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*Holmesian Feline* · #1 (**permalink**) 05-18-2025, 02:51 AM

On an early autumn morning, Greenhouse Two is a comfortable oasis for human and plant alike, though it isn’t time for relaxing. The chill of the later season hasn’t yet fully hit in the shelter of the castle, and the assorted plants situated around the perimeter of the greenhouse are looking still quite perky. But then one who knew the man in charge of them knew he would hardly leave them to look less than content in their surroundings. Instead basking in the morning light as if waiting for the lesson themselves.

Come in when you arrive, Professor Cole is awaiting your arrival for the latest Herbology lesson, the man in question standing just inside the door to the greenhouse to greet everyone. Feel free to settle in with your classmates and supplies amongst the stools scattered around the worktables but be ready to pay attention when the times comes. Hopefully you have your dragon-hide gloves as requested.

ooc: Welcome to Herbology. This is obviously not the first lesson of the term so act as such.
Also, please remember to label your first post at least with your students name to make it easier to be sure which student and house gets credit.
Lesson will officially begin in roughly 24 hours.

Class Progression
Greetings and First Question
Responses and Second Question
Mini Activity
Main Activity

badger_boy_93 · 05-18-2025, 03:00 AM

Xerxes wandered into Greenhouse 2, looking around at all the strange and magical plants that hung in pots along the ceiling or else stood in planters along the walls. He entered the greenhouse and immediately saw his Herbology Professor.

"Good Morning Professor." he said respectfully. "How are you today? Its a great day for Herbology." He smiled at his teacher and then walked over and stood at the long trestle table, ready for class to begin. He took out his dragon hide gloves, just in case he would need them today.

WhittyBitty · 05-18-2025, 06:23 AM

It was early morning, and Aurora hadn’t had the best of sleeps last night. Still, she made her way to the greenhouse ready to take care of some plants. Hopefully this lesson would wake her up and get her more prepared for the rest of the day.

”Morning, Professor!” Rory made her way over to her workbench and took out her dragon-hide gloves. She was ready for whatever was in store this lesson.

*Nordic Witch* · 05-18-2025, 08:54 AM

After a quick breakfast Jasper hurried down to Greenhouse 2 for the next herbology lesson. He had overslept, but he had still packed his dragonhide gloves and notetaking material the night before in his satchel so he was set for the lesson. Entering through the door to the greenhouse Jasper smiled sunnily up at his head of house, and greeted with a wave. "Good morning Professor Cole," before heading over to take a seat near Rora which he murmured "Good morning Rory!" too before sitting down on a bench. To care for plants was always fun, the question now as he curiously peered around was what plants they were going to be studying today.

sweetpinkpixie · 05-18-2025, 09:20 AM

Nyle arrived to Greenhouse Two with his satchel slung diagonally across his chest, one strap of it already slipping from his shoulder thanks to his enthusiastic haste. He caught it just in time before it fell and gave a tiny huff of satisfaction through his nose. The early autumn morning had left a bit of pink on his cheeks and the tip of his nose, but inside the greenhouse, the air was warm and kind and utterly perfect. He paused just inside the threshold, offering Professor Cole a quiet, respectful "Good morning," before letting his eyes scan the space.

Xerxes was already here. Nyle gave him a small smile and tight wave, friendly but reserved. Then he spotted ~~Aurora~~ Rory and something in his chest gave a quiet flutter. She looked like a flower had walked straight out of the ground and decided to learn Transfiguration. Her presence a little like a dandelion...bright, grounding, and somehow windblown at once. He liked that about her. Since there was a space beside her, maybe he could just... quietly sit there, not say much. Just be near someone whose energy didn’t feel too loud. There were stools scattered around the worktables and for a moment Nyle hesitated. His instinct was to find a corner spot...something slightly out of the way but with a good view of the greenhouse perimeter plants like usual... but something caused his thoughts to linger. He didn’t want to settle too close to anyone uninvited, but also just in case Phoebe came, he didn’t want to not leave room for her closeby. And in these breaths of indecision, someone else didn’t.

