"Oh yes my name is Nate. It's good so far, and yes I am settling in alright." Nate was sure that the class would live up to his expectations. He just knew that for a fact because he still needed a lot to learn about herbology. "I have a question. Well the first part is a statement but the second part is a question. I was in the library the one day, and I came across a herbology book. I saw a herbology book, I was flipping through the pages, and I came across a biting banyan. I was wondering if you could tell me about it because the pages were ripped out of it. All you could see was the name."

Presley nodded enthusiastically, Greece really was wonderful. She laughed off Bentley's assurance that she was smart and talented. It wasn't a big deal, really. Her father was that way, and probably alwayss would be. But deep down she knew that she'd needed the professor to say that. She needed someone to tell her that she was intelligent.

Professor Hadley? Presley knew she was a very nice lady, but she couldn't help feeling intimidated by her. Perhaps it was because during thier first encounter, Presley had been in trouble for sneaking into the prefects bathroom? "Oh that sounds like fun!" Presley exclaimed. "I've never been to Australia!" And it was high on her list of places to go. Top, actually, was Ethiopia. Presley was dying to go there and do a service project or something. That would be good for her prefect application. But Australia was definitely in the top five.

"Where in Italy did you go?" she asked brightly, wondering if perhaps she'd visited one of Presley's many favourite locations.

Selina grinned at her Professor and stuck her hands in her pockets. With a shrug she commented, "Eh, you won't be distracting me, Professor. Not to be too outright, but I am planning on the Gryffindor bringing home the gold this term in whatever we can. So if you need me don't hesistate." She knew that Bentley probably had her bases already spectacularly covered by Kurumi, that girl was a machine when it came to running the house smoothly on a student level, but Selina epitomized house spirit. The pep rally last term was proof of that... after all... she was the one who brought the body paint.

Her blue eyes then looked to the door and noticed that a line of Ravenclaws who were being babies about Bentley switching teams had arrived to no doubt try to make Bentley feel bad about switching. She turned her head back to her Professor and said, "You look a tad busy. Do you want me to head on over later...?"

Gideon caught her motion as she closed the door, the boy moving to take the seat he was offered. "Yer welcome...and aye I suppose it was," he said, agreeing to the fact that he couldn't have been the only one taken back. Even if it had seemed he and Lexi were Donovan's main visitors the previous year, but that was only from the Gryffindor side not the Ravenclaws who appeared close to Bentley.

"Aye she will...but I daresay ye' can fill her sho-- take over quite well," Gideon answered feeling somewhat sheepish about the original choice of words, not to mention the compliment. To be honest she was one of his favorite professors alongside Lafay and definantly more personable then the potions mistress and Slytherin head of house.

Why did he suddenly have a flashback to hearing the stories of his great grand aunt and her own Slytherin counterpart?

"And I'd be willing to do what I can to help...well you and Kurumi and Selina," the boy added figuring it might help the nervousness switching yo a new thing. And it wasn't like it wasn't true. He was loyal to his house and his efforts in classes and quidditch showed how much.

What other ones were there? "Well that's a very broad question, we have a whole host of various species. We how bulbs, plants, shrubs, trees, vines, aquatic plants, lichens, toadstools... the list goes on."
Perhaps she should consider writing up an inventory of sorts.. maybe..

"Flutterby's and shrivelfigs are always rather popular, as are the puffapods and honking daffodils. The more dangerous plants and flesh-eaters are kept in a secure greenhouse, so you don't need to worry about being eaten alive... just maybe nibbled on." She hoped this would be reassuring. It wasn't as if anybodies died studying herbology at Hogwarts.



Seren was slightly taken aback by the Ravenclaws abrupt question, all she could manage were a few mm's and uuhhh's..
"Well.. no I'm not," she finally said uncertainly. Truth be told she could have been and still could be, easily... all she had to do was say yes during the summer break. But instead, what did she do? .. she ran. "I'm not really in a hurry to get settled down," she added, conscious of her age. Heck her mother told her to hurry up often enough. "Plants are all I need."



