Quote:

Originally Posted by individual

Listening to a Ravenclaw talk, she had no clue what the girl just said, so it went through one ear and right out the other. What? Germination? WHAT? "Perhaps...Dumbledore planted the tree when he found out that Remus Lupin was a werewolf. Or Dumbledore had whoever the Herbology Professor plant it since, well...yea." Yup, easy response. Smiling up at the professor, she thought of how the knot could have been created on the tree. Was it created by magic? Or was it already there? Did all Willow trees like the Whomping Willow have a knot thing? Now she was stumped. There could be many possibilities on how the knot came to be there. Sure, only a few of the possibilities would actually be able to happen...but... maybe she should just choose a safe response instead. "Someone could have put the knot there by magic, so Lupin didn't have to fight his way to the passage. Or maybe the tree already had the knot in the first place."

"Yes, Dumbledore didn't do all the physical labor himself, obviously, in planting the tree. He was more of the planner of the tree and contacted a grower who specializes in such.... rare and majestic Whomping Willows."

It was difficult having to watch what she said around...er...whilst seated on the tree. But Bunz nodded and added, "And yes, the tree already had the knot in the first place."

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mad Eye Touz

Plymouth raised his hand as HIGH as it would go and might have jumped just a LITTLE to try and maybe, maybe, sort of reach a very, very peripheral leaf.

"I think if I had a tree this smart I'd just say to, "HI TREE. Can you show me your sweet spot?" And it would show me, because me and trees are tight. So, I agree with CellBell on that part. I would think potions and spells would just really PEEVE a tree like this. AN EPIC TREE LIKE THIS."

Excited much? hehe

... hehe.

"....I think you should try that, actually, Plymouth, and let me know how it works out. You may want to address a tree of such age and wisdom with a smidgen more respect, however, as this tree is not nearly as erm, modern? Just a bit of advice to keep in mind."

Bunz didn't doubt Plymouth Morgan's ability to be 'tight' with trees, however.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Celandine

"Well, Professor?" Cela waved her hand around and it sort of turned into a wave for the Willow. "She's 100 years old almost, right? Which is totally cool and impressive, but like, she was always full-sized right? So would it be correct to assume that a tree like this doesn't have the same kind of... like germination process and stuff? Like, she doesn't spend lots of time growing because its more important for her to be grown? I'd guess that she grew in only a few months, or weeks or even days over the summer of 1971, that would also explain how she got here too, because it is much easier to transport a small plant than one that is great and beautiful like the Willow is now. "

Cela made a thoughtful face.

"So if that is true, is it a spell that makes an amazing tree like this one start growing? Or do you ask it? Or a potion or something like that? Oh and it was supposed to be Dumbledore who was responsible for the Willow appearing, in time for Lupin to start at Hogwarts in September 1971. The knot was probably part of whatever magical process caused the Willow to grow in the first place."

"Very good, Cela!" Bunbury beamed at the bright Ravenclaw. Of course she wasn't a bit perturbed by all the questions... because the professor had all the answers.

"The growth of the Whomping Willow is actually a bit of a combination of all that... obviously communicating with the tree directly is of vital importance and yes the knot was there from the start...." she trailed off and raised a brow at Fyo.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SenoritaMaxie

Fyo raised his hand. "Bonsai, professor?" He suggested. "There are some trees that can live for decades, and I would say that the art of Bonsai fits because, that way, such a tree - a whole tree - could have been developed in a very small container. Albus Dumbledore was a man of wisdom and, when he needed such a plant, he could have had it transported with amazing ease, because the size would not be a hindrance."

"The knot could have been part of the tree, already - Bonsai is an amazing art, and it's wonderful what people can do with it, how they can 'build' entire trees from several, or separate, sections or cuttings - but I think it more likely that it was an idea of Dumbledore's. He was gifted with many magical skills, and he probably made good use of them to install a 'controlled defense mechanism' - or, if the knot was already there, to activate it in such a way, for such a purpose." Made sense to him.

