Quote:
Originally Posted by
NiallNIP 
So. This was the tree, then?
Maddox had heard about it, and it looked as ominous as he expected it to be. A tree that attacks anything that comes close was something he was automatically intrigued by, but not enough to put his life in danger. He stood back at enough of a distance that he could look at the tree and not get whomped by it. As he looked at the tree he could feel that it was looking back at him—how a tree could look, he didn't know, but he knew it was true nonetheless. He noticed certain twitches in it that weren't the wind. Like it was prepared.
Good thing he'd brought a rock with him. He wanted to see it move for real. He pitched back, holding the rock as far as he could, and threw the rock towards the tree as hard and high as he could. Hopefully it would reach up high towards the branches so the tree would react to it.
Alaric had been wandering near the grounds when the sound of something sailing through the air caught his attention. As he rounded the corner, he saw Maddox standing there, eyes fixed on the Whomping Willow, which was now thrashing its branches in response to the rock he’d just thrown.
Alaric stopped a short distance away, his hands slipping into his robe pockets as he took in the scene. “
You know,” he began, his tone light but carrying a note of caution, “
that tree’s not exactly known for its forgiving nature.” His gray eyes, bright with curiosity, shifted between Maddox and the furious branches. “
One wrong step, and it might decide you’re more interesting than the rock.”
He offered a small, easy smile. “
But I’ve got to admit—it was a pretty good throw.” He glanced at the Willow again, watching its limbs whip through the air. “
What made you want to test it out?” There was no judgment in his voice, only genuine interest. “
Adjusting to Hogwarts' excitement, are you?”