And then... And then Lottie was saying stuff about Tag. Mean stuff! How it was all his fault! He didn't need this right now he was getting and feeling suddenly down. " It's its it's not my fault... I just wanted and the forest and " the little leprechaun tried to defend himself although his shaky voice and overwhelming sadness outweighed it.

The boy then gave out some sad puppy eyes as his lower lip quivered from sadness. Nothing was going right. So, in all his gloom the boy merely got down onto the floor, on his stomach, put his hands to his face and rested his head on his hands. He gave up and just needed to let out his thoughts as he laid on the cold ground.

Nerida had started to hum while she attended to her tree. Water? She looked over at....Tag? The boy who mentioned the idea she looked around wasn't the snow giving them enough water... But he was already giving them some...Well it didn't hurt them to get a little bit more water...

She was just about to start speaking to her tree when she felt another chill. She shivered and shivered. She began slowly sinking on the spot. Her teeth chattering as she slid to the ground. She held onto the tree for a couple seconds trying to see if the tree was warm and could spare some. But no luck!

She wrapped her arms around herself. She was cold. Suddenly Nerida wasn't happy anymore...She looked around to see the others on the ground and none of them looked in the same mood. She whispered out softly "Why is it so cold?"

The wind had been knocked out of him when the little Ravenclaw suddenly ran towards him and HUGGED him tightly. He stood there, his arms at his side as he was being squeezed by a third year. He was always awkward when it came to getting hugs. Giving hugs had been one of his specialties but getting them?!

He just did not know what to do and he was secretly relieved when the girl let him go so that he could breeeaaathe. As he breathed out heavily he noticed that he could see his breath. He tried again because it was cool when another feeling washed over him.

He the warm, fuzzy feeling he had had all year was suddenly gone like someone had switched off a switch. It was cold, REALLY cold and the Prefect did not like it one bit.

He flicked his wrist and his phoenix feather wand fell out of its holster and in his hand. Ready to use it if necessary. It was then that he noticed Tag holding his head and sitting down on the ground. Something was really wrong... But what?! Daichi hated not knowing!

The feeling of loneliness hit him and he lowered his wand. Why was he feeling lonely? He was with other students who loved ice cream as much as he did and wanted to help this poor forest! But still, the feeling was overwhelming.

His body was shaking a little bit as he tried to think of something else. His wand was still in his hand though , even if his hand was shaking.

"Maybe..maybe we should head back to the castle?" he asked and looked around. "Ehm...which way is back?" O____o

The giant hair spider had been keeping his eyes on the children for a while, but the intense cold had been distracting him. A big shiver shook the spider as a colder chill took over and he felt so... sad. Sad spider.

Sad spider sunk to the ground with another shiver. Sad spider wanted to go home. But sad spider was too sad to move.

Anya continued to shiver from her spot at the bottom of the tree. It was just... so cold outside. And the Gryffindor just felt so sad and lonely. If it weren't so cold and she wasn't worried about her tears freezing, she might have cried. She wrapped her arms around tighter.

She looked around vaguely. She was barely registering the banter going on between the younger students. It just didn't seem like worth the effort for her to comment.

But. She should probably respond to the Prefect. "I'm not getting up." she said pathetically. She couldn't move nor did she really have a desire to move.

Nu-uh, it IS your fault Tag. And she was more than ready to verbally disagree with him when...he was on the ground. Well, that was...depressing.

And she had no ice cream, which was even MORE depressing. Sigh.

So much sadness around, though she could understand Mo's, maybe, possibly, it really didn't matter, BUT...the cold? It was always cold at Hogwarts during this time of...the year? What month was it anyway? And why did she not know this oh-so-important piece of information??

The Slytherin Prefect suggested...oh, no, he didn't. "You're a wizard." She said, almost hissing, "You have a wand." YOU figure it out! How could he ask which way was back?!? And here she was thinking Slytherins were smart. SHE WANTED TO CRY AT THIS!!! There was no hope whatsoever. And she suddenly wished for West to be here, because he'll surely have something smart to say to his House Prefect. But he wasn't here. Tag was, though. And her eyes just watered at that thought. As if they needed unicorns. "It's that way, anyway," she added, pointing to where she'd come. Her pygmy puff would agree, she had a great sense of direction, and they all had wands and could find the way back. No big deal.

Should they, though? It seemed to take too much effort to get out. Too cold to keep going. Too depressing to do anything.

Someone needed to build a fire for them. ASAP.

Raven was energized further by Tag's suggestion that they give the trees water. That was a GREAT idea!

She was just about to do that when the cold breeze that had reminded her of ice cream suddenly got even colder, and a sudden, horrible wave of despair settled over her. What happened? The sudden switch of emotion was too much, and she let out a gasp. "I don't think water will do much good." But she said it so silently that you would only hear if you were right next to her. Slowly she sat down and leaned against a tree.

Slowly she turned her head at the idea of going back. "I can't go back, I can't walk." Why couldn't she? What was the use of walking, anyway? "Are we going to die here?"

As he hurried his way across the cold grounds, Asher wondered if he could get into trouble for going to the edge of the forest. He knew there wasn't any way he would actually enter the forest, just talk to one of the big beautiful oak trees on the edge.

