Well good. That made sense, and it was what she had expected, but it was always best to make sure and to not make assumptions. She was glad her astronomy teacher was not afraid of heights. It seemed that by principle it would have been a problem. A man talking about places far off and above the earth, while being afraid of being off the earth. Perhaps it was a pre-requisite for the position? No fear of heights. Seemed legit.

Just a deathly fear of rats and a few strange habits. As long as he wasn't stuck in a room with said rats, he seemed safe enough to be around, and learn from.

As for Professor Quigley, it seemed like he was the one that needed to stay away from ledges or any sort of precipices. Acrophobic, as Professor Flamsteed had called it. She nodded, taking a mental note of the trait. Though the note quickly turned into a puzzled frown, and she shifted her weight to turn and face the present Professor. "How does he fly on a broom then? Does he used some of Mr. Hadfield's tricks?"

Wasn't that something all wizards and witches did? Her eyes lit up with a sudden, exciting thought. That was it! Instead of bungie-jumping (or in addition to) they could take flying lessons through the stairwell. It would be great practice learning how to avoid obstacles and making last minute judgement calls. He could tell from her expression, exactly what she was thinking, right? Yes? Yes of course. It was plain as day.

And his confirmation about his participation in at least one of the two stair-events only piqued her enthusiasm. "How many stairs did you make it down? What was the record? How many people did you fit on one mattress?"

In between her barrage of questions, she intended to ask what it meant to be a Gryffindor, because she still wasn't sure. In her mind she asked such a question, but it never seemed to breach the thought-to-mouth barrier. No, mattress surfing was much more exciting, and naturally important, than the meaning of an old sorting hat.

Her father had never mentioned mattress surfing before, and that was definitely something that he would have taken note of. Perhaps they hadn't attended together. Her mouth worked in thought. "I don't know what year, but he was a Slytherin and had a really bad bowl haircut. Now he's got grey hair everywhere."

Professor Flamsteed didn't have grey hair. At least none that she could see in this light. Still, she peered at his head as if the strands of hair would twist themselves into the numbers of his age.

She was peering so intently that she didn't realize how quickly the stairs were moving, until her little feetsies were almost caught between the stone. Her eyes went wide as she clutched her knees to her chest with one arm, gripping the railing with the other. No sooner was there touch-down, than they were moving again. She couldn't help from yelling at the stone beneath her feet. "Hey! Careful now!"

Because yes, stone could hear. And yes, the staircase was more alive than it wasn't. Just ask Mr. Flamsteed and Pebbles.

WAAAAAIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIT!!!!!!

Gregoire had to make a bit of a leap to hop onto the moving staircases because of how swift and fast they were moving. They were rarely stopping! It was like a split second you had to get on. Even still, that was barely enough time to hold on for your life, as the staircases would rapidly whip you around. Falling against the stairs, the Snake quickly grasped for the handrail so he wouldn't slide off of it. A few papers fell off, but they weren't that important. He could just resketch those drawings any day when he was still here. Since it was winter, he'd get a more marvelous scene too with the snow outside.

Winter was always one of Gregoire's favorite seasons. Seeing the snowfall, and hearin the Christmas carols! It was a joyous time of year! The sights in this magnificent season was just a beauty to behold! The only thing the Frenchie wasn't to fond about was how cold it could get. That's why he likes Spring and Autumn temperature wise. Those two seasons weren't to cold, but they weren't scorching hot either. It combined the best of both winter and summer.

Standing up, Gregoire cautiously started to work his way down the steps. One moment he was walking, the next he was clutching on to one side of the moving steps because of the swiftness when it turned. The problem wasn't getting on the stairs, no...The problem would be walking on them, and getting off. This wasn't natural. The stairs were a whole lot slower than what they were doing now. Something strange was happening this year...First the swamp overflowing, now the stairs moving at outrageous speeds! What's next!? A professor would have to be informed about this issue immediately after he got off of this death trap.

What the heck was going on!?

Hady leapt onto the staircase as it crashed up against the landing reaching out and grabbing a hold of the banister. Possibly she was insane to be doing this but yeah she wanted to go outside for fresh air. Maybe a snowball fight depending on if she could find anyone outside.

