Sixth Years: Lesson Two

Angel had spent most of the morning trying to coax the today's plants into playing nice so he'd having something to show the class when they finally arrived. Feeling slightly disheveled, but triumphant, he tried his best to appear put together as his sixth years began entering the greenhouse.

“Alright, today we’re dealing with a particularly dangerous plant known as Devil’s Snare,” he started once the class was settled, waving his wand to unroll the collection of parchment diagrams he’d pinned to the board. “Now, to the untrained eye, Devil’s Snare could be mistaken for our friend the Flitterbloom here.” As he spoke, Angel walked over to the potted Flitterbloom bush he’d found languishing in one of the safer greenhouses. ”Both sharing the tentacle like appendages, though Devil’s Snare is a lot more on the murderous side,” he said, tickling one of the flitterbloom’s roaming tendrils. "So next time someone gifts you some flitterbloom, maybe make sure they don’t have it for you, huh?” Angel said with a laugh. Maybe joking about attempted murder by plant was in bad form for kids, but hopefully they’d at least pay attention now.

“It also makes a pretty good defensive measure, though it does have some very clear weaknesses.” Leaving the flitterbloom to its lazy undulations, Angel returned to the center of the classroom. “Anyone able to tell me how to defend yourself if you’re ever caught up in some Devil’s Snare?” He surveyed the class, pointing at the student who looked most confident to answer. “Good, exactly right. Light, whether natural or artificial is your friend with Devil’s Snare, so sunlight, fire, you get the picture. When exposed to light, it’ll recoil, and obviously fire is even more effective in that regard.

"But now, that's enough talking for one day, I have something much more interesting to show. Let's pay a little visit to the Dangerous Plants greenhouse,” he said, dangling the greenhouse key loosely from a finger. “Follow me!”

The Dangerous Plants greenhouse was a strange place, the humid air perfumed with all sorts of strange smells as Angel lead the class inside. The long wide center aisle was surrounded by screened in sections containing a strange selection of bizarre looking flora, and Angel made a point to give the class a measured look before continuing on. “Now we’re just looking today, so no wondering off and please for my own sanity, don’t touch anything.”

The class approached a darkened section and Angel outlined the coiled tendrils of the plant within as their eyes all adjusted. “No lights please, but if you look carefully, you might be able to recognize the plant in here, you see it?” Angel raised his eyebrows, hoping a student might be able to identify the Devil's Snare from its dark surroundings alone, even if they were having trouble spotting it.

After everyone had gotten a good look at the Devil’s Snare, Angel checked his pocket watch, deciding to wrap things up. “Alright, that’s all we’ve got today. We can hang out in here a bit longer but don't blame me if you're late for anything. And make sure you brush up on your illumination and fire spells, you never know when you might need it,” he said with a wink, waving the class out of the door.

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RP the lesson. First poster can answer the question for house points. Your homework is to practice any spells your student might need to fend off Devil’s Snare; link me an RP for extra credit (this can be posted later and PM'd/@'d at me or edited into your post anytime before the semester ends, just lemme know)

 

[June Davenport]

June felt that this year was important as ever to score as much points as she could for Slytherin and herself, and get straight O's for her classes and exams. But there were no OWLS, next year she would have her NEWT. And her last year had to be the most important perhaps. So this year was an year of planning ahead and explore things she didn't had done before. Feel thing she hasn't had, perhaps even. And make sure the people who tried something to bring her down and fail, get what was coming for them. And for that she needed to make sure some connections were made.

The blonde made her way to the greenhouse and wondered what today would bring. If they had to look after their plant again. June would name it, but didn't knew a good name yet. So that had to come. But than the professor told them they would cover the devils snare. It sounded interesting in a way, but she had read of it. And she wouldn't like to cross it. A murderous plant, that sounded fun. Not at all. Plants weren't fun. It was an good idea to give to people she hated. But that was not important now. When the professor asked an question it was exactly what June had read about as she prepared for this class. And put her hand into the air quickly. '' You have to use light or fire.'' The blonde said confidently. Putting plants on fire did sound fun now. She followed the professor to the dangerous plants and stayed close to him. It was dark and she tried to look for the devils snare, as the professor wanted them. It was no pleasant place here for sure. She smirked as the professor later said they could brush up fire making spells. Well to June that was no worries, she liked them. When the lesson was over she left the room after saying goodbye to the professor.

 

[Bailey Walden-Cade]

Bailey was fascinated by the thought of studying something dangerous, even though they were in a relatively safe school environment the promise of a little danger gave her a thrill that she never got in any of her other classes unless she was having spells cast at her. She settled into her seat and listened as Professor Castillo explained to them they would be learning about Devil’s snare, a plant that could apparently be mistaken for flitterbottom, a mistake that could be deadly as devil’s snare was incredibly dangerous. Light was the key to beating back devil’s snare whenever it was encountered in the wild, which Bailey hoped she never would.

She followed along with the lesson taking notes and getting down the important details. They wouldn’t be doing anything practical in the first lesson, just looking and getting used to what it looked like for future reference. Once the lesson was over Bailey packed up her notes and put them into her bag and once dismissed she made her way out of the classroom.

