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.
Post by MJ Birdwhistle on Aug 27, 2022 2:52:09 GMT 10
Walking with Charlotte, the two girls chatted together from the Castle to the Greenhouse and MJ opened the door for the two of them.
She walked in after her friend and peered around to see if Professor Sprout was present.
"My plants are over here." MJ nodded towards the spots that had her two pots. Knowing how things worked in the Greenhouse, she knew they would be ready. She also wondered who had the plant near to hers...
"I'll go check on my plants and meet up with you again?" She wasn't entirely sure where Charlotte had her own plants but gave her friend an encouraging smile.
MJ then went over to her plants, set her bag down and rolled up her sleeves. She was ready to begin with these new and unfamiliar plants.
With this happy feeling in her chest, Charlotte walked with MJ to the greenhouse and once they had arrived, she looked around for a moment. It was nice, having a free morning and she was ready to learn more, especially with the possible chance of helping Mr. Gilbert in the Garden next year.
Charlotte's own plants were closer to the entrance and she looked over at MJ as she spoke about where her own plants were. With a quick nod, Charlotte went over to her own plants and looked at them with some interest and a new sense of enthusiasm.
Post by Oscar Tinkle on Aug 27, 2022 7:31:44 GMT 10
Having grabbed an umbrella when he exited the castle, Oscar had spent the walk to the greenhouse huddled under it. It kept his top half somewhat protected, but he still felt like the bottoms of his robes and trousers were plastered to his legs by the time he reached his destination.
It was safe to assume that he was relieved once he finally entered the warmth of the greenhouse. No rain attacking him meant that he could put the umbrella away himself rather than worry that it was going to get washed away in the downpour.
He did just that and then headed towards his waiting plants, offering the first years that he spotted a small friendly smile as he went. He thought they must really like plants since they had been willing to risk the weather to get to them. That was nice, he was sure Professor Sprout was happy to have such interested first years.
Post by Orla Fallwater on Aug 27, 2022 12:04:27 GMT 10
The walk from the castle to the Greenhouse was refreshing and Orla was very glad to have worn proper boots for the weather, because stomping through deepening puddles had begun to ease her mood.
She stopped outside the Greenhouse doors, the panes of which ran with rainwater like a crystal waterfall, and span the umbrella she carried between the palm of her hand. The raindrops flew from the spokes, pattering loudly off the glass; Orla stowed the umbrella by the door and went inside.
The change in temperature immediately set her puffing at her fringe, a damp sweat already forming on her brow. Neat rows of plants bustled green everywhere, lovingly tended and kept in check by Professor Sprout.
Orla lingered awkardly by the door, standing on tip toe to try and see if anyone else was here - she soon spotted MJ's dark curls, busily tending to her plants.
After a few moments of hesitation (should she leave MJ to work? What if Orla knocked something over? What if the plants hated her?!) Orla made her way quietly to MJ's workstation, peering over her shoulder.
"Hullo MJ," Orla began, dropping her head to her shoulder so she could see MJ sidelong. "Those plants look...good...?"
Post by MJ Birdwhistle on Aug 27, 2022 16:43:26 GMT 10
Charlotte's plants were far enough away that MJ felt like she was isolated but at least she was within sight. MJ gave her friend an encouraging smile.
The door to the Greenhouse opened a few more times - first for a Hufflepuff she had seen a few times before and then...
Orla!
"Good morning Orla, how was your breakfast?" MJ greeted the Slytherin with a smile. The sad news from the Daily Prophet made her pause but she swallowed down her sadness.
"Yes, this is my first time dealing with these particular plants. Have you potted something yourself?" Was Orla the mysterious student who had a pot near MJ's stuff?
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.
The Fyire plant stem was thick but easy enough to snip with some sheers, yet its response to being threatened was to burst into flames. It didn't harm the plant in any way, and would die down once the Fyire flower was securely picked.
Wearing gloves made of Taffen Hide meant hands were unharmed, though a few hairs slightly singed and hopefully their face wasn't too close to the heat to suffer a similar fate. Without them, the burns would be quite painful yet not as extreme as an actual open flame. Skin would still blister and need immediate medical attention.
