Encounters at the Edge of the Forest Gryffindor Adventure PV

It was utterly exhilarating, sneaking out of the common room. Pyce tended to stick to the rules more often than not, but a lifetime of knowing their twin made them susceptible to breaking such rules if Hecate ever called upon them to do so. But doing it without Cate's influence? Pyce felt giddy. The first step out of the common room invited the chill of the castle to creep up on them, and when they actually made it outside, it was so much worse. Despite all their layers of clothing, Pyce shivered.

Luckily, Pyce did have at least one more thing they could wear. A camo cloak! The warmth it provided wasn't all that much compared to everything else, but Pyce took what they could get. And, at the very least, it would probably help them to remain unseen.

Kim and Sere were both older than Pyce, and hopefully knew more about what could be in the forest at this time. They stuck as close as they could to the other students, listening to them talk.

"A Wampus?" Pyce finally decided to chime in. Their teeth were chattering every so slightly. "That's a XXXXX class beast!" There were quite a few things Pyce knew about Wampus cats, but they had never delved any deeper than usual. Wampus cats were incredibly fast creatures with the ability to walk on their hind legs and-

"Can't Wampuses- um, Wampus cats, can't they use legilimency?" While it was something Pyce knew already, it was also something Stella had reminded them of in one of her many letters. She had been sorted into Ilvermorny's Wampus house, which had given her enough reason to look into Wampus cats herself, and then write to Pyce all about them.

Pyce wracked their brain for anything more. Nothing was coming to mind, but they knew they were missing something. Legilimency and something else. But what? Any XXXXX class beast was far beyond any one, or three, student's abilities. At least it seemed that everyone was on board for just following it. Pyce had no idea how any of them would fair in an attempt to capture it.

WC: 358	Action: Using camo cloak, following the Wampus
Stats and Abilities Reducio Stamina: 6 ✧ Evasion: 8 ✧ Strength: 4 ✧ Wisdom: 6 ✧ ArcPower: 4 ✧ Accuracy: 7 Comprehend Languages (Parselmouth)	Outfit: Reducio A soft, thick peach sweater with matching leg warmers, a camo cloak, and earmuffs (pyce is absolutely freezing)

Evelynn’s movement in four-legged form was swift; significantly more than his own. The Gryffindor watched in subdued dismay as the cougar picked a graceful path to the forest’s edge, lengthening the distance between them despite his hurried steps.
A resentful sigh escaped his lungs before tracing a path through the air. She never had allowed him to remain close when reality set in; whether that reality be physical danger or emotional turmoil, there was a perpetual space between them when things became real. It had always been there, and it always would be.
Some things never change.

Before long, Evelynn passed through the tree line ahead of him, her tail disappearing into the shadows with a swish.
Further enhancing his pace, Marshal hastened to the spot where he’d lost sight of her. There, he did not find his feline companion, but displaced snow along the ground revealed where she had tread. Navigating the trail under what azure moonlight weaved between tree branches, it wasn’t long before the sixth year heard a scuffle. Eve hadn’t gotten terribly far ahead, but evidently far enough to engage the Wampus before he arrived.
Heartbeat quickened, breath weighing heavy on the air, Marshal rushed toward the sound of snarling and crunching snow.

Stepping around a tree trunk, what he saw made him freeze momentarily, as though afraid to interrupt the ritual taking place before his eyes. Two powerful carnivores circled in a deadly dance, though they followed no melody. Pupils glowed in slits as they passed in and out of shadows, locked in predatory fixation as each cat sized up the other. Ears were pinned back, hackles raised, and teeth bared as wordless challenges were exchanged. Then, like a crack of thunder, the Wampus yowled and the spell was broken. It leapt forward with the speed of a bolt that preceeded thunder’s crash, swiping with vicious claws. Marshal hardly saw it happen, but the next instant found the beast’s opponent stumbling away, a horrific scream torn from its throat before it crashed onto the snow-ridden ground. Marshal had heard that shriek before, splitting the forest air, almost human in a blood-curdling way.
The Wampus yowled again to rival the sound, this time in triumph as its muscles tensed, preparing to pounce and finish what it had started. But the built up tension never released.

”Immobulus!”