A younger boy swept in with a beam of energy and confidence Nyle could only envy. Nyle froze, mid-step, and muttered a quiet, "...oh..." to no one in particular. His fingers flexed slightly at his sides then curled into the fabric of his sleeves and gripped the material gently. Realizing he had been standing and gawking, likely somewhere around Rory's shoes, he ducked his head quickly, pretending he hadn’t been aiming for any particular spot at all, and folded himself haphazardly into the nearest stool. A quiet flush crept up the back of his neck—he could feel it like warm ivy—and averted his gaze down to his feet. The spot he had practically collapsed into had enough space beside him for someone to join, but not so central that he’d draw attention... but also close enough that he could admire the way sunlight made red hair resemble fire.

He placed his gloves on the table neatly, smoothing them once, then again, and finally set his satchel down beside the legs of the stool with a small thud. He rested his fingertips lightly on the table’s wooden edge, gaze drifting to the perky row of flora basking in the light nearby and wondered briefly if the heat he was feeling in face would be so potent as to cause them to wilt. "Morning, you lot," he whispered to them under his breath as if they were classmates too. He realized then that he had forgotten to greet his potted friends in the indoor garden this morning in his rush to get to lessons and his features paled slightly. They were such needy little things, growing exponentially, and hopefully they would not be too cross with him when he swung by before lunch to check on them.

Then he sat, quiet, ready, and listening ― barely, because his heart was drumming in his ears. Once he had his fingers in some soil everything would be just fine.

FearlessLeader19 · 05-18-2025, 03:22 PM

What a pretty day!

Idris could not help but have this thought resonate in his mind as he practically skipped across the grounds and towards the Greenhouses. He had donned some old clothing, his hair neatly secured under a bonnet. Because who wanted their perfectly fluffy hair to become entangled with branches and leaves? Or just as bad, become filthy with dirt?

“Good morning, Professor!’’ the fourth year chirped as he reached Greenhouse Two. “I’m excited to have my brain filled with some more Herbology knowledge today!’’ He flashed the man a smile before heading in to join those who had already gathered there. “Hi, everyone! Hi, Rory!” His fellow fourth year opted to take a seat close by to those there before busying himself with taking his books and writing apparatus out of his bag. Perhaps he could sneak completing some Japanese translations before the lesson started? That worksheet wasn’t going to get itself done, after all. The same went for the Hindi one... Id didn't want to keep Dad D waiting to grade that.

ThePastelBookworm · 05-18-2025, 03:57 PM

Arielle made her way to green house 2. It was a lovely day to be with plants. '' Good morning Professor'' Then arriving at the work bench

badger_boy_93 · 05-18-2025, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThePastelBookworm

Arielle made her way to green house 2. It was a lovely day to be with plants. '' Good morning Professor'' Then arriving at the work bench

"Hey Ari." Xerxes said, waving at his friend. "There's a space over here by me."Xerxes gestured at Arielle to come over and sit by him. He held his hands out to his left side, a person's width apart, to show that there was space for her. Xerxes was still looking for his designated "study buddy"; the person who would help him prepare for exams and finish homework. It was very important for a new student to find this important person. For they would be an inexhaustible resource and companion for many years to come. Maybe Arielle could be that person.

Xerxes also saw Nyle enter the Greenhouse. He was about to call out to him as well, but then he saw that Nyle moved toward a girl Xerxes did not know. Perhaps he would let that situation rest for now. Xerxes thought that there might be something going on there........

ThePastelBookworm · 05-18-2025, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by badger_boy_93

"Hey Ari." Xerxes said, waving at his friend. "There's a space over here by me."Xerxes gestured at Arielle to come over and sit by him. He held his hands out to his left side, a person's width apart, to show that there was space for her. Xerxes was still looking for his designated "study buddy"; the person who would help him prepare for exams and finish homework. It was very important for a new student to find this important person. For they would be an inexhaustible resource and companion for many years to come. Maybe Arielle could be that person.

Xerxes also saw Nyle enter the Greenhouse. He was about to call out to him as well, but then he saw that Nyle moved toward a girl Xerxes did not know. Perhaps he would let that situation rest for now. Xerxes thought that there might be something going on there........

''Hey Xerxes '' Arielle sat next to him on the work bench after he had offered to sit by him. She smiled at him and thought. Maybe we can be best friends someday.

badger_boy_93 · 05-18-2025, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThePastelBookworm

''Hey Xerxes '' Arielle sat next to him on the work bench after he had offered to sit by him. She smiled at him and thought. Maybe we can be best friends someday.

