Tapio carefully watched the students as they made their attempts and was pleased to see that most everybody was at least trying, even those that he knew didn't particularly like Herbology or at least didn't like dealing with smelly things. Jude Anders, Luther Stariver, and Rajesh Atreyu-Rehman were all successfully drawing some sap, and Ashley Fox was at least trying very hard. Looking quietly at his dented pocketwatch, Tapio saw that they still had some time left and decided to propose a further challenge.
"Very good, everyone," he began gently, so as not to startle either the students or the plants, "keep up the good work. And be patient if your plant is slow to start producing sap--some take a bit more time than others. But now, if anyone of you feel confident (and lucky), I'd like to invite one or two of you to come up and try it on the real thing." Here he pointed to the Mimbulus Mimbletonia, which was now sitting proudly in its select spot on the greenhouse racks. "No one has to if you don't want to, but it is a rare chance for those who might be interested." Tapio was taking a chance here, because the real Mimbulus was more finicky, and had stinkier sap, than the practice plants. But, he thought, you have to start some time, and most students would never have the chance to work with, or maybe even see, a real Mimbulus Mimbletonia again.
(OOC: For anyone who wants a bit of further roleplay, try it on the real Mimbulus--it may or may not squirt you. I will be around during the American Thanksgiving and class will continue until Sunday if you want to catch up.) |