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MadAlice · 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.

*Kolyander* · 11-01-2023, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoe

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.

He didn't have to tell her any of that. All those years she had been home without her siblings, waiting for their return and then for him to just brush her off like she wasn't there. Yeah, she remembered. Whatever though. She was starting to realize that if he really did want to spend time with her, he'd figure out a way to. Everyone else around the school seemed to be able to. He did realize he wasn't the only one with a little sister, right?

Blah, blah, blah. If anyone asked her, spending time with her was NEVER on her big brother's mind. Right now though, she was content with their current conversation. "When exams are over? Do you know how far away that is? I could test this theory multiple times over by then. Surely she could find some friends of her own that were interested in this. Yup, she didn't need his help.

"Of course she does! She's mama" Duh! Mama's are supposed to know everything.

Truthfully she didn't understand what he was waiting for or why he was so worried. In her young mind, her big brother was behaving very silly but if he wanted to take ages and ages, she would let him. Even if it was completely and utterly beyond BORING!

*Zoe* · 11-05-2023, 12:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kolyander

He didn't have to tell her any of that. All those years she had been home without her siblings, waiting for their return and then for him to just brush her off like she wasn't there. Yeah, she remembered. Whatever though. She was starting to realize that if he really did want to spend time with her, he'd figure out a way to. Everyone else around the school seemed to be able to. He did realize he wasn't the only one with a little sister, right?

Blah, blah, blah. If anyone asked her, spending time with her was NEVER on her big brother's mind. Right now though, she was content with their current conversation. "When exams are over? Do you know how far away that is? I could test this theory multiple times over by then. Surely she could find some friends of her own that were interested in this. Yup, she didn't need his help.

"Of course she does! She's mama" Duh! Mama's are supposed to know everything.

Truthfully she didn't understand what he was waiting for or why he was so worried. In her young mind, her big brother was behaving very silly but if he wanted to take ages and ages, she would let him. Even if it was completely and utterly beyond BORING!

Quite honestly, he would figure out a way to hang out with her, whenever he wanted to do so, of course. Past years aside, this year was quite different and priorities had to be made. Plus he never was great with time management, which was a significant factor at play when it came to why he wasn't readily available to hang out, and assumed their older sisters and her friends would keep Bryony occupied. But that wasn't the case apparently; she wanted to be around him. And, well, at this point in their conversation, he would argue that they were technically hanging out now, albeit not in exactly the most fun of settings.

"Exams are in June," he told her, unable to disagree with her that the month was still eons away. That fact still weighed on him, mainly because that meant he had many hours of studying left to do. Thankfully the next comment that left his sister's mouth distracted his thoughts from the months of studying ahead. "Multiple times? You'd have to somehow survive the first attempt. ... But if you can't wait just a few more months and want to have a go without me, then okay... good luck..." he replied with a sigh, whether he was being genuine or feigning being hurt by her words was up for interpretation.

There were no disagreements when it came to their mother: she did know a lot. But he supposed that came with adulthood and now being a professor. It was her job to know things, even certain things that she probably pretended not to be aware of. She would probably have plenty to tell the first year about the importance of these exams and how it was best not to rush into everything, among many other things.

"Is there anything else...? Or are you gonna stick around and help me study?"

*Kolyander* · 11-11-2023, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoe

Quite honestly, he would figure out a way to hang out with her, whenever he wanted to do so, of course. Past years aside, this year was quite different and priorities had to be made. Plus he never was great with time management, which was a significant factor at play when it came to why he wasn't readily available to hang out, and assumed their older sisters and her friends would keep Bryony occupied. But that wasn't the case apparently; she wanted to be around him. And, well, at this point in their conversation, he would argue that they were technically hanging out now, albeit not in exactly the most fun of settings.