"But ahhhh, that, Fyo, is exactly the answer I was looking for!" Anastasia almost started applauding the Gryffindor but she probably would have fallen off the tree by doing that.

"Obviously the herbologists who work with such regal... trees... as the Whomping Willow do not want to keep them small. A process involving complicated spells, potions and a knot-like layer were combined to expedite the growth process here."

She glanced up at toward the tippy top of the tree affectionately. "What an elaborate process for such a worthwhile cause. I'm sure you all agree."

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mrs_Molly_Weasley

Becca blushed. Surely her answer wasn't that "AHA!" worthy. Afterall, she'd only mentioned a small detail no one before her had. Then flying back into the lesson she raised her hand again, "I agree. It could've been there prior to being the way to gain 'entrance' to the Shrieking Shack. I believe that seeign as Dumbledore was such a great wizard and no one other than the four friends and himself knew about Mr. Lupin's "Furry Little Problem". It was a very clever idea because there was nothing abnormal about a tree with a not and no one dared go near the Willow, or shall I say, she didn't let anyone pass. I think it's rather creative... however, very harmful to Madame Willow." She summarized her thoughts. That was basically all she had thought of.

"I agree with you also, dear," Bunz nodded at the Ravenclaw. "The addition of the knot.... while it is a travesty to a tree such as this one it does have its few uses.... I suppose."

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ginny Molly Weasley

Virgi knew this one too. Great-grandfather Harry told her everything.

"Well professor, Dumbledore planted the tree and dug out a path to the shrieking shack when Remus Lupin joined school. To protect old professor Lupin he planted the tree and told Lupin the secret to getting past the tree. Lupin was embarrassed about him being a werewolf and when his friends asked about him and where he disappeared to, he would change the subject. He soon told his friends and they turned into animagi to join them. Sorry professor, I always go overboard," Virgi said.

"Yes, that's correct. Not overboard at all if you're just giving the right information." She nodded at the girl and then pat-patted the tree so it would lower her closer to the ground and she could sliiiiiiide off.


Once on the ground, Bunz dusted her hands off and came over to stand by Truebridge. "Before we continue the lesson into the Shrieking Shack...." she cleared her throat. "I believe you all have some jars of dung. Would someone like to step forward and demonstrate how to apply the dung around Ms. Willow's base? Don't forget to speak to the tree politely, now...."


ooc: actually don't wait for one person to go; you all should just step right up and try to get along with the tree. ;]

Becca nodded as she listened to Professor Bunbury. Then she remembered the dung she had obtained earlier was still sitting in the jar in her hand. She stepped forward slowly. "Hello, Madame! I've got a present for you. I hope you enjoy it.", She smiled, taking the poop out of the jar after unscrewing it and set the dung carefully at the base of the tree with her DragonHide gloves,patted it down gently, stepped back a foot or two and waited for the Willow to react- possibly. That is; if she'd done it right!

They were going to the shrieking shack?
They had to go up to the Whomping Willow?

Destiny needed a paper bag, before she started hyperventilating. 'Breathe in, breathe out.' Not working.

Grabbing Evelyn's arm, Destiny pulled her along to the tree. They only had one jar, so they had to go together, right? Right. And besides she wasn't going to go to that tree alone. It shouldn't even be considered a tree. It should be a dangerous creature with a rating of like X times 5 gazillion! Very dangerous.

Just before she reached the tree, Destiny opened the jar of poo. Hopefully the tree will smell it, if you know, trees could smell. It smelt baaaad! She stuck her hand into the jar and grabbed a handful of the nasty. She needed another paper bag, only this time not to breathe into..

Walking up to the tree, Destiny whispered to it 'Hello, Willow. Please don't whomp me.' She rubbed the nasty onto the base of the tree. 'Nice tree.' Not..

The Shriiieeekiinng Shack?

