Saturday, February 26, 1921
Spellcaster's Club Room
2PM
The members of the club had been working hard. Some more than others, but with the odd exception, Maddox thought he'd seen growth among each of them. With that growth came the opportunity to test their skills for a second time. The man got the room prepared, as he'd done with the previous drill, and ensured the audience would be able to have a good view no matter the portion of the drill the student happened to be moving through.
As before, the inside of the club room had been gutted before the necessary adjustments were made. It looked nothing like it typically would during the times they stopped by for some training.
Not that they would know that.
Once again, the professor had everyone gathered on the outside of the door, waiting for their turn to face whatever lay on the other side. Now that they knew what to expect (the unexpected), he didn't think they would have as many issues as some of them had run into the first time.
"Right then, you know how this works. Step in, step lively. We have a few of you to get through before the end of this drill." And they could afford the delays brought on by uncertainty. It was best to step inside and face the challenges with a wand in hand and a spirit of resilience burning inside their chest. Anything less and they may find themselves in an uncomfortable and unfortunate position.
Maddox took hold of the door, opening it for whoever wanted to go first.
Round 1
The Spellcaster's club room is...smaller than you remember it being. There is still plenty of space to walk around, but the ceiling has fallen dramatically. There is enough room for the average-sized fourth or fifth year to stand without issue (the ceiling resting just atop their heads), but most older students will be bending. Naturally, first and second years (also depending on height) will be able to move through the room without worrying about the tops of their heads constantly running into the ceiling.
The size of the room is not the only hang-up. It's also a lot more crowded than it has ever been. The room is packed with butterfly-like insects. They don't flutter and fall gracefully, but instead zip from place to place. The dazzling colours sweeping by you might be disorienting, but if you focus hard enough, you'll notice one isn't an insect at all but a key with wings.
It is the fastest of them all, weaving through the cramped space like an agile expert.
You could try to catch it, but those wings are made of razors and are best not touched while they continue fluttering at such speeds. It's doubtful most would have the reflexes in the first place.
It will have to be subdued somehow.
If you managed to, there's a door on the other side of the room that is firmly locked. Perhaps this is the key you need to proceed. You'll have to remain on guard, as the other insects will occasionally fly at you, smacking into your face or even getting into your clothing if the angle is right.
That door is the only way to the other side.
OOC: Hi! Welcome to the second of 2 drills for the term! If you haven't already, take a look at the guidelines for how they'll work. Even though it's one student at a time, please just assume it was your character's turn and they headed in. No need to wait for anyone else to be finished. In order to qualify for full points, you must post in 3 rounds plus an ending post for a total of 4 posts. The drill will run for 9 days, and I'll be updating on a more frequent basis than lessons. This means that the more frequently you post, the sooner you can complete the drill. After 9 days, the thread will close for grading. That puts is at October 24. Think of this as a somewhat 'timed' event. There's no one way to complete any round as there are a few acceptable options, so get creative and go with your gut! At the same time, the solution must logically be one that can take care of the challenge. Please don't RP the result of your spell, only the attempt of it. The results will be posted by me whenever I give updates. If I update before you've posted, don't worry about it! This is all on your time (within the 9 days). Only one spell is allowed per round, so choose wisely. Please make an OOC note at the very end of your first post only stating your character's magical strength for the drill. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out <3
The next drill. With how well the last one had gone, Rae wasn't particularly concerned or nervous about stepping into the prepared club room. At the end of the day, she was pretty confident in her spellcasting. With all the practice she got up to, the girl had become more self-assured in whatever magic she tried to produce. Seldom did her wand sputter anymore unless it was a spell she wasn't familiar with or hadn't made use of in too long a while.
That was unlikely to be the case during this drill.
She had a good feeling about this.
Right then, you know how this works. Step in, step lively. We have a few of you to get through before the end of this drill."
She wanted to be first. It wasn't out of any sort of eagerness or even a desire to show off. Rather, Rae had plans for the later afternoon--last-minute but good enough to consider all the same. There was just the matter of the drill first. Once that was out of the way, she'd be free to go about the rest of her day. Before, she'd chosen to stay to watch the others, but there was simply no time for it now.
The moment Professor Barlowe opened the door, Rae ensured she was the one stepping inside. The first thing that the girl noticed was how...claustrophobic it all seemed. Rae didn't mind cramped spaces so much, and given her stature, it wasn't too much of a squeeze but, Merlin, she could've done with the butterflies smacking her in the face.
Plth, plth.
She waved and swatted her hands, trying to keep them out of her face. One tried flying up her nose, forcing the girl to recoil as another got caught within the nearly curly hair that fell by her ears.
Re kept swatting her way across the room until she got to the door on the other side. One yank revealed what she'd been expecting from the moment she'd seen it. Locked. Of course, it was locked. Was this the part where she alohomora-ed her way through? She'd almost been convinced of this until she caught a glint of something shiny from the corner of her eyes.
Hm?
Turning carefully, she spotted a strange-looking butterfly. Actually, it wasn't a butterfly at all but a key. It swooped by her. Once. Twice. Each time she reached out, it was already long gone, proving much too swift for her to get her hands on.
"Hold still, you bloody thing!"
Narrowly, it slipped between her fingers, the edge of its wing slicing a small slit between her middle and fourth finger. Re scowled at the thin line of blood. It didn't hurt beyond a sting and wasn't outright bleeding, but it was an injury she could've done without.