With her hand still gripping the banister she made her way down a few steps actually stopping and sitting down on one. Insanity maybe. Bored possibly. Wanting some fun? Totally!

With a small grin she leaned against the banister a little still keeping hold of it. She knew she shouldn't be sitting there but sitting was safer then attempting to go down them right? At least at this very moment plus the speed was fun for the moment. Maybe she'd even come across one of her friends.

Head spinning round and round on the spiral-like staircase made Gregoire get a bit vertigo sick.

Glancing up, the Slytherin noticed a younger Snake who seemed to be just as shocked as him. What was her name now...? The fourth year thought to himself. Sadie? Katy? Hadley? No, no, and no....HADY! That was her name! Clutching onto the railings the Frenchie called up to the younger girl "Hady! You should come down here with me! It would be a lot safer for you!"

Slowly easing his way back up to her, he was only a few steps away from her...just as the staircase came to it's brief stop... This jerked the boy to the other side of the steps hard...thankfully, something blocked his ribs being the thing colliding with the side...but that thing...was a now bloody, and possibly broken, finger. Wincing in pain, Gregoire had to remain calm for the younger one. If the older boy would start to panic, than surely Hady would start to as well...

That was just the logical thing at least.

Quote:

Head spinning round and round on the spiral-like staircase made Gregoire get a bit vertigo sick.

Glancing up, the Slytherin noticed a younger Snake who seemed to be just as shocked as him. What was her name now...? The fourth year thought to himself. Sadie? Katy? Hadley? No, no, and no....HADY! That was her name! Clutching onto the railings the Frenchie called up to the younger girl "Hady! You should come down here with me! It would be a lot safer for you!"

Slowly easing his way back up to her, he was only a few steps away from her...just as the staircase came to it's brief stop... This jerked the boy to the other side of the steps hard...thankfully, something blocked his ribs being the thing colliding with the side...but that thing...was a now bloody, and possibly broken, finger. Wincing in pain, Gregoire had to remain calm for the younger one. If the older boy would start to panic, than surely Hady would start to as well...

That was just the logical thing at least.

From her seat position on the step Hady heard someone call to her. She knew the boy as an older Snake. Gregoire she was sure. Watching him closely as he made his way up the steps to her she raised an eyebrow at his words. Safer for her?

Really? Was he sure about that?

Hady watched as he got himself slammed into the railing. Hard!

"I think sitting might be safer honestly. You should probably take my advice on that one...at least you won't fall over when we slam into something again!" She called down at him a deep frown taking form on her face when she spotted the blood. He'd went and gotten himself hurt trying to get up the steps to her.

"Are you alright, do you need to go to the nurse?" Hady questioned more softly dragging her gaze from his finger to his face and back again. If he wanted she'd come along with him...she wasn't doing all that much at the moment.

Mistress promises Toddles candies. Yes mistress does. Toddles moves little feetsies to staircases. Yes Toddles does. Toddles sees mistress and says, "Mistress has candies?"

Ok good, she wasn't panicking. This was good. She seemed concerned, but not panicked concerned. This was really good. Mainly on Gregoire's part. Glancing at her question, with his good hand grasping to the rail of the moving stairs, the old boy said "Yes, that would-" Wince. "-Probably be best...as long as we can get off this death trap..." Genuinely concerned.

They could also tell the nurse about how this was happening. This was really odd...Eugh!

The feeling of the cold red, thick liquid running down his hand made him want to vomit. Moving it up ever so slightly, made the Snake noticed with his icy blue eyes that the nail bed was broken. Well this was great! Third time this year at Hogwarts alone was Gregoire injured! First it was at the start of term feast (don't ask), then at the swamp (once again, don't ask questions), and now here!

Did he all of a sudden now attract danger!?

Quote:

Mistress promises Toddles candies. Yes mistress does. Toddles moves little feetsies to staircases. Yes Toddles does. Toddles sees mistress and says, "Mistress has candies?"

For just a moment her attention was diverted from the older boy to the adorable little effie! Hady flashed him a quick grin when she heard what he wanted. She sure had promised him candies and she was glad he'd remembered and seeked her out even if it was here on this insane staircase ride.