Xerxes scooted over a little to make more room for Arielle. "Did you bring your dragon hide gloves?" he asked her. Xerxes was very excited to be in class with a friend. "I hope we do something exciting today in class. I always enjoy working with exotic and exciting plants."

Charely Potter · 05-19-2025, 12:22 AM

Diego headed to Greenhouse Two as noted on the notice board. He was feeling a little homesick, after getting the latest letter and picture of his little brother in the garden with his parents. He felt happy, but also felt a little kick to his stomach from missing them.

Smiling through the feeling, "Hello, Professor!" entering and waving at everyone he passed by. Soon as he found a seat, he got all settled and fished for his dragon-hide gloves out of his bag before waiting on the lesson to begin.

*Holmesian Feline* · 05-19-2025, 01:30 AM

The first student to arrive wasn’t much of a surprise as he entered the greenhouse. The not-quite new first year puff was definitely an enthusiastic one. “Good morning, Mr. Cadwallader,” he spoke, returning the boy’s greeting with a nod. As for if it was a good day for herbology or not, “I might be a bit biased…but I think most days are good days for herbology,” he remarked with a smirk.” There were very rare cases of days when Marcus would avoid his chosen field.

It appeared the Puffs were on the ball this morning despite it being early and just after breakfast as another arrived in the greenhouse. “Good morning, Ms. Bay,” Marcus returned the older badger’s greeting with a smile as she made her way inside. The requested gloves present within her possession. Ah there was one of his own, a second year Ravenclaw, the herbology professor acknowledging the wave with a polite nod. “Good morning, Mr. Blackthorn,” he returned as the boy joined the growing circle of students. “Good morning, Mr. Harden,” he greeted in kind, trusting the boy’s satchel was well prepared.

There was a chipper Gryffindor to add to the mix. “Good morning, Mr. Grunt,” he remarked before chuckling bemused. “And I’m excited to help fill your brain with that herbology knowledge.” It was always nice to see when students enjoyed his lessons. It made his work feel more fulfilling, not that it wasn’t already to him. Another lion entered, this one seeming just a touch distracted. “Good day, Mr. Melo-Dreamer,” Cole greeted, glad to see at least he had his gloves.

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When the last few students have entered the greenhouse and no more seem to be coming, Marcus checks the time before closing the door with a flick of his wrist. “Welcome to another lesson in Herbology,” he remarked as he came before them front and center, gathering everyone’s attention. Now would be the time for conversations to trickle to a stop. The students sure did seem to be all friends unless it was his imagination.

“Now to begin…I would like you all to think on various times you or someone you know found yourself sick or injured. This could have happened at home, at Hogwarts, your previous schools, or even in more serious cases at either St. Mungos or involving muggle doctors and hospitals.” Marcus gave the, all a few moments to get one in mind for his upcoming question on the matter. It was pretty open for options and a chance for all the students before him to retrieve an example from their memories.

“Once you have your moment, I want you to share one thing that was done, either by a parent or a healer, to make you or the other person feel better.”

ooc: As the label say, class has begun, so please don't post just arriving unless you want to deal with closed door and consequences. Just pretend you have been there all along. We should move along in 36 hours give or take.

badger_boy_93 · 05-19-2025, 01:59 AM

SPOILER!!: Professor Cole

Quote:

Originally Posted by Holmesian Feline

The first student to arrive wasn’t much of a surprise as he entered the greenhouse. The not-quite new first year puff was definitely an enthusiastic one. “Good morning, Mr. Cadwallader,” he spoke, returning the boy’s greeting with a nod. As for if it was a good day for herbology or not, “I might be a bit biased…but I think most days are good days for herbology,” he remarked with a smirk.” There were very rare cases of days when Marcus would avoid his chosen field.

It appeared the Puffs were on the ball this morning despite it being early and just after breakfast as another arrived in the greenhouse. “Good morning, Ms. Bay,” Marcus returned the older badger’s greeting with a smile as she made her way inside. The requested gloves present within her possession. Ah there was one of his own, a second year Ravenclaw, the herbology professor acknowledging the wave with a polite nod. “Good morning, Mr. Blackthorn,” he returned as the boy joined the growing circle of students. “Good morning, Mr. Harden,” he greeted in kind, trusting the boy’s satchel was well prepared.

