Second Years, Lesson Two

As far as Landon knew, the first lesson with his second years had been a good success. He just hoped that the batch were as sensible as they made out to be considering the dangerous workload that they had this semester. Today's lesson was going to be their first lesson with an actual mandrake and he was probably more nervous than he had ever been. Before his students arrived, Landon was busy making sure each workstation was set with large clay pots, potting tools, watering cans and small pots of Mandrakes. Nothing was to go wrong that lesson and he was sure of it.

When each student was situated next to a workstation, Landon quickly began the lesson. "I hope you all have your earmuffs today because, as you can see, we are going to get started with handling mandrakes. The mandrake you are standing in front of now will be your pet for the rest of the semester. You will look after them and you'll be writing a journal all about it. For now, your first step is to repot them and place them comfortably into a new home." Landon couldn't help but be nervous for the students and what they were about to do. He had only ever seen the majority of them once before and now he was trusting them to do what they were told when dire circumstances were involved. "One thing you must understand before you even begin touching your mandrake is that you may not cause your mandrake any harm. Anyone who is found to do that will get an automatic fail for this course this year which I'm sure none of you would like." He continued, with a sarcastic smile. "Mandrakes fancy damp soil, shade to sunlight, and occasional food. Remember to take proper care of them."

After a good overview of the rules, Landon was a bit more confident with them all. He was never a stickler for rules but going through them would hopefully ensure that all of the twelve and thirteen year olds were safe. On the bright side, the students would never have to hear Landon go through them again as he was sure they'd all be mature enough to remember each and every one. Professor Carter walked over to his desk and leaned against it to observe all the students. He instructed, "Put on your Dragonhide gloves and your work robes and we shall begin." Landon put on his gloves also. "I will demonstrate for you. However, before I demonstrate, I will verbally tell you what we are about to do. First, you will grasp the leaves of your Mandrake gently, yet firm. Then tug them upwards. Your Mandrake will come out of the small pot, and then you will transfer them into the large pot already filled with dirt, put them in, plant the dirt around them and give them some water. And that’s it. Watch me. Put your earmuffs on." He waited patiently for everyone to put them on and gave a few of the ones who had forgotten them one of the spare pairs of earmuffs from the box. "Their cry is pretty strident. So, make sure you have them on correctly."

Landon put his on and made sure it was in place. He did everything he had ordered them to do and eventually, the Mandrake rested comfortably in the large pot, dozing off. His Mandrake was rather small but vociferous. Landon took off his gloves and went to sit behind the desk, watching as the students began to work on their mandrakes.

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Assignment: RP today's lesson AND write a short diary entry about your mandrake for full marks. For extra credit, you may draw a picture of your mandrake if you wish.

 

[Magne Kleos]

Magne walked into the dorm room, he had been trying to spend more time outside, since the indoors of the school, could at times just feel a little too much. He did enjoy being in the Ravenclaw tower, being so high above things when the window was open did feel nice, but nothing to him really beat just being outside. Magne began getting himself together, gathering up his books and notes and getting all of those down. He then was able to get the various bits and pieces he needed for the day and then head out of the dorm and to class.

Magne walked into the herbology greenhouse and took his usual spot in the room. He had his earmuffs with him and was making sure that they were on the desk in front of him. He looked to the professor as the man got started and nodded along with what ht eprofessor told them. He made a note to add to the journal when he was able to.he nodded along as the professor told them about the rules,a nd then talked over how they were to do it. He put on the ear muffs and then watched the professor as the man demonstrated how to do it. When it was their turn, Magne made quick work of it, not wanting to take too long with it. The mandrake was an ugle creature for sure. He took the time to write up a little journal of it and then headed out of the room.

Spoiler

Mandrake - it is very ugly as professor said. I don't mind it. Like a sea creature, sea creature without light ugly. I move its pot. I water it and put it in light. I hope it grow well.

 

[Tanith Whitlock]

Tanith wasn't sure she was feeling much better this semester, even after the first week was done. She still felt lost and drained, and she wasn't sure she'd be able to do any better in her lessons. But she was desperate to keep her grades up. She found her way to class, only vaguely aware of where she was going. She found a place in class, smiling softly at the person she sat beside.

She didn't draw any attention to herself, just listening to what the Professor had to say, taking a few mental notes. She got her things on, listening to the Professor until he told them to put on the earmuffs. She watched him, and a few more students, before doing her own pot. She couldn't say anything about the mandrake, and figured she'd just have to take the loss, heading back to the castle and wondering how she could possibly survive the year.