"Of course Toddles, what is it you would like?" Letting her bag slip down off her shoulder she unzipped it and showed him a clear bag which held a bit of her daily candy supply that not many knew about or saw. Consider him lucky. Inside was candy canes, lollies, chocolates, and other candies. "Take your pick and be sure to visit me anytime you like." Hady liked seeing the house elves about the school and liked helping them as much as they helped her.

Quote:

Ok good, she wasn't panicking. This was good. She seemed concerned, but not panicked concerned. This was really good. Mainly on Gregoire's part. Glancing at her question, with his good hand grasping to the rail of the moving stairs, the old boy said "Yes, that would-" Wince. "-Probably be best...as long as we can get off this death trap..." Genuinely concerned.

They could also tell the nurse about how this was happening. This was really odd...Eugh!

The feeling of the cold red, thick liquid running down his hand made him want to vomit. Moving it up ever so slightly, made the Snake noticed with his icy blue eyes that the nail bed was broken. Well this was great! Third time this year at Hogwarts alone was Gregoire injured! First it was at the start of term feast (don't ask), then at the swamp (once again, don't ask questions), and now here!

Did he all of a sudden now attract danger!?

As she waited for Toddles to decide she allowed her eyes to shift back to Gregoire. Was he alright? Clearly he was bleeding and it seemed to concern him. Somewhere she had a tissue or something... Since her bag was open she rummaged inside it quickly finding what she wanted. A-ha!

Pulling out some tissues since she didn't know a decent healing spell that could help she held them out to him. "Here use these for now." She offered quietly nodding her head at his reply. Looking around she tried to figure out the best way to get off the stairs.

"Maybe if we can make out way back up when it meets the landing we can jump off?" It was worth a try really and might be the only thing they could do. So slowly she rose to her feet keeping her grip on the banister her eyes still on the blue ones of her fellow snake.

SPOILER!!: staircases (ZOMG!) & Amur

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Narrator

The creaking and grating sound of stone against stone that came with the almost rhythmic movements of the staircase suddenly grew louder and more swift. No longer slowing down as it reached each landing, the staircase crashed against it eagerly and moved away from it only after a brief pause should anyone want to jump aboard for a wild riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiide.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tazenhani

SPOILER!!: AIREY! & ... staircase?

Well good. That made sense, and it was what she had expected, but it was always best to make sure and to not make assumptions. She was glad her astronomy teacher was not afraid of heights. It seemed that by principle it would have been a problem. A man talking about places far off and above the earth, while being afraid of being off the earth. Perhaps it was a pre-requisite for the position? No fear of heights. Seemed legit.

Just a deathly fear of rats and a few strange habits. As long as he wasn't stuck in a room with said rats, he seemed safe enough to be around, and learn from.

As for Professor Quigley, it seemed like he was the one that needed to stay away from ledges or any sort of precipices. Acrophobic, as Professor Flamsteed had called it. She nodded, taking a mental note of the trait. Though the note quickly turned into a puzzled frown, and she shifted her weight to turn and face the present Professor. "How does he fly on a broom then? Does he used some of Mr. Hadfield's tricks?"

Wasn't that something all wizards and witches did? Her eyes lit up with a sudden, exciting thought. That was it! Instead of bungie-jumping (or in addition to) they could take flying lessons through the stairwell. It would be great practice learning how to avoid obstacles and making last minute judgement calls. He could tell from her expression, exactly what she was thinking, right? Yes? Yes of course. It was plain as day.

And his confirmation about his participation in at least one of the two stair-events only piqued her enthusiasm. "How many stairs did you make it down? What was the record? How many people did you fit on one mattress?"

In between her barrage of questions, she intended to ask what it meant to be a Gryffindor, because she still wasn't sure. In her mind she asked such a question, but it never seemed to breach the thought-to-mouth barrier. No, mattress surfing was much more exciting, and naturally important, than the meaning of an old sorting hat.

Her father had never mentioned mattress surfing before, and that was definitely something that he would have taken note of. Perhaps they hadn't attended together. Her mouth worked in thought. "I don't know what year, but he was a Slytherin and had a really bad bowl haircut. Now he's got grey hair everywhere."

