Could there really be considered different types of flesh? Meat was meat, wasn't it?



Thinking more about it, maybe the trees were like his Tita. Maybe meat wasn't just meat to them at all and certain meats were better than others. But that wasn't the way he'd heard the question. Type of flesh? Type of flesh? Tempus's answer filled Cutty with inspiration. But, then it's name would hardly be accurate, unless the name-giver of the tree was not too unlike Bentley and prone to thinking of plantlife is akin to human life. Flesh-eater eater, then? Or even a Flesh-eater eater eater, if Tobes's scenario held any weight.

Cutty didn't want to say the same thing as everyone, so he ventured a guess from experience to try and look consistent, like he didn't know the score, "Professor?" Hands up, Mordaunt. "Maybe the flesh-eating fir only eats the purest types of meat. Like only the healthiest specimens that crawl or fly into it's branches? Or the opposite, as in only the sick and dying." The latter is what Cutty would chose if he were the tree. Less likely to put up a struggle.

Also, he liked it when she called them 'Petals'.

"Maybe...." Candice did have a point. Hm. As Bently spoke up again Kyroh looked toward Toby and quickly started to follow him. They were dong more stuff with more plants? He hoped it wasn't anymore feeding. Stopping in front of the Flesh-Eating Fir Kyroh observed it for a moment. Because that's what Ravenclaws did right? Observe and stuff. Maddie had basically said so.

He had NO clue what this tree ate but it was like a baaabby tree. How could it eat flesh? Looking from Candice to Toby as they both gave the same answer Kyroh raised his hand. "It eats what everyone least expects it too." Cause that had to have some truth in it right?

Sophie was just about to water another immobilized plant, when she heard the sound of Bentley's voice calling them to do something else. Petals? Was that her name for the students? ... Hmm. Okay then.

Sophie stopped what she was doing and followed Bentley. A plant wiggled at Sophie, and Sophie resisted the urge to stick out her tongue at it. She glanced up when they came to a stop. Err, hello plant guarding the door. Were they going to have an all out war and try and defeat the plant?! Err, no. Apparently not.

Sophie glanced around as her classmates answered. Raising her hand, she added, "Small animals?" It was a thought that hadn't been overly mentioned yet, at least, and the height of the plant sort of suggested its meals were small.

They were moving on, again. Before turning to follow the professor Beverly watered the plant she was stationed at, and at the corner of her eye caught a small Gryffindor (Candice) fertilizing one of the plants she had immobilized. The Slytherin wouldn't admit it, not even to herself, that THAT felt nice. Helping. BAH! What was this kind of thinking? >.>

Coming to a stop her gaze fell upon the tiny tree. A Fir tree. Beverly made a mental note she needed to focus more on Herbology stuff rather than...other stuf because she was lacking today. Waynes don't lack!

For the guess, she raised her hand. "Does it eat a selective kind of creatures? Like small ones it can digest." And not choke on, 'cause honestly, how would someone perform the Heimlich maneuver on a plant?

Note to self: Learn how to do the Heimlich maneuver.

Flesh? Marisol didn't know what that meant... This annoyed her, that she could barely ever tell what her teachers were saying. She didn't have a clue! The Spaniard was always having to guess based on hand gestures and context. She was going nuts!

Mari being who she was, she raised her hand anyway. Might as well try. Flesh might mean meat, from the context. Different kinds of meat...

"Eat the sausage?" Marisol asked very doubtfully. Sausage wasn't all that different from steak. Not unique, in any case. Sausage was one of the only food words the eleven year-old knew the word for in English. She was totally wrong, and she knew it.

Mo had heard the right answer over and over again, so he didn't bother to pitch in his agreement that the fir tree nibbled on other Flesh-Eating trees rather than on flesh itself. Instead, he studied the fir with great interest. He'd read about them in the text, of course, but he'd never seen one up close. They were sort of beautiful.

"Professor, why are they so pretty if they don't have to appear tantalizing and innocuous to its prey? It isn't like other trees care what it looks like."

"Hey, no worries." She didn't to apologize, really. The professor didn't hand any instruction anyway, so it was all good. While Ethan waited for Cris to respond to his question, he made his way over and watered the Chokeberry. "Water...for the thirsty." The Slytherin grinned and turned to where Cris was standing as he started to explain things to him.



This guy's good. Ethan nodded and internalized what he said. Again, Herbology isn't his best subject, and gardening at the very least isn't his major interest. But then again, he thought that it's not wrong to ask about stuff that you don't know.

Knowledge is key, yes. And it just might save his life in the future. The Slytherin grinned at the older boy and gave him a thumbs up.



The Slytherin opened his mouth to thank Cris, but their professor passed by and caught up with their conversation. So...there's really no sequence when it comes to watering and fertilizing toughie plants? Noted.