Hawaii... sounded blissful. "Sounds like you had an amazing time," she said smiling and nodding as she listened to the young Lion.
"Oh I had a lovely summer, spent some time in Italy, then made a short stop over to Wales before going to Australia." t had been a rather eventful summer to say the least, and one she wouldn't forget for some time.

As the topic shifted to classes, Seren sat a little straighter in her seat. "Oh I have some wonderful things in store for you, I promise," she said with a wink. "We'll be looking at puffapods again this term.. and then a different but another very special and unique type of flower later on."



"Oh good, I'm glad." It was always nice to know the first years were settling in well... and not getting a hard time form the older students.

Seren raised her eyebrows curiously, listening to Nate's question. This rather excited her, though she wasn't pleased to hear that one of the school books have been disrespected. "Ahh the biting banyan..." she started dreamily. She loved them, and had seen many in her time. "It's one of the most vicious flesh-eating trees known to wizard kind. They're very dangerous and highly intimidating. They resemble completely dead trees, and nothing will grow on it, not even a the smallest bit of lichen. Their branches are razor sharp owing to the fact that they sharpen them on their bark..." Seren paused briefly, eyeing the boy. She wasn't scaring him off herbology was she? "The one defining factor about their appearance, is the boned hanging from their branches.. sort of like trophies, a warning to passersby."



"Oh it's amazing, I definitely suggest you check it out some time. They have the most amazing wild life..." and of course that's what she cared about most.. that and Aron. But he was considered wildlife yes?... Men were a different species after all. Snapping out of her thoughts Seren smiled inwardly. "Perugia, it's such a beautiful place, very... cultured."



"Sounds brilliant, I' aspiring for the same results... for the time being, I suppose you could just keep your eye out on the newer students make sure they're keeping their noses clean." The last thing she wanted was to hear they disrespected another professor and cost them precious house points. "... and maybe see if Kurumi has anything planned that you could help her with." There would no doubt be something in the works.

Seren followed Selina's gaze. Yes... she certainly seemed to be in high demand, no doubt she would have some explaining of sorts to do. "Mmm yes, that would be appreciated," she said, not really looking forward to the awkward conversations. "Keep me posted with the try outs and good luck," she said giving her Captain a nod.



Seren simply smiled brightly at Gideon's kind words, even if they did sound a little awkward escaping his lips. It was nice to know he was in her corner, after all the lions were a team, and so they would find a way to get the job done. "That'd be very much appreciated Gideon, I'm sure the girls and Adam would greatly appreciate your assistance... and a little extra guidance for the young ones can't hurt."

"Looking forward to classes starting up again?"

"Ok thanks I was just curious about that."

Beatrice without thinking raised an eyebrow. If the Herbology Professor wasn't that keen on the prospect of getting married then why did she detected
something on her answer? Regret perhaps?

Hmmm... "But why not Professor? You would look good with a family now. You're in the right age." Oh, bless the not so little anymore Ravenclaw girl, she hadn't realized she'd been meddling in the Professor's personal life. But once it has started, there's no way to put a stopping to it.. "Oh, I heard you and Professor Scabior are..errm...close." She said. Maybe you could soften him, she thought.

Ha! So Professors did have fun during the holidays! Ari was proud to deduce. On the other hand, Bentley seemed to have travelled enough to bring all kinds of weird international plants to class and make Ariadne feel more clueless than ever. 'Did you go to Rome? Is the Colosseum as impressive in reality as it is described in books?' The girl's curiosity got the better of her. She really wished to see more of the world someday.

Returning to the subject of classes, Ari went a step further with her problem. 'Sounds interesting, but...Professor, I'm sure you've noticed that I'm not so good with plants. Which is a pity really, since my dream is to become a wandmaker, and for that I need to be able to identify and work with many different types of wood. Do you know anything that might help my studying of Herbology?' She wasn't going to give up her ambition just because of a few plants!

