One of their responsibilities as Hogwarts Groundskeeper was to tend to matters in the Forbidden Forest. Fortunately, there were no matters to be dealt with presently, pressing or not. It was the quietness and stillness of the edge of the Forest was soothing to Dhruv after a day of classes and other duties. It also helped that Ean had offered to keep them company today.

“Have you noticed?’’ Dhruv began as they and Ean walked side by side and towards slightly denser clumps of trees. “That Paul seems a lot grumpier and ruder recently?” The concern was evident in their voice, concern for both Idris and Paul. “Has Id mentioned anything? Better question, has he even noticed?” The fact that the Gryffindor saw only the good in Paul might be blinding him to the fact of his best friend’s… more extreme habits.

Meanwhile, as Healer and Charms Professor, it was Ean's job and responsibility to make sure any injuries were taken care of and prevented, along with refreshing any old charms. Not that the Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor needed to worry much with their expertise. But the gate leading to the Forbidden Forest had been opened one-to-many times by a certain Ravenclaw. His skills were going to be put to good use here.

Before Ean recharmed the gate, why not check out to see if any students made their way inside. So here he and Dhruv were walking together taking in the quiet, while he kept vigilent on any wandering students or creatures. "Mm, they've been more reserved for sure. They still refuse to participate in your lessons too, right?" He asked. As for his little lion, "Idris hasn't mentioned anything, but given how extra.. chirper they're being as of late. I'm afraid they're covering up something." He had been keeping a close eye on their friendship, which seemed to always head on the down side after each summer. "I imagine he'll share if anything is wrong.." He usually does, after some time. His free hand raised his wand to illuminate the path ahead. Even in broad daylight, the thick trees cast a deep shadow ahead of them.

"Everything looks good ahead from here." Didn't seem to be any sign of students. Very good.

Meanwhile as one of Gryffindor's newest members, it was Kara's responsibility to ensure she was living up to the hype of daring and courageous and possibly foolish. That and she was bored and missing her mum and hadn't really bothered to try to talk to too many people. It wasn't that her yearmates were unfriendly. Homesickness was a real thing and hitting her hard; she'd hopefully warm up in a few weeks but for now she just needed to be outside and quit her moping.

Somewhat dazed as her head was fuzzy with a million thoughts, Kara shuffled along the pathway towards two older figures oblivious to the fact that they were professors, watching curiously. Quiet. Crunch. Crunch. Crunch. Apparently despite her efforts to remain stealthy, the leaves on the ground were unforgiving beneath her trainers.

MEANWHILE... As a First Year Hufflepuff Student Taliesin had no pressing responsibilities. Why would he he was Eleven Years Old and no one had given him any kind of Homework yet. What he was responsible for was Castamere, the Silvery Grey Half-Kneazle that decided that he was too boring and left the Hufflepuff Common Room mid-pets and scratches.

Dejected by the Dane Triplet's pet's dissatisfaction of his pampering. Taliesin got up and followed behind him. Curious at least to see if Castamere was going to ditch him for one of his sisters.

Along the way Tal lost sight of Castamere and tried his best to relocate the cat. He found himself outside and following what he assumed to be Kneazle tracks along a pathway. Were these Kneazle Tracks? He had no clue. His head was down and he was not paying attention to where he was walking. The Bad Place. The Place that Dad said was off limits to him even before the warning at the Feast that the Forest was off limits. Taliesin recalls the terrifying tale that Dad had said what had happened to him and a friend in the Forest. Taliesin believes Dad embellished the story a bit to give him and his sisters a real fright to avoid it. In Taliesin's case though. It worked even if he knew dear ol' Dad added some extra scary details about the Centaurs of the Forest.

Yup, he had no clue he was headed that way at all.

His head jerked up as he heard the sounds of leaves crunching in front of him. "Castamere?!" The Young Badger called out. Huh...no it was just some girl who was just a few feet in front of him. Thank Merlin he heard the sound of those leave else he would have walked right into her. "Sorry, um...you're not a Cat." He said not even trying to hush his own voice. definitely revealing himself behind the two staff directly in front of them at the Gate of the Bad Place?!

Everything was still NEW. New school, new students to befriend, and professors to remember the names of, and of course all the new Rulessss. Ariadne was missing her brother Johnny who is at Beauxbatons, and unhappy because she didn't see her sister Tiffany as much as she'd like since they weren't in the same house. To be teased for her feast water ballon fiasco that everyone knew about now after it being written about in the school paper wasn't fun either. Summed up this badger girl wasn't in a great mood.