In the same moment the cougar hit the ground, a streak of light shot from the outstretched tip of the sixth year student’s wand, cutting through shadow and moonbeam alike in its path to strike the Wampus square in the side. Bunched up muscles seized where they were. From nose to tail tip, the creature simply froze, as though caught in a fragment of time that had come to a standstill.
Almost equally rigid, Marshal stood, arm outstretched as he watched the effect of his spell take place. Chest heaving from both adrenaline and the exertion of running through the snow, he merely watched the Wampus for a few seconds, another incantation waiting on his tongue should it become apparent the first had failed. But the large cat did not move.
Starting forward, the Gryffindor glanced the way of the fallen cougar he knew to be Evelynn. As he did, he saw her rise slowly to her paws. In the moment, seeing her stand up was enough; his attention prioritized the dangerous beast that still posed a threat. He was no perfect student; quite the opposite, in fact. If any class instructor had ever mentioned how long an Immobulus charm might last on a Wampus, the information hadn’t exactly stuck. He had no idea the amount of time they had before it broke free.

As he approached, he noticed the collection of crumpled parchment for the first time. That was odd. How had a Wampus managed to end up in such a state? Unless…
Stepping within arm’s reach of the creature, he noted just how large of a cat it really was. Powerful muscles, still bunched in preparation to pounce, rippled beneath a coat of fur that — coincidentally — matched that of the fur found in the fake house cup.
Eying the beast’s indefinitely bared teeth, the boy cautiously plucked a piece of parchment from its coat. Smoothing the paper out, he found words scribbled across its face, though the lighting made it impossible to read.
He turned toward Eve, gaze still on the object in his hands. ”It’s a note,” he said, perplexed. ”I can’t tell what it sa-“ Lifting his eyes, the young man stopped mid sentence, heart falling as still as the Wampus beside him.
Where he’d assumed a cougar would be standing, he saw Evelynn, lying with her back in the snow. But much worse was the shade of the snow around her. What was supposed to be a flawless white had instead taken the tone of rose petals. Blood red. And it was spreading, infecting more of the pearlescent canvas which had already been disturbed by her struggles.

”EVE!” That single syllable. Ripped from his chest like his heart had gone with it. He didn’t remember rushing to close the distance between them. The next thing he registered was his knees hitting the ground at her side. He ignored the frigid moisture seeping through his pants, ignored the blood that may never come out. All he saw was her trembling hand with wand clasped in its uncertain grip, the other arm trying in vain to stifle the bleeding, and the crystalline tears that sparkled on familiar cheeks.
She tried to speak, but the effort was cut off by a cough, and the wince on her face told him just how much it hurt.
He shook his head, yet no words passed his suddenly dry lips.
She tried again, and it was his name that drifted weakly to his ears.
Again he shook his head, and this time he managed to speak, but the words cracked, coming out a little too fast. ”No, no, it’s okay, it’s okay, you’re okay.”

Who was he talking to? Was the feeble attempt at comfort aimed at Eve or himself? He could feel his heart entering a frenzy, beating into his throat. He was beginning to panic.
He glanced at the crimson-touched snow around her body, and suddenly it wasn’t her lying there, but him; broken, disoriented and bound from head to toe in bandages once intended to help. He felt the same primal fear that had gripped his being on the day the train had been blown from its tracks. It was all-encompassing, threatening to consume him until the panic was all that remained.
But on that day, one voice had cut through the fear and steadied his rampant heart. One stable, clear voice that allowed him to latch on until he was pulled free of the nightmare.

“It seems… I need...your help...once more."

Tonight it wasn’t quite so stable, but that same voice rang clear in his mind, and once again, it pulled him free.
Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath through his nose, then released it slowly through his mouth. He wasn’t that same helpless boy who needed saving. He’d grown. He was prepared for this.
Opening once more, hazel irises found hers, which were beginning to cloud over, much like the storm that forever lived within them.
“”Okay,” he said again, firmly this time. ”I’ve got you.”

He could fix this, but first he needed to do something else. Glancing over his shoulder, he ascertained that the Wampus remained immobile. It did, but he still had no idea for how long it would remain that way. He didn’t want to move Evelynn for fear that it might make the bleeding worse, but he couldn’t heal her here, mere feet away from a dangerous predator that could break free of its bonds at any moment.
With a gentle, ”Brace yourself,” Marshal stowed his wand and the note in his hoodie pocket and placed one foot against the ground for leverage. He then slipped his hands underneath Eve, one beneath her legs, the other her back, and lifted.
Perhaps it was the adrenaline pumping through his veins, but he found the girl to be surprisingly light, having little trouble rising to a standing position with her in his arms. A sympathetic wince contorted his features as he imagined how it must have felt from Eve’s perspective, but he had no time to worry about that.

