An active, character-driven Hogwarts experience set in the early 2000s. Unique items, plots, and features. Non-canon; this isn't Harry Potter's story, it's ours.
Nova's eyes lit up as soon as Professor Sprout came into view. A sense of warmth instantly filled her at being in her presence. She didn't know what it was. Maybe because the woman reminded her of her own Grandmother, the Hufflepuff connection, or maybe even the similar interests in plants. Either way it always made her happy to see the Professor, and even more so today!
"I just missed them at Hagrid's too! Which classmates were they? I would love to catch up with them later!" Whoever they were it would make for a funny conversation starter!
"Oh yes! Hagrid helped me out with a spare pot and I would absolutely love growing my own plants. I enjoy your class so much and I would love to work on things even more outside of class as well. Would that be okay? I'll do whatever work is needed!"
Nova tilted back and forth on her toes in excitement. Just the smell of the greenery around her filled her with glee. So many beautiful and interesting plants. She couldn't wait to grow and nurture her very own!
'Park and Birdwhistle,' Professor Sprout answered.
She resisted a comment about the ironic matching of those surnames. She glanced at the sky through the Greenhouse ceiling, glad she'd had an early lunch before coming here or she'd have missed out on it by now.
'I only grant access to those willing to put the work in,' she added, in regards to the request. 'Having access to the Student Greenhouse and making use of it in you free time... that's quite a commitment. Are you sure you're up to the task?'
Nova needed to convince Sprout that she was serious about it and the work involved.
Post by Lindsey Bryce on May 10, 2022 22:48:17 GMT 10
Lindsey's walk back to the greenhouse was uneventful and when she entered, she saw a young student around, so kept to the sidelines until she could approach the professor without interrupting too much. Once she had finished speaking, Lindsey walked up beside the young student and offered the professor a smile.
"Forgive me, Professor... It took me a wee bit longer than I planned, but I've sent off your order," she said with a bright smile before she looked at the young student. Were they just starting their kit? It would be good for them... It was good for Lindsey, that was for sure. She also took a glance towards her shelves. What stage was her plants in?
Last Edit: May 10, 2022 22:48:35 GMT 10 by Lindsey Bryce
The familiarity of the names made Nova let out a surprised giggle. Out of all the students it was Misuk and MJ! She was kind of bummed to miss them but knew it would be funny to mention next time they ran into each other. Unless of course they kept the tradition of being one step behind...no, she wouldn't let that happen! She'd put a mental note to seek them out when she had time.
"Misuk and MJ! I'll have to find them, we've been missing each other all morning it seems!" She smiled at the Professor, scratching the back of her head absentmindedly. Something she did when she was slightly embarrassed.
Then it was back to business and Nova felt her back straighten and her eyes fill with focus. She wanted this more than anything right now and she'd do anything to get it.
"Yes Professor! I fell in love with Herbology as soon as I started here at Hogwarts, I think you know that. Even back home I've always loved plants and helping with my family garden. It wouldn't even be work to me, but I'll do whatever needs to be done. I'll follow the rules, I'll be careful and clean up after myself. I'll even clean up after others to keep this place running smoothly!"
"Tell me what I need to do and it'll be done!" Nova said as she looked around and clapped her hands together with determination.
At that moment Nova noticed an older Slytherin arriving and she smiled at her. Anyone who was interested in the Greenhouse was instantly awesome in her books!
Professor Sprout chuckled at Nova's words, though smiled warmly at her enthusiasm. That's the spirit! Still smiling, she turned as another student entered the Greenhouse.
'Ah, Bryce. Thank you,' she said, not the least bit bothered by any delay. 'Now then, I believe you were seeking a Lotus or Jippi Seeds? Which will be it?'
Giving Lindsey a moment to decide, Sprout returned her attention to the young Hufflepuff seeking to use the Greenhouse in her spare time.
'Before I give you access, I'd like you to prove yourself and show you're willing to put the work in,' she said.
Sprout aimed her wand at a plant on the nearest counter, and water sprouted from the tip like a hose.
'The Water-Making Charm,' she explained. 'Watering cans also do the job, but this spell is how it's done here. If you'd like to grow your own plants and use this greenhouse, you'll need to know this spell.'
She made a gesture, teaching Nova the wand motion. She took her time, making sure she had a fair chance to see the demonstration.
