| Granian
Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: *lurking*
Posts: 21,004
Hogwarts RPG Name:
Professor Lillian Hawkins
Graduated
Hogwarts RPG Name:
Cathryn “Cat” Webb
Ravenclaw Third Year
Diagon Alley Proprietor:
Collin O'Shea
Owl Post |  Sardines ♥ // Nomsy, yo ❄ rolling in the ink ❄
Text Cut: Mr. Harden Quote:
Originally Posted by sweetpinkpixie  Nyle adjusted his grip slightly on his wand as Professor Hawkins spoke again, attention lifting almost immediately back toward the front of the greenhouse. His gaze moved between Garfield and Toby for several moments before shifting his attention the Bubotuber and the Fanged Geranium settled on his own table ― both of which were considerably docile.
For now, at least.
"I think the Fanged Geranium and Bubotuber plants are somewhat similar... in the sense that both become more hazardous when stressed or improperly handled. Bubotuber pus destabilizes and the plant itself could retaliate with some, er, unfortunate popping if harvested carelessly, and Fanged Geraniums grow more aggressive when understimulated, overcrowded, or, likewise, handled without thoughtful finesse. Neither is really dangerous without context. And it sort of just so happens that Fanged Geraniums are… considerably more expressive about discomfort."
They were both somewhat good examples of why careful, empathetic observation matters.
His gaze drifted briefly between Christofern and Piper again, thoughts continuing to turn over quietly. Both required extraction processes that punished impatience almost immediately. Bubotuber pus, for instance, had to be collected with careful pressure and proper drainage technique or the outer membrane could rupture unevenly, contaminating the substance or irritating the plant itself ― not to mention squirt you right in the face, speaking from experience. Too rough a hand and what was medicinal became hazardous remarkably quickly. Fang extraction required timing more than force — ideally during natural shedding periods or while the plant was sufficiently stimulated elsewhere to avoid unnecessary distress. Attempting to simply restrain often escalated the aggression instead and treating the process like an exercise in dominance usually ended up bitten for their trouble.
Also why having a chew toy or two ready on hand was a must. Lillian let the Hufflepuff get through his full answer without speaking, though she did nod encouragingly a couple times throughout, her jewelry adding softly to the soundtrack and once again catching Toby's attention.
"Great observation, Mr. Harden. While they are two very different plants, they both communicate very clearly when upset." As Toby had shown throughout the class. Garfield, on the other hand, was content to sit in his pot and behave while unbothered. Text Cut: Mr. Melo-Dreamer Quote:
Originally Posted by Charely Potter Diego was taking his time through the lesson, drinking in all the knowledge (but not the plants, literally, of course). Herbology seemed to have comforted him over his typical feelings of missing his Papa and youngest brother after all these years. When it came time to learn the charm, he began to practice the incantation, her-BIV-i-cuss, and the wand movement separately until it was comfortable for him to execute.
Diego observed the Bubotuber plant, Garfield, and the Fanged Geranium named Toby. They were interesting names for plants. When they asked to share something they knew, he spoke when it was his turn. "The Bubotober plants don't like to be squeezed otherwise their pus can shoot out an unpleasant odour." "Too true, Mr. Melo-Dreamer!" Lillian exclaimed. "For those of us that have experienced an angry Bubotuber, there is very little that can compare to that smell." She had stories, she did. But luckily the next student raised their hand before she could start into one. Text Cut: Miss Patterson Quote:
Originally Posted by Nordic Witch Tiana took her time with chanting the incantation, and practicing the wand movement. There was like Professor Hawkins had said earlier good to go slow to go fast later. That her idea about dragonhide gloves got mentioned to everyone brought a happly smile to her face. Her thoughts mattered too, even if Tiana was just a small first year.
