Herbology

A botanist's worst nightmare would include some of the plants that are covered in Herbology. Ranging from dangerous plants that devour flesh when touched to plants that will actively fight back from being trimmed, the class is deceptively difficult. Most of the plants and fungi that are taught in class are vital ingredients in potions, linking both classes together in their curriculum as to what they cover in a given year.

Professor Samsona has this to say on her class:

"We will have a close connection to potions, so I highly suggest that you pay attention in my class if you wish to do well in that class as well. Now, I believe more in the practical side of things, so gather yourself some pots, there's plenty of them around here. I have a lot of compost in that corner over there, and for the love of Merlin, do be careful about the georgian poison ivy. It's moody today."

Given the importance of the plants that are covered in the class, they are securely kept in a greenhouse on the campus grounds with an extensive expansion charm in place, however, not all of the plants that are covered fit inside the greenhouse and are located across the campus. Because of this, students must be mindful of any and all plants that they encounter on the grounds unless they wish to end up in the infirmary.

Most students don't mind the class and dealing with soil and plants, in fact finding it relaxing. Professor Samsona cares deeply about the plants under her care and will not hesitate to deduct points for students who neglect their assigned plants. For those that take herbology as an elective for the whole time of their schooling at Gerhardt, one of the final tests for graduation is taking care of a plant for a whole year that Professor Samsona randomly assigns. The healthier the specimen, the higher the grade. A dead plant is an automatic failure of the class.