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*MadAlice* · #1 (**permalink**) 08-14-2023, 02:52 AM

Graphic credit: Felixir

The Whomping Willow is a valuable, and extremely violent, sentient magical tree. It has stood on the Hogwarts grounds since 1971, surviving several battles, a collision from a flying Ford Anglia, and thousands of reckless daredevil students. The violent flailing of its limbs serve a well-known purpose in protecting the hidden pathway beneath its roots, and though this passageway to the Shrieking Shack has fallen into disrepair, finding a way to touch the trick knot on the tree's trunk will still calm its movements. For a moment, anyway.

Students are reminded to maintain a safe and respectful distance from this tree, no matter how curious or reckless brave you're feeling. The Whomping Willow will not hesitate to attack anyone who comes within reach of its branches. Violent, magical trees are not exactly known for being easygoing, and nor are irritated groundskeepers happening upon children taking unnecessary risks. You have been warned.

OOC: Please do not RP for the Whomping Willow.

noodles · 09-12-2023, 07:07 AM

Another day, another adventure!

Ezra Greenwood was out on the explore again. The first week had gone over in the blink of an eye and he had only seen a tiny fraction of what the castle had to offer. Today he was concentrating on a section of the grounds.

He had read about the tree he was currently gazing at (from a safe distance). He watched the branches of the Whomping Willow with fascination. They were calm at the moment, but he noted that if he took just even a couple of steps forward, the movement became erratic, sweeping in his direction. He stepped back again. All calm. Forward. Violence.

Forward.
Backwards.
Forward.
Backwards.
Forward.
Backwards.
Forward.
Backwards.

This was fun! No way was he going too close though. The Gryffindor in him which the hat had talked of was nowhere to be seen.

He noticed a squirrel making it's way toward the tree and he sat on the mossy ground to watch what both it and the squirrel would do, his mouth open a little in concentration. He picked up a stone ready to throw in the vicinity of the squirrel to scare it away should it look like it might be in any danger. Although the tree would probably warn the wee creature all by itself.. but just to be safe.

No animals would be hurt on his watch.

*Zoe* · 09-12-2023, 07:51 PM

With the temperature still reasonable enough to endure, Logan decided to find a nice spot outside to get some of his studying done (because it never seemed to end lately). Clad in a hoodie, he wandered the pathways for a while, mostly out of procrastination, before he decided on heading toward the Whomping Willow. Still a safe enough distance away from the violent plant, he sat against a nearby tree and dug around in his bag for a random textbook.

Today's pull was Herbology, which he had to admit was at least better than History of Magic. However, true to his character, it did not take long for the blond to turn his eyes from pages of text and plant diagrams to the sentient tree before him. At the moment it was quite still, but the fifth year knew that just one bird fluttering by or a stone being thrown would make it go berserk.

The temptation to trigger the willow was there. However, Logan was more preoccupied with staring at the tree's base. Where, oh where was that knot?

*Kolyander* · 09-12-2023, 11:34 PM

One little miss Bryony Rose Paton had managed to complete all of her assignments for the day and somehow beyond her own knowledge for the next day too. It was safe to say, she was doing fairly well so far. Who was to say how long she could keep it going for but as for now, she was content with things as they were. Well, most things.

Right now she was all by herself and being by herself was boring. There were too many people in this place for her to be on her own, even if she was exploring. Everyone knew it was much more fun with others.

Now if only…

Was that? It was! Logan! Bryony's feet were already carrying her across the grass and towards the whomping willow where her older brother was sitting in the grass before she even knew what she was doing. "Looooogan!" the blonde squealed loudly in delight as she leaped at him.

*PhoenixRising* · 09-13-2023, 12:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by noodles

Another day, another adventure!

Ezra Greenwood was out on the explore again. The first week had gone over in the blink of an eye and he had only seen a tiny fraction of what the castle had to offer. Today he was concentrating on a section of the grounds.

He had read about the tree he was currently gazing at (from a safe distance). He watched the branches of the Whomping Willow with fascination. They were calm at the moment, but he noted that if he took just even a couple of steps forward, the movement became erratic, sweeping in his direction. He stepped back again. All calm. Forward. Violence.

Forward.
Backwards.
Forward.
Backwards.
Forward.
Backwards.
Forward.
Backwards.

This was fun! No way was he going too close though. The Gryffindor in him which the hat had talked of was nowhere to be seen.

He noticed a squirrel making it's way toward the tree and he sat on the mossy ground to watch what both it and the squirrel would do, his mouth open a little in concentration. He picked up a stone ready to throw in the vicinity of the squirrel to scare it away should it look like it might be in any danger. Although the tree would probably warn the wee creature all by itself.. but just to be safe.

No animals would be hurt on his watch.

There was too much to explore and too little time. Why did they have to go to classes? They took up so much time that could have been spent seeing all of the Hogwarts castle. Which in truth was a ridiculous notion because she was only a first year and had seven years to explore every nook and cranny.

Deciding though that she probably ought to see more of the grounds before it got too cold, Emma made her way across the green and over to the legendary tree. It was miraculous to think that it was 140 years old. As she approached the tree that actually appeared quite calm in this moment, she couldn't help but take in a boy sitting there observing the tree, as if he was taking notes for a paper.

"It doesn't do much, does it?" She squinted at it and looked back down at the boy. She thought it'd be more .... violent, but maybe it was just old and tired.

*Zoe* · 09-13-2023, 02:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kolyander

One little miss Bryony Rose Paton had managed to complete all of her assignments for the day and somehow beyond her own knowledge for the next day too. It was safe to say, she was doing fairly well so far. Who was to say how long she could keep it going for but as for now, she was content with things as they were. Well, most things.

Right now she was all by herself and being by herself was boring. There were too many people in this place for her to be on her own, even if she was exploring. Everyone knew it was much more fun with others.

Now if only…

Was that? It was! Logan! Bryony's feet were already carrying her across the grass and towards the whomping willow where her older brother was sitting in the grass before she even knew what she was doing. "Looooogan!" the blonde squealed loudly in delight as she leaped at him.