Zip. Zip.
"Arresto momentum!" It couldn't go on like this. Slowing it down would give her a shot--if it worked.
Strength: Power
I'm bulletproof, nothing to lose
✗ ✗ Fire Away ✗ ✗
It was the one time, aside from occasionally seeing Professor Barlowe slightly enthused in his classes, where the man didn't look like he was ready to pass out and take a long nap on the floor. He seemed perpetually fatigued, and the one time Rosalie had tried to ask Julia about it, her cousin had told her - politely - to mind her own business.
"Right then, you know how this works. Step in, step lively. We have a few of you to get through before the end of this drill."
So imagine her surprise when he seemed almost amicable this afternoon. He was never mean or gloomy, or even snarky like some of the other professors. He always just seemed disinterested, and his persona today was nice to see. Maybe he'd had a good night's sleep.
Rosie smiled to herself. Maybe someone had helped him get a good night's sleep.
She stepped quickly through the door, only to be met with a swarm of butterflies, filling almost every inch of available space. She crouched - even at her average five foot, five inches, the ceiling was uncomfortably close to the crown of her head - swatting continuously in front of her face to keep the insects away.
Merlin - if someone was afraid of bugs, this would be the wrong scenario for them.
Rosie took a deep breath - through her nose, she wasn't trying to swallow anything - to try and gather her bearings. Her eyes searched what it could of the room through the haze of colored wings, when something shiny zipped past and above her.
Blue oceans followed the glint, as fast as they could keep up, realizing there was something different about the insect. What it was, she wasn't entirely sure, but it was the only thing standing out amongst the sea of flutters.
Keeping her eyes on the gold, as much as she could anyway, Rosie held up her palm. "Immobulus."
Strength: Control
i once believed love would be burning red
But It's Golden
Round 2
Rae
Success!
It would've been nice to stop the key in its tracks, but slowing it down works just as well. Without the necessary endurance, it seems like the spell is already in danger of wearing off, but between slowly fluttering razor wings, you manage to pluck the key free.
The moment you get your hands on the key, all the butterflies vanish, clearing the path toward the door. A keyhole appears where there hadn't been one before, indicating where you are meant to place it. Upon turning it, you are ushered into a second room. This one is a vast improvement on the other for the fact that you aren't likely to break your back just trying to manoeuvre your way through. The ceiling is impossibly high. In fact, a glance up would reveal no ceiling at all.
There are walls, though.
They are solid and uncompromising, boxing you into this space. Behind you, the door has disappeared, and there are no windows to speak of. The only way out will have to be up.
In the far corner, a screech rings out. Looking in that direction, you notice a hippogriff that has been tied by the back left ankles by an exceptionally thick length of rope. It could prove useful in your little escape, but you'll have to untie it first.
Do remember your manners. They are temperamental creatures, after all. Breaking it free might well be only half the work if you're not careful.
Rosie
Success!
The insect imposter freezes the moment your spell lands, dropping to the ground with a soft clink now that it can no longer move. You might want to be quick. Lacking the necessary endurance for the spell, the wings are already beginning to twitch. It won't be long before the key is airborne again and back to its nonsense.
The moment you get your hands on the key, all the butterflies vanish, clearing the path toward the door. A keyhole appears where there hadn't been one before, indicating where you are meant to place it. Upon turning it, you are ushered into a second room. This one is a vast improvement on the other for the fact that you aren't likely to break your back just trying to manoeuvre your way through. The ceiling is impossibly high. In fact, a glance up would reveal no ceiling at all.
There are walls, though.
They are solid and uncompromising, boxing you into this space. Behind you, the door has disappeared, and there are no windows to speak of. The only way out will have to be up.
In the far corner, a screech rings out. Looking in that direction, you notice a hippogriff that has been tied by the back left ankles by an exceptionally thick length of rope. It could prove useful in your little escape, but you'll have to untie it first.
Do remember your manners. They are temperamental creatures, after all. Breaking it free might well be only half the work if you're not careful.
Round 3
N/A
Finish Line
N/A
Alice wasn’t sure about this; she stood with the group, looking at the door and wondering what the hell she would find on the other side. In her head, she was going over the spells she knew that could potentially help her with this drill.
Once it was her turn, she stepped inside and the door shut behind her. Alice’s eyes widened a bit, the feeling of claustrophobia overcoming her. She wasn’t necessarily scared of closed-off spaces, however this one… was different. With the ceiling so low, the fluttering of wings back and forth was… well, a bit much.
Brown eyes darted around, trying to figure out what the hell the goal was. The door on the other side of the room drew her attention. She moved to it and tried the knob, but it didn’t even budge. Locked. Sighing, Alice turned and looked around the perimeter. Literally the only other thing in the room was the herd of butterflies.
But –
Wait, that one looked odd. Alice moved closer to the center of the room again, this time her eyes locked on the quickest of the things fluttering about. A key. With wings? Had she heard of that before? Not likely.
She knew she couldn’t catch the damn thing, and yet the Hufflepuff tried anyways. She reached up to intercept it on its path to the other side of the room, but instead she wound up with a small cut on her fingers. Like a paper cut. She scowled.
