heroes-of-harry-potter-stories-aberforth-dumbledore).*

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Which Hogwarts professor would be your best friend?

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McGonagall with hand on Harry's Shoulder from the Prisoner of Azakaban.

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## If you’re addicted to plants... you’d be best friends with Professor Sprout 

Are you not afraid of getting your hands dirty? Is your house more like a living terrarium than a house? Is there a cactus on your desk right now, as you read this? Then embrace your green-fingered ways and pop down to the greenhouse with Pomona Sprout! Yes, the Herbology professor was a dab hand at magical flora and fungi, whether it was nurturing Mandrakes or draining Snargaluff Pods, and we imagine you’d love to be popping on a pair of dragon-hide gloves and helping her out. Professor Sprout was also a very matter-of-fact, open-minded sort of person – so we imagine you two would have tons to talk about as you grappled with some Venomous Tentacula.

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## If you’re a history buff... you’d be best friends with Professor Binns 

Professor Binns may have been famous for sending his classes to sleep... but when it comes to magical history, you’re wide awake. The Professor-turned-ghost didn’t have the most exciting delivery when it came to teaching History of Magic, but so what? You’d love to cosy up by the fire with him and learn all about the stories of wizarding past. A cup of tea and a lengthy chat about the Goblin Rebellions for you, please. 
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## If you’re constantly checking your star sign... you’d be best friends with Professor Trelawney 

Sybill Trelawney was always at one with the great beyond... or at least, she knew what colour teacup Neville Longbottom would smash next. So, the Divination professor wasn’t quite the Seer that her great-great grandmother Cassandra was, but she did have her moments, as we saw in the books. If, you too, feel you have the rare gifts that come with having an Inner Eye, you and Sybill would get on like a house on fire! Are you always avoiding walking under ladders? Would you never dare dine with 12 other people? Sybill would adore you – and between the two of you – we imagine you’d come up with at least one decent prediction about our future.

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## If you’re forever curious about the world... you’d be best friends with Professor Dumbledore

The universe is vast – and you want to know everything about it, from the world’s great unsolved mysteries to knowing the world’s best knitting patterns. Professor Dumbledore was a hugely celebrated wizard for many reasons, whether it was for his epic duel with Gellert Grindelwald or his discovery of the 12 uses of dragon blood. But Dumbledore also appreciated the finer things in life – such as Muggle sweets or simply, a good pair of socks. If you find yourself constantly distracted, always half-reading 14 articles at once, we imagine hanging out in Dumbledore’s office would be perfect for you. That wise old man probably knows the answers to quite a few of your questions. After all, he answered many of Harry’s over the years.

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## If you simply do not suffer fools gladly... you’d be best friends with Professor McGonagall 

Life’s too short for horseplay and tomfoolery sometimes – and don’t you and Minerva McGonagall know it. Do you roll your eyes at silly news stories on a frequent basis? Do you have zero time for small talk and general faff? Then, we think you’d love Minerva, Gryffindor’s no-nonsense head of house who felt very much the same. Minerva had a reputation for being strict – and though she was – she also had a devilishly dry sense of humour and a disregard for anything airy-fairy. We can just imagine the pair of you now, chuckling over some biscuits from her tartan biscuit tin, talking about Professor Umbridge’s ludicrous recent behaviour. 

![MinervaMcGonagall WB F3 McGonagallWithHandOnHarrysShoulder Still 0806115 Land](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/3RXuviv1UQwCyG0yU0QaqW/3e23a7afb225a28182d5bb57d7f56b74/MinervaMcGonagall_WB_F3_McGonagallWithHandOnHarrysShoulder_Still_0806115_Land.jpg)

## If you’re a selfless and creative person... you’d be best friends with Professor Flitwick 

This kindly Ravenclaw wasn’t just Hogwarts’ Charms professor – but a generally happy wizard who always brought subtle joys to the school, whether that was decorating the castle at Christmas or teaching his students some of the niftiest spells. If you like to cheer up others (despite not being able to cast a Cheering Charm yourself) with your creative ways (maybe you’re really good at wrapping presents or think up the best party games) we reckon you’d adore Filius Flitwick. And we’d definitely attend a soiree hosted by the pair of you – because you guys know how to bring a bit of sparkle to everyday life. 