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.
Stems of the berry plants were strong, but simple to deal with. A charm or some nearby sheers would help snip the ingredients 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.
Compared to most harvestable plants, the Eglower was less forgiving. Its stems were soft though needed a firm hand, yet any attempt to pick it caused the flower to puff sneeze-inducting, stinky pollen into the face.
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.
The Fyire plant stem was thick but easy enough to snip with some sheers, yet its response to being threatened was to burst into flames. It didn't harm the plant in any way, and would die down once the Fyire flower was securely picked.
Wearing gloves made of Taffen Hide meant hands were unharmed, though a few hairs slightly singed and hopefully their face wasn't too close to the heat to suffer a similar fate. Without them, the burns would be quite painful yet not as extreme as an actual open flame. Skin would still blister and need immediate medical attention.
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 flowers of the mystery plant smelled of burnt toothpaste and a hint of citrus. The leaves were so coarse they resulted in a temporary rash if touched by bare skin. The brightly blue spores got their glow by absorbing light -- such as candles, the wand-lighting charm, or other nearby plants.
Flowers are to be picked, which releases a dark mist that induces extreme sound sensitivity and to exhale bubbles through the nose. The more bubbles released, the quicker sound sensitivity fades.
Post by Oscar Tinkle on Aug 28, 2022 2:13:01 GMT 10
Oscar was more than used to the routine of dealing with berry plants by now, so as soon as he managed to drag his eyes away from his three new plants (was that one sucking the light out of its surroundings?!), he got to work.
Shears were grabbed and then his full attention was on the two familiar plants. Once he had the berry plants dealt with he could turn his attention to the others.
He quickly examined both of the berry plants, then, after finding them both healthy, let out a happy hum and lifted his borrowed shears to get snipping. His waste pile and ingredients pile were quickly created and grown, one full of now-lifeless leaves and the other a bundle of bright blue berries.
He really did love the little berry plants. So simple to deal with and yet still nice to look at. He hoped his new plants were as nice instead of being like his worst enemy - the Eglower. The fact that he had finally remembered not to plant that one made him so thankful.
The berries dealt with, Oscar turned his attention first to the Fyire plant. He looked it over for a moment, his brow furrowed as he considered it. He knew from class just how dangerous some plants could be when handled. Sure, this new plant may just be harmless and he had risked it with everything else he had dealt with so far, but still...
He reached down into his bag and pulled on his pair of Taffen Hide gloves. He figured it was about time to think about safety in the greenhouse.
His gloves securely on, he picked up his shears once more and approached the unusual plant. He hovered for a moment, debating which part was likely to be useful and where to cut it, before he decided that keeping the big yellow growth with its striped protection was probably the right thing.
Taking any longer after that was just dawdling, so he reached forward to snip the stem.
As the plant burst into flames in response, he was suddenly very thankful that he had picked that day for following safety instructions.
He still instinctively pulled his hands, and therefore the shears, away.
When the plant showed no signs of damage even though it was on fire, he hesitantly moved the shears closer again and, cringing from the heat, blindly cut the stem in half.
Thankfully that seemed to put out the flames too, so Oscar slumped against the work station in relief.
That had been very unexpected and not at all appreciated. He was not sure he wanted a repeat experience ever, thank you very much.
Still. He had two more new plants to go.
He looked at the Furpod plant next, wondering what that was going to do. It.. didn't look like it would burst into flames. He still did not fancy getting too close at that moment however.
Oscar briefly considered making use of the charm that he had just spent his class time learning, but he didn't fancy that when there was still the chance that he could miss and- yeah. No thanks.
Finally he let out a sigh, resigned to his fate of death-by-plant, and moved his shears to the fourth plant in his line. Only to quickly discover that apparently the Furpod plant was a nimble little opponent that really would rather not let the shears near it.
Oscar eventually decided that the shears were just getting in the way and put them down so that he could wrestle the plant into submission. That seemed to work better, as he managed to grab hold of the twin bean after a while and, with a big yank, pulled it free.