Maybe the explanation offered by Cris applies to not so toughie plants and...seedlings? Hmm. But before he could even ask, the professor started to round them up and gestured them to follow her. Ethan turned to Jasmine and Cris and waved to them. "Come on, guys!" The Slytherin didn't wait for the two and headed towards where Professor Bentley was standing.

Flesh Eating Fig Tree.

Nope. No idea what the tree feeds on. Perhaps...



Ethan slowly turned to where the Hufflepuff was standing with a slacked jaw. That tree, eats another tree? That's Silence of the Trees!

Ridiculous idea, really but then again...who knows what those dudes eat. If it can latch on human flesh, then eating its own specie won't be much of a surprise.

Interesting. Very interesting.

Arielle didn't exactly know what was going on in the class. She didn't get enough sleep last night, so her head kept bobbing up and down as she dozed off. When she finally awoke with a startle, she heard a question clearly. She raised her hand and said, "Professor, wouldn't it just eat small animals? Flesh is like meat, right?" Even though she was probably wrong, she answered anyway. It's not like it mattered if she got the wrong answer, she was here to learn, sleep or not.

Petals? Was he a petal now? Were they all petals now? Okay well as long as she didn't start dancing like Professor Flailsteed *ahem* Flamsteed, then there wouldn't be much of a problem. But petals? Really? Must she?

As for her next question though, Zander had no clue. Flesh Eating Firs? Nope. Still not ringing a bell. Maybe next time he'd brush up on all this plant stuff before coming to class. That would probably help. SIgh. "Do they eat other plants or something?" That might make them unique? Right? Right? His first guess was humans, but they wouldn't be standing near it if it did.

Though it seemed that some were too mesmerised by the tree to answer, Seren wasn't at all disappointed. No, they were welcome to admire it for as long as they possibly could.



It didn't come as a surprise to her that some of the students thought to suggest humans, flesh-eaters tended to ave a bad rep where that was concerned, but fortunately for them, the Flesh Eating Fir wasn't one they needed to concern themselves with. "Actually no, this one doesn't post a threat to humans at all... and nor rabbits," she mused, offering Aubrey a wink for her thoughts.




And here was another out-of-the-box thinker, and one of her Lions no less. She was rather proud of them, and of Ben. Though that didn't change the fact that he was incorrect this time round. "No, unfortunately not," she replied with a light shake of her head.



If there was any response that could elicit a chuckle out of her, it was this one. Seren observed the Hufflepuff affectionately, grinning brighter than ever. "Well of course, you're not wrong there," she added.



................

Animals...

Small creatures....

They were rather popular considerations it seemed. It was rather amusing in that sense, purely because it was other than that. Creatures was too typical, too mundane, no.. this was far more inspiring.

"Not animals, mammals or small creatures... nope... " she replied, shaking her head but not shaking her smile. Of course, Kace's after thought was incorrect alo, and something that had already been established. "No, humans are safe, very safe in fact."



Seren's lips pursed slightly and her eyebrows raised while she nodded her head. "That's certainly an interesting idea, and I commend you for that, but no... that's incorrect."



It wasn't a bad guess, and it was true that some flesh-eaters were pickier with their selection of prey than others. Still, it was a shame he was incorrect in this instance. "Interesting thought, but no... that's not the case in this instance."



And now there was a thought. What was most amusing was that he was half right, or at least on the right track. "I suppose you could say that," she agreed with a nod. The answer was acceptable despite its lack of detail.




...... .......

Did she just say sausage? The sausage? ... Well that was most certainly an interesting thought to behold. "I would pay to see that, but no... not sausages."




It wasn't the response she was looking for, but the others seemed to have that covered. No, rather, Marcus had an exceptionally sound question to add to conversation. Seren beamed as she listened and nodded. "Well... just because one doesn't require good looks to lure in its prey, does that not mean it can't be pretty, naturally?" In other words she didn't have a good answer for it. Sometimes nature was just the way it was. Still, it was a remarkable good question, she was impressed. "Chalk it down to individualism, they're not against accessorising." As they could see.



Birds! "That's an interesting selection, but I'm afraid it's incorrect in this instance." But still, clever thinking - not surprising coming from a Ravenclaw.



Oooooooohhhhh!!!!!!

They were awfully close now! Seren nodded and smiled encouragingly... "yes, yes... other plants and trees... but of what variety?" she continued, hoping it would finally come to light.



And alas!...... a correct response was had! "Excellent, Toby!" she announced as he was the first to voice the correct answer, flesh eaters! Lux and Cris both got thumbs up for their support and elaboration, well done.