Well a smile was a good thing and that was what he was given by the professor so it seemed Gideon was on the right track. He nodded at her words, showimg some understanding and agreement to them but then stopping as she included a name he hadn't in with Kurumi and Selina.

Adam?

Um...yeah he guessed he could help him too. Gideon had forgotten the fact that there was a male prefect as well since Kurumi had been the only one around to his knowledge. "Aye...I am," he answered truthfully. "As much as summer is fun, the break gets drab after awhile."

"Wait...which Adam?" he asked, a thought plaguing him.There were two Gryffindor Adams that he could think of so it was a valid question, at least in his mind at the time.

Presley grinned as Bentley mentioned the wildlife. Of course she would notice the plants more than anything else. Speaking of plants from foreign countries...Presley wondered vaguely about the plant she'd brought to Bentley from last summer, but decided not to mention it. She still wasn't happy about the fact that she'd gotten so attatched to it that she'd lost her sense and almost let the stupid thing eat her.

"I don't think I've ever seen Perugia either, but isn't that where Hadley is from?" Professor Hadley Presley mentally corrected herself. She needed to get into the habit of addressing teachers properly if she ever wanted Tate to skip her up a year.

She popped up out of her seat with another quick grin. "I'd actually better get going if I want to be on time for Charms. Thanks for letting me stop by!" As always, she held out her hand for Bentley to shake, politeness and manners were usually key with making adults who like you keep liking you. And Presley just did not need another person to be angry with her just now. Especially if Charmayne had broken her word and told Leo about how rude Presley had been when the two met..

... "No problem," she replied, eyeing the boy curiously. Not much of a talker was he?



It was a good thing Seren hadn't reached for the tea, otherwise it would have ended up all over her desk and possibly on the Ravenclaws face. The right age? Look good with a family? ... was she really that old looking?

And the icing on the cake. Her.... with Dashhound. Oh heck no.
"Uhh I suggest you find a new source for gossip, they clearly don't know what they're talking about." No.. she and Dash were NEVER going to happen.



"No unfortunately I didn't, I spent most of my time in the lovely city Perugia." Though perhaps the touristy type thing would be nice to do one day... after she was done exploring the wildlife.

As the girl continued, Seren couldn't help but smile to herself. Sure the girl wasn't a natural... but she wasn't hopeless. "Really the only advice I can give you is to practice, read and practice some more. If its woods you're particularly interested, I suggest walking through the grounds and gardens and identifying what we have here... seeing as you're not allowed in the forest and all." Which was a shame, seeing as that was where most of the trees were at. Of course.




Ahh yes the drabness of summer... Seren knew it well. Unless she was surrounded by flesh-eating trees or lichen or toadstool she found it was an utter bore. Hence why she traveled abroad so often. "I know where you're coming from," she mused, still thinking about the week she spent at her mothers place in Cardiff.

Which Adam? .. oh that would be right, the boy had been absent, silly her.
"Adam Burn dear."




"Professor Hadely, and yes in fact I spent the three weeks with her and her family." It was such a lovely vacation, and it was so good to see Alex again. It never ceased to amaze her how different people seemed after school.

Time to go? Seren checked the time on her pendant watch which hung loosely around her neck. "Ahh yes, that time already. Good luck dear," she said standing to shake Auroras hand. "Thank you for coming, it's good to see you again."

Jezzabelle's eyes lit up at the long and not complete list of plants Professor Bentley had given here. "I can't wait to see them all." And she really couldn't because at that moment she stood up. "Thanks so much professor. And I don't mind being nibbled on. It's fine." She gripped her plants tighter. "I'll see you in class, I really need to tend to these two before they get too dry." Plus she needed to replant one of the roses for a very special someone.

Beatrice bit her lower lip, trying so hard not too laugh because based from the Professor's expression. She was not enjoying neither going to entertain the prospect of being together with History of Magic Professor. Quite personally, Beezus don't find the idea amusing too. She would prefer if Professor Schirmer and Professor Scabior would end up together. Hehe.

