I burned it Oakey said with a small smile on his face. This was probably the only time Oakey did anything close to cool the entire time. The rope I mean, and me I guess She'd probably want to know how he burned the rope though I cast Incendio through my jacket and burned my stomach in the process.

Seren raised her eyebrows... he had done it? He had burned himself?... well that was silly.
"I see," she said once more, still nodding. Poor boy seemed to have some rotten luck. An accident was an accident after all, and he seemed to be quite appologetic. Wrong place wrong time?... wrong person to accidently knee?
Well at least the first year wouldn't be able to say he was bored by his experiences at Hogwarts.
"Hhmmm I suggest that perhaps next time you be more vigilant with your actions and your suroundings... and perhaps not use a fire spell through flamable clothing"... Yep... her advice was gold, solid gold. Well she thought so anyway.

Now... consequences? The boy hadn't done anything wrong- technically. It seemed to be more or less a gross over reaction my Master Blunt - she did not doubt that he was capable of this. No the boy shouldn't be punished, at the end of the day he did spend some time in the hospital wing, that would be consequence enough. Hopefully he will have learned to... stay away from Jacob?... be more mindful of his suroundings?
"Well I see no issue with your behaviour that I need to address, just be more careful in the future." She said placing the parchment she had written on into one of her draws. "You may be dismissed... unless you had some questions or comments?"

Ummmm, no not really Oakey spoke unsure if there was something else he wanted to talk to her about. Well there was something but she was the Herbology professor her expertize falls under strange plants not Defense Against the Dark Arts.

Oakey figured it would have been helpful if he knew some defensive spells to protect him in the situations he finds himself in. But Lord Borr felt it was a good idea for the students get physically fit and didn't add anything about practicing spells in his Homework assignment. Did the fatty expect them to learn it from books.

Actually, who can I go to about defensive spells. karate won't save me from the killing curse. Oakey asked, he didn't know what professor could help him since their DADA professor was never here.

Oh... defensive spells? Hhhmm not really her area. Well she knew them.. but she wasn't sure it was something she could teach. Seren considered the idea for a moment. She had heard rumours of Lord Borr's lesson and figured he hadn't been much help to Oakey...
"Perhaps Headmaster Tate, he taught the subject previously, though I imagine he might not have much time to assist you. Alternatively perhaps you should see Porfessor Descoteaux, in Charms. I'm sure he'd be able to help you out a bit with a shield charm."
She couldn't think of anyone else she would go to see... though admittedly the boy was asking a fair bit, there wasn't much that could save you from the killing curse... but she wasn't about to burst his bubble.

Thank you Professor Bentley Oakey said he was glad to have such a nice teacher who would help him through his troubles. I'll go see the Headmaster about it right away. Oakey was about to leave to go thank Mr.Stryker as well when he turned around and smiled to the Professor again. I can't wait for your first lesson. See you soon.

Oh what a sweet student. Seren really did feel sorry for all that he had been through... poor boy. She hoped the rest of his time at Hogwarts would make up for it.
"Not a problem dear", she said smiling brightly. Happiness was infectious after all, and Seren was highly contageous.
"I look forward to seeing you there... just be sure you don't get yourself into any more trouble", she said, a little concern in her tone.

Simon smiled now there wasn't a better chance that he had now and he was going to use it, sure the Professor might find it odd he was hugging her again but he didn't care. "Professor I want to say your lesson was great and I really enjoyed it." Simon then hugged her and put the nice note on her back.

Simon then quickly stopped hugging her and sat down in her office before speaking again. "Professor I was wondering if you had any books I could lend on Herbology or if you would recommend any."

"Oh well I'm glad you enjoyed it", she replied smiling... though that smile quickly disappeared as the student hugged her... AGAIN?!
Seren was beginning to think that perhaps the boy was too comfrotable around her. Surely he wasn't developing a crush? Was he? She hoped not.

She didn't hug him back- of course, she was a Professor, and Professors (at least the good ones) did not hug their students back... not in this sort of situation anyway... nor any other situation Seren could think of at that time.
Perhaps she should say something... but how to put it gently?

"Um.. Master De Simpson... you do realise it is not appropriate to hug your Professor's... don't you?"

Seren wandered over to her side of the desk, pleased to put that distance between them, she had never loved her mahogany desk more than she did right in that moment. Good desk it was.
Books?... Simon wanted to discuss books? On herbology?!
Oh this was brilliant news!

Forgetting what had just happened Seren smiled brightly.
"Well you've come to the right place", she mused.
Getting up she moved over to her extensive bookshelf and ran her fingers down the spines of a number of volumes.. some rather larger than others.
"I'm not sure what the library collection is like these days... though I'm sure Madam Donovan could sort you out with a few books if you're keen."
But who needed the library books when they could borrow hers?!.. she did have a pretty decent collection after all.

After a breif minute of scanning her shelves Seren stopped at a particularly large volume, bound in red leather.
"Flesh-eating trees of the World might interest you..." she said passing the book over her shoulder to the boy whilst continuing to search her shelves for another which he may find inspiring.