Ah yes, that would be good. Fyo gave Professor Bunbury a polite smile, then stepped forward with his mason jar. It was a shimmery thing and, within its walls, the mooncalf dung lay like a lump of dim-grey metal. The fourth year inhaled a deep breath while he could, then unscrewed the lid of his jar, and stepped up to the Whomping Willow.

"Hey there, Lady Willow," he said politely, giving THE TREE something of a smile. He kept his voice low, not a whisper or anything of that sort, but still low enough so that only he and the Tree could hear - they needed their privacy, yo. "You're a wonderful tree, aren't you?" At least this wasn't a lie. The Whomping Willow had amazed Fyo since he had first set foot at Hogwarts. "I haven't seen another Tree like you, before - and I doubt I ever will. You're wonderful, you magnificent thing." He grinned at the tree, then placed a hand inside the mason jar his arms were full of.

Time to get down and dirty.

But he was used to that, by now.



....

Unfortunately.

Whhaaaaaaat? Before she knew what was going on, she was being pulled by Destiny towards the tree. Again...what was the girl doing?! Seriously! Evelyn would have rather stay far back and watch all the other people get whomped instead of actually being one of those people...

Trying to get out of Destiny's death grip on her arm, she stared wide eyed at the tree before looking back towards the Professors, a look of horror on her face and mouthing the words 'Help me!'. Suddenly feeling her friend stop, Evelyn turned back around to find that they were right in front of the Willow tree. 'Please don't remember the scavenger hunt...'

Even though she loved this tree, she did not love being so close to it. How the Professor was doing it, she didn't know. The thought of actually sitting on this tree in particular practically sent shivers down her spine. "Destiny?" she whispered really quietly. "I don't want to be here...hurry up." She forgot all about greeting the tree and being nice to it.

So far, so good. Destiny was still alive and not being whomped. Sighing in relief, she handed the jar of poo to Evelyn. 'I think you have to give this WONDERFUL gift to this WONDERFUL tree, before we can leave.' she spoke trying to look not one bit frightened. Then she whispered, so the tree couldn't hear, if you know, the tree could hear, 'And then we run.'

Crap.

No. Really.

Jake was only glad the pot he hsad brought with him as now sitting some way away, where he had left it earlier. That way he didn't have to faint at the suggestion... fake or otherwise.

But... would they make him?

"P'fessor..." Jake started quietly, not knowing who he was speaking to or what he would say. He was pale, his eyes were wide and his hair stuck to his forehead in perspiration. He felt queasy... but not sick. He just... didn't like this one bit.

Was...she...serious? Holding the jar of mooncalf 'stuff', she held it out in front of her like it was a disease. She had to collect this stuff, and now she had to spread it on the tree? No thanks. "I think you did a good enough job, Destiny." she whispered back. "Let's just...you know...run?" PLEASE?!

As if it would be enough of a gift, she put the jar down and took a step back, then sloooowly took another step back, and then another, watching every single one of the willow tree's branches.

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEeeeeeeeee!


Plymouth darted to the tree with a gleeful, "Heeeeee!" He moved away from everyone else so that all the good tree food wasn't in one place. ALL of her BEAUTIFUL roots needed nummy goodness, really. Plymouth sat down on the roots, crossed his legs, and then started to spread out his fertilizer. He kept one hand on her trunk, petting the tree, LOVING THE TREE, while the other worked to get all nutrients spread evenly over his little patch.

"Poo, Poo, good for your roots. The more you soak, the more you... hehehe. Bet you don't do that, huh, Big Willow? Being a girl and all. Hehehe. "

The Whomping Willow is a female tree, that seemed odd since usually plants had both sexes of lowers growing on them so the can reproduce and grow, didn't the professor know that, guess not but that does not suprise me.

Fred sighed and approached the willow and said sweetly, "You're a beatiful tree, here a gift so you you can keep growing strong", Fred said and then spread the moon calf dung along the dirt near the tree's roots and then slowly backed away to give the next person the chance.