That done he set the Furpod with the rest of his gathered ingredients, wiped at his forehead with the back of his arm, and then turned his attention to the fifth and final. The plant that was sat happily in his special pot and yes, it really did seem to be absorbing light.
Mystery seeds did seem to grow into strange plants. Beautiful, but strange.
It could smell a bit better though he thought as he wrinkled his nose at the smell that was drifting from the pretty little red flowers.
After he flexed his fingers in his gloves to make sure nothing had stiffened up, he reached for the flowers and picked them.
That was even easier than his berry plant! At least he thought so in the millisecond before a dark mist was released and suddenly everything was too much.
The sound of the rain hammering against the windows, chatter between other students, his own whimpers as he clutched at his head. Why was everything so loud? Oscar wanted it to just stop. Please.
The suddenly unbearable noise distracted him to the point that it took him a long few seconds to notice the bubbles that he was blowing from his nose. That only caught his attention when the uncomfortable level of sounds slowly started to trickle back towards tolerable levels.
He kept breathing out the bubbles, unable to summon up the energy to do much else, and slowly slumped against his work station as sound reached a bearable point once more.
That whole experience was horrible. Oscar thought he could happily go the rest of his life with never experiencing it again. And to think, sometimes he thought that the Great Hall was too much. He shivered at the thought of ever experiencing that plants mist in the Great Hall during a meal.
After he had taken a minute to breathe, he slowly straightened up and, after pulling off his gloves, wiped at his watering eyes. Then it was time to clear up, which he made quick work of. He wanted a break from the greenhouse after that incident, so he did not plant any more seeds.
Instead, once his spot was clear and his ingredients put away, he made a quick exit from the greenhouse, only pausing to grab his umbrella on the way.
Post by Orla Fallwater on Aug 28, 2022 7:13:18 GMT 10
Orla stifled a yawn, watching MJ gently tend to her plants. They were entirely alien things, nothing at all like the wild and often flawed flora that filled the forests Orla was used to, but she could tell they were healthy and strong.
"Breakfast was weird," she began, speaking honestly around someone she felt comfortable with. "Things seem so tense, don't you think?"
As MJ worked, Orla gave her space and studied the other pots on the worktables. MJ's looked the best - though Orla may have been biased. When MJ asked if she had planted anything of her own, Orla pouted.
"Well, no," she replied, dragging her finger through the loose soil on the worktop, making loops and wiggles. "There seems to be so much to do, and growing things seems so hard."
She drew a heart, then dusted her hands off on her robes. A strange mix of smells wafted through the Greenhouse - Orla turned, sniffing the air, and saw a Hufflepuff boy rush outside. She frowned, wondering if he was the cause of the smell.
The berry plants were ones she had worked with before, but they still made her nervous for some reason. The last time had taught her how to grab them and pull the berries from the stems. So, she put on her gloves, though they likely weren't necessary. The leaves tried to shield the berries, but after a few attempts, she was able to gather the needed berries before she put them away and cleaned up both the Sunurk and the Moonurk messes.
Eglower was more intimidating and she watched it for a moment. The last time she had worked with it, she had sneezed several times in a very un-ladylike fashion and now there were others in the greenhouse. The pelting rain outside reminder her that it was awful outside, which only made her even more nervous.
Letting out a sigh, she went towards the flower and went to take hold of the stem. Quickly, she was powdered with the pollen and she began her fits of sneezes. Finding her bag, she found a piece of cloth and covered her mouth and nose and she sneezed several more times. It was awful, yet she was likely going to try this again.
And so, she did, trying to go faster before she was sent into another fit of sneezes. Again, it happened and she felt her eyes watering from the pollen and the sneezing. Her nose was starting to feel red from using the cloth to clean her face. The final attempt allowed her to grab ahold of it and pull the flower free, snapping the stem. No more pollen was sent her away and she was able to clean up her area.
Post by MJ Birdwhistle on Aug 28, 2022 18:43:38 GMT 10
"A bit weird... I was sort of hoping there was some kind of magic they could use to fix the Quidditch pitch but I guess not..." MJ sighed, eying up her two plants. She didn't mind Orla standing nearby or watching her but MJ wasn't going to be much of a conversationalist for a moment.