Professor Flamsteed didn't have grey hair. At least none that she could see in this light. Still, she peered at his head as if the strands of hair would twist themselves into the numbers of his age.

She was peering so intently that she didn't realize how quickly the stairs were moving, until her little feetsies were almost caught between the stone. Her eyes went wide as she clutched her knees to her chest with one arm, gripping the railing with the other. No sooner was there touch-down, than they were moving again. She couldn't help from yelling at the stone beneath her feet. "Hey! Careful now!"

Because yes, stone could hear. And yes, the staircase was more alive than it wasn't. Just ask Mr. Flamsteed and Pebbles.

The astronomy merely shrugged. He was fairly certain the Charms professor never really mounted a broom - certainly had never seen the bloke at quidditch tryouts, that was for sure. He tried to recall the Flying lessons he had observed...and briefly recalled a first year who would go no further than a foot or two off the ground. Had that been Maddox? Perhaps he ought to ask him while they had their weekly game night.

Besides, he was much more interested in the next part of their conversation to linger on Professor Scaredy-Cat. "I am not sure I recall," he replied, tapping his chin and looking upwards. Only he did, but what was the fun in revealing that information when a NEW generation may produce a very different outcome. "We could always...hypothesize and then test out said theories. All in the name of science, of course." Wink.

A Slytherin, huh? He probably did not know her father then. Stayed away from the green bunch whenever he could. Ironic since Daphne had been sorted there.

But before he could respond, the staircases started acting completely insane. He had just enough time to pull one of his legs completely away, his left was a little slow on the uptake, and the toes on his left foot unfortunately fell victim to the stone crashing against stone.

"FUDGESTICKS! FISSION! FIIIIIIIIIIIIIIISSION" he howled as he rocked back and smacked his head against the ground. Howling a bit more as the crashing of the staircases continued, he heard more alarmed voices coming from below (????). Rolling on to his side to peer through the gaps in the banisters, he noticed two Slytherins - and a house elf - battling with the staircases as well.

Rolling now on to his other side, he unceremoniously plopped Pebbles in the Gryffindor's lap and offered a ridiculously over dramatic salute. "Take good care of her, Miss Neverwinter," he instructed. "Don't abandon her should the worst happen like the Headmistress did when dementors attacked." That woman was NEVER living that down. NEVER. Not even after he had given her a festive mug as a thank you for his staff promotion.

Hobbling a bit - thanks to some broken toes - the Astronomy professor too a gallant leap onto the wild staircase and somersaulted down a few steps before coming to a stop.

"Not to worry!" he exclaimed while clinging to the banister as the staircase continues to toss itself around haphazardly. "Help is WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAH Help is on the way!"

Was this what riding one of those mechanical bull things at some of those muggle pubs was like? He would take astronaut training and spinning around on the gyroscope for hours over this ANY day.

Amur's disbelief that the Professor couldn't recall mattress-stair-surfing would have to wait. It seemed that the stairs had grown tired of their talking about doing fun things, and decided to switch things up itself.

It was downright terrifying.

What was more terrifying however, was the noise that came from Professor Flamsteed. It made Amur's arms tighten around the banister and the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end. Her eyes widened in shock. His toes. His poor toes! That had to hurt.

Keeping one arm securely fastened around the banister, Amur leaned over and grabbed onto the Professor's robes as he writhed dangerously close to the edge of the staircase. She didn't know what she would do if he fell over: there were no brooms, no bungie-cords and no mattresses. So, she held on for dear life, even as he twisted right-side-up.

Amur didn't want to let go, of him or the banister, for fear either one of them would abandon her to a looong tumble down, but she did let go of both when Pebbles was dropped in her lap. Her little hands instantly scooped up the tiny rock, holding it close. The feeling of vertigo was almost overwhelming, and Amur clutched the banister again, blinking up at the Professor.

She gave him a firm nod. On her life, she wouldn't let Pebbles go. Even if...."Dementors?!"

And then he was gone. Like a ninja. Tackling the staircases like a boss. Or an insane person. Amur wasn't sure which, but it was admirable.

Carefully rising to her feet, Amur tucked the little rock down her sleeve and tied the leash off on her wrist. She had to give up a few chocolate frogs still lingering in the confines of her clothes, but for Pebbles, it was worth it. The frogs, she placed at the foot of the banister for safe keeping.

