Groundskeepers had a sordid history at Hogwarts, yeah? And it was interesting how they tended to burn out so quickly. Maddie was wondering whether or not there was some sort of conspiracy going on. Was the groundskeeper's living quarters laced with something sinister? Or MAYBE the headmistress only hired Hufflepuffs and they all met unfortunate ends. ONE thing was for sure, Coop was curious.

*KNOCK KNOCK* pause. *KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK*

Anybody home?

He just had to ride his skateboard before class starts.

Merlin knows what will happen this term, yes? What if the chorts came back? What if they got snowed-in again? Ethan simply must be outside, and enjoy the outdoors before it gets too cold…again. Since he had been skating since four years old, Ethan’s already a pro riding a skateboard in full speed. He did notice the Groundskeeper Hut instantly, and without second thoughts, diverted his skateboard towards it.

He had his eyes focused on the door that he didn’t see a large chunk of rock on his way.

BUMP.

Before he could even say hello, Ethan found himself semi-flying off of his skateboard, rolled on the ground, then crashed on the Groundskeeper’s door. Ethan winced and mouthed the word ‘ouch’ as he rubbed his shoulder.

Sigh. Anybody home?

Adjusting to life at Hogwarts was... difficult. Archie had pretty much been hibernating inside his hut for the first few days of term, but in his defence, he was totally busy decorating and making it as homely as possible. It was hard to do that in such a tiny space, but at least he was allowed to bring his pup. As of right now, Archie wasn't as busy as he wanted to be, and was actually taking a daytime nap with a copy of the Daily Prophet resting on his chest.

In fact, one knock alone wouldn't have woken him up, but FIVE? FIVE KNOCKS????? Archie almost faceplanted his floor. But instead he let out one massive SNORT and jumped to his feet.

Who could possibly be visiting him? He crept to the window and peeeeeered through just to check it wasn't some magical creature that had escaped from the Forbidden Forest. He had frequent nightmares about that forest, by the way. But nope, it was a CHILD. With his eyebrows pressed together in confusion, Archie smoothed down his clothes and creaked the door half way open. "Hello?" Come on, Archibald, be professor-like. "Hi there. Wh..." Pause. Archie tapped his chin. "Hmm... what can I do for you, miss?"

MISS?

Okay.... okay... now THAT wasn't a regular knocking sound. THAT was the sound of a magical creature coming to destroy him. Do you think he wasn't aware of the history of this job role, huh? New Groundskeeper every year, wasn't it? Well, Archie wouldn't be taken out so quickly.... hopefully.

The bang gave Archie such a fright that he had actually spilled his entire cup of tea down his front, "AGhRHH!" He yelped. Hot, hot, hot, hot. But this was too scary for him to fuss over that too much. He pulled out his wand and, again, peered through the window before going anywhere near the door. BUT THERE WAS NO ONE THERE?!?! The short man opened the door slowly and let out an epic sigh of relief when he saw a student lying on the ground. Didn't even matter about WHY he was lying there, Archie was just glad he wasn't about to be eaten.

"Oh, Merlin. Ohhhhh, Merlin, thank you." Archie lowered his wand and tucked it away. Ah, anyway, the student. "Hello..." Archie bent down just a touch and tilted his head to the side, "Any, err, reason you're camping on my doorstep?" Just wonderin'.

He heard the yelp all right, but that didn’t help Ethan’s pain at all. It was a nice, solid bump on the Groundskeeper door, and it was totally unexpected for the both of them. The boy’s mind raced as he massaged his arm. What…excuse will he tell this person? “Ouchouchouch.” Ethan turned to his side and continued to feel his arm. Yep, he’ll be expecting a bump and bruise right there.

He heard the shuffling, and the door opening……………..and why was this man…thanking Merlin?

He wasn’t wishing Ethan to drop from the sky, was he? Why would he, though?

