(A/N: Written for sugarquill. Prompt was "Persistence".)
Persistence is Key
"Persistence," he said as he paced between rows of work tables. "That is the key. In your other class you are given one correct way to do things. One wrong stir and a potion is ruined. An incorrect turn of the wrist and a charm may not work. Herbology is about persistence. Trial and error, try out different things until it something takes."
"Professor?"
He turned to see a Slytherin raising his hand.
"Yes, Mr. Pritchard, is it?"
"Gavin Pritchard," he answered. "I was wondering Professor, it sounds as if there is basically no skill needed to succeed in Herbology. So why do we study it?"
"No, no, no," he laughed. "You've missed my point. Persistence is the skill. It takes a special person to truly succeed in Herbology." He leaned down looking the boy in the eye. "Have you ever heard of Campana Noctis?"
The boy shook his head.
"Night bells," he went on, "very delicate flower, used in a number of healing potions. Sensitive to sunlight, they can only be fed and pruned at night. Before they bloom, they must be fed three times a night at two hour intervals and the time from sprout to blossom is about five weeks. Think of it Mr. Pritchard, the care, the tenderness, the attention to detail. The persistence needed to produce this crucial ingredient. Without skilled Herbologist these flowers would not survive. Without these flowers certain potions would be impossible."
The class looked thoroughly impressed as they shuffled off to their next class.
"Professor Longbottom," the Slytherin boy said as the greenhouse emptied.
"Yes, Mr. Pritchard?"
"Are we going to be working with that Campana Noctis any?"
"Not until sixth year. N.E.W.T level."
"Oh," he said with a grin, "I'll just have to be sure to N.E.W.T in Herbology then."
