Professor Sprout took a large plant pot from under the table and plunged the Mandrake into it, burying him in the dark, damp compost until only the tufted leaves were visible. Professor Sprout dusted off her hands, gave them all the thumbs-up and removed her own earmuffs.

‘As our Mandrakes are only seedlings, their cries won’t kill yet,’ she said calmly, as though she’d just don’t nothing more exciting than water a begonia. ‘However they will knock you out for several hours, and as I’m sure none of you want to miss your first day back, make sure your earmuffs are securely in place while you work. I’ll attract your attention when it is time to pack up.’

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets