Sixth Years: Lesson One

Another year, another headache, Angel thought dryly, eying the host of Screechsnaps set about the greenhouse. At least his sixth years were quickly arriving so they wouldn't be his problem for much longer. Mostly, he thought, eying a few of the sleepier ones who were still clearly on their holiday sleep schedule. “Right, let’s get right into it, shall we? I think I recognize most of you from last year, well done surviving, but just in case, I'm Professor Castillo, and welcome to 6th Year Herbology,” he said, once everyone was settled.

“I know you're used to taking today easy, but we are getting right into things I'm afraid. You may have noticed the Screechsnaps on the benches in front of you. Screechsnaps are semi-sentient and quite vocal plants, which can be a blessing and a curse considering, they’ll definitely let you know if they need something.” As if sensing Angel’s attention on them, a few of the screechsnaps nearby let out a string of disgruntled chatter, causing Angel to wince at the noise. “We’ll have you lot be taking care of one for the rest of the semester, starting now, so hopefully come exam time you’ll be able to recognize exactly what your screechsnap is trying to tell you when it starts well, screeching.”

For whatever reason, Screechsnaps never seemed to like him, and Angel wasn’t able to get very close to many of them before they broke out into some manner of ruckus. At least it made a good excuse to get his students to put in some practical time with some of the plants now. “We’ll just be repotting them today, so please pick a plant and get to it. Make sure you give them a good balance of water and fertilizer, they’ll let you know if mess up so keep an eye out for any writhing or vocalizations in particular.” As he passed, one of the nearby screechsnaps blew a raspberry and Angel was unable to repress the urge to return one of his own. He'd definitely been spending too much time with his daughters.

Once everyone seemed to have successfully wrangled their screechsnap, Angel gave the class a quick wave, gathering their attention before they packed up for the day. “This year is going to be vital groundwork in order to progress to your NEWTs next year, and I will require at least an A in this class if you wish to take Herbology next year, so no slacking, alright?” Satisfied that the kids were well and truly lectured and warned for the upcoming year, he leant back against his desk again, taking a quick glance at his pocket watch. “And in the spirit of hard work and not slacking, let’s call the lesson there. Feel free to come and chat if you’ve any questions. Otherwise get out of here, enjoy your first week back,” he said, dismissing the class with an tired wave.

----
RP repotting your screechsnap, feel free to have some fun with how yours reacts or behaves as you do.

 

[Fraser Fergusson]

Fraser had been very happy as he returned to school. For one, he had joined with Teddy to be the co-captain of the Gryffindor Quidditch team, and Zerrin was head boy. He was exceedingly proud of his big brother, and just so ready for the year ahead. He had a lot to do too. He knew he had to plan for his replacement on Accio and quidditch was important, and he did also need to somewhat decide which path he wanted after school, quidditch or photography. He was getting his things together for the day ahead, continuing with the important classes that he had and then headed out of the door.

Fraser walked into the herbology greenhouse. He had surprised himself by getting a good enough grade to continue with the lesson, though he knew that he was unlikely to do well enough to get to NEWT level. The teen took out his notes and then noticed the plant as the professor drew his attention to it. He nodded at it, and smiled at the noise that it made. He listened to what the professor said and then nodded along with the warning about what they needed to get in this year. He packed up his things and then left the room. He would certainly try to take care of the plant.

 

[Theodore Nightray]

Theo sauntered into the greenhouse, and took his time picking a seat, giving a cheeky wink to two Hufflepuff girls - making one of them blush so prettily and the other scowl at him. Sliding into his seat, he placed his dragon-hide gloves on the table with a flourish and leaned back, waiting for class to begin. As Professor Castillo began speaking, Theo tilted his head, examining the screechsnaps on the benches. He was amused because when he'd told Elio about taking Herbology this semester, he mentioned a tiny nugget - apparently there was one screechsnap here that had the honor of being named Mikael. A bitey, screechy screechsnap. "A semester-long babysitting gig for a potted drama queen. Sounds like you met your match, cousin," he said with a grin towards his very, very prickly cousin who was now glaring at the plants rather than him for once. When it came time to start repotting, Theo donned his gloves, inspecting the screechsnap until one of them almost lunged for him, attempting to bite and he laughed. "Well hello Mikael," he said as he grabbed that one and began the process of repotting. "You and I are going to get along swimmingly." The process of repotting was chaotic, to say the least. Theo’s screechsnap protested loudly every time he added a pinch of fertilizer, blowing raspberries and occasionally flailing its stems. “Alright, alright, I get it. Less fertilizer, more water,” Theo said, holding his hands up in mock surrender. He gave it a careful splash of water, and the plant quieted slightly, though it still muttered disapprovingly. “There, happy now? You really are Mikael as a screechsnap Merlin. It's uncanny,” Theo could practically feel the heat of his Slytherin cousin's glare. When the professor passed his area, he couldn't help but talk to the professor. "So you're both the Herbology professor and Slytherin Head of House yeah?" he asked as he patted his screechsnap, quickly moving his hand before it could bite him. "Any advice for taming little green menaces?" he said, pointing at Mikael.​

 

[Bailey Walden-Cade]

There was, as always, a lot going on in the Cade house so Bailey was glad to return to school for the new year. She had a lot to look forward to with her added responsibilities and almost a breather now her O.W.Ls were done and had another year before she had to sit her N.E.W.Ts. She made her way into the greenhouse to start herbology lessons for the new year and was greeted by Professor Castillo. She made sure to sit herself as far from June as possible and focused on the professor once he got things started.