She eyed her first plant.
So this was what grew from those seeds huh? She leaned in a bit and could feel some warmth radiating from it. Luckily, it didn't spew fire out (yet) and MJ had time to slip on her gloves before she tackled it. Thank goodness she had these now though for a moment she recalled the experience that led to her buying them.
Still, nettles would be something of a breeze compared to this.
Picking up the shears that were nearby, she made sure Orla was out of the way before she attempted her first snip. Just like her Herbology book stated, as soon as she threatened the plant with harm, it burst into flames. MJ also knew they were harmless to the plant so she waited a moment, studying it from a few different angles.
MJ didn't have time to go to the Hospital Wing today so she was being careful and sensible.
With a confident snip, the flower of the Fyire plant fell onto the counter and the flames soon went out. MJ let out a soft sigh of relief and checked on Orla before moving on. "It's not as hard as you think. Professor Sprout will explain the process to you and the greenhouse is enchanted, I believe. So plants grow hardy and fast."
She punctuated this with a smile for Orla, hoping to encourage her to take part in growing things. MJ considered it educational to do so but also fun as well. It was exciting to see what her seeds would grow into!
MJ put the shears back where they belonged and cleaned up the leftovers of the Fyire plant. Next, she would tackle the Furpod plant.
"It kind of reminds me of a pea plant but these pods are a lot different." MJ said, letting Orla take a look at the plant too if she wanted. Luckily, this one wouldn't set itself on fire so it was a little safer to lean in to look at. It was, however, very wriggly... MJ wondered if she was even going to be able to catch it!
A few missed attempts quickly racked up, her hands slipping past as the pods bobbed and weaved. "Really now?" She said in a scolding tone.
This plant was a bit troublesome. MJ tried again, hoping to snatch one of the pods but her grip on it wasn't enough and it quickly tugged free! She frowned, knowing there was nothing for it but to keep trying. She tried to imagine it like a chaser with a quaffle and snatched at the pod.
Somehow, she managed to get it with both hands and gave a mighty tug. The plant tugged back which worked in her favour and SNAP! Off popped the pod. MJ panted softly, holding out her treasure for Orla to look at. "I d-did it!"
She couldn't help but grin victoriously.
Despite this, MJ knew she had only won the battle and not the war. She needed to wrestle the other pods free as well. She went back and forth, missing a few times, grabbing it, it slipping free, her trying again and then finally tugging them free. MJ wasn't sure how long this whole process took her but she had a few beads of sweat on her brow afterward.
Soon, all that was left of the plant was empty stalks, some spilled soil, and a broken pot. MJ cleared away any mess left behind and set up her two new pots. She used the same spots as before, 51 and 52. She added some soil to each one and then dug a little hole.
"I'm going to plant red seeds in one and purple seeds in the other." She tells Orla, hoping the Slytherin isn't too bored by now. She does as she says, adding seeds to each one. After doing this and making sure there was enough soil on top as well, MJ got out her wand to perform the spell.
"Aguamenti!" Water sprinkled over the first pot.
"Aguamenti!" And water sprinkled over the second pot.
Satisfied she was done and everything was cleared away, MJ turned to Orla, "If you have a garden pot, we can ask Professor Sprout to show you what to do. And then you can set up your pot next to mine?"
She wasn't sure if Orla was interested in taking her up on this offer and she looked away toward Charlotte for a moment. She seemed to be doing well with her own plants and MJ's smile grew.
Charlotte had finished cleaning her area and had pulled out three pots to use. She filled them with dirt and used her finger to make a hole for the seeds in each one. She planted three seeds into the pots, Pink, Blue, & Yellow. After cleaning any spilled dirt, she put the pots into Slots 11, 12, & 13.
They were placed nicely in the slots and perfectly in the middle to prevent anything from being pushed against the slot wall or anything. She pulled out her wand, ready to use it and pointed at the slots.