And no sir, he didn’t plan this unceremonious way of greeting a new staff. Without looking at the man, Ethan pushed himself on all fours, then stood up on his feet as he brushed his shirt and trousers with his hands. “I’m sorry about that, sir. I was just—" Ethan looked up to see…the interiors of the Groundskeeper’s hut. Was the man that small? It took him a while to look down at the man, but quickly gave him a warm smile. Merlin, it’s either the new keeper of keys was short, or the fourth year was tall for his age standing at 5'6". Ethan did not dare comment about it, instead he continued to talk like nothing happened. “Well, I wanted to welcome you in Hogwarts personally sir. I'm Ethan Mordaunt.” He said as he stuck out his hand. “…and I’m…sorry about the bang on your door.” He said eyeing the man’s wet shirt.

Oops?

Archie was glad that the boy picked himself up, because there was no way he had the physical strength to do any student lifting. He straightened up as the boy was now on his feet, and folded his arms across his chest to try and cover up his spillage. Thank Merlin, once again, for it not spilling over his trousers. "Ah, no harm..." He paused to look over his door. Archie squinted just to double check for any markings, "...done." He smiled reassuringly at the child. Wait, was he... peeking into his hut?

How rude.

Archie cleared his throat dramatically and soon lost his smile. "Thank you, Mister Mordaunt, that's very thoughtful of you." Although Archie kind of wanted to rename him Ethan Nosy-Parker Mordaunt. Pssht. He gave the boy a firm shake of the hand then resumed to cover his shirt with his arms folded. "Uhh...." Now what?

"Would you like to come in for a cup of tea?" Getting down with da kids was on his to-do list. "Mr Millard, by the way." If he wasn't listening during the feast.

Now it was his turn to thank Merlin! No harm done on school property! Pheww-y!

Ethan however, took note of the sudden change of expression. Was this man bi-polar? Whether he is or not, he'd be careful. Maybe he's vertically challanged, but he just might have other strengths. The blond boy wanted to know. So far...he's interesting. Very interesting. The handshake was returned, and Ethan felt his brain shook inside his skull. See? The strength coming from the man's arm definitely made up for his height.

The prefect deduced that it might be from him being an expert when it comes to tending the ground?

Maybe.

And now an invitation! Who would pass up that chance, yeah? "I'd love to, Mr. Millard." he replied and waited for the man to let him in. Does he have a first name? Or...was it a secret?

Please say no, please say no.

Of course he wouldn't say no. This was Ethan Nosy-Parker Mordaunt. He wanted to get a good look at Archie's hut, right?! The small man nodded and moved aside to let the boy in, which sparked the attention of his little doggie straight away. He was a good pup when it came to knocks at the door. Never bothered him, but when visitors were actually allowed to enter the room, he went a bit nuts because he never usually saw anyone but Archie.

Archie let the dog do its thing and jump up at Ethan as he made his way to his kettle. "That's my pup, Rolo. Do you... take sugar?" He turned and pointed at Ethan rather abruptly.

Important question.

THIS guy was peculiar, yeah? AND acting HIGHLY suspicious. WHY was his door only a bit open, hm? Harboring some illegal creatures in there? And WHAT made him look at her like that? Plus he was having trouble SPEAKING which couldn't be good. Perhaps he needed a trip to the healer. Surely assisting him THERE would earn her favor, yes? She'd need to offer if the man continued on like this. That was the plan, anyway.

"Miss MADDIE." He'd want to remember that. "Maddie Cooper, Sir. I just wanted to come down and introduce myself. Didn't have much of a chance to meet the LAST groundskeeper." Oh, a smile would work nice here, right? And so the twelve year old smiled sweetly at the strange man, hoping that he wasn't some kind of WEIRDO who was going to cook her for dinner. She was SURE she'd read a muggle story about a woman in a hut-like thing doing THAT to children.

...She then wondered what she'd taste like. Probably chocolate.

Ethan kept his grin as he walked inside the man's hut. It wasn't so bad, in fact it was cosy. The fact that it was situated outdoors, it was the perfect place to hang out after a busy day in school.