"Now that's exactly it, the Flesh Eating Fir is the most wizard friendly, nay, human and creature friendly flesh eater. It feeds only on its own kind." Which was pretty remarkable, no? Though, she wondered if anybody questioned their diet choice? It could be seen as cannibalistic, she supposed - and it didn't surprise her that Toby thought to ask out loud. "Interesting that you should ask, they typically don't grow in areas that are uninhabited by flesh eaters, and because they have small appetites they may go for weeks without food, in addition to this, their agility allows them to travel considerable distances in search of food."

The Flesh Eating Fir was indeed a sight to behold. It was a stunning tree all its own, but the trinkets and trophies it had collected over time made it something to be admired for sure.

"One thing I'd like you all to consider when you leave here today, is that as frightening and harmful as some flesh-eaters may be... they're not all that bad, and at the end of the day, we all have life."

Yes, she was going her flesh-eaters-activist-tree-hugging-thing.

"And on that note, you may all be dismissed! Just make sure you stun the Snargaluff on your way out the back door... you won't want it getting its vines wrapped around your person." She indicated to the back door just meters away, where sure enough a Snargaluff was standing guard so to speak.

"First and second years, I suggest you team up with an older student to secure your exit." She would be here, of course, but it would be easier this way.

OOC: The lesson has finished, make sure you exit the greenhouse in a safe manner via the back exit, if you have any IC questions or want to hang around then feel free to do so. This thread will be closed in approx 48 hours.

Leah had kinda guessed that coming. The professor had said unusual and the answer was obviously not animals. Still, that was the only answer Leah could think of at that moment. Aaah, it eats itself! Correction: It eats its own kind. The second year cheered at the professor's words. They were SAFE! And oh, the lesson was finished.

Glad that she had lost no limbs yet, and that she had learned more about flesh-eating plants, Leah picked up her bag and headed to the back door towards the Snargaluff. Then she paused in front of the professor. "Great lesson, Professor Bentley! I was just wondering why a Snargaluff is guarding the door." And blocking her from getting out.

Toby WAS right! Maddie was pleased by this because she KNEW him and HE seemed knowledgeable about Herbology. Maybe she could write down any questions she had and run them by HIM before going to Bentley. Surely SHE had more important things to do, being a professor and ALL. Also, class was over ALREADY? Maddie blinked, sort of disappointed. She was hoping they'd get to see the Fir in action or SOMETHING! That would've been wicked! It just wasn't her day, though. SIGH.

After getting her stuff together, Maddie glanced towards the exit and considered the Snargaluff. She WAS curious about what kind of damage its vines could do and almost wished the Professor hadn't warned them so she could see it for herself but because she HAD been warned, she s'posed she needed an older student's help.

Hopeful looks for you, oldies. First year in need of a chaperone, here.

Aww man, they weren't going to feed the flesh eaters other flesh eaters? That was a bummer, but on the bright side it WAS pretty cool that they were cannibals. "Professor can we come and see the flesh eaters eat some time?" She would be down for that, and she wouldn't even mind feeding the sister flesh eater to the brother flesh eater.

AJ was actually bummed that the lesson was already over. Never would she have thought that she would be enjoying lessons so much. It was dangerous to just leave the class? Wicked! Of course with her being a firstie she would need older kid supervision. AJ already knew who she wanted as her protector. "Adi!" she called out. He was right beside her earlier, but she was staking her claim nevertheless. "Too bad we can't get tangled up in the vines." That would be an experience.

Lucy said: "Thank you for your very interesting lesson!'"
Then Lucy started to wait an older student...

There were LOADS of firsties when Marigold glanced at the door, so she decided to sort things out. "Great lesson! Thanks!" she said to the professor as she passed her, even offering a smile to the flesh eating plant nearby. But then there were young students. "'S'okay, I got this. Immobilous." She completed the arm movement, then gestures through the door. She would follow them out.

So it is the Silence of the Trees. Ethan deadpanned at the thought as he listened to Bentley explain more about the Tree's appetite. Hmm. Weird, but very interesting. The Slytherin shrugged and removed his gloves from his hands as the professor announced that they are dismissed.

Already?

He won't complain though because he himself is hungry. And yes, a slice of Blueberry Cheesecake sounds awesome. Ethan made his way near the exit as he eyed the plants guarding the door. Those too were interesting. Easy to get in, tricky to get out, no? The Slytherin decided to wait and see if anybody needs his help getting out.

Cris was glad that his answer was correct. He hoped that they would be working with the Flesh Eating Fir and was looking forward to it. But then his bubble burst when Professor Bentley announced that class was over. Disappointed, he brushed the fertilizer off his robes before he removed his gloves. Packing it inside his backpack, along with his journal, Cris slung the backpack before heading over to where Professor Bentley was standing.

Cris smiled and thanked the Professor. "That was a very interesting lesson, Professor Bentley. Professor, I was wondering, if it's alright with you, would there be any chance I could come back and feed the Flesh Eating plants again. If you have the time, I would like to practice doing that under your tutelage ," Cris asked her.