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## If you’re always to be found taking photos of your pet... you’d be best friends with Professor Hagrid 

Do you love animals a bit more than people sometimes? Rubeus Hagrid can definitely relate to that, for this is the guy that once treated a baby Norwegian Ridgeback like it was a new-born kitten. We love that Hagrid is always able to see the beauty in some of the scarier magical creatures out there (being best mates with a giant spider, for example) and your love of animals would be perfectly in tune with how Hagrid feels. We can just imagine the two of you now... swapping pet photos over some over-done rock cakes.  

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## If you’re the sarcastic sort with a dark sense of humour... you’d be best friends with Professor Snape 

Yes, Snape was a bully whose enjoyment of the Dark Arts was deeply, deeply troubling... so it is entirely understandable if you disagree with wanting to be friends with him. But if you did find yourself in the dungeons one day, perhaps your dark sense of humour and sardonic wit would actually make Snape... dare we say it, laugh? Snape did have his moments (his face-off with Professor Umbridge, in particular) where his bitterness and contempt for the world translated into black comedy, and we do always wonder if Snape had hung out with better people, would he have gone down a brighter path.

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Exploring Neville Longbottom’s love of Herbology

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## Sowing the first seeds
From his very first year, we saw that Neville was green-fingered. While he often struggled with his wandwork and potion-making, he had a natural flair for magical flora. During his end-of-year exams, he had a right old disaster when it came to Potions. However, his Herbology grade more than made up for it. Not only did it help him to scrape through to his second year at Hogwarts, but it probably helped to plant that first seed of confidence in his abilities, which slowly grew over the next few years…

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## Seeing his ability take root
By the time we came to *Goblet of Fire*, Neville’s Herbology prowess had become common knowledge. Even Harry recognised it was the class that Neville felt most confident in, and it was the one was best at too. Neville’s peers weren’t the only ones to take notice, so did his teachers. While Professor Moody had his own nefarious reasons for presenting Neville with a Herbology book, we still like to believe that Professor Sprout had told him just how brilliant Neville was at her subject.

>‘You all right, Neville?’ Harry asked him.
>
>‘Oh yes,’ said Neville, ‘I’m fine, thanks. Just reading this book Professor Moody lent me...’
>
>He held up the book: *Magical Mediterranean Water-Plants and Their Properties*.
>
>‘Apparently, Professor Sprout told Professor Moody I’m really good at Herbology,’ Neville said. There was a faint note of pride in his voice that Harry had rarely heard there before. ‘He thought I’d like this.’
><br>*Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire*

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Neville Longbottom stands at the edge of the lake while holding up a plant

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and the Goblet of Fire

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## That Stinksap incident 
Oh, Neville’s Mimbulus mimbletonia… he was so excited to own one and show Professor Sprout this very rare plant. His enthusiasm was certainly infectious, and we enjoyed seeing just how invested he was in magical plants. However, it takes a certain kind of person to love a shrub that resembles ‘a diseased internal organ’ and had an even more unfortunate defence mechanism. The Stinksap that burst forth from it, drenching all those within Neville’s compartment on the Hogwarts Express, was rather unfortunate… but if we’re honest, it was also hilarious. Although, the timing couldn’t have been worse for poor Harry, as he found himself covered in a foul-smelling liquid right at the very moment Cho Chang decided to make an entrance.

>Liquid squirted from every boil on the plant; thick, stinking, dark green jets of it. They hit the ceiling, the windows, and spattered Luna Lovegood’s magazine; Ginny, who had flung her arms up in front of her face just in time, merely looked as though she was wearing a slimy green hat, but Harry, whose hands had been busy preventing Trevor’s escape, received a faceful. It smelled like rancid manure.
>
>Neville, whose face and torso were also drenched, shook his head to get the worst out of his eyes.
>
>‘S – sorry,’ he gasped. ‘I haven’t tried that before ... didn’t realise it would be quite so ... don’t worry, though, Stinksap’s not poisonous,’ he added nervously, as Harry spat a mouthful on to the floor.
>
>At that precise moment the door of their compartment slid open. ‘Oh ... hello, Harry,’ said a nervous voice. ‘Um ... bad time?’
><br>*Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix*

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Neville Longbottom is sitting in a chair and smiling

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## Watching him blossom 
Of *course* Neville got an Outstanding in his O.W.L – he didn’t deserve anything less. We know we couldn’t name a single other student that could match his enthusiasm and talent. It was wonderful to see someone who had struggled with their self-esteem blossom in such a way, and we hope that he was very proud of himself, we know we were. Also, after many years of teachers, we mean Snape, making him feel inadequate, we were delighted to see Professor Sprout holding Neville up as a shining example to his classmates. 