 

[Mikael Nightray]

Mikael entered the Greenhouse, lamenting that his cousin - his Gryffindor cousin - hadn't yet arrived. He was however not above using Bailey and Hinata as a shield to avoid having Theodore sit beside him, so he'd nudged Hina to move over as he settled himself between the two girls. As the professor introduced Devil's Snare, he perked up slightly. This was the plant his boyfriend was so fascinated with. He was pretty sure at least that whether he gifted Elio a flitterbloom or a devil's snare wouldn't matter - or maybe it would. He was quite sure his boyfriend would prefer the latter. As the class moved to the Dangerous Plants greenhouse, Mikael followed quietly and observed the Devil's Snare from where he stood. He didn't think he needed to practice any more fire spells but maybe he'll incorporate them when he's practicing spells with Hinata or Elio.​

 

[Hinata Edogawa]

Hinata entered the Greenhouse, quite curious by the slightly disheveled appearance of their professor. But considering the activities around the greenhouse and how they'd had to wrestle with a plant last semester, she supposed she also wasn't surprised. She shook her head, amused as she switched seats so Mikael could avoid his cousin Theodore. Not that there ever seemed to be an escape from the Gryffindor. Her curiosity did pique as he introduced Devil's Snare. Well, that seemed like quite a large step from bitey screechsnaps. She did focus as the professor discussed the similarites between the Devil's Snare and Flitterbloom and grimaced about potential murder by plant. Thankfully, Hina had never really been all that interested in greenery to warrant being gifted flora. Though it might be smart to check if she ever does get gifts of the sort. As they moved to the Dangerous Plants greenhouse, Hinata followed closely, her eyes wide with fascination. She made sure to heed Professor Castillo’s warning, keeping her hands firmly at her sides as they entered the darkened section housing the Devil’s Snare. It was interesting, looking at the coiled tendrils of the plant, though she did shiver when she remembered that those were very much capable of killing a person. Maybe practicing Incendio wouldn't hurt.​

 

[Theodore Nightray]

Theodore strolled into the greenhouse, lips twitching into a smirk as he spotted Professor Angel attempting to look composed despite a clear morning struggle. At least this might be interesting, he thought, sauntering to his usual spot which was across from his dear grumpy cousin. When the professor mentioned Devil's Snare, Theodore tilted his head, intrigued. Leaning casually against the table with his arms crossed, he watched as the professor described the Flitterbloom. "Psst. Mikael. Loooook. It's us as plants," he said with a grin. Obviously, Theo was a flitterbloom. Totally harmless. Mikael would be the murderous cousin. He did snort though at the professor's humor, "Get many flitterbloom gifts do you Professor?" he grinned at the Herbology professor. He watched as a Slytherin girl (@June Davenport) answered the question who was just so serious that he couldn't help but wink at her. As the professor led the class to another greenhouse, Theo perked up. The prospect of seeing Devil's Snare up close was almost a little too tempting for him to behave. Almost. He did attempt to poke at one plant but before he could it hissed at him and nearly spit something in his direction. He raised his hands in defeat and followed the rest of the class. When they reached the darkened section, Theo hung back, scanning the dim area. As Angel pointed out the coiling tendrils of the Devil’s Snare, Theo grinned. "Lovely," he drawled. "Nothing says 'welcome to Herbology' like a plant that can strangle you in seconds." As the class filtered out, Theo lingered a moment longer only to ambush his cousin by wrapping an arm around him and dragging him out to spend time with him.​

 

[Horror Zhefarovich]

Horror Zhefarovich had a few of his textbooks out on his bed after he showered and got dressed. He had a lesson to attend today, and the rest were out for studying later. He looked at the time and day to see which of his classes that he had to attend. Once he figured it out, he grabbed the book and stuffed it into his bag. He had everything else gathered. From notes to wand, there was nothing that he was missing. He slung his bag over his shoulder and left, knowing that he would be there before the other prefect in his dorm. Horror cared more for his classes than Mikael. He had no idea what that meant about him though.

Horror entered the Herbology greenhouse and figured that today they would be experiencing more than just screechsnaps this time. He stared ahead as Professor Castillo started the lesson with how they would be going over the Devil's Snare. He glanced over at someone who kept talking while he was taking notes. Horror just sighed and ignored them. Rather than just take notes for the entire lesson, they were able to actually follow the professor to the dangerous greenhouse. Horror gazed in the section of the darkened area of the greenhouse. He could see the Devil's Snare. At least, the outline of it. He didn't bother to stick around when they were free to leave. Horror could practice the spells at a later time.​

 

[Loki Styx]

The sixth year Ravenclaw made his way from the Ravenclaw towers. He was dressed well enough to attend classes, and his Ravenclaw robes flowed around him as he made his way down the stairs. In both castles, he had to descend an awful lot of stairs. He was annoyed by it, in either one. At least he was not a lazy lad and could handle the stairs. He also carried the textbooks and parchment light, and just packed what he needed. And, it was good that he did not have too many courses. He had what he wanted to become a healer, and that was all he was putting his effort into.

Loki walked in the Herbology greenhouse again, and sat down in his seat. Professor Castillo started off with the Devil's Snare. He knew all about that one. He assumed that his father had a pet one, but it was never confirmed. It seemed to fit though. He finished his notes as Professor Castillo told the sixth years to get up and follow him. He stuffed his hands in his pockets as he went from one greenhouse to another. They were led to another section of a greenhouse that was darkened. The smells alone were odd, but it was nothing he wasn't used to. He hung around longer than some of the other students, just looking at the plant, studying it. Fascinating thing. He left before it became too weird to be in the same area as a professor in silence.​