“Right, you didn’t have to do that,” she muttered, frowning as she looked at the blood on her finger. She sighed and bit her lip, trying to think of what to do. She needed that key, but couldn’t catch it like this. Not with how dangerous the damn thing was.
“Arresto momentum!” Alice shouted, her wand trained on the flying key. She really hoped the spell landed, as she was really frustrated by the injury she had received. Hopefully she’d be able to grab the thing if it worked.
Strength: Control
Now, this was more like it.
It wasn't that the girl with such a relatively small stature was hurting for space in the previous room, but there was something to be said for the wide open setting and the way it didn't make the walls feel as if they were closing in. Rae stretched for good measure, embracing the return from claustrophobia.
Then she realised there were no windows or doors.
Ugh. There was wasn't there? Turning, the girl watched the door she'd come from vanish, making it very clear she wouldn't be going back that way. She couldn't say she was surprised. Had it been that easy, the professor wouldn't have made it part of the drill. There had to be another way.
As if the universe were trying to answer her silent question, Rae heard the strange sqawk-like noise coming from the other end of the room. That was when she noticed the movement from the corner of her eyes. Whatever it was, it would be her next challenge, and there was no time to waste. Rae spun in that direction, her eyes widening with a mixture of awe and delight when she spotted the hippogriff waiting. They didn't have many classes with the creatures, and not being one to spend her free time around the paddocks, Rae found them to be a rare treat.
The next thing she noticed was the rope the creature tugged again.
It wasn't hard to put two and two together. With no windows or doors but a large opening in the high high high ceiling, the Slytherin girl was thrilled with the realisation she'd get to ride the beast. She was so pleased that she barely managed to contain the little squeal that escaped her lips. Rae managed to temper herself as the creature pulled back, looking at her with distrust and a smidge of disdain.
...Huh?
"Oh! Right! Sorry about that!" Rae hurried to say, pausing her advance to bow at the creature. It was a good thing that she paid attention in class. As much as she wanted to hurry to straighten and get this flight underway, she knew she was going to have to wait for the hippogriff to either bow back or warn her very clearly to back up.
She held her breath, hoping it would be the former, and after another beat, she saw the creature bow. Rae let out a heavy sigh of relief, glad she wouldn't be trapped or trampled.
"Right then. Let's see if we can get you out of here. Diffindo!" She tried, hoping to cut the rope clean off.
I'm bulletproof, nothing to lose
✗ ✗ Fire Away ✗ ✗
Round 2
Alice
Success!
It would've been nice to stop the key in its tracks, but slowing it down works just as well. Without the necessary endurance, it seems like the spell is already in danger of wearing off, but between slowly fluttering razor wings, you manage to pluck the key free.
The moment you get your hands on the key, all the butterflies vanish, clearing the path toward the door. A keyhole appears where there hadn't been one before, indicating where you are meant to place it. Upon turning it, you are ushered into a second room. This one is a vast improvement on the other for the fact that you aren't likely to break your back just trying to manoeuvre your way through. The ceiling is impossibly high. In fact, a glance up would reveal no ceiling at all.
There are walls, though.
They are solid and uncompromising, boxing you into this space. Behind you, the door has disappeared, and there are no windows to speak of. The only way out will have to be up.
In the far corner, a screech rings out. Looking in that direction, you notice a hippogriff that has been tied by the back left ankles by an exceptionally thick length of rope. It could prove useful in your little escape, but you'll have to untie it first.
Do remember your manners. They are temperamental creatures, after all. Breaking it free might well be only half the work if you're not careful.
Round 3
Rae
Success!
The creature that was once wary of you is now grateful to be free. It flexes its wings and its legs, stretching now that it's no longer confined. It shows no signs of aggression, seeming to have accepted the offered bow. One might go as far as to say it looks as eager to be out of this place.
It extends its wings, encouraging you to climb onto its back. When you settle, the creature takes off with bold resolve. It propels itself from the ground with powerful flaps of its wings, taking you both airborne in a matter of seconds.
You feel the rush of air whipping by you as the creature accelerates. Gaining such height, you're now able to see just how high these walls really go. There truly would have been no other way out. Even now, with the walls seeming to have no end, you may be wondering if the hippogriff is flying you both into eternity. You feel its muscles flexing around you as the mighty creature continues to climb through the air. It's strong, but can it keep this up forever?
Luckily, there's no need.
The end of these walls comes into view, and the clear blue sky opens above. There's just one tiny problem. As you approach, a wall begins to materialise above you. A new ceiling, so to speak. It closes in. No matter how fast the Hippogriff flies, it cannot outspeed this calamity. Now it is going too fast to brake in time, and you are facing the unpleasantness of a wall to the face and a collision unless you can quickly remove this obstacle from your path.
The hippogriff flaps frantically, trying to reverse course, but it won't be quick enough. Will you be?
Finish Line
N/A
This. Was. So. Cool.
Professor Barlowe never let them take the creatures for a joy ride--and not from a lack of trying on her part. On the occasions she did find herself on that side of the grounds and in the cases where she made the deliberate walk for that very reason, Rae had tried every argument she could think of to get the professor to let her borrow any of the winged beasts. The first time she'd asked, the man looked at her like she'd grown a second head.
Every time after that, the man had always been prepared with a dismissive wave of his hands and the question of whether he hadn't given her enough homework. Suffice it to say, it stopped being a gamble she was willing to make. As much as Professor Barlowe couldn't be bothered, Rae had a sneaking suspicion that one day, he'd make the exception on her behalf. Rather than see for herself, the girl had simply stopped asking.