>‘*Quite* enough chat over here!’ said Professor Sprout briskly, bustling over and looking stern. ‘You’re lagging behind, everybody else has started and Neville’s already got his first pod!’
><br>*Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince*

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## Neville’s love in full bloom  
After Hogwarts, Neville became a Herbology professor, and it was just wonderful. We reckon he made a brilliant teacher – especially as we imagine he took extra time with those who struggled with self-confidence and would make them feel valued. It was also lovely to see that he was imparting his wisdom and knowledge to his friends’ children and the next wizarding generation. Neville and Herbology really were the perfect pair.

>‘Don’t forget to give Neville our love!’ Ginny told James as she hugged him.
>
>‘Mum! I can’t give a Professor *love*!’
>
>‘But you *know* Neville –’
>
>James rolled his eyes.
>
>‘Outside, yeah, but at school he’s Professor Longbottom, isn’t he? I can’t walk into Herbology and give him *love*...’
><br>*Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows*

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A close up of Neville Longbottom sitting in a class and looking concerned.

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True or False: Professor Sprout edition

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Professor Sprout’s first name was Pomona.

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Of the four Hogwarts houses, Professor Sprout was Head of Ravenclaw.

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Care of Magical Creatures was the subject Professor Sprout taught at Hogwarts. 

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Both Professors Sprout and McGonagall were students at Hogwarts at the same time.

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In Philosopher’s Stone, Professor Sprout taught Harry’s class how to grow Mandrakes.

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Professor Sprout’s obstacle guarding the Philosopher’s Stone was a Venomous Tentacula.

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During the Battle of Hogwarts, Professor Sprout used Snargaluff Pods against the Death Eaters.

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In the books, Professor Sprout was described as being tall with long red hair.

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Professor Sprout grew Mandrakes in Greenhouse Three.

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Sprout once awarded Gryffindor twenty points when Harry passed her a watering can.

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This down-to-earth Head of House was about as straightforward as they come… this quiz is not. Can you untangle the truth from the lies in our quiz… or will you get stuck in the weeds?

The Pomona Sprout wordsearch

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Complete the quote quiz: Professor Sprout Edition

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‘Four to a tray – there is a large supply of pots here – compost in the sacks over there – and be careful of the Venomous Tentacula, ______.’  

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‘The moment they start trying to move into each other’s pots, we’ll know they’re ______,’ she told Harry.  

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‘Bubotubers,’ Professor Sprout told them briskly. ‘They need squeezing. You will collect the ¬¬-______–’  

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‘An excellent remedy for the more stubborn______, Bubotuber pus.’  

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‘You’re lagging behind, everybody else has started and ______ already got his first pod!’  

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‘Don’t be ______, squeeze it out, they’re best when they’re fresh!’  

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‘I am sure Dumbledore would have wanted the school to remain ______,’  

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From her flyaway hair to her no-nonsense attitude, there’s plenty to admire when it comes to the down-to-earth Head of Hufflepuff. But how well do you remember her iconic quotes? 

The Herbology quiz

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The Herbology Quiz

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Which magical plant produces Stinksap?  

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The essence of which plant is good for quickly healing wounds?

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What magical plant enabled Harry to breathe underwater in the second Triwizard task? 

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The pus of which plant was sent to Hermione as hate mail in the post?

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And what is Bubotuber pus an excellent remedy for? 

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Fred and George needed the seeds of which Class C Non-Tradeable Substance for their Skiving Snackboxes? 

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When does Fluxweed need to be picked to be used in Polyjuice Potion? 

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From Mandrakes to Devil's Snare – it's time to test your Herbology knowledge!

How's your Herbology knowledge?

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Professor Pomona Sprout  - Head of Hufflepuff and Herbologist extraordinaire. The most green-fingered witch in Hogwarts was most at home in the greenhouses tending to her dangerous plants, but today we're shining the spotlight on Pomona with this page dedicated entirely to her.

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Pomona Sprout

Professor Pomona Sprout - Head of Hufflepuff and Herbologist extraordinaire. The most green-fingered witch in Hogwarts was most at home in the greenhouses tending to her dangerous plants, but today we're shining the spotlight on Pomona with this page dedicated entirely to her.

Magical or Muggle: Herbology edition

Test your Sprout trivia

True or False: Professor Sprout edition

The Pomona Sprout wordsearch

Complete the quote quiz: Professor Sprout Edition

The Herbology quiz