This was the answer that AJ was expecting, but it still bummed her out knowing that it was all final. She let out a sigh. An almost inaudible "aw man" escaped her lips. Soon enough Adi was there, and his presence alone was able to cheer her up. "Hey!" She laughed. "Don't get used to it. I just thought maybe something unicorn related would be happening." But it wasn't, so no more being early to class. Ethan came over by her and he got a warm smile. "Sup man?" It had been a while since she had said more than a few word to him. Before long Benny and Angel were joining them too. This was the part of table to be at! "Hey, guys." Before she could say much more the lesson was starting. No more loss of points for her.

_________________________________________

YAY! AJ LOVED field trips, and just loved being outdoors in general. This time though, she wasn't going to shriek even though there weren't any animals to distress today. Wait--- forbidden forest? Surely they wouldn't be going in there. Not after the whole student being eaten by a spider thing happened. AJ would be down to go, but yeah. That wasn't going to happen.

Bad plants. Hmmm... Oh, she had one. AJ waved her hand around in the air, and waited to be called on. "What about the Chinese chomping cabbage?" That could probably chomp your face off. Of course, you could probably just stomp it, but still.

You know, it was starting to get boring because of the empty greenhouse...and two adult person up front chatting away. Meeh. It must be the downside of being too early for class. His blank face turned into a grin when Lux came in. "Heya Lux!" It has been a while. And yesss. He got the correct twin! That boyish 'tude cannot be mistaken. "I'm good!" Ethan beamed at her. Then there was that familiar looking, former Durmstranian waving frantically at him. Ethan chuckled and returned the gesture.

HELLO. HAI! Ethan walked over to her and gave her a nudge too. Hello familiar face! He also saw Zander walk in...Oh Merlin. He's heard things. Ethan can't help but feel awful for Simon's crazy friend. What if he lost his best buddy? Sad, sad, SAD.



He was about to take another step to join Sophie, Zander, and Tobias when Professor Archie called their attention. Oooookay. Maybe he'll just say his greetings later on...

Okay. Dangerous Plants. There's plenty. Even an oak tree is dangerous if you're not paying attention to where you are going. Simple as that. But seriously though, a dangerous plant? He's got one in mind. Hand up. "Venomous Tentacula, professor." Like...it's the king of dangerous plants. All the others are babies...

As more people walked in, Lux sent them waves. Awww, Toby seemed so excited to be here. That was cute. This lesson should be a lot of fun.

Yep. There was going to be a field trip. SO EXCITING!! That was always amazing, though the mention of the Forbidden Forest made her a little wary. Obviously they wouldn't be stepping inside that awful place, but still...it was EVIL and CREEPY. A lot of people were mentioning Devil's Snare, but she was wondering about other plants. "There aren't flesh eating plants, are there?" she asked after raising her hand. It was one thing to feed them meat from a bucket, but Lux didn't want to become plant food.

So they wouldin fact be venturing out on the grounds with the greenhouse they were currently in simply a starting point. The more mundane parts of the grounds of course, not anywhere near the forest like they had with the unicorn lesson due to the events with the acromantulas. Perfectly fine by Benny. The creatures of the Forbidden Forest were not the type of creatures the Gryffindor ever wanted to study.

As for the question, there was one dangerous plant that stuck out in his mind that no one had mentioned yet. So he raised his hand to answer. "The Snargaluff plant....or tree. " Benny wasn't quite sure which it actually was though it looked like a dead tree.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Emzily

"Before we disappear outside, I have a question for you all. What dangerous plants could we find in the wizarding world? Perhaps even in the Hogwarts grounds? The Forbidden Forest, maybe?" Which they unfortunately couldn't go into in today's lesson given recent events. Sad.

Woohooooo, start of class! Evie paid close attention to the professor as he began the class and was delighted to hear that they would be venturing out onto the grounds. The weather was starting to get nice, so she was glad they could go work out in the sunshine.

At his question, Evie immediately shot up her hand. "My brother almost got eaten by a man-eating plant once, here at Hogwarts, like five or six years ago." Something like that. She was grinning... until she realized it was probably strange that she was so excited about announcing this. Evie composed herself. "I can't remember what it was called though." So, in short, she didn't really have anything useful to add. Just a fun fact.

AW YIS. Thumbs up from MILLARD. What a GOOD DAY.