Thrilled to finally be able to get rid of the mooncalf dung in her hands, LouAnn proceeded forward with a smile on her face. "Hi, Willow! My name's LouAnn, and it's awesome to meet you," she greeted. She held up the jar of mooncalf dung and turned it around and around, hoping to let the tree get a nice, long look at it. Maybe if the tree knew she came with gifts, it'd be less likely to whomp her and more likely to accept her.

LouAnn edged forward little by little by little. She didn't want to get too close until she was sure she wouldn't get pancaked by the tree. So far, so good, so LouAnn closed most of the gap between herself and the tree. "Guess who brought treats?!?! It's mooncalf dung, and it's supposed to be really good for you." Feeling brave, LouAnn reached forward and patted the tree a few times. She'd just do this for another minute until she was really, really, really sure she wouldn't be picked up and thrown.

So Evelyn wasn't going to rub the poo on the tree. But Destiny did? That's different.. 'Maybe running isn't the best idea, lets just slowly back away..' Before Destiny started to back away, she gave the tree a cheesy smile, if the tree could actually see. 'Okay Willow, we are leaving now. Thank you for not whomping us.' And Destiny slowly backed away, until she was sure she wasn't in reach of getting whomped. That tree is more scary than Devil's Snare, that's for sure!

Celandine picked up a jar of dung that someone had abandoned. She hadn't done that homework after all. She waited right at the edge of where the Willow could reach, not wanting to suddenly overwhelm the tree. There were sooo many students all up in there.

She waved quietly and started walking around in a circle, looking for a spot where there weren't a kazillion students.

Evelyn turned and stared wide eyed at Destiny, pausing in her step of backing away from the tree. Did she just say what she thought she said? "You thanked it for not whomping us? That's like...a huge invitation to do just that!" Throwing her hands up, not even caring to walk slowly anymore, she jogged her way away from the tree, almost in a sprint until she ended up at a halt right behind Professor Truebridge and Whatshername.

Not that she was hiding or anything... Pfft...Oh, Jake was there too. Great. Giving a smile to the two professors, and a glare to Jake, she looked around at all the other students and their surroundings, finding it to be a particularly good day out. Why did they had to spend it by this tree...?

Ethan nodded at Annie and there was almost a smile in his eyes. Of course, not a proper one since there were students everywhere and all.

"You know, if you are nice to the tree and do well, she might let you climb her." Truebridge suggested to Jake.

Hmm? Ethan watched the two Slytherin first years freak out a bit over the tree. Interesting. His eyes found Evelyn's and he was somewhat amused that she'd been wandering around the Forbidden Forest after curfew and yet she was scared of the Whomping Willow in full daylight with two professors supervising. He shook his head with the slightest touch of disappointment.

Truebridge cleared his throat. Continue with the lesson then.

"During the 1990s, who else made use of the Shrieking Shack? What was significant about Severus Snape discovering its secrets while he was still a student?"

Becca raised a dragonhide glove clad hand, " Harry Potter and Hermione Granger were lead into it when the animagi form of Sirius Black(a dog) had dragged Ron Weasley into it. It was then that Harry found out that Peter Pettigrew was the one who had betrayed his parents and the identity of Scabbers is named." Then, she remembered another thing, "It was also used as a hide out of Lord Voldemort and some Death Eatters in the Battle Of Hogwarts. Severus Snape was also killed inside of it during the Battle, by Voldemort's snake, Nagini. He was only in ihis thirties; such a tragedy!"

Truebridge was frowning.

Not at Rebecca, since she was the ONLY student who'd answered and apparently was managing to pay attention. Ethan was aware some students were around the other side of the tree, but he'd certainly spoke loud enough to be heard.

"Five points to you for paying attention, Rebecca. Also, a very good answer. Would anyone care to elaborate on Rebecca's excellent answer?"