It was times like these when he wished he had a pair of omnioculars. From where he was sitting, finding this alleged knot was likely impossible. He could, of course, get up and inch closer to the willow and see just how close he'd get until it started swinging, though that seemed like a thrilling task to do with friends rather than solo. So he did the next logical thing: squint his eyes. Doing so did nothing to enhance his vision, which was something he should have known.

His squinted gaze was redirected to the source of unexpected squealing. Was he surprised that the source was his little sister? Not at all. A groan sounded when Bryony leaped at him, and he briefly considered throwing his textbook at her for disturbing him. Plus she was also disrupting that quiet ambiance the tree seemed to like.

"Shh!" he hissed at her. "You'll upset the Whomping Willow." The fifth year looked back at the tree to see if it was going to move as a result of the sudden commotion.

noodles · 09-13-2023, 07:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhoenixRising

There was too much to explore and too little time. Why did they have to go to classes? They took up so much time that could have been spent seeing all of the Hogwarts castle. Which in truth was a ridiculous notion because she was only a first year and had seven years to explore every nook and cranny.

Deciding though that she probably ought to see more of the grounds before it got too cold, Emma made her way across the green and over to the legendary tree. It was miraculous to think that it was 140 years old. As she approached the tree that actually appeared quite calm in this moment, she couldn't help but take in a boy sitting there observing the tree, as if he was taking notes for a paper.

"It doesn't do much, does it?" She squinted at it and looked back down at the boy. She thought it'd be more .... violent, but maybe it was just old and tired.

Ezra, sensing someone approaching, kept his focus trained on the little red squirrel which was inching closer and closer to the Whomping Willow. A rare sight to behold these days. He looked up at the newcomer when she got close and began to speak, putting a his finger to his lips, a silent 'Shhh', and then pointed at the squirrel.. but it was startled in that moment and off it dashed.

“Oh well..” He sighed and then looked up at the girl once again. “The tree gets crazier the closer you get... but I wouldn't chance it. Not if you enjoy having all of your limbs. Look.” He stood up and threw the stone, still in his hand, in the direction of the tree. It's branches swayed heavily in response. A grin at the girl.

She was a first year?--Oh yes! He remembered her from the sorting ceremony! “Oh, I know you!” He said jovially, a big smile of realisation on his face. “The Hufflepuff spider girl from the feast!” Surely everyone in the entire hall heard that commotion. Shrieking and standing on benches.

“Be careful..” He said lowering his voice conspiratorially. “There might be a large family of spiders living in that tree.” eh heh.

*Kolyander* · 09-16-2023, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoe

It was times like these when he wished he had a pair of omnioculars. From where he was sitting, finding this alleged knot was likely impossible. He could, of course, get up and inch closer to the willow and see just how close he'd get until it started swinging, though that seemed like a thrilling task to do with friends rather than solo. So he did the next logical thing: squint his eyes. Doing so did nothing to enhance his vision, which was something he should have known.

His squinted gaze was redirected to the source of unexpected squealing. Was he surprised that the source was his little sister? Not at all. A groan sounded when Bryony leaped at him, and he briefly considered throwing his textbook at her for disturbing him. Plus she was also disrupting that quiet ambiance the tree seemed to like.

"Shh!" he hissed at her. "You'll upset the Whomping Willow." The fifth year looked back at the tree to see if it was going to move as a result of the sudden commotion.

Logan was lucky. Lucky that she was small and typically had amazing reflexes, like being able to stop herself from a crash landing because her big brother didn't catch her. He was really becoming a huge let down on the fun meter. Never wanting to play with her anymore or even really spend anytime at all with her unless he had to. It was rude.

Bry pulled a face at him. "Chicken. What's the point of sitting over here if you're scared of upsetting a tree?" Seriously, since when has her brother gotten so boring. She remembered when he used to be loads of fun and all the mischief they had gotten into when they were younger. "I bet if I was a certain girl Gryffindor you wouldn't be telling me to shhh, right now." The small blonde huffed, flopping on the grass where she stood and staring at the large tree.

*PhoenixRising* · 09-17-2023, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by noodles

Ezra, sensing someone approaching, kept his focus trained on the little red squirrel which was inching closer and closer to the Whomping Willow. A rare sight to behold these days. He looked up at the newcomer when she got close and began to speak, putting a his finger to his lips, a silent 'Shhh', and then pointed at the squirrel.. but it was startled in that moment and off it dashed.

“Oh well..” He sighed and then looked up at the girl once again. “The tree gets crazier the closer you get... but I wouldn't chance it. Not if you enjoy having all of your limbs. Look.” He stood up and threw the stone, still in his hand, in the direction of the tree. It's branches swayed heavily in response. A grin at the girl.

She was a first year?--Oh yes! He remembered her from the sorting ceremony! “Oh, I know you!” He said jovially, a big smile of realisation on his face. “The Hufflepuff spider girl from the feast!” Surely everyone in the entire hall heard that commotion. Shrieking and standing on benches.

“Be careful..” He said lowering his voice conspiratorially. “There might be a large family of spiders living in that tree.” eh heh.

The universal 'be quiet' symbol was one that Emma recognized all too well usually when she was trying to get one of her brothers to give her attention. Which might not have been too far off from what she was doing now, albeit with a stranger. She was always a rather social individual, preferring the company of others to the noise of her own thoughts.

She glanced between the tree and the boy, as he explained it got crazier the closer you got and demonstrated by throwing a rock at it. Eyes widening, she smiled, "Oh, that's cool!" Without missing a beat, she found a stone nearby and copied the boy in throwing another stone at its branches. She probably shouldn't keep throwing stones, but she also really wanted to now.

Before she could continue though, she stopped short at his words. How embarrassing when she reflected back on the feast. Not a very good impression, but she supposed it was better than no impression. Or something way worse. She glanced back toward the tree, when he said there could be a family of spiders living in the tree.

"It's actually Emma... Just Emma," she said by way of introduction, because while Hufflepuff spider girl had a nice ring to it, she figured people should proper names as well. Taking a step closer to the older boy, confusion swept her features about something he said. "I thought spiders ... lived in the forbidden forest. Not violent willow trees." Or was this back to there being different types of spiders - garden and venomous ones.

