The Gryffindor had cast a warming charm and insulation charm on herself before leaving out of the castle. It wasn't until she was a few feet away in the snow that she cast Henshu on her feet as well. No need in slipping in the snow and ice, you see. Still gripping her wand in her left hand she picked her way down the path to the whomping willow. It was familiar to her in the way that most of the grounds at Hogwarts were.

Kind of like home in a way.

Of course today held a bit of anxiety, seeing as she was a bit salty about IMPS as it was. She held out hope that nothing else was too shady, though.

Here's hoping.

Finally getting within the line of sight of the willow the blonde paused to take it all in. Such a beautiful wonder, really. But like... the icicles there. What exactly was up with them? They looked a little... fake? Maybe? Or there was just something a little odd about them. The Gryffindor did not, however, venture any closer just yet. Only a fool would get within branch shot of the willow on any given day. Hmph.

She did twirl her wand a bit nervously as she thought of what her next move should be. Hmmm. Well one thing stuck out... just to see how the willow itself would react...

"Avis, " was the spell she cast toward the tree. Let's see if a flock of yellow birdies made the tree move. Then, perhaps, she could see what the oddities were hanging off of the branches there. Let it move while she was a ways back? And just for good measure... "Fianto Duri, Armanto. " Magical and non magical protection? YES PLEASE!

Now what was next? Her eyes didn't waver from the tree as she waited to see how it reacted.