He was having a good look around, when a movement caught his attention. Thank Merlin he's got fast reflexes, because he caught the puppy just in time. Momo-- his own dog back home was like that too. Jumping and farting at the same time. Yup. "Hello, bud!" Ethan carried the pup, stroking its head as he looked for a nice chair to settle in. Mr. Millard didn't offer any seat yet, so he'll just keep on standing as he waited for his tea. "Yes please." he likes his drink sweet, actually.

"Have you met Professor Botros, sir? He's got a crup named Feo." he said as he looked at the man preparing their tea. "He and Rolo should meet up some time." Ethan felt bad for Feo because he's stuck inside the old man's office most of the time. Botros would often ask the students to take his own pet for a run.

Yes.

A freaking run around the castle grounds. Hallways even, if the weather doesn't permit them to be outdoors.

GULP.

Maddie Cooper. Archie somehow figured that this would be a name to keep a record of, given her immediate comment about the LAST groundskeeper. He didn't want to think about THAT, thank you very much. His eyes widened a bit, "Well... how... mm... lovely it is to meet you, Miss Ma... Cooper." The man straightened up his posture and lifted his head up just to make himself look a little bit taller. It was an authority thing. Archie didn't even realize he was doing it.

"Luckily, I'm hoping to be sticking around much longer than the last groundskeeper, and..." Awkward pause. "Any... groundskeepers before as well. Hopefully." Unless, of course, something took him away in the night down the Forbidden Forest. Archie let out a very short and nervous chuckle.

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

..........

"Haven't you got, errrr, homework to be getting on with today, Miss Cooper?" That felt like a staffish to say.

Archie turned just for a moment to see what havoc Rolo was putting Ethan through. Thankfully, he was acting more excited than he had in months. Huh, maybe the pup got bored of Archie. Whatev. He smiled a bit at their interaction before turning back around to add the sugar and milk to both of their teas. 'Cause you know, Archie needed a new cuppa, too.

AHEM.

Once he was done, he fumbled around for his wand and gave it a quick wave over his shirt to clear up the mess. "I think he likes you." He commented as he brought the tea towards the table and chairs. "Please, take a seat." Had he forgotten to say that? Archie sat down, too, and tapped his knees.

"Professor Botros?" He squinted one eye and tapped his chin thoughtfully, "Yes, I... must've seen him at the feast." Of course he would have. They were all there. "Oh?" That was kinda exciting. DOGGIE DATES, EHEHEHEHEHE. "We'll have to stop by his office one day, then!" He and Rolo, that is. Archie wondered what Anastasia would say about him dragging his dog through the castle, and soon thought against it.

"You have any pets, kid....?" What was his surname again? Archie could apparently only remember that it began with an M by this point, and it felt far too casual to call him ETHAN on their first meeting. He just trailed off and looked at the boy curiously.

Was he SCARED of her? Maddie was getting those vibes, yeah? She was mildly amused now too because she was twelve and he was-well-ANCIENT. He most definitely knew more spells than her so even if she WAS looking to bother the guy, he'd have the upper hand. Relaaaax, groundskeeper. We're here on a friendly visit. "Nice to meet you too, Mr.--" He hadn't said HIS name yet, right? Or had the headmistress mentioned it at the feast...she couldn't remember right now. "Sorry. I don't know what you're called." But he'd tell her, yes? Sharing is caring after all.

"I'm sure you will, Sir. If you're worried you could always hire a body guard." PAUSE. "Or get a large dog." Big and scary and mean. A disgruntled kneazle could work too, actually. "I have a Zeus that you could have for a price. He's not a dog but he's mean." Did he feel more at ease NOW? She was being so helpful here.

Homework? He was trying to get rid of her, yes? Sadly she wasn't ready to go, not yet. "No, Sir. Not yet anyway. I do have to stop by the library later to read up on flesh-eating plants but I figured we could have a chat first." She paused, giving him big innocent eyes. "That is if you're not too busy for me."