With another quick glance at the Wampus, the sixth year hustled as quickly as he could to leave it far behind. Determination splayed across his face as he weaved between tree trunks, caution dictated his steps despite their hasty nature.
Eager to put significant distance between it and them, he didn’t stop until they’d reached the forest’s edge, where finally he knelt to place Evelynn tenderly on the fresh, unstained snow. It didn’t stay that way for long.
”Alright, that should be far enough. Now let’s deal with that little cut there.” Reaching into his pocket, he found the material slick with liquid and glanced down. Much like the snow, his white hoodie would likely never be rid of the crimson shade that now lathered its front, not to mention his arms; but that was of no consequence. Hand sticky from blood, he pulled out his wand and offered the largest grin he could muster — one that failed to reach his eyes. ”Don’t worry, I’m a professional.”

Gratefully, he knew a spell for the situation. He did, however, forget one detail.
”Vulnera Sanentur.” Calming his breath as best he could, the incantation was muttered as he traced his wand tip along the wound. His brow creased when he realized just how much of her torso it spanned. ”Vulnera Sanentur.” The wound was traced again, in the opposite direction. ”Vulnera Sanentur.” This time the wand was simply pointed at its target.
Reaching forward with his free hand, Marshal placed it gently against the offended skin. With an apologetic glance Eve’s way, he inspected the length of the wound to examine the job he’d done. What he realized in that moment, however, was that it was not one wound, but three, left by individual raking claws. He took another breath.
"Almost done."

Despite the uncertain terms that separated the two of them, it seemed one would always be there when the other needed them most.

Some things never change.

Mentions:
@Evelynn Decipio

Action:
Casting Vulnera Sanentur on Evelynn's wounds.

Mod Post

The last group of individuals had been (mostly) successful with only one injury among the lot. At least one partner had had to be found in the Forest but at least there weren’t any who were stuck in the Forest with its strange sounds and dark shadows at the moment. But that could change at any moment, especially given the next batch had appeared.

Evelynn had been the only one injured among the first group of students to reach the Forbidden Forest. The pain in her side would force her to return to her human form. It seemed to also distract her from her own wand, or knowledge of spells and so, instead she hoped her partner would not disappoint her.

Slightly distracted by their successful capture of one of the pieces of paper from the Wampus’ fur, Marshal would at first not notice the blood streaming from his partner. However, at some point it was unavoidable, especially with the snow that surrounded them. The red blood stood in stark contrast to the pure white snow, only footsteps occasionally marring its surface. Marshal also was not distracted by pain, and even though Evelynn was a fearful sight, it did not distract him from his mission. He successfully cast Vulnera Sanentur, managing to close the wounds but not entirely remove the thin white scars that stood as a reminder of what tangling with a Wampus could bring. Perhaps now they could read the clue and move to the next adventure since the wound was no longer a worry.

Having successfully made his way to the edge of the Forest, Piérre took a moment to assess the situation, specifically the formerly immobilized Wampus. He then made his plan of attack, using himself as bait to lead the Wampus into some branches or vines, enough to get it tangled enough that he could dodge in and grab a piece of parchment. Thankfully the Wampus seemed enraged enough to fall into the trap, and it stalked Piérre. Just after it made a move to pounce, Piérre dodged out of the way, backing up enough to stay out of the reach of the Wampus’ claws and teeth. Thankfully the branches and vines he had chosen held, and Piérre was able to dodge around the back of the Wampus, grabbing a piece of parchment from it’s fur, and moving away quickly before the Wampus could slash its way out of the mess it found itself in.

Kim would to his best to take charge, trying to determine the best action for their little group to follow. The Camo Cloak however would give them the edge however to follow the Wampus rather than attempt to trap it. Especially given that trying to capture it could lead to injury as Evelynn proved. He pulled the cloak around him, making sure it covered everything sufficiently before successfully waiting for the temporarily immobilized Wampus to start going deeper into the Forest. It seemed that the Wampus was determined to ensure it was not followed, as it chose the most winding, and difficult path it could. Around halfway to the Wampus’ nest, Kim got turned around, losing sight of both his partners and the Wampus’ coat. It was almost like they disappeared! Kim would wonder around in an attempt to stumble across his partners, the Wampus or the edge of the forest.

It was clear that Sere knew the logic her partner was proposing. Okay, maybe it was more about avoiding the cold, but either way the result was the same. She would start by following Kim, almost near enough to touch. But soon enough, she was struggling to stay so close. Falling slightly back, Sere figured there couldn’t be any harm in giving Kim some space, especially as it was clear they were following the Wampus. Unfortunately, the space grew further and further for some reason, and she could not keep up. It only took moments to get turned around, separated from her group and with no clue how to find her way out.