Focusing her attention to the two plants on her table she tried to see differences and similiarities which wasn't easy, so Tiana stated the obvious facts when she raised her hand to answer. "I think the bubotuber plants are easily identifiable since they look similiar to giant black slugs with shiny portrusions, and not many plants have that easy trait to remember them by. The fanged geranium on the other hand look like flowers with sharp teeth that can be used in cooking, and as potion ingredients." Tiana shot a look at her bubotuber plant hoping that she along with Professor Hawkins plant Garfield up front weren't offended by being described as looking like slugs. Slugs were icky in her opinion. Lillian couldn't help but smile at the look that girl gave the plant after potentially insulting it. Garfield continued to do nothing, though, even as Toby swayed somewhat menacingly in his general vicinity. "Completely correct, Miss Patterson, on all accounts. The Bubotuber plant has a very distinct, very molluscan appearance." And... Fanged Geraniums bite. Text Cut: Miss Murray Quote:
Originally Posted by love-for-HP "The Fanged Geranium obvioulsy" Greer said point toward the plant "has small sharp teeth, and they tend to bite if not taken care of properly. Their teeth are often used as poition ingriednts, like most herboloy plants."
Greer smiled, she felt like she had nailed that one at least. But unlike some of her fellow students, she was never bored with the discussion portion, she prefered her books to actual hands on activites. Lillian strode slowly to the other side of the front table again, now standing near Garfield. "Correct. The fanged geraniums' teeth are quite possibly their most notable feature, given their name. Though it is important to note that their teeth only come in if they have been properly cared for." Keep this in mind, students, yes? Text Cut: Mr. Singh-Phora Quote:
Originally Posted by FearlessLeader19 Dragonhide gloves?
Levi had brought his as always. He had ensured to clean them after each lesson so the pair was definitely in almost tip-top condition. 'Almost' because they were still worn after use so often. They were free from holes and such too. Anyway, not allowing himself to be distracted for too long, he muttered the incantation a few more times then threw in a couple additional practice of the wand movement. The Hufflepuff felt more than prepared for what was to come.
Okay, one more question then.
“You can figure out the age of a Fanged Geranium by counting the number of rings on a fang.” Levi lowered his hand and continued to speak. “Once the plant has fully matured, of course.” Was that part of what they were going to be doing today? The next answer from the Hufflepuff only added to her point. Lillian nodded approvingly. "You also make a important point, Mr. Singh-Phora. The fanged geranium grows teeth at maturity. So there must be other ways to identify it before its teeth come in, hmm?" Something to think about, wasn't it?  Once any answers had been given to the question, Lillian walked behind the front table. She leaned her hands on the edge, peering at the class for a moment before a smile returned to her face and she gave a spritely little hop of excitement.
"We've reached the practical! For the rest of the class, we'll be working with the plants themselves." She paused here to give the class a look that indicated that this was a priviledge. The same look she gave every class.
"You'll choose between either of the plants at your station. Extract a seed or a cutting from the plant, then use the Herbivicus Charm to guide the plant through its life cycle. You may want to consider your options - will a seed or a cutting get you a more desirable result? At the end, you'll be welcome to prune, collect seeds, or collect other renewable parts that you may use for potions." The key word was renewable, of course. They would not be sacrificing any plants today.
She held her arms out at her sides before half-turning toward the board at the front of the room. With another gesture of her hand, the looping script changed once again to its final iteration for the day.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Blackboard - Pick a fanged geranium seed or bubotuber plant cutting from either plant at your table.
- Properly plant the seed/cutting. This may include more mini-steps; consider what your plant needs to grow healthy
- Use Herbivicus Charm to grow chosen plant through desired lifecycle stages
- Prune/collect seeds
Lillian looked back out at the class, spending a moment to take in the current state of her plants before they were permanently altered. It was, in a way, the best and most difficult part of any class. Or any similar plant interaction, really. Then she turned her smile to the class.
“The instructions are on the board. Simple enough. If you have any questions or decide to cause bodily harm, I will be here.” She paused. Then, as cheerfully as ever, continued, “Don’t cause bodily harm. That is precisely what your dragonhide gloves will be useful in preventing.”
That was no small hint, class. She was not in the mood to deal with lacerations or acid burns.
She moved to the side of her table, leaning one hip against it. “Alright then. Get started.” OOC: We’ve reached the main activity! Your charrie can pick which plant they want to use! Feel free to be as creative as you’d like with the process - my aim is 3-5 posts for the whole process. Of course, Lillian and I will be around for questions, etc.
Class will finish up in about 3 days.
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★ Kindness is its own kind of magic ★ |