Ariadne was therefore driven out on the grounds to escape the teasing. She followed a foresty path ahead with her attention cast down on her feet rather than what was around her, oblivious to the fact that she was nearing the one place on the grounds that was off limits to students to enter. A voice that called out ahead had Ariadne's head jerking up in sudden fright. Seeing a boy (Taliesin), and a girl (Kara) on the path just 50 or so steps ahead of her Ariadne released a calming breath, before she advanced closer to the duo calling out "Hi! Did someone say something about a cat?". She had not spotted the professors ahead yet.

Dhruv valued Ean’s skills, both as a Healer and a Charms professor, therefore they never would object to having him along during one of those trips to the Forest. Speaking of that particular Ravenclaw, they were safely in detention so that meant there was at least one less student to worry about being out of bounds on this fine evening.

The DADA professor was used to performing wandless magic but the task ahead was one that required a wand for obvious reasons. Holding the Acacia-wood wand in their left hand, Lumos was cast silently, that beam of light joining Ean’s to better illuminate the path and the surroundings immediately beside it. “He does. He just sits there silently, almost seems as though he’s determined to be constantly sulking.” Dhruv always thought that Idris helped Paul to mellow out the rudeness a tiny fraction. But if the negative side of Paul’s personality was shining brighter, that clearly meant something was up. “If the situation, whatever it is, doesn't improve, one of us should inquire.” Dhruv cared about both boys but Id held a special place in his heart for reasons.

“Thankfully,’’ they replied, their voice light but at the same time not letting their guard down. The unpredictable nature of creatures - and students - did not grant them that luxury that easily. The words were hardly out of their mouth when the crunching sounds permeated the quiet. Shortly after, this was followed by a voice, whose owner was making reference about a cat. That was when a second voice pitched in.

They raised their wand higher so that the light from the wand cast its glow on the three youngsters. “Good evening, students,’’ Dhruv began pleasantly, but the sternness in their voice could not be missed. “As I recall there are constant reminders that the Forest is restricted to students except under special circumstances. Why then, have you decided to defy that rule?” They used their now unoccupied other hand to rub at a temple as though trying to prevent a headache from forming.

Clearly the chances of students sneaking out to the Forbidden Forest were never zero.

"Sulking..." Ean knew the young Hufflepuff was on the quiet side but sulking now in an active lesson. Goodness. He might have to press Jan on this matter. Would give them something else to busy their free time with outside of studies. "Mm.. yes, I think I know just how to have it handled." Incase Jan wasn't successful. But their conversation had to take a pause since they were in fact, not alone.

Well... this trip in the forest sure was taking a new direction, as Ean and Dhruv were heading back after determining the path was clear of students. Here there were two first years and a third year, two in Hufflepuff and one in... Gryffindor. Here came the disappointment as he surveyed the rule-breakers standing ahead of them. "Well... well..." Ean started as Dhruv already asked the important questions. "You do realize the amount of points this will cost each of your houses?" And yes, they could take them twice. If it helped to sink in the message. This was no place for a picnic or a party.

There was no blood around but this adolescent Thestral was drawn to the sound of voices. It lurked for a moment behind a large tree. Its skeletal body was angled in the direction of the humans. It recognized the two bigger humans as they frequented the Forest and one in particular tended to its herd.

This was why the Thestral decided to make its presence known. It took to the path though it wasn’t close enough to be sighted by anyone just yet.

All you would hear was the slow, almost ominous clop clop clop of approach.

Castamere? Kara blinked at the name and frowned when she saw a boy around her age and stood very confused for a moment before raising a finger to her lips as if to say 'quiet'. But it wasn't long before another young student was along behind the boy also saying something about a cat. "Apparently he's looking for a cat? Which no, I'm definitely not a cat." she shrugged, before turning her attention back to the older pair at the entrance to the forbidden forest. Was Castamere the name of the cat then ? She guessed so.

The older pairing made no pause in greeting them which Kara hadn't really been sure if that was a good thing or a bad thing. But at least it started off good? "Good evening professors," she looked to her counterparts, whom she hadn't made proper acquaintance with yet. "As I recall, I don't recall a rule about the forest being restricted, but this is my first week at hogwarts so there's been a lot to learn." Was she being technical about it? Yes. But also she was new so surely they'd cut her some slack. Or maybe not.

"Will? We aren't technically in the forest, just ... " Again technicalities. But before she could say anything else, she heard a clop clop clop... that sounded kind of like a horse, but she didn't see anything? "what's that?" She quivered, albeit trying to show bravery but her voice was definitely conveying the opposite.