Not interested in dissenting when the option presented was the safer of the two, Pyce took their camo cloak and threw it on. They started out at the back of the pack; their eyes carefully focused on those in front of them. However, right around the time that Kim and Sere were getting lost, they caught sight of the Wampus in the forest ahead. Forgetting to keep an eye on their partners, they instead focused on the target, picking their way carefully around the forest. They would cautiously creep forward as the Wampus stopped to clean itself for a moment near its nest. The Wampus circled as if it could sense if any of the pieces of the nest had been moved, but sensing nothing, it only waited a few moments before returning to the edge of the Forest. Pyce would successfully dart forward, making sure they carefully untangled a piece of the paper stuck in the nest. Beginning to retrace their steps, they would eventually come across Kim and Sere, beckoning them to follow, knowing the route that would take them to freedom as they clutched their prize in their hand.

Rolls in Post Order
1. @Piérre Marchonné – Capture/Evade Wampus
a. ACC: 15+16=31
b. EVA: 5+15=20
c. 31 is higher than 20, so Piérre succeeds
2. @Kim Sato – Follow Wampus
a. 2+8=10 (Fail)
3. @Evelynn Decipio – No Action (Asking for Healing)
4. @Sere Nade – Follow Wampus
a. 8+1=19 (Fail)
5. @Pyce Rotanski – Follow Wampus
a. 19+6=25
b. Surprise roll: 7 (No Surprise)
6. @Marshal Mozor – Heal Evelynn with Vulnera Sanentur (Based on other healing spells for Duelling, setting WDC at 12)
a. 5+8=23 (Success)

The next mod post for this thread will be posted January 16th, 2026 and the next mod post for Stolen Reward and Hop, Hop, Hop Away post will be posted January 15th, 2025.

Interacting with: @Frederick Buckley and @Rosaline Everhart Mentioning: N/A Date: N/A

Word Count: 204

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Avery had finally made it, but it had been by sheer luck. She had nearly been caught, but with nimble footwork she bolted before she could have been dragged back to the Common Room. She knew the night would only become harder though. Especially if the rumors were true about what lurked at the edge of the forest. Avery just hoped she and her team would make it through unscathed. Though she knew better than to be hopeful for that thought. She was old enough and had experienced enough in life to know that nothing at Hogwarts was safe. It was always a dangerous game they played. She turned and was surprised to find Frederick there. The two of them must have both made it across the castle, but Rosaline was nowhere to be found. Avery guessed the girl was still in the Common Room. That was fine. Avery didn't mind waiting for her. That meant that she could figure herself out and what the next move would be for their team. "Well, I vote we wait for Rosaline, then we can focus on the big problem ahead of us. Looks like chaos here, so might as well prepare." Avery smiled in Frederick's direction.

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English | Parseltongue
interacting: @Graci Laren

Somewhere in the labyrinth of halls, Dell had lost track of the younger Gryffindor. She hoped that Graci hadn't been caught. But it even seemed to take the older girl a ridiculously long amount of time to escape the castle—much longer than it should have.

She approached the treeline of the forest; the eerie feeling that the forest usually gave off during the day had multiplied tenfold at night. The hairs on the back of Della's neck were standing up. She could hear the occasional yell or two from whom she hoped were just other Gryffindor students who were quicker than her. She gripped her wand tighter. If only Graci would show up, then the racing captain wouldn't feel quite so alone.

Her eyes caught a flash of something stalking through the trees. It moved like a cat, though much larger. Della had seen lions at the London Zoo, and this was … well, strikingly similar. Now she had goosebumps all over. It was either a mundane muggle animal: one of the most ferocious beasts known to man, thousands of miles away from its usual home; or it was a magical creature: a wampus, also one of the most ferocious beasts known to wizards, thousands and thousands of miles away from its usual home.

She quickly whipped out her cloak and approached the beast—a wampus could read thoughts, so she attempted to keep her mind clear. But there was also the building excitement that she was see such a rare magical creature; it was beginning to overpower her fear. If Graci saw her do this, it would be easy for the girl to slip under the cloak with her teammate.

Action: following the wampus with camo cloak
in bag: Camo Cloak & Greta the snake

Mod Post

Taking his time making his way to the edge of the Forest, Vlad kept an eye out for those dangerous creatures, spiders and all other matter of scary thing existed, the frozen tundra not able to save him here at Hogwarts. Gathering his wits about him, he cast Incendio Duo, his fear keeping the flames from being quite as large as they could have been but still succeeding. Whether intentional or not, he had cast it in the direction of where the Wampus had worked it’s way out of the vines and bushes it had been trapped in, and it caused it to turn away from Vlad. Taking a chance, Vlad ran forward, grabbing at a piece of paper that seemed rather loose in the Wampus’ fur. For a moment it seemed like he would fall short of gripping it, but no! He had a hold and pulled. The parchment came loose and he dodged away, moving from where the Wampus was making its way back to the forest.