The traditional introductory lesson would be skipped in favour of getting right into it, Professor Castillo informed them that the plants on their desks were Screechsnaps and they would be tasked with looking after them for the rest of the semester. It felt like they were second years again being given mandrakes to raise, but Bailey suspected this would be significantly harder. They would be repotting them for their first lesson, Bailey grabbed her plant and got to work repotting, making sure to feed and water it and once she was done she cleaned up. Once they were done, Professor Castillo decided to call the lesson early so Bailey packed up and then made her way out of the classroom.

 

[June Davenport]

An new year, already in sixth year. June felt the time was flying. She would spend her time still two years on this school, and than that period was over. And she would see what her future hold for her. But until she was there she had plans still and goals to achieve. And so far all she wanted has came true, and hoped that, that would continue. Owls were over so this year seemed just an more relax year than last. But June never sat still, she was preparing for ahead. And still wanted to be the very best again this year.

The blonde made her way to the greenhouse and found her usual spot close to the professor. Professor Castillo told them they were gonna start right away and June only hoped it wasn't another stupid agressive plant they would have to handle. Because she still knew how to use fire spells, if they would annoy her too much. But ofcourse she never would have take actions so much led by her emotions. Not in front of a professor. He spoke of the plant they would handle today, the screechsnap. Which June had read about. Vocal plants didn't sound too nice, but June could also be vocal if needed. She had to take care of one for the rest of the semester! Way too long, but at least that perhaps ment she hadn't had to focus on another plant. June watched the plant and chose one who seemed least worst, if you could already tell by looking. She made sure not to get dirty and put gloves on and grabbed her plant and repotted it, making sure to put water and all needed with it. And cleaned up afterwards. The grade needed for next years Herbology was no worries to June, she didn't liked the class the most, but in some way she managed to do good, and very good perhaps. Because she could do anything ofcourse, she worked hard. When the class was over she left after waving over to her head of house. Ignoring that annoying Gryffindor and most of her classmates.

 

[Hinata Edogawa]

Hinata entered the greenhouse with, looking forward to what they would be learning. She'd enjoyed the class last year, so she was quite hopeful for this one. She took a seat beside Bailey, and paid attention as Professor Castillo began the class. At the mention of screechsnaps, her gaze shifted to the plants on the benches. Apprehensive, but amused at the antics of said plants. She was aware of Elio's antics last semester with one, and with the grin that Theo had, it was obvious that he was also aware. She did give a small snort when Theo addressed Kael in a class. When it was time to do their task, Hinata ended up with a particularly lively screechsnap to which she approached cautiously. Hinata murmured softly, “Alright, let’s get you settled,” before gently scooping the plant from its current pot then carefully cradling its writhing roots as she placed it into a larger container. Balancing the water and fertilizer was no easy task - especially since Theo's commentary was quite... well... Anyway, her screechsnap made its displeasure known with a sharp, disgruntled noise when she added a bit too much water. “Sorry, sorry,” she said softly, adjusting the mixture until the plant finally quieted down. Once she was confident her screechsnap was comfortable in its new pot, Hinata stepped back to inspect her work. The plant wiggled slightly but seemed content, prompting a small nod of satisfaction from her.​

 

[Mikael Nightray]

Why Mikael had to attend class, he had no idea. He didn't want to attend class. He'd much rather just stay in his dorm, but unfortunately his roommate was much more annoying with his comments more than usual. And so here he was forced to stand across his Gryffindor cousin on a day that they were being told to deal with f***ing screechsnaps. He was seriously considering pulling his wand on Theodore for his comments. Once they were left to their repotting task, Mikael grabbed the first screechsnap he could find. The thing nearly bit him but he tightened his grip on it making it screech loudly. "Bite me and I'll burn you," he said darkly, glaring at the thing. It still threatened to bite him, but it never did and instead keep screaming. He let the thing screech all it liked as he put water and fertilizer in it. He almost considered burying the thing in soil. In fact, he had started to put more soil. He did not know if the plant had realized that Mikael was not going to be dealing with this sh!t or if it really did need more soil. He didn't care to know either. When his cousin asked the Slytherin Head of House for advice, he wondered if it would be worth it to just cast one tiny spell.​