But DANGEROUS plants, huh? That was kinda funny, because danger was so weird in that some people seemed to think it was eVERYWHERE. And it probably WAS everywhere for some people. But not everyone. SOme people were, like, totally IMPERVIOUS to danger.

Still bouncing away, Toby threw his hand up in the air so quickly he was in danger of doing himself an injury.

"OOH, Professor, I got one. BouNCING BULBS." Bouncing. Like him. Ha. HahaAHAHA. That was funny. "'Cause, like... they might not be flesh-eaters or any of THAT, but the little ones could have your EYE out if you're not careful. Or give you a right shiner." Enthusiastic nodding right hurrr. "And the big ones can FLATTEN you. 'Cause if they feel threatened they get all 'rarrr' and aggressive, kinda like animals-" he was making LINKS here, between the classes "-and they could getcha." This was all said with such a big grin and cheery disposition you would be forgiven for thinking that he wasn't talking about DANGER and POSSIBLE INJURY.

BRUH.

Well, heading outside later definitely explained the lack of preparation in the greenhouse, but that was not something to think about now. Now that the lesson had started.

Dangerous plants, then. Hopefully whatever they may be working with later didn't put the students in too much harm. Correction, hopefully the grffyindors would be alright in the end. Finn realized that some of the kids were giving out answers other classmates may have already said and had kept that in mind. He did have an answer, but he wasn't quite sure if it would fit into the catergory that Professor Milard wanted. Anything was better than standing around and nodding aimlessly at everyone.

"How... about ali-alihost-alihosty?" Was that how it was said. "Doesn't it make you go mental or or something? If-if you go near them." That was all he knew, and had to offer, even if it may not be right, or completely understandable.

If that plant did cause people to go crazy.... well, was there an abundance of that plant here at Hogwarts? It could explains all of the odd events circulating the castle.

After some super answers, Archie clapped his hands together and looked towards the whole class. "Excellent answers from some of you. That was just a quick, warm-up question before we disappear into the grounds. I wanted to make you all aware that magical plants can appear anywhere in our world, and it is important that we treat every one we come across with vigilance and care. And whilst we will not be venturing into the Forbidden Forest today, you will probably be happy to hear, I would like all of you to keep your eyes open for plants you see on your journey." They really are everywhere. All kinds. Even Talking Toadstools. Heheheh.

ANYWAY...

"Another important thing to remember about plants, particularly in the outdoor environment, is that they are often habitable. I'll pass you over to Professor Thompson with concerns to this, but first, let's get outside!" Archie was so excited. He bounced all the way over to the greenhouse door.

"Follow me in an orderly manner, please!" No pushing the tiny professor over. Archie lead the group of students out of the greenhouses, past the Vegetable Patch, just past the Whomping Willow, until they were nearby the Giant Treehouse. The main focus was a group of surrounding trees. Like a mini forest, but... not. It was a bit of a long walk, but they had time to stand and rest before the first activity.

OOC: Since the greenhouses are already in the grounds, I'm gonna keep this thread here, so you can just post your character leaving and arriving in one post. Class will continue tomorrow.

They were ON THE MOVE. That suited Toby just FINE.

He was still grinning super big from Millard liking his answer so much, and that grin widened even MORESO as he bounced along after the Herbology professor and out onto the grounds. He was like a human supercharged pogo stick and perhaps going in a little LESS of an orderly fashion than Millard was after BUT LIKE nobody was getting stampeded so ALL GOOD HERE.

The trek was PERFECT after standing still for that ten whole minutes, and Toby reached the trees they were led to still grinning goofily and with a bounce in his step. Still as energetic as ever, too. So the bouncing continued.

Nice day though, wasn't it? Just a really beautiful DAY.

BOUNCEBOUNCE.

Flesh eating plants lived there. Not a big surprise, honestly. As Professor Millard told her that there was nothing to worry about, Lux nodded. She trusted him and Thompson to have their backs, though she would still be practicing the whole constant vigilance thing that the Headmistress had battered into their heads recently.

Anyway, it was time to head outside. Happily Lux made her way out to the grounds while wondering what they would be doing while on this little field trip.

ZOMG DANGEROUS PLANTS!

His hand shot up, ready to spill the words FLESH EATERS AND WHOMPERS... cause the whomping willow was pretty darn dangerous too. But... he didn't get the chance. Boo.

Oh well... at least they'd get to go out and about.