"Exams are in June," he told her, unable to disagree with her that the month was still eons away. That fact still weighed on him, mainly because that meant he had many hours of studying left to do. Thankfully the next comment that left his sister's mouth distracted his thoughts from the months of studying ahead. "Multiple times? You'd have to somehow survive the first attempt. ... But if you can't wait just a few more months and want to have a go without me, then okay... good luck..." he replied with a sigh, whether he was being genuine or feigning being hurt by her words was up for interpretation.

There were no disagreements when it came to their mother: she did know a lot. But he supposed that came with adulthood and now being a professor. It was her job to know things, even certain things that she probably pretended not to be aware of. She would probably have plenty to tell the first year about the importance of these exams and how it was best not to rush into everything, among many other things.

"Is there anything else...? Or are you gonna stick around and help me study?"

Well, duh! When was he going to get it? Despite what he might think, given all the friends and family she had surrounding her there at Hogwarts, yes she wanted to spend time with him. There was a very good reason for that too. No matter how he treated her, he was still one of her most favorite people and she very much looked up to him. The youngest Paton adored her brother. It really was as simple as that.

"I know when they are," she grumbled quietly. Had he forgotten that she did know things? He wasn't her only sibling taking exams either, their big sister Nova was graduating this year and so was their cousin Keighley. So technically, not everyone had time to spend with her, it wasn't only him that needed to study. A small casual shrug of her little shoulders was given at Logan's questioning words. "I suppose I could wait for you... if you promise you'll really give it a go with me once your exams are over?" Was there an honest hopefulness in those big bright blue eyes of hers now? There sure was.

Was there anything else? Like what? Bryony was about to question Logan on this but his next question had her staring at him with big wide eyes once again. "Can I? You won't chase me off and tell me I'm just getting in your way?" Cause if that was his intention then he should just tell her to leave him alone right now and not crush her little heart later.

*Zoe* · 11-20-2023, 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kolyander

Well, duh! When was he going to get it? Despite what he might think, given all the friends and family she had surrounding her there at Hogwarts, yes she wanted to spend time with him. There was a very good reason for that too. No matter how he treated her, he was still one of her most favorite people and she very much looked up to him. The youngest Paton adored her brother. It really was as simple as that.

"I know when they are," she grumbled quietly. Had he forgotten that she did know things? He wasn't her only sibling taking exams either, their big sister Nova was graduating this year and so was their cousin Keighley. So technically, not everyone had time to spend with her, it wasn't only him that needed to study. A small casual shrug of her little shoulders was given at Logan's questioning words. "I suppose I could wait for you... if you promise you'll really give it a go with me once your exams are over?" Was there an honest hopefulness in those big bright blue eyes of hers now? There sure was.

Was there anything else? Like what? Bryony was about to question Logan on this but his next question had her staring at him with big wide eyes once again. "Can I? You won't chase me off and tell me I'm just getting in your way?" Cause if that was his intention then he should just tell her to leave him alone right now and not crush her little heart later.

Such things hadn't been considered by Logan, and he probably wouldn't understand her perspective completely. He was more than aware that she wanted to spend time with him, that much was obvious. What he did not understand was why him. Then again, this all was coming from someone who did not have a brother; all he had were sisters, and, well, he more often than not wanted to do things that they didn't. He certainly wasn't thinking from the same lens as the little first-year, who had more similarities than he wanted to admit.

"Well, then you know that I only have a handful of months to get all of this," he told her, holding up the book momentarily for emphasis, "among other things down so I don't get failing grades. Don't need Mum and Dad killing me." Not that they would ever do such a thing. However, their disappointment in him was not something he wanted to endure.

The shrug and the look in her eyes were noted. He really wanted to roll his eyes at the question though, but he had to remind himself that Bryony was only eleven. "Of course," he said, letting the textbook rest on his lap and reaching out a pinky toward her to prove that the request was something he was taking seriously.

"Well, I haven't managed to chase you off yet, so..." the fifth year told her, a laugh sounding after the words had been stated. It was at this point he held the Herbology book toward her, inviting her to take it. "Quiz me."

