HERB-OWL Lessons

With the sun shining and the birds singing, you grab your books and walk down the stairs of your Common Room toward the Great Hall. You know that, despite it being a wonderful day outside and having the urge to sit on a bench and enjoy the sunny morning, it is almost time for your Herbology O.W.L. examination. Checking your schedule, you realize the theory portion is due this morning. You only hope that the future sprouts as marvelously as the plants you have been diligently caring for through these years.

Walking down the dimly-lit corridors, you start sensing how nervous everyone is. You hear students reciting herbs’ uses, checking growing conditions, exercising the most helpful spells to work on plants, and you even see some students discussing the W.H.I.P.S. classes. You are quickly embraced by the fear of failing, flicking through your notes one more time on your way to the Great Hall with everyone else. Have you revised the uses of belladonna? Do you remember the contents of a full plant profile? What spell do you use to preserve plants for as long as possible? These questions rushed through your mind while checking your notes.

Without realizing it, you arrive at the Great Hall doors, widely open with a sign outside that reads “Herbology O.W.L., Theory Portion". One by one, students file in, sitting silently in one of the perfectly arranged seats. You do the same, still reviewing important herbological information in your head. You also realize that the Great Hall looks pretty different, with many plants hanging on the ceiling and a pleasant aroma invading the place.   

As soon as all students are seated, the doors close with a squeak, and soon enough, two people appear upfront. One of them is, with his characteristic black glasses and dark green robes, Professor Aspen, holding a watering can in his left hand. The other man, quite short, with brown hair and black glasses, is wearing a light green outfit.

After exchanging a few words with Professor Aspen, the man in the light green outfit looks at the students and asserts: “Welcome, everyone, to your Herbology Ordinary Wizarding Level Examination. My name’s Professor Sap, and I’ll be your proctor for the day. First of all, I’d like to remind you that any kind of cheating is forbidden and risks expulsion if you get caught. Additionally, you’ll have three hours to complete this theory portion of the exam, and then you’ll have time to eat something on the grounds if you want before joining me in the greenhouses for the practical portion of the examination this afternoon. So, Professor Aspen, would you like to say something before we begin?”

Professor Sap turned to Professor Aspen, who kindly left the watering can on the floor to address the students with his usual, soft voice: “I’ve seen you all grow from rose shrubs to wonderfully noisy Mandrakes. You’ve studied hard and spent days and nights in the greenhouses working your way up to grow the best specimens that could ever exist. I’m really happy with your progress and effort so far, and I’m sure you’ll do great. Just trust yourselves and make sure you do your best.” Professor Aspen ended his speech and walked out of the Great Hall with the watering can in his hand, not before smiling at everyone in the room.

“You may now begin”, Professor Sap said with a warm voice and a flick of his wand, making parchments appear on everyone’s desks.

Lesson and assignment written by Professor Matthew Aspen

Image credits here and here