...

Zeke did as he was instructed and made his way out into the grounds for their little in-school excursion. INCURSION. Were they going to be allowed to go into the forest? Cause that'd be cool... never mind that kid dying there.

Quote:

Interesting first answer. "Indeed. Especially for werewolves." And wolves. He nodded towards the girl. Well, she would obviously know that.

Hady gave a small nod in return. Her answer wasn't one that anyone else had said but that was a good thing to her. She knew her plants...well okay she didn't. She knew which ones to stay 'away' from. Knowing that was a good thing if nothing more.

Anyhow they were moving on and going outside! Fresh air!

The snakette made her way outside the greenhouse following the Professor and her classmates. Her gaze swept over everything along the way coming to rest on the all the trees around them when they finally came to a stop.

Trees! Could they climb them! She was hoping they could cause climbing was fun.

You know... The longer they just stood here, the more he felt like maybe he shouldn't have shown up to class after all... Though he did give that Norah girl a weak smile. It was obvious that she noticed he was feelin a bit down. Actually no, a bit would be an understatement. But yeah, he did appreciate the compliment, just wasn't all the mood to compliment back or anything like he normally would've. He was just here for the lesson, alright? And he still wasn't even sure if showing up for it was the right choice. Not with everything going on.

Still waiting, his eyes fell on Sophie Brown and before he knew it, he was being pulled over to the other side of the table. No doubt they'd be going to stand by her Toberson. He was really nice though, so Zander gave him a small nod. Was it okay if he wasn't smiling back though? Because Toberson was smiling huge.

And then they were moving. He looked over at Sophie Brown before walking right up behind her Toberson as they made their way out of the greenhouse and towards some trees. Maybe they were going to get the day off to go climb the Treehouse or something? Wouldn't that be nice?

Oh. Okay then. Bye bye, Zander dude. Norah didn't even have time to move on to phase two (the hugging one, which was always the best) before he'd been taken away. 'Cept it was Sophie Brown doing the taking, and she was the smartest ever, or something, so it was probably for a good reason. She gave the pair a totally-not-confused grin, before glancing at the now empty spot beside her. Loneliness didn't even MATTER though, and neither did the fact that she'd failed at making somebody happy 'cause it was time for PLANTS and ANIMALS and WOOH. Okay, fine. It mattered. But she only stopped smiling for a second or two, alright? Then back to grinning 'cause PLANTS.

The third year followed Professor Millard out the greenhouse door with substantial bounce in her step, letting thoughts of cool stuff like dangerous plants carry her all the way to wear the tree house was. Cool! Were they gonna climb trees? That'd be a super duper fun way to spend a lesson, yep. Super duper.

Tobes was... Merlin, the kid was on an UP day, wasn't he? She could hardly concentrate on anything the herbology professor was saying as class got started and she just watched the Hufflepuff with amusement, occasionally glancing at Zander with a goofy grin as if to say, Look at this nerd. Sure, Zander didn't look even an ounce as happy as Tobes did, but the kind of enthusiasm the sixth year was radiating was VERY contagious, at least for this Ravenclaw.

So, with a smile on her face, Sophie completely missed the whole introductory conversation to the class and only started moving when everyone else did, still snickering at Tobes' elation and looping her arm with Zander's encouragingly as they all walked outside, not passing up the opportunity to lightly prod at his side as they went. Anything to hopefully get even the tiniest of smiles out of the sad Gryffindor, okay?

At least it was a nice day and they'd get some sunshine. Sunshine would brighten Zander's spirits, wouldn't it? And the fresh air? And the friendship? Maaaybe?

Professor Archie was given a nod, to say thanks. Herbology is like...his worst subject, but that doesn't mean he'll fail it. Merlin knows how much he needs to get a decent grade at least to make the final cut in his chosen career.


Just like everyone else, Ethan turned and followed the rest of his classmates outside. He looked from his left...to his right all through out their journey towards the...what's it called? Mini-forest? The Slytherin looked past the shorter students ahead of him and examined what he saw. Okay. Is there a magical creature inside it? Hmm...

Eden was at a loss. Dangerous plant? Literally the ONLY one she could think of was the most OBVIOUS one, Devil's Snare. Eh. And everyone was saying it--so she just kind of kept quiet and listened. So many smart people here. No one said anything stupid. Eden had faith in humanity a bit.

Hmph. For now.