Ethan looked up just as the Groundskeeper made his comment about his pet liking him. The fourth year liked muggle animals. They’re non-magical, and that makes them more interesting to the boy. The prefect smiled at the man, then went back to scratching Rolo’s head. “I’m sure he’d love it here. He’s got a huge ground to play on. Right, buddy?” Merlin, why can’t he bring Momo to school like the rest of the staff? Was it some sort of…special privilege?

Ethan waited for the man to sit down before he did. He’s polite like that. “Thank you, sir.” For the chair and the tea. What a lovely man he was. Yup! “Yes, Professor Botros. He’s the Ancient Runes professor. His designated chair is situated at the far left of the staff table, facing the dais.” Now, can Mr. Millard recall him now? The feast was just…two days ago. “He’s a charming man, and I’m the two of you will get along.” Ethan nodded as he reached out for his tea and took a sip.

Pets? He’s only got one. “I have a dog too at home. His name is Momo, a black French bulldog.” Is Archie familiar with dog breeds? Ethan would know depending on his answer. The blond boy however did not miss the amount of plants and vegetables surrounding Archie’s hut, just before he crashed on his door. “By any chance…are you into Herbology? Or…are you just fond of…planting, sir?” There must be a difference, yes?

Mister..........

Archie raised his eyebrows and waited for her to remember but... nope. Well, nice to know people were listening to his introduction at the feast, huh?! "Millard. Mr Millard." He hated his surname. He wished he could just go by Archie to the kids, but that would be inappropriate or something. Whatevs.

"Weeell..." Archie began, in a bit of a squeaky voice, "I do have a dog, actually." Not so much a big one... or a tough one... but a dog, nonetheless. "Not sure he's a hero kind of pup, though, if you know what I mean." A bit of a pansy, just like Archie. He tilted his head to the side and squinted his eyes. Was he supposed to know what a Zeus was? Was this a pet of hers? "Uhhh, Zeus?" Whatever it was, he did not want it, thank you very much.

Was she still going to stick around? Was she trying to be nosy and get inside his hut, too? Archie was a bit more hesitant about letting this one in. He had a feeling she would ask him 20 questions about each and every possession of his. "Flesh-eating plants? Golly." He was amused by this, mostly because he had never really had any experiences with those plants. Only briefly when he was at school but that was a long time ago. They sounded absolutely ridiculous and terrifying. "Oh, no, no... not too busy... not really." He paused, thinking he had said the wrong thing. "I mean, not yet... I will be in a bit. Probably." There.

"Yeah." Archie agreed, unconvincingly. "Wouldn't want him running anywhere near that forest, though." Always back to the forest. Did he have the authority to call someone in to tear the forest from its roots? If it was forbidden, then what was the point in it?

This Professor Botros must be interesting if this kid could remember his exact seat during the feast. Archie raised an eyebrow and thought back to the night. The only man he didn't speak to properly was the old guy. He snapped his fingers. "Of course, the deputy headmaster." Duuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuh. "Well, I'll have to meet this Professor, then."

"Ahhhhhhh!" This got Archie all excited. A French bulldog, awww. "Lovely! Bet you miss him when you're at school, huh?" Still, the kid looked like he didn't have long left anyway. Into Herbology? Well, you could say that. "Yes, I guess so. I studied it for a bit at university." Before he dropped out, but he wouldn't mention THAT to a student, of course! "But very fond of planting. I..." Why was he telling this child his life story? "... just finished up as a private gardener, to come here." Archie nodded. Time to shut up before he revealed his secrets.

He sipped his cup of tea with his eyebrows raised. A little hot but that was no biggie. He was used to it.

"I DO know what you mean, Mr. Millard." Millard. Reminded her of Mallard and now all she could see was ducks. Ah well, at least she'd have a way to remember his name. Associations were always helpful. "Zeus is a kneazle. A male one with a big ego and a proclivity for pouncing." Not quite a hero feline but one that was more likely to protect you than Millard's pup, that much seemed definite.