Taliesin blushed in embarrassment as the one girl spoke of him as if he weren't there after he had just made such an odd statement of 'you're not a cat' to her. "I-I know she's not a cat. I just thought I heard him since I'm trying to track him...unsuccessfully he mumbled that last bit under his breath...Huh wasn't she the girl Water Balloon Girl from his House?

Tal's face seemed to only prefer stark white, or rose red colors over the past minute. As his face went red from embarrassment back to white with fear. "Do-don't say that!" He whispered harshly. "There's definitely a rule. It's real dangerous. Even being this close." She was right though, they weren't technically in the forest. So the threat seemed to be only that. A threat. One that worked on the young Hufflepuff. "We're sorry, sirs." Yes he was apologizing on behalf of the girl who thought it wise to talk back. "I don't even think my Cat would risk going in there." He hoped so.

He turned with the intention of leaving. To put an immense distance from him and the Forest's edge, when he heard the clopping of hooves coming nearer. He did not see any horse of sorts.

Taliesin had not seen one ever. Just pictures from Textbooks, but they were certainly deadly looking horses. Ones that Death themselves would ride upon. "Welp, Best Be Off!" He said to no one but himself to drown out the scary sensation of a Thestral approaching them from somewhere....somewhere and he started to march off back towards the Castle.

So Castamere was a HE cat belonging to another boy in her house if his robes were anything to go by. Why the girl in Gryffindor red robes was out there was still in the air. When the professor's descended upon the three of them Ariadne stayed quiet keeping her eyes downcast, suddenly feeling nervous and scared. It was best to take point from the others since she was new, and wasn't exactly an expert on the school rules yet right?

The slightly older Gryffindor girl was brave when she started to defend herself to the professors stating that they weren't technically in the forbidden forest, just on the edge. Hopefully the professors wouldn't get testy. Before Ariadne could chime in to the conversation the boy spoke up apologizing and stating that he didn't think his cat would go in there.

Raising her gaze to the professors Ariadne watered her lips as she spoke up trying to keep her voice steady and firm as she defended herself. "I'm so sorry sirs. I wasn't looking where i was going. I'm new, just transfered this week from Beauxbatons. I was trying to get away from the bullies, and teasers who keep calling me 'Water Baloon Girl' and other saddening, and mean words which I wouldn't like to repeat after my little incident at the school feast which even got mentioned in the school paper. If you don't believe me you can ask my aunt, Professor Adara." Yes, Ari had spent a lot of time crying and talking about everything with both her sister and aunt to get advice and solace.

It was then that she heard the sound of chop chop chop, like the sound of hooves coming nearer, but she wasn't certain. Ariadne eyes darted around as she looked around and didn't see anything. "What's that noise?" She asked in a small frightened tone, edging herself closer to the professors for protection.

Sleepy... sleepy.

This Acromantula had been sick and tired of being good. No feasting on the hoomans. Especially the tall ones. They were dangerous, holding broken, pointy pincers. So scary... but the little ones? They had been foolish. There was no such thing as an edge of the forest once they passed the pearly gates and walked along the pathway beneath the tall trees. He had been bored of watching from above and had wanted to head back to his web to feast on leftovers. That horse-like creature that clopped along lacked any meat to feast on.

Click, click, click.

What was this? A fresh little one running away? Coated in yellow dressing? Oh no, no, no... They should have stayed with their fellow hoomans. So, he dropped down just before they could reach the barrier gates far from the castle.

"Hello... lunch." The pincers had been ready as he pounced! But first... he had wanted to take this appetizer for a spin.

Hehehe.

Their conversation with Ean would definitely have to wait. Just when they thought that this evening was going to be a light one… well, no matter. At least each of the students appeared to be in one piece, which was of utmost importance. “Mr. Dane is quite right. There is such a rule. Your prefects or Head of House would have mentioned it, if not older students belonging to your House.” New or not to Hogwarts, there were no exceptions to rulebreakings and corresponding punishments. “As a matter of fact, you are in the Forest, Ms Walsh. ” Surely their and Ean’s wands illuminated the path upon which they all stood despite the canopy of branches above that may block out any moonlight.

Dhruv had heard many a story from students who were trying to escape punishment for their wrong doing, and being chased by bullies was definitely not the first. It wasn’t farfetched, however there were other options to dealing with such a situation - such as asking Amelia to intervene. “I really am sorry to hear about your plight, Ms. Rose, but the fact remains you’re out here with us. Professor Feirgrund is correct: you each will lose house points. Professor Fergersnout will also be informed of this, Mr. Dane, Ms. Rose.” As Hufflepuff Head of House, she may want to have a talk with the two.

