Only The Beginning

The Locket

Herbology was one of the classes Olive was most excited about, she had spent a lot of time in the garden at the orphanage, so it felt like a home to her. The plants were alive, and she was responsible for keeping them happy and healthy, giving them the care she never received. She would tell them her secrets, joys and her fears, knowing that they would always be there to listen. They were her friends when she didn't have any.

Bouncing the entire way to the greenhouse with Poppy, she felt energized and ready to tackle some magical plants, how different could they be to regular ones she was used to? Professor Garlick was waiting for all the students to arrive, greeting each one with a kind smile and questions about their summer holiday.

"Oh! You must be the newest bud I've heard so much about. I was able to find you a space just over here at this potting bench. Thankfully I had an extra spot since Alice Burnwood won't be joining us this term. Ah, please take these as well, you'll need them for today's lesson." Professor Garlick had a light and airy tone as she handed Olive a pair of cotton balls, she couldn't imagine why she would need these for the lesson.

"My bench is just right over here, let me know if you have any questions." Poppy touched her arm as she made her way across the room to her potting table.

Olive made her way over to her table, pulling out her textbook and setting up her journal to take notes. After the events of the last few days, she just wanted to focus on school and not get into any more trouble, so she was determined to blend in. She heard rustling beside her as her bench mate strolled into class and dropped their books onto the table.

"Seem's you just can't keep away from me Ollie." She recognized that voice, Sebastian, with a grin on his face.

"Ollie?" She questioned; she hadn't heard that nickname in a while.

"Well, I'd like to think we're on close terms after yesterday's party."

"Shall I give you a nickname as well then?" she chuckled.

"Try bloody git." Ominis quipped as he strolled past to his bench.

Sebastian rolled his eyes at his friends' words "Seb will do just fine. How are you faring on day two? Any trolls I should be warned about? You still owe me an explanation you know."

"Thankfully no trolls, I'd rather not revisit that. I promise to give you an explanation, I'm just trying to piece it together myself- "

Professor Garlick hushed the class as she began her lecture on mandrakes and their many uses. The students were instructed to place the cotton balls in their ears and then firmly yank the root out of the pot and into a much larger one. Olive almost regretted her thoughts of excitement for this class when the shrieking shrills came from her uprooted mandrake. Its piercing cry was enough to make her feel woozy, and she quickly shoved it into the new pot, soothing the plant as it became covered in fresh soil.

"Alright my rose buds, I believe that's enough for today's lesson. Potting tables and greenhouses will be open for independent study if you wish." Professor Garlick said as she hurried over to a Ravenclaw girl who had become ill from the sounds of the mandrakes.

"Poor Samantha, hope she's alright." Poppy had made her way back Olives table "Would you like me to give you a tour of the greenhouses?"

Olive nodded excitedly and the two girls were off, rows and rows of plants surrounded them. Olive took her time, drawing each plant in her notebook and writing down it's properties as Poppy told her all about them.

"What is your next class?" Poppy inquired, noticing what time it was.

"Potions, with Professor Sharp"