Simon looked at the Professor. "You show me where in the rules of the school it says a student should not hug a Professor and I'll stop hugging you." Simon smiled, he hadn't seen any rules against showing a Professor that you cared about them.

Simon was happy when the Professor walked behind her desk, it ment one thing his plan had worked and she hadn't found the note now all he had to hope for was it too stay long enough for her to go out for a walk and then she would be hugged by loads of students and she wouldn't know why.

"I'll have a look in the Library after I have finished here." Simon said truthfully, so long as there was a book on the 50 deadlyiest plants and how to use them then that would be good, though he would need help getting books like that. "Professor I was thinking I'd need too know the good and the bad of Herbology and so I'd need to go in the restricted section." Simon had an idea. "If you came then it would be easy for you too find the books you think I need."

Simon was then handed a book. "Cool, thanks Miss I'll read this as quick as I can and give it back too you before you can say Dragons." Simon smiled, this was going to be an interesting read, maybe Simon should go in for Herbology after all and be a part time Quidditch Player he wasn't sure though.

"Dragons," repeated Seren... she laughed, amused by her own joke.
After searching just that little bit longer Seren found what she was looking for... turning to face the boy she smiled. It looked brand new, the cover bound in brilliant green leather, with gold letters scrawled across the front, Fanged Flowers of the Amazon and her name beneath it by Seren Bentley.
"And one from yours trully", she said as she returned to her seat, book in hand. She flipped it to the inside cover then signed her name with her eagle feather quill. "I'd like you to have it... I've got another dozen copies at home," she said brightly, sliding the book across the desk in front of him.

"I wrote that one before I went to University... I had spent two years on an expedition in the Amazon. And even to this day I still don't think I've seen enough. Thats the one thing about herbology... there is so much out there. So much to learn, to explore, to discover. The possibilities are endless."
Mmm perhaps she shouldn't rant.

The restricted section?... oh no... that was just silly. There wasn't much in there in terms of herbology... anything herbology related was mostly about potions.
"And what do you hope to find in the restricted section exactly?" she asked. It seemed like a strange request. After all, the average text books weren't entirely pretty and rosy.

The boy was too young to have his mind corrupted by dark arts nonsense.

Simon nearly fainted when the Professor said about here writing a book and she wanted him to have it, sure they had gotten off on a bad foot with her taking three points of him but this made it up too him, she did care about him after all and Simon couldn't believe it he had a book that was signed by the Author. "Thank you so much Professor." It probably was a good job she was sat at her desk or Simon would have hugged her again. "I'll take great care of it." Simon was going to treasure this gift forever.

Simon didn't know what to say, it was so much of going to the Library as the Professor going somewhere where there were loads of students to do what the sign on her back said, he was glad she hadn't realised it was there.

Simon suddenly decided on something. "Well maybe there would be a book on why deadly plant kill or something about how they do it, I want to understand see, if I'm going to go exploring then I need to know what I have to do to protect myself." Simon smiled, he had a hard choice to make now Quidditch or Herbology.

Well the boy seemed pleased. Again Seren couldn't help but feel thankful that there had been a desk between them, he seemed to have that look of gratitude on his face which usually came before a hug.
"I'm sure you will," she replied brightly... and if he didn't... well then it was his loss.

"That sort of information can be found in your textbooks, though not in great detail... however it is enough to get you through. Protection is another matter, I would suggest familiarising yourself with a number of defensive charms and spells." They really were his best chance of survival if he really wanted to pursue a career in herbology. "Learn them, memorise them and I assure you they will be your best friend."

Simon looked at the Professor and smiled. "I will look in my text book then miss." Simon smiled as he looked at his watch he was starting to get hungry. "I'll practice my spell then Professor." Simon would practice them day and night until they were perfect. "I best be going Professor, I'm starting to feel hungry."

"Not a problem Simon, have a good day", she said. Mmm food, she hadn't thought to eat anything yet, perhaps a quick trip to the kitchens would be nice.
"Just bring to book back whenever your ready, I won't be needing it for some time."

Seren smiled to herself. She liked it when students took an interest in her subject... in herbology. Because really, it was a pretty awesome subject- at least she thought so.

Simon got up and walk towards the door then something hit her where did the Professors eat and if the Profesor was hungry maybe she would come to the Great Hall with him and tell him more about her trip to the amazon. "Professor do you want to grab a bite to eat?" It wasn't as if there was anything wrong with asking the Professor if she was hungry and at least then she could tell him where the best place to go exploring was, it wasn't like a date or anything.

Merlin!... Merlin Merlin Merlin!!!.... MERLIN!

Did the boy just ask her if she wanted 'a bite to eat'? ... as in food... with him... at the same place and at the same time?!

Seren must have looked like a dear frozen in headlights.