*Zoe* · 09-17-2023, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kolyander

Logan was lucky. Lucky that she was small and typically had amazing reflexes, like being able to stop herself from a crash landing because her big brother didn't catch her. He was really becoming a huge let down on the fun meter. Never wanting to play with her anymore or even really spend anytime at all with her unless he had to. It was rude.

Bry pulled a face at him. "Chicken. What's the point of sitting over here if you're scared of upsetting a tree?" Seriously, since when has her brother gotten so boring. She remembered when he used to be loads of fun and all the mischief they had gotten into when they were younger. "I bet if I was a certain girl Gryffindor you wouldn't be telling me to shhh, right now." The small blonde huffed, flopping on the grass where she stood and staring at the large tree.

He rolled his eyes when he was called a chicken. Had that come from anyone else, Logan would have easily been insulted and proven that he was the opposite. Though with his sister, such measures didn't need to be taken. "I was studying," he replied flatly, the tone in his voice making it clear he wasn't out and about today looking for mischief. "And I also was looking for something. Would be difficult to spot with the willow flailing about from being annoyed, you know."

So there were reasons why he was sitting a good distance away from the violent tree. Not that he anticipated his little sister would take that into consideration. She was only eleven; she had no clue what was in store when her fifth year rolled around, and she also likely wasn't privy to certain pieces of information regarding the tree like he was.

A quiet chuckle did escape his throat when certain words were said as she plopped down on the ground. "Said Gryffindor wouldn't be shouting and also probably would have studying to do. But, yeah, you're right. I wouldn't shush her."

noodles · 09-17-2023, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhoenixRising

The universal 'be quiet' symbol was one that Emma recognized all too well usually when she was trying to get one of her brothers to give her attention. Which might not have been too far off from what she was doing now, albeit with a stranger. She was always a rather social individual, preferring the company of others to the noise of her own thoughts.

She glanced between the tree and the boy, as he explained it got crazier the closer you got and demonstrated by throwing a rock at it. Eyes widening, she smiled, "Oh, that's cool!" Without missing a beat, she found a stone nearby and copied the boy in throwing another stone at its branches. She probably shouldn't keep throwing stones, but she also really wanted to now.

Before she could continue though, she stopped short at his words. How embarrassing when she reflected back on the feast. Not a very good impression, but she supposed it was better than no impression. Or something way worse. She glanced back toward the tree, when he said there could be a family of spiders living in the tree.

"It's actually Emma... Just Emma," she said by way of introduction, because while Hufflepuff spider girl had a nice ring to it, she figured people should proper names as well. Taking a step closer to the older boy, confusion swept her features about something he said. "I thought spiders ... lived in the forbidden forest. Not violent willow trees." Or was this back to there being different types of spiders - garden and venomous ones.

Yes, it was EXTREMELY cool! He watched the girl throw the stone and then chuckled, but then something occurred to him. “Hey do you think it can feel pain?” It could definitely feel vibrations on some sort of level. “Like if someone tried to chop it down, do you think it would hurt?” Oh but now that seed of thought had planted a bazillion other questions branching (no pun intended) off from it. Ezra really needed to read up on magic and how such charms worked. The sorting hat, too, had been a fascinating mystery to the twelve year old. He was still concerned about Mister Hat's whereabouts and where he was stored between feasts.

He noticed her embarrassment but couldn't help a playful smile in response. Emma? He kind of preferred 'Hufflepuff Spider Girl.' It sounded like something from a horror story. “Emma! I'm Ezra.” He introduced himself. “Second year Ravenclaw.” He added, because everyone seemed to think that because he was shorter than average from his age, and that he had started Hogwarts this year, that he was a first year.

“Spiders do live in the Forbidden Forest. Those big ones. Acromantula. The kind that eat people.” Not like the little thing from the feast. “But common small spiders probably live in the tree. They'll be well protected in there. I'd like to live there if I was a spider.”

Was he trying to scare the girl? Well.. yes, maybe a little. Halloween was coming up soon okay?

*Kolyander* · 09-19-2023, 04:13 PM

Logan was correct. He didn't need to prove to her that he was chicken, she knew that he wasn't and she was only trying to annoy him on purpose. But, what?! Studying. Her brother? The smallest tilt of her blonde head was made as she stared at him with slightly disbelieving blue eyes. "That's so boring.. can't you take a little break?" Sure he was older than she was and had oh, so much work that he needed to do but couldn't he still find a little time for his younger sister? Vera always had time for her siblings, Logan!

....

The blonde gave her big brother another curious look. Had he said he was looking for something? Consider her attention grabbed. "Whatcha looking for? Can I help?" She was good at finding things. Her gaze swung from the blonde at her side to the tree as she tried to see what Logan could be looking for. Her young mind was already racing with all that she knew about this tree.

"Are you sure? Cause I seem to recall that said Gryffindor is as hyper as I am at times," Bryony giggled. Had Logan forgotten that she knew Vera as well and was also friends with Vesper? "I know why you wouldn't shush her though." Cue a cheeky smile and a twinkle in her knowing eyes. Little sisters knew lots of things dearest brother.

*PhoenixRising* · 09-24-2023, 05:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by noodles

Yes, it was EXTREMELY cool! He watched the girl throw the stone and then chuckled, but then something occurred to him. “Hey do you think it can feel pain?” It could definitely feel vibrations on some sort of level. “Like if someone tried to chop it down, do you think it would hurt?” Oh but now that seed of thought had planted a bazillion other questions branching (no pun intended) off from it. Ezra really needed to read up on magic and how such charms worked. The sorting hat, too, had been a fascinating mystery to the twelve year old. He was still concerned about Mister Hat's whereabouts and where he was stored between feasts.

He noticed her embarrassment but couldn't help a playful smile in response. Emma? He kind of preferred 'Hufflepuff Spider Girl.' It sounded like something from a horror story. “Emma! I'm Ezra.” He introduced himself. “Second year Ravenclaw.” He added, because everyone seemed to think that because he was shorter than average from his age, and that he had started Hogwarts this year, that he was a first year.

“Spiders do live in the Forbidden Forest. Those big ones. Acromantula. The kind that eat people.” Not like the little thing from the feast. “But common small spiders probably live in the tree. They'll be well protected in there. I'd like to live there if I was a spider.”