Now, oh Merlin, now she didn't have to because he had planted one of those very majestic beasts in one of the challenges, and the ride was every bit as freeing as she imagined it would be.
With the wind whipping through her hair and the adrenaline coursing through her veins, the Slytherin was filled with the renewed sense that maybe she could ask the professor again. She wouldn't go far, just above the forest, maybe over Hogsmeade, but she'd come back. For someone who once harboured such grand designs of escape, Rae found it hadn't been the case after moving in with Billie. Even on the really bad days, she couldn't imagine thinking starvation and the streets were better than the chance to return home to the first woman who'd really seen her since her grandmother's death. She wasn't trying to disappoint her.
So yeah, he could trust her. She'd come ba-
"Holy shit!"
The wall appeared out of nowhere, building itself rapidly, brick by brick, before closing in entirely.
Pull up! Pull up! Pull up!
She could feel he hippogriff trying to manoeuvre them free of the now very solid ceiling. They were gonna crash! Shit! Shit! Shit! With one hand clinging desperately to her faithful steed, Rae fumbled to get her wand pointing at the fast-approaching wall.
One shot. She probably had one shot.
"BOMBARDA!"
Please work.
Her eyes squeezed shut and she hunkered inward in the event it did fail and she became too intimately acquainted with the ceiling.
I'm bulletproof, nothing to lose
✗ ✗ Fire Away ✗ ✗
It worked!
Rosie couldn't help the little shriek of excitement that bubbled out of her as the key clinked to the floor. She hurried forward, the butterflies disappearing as she snatched the key, holding it tightly in her hand as her eyes scanned for a place to stick it. Finding the keyhole, just as the wings began to softly flutter again, the girl clicked the key into place and pushed open the door.
Finally, she could stand up straight. The door disappeared behind her as it shut, the room stretching upwards into oblivion, and no way out it seemed. She was quiet for a moment, examining every inch of the seemingly empty room, when a screech broke the silence.
Rosalie was not a fan of creatures. There were some she liked more than others, like snakes and smaller animals like chipmunks, rabbits and birds. Magical creatures had never been something she entirely enjoyed, and while she did well in Professor Barlowe's classes, she often found herself wishing she were elsewhere when she came face to face with his animals.
It screeched again.
Slowly, Rosalie raised her gaze to the far corner of the room, meeting that of one of the most magnificent things she'd ever seen. Her lips parted in awe, her eyebrows lifting in amazement and she could only stare, taking in everything that was...the hippogriff.
She had never seen one before. She'd heard that Professor Barlowe had one or two, maybe. But she'd thought it was all rumors. She'd always wanted to see one. It was a mix of a horse and a griffin, with the head of an eagle.
It was beautiful, breath-taking even. For a girl that was naturally wary of such things, she couldn't help but be absolutely enchanted by how regal it was. She took a slow step towards it to get a better look. Its hind legs were tied off, keeping the poor creature in place and unable to make its escape. Her head fell back again as she looked up, unable to see the ceiling or even where the room began to end.
Focusing back on the creature, she took a few more careful steps. She'd studied them with her tutors back in her homeschooling days. She was meant to bow, to show her respect before ever trying to approach. She knew that much. Extending her arms on either side of her, Rosalie curtsied deeply as she had been trained to do, one foot crossing behind the other as she knelt and bowed her head.
Blue orbs watched as the hippogriff studied her for a moment, clicking its beak, before bowing in return. The girl smiled slightly and rose back up, remaining cautious even as she took a few more steps to approach.
"Hey," she said softly, reaching her hand up when she was close enough. The hippogriff leaned its head down, allowing the girl to stroke gently along its beak and feathers. Her smile widened and she let out a breath of disbelief, not quite sure what was happening. "I bet you're ready to get out of those ropes, hmm?" The hippogriff stared at her, and she nodded as she gave its beak a little pat. "Let's see what we can do."
Keeping her hand on the creature for reassurance, she moved along its side, its soft feathers grazing along her fingertips. She crouched down, taking a closer look at the ropes that were definitely not coming off with a simple unknotting. She stood again, taking a slight step back and saw the hippogriff looking over its shoulder at her.
"Hold still, it'll be quick." The hippogriff screeched again, and Rosie aimed her hand at the ropes.
"Diffindo!"
i once believed love would be burning red
But It's Golden
There were days that Tilly wished she hadn’t signed up for so much. Sure, she had ‘fun’ with the clubs and her friends, but sitting quietly in the Greenhouse seemed like a really good idea right now. Especially when it was pretty much a given that something dangerous was lurking on the other side of the door in front of her. Fun Times.
"Right then, you know how this works. Step in, step lively. We have a few of you to get through before the end of this drill."
“Well, here goes nothing.” Stepping into the room, Tilly was immediately surrounded by a swarm of insects. Falling to her knees, crouching on the ground, back to the wall, she covered her head with her hands to protect herself from whatever fresh hell Barlowe had thought up.
As the fluttering moved on from her head, Tilly opened her eyes and looked around the room. There were butterflies everywhere, colors swirling, eyes not sure where to focus. It was very disorienting. She tried to focus, looking around the room to see what the objective might be. There was a door, that seemed to be the only exit out of the room, besides the one currently at her back.