Dhruv heard it too, the hooves but looking in the direction, they saw nothing just yet. But the hoof-falls clearly spooked the students, especially Taliesin. “You two should follow Mr. Dane’s lead and head back to the Castle,’’ they said calmly, already going into protective mode. They most likely would have all made it back safely had it not been for the unseen lurking Acromantula that lurched towards the younger Hufflepuff.

The DADA professor wasted no time. They raised their wand. “Arania Exumai.” Their voice was calm but fierce, their wand tracing out that complicated movement. A bright blue streak illuminated the area as the jet of light hurtled towards the Acromantula just as it pounced.

Jaws, as Dhruv Khanna fondly referred to this particular thestral clopped into sight at the exact moment the yellow clad Hogwartian decided to leave the group. Now the word ‘sight’ was used loosely here as not everyone would be able to see the creature. The professors certainly could based on its interaction with them.

The brave little thestral quickly understood the dire peril in which the humans found themselves in. It galloped over to the two girls its wings flaring as it did so. Without a thought it threw its bony frame before them. Jaws attempted to herd the pair out of harms way. Jaws quite forgot that they may even be more afraid of an invisible force trying to push them away from the path but closer to the trees that lined it.

Oops?

This left the professors to fully give their attention to defeating the acromantula.

If only the mean, carnivorous arachnid did not rest in the way of the exit of the Forest.

Ean certainly didn't have to offer much words when all was said and done. "Yes.. that'll be 20 points each for being in the forest." Being defensive, fine, he gets it. It's not fun to be caught doing something you're not suppose to. But blaming others for not telling the rules over and over again when they were said at the beginning of the term and listed in the books. Nope. Not going to fly with Professor Feirgrund. He wasn't mad, just disappointed.

"...That will be an additional 5 points for lying, Miss Walsh." Considering her friend just confirmed it. "Master Dane, I will award you 5 points for your honesty and attempting to help your friend here." The Healer did not enjoy taking points especially from the house he headed, but he was for being fair. He did listen to Miss Rose's... explanation. Though it was certainly a choice to run into the forest with creatures that eat students for safety rather than bullies. "Miss Rose, I appreciate you sharing your story, we can talk more about this once you've returned to the castle. And then we'll have a chat with your Head of House for a refresh on the rules together."

And now, the hard part. Detention... But before Feirgrund could utter the words, one of the students turned and started marching off, "Master Dane, do not go off on your own! Suddenty, the owner of the clopping hooves arrived. It was one of the Thestrals here that Ean could see as they made to push the girls to the side almost off the path. A bit of a rude awakening, but well intended on protection it seemed like. That was when he saw at a distance an Acromantula drop down in front of Master Dane attempting to pounce and perhaps spin them into a web? Oh dear... This was taking a quick turn for the worst. But it was early enough for them to turn the tables.

"Stay close, girls. You'll be safer here with us." Ean said as Professor Khanna expertly sent a spell toward the Acromantula. He too followed suit, "Arania Exumai." Aiming at the beastly spider and not at the student at risk.

A lot was happening all at once and she'd heard Taliesin barely in his pleas to try to shush her but alas, Kara had already said too much. One day she'd learn maybe not be so quick of tongue. Lying though? She wasn't lying because she really didn't remember, aka hadn't been paying attention, when they'd gone over the rules and such.

"I ...I wasn't lying ... sir," her lip quivering. "I really don't--" but before she could continue her protests, which was maybe a good thing, Taliesin was heading back to the castle and the largest spider she'd ever seen was staring back at her. Reaching out to grab Ariadne's arm for stability, she started to back away as her professors cast some spell.

"Back to the castle, yes." She said meekly.

One minute Ariadne was getting points deducted, and being told that her head of house would be informed, and the next Talesin was bolting back to the castle. Before Ariadne could cry out after her housemate an invisible force suddely pushed her to the side of the path causing her to gasp out in fear, eyes darting to Kara as well as her professors. "Ouch, what was that Kara? Did you feel it too?"

As Kara grabbed onto Ariadne's arm for comfort or fear or something yet to be determined Ariadne saw what made Kara act so abruptly. Staring at the largest spider she had yet to see in her life with pincers clicking Ariadne whispered to nobody in particular. "Is that a real acromantula? It's huge." Keeping her eyes on her housemate she hoped that Talesin wasn't going to do something stupid as their professors cast spells over her head to hopefully stop or kill the spider.