Two of a group of three. Frederick and Avery had now successfully made their way out of the castle, waiting patiently for the third. Hopefully Rosaline had more of Frederick’s luck than Avery’s. But that didn’t mean the two couldn’t try to figure things out, so that when Rosaline arrived, they could put the plan in action and make quick work of getting the note they needed to see the next step.

Della bravely made her way to the forest, feeling as if she would be less alone if her partner were there. But they had been separated in the castle unfortunately. Before Graci arrived, she found what she was looking for. Twining the camo cloak she had carefully taken with her, she made her way towards where it stalked, ready to follow it to its lair. Looking around, she spotted Graci arrive, and waved her over, making room for the broom racer under her cloak. Being careful to keep from stepping on Graci’s toes, she took a chance and began to follow the magical beast. It’s winding path through the Forest made no sense, and trying to predict its movements was going to get her nowhere. But she needed to move things along. Taking a chance, she turned to the left, hoping to cut through to where she thought the Wampus’ nest might be. Unfortunately, the trees and darkness hid a lot, including the path the Wampus was following. She wondered the forest, trying to find her way back to the edge of the forest so she could make another attempt, and this time stick close to the creature in question.

Struggling to get her bearings even after successfully making her way out of the castle, Graci made her way quickly but not very carefully to the Forest. Spotting Della, she ducked under the offered Camo Cloak, doing her best to keep up with the older girl. Sticking close, she wasn’t quite sure what was happening but trusted her partner. Unfortunately, Della’s plan did not work as intended, and now both were lost in the forest. At least they weren’t alone and could hopefully navigate to the edge to make another attempt at tracking the beast.

Rolls in Post Order
1. @Vladislav Liam Gunther – Capture Wampus

a. WIS (Incendio Duo:12) 3+10 =13
b. 13 is higher than 12 so the spell succeeds.
c. ACC: 12+10=22
d. EVA: 6+15=21
e. 22 is higher/lower than 21, so Vlad succeeds

2. @Avery Gray – Awaiting Partners
3. @Della Barfield – Following Wampus

a. 3+11=14 (Fail)

4. @Graci Laren – Following Wampus (Note: Because you have the Camo Cloak in your trunk, I’m fine with IC sharing it)

a. 5+7=12 (Fail)

The next mod post for this thread, Stolen Rewards and Hop, Hop, Hop Away posts will be posted January 23rd, 2026.

XXXIt was literally so embarrassing that it took Harlan three attempts to successfully sneak out of the Gryffindor Common Room. The only solace he felt was that it had taken Ula a little bit to get out too, at least, he imagined she was swift and cunning enough to do so. He had little to no doubt about Meiyu, the prefect herself who thought she was Merlin's gift to Gryffindor and she would berate him for getting caught twice by pesky Prefects.

But finally, with his CAMO CLOAK around him to help provide some cover from any wandering eyes, he had made it to the Hogwarts Ground successfully. It was certainly about time and to his surprise there was Meiyu Xiang waiting for him with a comment already locked and loaded — how typical coming from her. " Blame the other Prefects, annoying shit's kept sending me back up to the Common Room. " It was never Harlan's fault, it was their's for being exactly where he wanted to go when he wanted to do it.

Harlan was quick to notice the other girl's coat too and how it matched his, perhaps they weren't as different as Harlan often felt that they were. " The Wampus? You're mental, but i'm up to see where it's trying to take us. " With a tug of the cloak, Harlan followed Meiyu and the Wampus and allowing the Prefect to take a few steps ahead of her. In case things went south, he'd have to ensure Meiyu was eaten and not him.

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[STAMINA] 09. [EVASION] 07. [STRENGTH] 01. [WISDOM] 13. [ARCANE POWER] 05. [ACCURACY] 15. [ ADVANCED CASTING. ] [ EVASIVE MANEUVERS I. ]

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What am I

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M O N T G O M E R Y ?

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action ; HARLAN follows the WAMPUS !      sometimes i'm feminine;    sometimes i'm masculine. ─── AM I A GIRL? by POPPY. location ; FORBIDDEN FOREST.   date ; FEBRUARY 12, 2026 at LATE NIGHT. mention ; @meiyu xiang  wordcount ; 254 I am rage I am great I am rage I am great I am rage I am great I am rage I am great.