Was he trying to scare the girl? Well.. yes, maybe a little. Halloween was coming up soon okay?

Oops. Emma suddenly became super nervous at that comment as she studied the tree and felt remorse about throwing the stone. She turned to glance back at the boy and for a moment just considered it. "Plants ... trees, they're living things. I mean I don't think they have pain receptors in the same way as mammals do, but it probably would feel some level of hurt." Or would it just be painful to watch a century old tree be chopped down? She would hope that humans have some sense of decency to not purposefully destroy history, but then again she also wasn't sure how much faith she should place.

"Nice to meet you, Ezra." Oh so he had only been here a year before her? "Did you know both our names start and end with the same letters?" She just thought it was cool how similar they were.

Wait ........... acromantulas... hadn't someone been talking about that at the feast? It was hard to remember and on some level she wanted that embarrassment behind her but then again she also had a feeling she needed to do something either heroic or equally embarrassing for some peers to forget that fiasco. "I suppose that makes sense. Guess they'd probably stay there then ... where its safe... so I shouldn't need to worry of it scurrying away from the tree." But he'd protect her, right? Especially since he brought up wanting to live in the tree if he was a spider. "Why would you even think about that ? .... wanting to be a spider..."

*Zoe* · 09-24-2023, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kolyander

Logan was correct. He didn't need to prove to her that he was chicken, she knew that he wasn't and she was only trying to annoy him on purpose. But, what?! Studying. Her brother? The smallest tilt of her blonde head was made as she stared at him with slightly disbelieving blue eyes. "That's so boring.. can't you take a little break?" Sure he was older than she was and had oh, so much work that he needed to do but couldn't he still find a little time for his younger sister? Vera always had time for her siblings, Logan!

....

The blonde gave her big brother another curious look. Had he said he was looking for something? Consider her attention grabbed. "Whatcha looking for? Can I help?" She was good at finding things. Her gaze swung from the blonde at her side to the tree as she tried to see what Logan could be looking for. Her young mind was already racing with all that she knew about this tree.

"Are you sure? Cause I seem to recall that said Gryffindor is as hyper as I am at times," Bryony giggled. Had Logan forgotten that she knew Vera as well and was also friends with Vesper? "I know why you wouldn't shush her though." Cue a cheeky smile and a twinkle in her knowing eyes. Little sisters knew lots of things dearest brother.

The look that his sister was giving him was one that he too would have given himself if he could. It was a rare sight that he actually did study on his own accord, and it was an even bigger deal that he was doing it in a timely manner instead of putting it off for as long as possible as he normally did. Life was just full of surprising things, wasn't it?

"Yeah, no need to remind me," he replied, for once not disagreeing with Bryony about something. Studying was honestly one of those things he hated most. However, this year he actually had to do it. "Considering I've been barely passing most of my classes the past four years ... not really. Have to somehow remember loads of information for O.W.L.s." There was a lesson to be learned from all of this, and he certainly was learning it the hard way.

As for him making time for her, well, this was going to have to do. He cast a glance at Bryony before looking back at the tree. "There's a knot at the base of the tree that freezes it, which apparently makes it easier to get to the secret passage that it is disguising." If she wanted to search for it, she was more than welcome to distract herself with that. But no such suggestion was made considering they were now talking about a certain Gryffindor. "She can be. But we've been studying more this year than we ever had in our entire lives."

That last comment, though, resulted in him rolling his eyes. "Then you'd understand why you and her get a different response from me then."

*Kolyander* · 09-26-2023, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoe

The look that his sister was giving him was one that he too would have given himself if he could. It was a rare sight that he actually did study on his own accord, and it was an even bigger deal that he was doing it in a timely manner instead of putting it off for as long as possible as he normally did. Life was just full of surprising things, wasn't it?

"Yeah, no need to remind me," he replied, for once not disagreeing with Bryony about something. Studying was honestly one of those things he hated most. However, this year he actually had to do it. "Considering I've been barely passing most of my classes the past four years ... not really. Have to somehow remember loads of information for O.W.L.s." There was a lesson to be learned from all of this, and he certainly was learning it the hard way.

As for him making time for her, well, this was going to have to do. He cast a glance at Bryony before looking back at the tree. "There's a knot at the base of the tree that freezes it, which apparently makes it easier to get to the secret passage that it is disguising." If she wanted to search for it, she was more than welcome to distract herself with that. But no such suggestion was made considering they were now talking about a certain Gryffindor. "She can be. But we've been studying more this year than we ever had in our entire lives."

That last comment, though, resulted in him rolling his eyes. "Then you'd understand why you and her get a different response from me then."

What was really surprising was that Logan was studying where others could witness it! That was the real shocker. Bryony wasn't going to comment on that little fact though, she had brought enough to his attention already. Maybe. Most likely not.

GROAN! "Way to let a little sis down big time," Bry grumbled, crinkling up her nose in clear displeasure that he couldn't even seem to spare five minutes. "I think you did that on purpose so you wouldn't have to spend any time doing anything cool with me." Was she teasing him or being serious, no one really knew the answer to that one, not even her. He was just lucky she wasn't already pitching an epic fit.

The whole while her big brother was talking, this little blonde was nodding her head. Uh-huh. A knot at the base of the tree. Yup, yup. Blue eyes were already looking and she may already be laying flat on her belly in the grass inching just a smidge closer to the tree. "And just whose fault is that, Logan?" It wasn't her fault that he didn't know how to study the last FOUR years he had been at Hogwarts. Slacker.

"'Course I do.. I just don't get why she's not your girlfriend yet if you like her." He was welcome to try to talk himself out of that one if he wanted.

*Zoe* · 09-26-2023, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kolyander

What was really surprising was that Logan was studying where others could witness it! That was the real shocker. Bryony wasn't going to comment on that little fact though, she had brought enough to his attention already. Maybe. Most likely not.

GROAN! "Way to let a little sis down big time," Bry grumbled, crinkling up her nose in clear displeasure that he couldn't even seem to spare five minutes. "I think you did that on purpose so you wouldn't have to spend any time doing anything cool with me." Was she teasing him or being serious, no one really knew the answer to that one, not even her. He was just lucky she wasn't already pitching an epic fit.