'Concentrate carefully,' Sprout said. 'Consider the need for water, and say the incantation: aquamenti.' She moved aside to give her easy access to the plant. It would take a few attempts, but she was confident Nova could do it.
Free-RP is allowed; success and progress are determined by you.
Post by Lindsey Bryce on May 11, 2022 0:45:18 GMT 10
Lindsey thought about it for a moment and smiled at the Professor. It was certainly a hard choice to make, easily since both were useful in potions. But, she decided that the Lotus would be a good pick for the moment. She hoped she could continue to help the professor with any earns.
"The Lotus, Professor," she said with a smile as she stood there and than watched the first year for a moment. "Is there anything else I can help you with?" She asked, though her eyes did glance over towards the area her plants were at. It looked like she might be able to harvest them again.
'Very well.' Professor Sprout nodded, walking to a more secluded section. She only glanced away from Nova for a moment, long enough to retrieve not one Lotus, but two.
'Here you go. Good luck.' She smiled, well aware it was commonly used in Potions not for anything else by the students. 'Hmm, no, I'm afraid that's all I have for you right now. But thank you.' It was always nice to be asked, and she appreciated Lindsey's efforts.
Unsure if there was anything else to discuss, Sprout returned her sole focus to Nova as the girl learned the Water-Making charm under her supervision.
Nova waited patiently as the Slytherin girl seemed to be getting seeds from Professor Sprout! Wicked! She couldn't wait to collect so many different kinds of seeds and grow them into amazing plants. Just the thought of that excited her!
Now it was her turn. Professor Sprout wanted her to prove herself. With...a new spell! Nova's eyes turned as big as saucers at seeing the Professor conjure water out of her wand. She couldn't even believe her eyes for a moment. All of the things magic could do still blew her little mind!
"That looks like such a nifty spell!" Nova exclaimed. She loved watering cans, she even had her own back home all self-decorated and cute. Yet being able to water plants with her wand? That sounded so convenient. She just HAD to learn it! Which seemed like her true test.
Nova watched intently, making sure to remember the motion and the pronunciation of the spell. It seemed simple enough but she knew that wasn't always the case. She had already been stumped a few times trying new spells, but she was determined to get this one right.
Stepping up to the plant she closed her eyes for a moment, focusing and imagining the need for water. She pictured it clearly in her head before trying it for herself.
"Aquamenti!" She said after doing the wand motion and pointing her wand at the plant. At first nothing happened, and then one tiny drop of water came out. That definitely wasn't right. Blushing, she rolled her shoulders and tried again.
"Aquamenti!" This time a little bit more of a trickle came out, but not enough, not the same as Professor Sprout had demonstrated. The third time had to be the charm...quite literally!
Focusing and concentrating as hard as she could, Nova tried one more time. "Aquamenti!" This time to her delight a nice stream of water spilled from her wand and into the soil of the plant.
"Yes I did it Professor!" She jumped a bit too excited and nearly sprayed water at Professor Sprout. She angled her wand down just in time and bit her lip. "Ah sorry!"
Post by Oscar Tinkle on May 11, 2022 1:09:54 GMT 10
Oscar had intended to think about the Sorting Hat's mystery while he ate his lunch, but instead had gotten distracted hearing people talking excitedly about the duelling tournament. He may have forgotten that was happening. Whoops?
The whole thing sounded slightly terrifying if you asked him. Yet he knew that if his grandparents found out it had happened, which they would, they would expect him to have given it a shot. To be honest, even his parents would probably want him to give it a try. So the question was did he want to face their disappointment or the embarrassment of probably losing in the very first round of the tournament?
Unable to make his mind up, Oscar decided to instead head to the greenhouse to check on his plant first. He figured he could make his mind up as he cared for his plant. There was time for that, right?
Entering the greenhouse he noticed that Lindsey was also there again, as well as the first year that he had spoken to at breakfast. Good for her, it looked like she had gotten her wish for the day!
Oscar smiled at Nova, happy for her since she had seemed very excited for it that morning, and offered the group a wave hello as he headed towards his plant to check on it. He didn't feel like talking, his mind being very much occupied with the debate over the tournament.
'Oh, goodness me.' Professoor Sprout quickly stepped back, though was amused not annoyed. 'Your aim needs a little work. And I'm sorry to say, but this is as tall as I'll ever be so watering me won't do the trick.'
She examined the plant Nova had watered.
'But well done,' Sprout praised. 'Eight points to Hufflepuff. I'd say you're ready.'
