The Willow was over whatever trick had just been played on it. It was still however aware of the presence of the young humans. As they were not bothering it at the moment, it left them be. The ancient tree was in no particular mood to be exceptionally violent today anyhow.

Being around for many, many years the Willow wasn’t exactly sentient but it did have enough instincts to sense the presence of humans, creatures and anything else around it. How it dealt with intruders into its sacred space was the only way it knew: to blindly attack with sturdy branches.

The Whomping Willow gave another sway before coming to a complete halt. It looked utterly innocent as it just basked there in the sun’s glorious rays. Perhaps it was the perfect time for the students to act.