The glint of gold caught her eye, within the swarm of butterflies. That one was different, but hard to see with all the other wings in the way. It looked metal, and small, with wings. So, that was different.
Narrowing her eyes, Tilly tracked the small gold object flitting around the room, With her eyes locked on the… thing. “Impedimenta!” Rang out through the room, louder than she expected.
Strength: Control
If you tell a redhead
NOTto do something
She’ll do itTWICE and take pictures....
Round 2
Matilda
Success!
It would've been nice to stop the key in its tracks, but slowing it down works just as well. Without the necessary endurance, it seems like the spell is already in danger of wearing off, but between slowly fluttering razor wings, you manage to pluck the key free.
The moment you get your hands on the key, all the butterflies vanish, clearing the path toward the door. A keyhole appears where there hadn't been one before, indicating where you are meant to place it. Upon turning it, you are ushered into a second room. This one is a vast improvement on the other for the fact that you aren't likely to break your back just trying to manoeuvre your way through. The ceiling is impossibly high. In fact, a glance up would reveal no ceiling at all.
There are walls, though.
They are solid and uncompromising, boxing you into this space. Behind you, the door has disappeared, and there are no windows to speak of. The only way out will have to be up.
In the far corner, a screech rings out. Looking in that direction, you notice a hippogriff that has been tied by the back left ankles by an exceptionally thick length of rope. It could prove useful in your little escape, but you'll have to untie it first.
Do remember your manners. They are temperamental creatures, after all. Breaking it free might well be only half the work if you're not careful.
Round 3
Rosie
Success! [hidden attribute: Control match]
The creature that was once wary of you is now grateful to be free. The control you have over your magic leaves a clean cut in the rope and it quickly falls loose. The hippogriff flexes its wings and its legs, stretching now that it's no longer confined. It shows no signs of aggression, seeming to have accepted the offered bow. One might go as far as to say it looks as eager to be out of this place.
It extends its wings, encouraging you to climb onto its back. When you settle, the creature takes off with bold resolve. It propels itself from the ground with powerful flaps of its wings, taking you both airborne in a matter of seconds.
You feel the rush of air whipping by you as the creature accelerates. Gaining such height, you're now able to see just how high these walls really go. There truly would have been no other way out. Even now, with the walls seeming to have no end, you may be wondering if the hippogriff is flying you both into eternity. You feel its muscles flexing around you as the mighty creature continues to climb through the air. It's strong, but can it keep this up forever?
Luckily, there's no need.
The end of these walls comes into view, and the clear blue sky opens above. There's just one tiny problem. As you approach, a wall begins to materialise above you. A new ceiling, so to speak. It closes in. No matter how fast the Hippogriff flies, it cannot outspeed this calamity. Now it is going too fast to brake in time, and you are facing the unpleasantness of a wall to the face and a collision unless you can quickly remove this obstacle from your path.
The hippogriff flaps frantically, trying to reverse course, but it won't be quick enough. Will you be?
Finish Line
Rae
Success! [hidden attribute: Power match]
What an explosion it is. The raw power behind such a cast is enough to obliterate every inch of stone that sought to hold you in. There is nothing left to stand in your way, nothing but tiny particles of debris that fall away from you as you continue your now unimpeded ascent.
With a final push, the hippogriff takes you up and away from the walls that once trapped you. The horizon stretches before you. It looks nothing like the grounds that you're used to, instead manifesting as rolling fields and meadows with wild flowers and grazing creatures below. As a reward for completing the drill, the creature takes you on a small ride. It dips closer to the ground, flying above the crystal streams before rising to avoid a line of trees.
Eventually, it circles back, taking you to the tower from which you'd just escaped. On approach, it doesn't take you back to the inside. Instead, you land by a stretch of its outer walls.
There, the professor is waiting, clipboard in hand as was the case with the last drill. Maddox nods vaguely in your direction, acknowledging your completion of the exercise while gesturing you off the creature. Neither his tone nor the look in his eyes gives away what he thinks of your performance but he does gesture to the door along the wall. Curiously, it has a sign that says 'exit'.
Being the way you just came from, the gesture may seem a little confusing, but once you step through, you'll find yourself on the spectator's side of the club room. Stick around to watch your friends if you'd like. Otherwise, you were free to go.
With her eyes squeezed shut, Rae didn't notice at first the spectacular way the ceiling crumbled before her. It wasn't until she felt the tiny flecks of debris hitting against her face and the distinct lack of painful impact that those dark eyes opened up to the world again--and what a beautiful view it was. The girl's breath caught softly in the back of her throat at the sight of the countryside with its fields and rolling mountain ranges. It reminded her of the ride she and Benji had taken back in the summer, on Noir, except now she got a bird's eye view.
The professor didn't know what he was doing. This was only renewing her interest in insisting that he allow her to take something out of the paddocks for a ride. Didn't they need exercise anyway? The man couldn't ride them all, and even if he tried to, it would take him all day. Really, he should accept the help.
Aware that she'd now completed her drill, the Slytherin allowed herself to enjoy the impromptu treat before the creature took them back to the ground.
It was over too quickly. A part of her wanted to ask if she could go through the drill a second time, but she knew there were still all the others to go through, and she didn't fancy sitting around and waiting for them all to be done. On this occasion, she would have to cut her losses and bide her time until she could stop by the man's office to begin another round of incessant pleading.