There was a chipper Gryffindor to add to the mix. “Good morning, Mr. Grunt,” he remarked before chuckling bemused. “And I’m excited to help fill your brain with that herbology knowledge.” It was always nice to see when students enjoyed his lessons. It made his work feel more fulfilling, not that it wasn’t already to him. Another lion entered, this one seeming just a touch distracted. “Good day, Mr. Melo-Dreamer,” Cole greeted, glad to see at least he had his gloves.

------------------------------------------------------------

When the last few students have entered the greenhouse and no more seem to be coming, Marcus checks the time before closing the door with a flick of his wrist. “Welcome to another lesson in Herbology,” he remarked as he came before them front and center, gathering everyone’s attention. Now would be the time for conversations to trickle to a stop. The students sure did seem to be all friends unless it was his imagination.

“Now to begin…I would like you all to think on various times you or someone you know found yourself sick or injured. This could have happened at home, at Hogwarts, your previous schools, or even in more serious cases at either St. Mungos or involving muggle doctors and hospitals.” Marcus gave the, all a few moments to get one in mind for his upcoming question on the matter. It was pretty open for options and a chance for all the students before him to retrieve an example from their memories.

“Once you have your moment, I want you to share one thing that was done, either by a parent or a healer, to make you or the other person feel better.”

ooc: As the label say, class has begun, so please don't post just arriving unless you want to deal with closed door and consequences. Just pretend you have been there all along. We should move along in 36 hours give or take.

Xerxes listened attentively as the Professor opened the lesson. He thought about the teacher's inquiry for a few moments and then respectfully raised his hand. "One time I had a terrible ear infection. It was so bad that my ear drum actually split in two and a bunch of puss oozed out. It hurt a lot and was really gross. My parents consulted a healer and then gave me a funny purple potion. It healed my ear drum immediately. I then had to eat a specific herb with every meal for a whole week to cure the infection."

Xerxes lost himself for a minute in the memory of the devastating illness. It was quite traumatic at the time, but with hindsight Xerxes realized that it wasn't soooooo bad. He had survived after all. Still, he didn't like to think of it happening again.

WhittyBitty · 05-19-2025, 04:46 AM

More people were starting to join in, and Aurora was happy to see them all. She was starting to wake up which was great since Herbology was one of her favourite classes. She did love plants and taking care of them. She was curious about what they would be doing today.

"Hey, Jasper!" She said pleasantly. And there was fellow plant enthusiast Nyle coming in as well. He seemed to be a little unsure of where to sit and Rory gave him a smile and a greeting as well. He seemed to be feeling rather awkward, and Rory hoped everything was okay with him.

"Hey, Idris!" She smiled at her friend.

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The lesson began and Rory listened intently to the Professor. Honestly she could think of a bunch of examples given what her mother did for a living. She raised her hand. "Well, my mother is a potioneer and she's very good at making healing potions. So she's definitely given me a lot over the years. I do remember once I had bad burns on my arms because I got boiling water spilled all over them. She used a healing paste on them, and I felt a lot better." That had definitely been one of her worst accidents.

sweetpinkpixie · 05-19-2025, 05:50 AM

Nyle had been idly tracing a soft line over the edge of his dragonhide glove, letting his finger follow the natural curve in the material. His eyes weren’t quite on Professor Cole or really anyone at the moment, but his ears were tuned in and focused. The moment the prompt left the professor’s mouth, though, something in his chest gave a quiet tug―think of a time someone was hurt.

His mind gave him too many and yet all roads lead to the same destination.

The walls of their home gone eerily still. His father’s eyes—open, but not there. The cold pressure in the air that came just before the scream. The sound of mum chanting something in a voice that both sounded like hers and was also otherworldly.