As he waited for his answer, he noticed some younger students waiting for someone to help stun the Snargaluff. Walking over to the plant while ensuring that he stayed out of reach of its thorny vines, Cris pointed his wand at it and said,"Stupefy," and when the plant looked sluggish, gave the all clear.

"It's clear to go past it now. Just keep an eye on it. The moment you start to see it moving more, call out and one of us will help stun them again," Cris smiled at the students before returning to wait to hear what the Professor had to say about his request.

"Thank you!" Said Lucy..."Immobilous ..it's a very useful spell! During which year of school you can learn this charm? I only Know "Wingardium Leviosa" ... By the way, my name is Lucy, a first year .. and you?"

Angel had no idea what spell she had to do the get out of the green house and she had no idea where her cutie-pie was when she needed him the most, she wished he would come to her rescue. "BENNY!!" Angel shouted as she looked around for him, surely he would help her right.

Bay smiled and was happy that the class was over "Awesome lesson Professor" he said while making his way through the greenhouse.

Taking out his wand he said "Immobilous" as Professor Bentley instructed. Seeing other students do the same, he waved good bye and headed up to his dorm to get rid of the fertilizer smell, because he smell bad, very bad.

Wait...class was done already? But Kyroh was just starting to learn about the dangerous-or maybe not so dangerous plants! It couldn't be over already! The first year sighed. He already had so many questions forming in his brain but maybe he would write them down and ask late? "Thank you Professor Bentley." You know, for teaching them and stuff!

As a few older kids began to stun some plants the Ravenclaw quickly followed after them.

So this plant was actually equivalent to a cannibal. Cool! Well, cannibalism wasn't cool on humans but Adi found it cool for plants. Meh. Maybe that was wrong but he couldn't help what he felt.

And then class was dismissed. Aw man! This had been a great lesson. Adi looked around as he heard his name being called rather loudly. He tapped AJ on the head lightly. "I'm right behind you,'' he told her. Indeed the third year was standing behind his friend. To Bentley, he called out, ''Awesome lesson, Professor!'' Now back to AJ. "Come on, let's go. I don't think the Snargaluff would let you go easily if you got tangled in it.'' Without thinking, he grabbed her hand with his right hand as he needed his left one for stunning the Snargaluff and pulled her towards the back door.

"Stupefy!'' the third year called out as they approached the plant, pointing his wand at it. Red light shot from the wand and hit the plant which fell limp. "All clear, AJ,'' Adi said with a smile. "Let's go.''

Wow, so this plant DID eat other flesh-eaters. It was amazing how nature worked.

A little sad that the lesson was over, Lux went over to Professor Bentley so that she could say goodbye before leaving. "Thanks for the awesome lesson, Professor. This class was really interesting and kind of fun dead rats aside." Because ewwwww. "I can't wait for the next lesson, and I wanted to tell you that I am an honorary Lion!" Giving a little RWAR, she waved good bye to the woman before heading off to the exit.

"IMMOBULUS!" Stunning the Snargaluff, she secured the exit for her and any younger students who might still be hanging around before heading back to the castle.

Feeling the tap on her head, AJ automatically looked up and saw Adi's face. "Oh yeah." Well, he wasn't going to leave her to wrestle with the vines so her hollering had served a purpose. Adi's thanks to the professor made her realize that she never told the professor thank you herself. "Yeah, thanks for the lesson professor! It was wicked!"


Surely the Snargaluff would let her go eventually? Oh well, now was not the time to argue her point because before she could open her mouth Adi's hand was wrapped around hers and was leading the way. He knew how to take charge and handle business, and AJ admired that. Not thinking into the whole hand holding situation the first year followed Adi and watched as he stunned the plant on the first go. "Nice shot!" She couldn't wait to be able to do that. AJ walked out the back door still hand in hand with Adi still not thinking about it.

Her mind went to her sisters. "Did Angel and Abby get out?" Who was helping them? It was hen that she realized that she was still holding his hand. "I guess you'd like that back." she said in a joking manner trying to make light of the situation while she released his hand. "Thanks for helping me out back there."

"Thanks,'' Adi said. The plant was down due to his good aim. As they exited the back door safely, AJ asked about her sisters. "I heard Angel shouting for Benny,'' he added stiffly. Of course Angel would be yelling for the third year Lion. She loved being around him. As for Abby..."I'm sure Abby will be fine. There are lots of older students in there.''

Adi hadn't even realised he was holding AJ's hand and he looked down in surprise when she said something about him wanting it back. He laughed. "Sorry, I didn't realise what I was doing.'' He hoped she didn't mind though. "No problem. You can always ask me whenever you need help with anything.''