The brunette was being nosy. It was the way he was behaving the urged her on, like he was trying to hide something. Brown eyes kept trying to peek past him into his hut, curious about what might be inside. She wanted to see the cowardly pup now, yeah? "They're fascinating. D'you know that you have to floss their teeth? Dangerous job but it's a fun challenge." Maybe THAT'S what he needed, a flesh-eating plant! Something to think about, no doubt.

Eyebrows were raised at the man's response and Maddie was starting to wonder where they got this one from. Seemed to be a few goal posts short of a Quidditch pitch if you know what I'm saying. "Do you maybe need HELP with whatever will be making you busy in a bit?"

Yes. That’s him, Professor Bot…wait, what? Deputy Headmaster!? Ethan contained his squeal of excitement, and instead cleared his throat to keep his calm. The prefect definitely needs to visit the old man. Congratulate him and all. “If you plan to visit him, I would suggest giving him herbal tea leaves. He likes that stuff.” Well, Ethan wasn’t so sure, but why would he ask students last term to get him a couple from the Greenhouses, yeah? The fourth year was kinda sorta getting the vibe that Mr. Millard got those herbal stuff around his garden.

Seeing how much he cared about Rolo, it seems that Mr. Millard only has his dog for company. Ethan did not dare ask to see if his crude theory was correct. He’d have to leave it just like that. “How about putting a mild shield charm along the edge of the forest, sir? That can help.” He said shrugging his shoulder nonchalantly. If Ethan was in his position, he’d do that to make sure that his pet was safe. “Of course I do sir. Momo and I are pretty close.” Truth. And it was hard for the blond kid to leave his lovely bulldog at home. What a darling pet he is.

And now…here’s more information about the Groundskeeper from the man himself. He studied Herbology…but then preferred its more relaxed…branch? Was that it? “Is planting more fun than…Herbology?” Ethan asked as he shifted in his seat, took a sip of his tea, and continued to stroke Rolo’s head. “If it is, maybe you can show me the ropes on how to plant my own…plant? I’m terrible in Herbology, so maybe learning the how-to’s of planting might help me understand Herbology more…”

Please say yes, kind sir?

Delilah made her way down to the grounds, carrying a box of freshly-baked cookies. The blonde had taken up baking lately for some reason.. but it was fun. And her chocolate chip cookies actually tasted pretty good. Practice makes perfect, right? .. And she had practiced quite a bit.

She briskly walked towards the hut, kind of enjoying the pleasant, sunny weather and knocked on the door with her free hand, a small smile on her face.

Archie was suddenly amused by Maddie's enthusiasm and just by the way she generally spoke. He cracked a small smile, and nodded. "Ah, of course." Great name for a kneazle, he thought, to himself, quietly. "Do you have Zeus here at school with you?" Archie was about to say he would love to meet him but that would require inviting Maddie back to his hut another time. And he was not about to do THAT.

"Yes." And hats off to anyone who had the guts for that. Archie would never do it. "You won't find any of those around this hut..." He paused and looked over her shoulder, "... or any of the grounds... I think..." He looked up and had a personal brain raid. "I'd better check that out actually." Archie said, to himself mainly. He expected they'd be near the greenhouses but that wasn't such a bad deal.

Help? With... uhhhhhhh, catching up on sleep?!

"Uhhhhhhh, no." He said simply. No. No. Never. Get off my land. Not really, he didn't mean that. His land was WELCOMING. "Thank you for that offer, but it's just... important teacher-y stuff." Even though he wasn't exactly a teacher. Whatever he could try and use it as an excuse, he supposed.



Archie scratched his chin and gave Ethan an odd kind of stare. Why would he want to give Professor Botros a gift? Shouldn't people be giving HIM gifts since he was the new guy? Hmm. "I see. Does he..." He grinned, "... not let people into his office unless they have tea leaves or something?" Ha, that would be ridiculous... but always good to know. Archie's amused expression went to a serious one as he waited for the response.

"That's... not a bad idea." He would've expected one to have been put on there permanantly already, but there was no harm in checking and possibly increasing the shield around it. "Ahh..." Archie sipped his tea again, "That's a shame. At least that makes your time together more special." Eh, he supposed. Just trying to make him feel better about it really.