Some day, he'd give in.
Maybe.
Rae stroked the hippogriff's plummage in thanks for all its assistance and gave a final bow just to sprinkle in some more respect for the fantastic ride she'd had before turning and heading...uh...the way she came? She shot the professor a quizzical look, wondering if she was missing something, but the man only waved her on.
Fine then.
Rae took hold of the doorknob and twisted it. Imagine her surprise when it was the outside that greeted her; the audience room. Everything had worked itself out. True to the promise she'd made to herself, the fourth-year didn't stick around to watch the others. She really did have somewhere else she needed to be.
I'm bulletproof, nothing to lose
✗ ✗ Fire Away ✗ ✗
The ropes snapped easily, freeing the hippogriff from its restraints that held it captive. "That's better?" she asked, as she took a step back to give the creature room to move and stretch its poor limbs. It clicked its beak at her before lowering a wing, seemingly offering her a ride.
No one had to tell Rosalie Laurence twice. The girl loved an adrenaline rush, and there was no way she was passing up on the opportunity to ride a hippogriff. Not that there seemed to be any other way out, but that was beside the point. With a bit of an excited hop, Rosie gently climbed up the wing and situated herself against the hippogriff's back wrapping her arms gently around its neck.
With almost no warning, they launched off the ground and were propelling high into the air. Wind whipped through her hair as the girl squealed with elation, leaning forward against the creature and holding on as tightly as she could without hurting it. Higher and higher they climbed, with seemingly no end in sight, until the tiniest shimmer of light appeared overhead.
Freedom awaited, for both her and the hippogriff. There was a beauty to it in a way, though the girl was much too enraptured in the experience to philosophize, about severing ties and finding joy in liberation. For a moment, she understood the creature too well and was thrilled to know, even if this was just a drill, that she had helped it find its escape.
Except...
The wall was closing in, causing the hippogriff to panic in an attempt to reverse. She could feel the frantic vibrations running through it as it flapped its wings, but it was already too late. "Shhh," she soothed it, as she drew her wand, unwilling to leave it to chance this time.
"Bombarda!"
i once believed love would be burning red
But It's Golden
As the butterflies fluttered away, Tilly’s hand landed on the key, still fluttering its razor wings trying to fly. Thankfully, she had a good grip and the door was just a few feet away. As she approached the door, a key hole appeared. Well that was convenient.
Unlocking the door, Tilly moved into the next room, looking around in awe of the tall, never ending walls, lack of ceiling, and large empty space. Empty except one creature locked in the corner, the poor thing. Easing herself closer, not making eye contact, but wanting to assess the situation, she kept her head low and movements subtle.
As she approached the Hippogriff, Tilly kept her eyes lowered then in a dramatic bow, she lowered herself in front of the beast. Showing respect for the creature, never touching or moving in an aggressive manner, they didn’t take kindly to such things. Staying in the bow, eyes downcast, her heart beating loudly, she was relieved when the Hippogriff lowered himself into his own bow.
With a sigh, she straightened and went to look at the lock, holding the creature in place. “Hello there baby, let's see what we have here.” Wand still out, she lowered herself to its leg, inspecting the lock. “Ok, let's hope this works, Diffindo!”
If this didn’t work, she was screwed, there was no other way out of this room. Unless the butterflies from the first room felt like hauling her butt into the air. Which, was doubtful.
If you tell a redhead
NOTto do something
She’ll do itTWICE and take pictures....
She watched as the butterfly – keyfly… butterkey… whatever… – slowed down and the girl grabbed it. She grinned, proud of herself for figuring that out. She then saw the air clear around her and the butterflies were now gone. They had been pretty, definitely, but she was thankful to know she could advance now.
Alice looked at the key, holding it up a bit closer, finding the whole thing very interesting, and then stuck it in the keyhole, turned, and the door opened. She moved into the second room, suddenly feeling tiny whereas before she had felt large due to the ceiling being so low and the air being so full of flying insects.
She looked up, not even seeing a ceiling in this one, and raised her brows a bit surprised. That was thoroughly interesting, if she were honest.
She turned and saw the door she had just used was now gone, as if it had never even existed moments ago. She smirked, loving magic. As her brown eyes wandered around the rest of the room, she noticed there were no doors at all. In fact, it seemed the only way out would have to be up.
SKREEEEAAR!
Alice jumped a bit, but then moved closer to the sound – stopping when she spotted the source. A hippogriff. Beautiful creatures, she thought, but as her eyes traveled down the creature, she frowned when she saw he was bound.
She watched the creature, realizing that the hippogriff would be the way she’d be flying out of this part of the drill. She’d never ridden a hippogriff before! But they were one of her favorite creatures, so she knew exactly what to do. Its eyes were full of distrust and she cleared her throat, bowing like she had practiced many times when she was younger. Her eyes locked on his and she remained in the bowing position, until finally…
The hippogriff relaxed and bowed. She smiled and finally approached him. “Let me help you with this,” she said and attempted diffindo on the rope that bound him.
Round 2
N/A
Round 3
Matilda
Success! [hidden attribute: Control match]
The creature that was once wary of you is now grateful to be free. The control you have over your magic leaves a clean cut in the rope and it quickly falls loose. The hippogriff flexes its wings and its legs, stretching now that it's no longer confined. It shows no signs of aggression, seeming to have accepted the offered bow. One might go as far as to say it looks as eager to be out of this place.