The whole while her big brother was talking, this little blonde was nodding her head. Uh-huh. A knot at the base of the tree. Yup, yup. Blue eyes were already looking and she may already be laying flat on her belly in the grass inching just a smidge closer to the tree. "And just whose fault is that, Logan?" It wasn't her fault that he didn't know how to study the last FOUR years he had been at Hogwarts. Slacker.

"'Course I do.. I just don't get why she's not your girlfriend yet if you like her." He was welcome to try to talk himself out of that one if he wanted.

Sometimes life had its surprises, and Logan studying out in the open was one of them. But what was not surprising was how Bryony was reacting to his studying. While her words could be taken as teasing, the blond was not taking it in that way. "Sometimes you have to do things you don't want to do, like studying nonstop. You'll understand when you get to fifth year," he replied with a shrug of his shoulders. "And I didn't do it on purpose just so I didn't have to hang out with you. There honestly are easier ways to --"

And there Bryony was on her stomach eyeing up the tree. Whatever words he would have said after that point probably would have gone in one ear and out the other had he continued speaking. Her focus was on the willow, which he knew would only keep her preoccupied for so long. Her attention span was probably only a little bit better than his.

"Blame it on being a Gryffindor and needing classes that are not boring, like Defence and mum's class." Don't even get him started on History of Magic, though he did have to admit that the class was a little better with the new professor.

A small smile played on his lips as he rolled his eyes. "Just ... waiting for the right moment." Which was not exactly easy to find when studying demanded one's time and attention. Plus he still had a few things to try from a book of his before he made his final move.

*Kolyander* · 09-29-2023, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoe

Sometimes life had its surprises, and Logan studying out in the open was one of them. But what was not surprising was how Bryony was reacting to his studying. While her words could be taken as teasing, the blond was not taking it in that way. "Sometimes you have to do things you don't want to do, like studying nonstop. You'll understand when you get to fifth year," he replied with a shrug of his shoulders. "And I didn't do it on purpose just so I didn't have to hang out with you. There honestly are easier ways to --"

And there Bryony was on her stomach eyeing up the tree. Whatever words he would have said after that point probably would have gone in one ear and out the other had he continued speaking. Her focus was on the willow, which he knew would only keep her preoccupied for so long. Her attention span was probably only a little bit better than his.

"Blame it on being a Gryffindor and needing classes that are not boring, like Defence and mum's class." Don't even get him started on History of Magic, though he did have to admit that the class was a little better with the new professor.

A small smile played on his lips as he rolled his eyes. "Just ... waiting for the right moment." Which was not exactly easy to find when studying demanded one's time and attention. Plus he still had a few things to try from a book of his before he made his final move.

Huh? What was that he was saying? Just kidding, Logan. Despite what her big bro might have thought, the very curious little blonde was listening to what he was saying. "Will I? Because I'm actually completely all my work now and I've even been studying." She had even completed her work for the weekend already. Surprised? She was!

He was right about how she was inspecting the whomping willow. There was indeed a knot on the lower part of the tree and she was going to locate it. How close can you get before making the willow angry?" This was incredibly important to know.

"I LOVE Mama's class and Professor Dhruv's. Charms and Transfiguration too and Potions an-and a few of the other ones aren't that bad." However she was still in her first year so most of what she was learning wasn't as difficult as her brother. "What are you studying now? Anything fun? Anything that you can teach me?!" It would be a win win for them both. He would get his studying in and she would learn something too. AND they would spend time together!

"Do you need help setting up the right moment? I can help?" Cue the most innocent smile sent his way. Lookit her being nice and wanting to help him out.

*Zoe* · 09-30-2023, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kolyander

Huh? What was that he was saying? Just kidding, Logan. Despite what her big bro might have thought, the very curious little blonde was listening to what he was saying. "Will I? Because I'm actually completely all my work now and I've even been studying." She had even completed her work for the weekend already. Surprised? She was!

He was right about how she was inspecting the whomping willow. There was indeed a knot on the lower part of the tree and she was going to locate it. How close can you get before making the willow angry?" This was incredibly important to know.

"I LOVE Mama's class and Professor Dhruv's. Charms and Transfiguration too and Potions an-and a few of the other ones aren't that bad." However she was still in her first year so most of what she was learning wasn't as difficult as her brother. "What are you studying now? Anything fun? Anything that you can teach me?!" It would be a win win for them both. He would get his studying in and she would learn something too. AND they would spend time together!

"Do you need help setting up the right moment? I can help?" Cue the most innocent smile sent his way. Lookit her being nice and wanting to help him out.

Another eye roll occurred when Bryony mentioned that her homework was done and she had been studying. He didn't know whether he fully believed her, not that his sister's grades mattered much to him. But he supposed that her friend group in Slytherin and their older sisters kept her more in check, whereas a good amount of his Gryffindor pals tended to prioritize procrastination and shenanigans. "I would hope so. First-year work is easy." Not that he did it back when he was eleven, but would be a piece of cake compared to what he had to do now.

As for how close one could get before the willow got angry, Logan couldn't say that he had tested that out before. Sneak into the Forbidden Forest? Easy. Upset the Whomping Willow? That surprisingly hadn't been high on his list, though perhaps that was different now that he was aware of the knot and the passage that the tree was allegedly hiding. "I assume it can sense you pretty early on, but it won't attack until you're within range of its branches."

He did have to agree that Charms, Transfiguration, and Potions weren't too bad. Those classes did get him pretty involved and sometimes the spells and potions were fun. "Herbology," he told her, lifting up the textbook so she could see the cover. "Reviewing how to handle Screechsnap. Not nearly as exciting as the Chinese Chomping Cabbage or Fanged Geranium, to be honest."

That smile of hers was not doing her any favours. "Thanks, but I think I'm good for now. You and Vesper have done enough." Certain moments, particularly a little chat in Hogsmeade, had not been forgotten. But if there ever came a time when he needed their help, he would ask.

*Kolyander* · 10-03-2023, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoe

Another eye roll occurred when Bryony mentioned that her homework was done and she had been studying. He didn't know whether he fully believed her, not that his sister's grades mattered much to him. But he supposed that her friend group in Slytherin and their older sisters kept her more in check, whereas a good amount of his Gryffindor pals tended to prioritize procrastination and shenanigans. "I would hope so. First-year work is easy." Not that he did it back when he was eleven, but would be a piece of cake compared to what he had to do now.