"Err--apologies Professor Seren," she said with a low suppressed chuckle. "Anyway..how's working with the lions Professor?" That was supposed to be the topic of discussion right from the start of that talk.

Dang. Professor Bentley had caught that she'd missed Hadley's title. But she really was delighted that Bentley seemed to enjoy Presley's visits. At least a little. And if she didn't enjoy it, at least it didn't seem as if she dreaded them, or didn't want to answer the door when Presley came around. "Thanks," She smiled happily. Grateful for the luck. "It's good to see you too." She patted Caltex's head one more time, skirted around the fanged geraniums, and left the office with her heavy schoolbag in tow.

Adam followed his Professor/Head Of House into her office. He took his seat an then greeted her, "Hello Professor. First of all, before we get down to business I'd like to congratulate you on the honor of being Head of Gryffindor House." He smiled brightly at her.

"Secondly, I have this for you." He then passed her the note from Nurse Tillstorm from earlier in the day announcing that he would be safe to return to school life. "I'm glad that everything is back to normal with me."

Adam had never been in a Professors office, but oddly enough, he felt comfortable in this one because it had been his Head of House office, Professor Bently would make him feel better in any situation.

Adam Burn...

"Oh...him," Gideon replied, the boy swallowing as he realised he had said it outloud. Kurumi and Selina must be really really pleased with that fact. Of course there was more then a touch of sarcasm in that thought seeing as he knew at least part of each girl's history with the boy...prefect in question.

That was if either of them knew seeing as he himself hadn't seen him around.

"Sorry professor," he appologized not wanting Professor Bentley to think there was bad blood between them. Gideon just wasn't sure how things were going to be between the student leaders for the house of Godric. Nevermind not knowing whether or not she herself knew of the tension. "Um...Perhaps I should leave ye be," he mused quietly, figuring their conversation had made a turn towards bad.

Perugia? The girl had never heard of it, so she refrained from commenting on that any further, since there really was no need to look stupid in front of her Head of House.

'I thought you'd say that.' the young lioness replied with a hint of disappointment. Of course the only solution was to practice more, but she dreaded hearing it. 'Yes, I promise to do that.' But the Forest seemed much more interesting, especially for a mischievous Gryffindor. 'How about if we're accompanied by a Professor? Surely we'd be allowed in the Forbidden Forest then?' Smirk.

"Not a problem dear," she chuckled lightly as Jezzabelle all but jumped from her seat. "I'll see you then, and take care."



"Mmhhmm," she used, eyebrows raised.
Either way, Beatrice got the hint and changed the subject, wise girl she was. "It's been going quite well so far..." or well, as well as things could be. There weren't any rude shocks or surprises at least.



Smiling, Seren watched as Presley left the office.. carefully avoiding the fanged geraniums.



"Ahh thank you Adam, and congratulations to you too on your new role as Prefect. I'm sure you'll do Gryffindor proud."
But indeed a note. Taking it from her Prefect, she read it over, everything seemed to be in order. "Brilliant, it's good to have you back, I'm sure Kurumi and Selina will appreciate your presence." Poor girls have been trying to keep up, and doing a good job of it too.



Oh him? Well, yes him.
It was certainly interesting, watching Gideon process this information... never mind. Children would have their ups and downs, it couldn't be anything too serious.

Leave her be? "Mmm I suppose." Surely the boy had something better to do than to sit around her office anyway. What with lessons and homework and helping the girls out with their event preparations..
"I'll see you later then dear, take care."



Clearly practice wasn't what the girl had in mind... shame, but at least she would give it a go. Really... there wasn't anything else that could be done about it.

Though as Ariadne mentioned going into the forest with a Professor, Seren narrowed her eyebrows in consideration. "Perhaps... but I would advise against it. The forest is a dangerous place, students just don't belong there."

"Thanks,Professor." He said gratefully smiling at her. "I-I-I hope so too,Professor." Now he became really uncomfortable.