It extends its wings, encouraging you to climb onto its back. When you settle, the creature takes off with bold resolve. It propels itself from the ground with powerful flaps of its wings, taking you both airborne in a matter of seconds.
You feel the rush of air whipping by you as the creature accelerates. Gaining such height, you're now able to see just how high these walls really go. There truly would have been no other way out. Even now, with the walls seeming to have no end, you may be wondering if the hippogriff is flying you both into eternity. You feel its muscles flexing around you as the mighty creature continues to climb through the air. It's strong, but can it keep this up forever?
Luckily, there's no need.
The end of these walls comes into view, and the clear blue sky opens above. There's just one tiny problem. As you approach, a wall begins to materialise above you. A new ceiling, so to speak. It closes in. No matter how fast the Hippogriff flies, it cannot outspeed this calamity. Now it is going too fast to brake in time, and you are facing the unpleasantness of a wall to the face and a collision unless you can quickly remove this obstacle from your path.
The hippogriff flaps frantically, trying to reverse course, but it won't be quick enough. Will you be?
Alice
Success! [hidden attribute: Control match]
The creature that was once wary of you is now grateful to be free. The control you have over your magic leaves a clean cut in the rope and it quickly falls loose. The hippogriff flexes its wings and its legs, stretching now that it's no longer confined. It shows no signs of aggression, seeming to have accepted the offered bow. One might go as far as to say it looks as eager to be out of this place.
It extends its wings, encouraging you to climb onto its back. When you settle, the creature takes off with bold resolve. It propels itself from the ground with powerful flaps of its wings, taking you both airborne in a matter of seconds.
You feel the rush of air whipping by you as the creature accelerates. Gaining such height, you're now able to see just how high these walls really go. There truly would have been no other way out. Even now, with the walls seeming to have no end, you may be wondering if the hippogriff is flying you both into eternity. You feel its muscles flexing around you as the mighty creature continues to climb through the air. It's strong, but can it keep this up forever?
Luckily, there's no need.
The end of these walls comes into view, and the clear blue sky opens above. There's just one tiny problem. As you approach, a wall begins to materialise above you. A new ceiling, so to speak. It closes in. No matter how fast the Hippogriff flies, it cannot outspeed this calamity. Now it is going too fast to brake in time, and you are facing the unpleasantness of a wall to the face and a collision unless you can quickly remove this obstacle from your path.
The hippogriff flaps frantically, trying to reverse course, but it won't be quick enough. Will you be?
Finish Line
Rosie
Success!
The funny thing about explosions is that they require a good amount of power behind them. Power, after all, is what separates a work of art from a near-death experience. The spell bursts out of the wand and connects with the closing wall. For a time, it seems the wall might actually resist. It does shatter, but not as cleanly as it should. Now, large debris begins falling around you, one nearly knocking you and the creature out of the sky, but it manages to manoeuvre free, clipping the tip of its left wing in the process. It staggers you mid-flight, but the creature rights itself.
With a final push, the hippogriff takes you up and away from the walls that once trapped you. The horizon stretches before you. It looks nothing like the grounds that you're used to, instead manifesting as rolling fields and meadows with wild flowers and grazing creatures below. As a reward for completing the drill, the creature takes you on a small ride. It dips closer to the ground, flying above the crystal streams before rising to avoid a line of trees.
Eventually, it circles back, taking you to the tower from which you'd just escaped. On approach, it doesn't take you back to the inside. Instead, you land by a stretch of its outer walls.
There, the professor is waiting, clipboard in hand as was the case with the last drill. Maddox nods vaguely in your direction, acknowledging your completion of the exercise while gesturing you off the creature. Neither his tone nor the look in his eyes gives away what he thinks of your performance but he does gesture to the door along the wall. Curiously, it has a sign that says 'exit'.
Being the way you just came from, the gesture may seem a little confusing, but once you step through, you'll find yourself on the spectator's side of the club room. Stick around to watch your friends if you'd like. Otherwise, you were free to go.
"Whoa!" Rosie ducked as the wall shattered above her, sending large chunks of debris raining down on her and the hippogriff, clipping the poor creature's wing and throwing them off-kilter. "You're okay!" Rosie breathed as the hippogriff righted itself, making its way through and out of the tower, into the clear blue horizon that awaited them above.
Somehow, they'd left the grounds of Hogwarts and were soaring across a huge open meadow, dotted with patches of wildflowers, a stream that ran through the center of it that led up into nearby grassy hills. For a moment, nothing else in the world mattered. As the hippogriff's feathers fluttered against her fingertips, she felt her muscles relax, taking in the tranquil scenery as they dipped and rose along the countryside.
She mused to herself that she could do this forever, if it were possible. Just her and the hippogriff, escaping it all and living out their days wild and free, forever chasing sunrises and sunsets, with no particular destination in mind. It was what life was about after all, wasn't it? Seizing each day and new adventure with the enthusiasm one could, knowing that the world was at her fingertips.
Of course, it couldn't last forever.