Turning back to the problem at hand, Amur walked on the spot, unsure of what to do. "Should.....' There were a lot of people on the stairs: a Professor, two students and an elf. Had the stairs not been so wild, it could have been a party. "SHOULD I GO GET SOME HELP!?"

Quote:

Hobbling a bit - thanks to some broken toes - the Astronomy professor too a gallant leap onto the wild staircase and somersaulted down a few steps before coming to a stop.

"Not to worry!" he exclaimed while clinging to the banister as the staircase continues to toss itself around haphazardly. "Help is WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAH Help is on the way!"

Was this what riding one of those mechanical bull things at some of those muggle pubs was like? He would take astronaut training and spinning around on the gyroscope for hours over this ANY day.

Waiting on the older Slytherin Hady looked around. Before she could make a movement she saw one of the Professors making his way to them. Was he crazy making his way to them as quickly as he was?!

He was coming to help them? Did Gregoire and her need help? She thought they were alright but then again her fellow snake had hurt his finger. However he had tissues to stop the bleeding. Keeping her gaze fixed on Professor Airey she offered up a smile when he got to them.

"Nice moves you got there Professor." Hady joked trying to keep the situation calm. "We're alright though, just going to make our way to the healer so Gregoire can get his finger looked at." She continued gesturing with her hand at her friend. Maybe the Professor could heal him and save them the trip? That would be rather nice.

Graciously accepting the tissues from the younger Snake, Hady, Gregoire put them on his bloody finger. Eugh. The older boy hated looking at blood. The mere thought about it made him nauseous. Which is weird...because he's the type of kid who normally gets hurt a lot, so you'd expect him to be used to looking at blood by now. Not to mention his mother, is a healer. Same with his sister. But, this Frenchie, definite no. Never going to be a healer. Not in a million years even if he was given a million dollars.

SMASH!

The staircase jerked again, slamming Gregoire into the far railing again. There was nothing there to soak up the slam so his right arm hit up against it pretty hard! Thankfully, the Professor came just in time!

Looking up at the Airey, Gregoire gestured for him to move faster! Here's what happened so far: The fourth year broke his nail bed thing, and it's now bleeding, and it may possibly be broken. Then he just slammed his shoulder into the railing. Which probably bruised it pretty good...Merlin! Could he ever get a break from not being injured! Eugh, I need a break from all this! Gregoire thought to himself.

Wait a minute- BREAK!

The Slytherin had an idea! "Professor! Is their some sort of-" Slide across the floor a little bit. "-WHOA! Some sort of break to this thing!? Like in a muggle car!? There has to be-" Sliding again because of the rapidly moving steps. "-Some way-" More sliding. "-To stop this thing!"

Up. Down. Left. Right. The staircases were on a mission to get EVERYWHERE. They were made then charmed to get people from one platform to another and from floor to floor so that was exactly what they were going to do; eagerly.

Not taking much note of their occupants the staircases zoomed again. Efficiency was the order of the day. Happy to serve. The stairs will get you where you WANT TO GO and will do it with a little flair to boot.

He really should have thought this all through. Really. Like...reeeeeeeeeally really. Not only was he experiencing whiplash like he never had during his astronaut training, but the throbbing pain of his toes only reminded him that he would now have to go see Cecelia once again and this time most likely leave the hospital wing with a Hello Kitty muggle cast to match that horrifying band aid.

Speaking of fingers and band aids...

"Jolly good, Miss WOOOOOOOOOAH THERE Lynch," he called out with a feeble attempt at a salute that resulted in nothing more than him smacking himself in the face. Wiggling his way down the stairs a bit further, shoulders and legs crashing against the banisters along the way, the professor eventually reached the bottom of his flight of stairs and tried to time it so he could leap off it and on to the landing below.

But this was proving to be most difficult.

Brakes? Not that he....