"Aquamenti," Charlotte said in a slightly confident voice. She had used the spell before and it was becoming easier to use. A steady, but small stream of water came out, likely due to her timid nature and she managed to get all three pots watered.
Nodding her head in satisfaction, she turned and saw MJ speaking to a Slytherin student. Was it Orla? Yes, Charlotte was certain that was the students name. So, Charlotte walked over and joined them calmly.
"Did you finish, MJ?" Charlotte asked, wondering what they might do next.
Post by MJ Birdwhistle on Aug 29, 2022 2:09:00 GMT 10
Charlotte seemed to be finished and MJ gestured for her to join Orla and herself. "Yes, I just got done with my plants! I had some exciting new ones today and I planted more seeds. And yourself?"
She paused for a second and then added, "This is Orla Fallwater, you probably recognize her from our classes. We duelled together a while ago and we've been hanging out a bit here and there. Orla, this is my roommate and friend Charlotte Doren. She's very smart, reads lots of books and also very cute!"
There! A polite introduction between friends. And now her friends could potentially be friends as well.
MJ hoisted her bag up her shoulder and gave Orla a nod, "I'm going to enter the Daily Prophet contest so I'll probably head off now and interview the teacher chosen."
If Orla wanted to go ahead and get help from Professor Sprout, maybe they could work together on their plants some day. "How about you Charlotte? Will you be entering?"
This was an open invite for Charlotte to walk with her back to the castle if she wanted to!
So, MJ got to plant some new stuff today? That was exciting and she nodded when she was asked if she got to plant.
"I did! Three seeds! I got a letter this morning from Mr. Gilbert... He works for my mother and father... And he said I might be able to help him this summer in the garden, if my parents allow," Charlotte mused excitedly as thought back to the letter. She needed to write him back, but the thunder and lightning outside made her rethink that for a moment.
As she was introduced to Orla, Charlotte smiled and turned to face Orla.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Orla... My brother and sister are in Slytherin," Charlotte said before she thought about the next request. Yes, she probably could use the extra practice with writing something for the prophet. A smile spread on her face and she nodded.
She gave a smile and wave to Orla before she followed behind MJ.
Post by Orla Fallwater on Aug 30, 2022 6:37:12 GMT 10
MJ was precise and calm, even when her plants proved less than cooperative. Orla admired her from afar, ensuring to give her friend space even when she craned to stare wide-eyed at the fascinating plants being harvested.
When MJ turned to show her prize, Orla grinned, mirroring her friend's triumph. It was hard to make conversation when she felt this tired and strange - she was so grateful that MJ made an effort to include her despite how quiet she was.
The same sentiment continued as Charlotte arrived. Orla managed a wide smile, admiring how neat and cute Charlotte was, but the other girls were determined to make the most of their morning, and they hurried off before Orla could reply; Orla watched Charlotte go, trying to wrack her brain for similar faces amongst her housemates.
The Greenhouse door rattled in the frame as it closed, shutting out the rain once more. Orla puffed at her fringe, hoping that MJ and Charlotte didn't think she was rude. She was just sleepy.
With a sudden flurry of movement, Orla shook her limbs out, stretched tall and took a long, deep breath. It's what her Ma had told her to do when things seemed difficult - and sure enough, Orla felt a little more awake.
She longed to brush the lush leaves and petals that bent toward her as she walked down the length of the Greenhouse; she clasped her hands behind her back, ensuring she didn't touch anything she shouldn't.
"Hullo? Professor Sprout?" Orla called, loud enough to be heard but not so loud as to be startling. "Can I bother you for a moment?"
Last Edit: Aug 30, 2022 6:38:25 GMT 10 by Orla Fallwater
'Hardly a bother more than this weather,' Professor Sprout said, emerging from somewhere off to the side of the Greenhouse. 'Is everything all right?' she asked the Slytherin student.
Sprout wondered what could be important enough to venture out in this kind of weather, even if the Greenhouse was sheltered. In a manner of speaking, as the rain still poured down the glass building -- and lightning flashed overhead. It was an intimidating spot to be, even if the rain couldn't touch them there.
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