*Kolyander* · 11-21-2023, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoe

Such things hadn't been considered by Logan, and he probably wouldn't understand her perspective completely. He was more than aware that she wanted to spend time with him, that much was obvious. What he did not understand was why him. Then again, this all was coming from someone who did not have a brother; all he had were sisters, and, well, he more often than not wanted to do things that they didn't. He certainly wasn't thinking from the same lens as the little first-year, who had more similarities than he wanted to admit.

"Well, then you know that I only have a handful of months to get all of this," he told her, holding up the book momentarily for emphasis, "among other things down so I don't get failing grades. Don't need Mum and Dad killing me." Not that they would ever do such a thing. However, their disappointment in him was not something he wanted to endure.

The shrug and the look in her eyes were noted. He really wanted to roll his eyes at the question though, but he had to remind himself that Bryony was only eleven. "Of course," he said, letting the textbook rest on his lap and reaching out a pinky toward her to prove that the request was something he was taking seriously.

"Well, I haven't managed to chase you off yet, so..." the fifth year told her, a laugh sounding after the words had been stated. It was at this point he held the Herbology book toward her, inviting her to take it. "Quiz me."

It's not like she would expect him to understand anyhow. And try as she might, she would most likely fumble over all her words even if she had tried to explain it to him. Really though, he was the one closest in age to her and whether or not he liked it, her energy matched his. Not to mention that yes, the youngest Paton was quite a great deal like her brother.

Once again she knew. But he was telling her this like it was her fault. It wasn't. She was merely a victim of being born younger than him. "They wouldn't kill you. They'd just be seriously disappointed in you which is waaaaaaay worse." Yup, she was reminding him of that which he already should know. "Buuuuuuut you do know that they'll be proud of you as long as you try your best, right?" Especially cause she was pretty sure their mama had to see all the studying he was doing?

If Logan knew her well at all he would've known that the shrug and look had all been for show. It was the hopeful look and then the way her eyes took in how he held his pinky out to her. Pinky promises weren't a joke and she took them very seriously. The little blonde hooked her pinky around his, giving it a firm shake as well as nodding her head, completely solidifying their promise. He was lucky she wasn't going so far as lifting her hand to kiss it too. The smile that was now on her young face should be enough to tell him how she was feeling.

"Truuuuuuuue.. and it's good for me that I'm really not all that much in the mood to test my luck right now," she giggled right along with him. The offered book was taken and flipped through carefully, all the while the first year twisted herself around to sit facing him but also very much keeping the Willow in view. "What is the Mimbulus Mimbletonia defense mechanism?" This was probably easy for him but what really did she know about quizzing a fifth year?

*Zoe* · 11-25-2023, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kolyander

It's not like she would expect him to understand anyhow. And try as she might, she would most likely fumble over all her words even if she had tried to explain it to him. Really though, he was the one closest in age to her and whether or not he liked it, her energy matched his. Not to mention that yes, the youngest Paton was quite a great deal like her brother.

Once again she knew. But he was telling her this like it was her fault. It wasn't. She was merely a victim of being born younger than him. "They wouldn't kill you. They'd just be seriously disappointed in you which is waaaaaaay worse." Yup, she was reminding him of that which he already should know. "Buuuuuuut you do know that they'll be proud of you as long as you try your best, right?" Especially cause she was pretty sure their mama had to see all the studying he was doing?

If Logan knew her well at all he would've known that the shrug and look had all been for show. It was the hopeful look and then the way her eyes took in how he held his pinky out to her. Pinky promises weren't a joke and she took them very seriously. The little blonde hooked her pinky around his, giving it a firm shake as well as nodding her head, completely solidifying their promise. He was lucky she wasn't going so far as lifting her hand to kiss it too. The smile that was now on her young face should be enough to tell him how she was feeling.