She then gathered supplies to get them started, which included some seeds.
'You may use this greenhouse any time during the day, unless it's mealtime,' she said. 'It'll be locked at night, so don't get any ideas.' Sprout gave Nova a stern yet warm look.
"I'll work on it Professor!" She laughed, glad that Professor Sprout had a sense of humor. Another reason she was one of her favorite Professors! Nova was so excited to have passed the test and to be given the go ahead. Now she could plant to her heart's desire!
Nova nodded in understanding. "Got it! I'll only use it during the allowed times, no worries!" She was never the type to try breaking rules or sneaking out. Maybe in her rebellious teen years who knows...but right now? Never!
"Thank you so much Professor! I won't let you down!" She said with the biggest smile she could muster. Happily taking the supplies given to her and carefully scooping up her pot. There were lots of growing plants around her but she found one of the free spots quickly.
Placing her pot in spot 03, she kneeled down to get everything set. Carefully digging a hole in the soil she planted her newly gifted yellow seeds. Covering them up securely with soil and pointing her wand with a quick "Aquamenti!" This time the spell worked on the first try and she giggled with glee. She was getting the hang of this!
Making sure to clean up any loose or spilled soil around her pot she stood back up and dusted herself off. That was it! Now she just had to wait for the plant to do it's thing and grow.
"You got this little seeds!" She patted the pot for a little extra encouragement. Noticing Oscar enter, she waved back at him happy to see him again after breakfast. He seemed quite busy so she let him do his thing. She had completed her mission after all!
With one last look at her newly planted pot, she waved goodbye to Professor Sprout and the Slytherin girl and made her way out of the greenhouse. Onto her next mission whatever that would be!
After harvesting was complete, nothing of value remained -- including ordinary clay pots that were cracked and no longer usable. Spaces of the counter were free again, unless having more seeds and supplies to start over with. Then all that was left was to clean up the workspace. Professor Sprout would appreciate it.
Stems of the berry plant were strong, but simple to deal with. A charm or some nearby sheers would help snip the ingredient free, even as the plant's leaves tried to make it harder to spot the berries, but sometimes a hands-on approach worked just as fine too.
Post by Oscar Tinkle on May 11, 2022 3:56:05 GMT 10
Oscar smiled at seeing that his plant was ready to harvest. It looked like his detour to the greenhouse was going to be more than worth it.
He examined the plant for a moment, stroking his fingers over the long red-tipped leaves, before he decided that, much like his berry plant from that morning, some sheers would be needed.
Making quick work of grabbing a pair of sheers, Oscar was soon back at his plant and snipping away so that he could harvest the berries.
Before he knew it he was done and clearing away the remains of the plant. Yet he still had not reached a decision about the tournament. He wished he had ordered more pots earlier so that he could have planted more that morning, that way he would have had more time to debate with himself.
At least he could plant some more now though.
Oscar pulled out his two new pots and lined them up in spots 49 and 48, next to his advanced pot already in spot 50. He filled each pot with soil before he pulled out his seeds to plant. Yellow and blue seeds claimed the new pots, each being covered in a nice layer of dirt, and then his last handful of seeds, some pink ones, went in the sturdier pot. Those too were covered with dirt.
"Aquamenti," he said once he had his wand out, waving it over the three pots to sprinkle each mound of soil with a nice amount of water. He thought he was getting good with using that spell now!
Oscar made sure to clean up any spilt soil and splashed water, then he was done in the greenhouse. He briefly debated trying to see if he could find anything else to pass the time with before he decided that no.. No more procrastinating, he should at least go and see what the tournament looked like.
Mind at least slightly made up, he exited the greenhouse, waving goodbye to the professor and Lindsey once more when he passed.
Post by Lindsey Bryce on May 11, 2022 7:48:44 GMT 10
Lindsey gave the professor a nod and walked on over towards her own pots, excited to see them already grown and ready for harvest. She quickly put the Lotus in her bag, grateful for the professor's extra one, since she had only wanted at least one. She pulled out her gloves, placing them on the counter while she searched for a pair of sheers to use on the plants if needed. She was always prepared.
She removed any loose clothing, such as a jacket and scarf, as she did not wish for those to be ruined. Her mother would understand, but she didn't wish for her mother to have to replace another jacket or scarf due to her own negligence.