As for how close one could get before the willow got angry, Logan couldn't say that he had tested that out before. Sneak into the Forbidden Forest? Easy. Upset the Whomping Willow? That surprisingly hadn't been high on his list, though perhaps that was different now that he was aware of the knot and the passage that the tree was allegedly hiding. "I assume it can sense you pretty early on, but it won't attack until you're within range of its branches."

He did have to agree that Charms, Transfiguration, and Potions weren't too bad. Those classes did get him pretty involved and sometimes the spells and potions were fun. "Herbology," he told her, lifting up the textbook so she could see the cover. "Reviewing how to handle Screechsnap. Not nearly as exciting as the Chinese Chomping Cabbage or Fanged Geranium, to be honest."

That smile of hers was not doing her any favours. "Thanks, but I think I'm good for now. You and Vesper have done enough." Certain moments, particularly a little chat in Hogsmeade, had not been forgotten. But if there ever came a time when he needed their help, he would ask.

Excuse him for thinking that she needed anyone to help keep her in check so that she would complete her assignments on time. She didn't. This little blonde was more than capable of doing things like that for herself, thank you very much. Although from time to time she might go to Aryan with the occasional question. Sometimes. Quite often. But mostly because she enjoyed working with him whenever possible. "So very easy that you didn't do it when you were a first year." She smirked at him knowingly. "Perhaps you should spend more time with Vasco and study with him."

Bryony's head tilted to the side a bit as she considered her brother's words even more. "That's good to know. I think it would also be really helpful to know how fast the Willow can move and if it can touch the ground with it's branches." All things had to be factored in and taken into consideration. Maybe.

Herbology. She knew a fair bit about that subject, mostly from her mama and whatever Ary told her. That's the plant that can move and makes noise, right?" There was a little more she may have recalled about it if she was thinking of the right one but sometimes she mixed them up if she wasn't seeing them.

"Really? I don't think so cause Vera still isn't your girlfriend yet." Therefore, Vesper and her hadn't done anything but find out lots of info. "It's not my fault you're taking ages and ages."

*Zoe* · 10-07-2023, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kolyander

Excuse him for thinking that she needed anyone to help keep her in check so that she would complete her assignments on time. She didn't. This little blonde was more than capable of doing things like that for herself, thank you very much. Although from time to time she might go to Aryan with the occasional question. Sometimes. Quite often. But mostly because she enjoyed working with him whenever possible. "So very easy that you didn't do it when you were a first year." She smirked at him knowingly. "Perhaps you should spend more time with Vasco and study with him."

Bryony's head tilted to the side a bit as she considered her brother's words even more. "That's good to know. I think it would also be really helpful to know how fast the Willow can move and if it can touch the ground with it's branches." All things had to be factored in and taken into consideration. Maybe.

Herbology. She knew a fair bit about that subject, mostly from her mama and whatever Ary told her. That's the plant that can move and makes noise, right?" There was a little more she may have recalled about it if she was thinking of the right one but sometimes she mixed them up if she wasn't seeing them.

"Really? I don't think so cause Vera still isn't your girlfriend yet." Therefore, Vesper and her hadn't done anything but find out lots of info. "It's not my fault you're taking ages and ages."

There was no shade coming from him about having people around to make sure she was doing her homework. For the most part, Vasco was that person for him. "Well, it wasn't easy at the time," he commented with a shrug. "And I did manage to make it to fifth year. Vasco gets the credit for that." There were many notes he copied from his best friend over the years, and they did study together quite often. Now his studying every now and then included another person, which was productive but still a little distracting for one reason or another.

Now those were answers Logan could provide. "It moves pretty fast when provoked, and its branches certainly can touch the ground. So you'd have to be quick when going face-to-face with it." Of course, that was only based on the few times he had seen the willow flailing about violently. "Probably helps confuse it by having multiple people going at it at once from different directions."

"That description honestly fits a number of plants," the blond informed his little sister. He then held his book out so she could take a look at the diagram. "This one has teeth. Like the name suggests, it can chomp on things and has a big appetite." It was a plant he could relate to.

Another eye roll occurred following the latest set of words that came out of Bryony's mouth. In his opinion, the meddling they had done was enough. "It'll happen when it happens." His book told him not to rush because there were signs to look for, some of which he had picked up on, and then there was the whole plucking up the courage to make a move. That last part he was waiting for the right moment. Though, he supposed, his sister did have a point. Not that he would be saying such a thing out loud.

noodles · 10-08-2023, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhoenixRising

Oops. Emma suddenly became super nervous at that comment as she studied the tree and felt remorse about throwing the stone. She turned to glance back at the boy and for a moment just considered it. "Plants ... trees, they're living things. I mean I don't think they have pain receptors in the same way as mammals do, but it probably would feel some level of hurt." Or would it just be painful to watch a century old tree be chopped down? She would hope that humans have some sense of decency to not purposefully destroy history, but then again she also wasn't sure how much faith she should place.

"Nice to meet you, Ezra." Oh so he had only been here a year before her? "Did you know both our names start and end with the same letters?" She just thought it was cool how similar they were.

Wait ........... acromantulas... hadn't someone been talking about that at the feast? It was hard to remember and on some level she wanted that embarrassment behind her but then again she also had a feeling she needed to do something either heroic or equally embarrassing for some peers to forget that fiasco. "I suppose that makes sense. Guess they'd probably stay there then ... where its safe... so I shouldn't need to worry of it scurrying away from the tree." But he'd protect her, right? Especially since he brought up wanting to live in the tree if he was a spider. "Why would you even think about that ? .... wanting to be a spider..."

Emma certainly had a valid point. Plants didn't have pain receptors. It made him feel a little better – the idea of causing pain to the tree was upsetting. “It must be able to feel vibrations and such.” He refrained, however, from throwing another stone.. just in case.