More fun? Ehhhhhhh... "I guess so?" Well, yes, it was. "Planting became a hobby so, of course, I enjoyed it." Herbology felt like more slave work, particularly at University. Archie didn't feel the need to go into details about what he continued to do at University, because he was being asked for help with planting. EEEEEEEEEEP. This was great!! He put his tea on the table and sorta smacked his knees with excitement. "Absolutely...!!" Woah, too much. He cleared his throat and softened his expression. "Of course, I'd be delighted. You can pop over any time, we should..." Let's think. Where would be the best place for this? "... probably plant things in a place with a bit more sunlight." Since there was lots of trees around here. Forest and all.

The lake might work. Archie tapped his chin thoughtfully.



Archie was actually behind his hut today, watering a few of his beloved vegetables. He was a man who liked to eat food grown by himself, but they weren't half taking their time! His head popped round the hut when he heard a knock at his door. His confidence with visitors was much improving the more he was here. Actually, he quite enjoyed when students came to introduce themselves. They weren't this lovely when HE came to school here.

"Hi there." He said broadly after popping his watering can down. Archie rubbed his hands against his trousers and tugged at his hat to make sure it was still on properly. "Can I help you?" He eyed her box curiously.

No, it wasn't a weapon of mass-destruction. Stop thinking that.

Was that a SMILE? Well LOOK at THAT! Maybe the dude was relaxing and good thing TOO. She didn't want him to have a heart attack or anything. Maddie definitely didn't do first aid and she DIDN'T fancy cradling a near-death groundskeeper in her delicate arms. NO thank you. "I do, Sir. He's currently under my bed in his self-made kneazle cave. Been bit of a grump lately, Z has." The second year looked solemn as she shrugged her shoulders. Sometimes felines were hard to read.

Flesh-eating plants really weren't that bad if you were knowledgeable about handling them. Bentley had taught her that much. "S'probably for the best considering they might try and eat the little creatures running about." Might leave a bit of a mess to clean and that wouldn't be fun. "Bet you could ask the new Herbology 'fessor before you go looking. Might save you the trouble." She was SO helpful, yeah?

Still trying to get her to leave, huh? INTERESTING. Maddie's eyebrows arched slightly and she tilted her head, deciding it was time to leave so this guy could do whatever teacher-y things he needed to.

"Well I'll let you get to it, then. It was nice to meet you, Mr. Millard. M'sure I'll see you around." And if it sounded like a threat, it wasn't meant to. Maddie was just interested in this one. Someone so peculiar was surely up to something.

Ethan sipped his tea, as his brows raised at Millard’s question. “Oh, it’s perfectly fine if you don’t bring him anything.” Finishing his tea, he placed his cup carefully on the table. “I think it’s just a good idea to bring him something from your garden, seeing that you like planting stuff. Nice way to introduce yourself to the Deputy, sir.” See? He was being helpful, and he wanted Millard to be in Botros’ good books.

“With that in mind Mr. Millard, can I take your dog for a walk some time? It’ll help me take my mind off of school stuff for a while.” Ethan was sure that Millard knows how tough a student’s life could be, especially one that is a prefect.

The blond boy smiled at Archie’s enthusiasm, and returned it with an excited nod of his own. “Brilliant! Just tell me when and where, and I’ll definitely show up.” Even if he hated Herbology, he was always up to learn new things. Clearly, if he wanted to achieve his goals, he’d need all the help he could get. “Anyway sir, it was lovely chatting with you.” He said, putting Millard's dog, down on the floor as he stood up. “I must return to the castle now, and do my prefect duties.” Y’know, see if his Snakes are behaving? “It was a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Millard. Thank you for your time…and tea.” Ethan grinned as he held out his hand for a handshake.

"Exactly." He said, regarding the flesh-eating plants. Archie didn't think he'd start bothering the Herbology professor about it, though. Honestly, he found it very difficult to just show up at someone's office door and pry on things. Apparently students of Hogwarts did not find that hard.