No.I don't think they'll appreciate my presence,Professor. Adam thought. His mind then wandered to his conversation with Kurumi on being Prefect an she being downright UNHAPPY about the prospect of having to work with him. Nessie had thought he had been joking, an Selina-although he hadn't talked to her at all this term so far, would probably be on the same page as Kurumi. The question had been burning him for days. An now that he was here, with his Head Of House, he might as well ask.

He began to scratch his head as he spoke up nervously, "Pro-Pro-Professor umm..well, Kurumi is not happy about this. An one of my other friends laughed at me being a Prefect.They umm...seem to doubt me because of my um.. reputation."

Well..was that good to hear? "I see..I see.." she nodded towards the Professor. She wasn't too enthusiastic about it though. Beezus wondered but she kept to herself.

"Well Professor Seren, I must go now.." said Beezus as she stood up. "It's getting dark anyway. Thanks for today." Then she walked over to the door and gave the Herbology Professor and now Head of Gryffindor House a small bow before walking out the door.

"Bye Professor Bentley. I'll see you around," and with that Jezzabelle left through the door trying her best to avoid the Fanged Geraniums. She had stuff to tend to.

Kurumi wasn't happy? Why on earth not? ... wasn't that girl always happy? Adam wasn't making a great deal of sense to Seren, her eyebrows narrowed in confusion, her chin tilting to a slight angle in thought.
"And what reputation is that exactly?" she asked. It had piqued her curiosity, and quite frankly, she had no idea what the boy was on about. He hadn't broken the poor girls heart had he?



"It's no problem dear... it was nice to see you again, take care."
And yikes! was that the time already? Seren exchanged a look with Caltex, he'd need his feed now, and maybe a short walk.



Seren gave Jezzabelle one last wave, then watched the girl leave, closing the door behind her.

Well, wasn't this an awkward conversation to be sharing with his Professor. He began to twiddle his fingers into the others an spoke slowly. "I..well, is rather personal issue stuff. I've never done anything that concerned the school...Kurumi an I we dated,then I had to leave for a school year, an we didn't exactly break up an we kind of did, an she said she 'waited' for me, an I had found someone new. An so, she found a new boyfriend this past year, an I..my intent was to break them up an try to get back with her." Yeah, maybe now Bently would understand why Adam was so confused on the honor they had given him.

Kurumi had mentioned that the decision was school based, but even then Adam didn't feel like the greatest role model because of his hotheaded personality, an his lack of not attending classes during his 2nd an 3rd year.

0____________o

"Oh dear." ... so it was that sort of issue. Not that it was serious, heavens they were only children for crying out loud.. so things would blow over. Right?

As for the breaking couples up thing... well that was a little intense.
"Well.. if I may offer you some advice," she started, not really sure where she was going with this. "Miss Hollingberry is a very bright and strong willed young lady.. you'd do well to leave her be." Sure Kurumi looked all innocent and sweet on the outside with her delicious baked goods, the girl was probably a force to be reckoned with should it come to that. "Just keep things professional." The last thing she wanted was to have her two prefects sitting in the Lovers Lair having to explain some awkward and horrific incident...

No... that wouldn't be good at all.

Sophie smiled and walked in. She looked up to Professor Bentley and started opening her bag. "Well, Professor, we had this Transfiguration assignment to hand in..." she looked down into her bag, trying to find what she was looking for. "...Professor Magnus asked us to draw a picture frame than transfigure a sheet of paper into it. And said we should give it to someone." she finally took out the picture frame she had made.

"I actually made it for my mum, but then I thought about making an identical one for you too!" Sophie handed the frame to Professor Bentley. "I thought you might like it, if you're anything like my mum." she said happily.

"This is a giant ivy. This up here is a flesh eating plant. And these are just regular daisies." She pointed at the thingies in the frame as she explained. "I wish I could make them move, but I don't know any spells to do that... do you, Professor?" she asked looking up at the witch again.