Nyle blinked hard. His fingers had drifted from the glove to the clasp of his satchel, where a small, worn charcoal-grey button was stitched into the side. It had come from one of dad’s older healer coats, had popped right off during a particularly bustling morning. Nyle had sewn it on himself, not well but it still served as a quiet little charm and reminder of the man's perseverance and support. It usually grounded him to brush his fingers over its unevenness, but the second he touched it today his world tilted inward. He would have teetered right off his stool ― something that would have been even more embarrassing that his earlier indecisive gawking ― had he not pulled his hand away quickly.

He sat a little straighter and cleared his throat softly, offering something else — literally anything else — instead of the truth clawing at his ribs. For someone with two Healers as parents, his answer felt tame, almost embarrassingly so, like bringing a daisy to a greenhouse full of fire seed bushes.

"My mum brews me this tonic with chamomile and ashwagandha when I have bad dreams or can't eat," he said quietly. "She charms it warm, but not too warm, and puts a sprig of mint in so it didn’t taste like feet. She often says if the body won’t rest then the mind could lead the way. And plants, herbs... can help the mind feel safe again."

He glanced down at the button on his satchel, fingers fidgeting as he belatedly closed the lid—more for something to do with his hands than any real need.

"Oh, er, my mum’s a healer. And also... my mum," he added, a touch too earnestly. "Dad too. A healer and my dad, I mean."

As if, for some reason, that clarification had felt deeply necessary.

Ears and cheeks roasting for the second or third time this lesson alone, Nyle busied himself with adjusting his posture on the stool. His legs were traitorously longer than they had been the year before and didn’t quite seem to know where they belonged on a stool anymore. He shifted once, then again, trying to tuck one ankle behind the other before abandoning that plan entirely and letting them dangle awkwardly for a moment. One heel tapped the stool leg absently as he finally settled for perching sideways, knees slightly bent and feet angled just enough to look casual and not cramped.

Dirt...could he put his fingers in some dirt soon? Please?

FearlessLeader19 · 05-20-2025, 12:44 AM

Spotting Diego, Id tilted his head in concern. There was something off about his fellow Gryffindor and he made a mental note to check in the minute the lesson ended. By the time Professor Cole was ready to begin, Id was quite ready to absorb all the information that would be shared today. Not to mention he was ready to make detailed notes of it all.

The fourth year thought back to that one particular time, when he was five. It was a memory that would always stick with him. There had been a stray cat. Of course it involved a cat; Id had loved the creatures probably before he could walk and talk. One had wandered into the yard when he was playing. Naturally Id had attempted to pet it despite Jan’s warning. Id hadn’t listened and so the next thing his mind had registered was searing pain where a claw had dug into his skin and raked at it leaving deep red streaks. The pain had been unbearable but somehow he hadn’t yellow or screamed. He just started to cry silently while Jan had hastily led him to their mother and godfather to explain what had happened.

Idris raised his hand. “There was a stray cat that once clawed one of my arms really badly. My big brother took me to our mother and godfather. Mum held me to comfort me while Da- I mean my godfather applied Dittany to the broken skin. Afterwards he gave me a potion to drink, which cleansed any bacterial infection in my body from the cat. They gave me kisses after. Mum and my godfather. Not the cat, he ran away.” Was he ashamed of telling that bit about the kiss? Absolutely not!

And he still thought about that cat, hoping that it had been treated kindly by any other humans it had encountered despite its feral nature.

Charely Potter · 05-20-2025, 02:03 AM

Diego was looking around the classroom, thinking of how lovely it is to be in the Greenhouse. Once the lesson began, He was interested in the lesson, but wasn't really in the mood to think about injuries, since it tied to his family. Least, he didn't think such strong feelings with family would happen with him today. Avoiding eye contact with others in the room, he felt a little small. But he would keep smiling as he raised his hand to the question of when they saw or were injured. Push through.

"There was this owl at my.. the shop my Papa works. I was trying to pet the owl before feeding it, because it looked so beautiful. But it took a deep nip in my finger." Suddenly, his eyes felt warm. No.. no, not now. He closed his eyes as if trying to remember. "Anyway, my Papa took a vial of something to clean it and wrapped it in a cute muggle bandaid with dinosaurs on it. And then he made me some mac and cheese, and I felt all better." The image of his parents making the food and looking at him was crystal clear, but the memory didn't make him feel better this time, but worse in the moment.