There might have been a glare in there.

Plymouth loved Truebridge, no doubts about it. But he was kind of wishing that Truebridge would go make use of the Shrieking Shack now and stop trying to steal the Whomping Willow's thunder.

...

Okay, he didn't mean that. But honestly. Plymouth didn't WANT to speculate about history right now. With an exasperated wave of his poo-smeared hand, Plymouth answered," I don't think it is all that significant," though 'significant' was one of those qualifying words that meant different things to different people. Right now Truebz thought history was significant; Plymouth did not. "Other than showing that he was a seriously NOSY little dude. Who follows people around? Who has time for that? Clearly Snape was no Ravenclaw. We use our spare time reading."

Plymouth poked at the dirt and might have nuzzled the Willow a little. Definitely did.

Evelyn was about....to answer....but of course it had to be a Ravenclaw who beat her too it. Psshh...Hmm, so they can elaborate? Cool. "Like...she...said," she pointed to the girl who spoke since she didn't know the girl's name, "Harry Potter and Hermione Granger were led to the Shrieking Shack when Sirius dragged Ron Weasley there by mistake in his animagi form. He was really going after the rat though, which later they found out was Peter Pettigrew in his 'disguise'." she paused, holding back a laugh. Could have picked a way better disguise...

"Remus Lupin joined them in the Shrieking Shack and helped reveal the truth that Sirius Black wasn't the one that betrayed Harry's parents, but Peter did and then Snape joined them as well." taking a deep breathe, she continued. "But he didn't know that Peter was really the one that was the 'killer on the loose' that everyone thought Sirius was. So he was going to turn in Sirius to the staff, or Ministry...or Dementors...I don't really remember which one of those." She should have known that, but since the willow tree was so close at the moment, her thoughts were becoming jumbled. "But he ended up being knocked out or something and Sirius escaped, along with Pettigrew."

"As for the death eaters and Voldemort using the shrieking shack as a hideout, Voldemort did make his headquarters there towards the end of the war when the first attack on the school was made. It was also where Voldemort killed Snape, but Voldemort only killed him because he thought it would make him the rightful owner of the Elder wand. He didn't know that Malfoy had already disarmed Dumbledore before Snape killed him." Okay, a lot of information and Evelyn had to take another deep breathe. Though why Snape knowing the secret of getting into the tunnel to the shrieking shack was significant, she really didn't know.

Now that Destiny was safe, and far away from the tree as possible, she could answer Professor Truebridge's question. 'The day Snape died, Harry Potter finds out that Snape was loyal to Dumbledore and not Voldemort. I guess Snape knowing the Whomping Willow led to the Shrieking Shack made it easier for him to hide the Sword of Gryffindor. He left the school grounds unnoticed.' Right? Right.

As regal and majestic and wise and educating as she was, the Whomping Willow would educate these children. She would be patient with them and show her approval or disapproval of each gift in a much more kind manner than usual.

This student was approved. The Willow gently swaaaayed her uppermost branches in a manner reminiscent of a human nod.

Also approved this timid one was. She even massaged the fertilizer in like she was giving the great tree a toe massage. The Willow was able to forgive her mutterings for a moment as she enjoyed the fertilizer loosening up a rough batch of dry bark.

If trees could beam this one would be all sunshine and daisies and butter mellow. Lady Willow. She was a lady. She was so very deserving. The Gryffindor was approved. He would be remembered.

......

Another one Lady Willow would remember, if only for his utter oddity. At least the boy was joyful as he ...............petted............. the tree. Normally, The Whomping Willow would not be so accepting.

Some children, however, as she had noticed over her many years overseeing the grounds of Hogwarts, were special children. This special one would be approved if only for his obvious glee in providing her with poo goo.

The Willow furled and unfurled a few branches as she felt a certain strong vibe from this child. It was not a happy vibe.

He was approved to exit from nearby her roots as quickly as possible.

