Chapter 74 - Forbidden Forest (2/2)
Darting into the dark forest, Rowan nimbly makes her way through a narrow, winding earth trail that made its way through the thick black trees. Hopefully, they'd stuck to the path rather wandering into the forest on their own. Not too far off the path, she hears voices and hurries towards them to see the four figures of the Marauders in the midst of a snowball fight. ”You buffoons!” Rowan snapped. ”Do you have any common sense!”
The four boys sheepishly stop as James wipes the snow out of his hair and Pettigrew says, ”We were just having some fun!”
Rowan ignores Pettigrew's comment and says, ”Are you trying to get yourselves killed?!”
”We really were just going for a walk!” Lupin protested.
”There is a bloody Acromantula nest in here!” Rowan growled. ”Do you want all your insides to be sucked dry!”
The four boys gulp as Sirius stammers, ”C' mon Rowan, it can't be that bad-.”
A loud snap in the distance causes them all to be quiet as the forest is suddenly eerily quiet. None of them dare to move as Rowan reaches for her wand and warily gazes around. Despite not hearing anything, Rowan doesn't lower her wand until suddenly a large figure erupts from the bushes.
The four boys scramble as Rowan points her wand at the creature to only halt. A majestic white unicorn stands before them and paws the ground with its hooves. ”I think it wants us to leave,” Pettigrew tremblingly said.
”You think?” Lupin finally snapped.
Putting her wand away, Rowan makes soft horse trainer noises and gently approaches the unicorn with her hand outstretched. The unicorn snorts and tosses its mane as it lets out a huff and smell's her hand. Rowan finally comes to a stop and gently reaches up to caress the unicorn's head much like that of a horse. The unicorn gently breathes into Rowan's hair and allows her to gently pet it.
Seeing the unicorn mare so very still, Rowan softly says, ”If the four of you would like you can slowly approach, and she'll let you touch her.” Thanks to her tree dryad heritage animals or magical creatures could sense the touch of forest magic within her and tended to be rather docile when with her.
The four rather eagerly approach as Rowan says, ”Let the mare first sniff your hands so she can recognize your scent.” The four of them gently approach and do as they are told, before gently patting the mare's silvery coat and mane.
”I thought you were bad with living creatures,” Sirius remarked.
”I'm only bad when putting them in potions,” Rowan replied. ”I'm not bad with them in real life.”
”Well, it I think this is the most at ease I've seen you,” James said as he watched the gentle light in her eyes.
Rowan snorts and reluctantly moves her hand away and says, ”We best be going back if we don't want to get detention.” The unicorn mare whickers at them and shakes her head as if in understanding causing the boys to step back. The unicorn snorts at them as if telling them to get going, before darting back into the trees.
The four of them hurry back onto the path as the shadows grow darker and the sun is almost gone over the horizon. With just a glimmer of sunlight still left the four of them burst out of the forest and make through way back to the glimmering castle. Half-frozen, the five of them burst through the front doors and hurry towards the Great Hall to warm themselves.
Shivering, James through clenched teeth says, ”Thanks.”
”Mm,” Rowan muttered as the scent of food filled her nose. With some delight, she recognizes the scent and bursts into the hall to spot a new recipe on the table, vegetable curry.
Hurrying over to the Slytherin table, James shakes his head as he watches Rowan's hurry to sit over next to Severus. ”What are you looking at mate?” Sirius asked.
”Nothing,” James said as he shook his head and headed over to the Gryffindor table with everyone in tow. Taking a seat, they proceeded to enjoy a mild spicy new dish. It was quite enjoyable as it warmed both the body and soul.