"Erm... may I please be excused? I'm sorry, Professor, I promise to come back." His voice cracked at the last word. Without another word, Diego hopped off and ran out with tears streaming down his face. He just needed a moment to collect himself away from others' sight before he returned.

*Nordic Witch* · 05-20-2025, 02:55 PM

Jasper was fiddeling with his herbology book while he waited for the class to begin. His eyes widened with sadness and he felt left out as everyone was greeted by professor Cole, and not him. He supposed his professor just had gotten his surname wrong since he was called Buckthorn and not Blackthorn but it still hurt.

Anywho, he just had to forget it when the first question was asked. Mention a time when he got injured or sick, and what was done to heal him. Jasper listened to the other answers thoughtfully before he raised his hand and said "When i was 5 or so I got the chickenpox, and I had itching big and red pox bubbles all over my body that hurt. My mum got some salves and pastes from the mungos healers that soothed the pox spots and took away the ache and itching which made me feel better, it helped." Could they please move on to what plant they were going to be working with Jasper wondered as he watched Diego sprint out the greenhouse door in tears. Shouldn't someone go after him?

*Holmesian Feline* · 05-20-2025, 03:21 PM

As the first student replied to his question, it was clear that it was a good thing that Marcus wasn’t squeamish given the description that Mr. Cadwallader gave for his memory. Hopefully they didn’t get quite so graphic for all of them. “A two-step approach…thankfully it all worked and you recovered,” he mused with a nod of acknowledgement. He figured he knew which herb was used though the particular purple potion was throwing him off. Ms. Bay’s choice thankfully was a bit more subdued, though the family history was interesting. “Healing pastes can be quite useful for many things.” Burns, particularly aggressive plants under his care.

Mr. Harden seemed distracted at first or perhaps lost in a memory at the professor’s own instructions. And then gathered himself. Marcus gave him the time to find his voice which the third year eventually did. “Ah, an unwinding tonic,” he mused with a nod, familiar with something similar at least. Upon hearing the boy’s parents were both healers he was glad for the calmer story rather than anything they may have shared with their son, figuring they had their fair share of cases and experiences. Now Mr. Grunt’s story brought an example he was quite familiar in. “Yes, dittany is also quite useful.”

When it was Mr. Melo-Dreamer’s turn, the Gryffindor’s choice of memory started out well enough. Sure, there was the feisty owl, but it was answered with a cleansing potion, a cute bandage and comfort food. The herbology professor hadn’t noted the upset feelings, at least hadn’t been certain of them, until the boy spoke up again bringing him up short. “Um…of course,” Marcus got out, unable to say more to the second year as the lion took off out of the greenhouse as if he hadn’t even cared for permission. The former Ravenclaw stood watching after Melo-Dreamer, unsure of himself feeling horrible to have upset one of his students so much, though he debated asking the boy’s housemate to follow him for support. He certainly was going to at least mention something to Ean so the head of house could keep an eye on his lion cub.

---------------------------------

Finally Professor Cole brought himself back to the rest of the class, leaning back on his workstation with both hands and took a deep breathe before turning to the front to face them. “Indeed Mr. Buckthorn, those salves would have certainly have offered comfort.” he agreed on the last answer, correcting the name he had earlier used. No fault of the boy’s, he merely had an acquaintance of the former surname and his brain always seemed to want to mix them up. “Before we continue, I wish to say that it was never my intention to bring up sad or horrible memories,” he remarked truthfully. “I simply wished to try and connect you to the topic of the lesson.” And perhaps he had…a bit too strongly. Maybe he should have suggested the more common, mundane illnesses and injuries and had them work off of that. “Should anything upset you further, you needn’t comment, just sit quietly and participate on what you feel comfortable with.” He wouldn’t push, and he couldn’t think of anything planned further to cause additional distress, but he was covering the possibility.

Absently clearing his throat, he stood up straight to his feet and moved on. “Now with every example mentioned, there was either a potion, tonic, paste or simply an herb or essence of an herb like the dittany, that played a role in the healing process. Plants often play a large role in the making of such medicines not only in the magical world but the muggle world as well.” It was one of the times there wasn’t much difference between the worlds other than the types of plants used. “If you’ve been in this particular greenhouse before, you should likely know that the reasoning for each of the specific plants being within is that they play a role in potions, though not just the ones connected with healing.” He was often harvesting from the plants to help keep with the upkeep of potions stores.