“It's nice to meet you too, Emma!” He beamed at the Hufflepuff. What an interesting fact about their names. It wasn't something he would have even though about. He didn't let on that his actual name was 'Ezekiel', because he disliked it with venom. EVERYONE called him Ezra.. except the older members of the family when they were displeased with something he had done or said. He only ever heard it in a negative tone and that was what he associated it with. “Same syllables too.” He added. Name buddies! His friend Etta too could join the name gang.

Acromantualas – Ezra, for all his love of magical creatures, would not like to meet one face to face. They were fascinating to study from afar, he was sure.. but the risk of being their dinner was too great to go chatting to them. “Small arachnoids and insects probably don't even bother the tree.” He looked back at the willow. “You're more of a danger to them than they are to you anyway.” One wrong step and they were agonners. He shrugged to the question as to why he would even think of it. "I dunno." These kind of things popped into his mind all the time.

“Did you know there's a passageway under the tree that leads to Hogsmeade?” He asked Emma, eyes still trained on the tree. “I don't know how anyone would get near enough to even look for the entrance.”

*Kolyander* · 10-14-2023, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoe

There was no shade coming from him about having people around to make sure she was doing her homework. For the most part, Vasco was that person for him. "Well, it wasn't easy at the time," he commented with a shrug. "And I did manage to make it to fifth year. Vasco gets the credit for that." There were many notes he copied from his best friend over the years, and they did study together quite often. Now his studying every now and then included another person, which was productive but still a little distracting for one reason or another.

Now those were answers Logan could provide. "It moves pretty fast when provoked, and its branches certainly can touch the ground. So you'd have to be quick when going face-to-face with it." Of course, that was only based on the few times he had seen the willow flailing about violently. "Probably helps confuse it by having multiple people going at it at once from different directions."

"That description honestly fits a number of plants," the blond informed his little sister. He then held his book out so she could take a look at the diagram. "This one has teeth. Like the name suggests, it can chomp on things and has a big appetite." It was a plant he could relate to.

Another eye roll occurred following the latest set of words that came out of Bryony's mouth. In his opinion, the meddling they had done was enough. "It'll happen when it happens." His book told him not to rush because there were signs to look for, some of which he had picked up on, and then there was the whole plucking up the courage to make a move. That last part he was waiting for the right moment. Though, he supposed, his sister did have a point. Not that he would be saying such a thing out loud.

Ah, yeah, no. She didn't need anyone looking after to make sure that she completed her work. Unlike him, she was very capable of looking after herself (no she wasn't). Aryan most definitely kept her grounded and everyone including her knew it. "Exactly, it's not my fault you're in a higher year than I am." Just like it wasn't her fault that he had slacked on all his studying for so long. He should've known it would eventually catch up to him.

Mhmm, mhmm. Bryony was very much listening and taking in what Logan was telling her. He would know this by how she was nodding her head and actually looking from him to the tree and back again. "But you've never actually tested this theory?" All the years he was here already and he hadn't even figured this out? So sad. And now he was constantly too busy to spend time with her. This might be something she would have to look into on her own (with some of her own friends that is).

The small blonde shrugged her shoulders. "Doesn't most descriptions sound the same for a lot of different types of plants?" There was always something new to learn about in every subject. This is why notes were taken during lessons and well.. when she wasn't taking notes, she knew that Ary was and that she could get them from him later. Plus it helped that she had a thing for always asking LOTS of questions. And testing things out for herself. That was always the best part.

What was his problem? Couldn't he see that they had been helping? Those chats had been done with love. It wasn't her fault that he was too silly to see that. Even with her assistance, he was taking AGES. "Whatever. If you ask me, you're stressing over nothing at all. She could be your girlfriend already if you weren't such a big chicken about it." Her brother wasn't afraid of anything, except girls it seemed. Who would've guessed? Not her. That's for sure.

*Zoe* · 10-21-2023, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kolyander

Ah, yeah, no. She didn't need anyone looking after to make sure that she completed her work. Unlike him, she was very capable of looking after herself (no she wasn't). Aryan most definitely kept her grounded and everyone including her knew it. "Exactly, it's not my fault you're in a higher year than I am." Just like it wasn't her fault that he had slacked on all his studying for so long. He should've known it would eventually catch up to him.

Mhmm, mhmm. Bryony was very much listening and taking in what Logan was telling her. He would know this by how she was nodding her head and actually looking from him to the tree and back again. "But you've never actually tested this theory?" All the years he was here already and he hadn't even figured this out? So sad. And now he was constantly too busy to spend time with her. This might be something she would have to look into on her own (with some of her own friends that is).

The small blonde shrugged her shoulders. "Doesn't most descriptions sound the same for a lot of different types of plants?" There was always something new to learn about in every subject. This is why notes were taken during lessons and well.. when she wasn't taking notes, she knew that Ary was and that she could get them from him later. Plus it helped that she had a thing for always asking LOTS of questions. And testing things out for herself. That was always the best part.

What was his problem? Couldn't he see that they had been helping? Those chats had been done with love. It wasn't her fault that he was too silly to see that. Even with her assistance, he was taking AGES. "Whatever. If you ask me, you're stressing over nothing at all. She could be your girlfriend already if you weren't such a big chicken about it." Her brother wasn't afraid of anything, except girls it seemed. Who would've guessed? Not her. That's for sure.

The latest comment earned Bryony yet another eye roll from her older brother. Of course it wasn't her fault that he was older than her. And of course it wasn't her fault that he hadn't taken the first four years of his Hogwarts education as seriously as her probably should have. But it was her fault, at least in his mind, that she was expecting him to hang out with her all the time when he had major exams to study for. Believe it or not, he was taking his studies seriously now ... for the most part.

"Can't say I've tried the theory out," he admitted. "Not that I don't want to. It'd be something right up my alley. Just haven't gotten around to it yet." To be fair, he had spent the last four years exploring as many nooks and crannies in the castle as he could. And now OWLs had unfortunately taken priority over exploring and getting into risky situations.

He couldn't help but laugh at his sister's question. To be fair, he used to think the same thing. Plants were all basically the same. But this year he was surprised to learn that they were quite different from each other, even the ones that had a lot of similarities. Not that he was going to lecture Bryony about that -- there was a reason why they all had to take Herbology. "DeVries would disagree with that."