As the creature circled back to the tower, landing gently, before lowering its wing so she make her way back onto the outer wall. She smiled as the hippogriff clicked its beak again, giving it a light stroke on its cheek, before turning her attention to Professor Barlowe. A nod and an indication for her to return through the door she'd just entered, but knowing better than to question or argue, Rosalie simply made her way in with a soft thud of the latch behind her.
i once believed love would be burning red
But It's Golden
The hippogriff was free, and Alice was grateful she’d been able to help him. And now, perhaps, they both could get out of there. Her eyes moved up to where the ceiling should be, once more, but then looked back at the creature when she saw him move. He had extended his wings, as if inviting her onto his back.
The Hufflepuff was fine riding him out of here, however… she had never ridden one before. She hesitated, petting his neck gently before climbing onto his back. Once she was secured and done shifting herself, the creature pushed off the ground and they were flying up.
And up.
And up.
Up some more.
They were going fast, and yet the walls were still around them. Alice furrowed her brow, wondering if maybe she had missed something. Perhaps this wasn’t what she was supposed to do.
Then, as they were continuing to put more space between them and the ground below, Alice directed her eyes up. She saw, suddenly, that there was, in fact, a ceiling and while they continued to rise, she felt the creature frantically trying to slow down.
“Hold on, don’t panic… I think I can…”
Pulling out her wand, she looked up at the barrier. “Bombarda!” she yelled, her wand pointed up. Please work, please work, please work…
Spellcasters society sounded like a great idea at the beginning of the term, now she wasn’t so sure. So far, nothing had been too dangerous, but with each new task the level of danger increased. It was only a matter of time before death defying was the term she would use.
Flying was never something she loved. In fact, she avoided it at all costs. Brooms were bad. Apparently creatures were even worse. Not that this is a shock, honestly it makes total sense.
Holding on for dear life, climbing up and up and up. It seemed like they were in the clear. Blue skies could be seen, until the wall started to grow and a ceiling started closing her in. The Hippogryff wasn’t stopping, the ceiling was blocking off all light. She needed to think quick.
With her wand in hand, Tilly pointed it above at the ceiling and yelled “Bombarda!”
If she made the wrong choice, she would be a pancake very quickly. Plummeting to her death was not how she wanted the day to end. Surely Barlowe wouldn’t allow that to happen? Right? God, she hoped she was right.
If you tell a redhead
NOTto do something
She’ll do itTWICE and take pictures....
Round 2
N/A
Round 3
N/A
Finish Line
Alice
Success!
The funny thing about explosions is that they require a good amount of power behind them. Power, after all, is what separates a work of art from a near-death experience. The spell bursts out of the wand and connects with the closing wall. For a time, it seems the wall might actually resist. It does shatter, but not as cleanly as it should. Now, large debris begins falling around you, one nearly knocking you and the creature out of the sky, but it manages to manoeuvre free, clipping the tip of its left wing in the process. It staggers you mid-flight, but the creature rights itself.
With a final push, the hippogriff takes you up and away from the walls that once trapped you. The horizon stretches before you. It looks nothing like the grounds that you're used to, instead manifesting as rolling fields and meadows with wild flowers and grazing creatures below. As a reward for completing the drill, the creature takes you on a small ride. It dips closer to the ground, flying above the crystal streams before rising to avoid a line of trees.
Eventually, it circles back, taking you to the tower from which you'd just escaped. On approach, it doesn't take you back to the inside. Instead, you land by a stretch of its outer walls.
There, the professor is waiting, clipboard in hand as was the case with the last drill. Maddox nods vaguely in your direction, acknowledging your completion of the exercise while gesturing you off the creature. Neither his tone nor the look in his eyes gives away what he thinks of your performance but he does gesture to the door along the wall. Curiously, it has a sign that says 'exit'.
Being the way you just came from, the gesture may seem a little confusing, but once you step through, you'll find yourself on the spectator's side of the club room. Stick around to watch your friends if you'd like. Otherwise, you were free to go.
Matilda
Success!
The funny thing about explosions is that they require a good amount of power behind them. Power, after all, is what separates a work of art from a near-death experience. The spell bursts out of the wand and connects with the closing wall. For a time, it seems the wall might actually resist. It does shatter, but not as cleanly as it should. Now, large debris begins falling around you, one nearly knocking you and the creature out of the sky, but it manages to manoeuvre free, clipping the tip of its left wing in the process. It staggers you mid-flight, but the creature rights itself.
With a final push, the hippogriff takes you up and away from the walls that once trapped you. The horizon stretches before you. It looks nothing like the grounds that you're used to, instead manifesting as rolling fields and meadows with wild flowers and grazing creatures below. As a reward for completing the drill, the creature takes you on a small ride. It dips closer to the ground, flying above the crystal streams before rising to avoid a line of trees.
Eventually, it circles back, taking you to the tower from which you'd just escaped. On approach, it doesn't take you back to the inside. Instead, you land by a stretch of its outer walls.
There, the professor is waiting, clipboard in hand as was the case with the last drill. Maddox nods vaguely in your direction, acknowledging your completion of the exercise while gesturing you off the creature. Neither his tone nor the look in his eyes gives away what he thinks of your performance but he does gesture to the door along the wall. Curiously, it has a sign that says 'exit'.
Being the way you just came from, the gesture may seem a little confusing, but once you step through, you'll find yourself on the spectator's side of the club room. Stick around to watch your friends if you'd like. Otherwise, you were free to go.
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