"Truuuuuuuue.. and it's good for me that I'm really not all that much in the mood to test my luck right now," she giggled right along with him. The offered book was taken and flipped through carefully, all the while the first year twisted herself around to sit facing him but also very much keeping the Willow in view. "What is the Mimbulus Mimbletonia defense mechanism?" This was probably easy for him but what really did she know about quizzing a fifth year?

Alright, alright. Bryony did have a point: their parents wouldn't kill him if his OWL scores were absolute rubbish. The disappointment, however, was much worse -- the first year was right about that. Disappointing one's parents was like being on the receiving end of a dementor's kiss in his opinion. But the light was that they'd be proud of him for the good results. He just hoped they weren't expecting anything great from him when it came to Astronomy or History of Magic.

"I guess we'll find out later when the results are owled." In the meantime, they could all rest assured that he was taking this all very seriously and was studying more than he ever had before. This year at least.

He knew just how meaningful pinky promises were for his sister, which was exactly why he had made such a move. It wasn't something he did very often anymore, but he knew that something needed to be done to satisfy Bryony. Words were just words. The pinky promise was their equivalent of an Unbreakable Vow. Plus the decision hadn't been a difficult one -- two fwoopers, one stone. He did want to test his luck with the Willow, and he knew the little sister and others were interested in doing the same.

All was fine as the book was taken. He wasn't at all a bit surprised that the Slytherin would be so eager to help him study. However, once the question had been asked, Logan felt like all of that knowledge he had been memorizing for weeks now had completely abandoned his brain. So he sat there, thinking ... thinking ... thinking... Mimbulus mimbletonia is rare, looks like a squirming cactus, is covered in boils ... boils ... something to do with its boils... "Uhh ... something comes out of its boils ... Stinksap?"

*Kolyander* · 11-29-2023, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoe

Alright, alright. Bryony did have a point: their parents wouldn't kill him if his OWL scores were absolute rubbish. The disappointment, however, was much worse -- the first year was right about that. Disappointing one's parents was like being on the receiving end of a dementor's kiss in his opinion. But the light was that they'd be proud of him for the good results. He just hoped they weren't expecting anything great from him when it came to Astronomy or History of Magic.

"I guess we'll find out later when the results are owled." In the meantime, they could all rest assured that he was taking this all very seriously and was studying more than he ever had before. This year at least.

He knew just how meaningful pinky promises were for his sister, which was exactly why he had made such a move. It wasn't something he did very often anymore, but he knew that something needed to be done to satisfy Bryony. Words were just words. The pinky promise was their equivalent of an Unbreakable Vow. Plus the decision hadn't been a difficult one -- two fwoopers, one stone. He did want to test his luck with the Willow, and he knew the little sister and others were interested in doing the same.

All was fine as the book was taken. He wasn't at all a bit surprised that the Slytherin would be so eager to help him study. However, once the question had been asked, Logan felt like all of that knowledge he had been memorizing for weeks now had completely abandoned his brain. So he sat there, thinking ... thinking ... thinking... Mimbulus mimbletonia is rare, looks like a squirming cactus, is covered in boils ... boils ... something to do with its boils... "Uhh ... something comes out of its boils ... Stinksap?"

Bry could only imagine what Logan was thinking right then. Being a first year she still had several more years to go before she had to worry about taking any very important exams. As she had previously said earlier and she has meant it, their parents would always be proud of all of them as long as they did their very best. And this girl would very happily drop most other activities to help her big brother study should he need it. Yup, he was very welcome.

"I bet you're going to do better than you think." It was safe to say that she had all the faith in him.

This was all undeniably so. A pinky promise may not seem like much to others but it was the biggest thing Logan could do for her by way of showing her that he wouldn't let her down. Bry knew from the second that their pinkies were hooked around one another's that there was no going back. A deal had been made. Once Logan had finished his exams they would be going up again the Willow. Not that she would back down anyhow.

The small blonde said not a single word as she waited for an answer. "Yup! It's a pretty cool rare plant, isn't it?"

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