Aria was excited to teach; this was turning a new leaf...literally, as she caressed the plants around her. She never knew that she'd want to get into teaching, instead she always imagined herself working at the hospital till she got too old to see and then retire. But it seemed that wasn't the case. She was starting new, early, and with it followed a new life. Pulling her hair up, she tied it in a tight ponytail, her curls falling behind her.

She wore no makeup, no need to. It seemed so unprofessional to even try to look good around plants, or students. Her clothing held nothing special. A t-shirt of an old rock band, and a pair of shorts, her robes open letting her have protection from the cold. Thankfully the greenhouses meant warmth to keep the plants thriving. Smiling at the thought, she put the pots on the large table in the center.

She didn't want anyone to sit, finding it tedious; for Herbology and potion work you were rarely sitting down. Instead always moving and walking similar to Healer work. Today she wanted to explore just how quick they were and if they could tell a poisonous plant from a safe one based on it's appearance and what she told them. It wouldn't be too challenging, but she figured, for potioneers in training, it would help.

A soft humming filled the air about a certain blonde, who's robes were drawn tightly about her to fight against the chill.  It was a nervous sound that those close to her had easily become accustomed to, always brushing against their ear drums as Pyxis' way of expressing any kind of anxiety.  She could keep it to herself at times - such as if she were in a quiet room filled with people she didn't know - but a majority of the time, the noise escaped her almost without her even realising.

Why was she nervous?  Because today was her first lesson in potions, and though she was absolutely loathe to admit it, she didn't know if her skill in potions would extend to this prestigious academy that only the absolute best of the best were permitted to attend.  It would mean that her competition classmates would also, similarly, be quite talented.

A stray lock of soft hair dangled down in front of bright, intelligent eyes, and she quickly brushed it away as she stepped into the greenhouses.  Making her way through, she saw that she was among the first to arrive.  This eased her somewhat, and she managed to choke back more nervous humming as she stood by the table in the middle, where various pots were placed.

Aria smiled as the first student entered. She seemed like a delight, but then again she figured all students under this major and willing to take a herbology aspect to their major pleased her beyond belief. Many tended to look down at classes like these, they seemed foolish to them, or seemed like they would be working with stupid plants. Shame really, never realizing how deadly plants could be. Turning over to the lovely looking young lady, she gave her a warm smile.

"Welcome" she greeted brightly, "Since you're the first one here, feel free to get comfortable. We'll give a few more minutes, and if no one comes in, then it's just us girls for the first lesson. Which I see nothing bad about"

She laughed softly. Perhaps she was happy about teaching. This was a new chapter in her life, a new way for her to get a thrill in what she did. Healing would always hold a special place in her heart, as would potions, her minor while at the academy when younger. She figured that working alongside someone as Mycroft Holmes was not a bad thing at all, he was nice to look at. Shaking her head she finished putting everything together and leaned against the counter holding some plants.

Melody walked into the classroom. There was only one other student there and the Professor. She greeted them before sitting down. She didn't seem to have missed anything for which Melody was extremely thankful. She'd wanted to do her best in her chosen course.

She didn't recognize the other student or the professor but then she hadn't meet many people yet. Even at the ball, she hadn't ended up socializing a lot. She didn't dwell on that though. She just waited for the lesson to begin or for more people to come. Surely there was more than just two people taking this class.

She looked at the plant that the professor was holding and looked around the greenhouse. It was beautiful, maybe she would enjoy having lessons here. Not that she didn't usually enjoy learning or wasn't looking forward to the class, it was just that the greenhouse seemed lovely.

Walking quickly across the grass, Ben made his way to the greenhouses. He'd only ever spent time here for lessons, so wasn't overly fond of the hot, stuffy atmosphere. For experimental and research purposes, he enjoyed the various plants he would find here. If only other people didn't have to get in the way. Or be here in general.

As he entered the designated greenhouse, he wasn't surprised to see another new professor. Since this was his second year, he didn't quite know if they were rotational, or if there was just some strange happening, bringing so many new faces into his academy career. No matter. The grade would be the same.

With a curt nod of acknowledgement to the witch, he set down his bag on a clear space off to the side, trying to avoid unneccessary mess on it, before taking place near a table a little away from the professor. If asked, he could simply say he was allowing room for younger students near the front. In reality, he liked the idea of others forgetting he was there, whenever possible.

The blonde nearly let out a surprised squeak when the professor acknowledged her, but she swiftly composed herself and offered a slightly nervous smile. She didn't want to be bested by anyone, but she knew that being a freshman meant that she was bound to be showed up by one of the upper classmen - they were older, with more experience than her. She gnawed on her lower lip anxiously and tried to recall what the professor had said to her whilst her mind had run off with embarrassing notions.

What if she answered a question with wrong answer? Where's that unshakeable, pureblood, "I'm better than you all" confidence, huh? She thought to herself. Her father had never had a problem with anything like this, not visibly. He'd always seemed so comfortable in every situation - but he did think himself above others on a conscious level. At least for Pyxis, her superiority complex was subconscious. She didn't try to be an ass, it just kind of happened.