How polite. The one Annie had pointed out earlier took the time to introduce herself.

And the mooncalf dung. As if the Willow had no perceptions at all. Well. She was slightly approved....but the tree had never really liked Gryffindors to begin with.

This one would be approved once she applied the dung. The Tree could tell. She remembered the young Ravenclaw from a previous encounter.

Or two.

Run? RUN?

Tsk tsk children. Never admit your fear in front of a tree.

The one child had not even FERTILIZED the Willow properly. The tree had been lulled into a false state of temporary gentleness by the massage of the first Slytherin but now? Oh. No.

She was still watching you, girl, even as you retreated back to cower in the "safety" of that talking teacher. You. The One That Was Terrified.

We aren't done with you yet.


*WHOMP* came a branch, down just outside the ring of gathered students and closest to the two Slytherins. *WHOMP* went another branch. Just enough to remind the already-retreated girl WHO was the most deserving tree of them all and WHY the child should not cower in fear but should instead EMBRACE the mooncalf fertilizer.


It was education.

Okay so the tree was whomping. But she was whomping over that way and not anywhere near Cela. Cela unscrewed the cap on the mooncalf dung and cast Odoris Subsisto on it so she wouldn't have to inhale the stink while she was giving it to the Willow.

Did trees smell things too?

Celandine wondered this as she confidently approached, not all that far from the spot where she used to stash candy. It was candyless now though, she hadn't topped up most of her hidey holes since Clifford Carden ate the chocolate frogs that she had stashed about.

Cela gave a tiny curtsey then busied herself applying the poop around the tree's roots. She even scratched the grass growing there back a bit so that the tree wouldn't have any of its poo nutrients absorbed by the greedy grass.

Evelyn practically jumped and clung to Professor Truebridge in a weird sort of hug as one of the tree's branches landed almost next to her. And then another one close by. For some reason, she thought that those two 'whomps' were slightly meant for her...why why WHY? She didn't even do anything! Just like that dang scavenger hunt.

"Stupid tree. Yea, great idea to come here. First devils snare...now this..." she muttered quietly to herself, letting go of the Professor, scowling. How in the world she had two classes in a row in Herbology that had to do with two of her worst fears was beyond her. Glaring at the branches, she moved back even more so the tree couldn't get to her. A small smug look appearing on her face, she crossed her arms and...staaaaaarrrred at the willow tree.

One word. One solitary word. That was all it took to snap Jake out of it.

Climb.

Thinking about climbing did its usual trick. It wiped away any fear or apprehension he was feeling, and Jake could finally breathe again. The boy blinked at Truebridge... and then again...

And made up his mind.

Vaguely aware that Truebridge had asked a question but that he hadn't answered fast enough, Jake moved back... grabbed the pot of dung and headed straight from the tree, emtionless... thinking of one word.

Climb.

Even as he gently massaged the roots of the tree with the dung, his dragon-hide gloves protecting his hand, Jake still didn't register the use of the other word.

Might.

Professor Ethan Truebridge was supremely unconcerned by the proximity of the tree's whomping branches. He wasn't afraid at all....

... of the whomping. He wasn't afraid of the whomping. Touching and clinging and hugging were a different story. It was possible that his inner self shrieked a little, though outwardly his discomfort was only evidenced in the way he froze, his jaw clenching. Second one this term. First Jennumara Blood after gifting him a book made out of butter and now Evelyn Flores for... Merlin knew what reason. What was with that? The hugging thing?

The tree could whomp all it wanted, Truebridge was far too busy freaking out.

And then it let go. Or rather, Evelyn did. She became a person, a student again once she ceased the clinging.

He didn't even notice that Jake had been spurred into action. Instead, Truebridge just murmured a vague noise of agreement. Possibly to the students who had answered his earlier question, possibly agreeing with the part of himself that was still freaked out.

Hugs are for Lawsons, not Truebridges.