After harvesting was complete, nothing of value remained -- including ordinary clay pots that were cracked and no longer usable. Spaces of the counter were free again, unless having more seeds and supplies to start over with. Then all that was left was to clean up the workspace. Professor Sprout would appreciate it.
Sheers and spells weren't any use against the Furpod plant. It kept wriggling out of the way, surprisingly fast and flexible. The only option was to do battle with it, seizing the twin bean and yanking until it came free. Breaking the stem that way wasn't hard, no -- the hard part was grabbing it fast enough.
The main Puris pod was the goal to obtain a viable ingredient, but its musty stink increased with proximity. It was as marshmallow-soft as it looked, making sheers and spells too risky. It tore off easily enough, but released a sour gas when grabbed -- causing blurry vision and light-headedness, which would soon fade. The broken stem oozed stinging sap that needed to be gently cleaned off.
Taffen Hide gloves would protect the skin from contact during picking. Without it, any skin exposed to the plant or its sap would be left with sensitive marks, which would last a few hours. Once picked, its skin-contact risk was subdued.
The plant was unremarkable and could easily be overlooked in an ordinary garden -- a factor which would prove dangerous to an unsuspecting gardener. Once the plant sensed its company or was in any way disturbed, its leaves became coated in a pale green juice.
Firemint lived up to its name, with a minty odour filling the air -- another feature that was deceptively harmless, as the juice itself was like corrosive acid. Taffen Hide gloves were necessary to protect the skin / fabric / organic matter from contact while tilting the leaves to drain the juice into a jar. Without it, the substance was highly dangerous and excruciating.
The Toxyvine plant was the very embodiment of intimidating. Its thorns were the most prominent feature, and were sharp as knives. They leaked a dark poison, making Taffen Hide gloves a necessity to protect skin while snapping the tough thorns off. Or really, to handle the plant in any way as it was prone to sudden movements.
Without protection, any exposed skin would be bloodied and infected -- a hasty trip to the Hospital Wing would be of dire need.
The Thistle plant was primarily just the flower itself, though (unlike its visually-similar Muggle counterpart) it was incredibly lively and braced for attack.
Any attempt to grab or snip it was met with the stalk extending and flexing like a needle-covered vine. It could grab and pierce anything that made contact, though was particularly interested in arms. With its ability to squeeze like a python, sheers were useless; once grabbed, anything could be snapped from the pressure.
Taffen Hide gloves were the only chance a gardener had to grab and break off the thistle flower, and live to tell the tale.
Post by Lindsey Bryce on May 12, 2022 7:04:16 GMT 10
Lindsey pulled on the gloves, wanting to protect her hands from the several different injuries that could occur from these plants. She went for the Furpod first, the wiggling plant was fast and she had a hard time grasping it. But, once she had grabbed it, she worked her hands down to the pods and gave a good, firm yank. They came off and she put the pods away. She cleaned up the mess and went on to the next one.
The Puris Pod was known for the softness of Marshmallows, which resulted in her leaving the sheers to the side. She did not wish to damage the plant. She had been given blurry vision and light-headedness due to his plant before, she didn't really want a repeat. But, it came with the territory of working with it. She took in a deep breath and grabbed the pod to pull it away. Sure enough, that sour gas was in the air and she had to take a moment to regain herself.
The firemint was next and she pulled out the jar she needed for the pale juice. She could smell the minty odor and she rather liked it. But, she knew the dangers of this plant, how the juice could cause serious damage. She carefully began to tilt the leaves towards the jar, causing them to drip and fill it over time. Once it was done, she sealed the jar and put it away, along with the others.
The red-vines of the Toxyvines were frightening looking, she had to admit. It was certainly something she did not want to get touched by and the thorns made it all the worse. She was lucky it didn't move around like some of the plants and she went to work breaking off the thorns with her gloved hands. She put those away and focus on the Thistle.
It was likely the hardest out of the current ones she was dealing with. She let out a sigh and went for the flower. The first two times she made the grab for it, she was battled off, but the third time landed her hands on the stalk and giving a good yank, causing the flower to be snapped from the plant. She put it away and made sure everything was clean and ready.
She then began to start all over by putting dirt in five pots. In her advance pots, she planted two unknown seeds. In the other three regular pots, she planted yellow, blue and pink seeds. Once she had placed them in the same place as before, slots 41 - 45, she pulled out her wand and pointed it at the pots. "Aquamenti!" she called out, waving her wand back and forth to water all five before she broke the spell and finished her clean up. Once she was done, she packed up and left.
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