He began scanning the trees on the edge of the forest as he approached and, once satisfied it really was an oak, headed for a large tree on his left. "This one will be perfect. It's such a strong and stable looking tree."

Just as he was reaching the edge of the forest, and his chosen tree, Asher suddenly felt very cold and very alone. He wondered if another storm was moving in.

Up ahead, Peyton spotted her baby unicorn, and moved quickly yet cautiously to its side. She didn't want to scare the creature. It noticed her and nudged its nose into her hand. It would follow her back now, she knew.

She turned and headed back in the direction she came, but even as she walked with the creature right behind her, she got an eery feeling about the forest. It was forbidden for a reason, but right now, she just couldn't shake the feeling that the sudden coldness could mean unwelcomed visitors.

Before she could talk herself out of it, she raised her wand into the air. "Expecto Patronum!" she shouted, and another unicorn, this time one of silvery mist, took off.

As the cold began to soak through his bones, Asher sat at the base of his chosen tree. He let his body sink against the trunk and he let the warmth and strength of the tree fill his body. Letting his hands glide across the bark, he could feel the life the tree had inside.

Turning his gaze upward, Asher could see the light filtering through the broad leaves and down to the ground where he was sitting. "Okay, tree. I'm here to get to know you. Tell me your secrets and I'll keep them forever and always."

Nerida wanted to cry but she couldn't her tears might freeze to her face. She felt so lonely and sad. She continued to shiver from the bottom of the tree, barley listening to the people around here. It was so cold outside...Listening in when she heard Daichi and someone else she pitched in, "I agree, I won't get up." She would just sit at the bottom of the tree wrapping her arms around her body.

Did that little third year just snap at him?

Usually, Daichi would just shrug it off maybe even laugh at it but the sad and lonely feeling was too overwhelming. "Don't talk to me like that" he warned before rubbing the back of his neck with his free hand.

He looked around and wished he had his scarf with him to keep himself warmer. But now that he thought about it. He had never felt this kind of could before. HE WAS NOT MAKING A FIRE THOUGH! No way! They simply had to get back to the castle to warm up.

"We're not going to die here!" he told Raven when he heard her say those words. He looked at the direction where Lotus pointed out and nodded. It could be that direction... mweh. "Come on everyone, GET UP!" he wasn't feeling well as well and he wanted to sit down on the ground too but he knew he couldn't. "We can warm up at the castle"


He turned around and walked away, and then stopped to see if anyone followed.

As Asher sat, feeling so cold and lonely, he let the strength of the tree continue to support him. He turned to the tree and asked "I know you don't know who I am, but I have a favor to ask of you. You are so strong and grand," he rose to his feet and circled the tree, clockwise, three times, "I was hoping to take one of your branches to make a Gandr."

Asher continued to feel the tree with his palms, taking in its beauty. "If you will allow me to do this, please give me a sign and show me the branch you wish to offer."

Feeling a warming sensation on his palms, Asher believed the tree was speaking to him and was going to offer a branch. He waited and listened to the tree.

Yes! They had to get out of here soon. There was a reason why this place was forbidden and why students could only come here with a professor. Because it was dangerous, and cold, and quite unforgiving.

I don't want to die. Tag said quietly. That's the last thing he wanted to do. It was worse that that was the girls first reaction. Tag hadn't thought about that. He'd just been feeling down all of a sudden and cold, but now the thought of death came into his mind. The boy furiously shook his head.

Let's go guys. Pleaseeee. I'm a bit scared now. This cold is washing over me like ice. Tag said as he slowly, as if a ton of bricks were eating down on him, got to his feet. He trudged through with heavy footsteps into the general direction Lottie and Daichi had pointed.

Raven shook her head to try to clear the rising feeling of dread inside her. She knew she wasn't being logical when she talked about dying, but how else could she explain this doom?

Enough of that, she thought to herself and she tried to act more like at, Tag, and Lotus as they seemed energized enough at least to try to go back. Right now she felt more like Nerida and Anyy, too sad to get up. Slowly she stood up with shaking legs, feeling like she might fall at any time.

Asher leaned down and began digging a small hole at the base of his tree. "May I call you Oakley? Since you are a mighty Oak?" He continued to dig until the hole was large enough to place a pouch of plant food and bread inside. "I hope you like this offering, mighty Oakley."

Very carefully, Asher covered the hole back up and made sure that his offering to the mighty tree was out of sight. He did not want any creatures venturing to the edge of the Forbidden Forest to try and dig up what he gave the tree.

Anya stared blankly between the Snake Prefect and Tag. Nope. She still had no desire to get up. If anything, the cold kind of froze her in place... to the tree.

Not that she was being dramatic or anything, she just lost all desire to do anything. She was much too sad. But she didn't mind being left behind if the rest of them went back. It just meant less work for her.

... But if they were that worried... they could always send Jake to get her. She wouldn't have to move at all if he came and picked her up.