A sigh, one that was louder than he would have liked, escaped him. This particular topic was not one he wanted advice about from his eleven-year-old sister. But he did admit to himself (certainly not out loud) that she did have a point; he probably was stressing over nothing. He certainly wasn't afraid of girls, but maybe, just maybe, he was afraid of possible rejection. Which he knew was silly, considering this was Vera they were talking about. "It'll happen when it happens," he repeated himself from moments ago.

*Kolyander* · 10-25-2023, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoe

The latest comment earned Bryony yet another eye roll from her older brother. Of course it wasn't her fault that he was older than her. And of course it wasn't her fault that he hadn't taken the first four years of his Hogwarts education as seriously as her probably should have. But it was her fault, at least in his mind, that she was expecting him to hang out with her all the time when he had major exams to study for. Believe it or not, he was taking his studies seriously now ... for the most part.

"Can't say I've tried the theory out," he admitted. "Not that I don't want to. It'd be something right up my alley. Just haven't gotten around to it yet." To be fair, he had spent the last four years exploring as many nooks and crannies in the castle as he could. And now OWLs had unfortunately taken priority over exploring and getting into risky situations.

He couldn't help but laugh at his sister's question. To be fair, he used to think the same thing. Plants were all basically the same. But this year he was surprised to learn that they were quite different from each other, even the ones that had a lot of similarities. Not that he was going to lecture Bryony about that -- there was a reason why they all had to take Herbology. "DeVries would disagree with that."

A sigh, one that was louder than he would have liked, escaped him. This particular topic was not one he wanted advice about from his eleven-year-old sister. But he did admit to himself (certainly not out loud) that she did have a point; he probably was stressing over nothing. He certainly wasn't afraid of girls, but maybe, just maybe, he was afraid of possible rejection. Which he knew was silly, considering this was Vera they were talking about. "It'll happen when it happens," he repeated himself from moments ago.

If he rolled his eyes at her just one more time..

Did he have any idea how annoying that was getting? She was about to take his textbook from him and thump him on the head with it. Sigh. WHAT?! He was going to blame her for wanting to spend time with him?! What a jerk move that was. Seriously. First of all she didn't want to hangout with him all of the time. She had her own things going on and her own friends to be around. Not to mention she DID actually understand that he was a fifth year and had exams to study, so she was doing her very bestest not to be a pouty little brat every single time he told her that he didn't have time for her. Which was much more often than not. He never had time for her. Not this year or any of the years before that when he was home on break. Sorry for her little brain thinking that maybe, just maybe, now that she was here at Hogwarts too... he would actually try to find some time to do something with her. Be the cool big brother she always remembered him being. Once upon a time. Before he started at Hogwarts and forgot all about her.

"Well, I guess it will be left up to me to figure it out. Maybe if you're lucky I'll fill you in on my findings." Or maybe she wouldn't. It's not like he was sharing any secrets with her.

Bryony grinned widely. She had made him laugh! And not because she was being childish or silly either. Honestly she knew more about plants that she typically let on, not everything, she wasn't setting out to be an Herbologist but enough to not fail the class. "So would mama." Their mother was the reason she knew most of what she already knew about plants, Aryan was likely the other reason. Or it could be because she did read from time to time.

"Yeah, yeah. So you've said..." The young blonde paused and turned to face him. "I have all the faith in you, but if you'd just ask her already you'd see that you're hesitating for nothing. She's gonna say yes." Cause why wouldn't Vera? Logan was epic, even if he was a pain sometimes.

*Zoe* · 10-29-2023, 12:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kolyander

If he rolled his eyes at her just one more time..

Did he have any idea how annoying that was getting? She was about to take his textbook from him and thump him on the head with it. Sigh. WHAT?! He was going to blame her for wanting to spend time with him?! What a jerk move that was. Seriously. First of all she didn't want to hangout with him all of the time. She had her own things going on and her own friends to be around. Not to mention she DID actually understand that he was a fifth year and had exams to study, so she was doing her very bestest not to be a pouty little brat every single time he told her that he didn't have time for her. Which was much more often than not. He never had time for her. Not this year or any of the years before that when he was home on break. Sorry for her little brain thinking that maybe, just maybe, now that she was here at Hogwarts too... he would actually try to find some time to do something with her. Be the cool big brother she always remembered him being. Once upon a time. Before he started at Hogwarts and forgot all about her.

"Well, I guess it will be left up to me to figure it out. Maybe if you're lucky I'll fill you in on my findings." Or maybe she wouldn't. It's not like he was sharing any secrets with her.

Bryony grinned widely. She had made him laugh! And not because she was being childish or silly either. Honestly she knew more about plants that she typically let on, not everything, she wasn't setting out to be an Herbologist but enough to not fail the class. "So would mama." Their mother was the reason she knew most of what she already knew about plants, Aryan was likely the other reason. Or it could be because she did read from time to time.

"Yeah, yeah. So you've said..." The young blonde paused and turned to face him. "I have all the faith in you, but if you'd just ask her already you'd see that you're hesitating for nothing. She's gonna say yes." Cause why wouldn't Vera? Logan was epic, even if he was a pain sometimes.

He understood that Bry wanted to spend time with him. That much had been clear during the breaks the years prior, even though all he wanted to do was basically eat and then hibernate. School was exhausting, you know. But him being a fifth year during her first year just wasn't in the cards for her. Unless they happened to get creative with their time in a 'two birds, one stone, type of situation, like having joint study sessions or, he supposed, a Hogsmeade trip along with their mutual friends.

But such things weren't on his mind at the moment, which was torn between Herbology revision, his sister's appearance, and talk about the Whomping Willow. "Maybe we could test the theory later. When exams are over," he suggested with a shrug. "Can get our friends involved too. I bet multiple people being around will confuse the tree enough."

The grin was noted, though the blond didn't acknowledge it any further. He would let her relish in the fact that he got a chuckle out of him. In fact, she managed to get another out of him when their mother was brought up. "Naturally. She knows practically everything."

The first year's words were listened to, and again he couldn't deny that she had a point. But he, being the Gryffindor that he was, wasn't going to say she was probably right about him having no reason to hesitate. But, for once, he was doing things by the book and wanted to go about things the right way. Plus there were twelve fail-safe ways he had to follow -- it was a lot and required a bit of time.

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