HERB-OWL Lessons

After finishing your theoretical portion, you think you deserve some rest in the grounds before attempting the practical portion of the O.W.L. examination. You were told that by early afternoon, you should present near the greenhouses to be provided with further instructions as to what to do for the final part of the exam.

However, you realize that you have a few hours to relax, so you take a couple of friends to have lunch in a shadowed section of the grounds. While eating, you test each other to check if you answered the questions in the theoretical part in a similar fashion. All of a sudden, herbology information was coming and going, each individual trying to justify their answers. Some of them made you feel a bit nervous, wondering if you had answered the questions correctly. Was ipecac an evergreen shrub? Were you able to discern the appropriate labeling system? Have you identified the magical properties of Colwort correctly? These queries invaded your mind while chatting and eating with your friends.

Time went by, and without even realizing, you had only 15 minutes to reach the greenhouses to sit for the practical portion of the Herbology O.W.L. examination. Grabbing your notes, you rushed to the greenhouses with your friends, mumbling information so as not to forget any details. Sighing, you arrive at the place, only to find Professor Sap and Professor Aspen standing in front of the student crew.

Both professors welcomed the students with a smile and indicated them to come closer. Professor Sap cleared his voice and said: “What a beautiful afternoon to sit for a Herbology practical, don’t you think? Well, I know you are nervous, especially now you have already sat for the theoretical portion. Some of you will need a good grade in this part to pass while others seem sure that the practical will improve their grade. In any case, you are all here because you believe in the importance of Herbology, or at least, you need it for your future prospects”, Professor Sap ended with a vigorous hand movement. Professor Aspen remained silent until this moment, when he gazed at Professor Sap and softly elbowed his hip. “Oh my, I shouldn’t divert. Thanks Professor Aspen for reminding me of that. Well, coming back to the examination at hand, you will all get into the greenhouse behind me to address the practical part of the examination. You will face a variety of situations that would demand intelligence, observation, and a little bit of spellcasting. Some of them will not pose any threat to your lives. Nevertheless, some others will require you to think quickly and solve the situation before it gets dangerous. If you ever get into a situation that you cannot solve, and you think your life is threatened, please send red sparks to the ceiling of the greenhouse and someone will quickly help you out. Be warned though that this will mean that your examination is over and you will be graded based on the situations you have properly addressed. Again, let me remind you that any form of cheating is forbidden and risks expulsion if you get caught. Finally, all implements you may need during the examination will be eventually provided to you with the exception of your wand, which you must have from the beginning of the examination. You will all have a limit of 3 hours to work on this part. Do you have any questions?”

Students started whispering words but no one dared to ask anything. Professor Aspen observed the exchanges in silence but he decided to offer a few motivational words: “Don’t fret, my dear students. I’m sure you’ll do the best in this examination. You’re certainly prepared for whatever lies behind us. Be confident in your abilities and you’ll be just fine. Professor Sap will now call you one by one to enter the greenhouse so please come forward when your name is voiced. Good luck everyone and hope to see you all in Year 6 with renewed energy.”

After that speech, which you thought was short but inspirational, students were called in one by one. Your name was pronounced after approximately half an hour and, shaking a little bit and smiling at the professors, you entered the greenhouse to face whatever resides in there.

Lesson and assignment written by Professor Matthew Aspen

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