Nerida looked over as Tag and Daichi stood...Nope she did not want to get up...She looked over at Raven as she stood with shaky legs...Okay she would try since she tried. She stood up holding onto the tree for help. Then sat back down she didn't feel like walking. How could anyone do anything with all this sadness around...It was warmer down where she could hold onto herself. "I don't think I can get up. Its much warmer down here anyways..."

She cast a glance over at Anya who just sat there not saying a word....Was she okay?? Kinda scared at how she looked, the Ravenclaw stood up again with shaky legs slowly she started to walk preparing herself if she might fall...Sending a look over at the boys she said "One of you needs to help Anya, we can't just leave her here." Yeah she couldn't help her much to cold and her legs were still shaking ready to give.

Daichi watched as Tag was the first person to get up after him and he send him a thank you nod. He too was feeling down and he wanted to just sit here and do nothing. The ice cold whatever it was that was going through him was terrifying but he also had a little voice in his head that said that he was a Prefect and couldn't let these kids get hurt, no matter what.

GAAAH PRESSURE!

Oh! Raven, the girl who thought they were going to die get up as well. That was a good sign. And a few moments later he saw the other Ravenclaw, whats her name again? Neri? ...Nerido..Nerida? got up as well.

When she spoke, he turned his head to the girl named Anya who seemed to refuse getting up. He sighed softly before moving towards her. "Anya we HAVE to go to the castle, if you can't walk i'll carry you" like a piggyback ride. He just hoped that his legs wouldn't give in...

Out of the corner of his eye he saw that Raven began to shake on her legs, nearly falling down. Knowing he was not strong enough to hold two students despite that they were much small than him, he turned to the others who were capable to stand on their feet.

"Someone should support Raven" he said as he motioned to the little Ravenclaw and his eyes flashed to Tag, Lotus and Nerida, hoping one of them would help out.

Now that Ella had made her offering, she'd need to do the chant in her text book, yeah? The blonde had written it down on a piece of parchment and she unfolded it carefully after pulling it out from her pocket. Alright, chanting time.

She ...was going to be horrible, wasn't she? Oh and since no one was around, she didn't really have to stifle the urge to dance while she chanted, right? The blonde glanced over towards where Hulk was working and decided that she wouldn't mind some dancing.

Ahem.

"...Hail to thee, wight of Yew,
I pray to thee give this branch of your body!
Into it send thy speed,
To it bind the ...might of the bright runes..."

Wait, she was meant to list all the runes of the elder furthark since she was making a neutral Gandr? Uhhhhh.

"...of the Elder Furthark!"

There. Hopefully that would do the trick.

After giving the tree his offering, Asher stood back a bit and cleared his throat. He was not a good chanter. He felt quite silly chanting to a tree, but it was part of the assignment, and the tree seemed to be cooperation.

"OK, here we go." He cleared his throat one last time and began.
"Hail to thee, wight of Oakley,
I pray to thee give this branch of your body!
Into it send thy speed,
To it bind the might of the bright runes.
Fehu, Uruz,..." and he proceeded to say all 24 runes.

Asher looked up at the tree as he chanted, hoping the tree would be willing to comply with his request.

Peyton had hesitated for just a moment, but after she didn't sense the air of coldness right away, she decided to get a move on while she still could. The forest was an eery place to be, and one didn't really want to be hanging around it too long.

With her unicorn faithfully by her side, she tore through the forest, having heard voices and not liking the sound of them at all. The voices sounded like students, and students didn't belong in a forbidden forest.

Coming into a small clearing, she caught sight of them and paused. "You lot!" she said, her tone firm. "I don't even want you to hesitate long enough to tell me why you're here. Can you even begin to assume what lurks in this forest?" She didn't want an answer from them.

Instead, she lit her wand and gestured for them to come forward. "Gather around, and then let's get out of here. Come on, no time to waste," she said.

Finally. They were all doing something to get out of here. Tag didn't want to be stuck here and freeze to death or fight an overwhelming sadness with all these people. He nodded at Daichi when he announced they were all getting out of there. Good.

The prefect then looked at Tag to carry Raven. He shook his head furiously. Tag in general wasn't the most strongest guy out there, and if this gloomy mood of his continued he might feel suffocated by it and let go of the girl. Instead, he gave a little leap and clung onto Lottie. " Mr. Unicorn wants safety back to the castle" He announced to her as he slapped her shoulder. " Err, you, " Tag said pointing at the other girl, " You can carry or hold onto Raven. We need a buddy system. "

"Oh no. I can't leave now. I'm so close to finishing this part. I must get this done." Asher said when he heard the professor. Surely, he thought, she didn't mind him finishing up homework before heading back to the castle. He was only on the edge of the Forbidden Forest.

Asher quickly communicated with the tree and Oakley offered a small branch for him to snap off with is wand to make his Gandr. He took some bituminous paint and covered the part he cut away. He didn't want the tree to get sick or die because of him.

After covering the open cut up and safely storing the branch the tree offered, Asher prepared for the final step in thanking the tree.

Anya looked around vaguely. Leave. But. Effort. But... if the Snake Prefect was going to carry her... then that was fine.

Oh. The Professor was here too.

Anddddd the Professor wanted her up too. But. It was cold. "Have you got a blanket, Professor?" She might get up then. Or make Daichi carry her. Probably the latter.