20 Random Facts About the Whomping Willow
Disclaimer: None of these characters are mine.
Written for: Round 3 of the Harry Potter Random Facts Fest
Rating: G



1. The Whomping Willow began its life at a small nursery on the outskirts of Lancashire.

2. When it was twenty-nine months old, it was purchased by one Albus Dumbledore, who lovingly planted it with his own two hands on the grounds of Hogwarts.

3. Albus told the tree it was to guard the passageway over which it was planted.

4. The Willow has done its best.

5. The Willow didn’t much care for the spells that sped up its growth, or the Immobilizing button placed on its trunk. But the fertilizers and mulch that Pomona Sprout is so generous with are lovely, so the Willow supposes it was a trade-off.

6. The students often make the Willow cranky by teasing it.

7. They rarely do it twice.

8. The students often make Severus Snape cranky, too. It’s given them an odd sort of bond.

9. The Willow sometimes waves at the squid in the lake.

10. Sometimes the squid waves back.

11. The Willow has never quite forgiven Ronald Weasley for that incident in September 1992. Since it isn’t good at recognizing faces, it’s extended this animosity to any student with red hair.

12. There is a family of squirrels living in its uppermost branch on the west side. They amuse the Willow with their antics, so they’re allowed to stay. Although sometimes, they tickle.

13. There’s a small boy who sometimes talks to the Willow, but he’s careful not to get too close.

14. In what seems to the Willow only a short time, the small boy becomes a man. He takes over Pomona’s chores of bringing mulch and fertilizer and sometimes extra water. The Willow always makes a few threatening gestures to keep up appearances, but it doesn’t really object to Neville Longbottom’s presence. At least his hair isn’t red.

15. Shortly thereafter, or so it seems to the Willow, Neville’s hair is white.

16. The Willow watches the generations parade by. It isn’t good with names, but it remembers the rare few who bother to introduce themselves.

17. It takes an inordinate amount of pride in being considered ‘dangerous’.

18. It thinks Venomous Tentaculas are mere pretenders. Any Herbologist worth their salt can handle them.

19. The Willow enjoys a good shed in the fall.


20. One night in the summer of 1998, a strange young witch came along and filled its branches with strings of fairy lights. She introduced herself as Luna Lovegood, and said the lights were to celebrate Harry Potter’s victory. The Willow was so surprised that it tolerated this nonsense for nearly an hour, before shaking itself free.