“Without looking at any of the labels, I would like you to give me ONE plant that has a medicinal property to it.” Perhaps a lighter area of the topic. “It doesn’t even have to be one in these greenhouse as there are far too many to always include here, especially any of the muggle plants you might know.” It was just the most common kept in rotation.

ooc: Great going so far. Moving onto the mini activity in 48 hours.

WhittyBitty · 05-20-2025, 09:12 PM

Rory smiled and nodded at what the professor said in response to her. Healing pastes were very useful, and she felt lucky that her mother had all sorts of things for her and the rest of the family if they needed it.

Suddenly a boy left the greenhouse, clearly upset about something. Rory was worried, and hoped that he would be okay. Clearly the discussion had stirred up some not so nice feelings.

The lesson moved on, and Aurora raised her hand to answer the next question. She thought that she’d mention something from a muggle plant. ”Ginger has a lot of medicinal benefits. It has antiviral and antibacterial properties. It’s great for when you have a cold or fever. It also helps with digestion and nausea. It has a lot of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.” Okay, that was more than ONE property, but it was a very useful plant.

badger_boy_93 · 05-20-2025, 10:05 PM

Xerxes listened attentively to the Professor as he continued the lesson. When another question was asked of the class, he thought about it more a few moments and then raised his hand.

"Well the Mandrake is a powerful restorative. Its used in many potions where a person has been cursed or transfigured in order to return them to their original state. As for Muggle plants, many fungi are used in Muggle medicine. Even penicillin is derived from a fungus and is used to cure bacterial infections." Xerxes said, in answer to the question.

FearlessLeader19 · 05-21-2025, 12:35 AM

Poor Diego. Idris felt sorry for him though he wasn’t sure what the issue was. If he had to guess, he would deduce that it had to do with his housemate’s family since he tore up while mentioning them. At least Diego’s bestie, Viano, went after him. One was always safe when their bestie was around. Cue him sneaking a glance at Paul.

While Idris wasn’t upset by his memory, he understood why a few of his classmates would be by theirs. So, Professor Cole need not worry about him! He was a-okay! And as the man continued, pointing out that particular fact about Greenhouse two, he thought back. Yes, he had only figured this out late in his third year.

Growing up with Dad E meant that Id was familiar with many plants with medicinal properties. The Lion raised a hand. “There’s Bubotuber pus which is used to treat really bad acne. It can be made into a salve, though it would have to be diluted since it could be dangerous if it came in contact with unprotected skin. The pus is also used in the brewing of the Healing Potion.”

sweetpinkpixie · 05-21-2025, 06:37 AM

Nyle stayed unusually still after Diego left, the third year's his eyes fixed on the spot where the boy had been just moments before, his thumb brushing absently over a bit of dried moss he’d brought with him for texture. He didn’t know Diego well, but that didn’t seem to matter. Something about the way the moment cracked open felt familiar and his stomach twisted at the rawness of it. It reminded Nyle of how some of his own memories had the same trapdoor effect...and it nearly had for him at the first question as well. You’d think you were just telling a story, and then suddenly, it hurt or things feel overwhelming.

Nyle instinctively half-rose from his stool, glancing toward the door.

"Should someone go check on him?" he asked, not loudly, but earnestly. His voice held a genuine crease of worry. "Sometimes it’s worse being left alone when you’re upset. It’s… I don’t know. It helped when someone just sat with me. Even without saying anything." He said it without thinking and the moment it was out there he shifted slightly, busying himself again by trying to coax his long legs into a position on the stool that didn’t leave his knees knocking the underside of the workbench. His limbs hadn’t quite kept pace with the rest of him over summer.