"Um... no thankyou... I've got some errands I need to take care of," she lied.
No this was not right. Too many hugs. Two hugs to be precise, and now this? No she would have to distance herself from this boy for a while. Maybe he'll take an interest in someone his own age.

She offered him a small smile before taking a folder out of her drawer.
Perhaps she should start marking the homework assignments... they were beginning to pile up.

Simon looked at the Professor oh he was sad now he had wanted to find out more about her trip to the Amazon. "Oh okay then Professor, maybe another time." Simon smiled. "I hope you get the work done soon, I'll be back to see you before you can say Herbology." Simon laughed, he wanted to know all about her time in the Amazon and so after he had eaten he would be back, he smiled as he shut the door and left.

"Yes, another time", nodded Seren. Another time... or never. She was beginning to freak out... in her mind at least. Perhaps she should talk to somebody? Someone that has had experiences with students crushing on them?... She knew Max had his fair share of student attention... and no doubt Fina would have too. Maybe Fina could help her out... give her some prespective, ideas.
Yes...

Seren released a light laugh as Simon joked about being back before she could say herbology... she wasn't tempted to join in on the lame joke... not this time.
She gave him a nod of the head, "See you later", she said as she watched the boy disppear.

*sigh*

Getting out of her seat Seren took up her teapot and poured herself a cup. It had gone cold... but she didn't mind, in fact she liked it that way. Refreshing.

Glancing back at her desk, the homework assignments still sat there... taunting her. She wasn't in the mood, but better now than later? right?
Returning to her seat Seren kicked off her shoes underneath the table and set to work... marking. She leant back in her chair, when suddenly, she heard a rustling sound... like paper scrunching. Sitting upright she felt arounf her back awkwardly... there was something stuck to her.

She couldn't help but smile... it was a nice gesture... sort of. It explained why he had hugged her. Though she didn't approve of the fact that he had orchestrated such a thing. Imagine if she had left her office wearing it. That could have been awkward.

She would have to have a word to him about it later... it wasn't appropriate.

Professor Bentley opened the door so suddenly that it almost made Janice jump.
"Hello, professor. Err, we are just wondering if you have some Mandrakes or some Belladonna to revive the Potions Store room." Janice paused. "It's for homework..."

Ahh yes she had heard a little rumour that Lafay was getting the students to scout the grounds for potions ingredients. Rather clever idea really.
"Yes, we have Belladonna. You'll find it readily avaliable in the student gardens."

They weren't expecting her to just hand it over to them were they? She wasn't one to do errands for students.

"As for mandrakes, I have a small family of them, though because of the nature of mandrakes I must ask, what part of the mandrake do you require?" She wasn't about to just hand over a number of live mandrakes- immature or mature. It was just dangerous.

"So, for the belladonna we just take it out from the student gardens?"
Janice wasn't so sure to just take a plant from the garden.

"And the mandrakes, maybe just the roots? Or are they still going to scream even though it's cut?"

Penny had let Niss into the office first... and let her say her piece.. Aurora from Slytherin bringing up the rear..

Then when Professor Bentley had finished with Niss, Penny stepped forward..
"Uhm, er Professor We've been given a homework assignment of restoring the Potions Stores after the fire"..then taking a deep breath continued "I was looking for your permission before I go getting some Valerian Roots and some Moly"..

Penny hoped she had said that right, she already thought the professor didn't like her very much and was very much afraid that if she didn't ask permission, that life could get difficult..

"Yes, the student garden is there for students, you may grow plants of your choice, harvest anything you may need and of course... take some time to care for the plants as well. Last time I looked there was a nice healthy growth of Belladonna, so provided that it had been looked after it sould still be there." Seren smiled... strange how students felt uncomfortable removing plants from the student garden-- it was for them, not for her.

Ahh mandrakes. "Mandrakes are trickier, I have an immature family of mandrakes, which are not yet ready to be harvested, however I do have a few mature ones. Now if its the root you are after I can them them for you... I do not think it would be wise for you to harvest them yourself, they can be quite violent and are fatal."
Seren paused... she hoped she wasn't scaring the girl too much. But herbology wasn't all flowers and sunshine, they would have to face the dangers sooner or later.
"If you require the mandrake root, you're more than welcome to return in a couple of days time to collect it." She offered. It was really the best she could do.

Seren nodded, "So I've heard", she mused as Penny reiterated their task. She seemed on edge a little? was she ill?
"Of course you can dear, feel free to help yourself to anything in the student garden... just so long as you leave plenty for the others too," she said with a smile.
"Was there anything else?" she asked...

Penny tried to smile at the professor...."No, That's all I need..thank you Professor"...
Taking a deep sigh of relief, she turned left the office - heading for the Student Gardens..

Aurora followed Professor Bentley into her office. She smiled at the Herbology teacher and let the other girls speak first. When they had finished she spoke up "Well, I'm sort of here for the same reason except I wondered whether it would be possible to take a cutting of the Victoria Amazonica and grow some more for the potions storeroom..." she said, knowing she might be refused. She kept her next question to herself until she had finished the homework assignment.