Does that make him sound like a miserable bugger?

FINALLY she was leaving. Archie smiled a little wider than he had wanted to, so he soon lowered it to a placid expression. "Well, lovely... thank you for stopping by, Miss M... Cooper. It was a pleasure to meet you, too." Aaaaaaaand goodbye.



Things to do, then... meet the deputy headmaster properly. Archie just nodded and made a mental note. Next thing to do, remember Ethan Mordaunt's name because he could come in handy in the future. "Absolutely!" He beamed at his offer to walk Rolo. Not that Archie was ever preoccupied with much to keep him from doing it himself, but it would still be nice. "Pop over any time!" This felt like a favourite student kinda moment...

Archie stood up as Ethan did, and looked up at him. He was a prefect??? More impressive. "Of course. Pleasure is all mine, Mr Mordaunt. Thank you for stopping by." It really was nice for students to bother. He shook his hand firmly then went to get the door for him.

Hands down, this lesson had become far less amusing than the one with King Trident if only for the fact that at least they weren't required to walk all the way across the grounds right after just to drop these off. Didn't plants belong in the greenhouse? What would the new Groundskeeper be doing with all of these? Certainly he'd run out of room and they'd stop being decorative after the first 10 or so...but she'd assume he could figure that out for himself so Lex simply made her way down to the hut.

Not many had been finished around her time and there was no one she'd have been happy waiting to walk down with so she took the walk alone--not technically, if you counted the plant but it was hardly brilliant company if you asked her.

"Alright, here you go little guy. Don't be getting sick again because I don't plan to waste another trying to make you better." It was important it understood that she'd leave it to die the next time around because that would only mean it was being difficult about living. Lex didn't force things to live and she wouldn't start now.

Not having been told where exactly she was meant to drop it off, she spent a few minutes spinning this way and that before deciding to leave it perched on the window's ledge. Surely the new guy--what was his name even--wouldn't go knocking it off. Not that she'd know or care if he did.

Adi was wondering why in the world the plants had to go to Mr Archie's hut. Shouldn't they be at the Greenhouse? Oh well. Professor Botros knew what he was doing. He was ancient but certainly not senile.

Adi followed his classmates down to the hut. Thank goodness it wasn't thaaaat heavy. He set the pot down next to the hut when he arrived there. "Bye, bye, plant. You stay healthy now.''

Right. now that class was over, what was a Hufflepuff to do? Maybe a trip to the Kitchen...

Jasmine made the trek down to the Groundskeeper's hut with her little plant in tow. Fortunately it was a nice day because the walk would not have been as pleasant otherwise. Looking down at her plant, Jasmine smiled. He was looking so much better and she was glad of that. If the plant had died because of her rune ineptitude, well that would have been very bad.

Arriving at the hut, Jasmine wasn't sure where to leave the plant. She didn't see any other students around so she decided to leave it on the porch. She looked for a sunny spot that would be out of harms way. Finding a place that she thought was acceptable, Jasmine gently set the pot down. "Bye little plant", Jasmine said. She didn't know what would be done with their plants, but she wished she could keep track of her plant's progress. Suddenly Jasmine had an idea. Digging into her bag, she pulled out a marker. Then picking her plant up again, she made a tiny J on the side of the pot. "There, now I can find you again", she said to the plant. Satisfied, Jasmine put the plant back down and headed back to the castle.

Angel had taken ages to get her plant healed and now she was a bit scared of leaving it anywhere especially with the amounts of plants that were getting ill and she was going to be speaking to Professor Bentley when she could remember to send her an Owl... seriously she wouldn't like what was happing to her plants.

Angel looked at the plant as she put it down. "Try not to get hurt, little plant." Angel still didn't want to leave it... she totally wished she could keep it. It would go well with the plant that Benny had given her. "I'll try and get around to seeing you sometime soon." Angel really wanted to see the plant again and the next time she hoped it wouldn't be ill.