When the professor moved things along, he shifted on his stool awkwardly once again and raised his hand a bit hesitantly. "Um, well, the two I mentioned earlier are chamomile and ashwagandha," he began quietly. "They both help ease the body and mind back into balance." His brow furrowed thoughtfully as he went on, more comfortable now in the subject. "Chamomile very common but it’s gentle and reliable in helping relax the nervous system without dulling it too much. It’s especially good for people who aren’t sleeping because their thoughts are too loud. Mum puts it in tonics and teas, especially for people recovering from things that messed with their nervous system....like cursed artifacts or residual trauma spells from Dark magic. It’s got these flavonoids, like apigenin, that bind to receptors in the brain and help promote sleep and reduce anxiety. It doesn’t knock you out, though. Just kind of smooths the edges. And ashwagandha, well, it’s not native to here, but we grow it in pots near the kitchen...its a root and, er, adaptogenic. It’s more of a tonic herb over time than immediate but it works well. Helps with long-term stress... especially if your body’s stuck in fight-or-flight even after the danger’s passed." A faint smile tugged at his mouth, the kind that didn’t reach all the way to his eyes but meant something anyway as he brushed a bit of dirt off the side of his satchel.

How he had managed to get through all that without his own voice cracking was a bit of a wonder. He supposed his talks with Healer Deshawn were working more than he realized - hopefully Iris' with Uncle Cox were doing the same.

*Nordic Witch* · 05-22-2025, 03:53 AM

Jasper sat on his bench, and wondered if Diego was okay since he hadn't come back yet. It was good to see that at least another housemate who he didn't know the name of had gone after Diego to see if he was all right. Jasper gazed up front and tuned in to what Professor Cole was saying being glad that he now called him by his correct surname. He understood that it was easy to mix up when a professor taught hundreds of students.

The class moved on and Jasper raised his hand to chime in with a plant answer that yet hadn't been mentioned. "There is lovage that is supposed to have medicinal properties all though i don't know what they are. My mum uses it in cooking sometimes though."

*Holmesian Feline* · 05-22-2025, 04:08 PM

Awaiting responses, Professor Cole moved to the blackboard he usually had propped up in the corner of whatever greenhouse he was teaching in at the moment for notes. Ginger from Ms. Bay got a nod of acceptance and added to the board by his own handwriting. “Indeed…often a good ingredient in tea as the hot water helps the soothing work on whatever ails you.” Mandrakes and various mushrooms from Mr. Cadwallader were also added to the board as were the characteristics and uses being shared by the young Hufflepuff. “Right on both counts…” he agreed. As for Mr. Grunt’s submissions on bubotuber pus he nodded in confirmation. “Dilution always key to the safety of it.”

The man saw Nyle almost move to stand from his stool, heard the question raised quietly by the third year, and simply shook his head in response at first. For he had also seen Viano go after his fleeing companion but hadn’t gone on and drawn attention to the action nor had the professor tried to reprimand him for not asking permission. It was a moot point and he was hardly going to punish him for assisting a clearly distraught fellow student, especially if they were close enough to be friends. “I assure you, he isn’t alone Mr. Harden,” he remarked quietly in hopes of soothing the badger as they continued with the lesson. As for his suggestion of plants, he was of course correct in repeating what he had mentioned earlier. Chamomile and ashwagandha added to the list with ease along with the given uses.

“Good try, Mr. Buckthorn,” Marcus remarked, accepting the lovage as an answer and choosing to add his own knowledge to the mix. “It is actually used for a variety of medicines for ailments ranging from stomach and kidney complaints to gout and other inflammatory issues.” With the last example given by the students, the herbology professor stopped writing and stepped away from the board to properly address the class once more. “All good examples for sure, though there are still quite a bit to learn about. Especially one is quite useful in a potion involving the healing of bones.” With quidditch players around, that might be a good hint.

Quote:

Ginger – teas and other drinks for soothing digestive issues/other bodily aches
Mandrake – restorative draught for petrification
Fungi – Muggle medicine
Bubotuber pus – salve for acne and healing potion
Chamomile – teas and tonics for calming nervous system and insomnia
Ashwagandha – stress relief
Lovage - medicines for digestive and inflammation

“Now for a change in pace, I’d like you to each come forth and take a packet of cards,” he instructed, motioning to a backet he pulled out from under his worktable where he had stashed them. “Half of the cards have pictures of medicinal plants…the other half the potential uses of each. Your task will be to see if you can identify the pictured plant and if you can match them to their uses. Don’t worry about how you do…sometimes it’s interesting to see how observations can lead to guesses. We'll discuss the correct answers afterwards.”

SPOILER!!: PictureCards