Aaaaand time to go outside? OKAY. Eden's FAVORITE place--outside. She'd live in a treehouse one day--SHE WOULD, THOUGH. IT WOULD SO HAPPEN. She kind of stuck by Lux but also felt kind of....solitary right now. Not to chatty, and a little bit hungry. Her stomach gave a huuuuuuge rumble.

Merlin.

Yep! Devil's Snare WAS certainly a whole lot dangerous. Adi made a mental note of other answers given by his classmates. There certainly quite an amount of those around. And then the good news. Outside time!

He let AJ walk ahead of him as they followed the Groundskeeper/ Professor until they were close to the Treehouse. Adi eyed the trees. Where there creatures that were lurking about among them? Come on out, creatureeees!

AJ was glad that Ethan was doing well. She hated when her friends were down. The lion glanced over at Zander. Something was still off with him. Hmm...

Only some of the answers were good, eh? Well, she knew her answer was in that category so no sweat off her back. Chomping cabbages could be fierce, she just knew it. Other people had mentioned some pretty wicked plants, and AJ was already excited. Thompson was probably here because bad animals probably lived in these bad plants, and WHEE, she loved adventures.

Field trip time. Field trip time. Field trip time. The professor was bouncing out of the greenhouse so that meant it was okay. Bounce, bounce, bounce. She made her way in front of Adi and bounced all the way over to the treehouse. Whoops, she forgot to look for plants along the way.

Venturing out of the Greenhouses with the students led by Professor Millard with Professor Thompson right behind. Eventually once they approached the Treehouse, "Through here." Before directing them towards the group of many trees just past the Treehouse before he began.

"Take a good look around you," Javier gestured at the trees, "We will be spending the duration of our lesson here." Now why was that? "As you already or should know, the trees have proven their usefulness to everyone." The particular details Archie would be more likely to go into later on, "But first we will want to be aware that these trees are currently inhabited by Bowtruckles." Bam, the mystery on their creature of the day was revealed. "Now what do you all know of Bowtruckles?"

---
ooc: Be sure to speak of only one fact on them if your character knows of them. Lesson will continue later on.

Ah. Bowtruckles. Some of the most boring creatures in existence. Not that Adi cared. ANY creature was fascinating to him and he appreciated learning about them. He cast his eyes over the trees in the hope of getting a glimpse of some of the little creatures. They could be difficult to spot.

However, he already had an answer to the question. Hand up, he volunteered, "Bowtruckles have been known to gouge at the eyes of anyone who threaten the trees in which they live.'' With their sharp fingers. But someone else can mention that fact.

Angel looked at the Professor and raised her hand. "Professor, they are small but if I'm right aren't they quite dangerous and have been known to hurt people before?" Angel was sure she had read up on that somewhere but where she couldn't remember.

Bowtruckles? Bowtruckles? How did you go from the most magnificent creature EVER to wimpy little bowtruckles? This was the let down of the century. Unicorns definitely wasn't happening this lesson. Even though Thompson had already made that part clear she couldn't help but to hope. Maybe unicorns ate bowtruckles? Let it go, Valentine.

What did she know about bowtruckles? "They weren't unicorns," she thought to herself. Adi's answer made her ears perk up. Eye gouging. That was pretty intense. What else? What else? Ah! She had something. With her hand in the hair she responded to the question. "You have to bribe a bowtruckle with lice or eggs before you can take stuff from their tree." Territorial little things they were. A light bulb went off in her head. The eye gouging had to happen to those that didn't bring a gift for an exchange for wood. It all made sense now.

She followed along behind the Professor through the trees looking around. Bowtrickles? Really? Vile little things weren't they?

"Due to their coloring they can camoflage well with the tree and go unseen." Hady offered raising her hand into the air. Yeah all the more reason to be careful today. She didn't fancy being harmed by a tiny little creature.

Evie followed the rest of the class out, curiously falling in step somewhat behind the Creatures professor. He was tall enough to block the sun from her eyes. Heheh. But then he stopped by some trees, so Evie stepped aside so it didn't look like she was following him. Even though she was.

Trees... were useful, she supposed, yes. She listened to the professor speak and then ask a question. Bowtruckles, Bowtruckles.... "They have really long fingers," Evie answered after raising her hand. "And I think just two on each hand." She wondered how they ate. Perhaps they used their two fingers like chopsticks...