Wait, maybe that was worse?

"No, nothing at all," she smiled back at the professor. She seemed quite friendly, which was comforting. She wouldn't be laughed at by the teacher if she didn't showcase her knowledge and intelligence properly.

Aria wasn't going to wait around for the others to arrive. If they didn't think her class was important, they could bite her. She was a woman of many layers but one flaw was she lacked real patience when it came to being disappointed. Taking a deep breath, she smiled at the three people that arrived and figured she could start. Walking in front of the desk, and towards the group in itself, she began to get the ball rolling.

"Good morning class, my name is Aria Song, but Aria or Ari works fine when addressing me" she began a bright smile on her face, "and we are here to discuss herbology, and the aspects of it when it comes to dealing with potions. This class we will concentrate on poisons, and the way that they're often overlooked by people when walking near them. In this room I have collected poisons from all around the world and placed them in this greenhouse. I want each of you to take one of the slips under these plants and go and search for them. You obviously already read the book assigned during summer and now we can just jump into it."

Paper Strip 1:

I am a showy flower, with five petals. I come in different colors, from pink, white or red. I cause your heart to stop, not just for my beauty, but from ingesting me. I cause tremors in your system, now come find me.

Paper Strip 2:

I am a festive red plant, round and attractive, I am often misconstrued as innocent in the forest. I come in no other color, and while not pretty I get you from my appetizing look. I cause fatality when eaten and so I don't like playing games. Distinguishing me can be important, if you want to survive another day.

Paper Strip 3:

I'm red and green and am connected to the holidays. I may look appetizing but perhaps having me over your head is better than having me in your stomach. I don't play around and can easily be fatal. Don't confuse me with the clue above, or else you'll have a rude awakening

"If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask...unless it's for the answer" she giggled.

(OOC: Each of you can say which strip you have at the very top. Once you are done, reading, go ahead and look for the plant and bring it to the desk assigned to you. Then we will go over as to why you chose it, etc.)

"I am a showy flower, with five petals. I come in different colors, from pink, white or red. I cause your heart to stop, not just for my beauty, but from ingesting me. I cause tremors in your system, now come find me," Melody said. She wasn't entirely sure why but choosing this plant appealed to her more than choosing either of the other two. Maybe because she had never thought much of the kissing under the mistletoe or holly which was often mistaken for mistletoe tradition.

Then she tried to find it. It took some walking but after nearly getting hit in the face by a branch of some type of tree she found it near some bushes and took it back to her table. Thankfully it was in a pot so she didn't have to worry about pulling it out of the ground. She took the primrose back to her desk.

"A primrose. I chose this plant because well it seemed more interesting than the other two I guess," she admitted nervously. "And err, its a pretty plant. I might have a better chance getting someone to eat it then I would the other two. Not that I want to feed it to anyone but I just thought of it since their all poisonous and people wouldn't generally think of using the other two for anything expect kissing someone."

She hoped that was a good answer but really didn't feel like it was. She felt so embarrassed but managed not to blush, she looked at the plant instead. Well it was a pretty plant.
(OOC: I hope this is okay. Sorry if I got the wrong flower, it was the only one I found that fit the description.)

Aria smiled as the girl Miss....Lovegood was the first one to volunteer and go off. It was a bit disheartening that others didn't bother to try, but at least one did. And as she ran off to do so, she waited patiently for her to explain herself. Her smile got a bit wobbly once she realized the girl had picked a primrose, but hearing her explanation, Aria nodded hoping not to discourage her.

"Well, I appreciate your enthusiasm Miss Lovegood to go first over the others. But sadly, I wished you would have paid more attention to some hints. Five petals in a multitude of colors is how I assume you got confused to choose a primrose. But the reaction of primrose is not a dangerous one. I was hoping for an Azalea flower. But good try and thank you for going for it." she said kindly.

Looking at the clock she nearly pouted realizing that class was almost over. Sighing, she knew that she should end it and clapped her hands.

"Well class is over, I hope that next time you all try to participate. Have a good day!"

Lovegood,Melody: Miss Lovegood, I genuinely appreciate your enthusiasm for the subject. There is no need to be shy Miss Lovegood, you are very good at trying and I think it’s charming. I know you tried and you were wrong, but don’t let that get you down. You will do great next lesson.

• Lesson Grade: Exceeds Expectations
  

Watson, Benjamin: Mr. Watson, you are too quiet. I am not going to force you to talk in my class, but I do expect participation. A condescending pose will not get you a good grade  my class, but hard work. I expect more from you next lesson. I know I may seem nice, but don’t underestimate me young man.

• Lesson Grade: Barely-Acceptable
  

Wilson, Pyxis: Miss Wilson, thank you for being the first person to arrive to my lesson, but your shyness seems to have stopped your from participating which saddens me. I hope that next time you do participate and engage so you learn. I don’t spoon feed answers.

• Lesson Grade: Barely-Acceptable.
  

Overall Comments: Look at your book and pay close attention to hints that I give you when it comes to looking at the plants. I have high expectations next lesson.