"STELLAR THINKING, MR.BASTION!" Airey called out while still holding on. His, possibly, broken toes were preventing the whole leaping off the stairs. "Tell me...WOAH....students...do you know the difference between speed and velocity?" Cue a slightly cheeky grin as the staircases swung him one direction and then the next. Nothing like some impromptu lessons in the midst of chaos to bring a smile to your face, right? "Well, velocity is the rate of motion in a specific direction, so it speed with a direction. Therefore...WOAH...we need something to WEEEEEEEEEE...decrease the velocity of a moving object..." THINKING CAPS STUDENTS! PUT THE PIECES OF THE PUZZLE TOGETHER! Before the staircase threw your professor to his doom! "And did you know that the first scientist to measure speed as distance over time was Galileo?"

Of course, he could just tell the students the spell and be done with it...but thinking under pressure was not something easily taught within the safety of a classroom.

He looked up to Miss Neverwinter and gave her a thumbs up. Stellar job up there, taking care of Pebbles. Yup.

Everything was moving to fast and someone was seriously going to end up hurt. More then they already were that is. Something needed to be done sooner rather then later.

As the stairs whipped around once more SMASHING into another landing Hady lost her footing and fell landing on her bottom on the step. Luckily that was all that happened to her for she had been still holding onto the banister tightly. However landing on the step wasn't very nice but she stayed there...sitting was safer.

She looked to Gregorie as he wrapped the tissues around his bleeding finger. Surely he'd be alright for a bit longer right? Switching her attention to the Professor she furrowed her brow in thought. What was he going on about? Velocity and speed? Did it really matter at all right now?

The second year wasn't sure but it did make her think. Something to slow the stairs down...an incantation, spell, charm or just dumb luck? Chewing her lip in thought, her knuckles turning white from her grip on the banister Hady went over everything she could come up with.

"Professor would impedimenta work?" It was used to stop something or at least to slow it down wasn't it? Surely it would help now? Cause well that was all she had...

Quickly glancing at the Professor as he spoke, then back at Hady when she suggested a spell, the steps whipping around finally caught up with Gregoire's head. This whole mess was making the boy extremely nauseous. Almost like he was about to- about to- Running to the ledge, the French fourth year vomited off the side of it from both the sight, and the faint smell, of the blood with the combination of the rapidly moving steps. That combination finally caught up to his stomach, making a bunch of bile and some undigested food from lunch spew out.

Gripping onto the ledge while his knuckles turned white, arching his back slightly and turning his body a little so that way he wouldn't fall. Wiping the excess throw-up off of his mouth, the Slytherin nodded in agreement with his fellow Snake. "We could try impedimenta, but that would only be temporary. We could always try 'Aresto Momentum' because it would last longer, WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAH!-" Slam! Crash, the Frenchie was back on his butt again. "-AND it can be cast on multiple targets. Or maybe even GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH WOOOAH!" Screamed the blue eyed male as he went flying again. "-We could possibly try finite incantatum! Since this is a magical effect causing the stairs to move!" He called back up to the Professor.

Gazing around the room, Gregoire's head started to hurt. Grrrr. Curse his ability to easily get headaches and or migraines. This was terrible. Why did the boy always find himself in some sort of trouble! There was the feast, when he fought with the Ravenclaw third year, Austin. Next at the swamp when it started to overflow. Now it was here on the stairs. What next!? Would the portraits now be able to walk out of their frames and start hitting people!? Gaaaaaaaaahhhhhh!!!!

Amur didn't understand much of what was being said on the stairs. All the movement, the crashing and the grinding made for a rather noisy environment. There was some yelling, but for all the echoes about the place, the yelling could have been pain or trouble.

What she did understand, however, was the universal thumbs up.

Thumbs up. Go. Go get help.

Smacking her hand against her forehead in a quick salute, Amur turned tail and bolted back the way she had come. "I'LL BRING REINFORCEMENTS!!"

She couldn't go down, because, well, stairs. Why couldn't they have taught them all the Patronus charm early in their school years. It would have saved her the running. And, if something drastic happened she could have stayed to........scream?

The thought made her run faster.

Woah woah woooooooooah there just a nanosecond!

"MISS NEVERWINTER! MISS NEVERWINTEEEEEEEER!" he waved frantically at the Gryffindor as she ran off. WITH PEBBLES STILL IN HER ARMS. He did have to give the young woman some credit, however. She certainly had not abandoned his beloved pet rock.

There was not much time to lament on the matter - although there was some manly sniffling to be had - and soon his focus was on the other two.

"Uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuh..." he said while still holding on as the staircase continued to try and throw him off. He had personally been thinking more along the lines of Aresto Momentum, but the others were possibilities. Would shooting all three at once be too much? Cause something to go kaboom?

Scratch that thought. Let's not risk blowing staircases to bits.

"Let's give Aresto Momentum a go first, shall we?" he asked. Jinxes tended to come off a bit .... strong. Kaboom was a much higher probability with that one. "On the count of three! One...two...three!"

Surely the combined spell strength of a professor, a second year, and a fourth year would do....something? Yes? No?

"Aresto Momentum!"

Whichever the Professor wanted to use was the spell Hady would go with. Cause well Professors knew best right? Plus the older Slytherin boy had suggested the same spell that Professor Airey had so it had to be the right choice. Or at least the best thing to try.

"Yes Professor." Hady agreed instantly with a firm nod of her head as she pulled her wand from it's holder. Sliding herself across the step to grip the banister with her left hand she moved her wand into her right. Her right hand was the one she always used anyhow.

Gripping her wand firmly and adding as much intent to the spell as she could the smaller snakette pointed her wand in the same direction as the Professor calling out clearly, "Aresto Momentum!"

Would it work? Please let it work... she hoped to herself as she banged into the banister once more hitting her head off of it. These staircases needed to slow down!

The older boy listened firmly as the Gryffindor girl said she'd get 'reinforcements'. If anything, they could use her here because it would mean there'd be another person to cast the spell. Which, was always a great thing. Especially at a time like-

WOOOOOAAAAAH!!!!

Stupid staircase...anyways. Especially at a time like now. This was a very big problem. If the spell didn't work, then they'd be screwed. Whipping out his wand, Gregoire listened intently as Professor Airey counted down. Gripping the wand firmly until his knuckles turned white, the Frenchie anticipated the final one second. In that moment when Hady and the Professor casted their spell, the Slytherin joined in aiming at the stairs, screaming with emphasis "Aresto momentum!!!!"

Closed eyes, Gregoire prayed it would work...Please work, please please please work! He thought to himself. Their combined spell should work. It was just like casting stupefy on a big creature right? You needed multiple people to cast it at the same time in order for the spell to have an effect. So this was a big target, and they had multiple people casting the spell...so it HAD to work...right?

RIGHT!?

What's this? Why was it slowing down? The staircases were not finished with their journey however they yielded to the spells being cast, slowing until they came to a gradual stop somewhere along the fourth floor's corridor.

Your destination awaits! Happy to serve. The stairs get you where you want to go and that happens to be right here. Watch your step.

The young snakette was jolted once more as the stairs whipped around yet again changing direction. Her hand tightened it's grip on the banister and her wand all her focus set on her aim and the spell. It was pretty awesome using the same spell as the Professor and her fellow snake at the same all with the same goal in mind.

Slow down the staircases!

At first Hady didn't think anything was happening but then after a few moments the stairs slowed and came to a halt at the forth floor!

They'd done it!

YAAAAAAAYYYYYYY!!!

So cool. Cancelling her spell and pocketing her wand Hady grinned proudly. This was an awesome accomplishment for her. Slowly getting to her feet, hitching the strap of her bag up higher on her shoulder and rubbing her head where she'd banged it with her free hand she looked to the Professor and Gregoire.

"Shall we make our way to the healer now Professor? I can help you both get there." She offered knowing both of them had been hurt. Would the Professor even be able to walk there with his smushed toes?

Text Cut: From the 7th corridor with Amur

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tazenhani

Amur shook her head, adimant. "Nope. Like. A. Monkey." Definitely a monkey. Wolf howls were lonesome and sad. Professor Flamsteed's had been ear peiricing. "Definitely a monkey."

She didn't know why it was such an important question at this time, but she was confident that if Professor Botros was asking, then there was a very good reason for doing so. Perhaps he could determine some clue or something from how Professor Flamsteed had acted. She didn't know what, but she was convinced. Professor Botros seemed wise, mainly because of the white hair, glasses and cane, but wise nonetheless.

So he did recognize the rock. Good. Definitely the right man for this rescue then. "I know." She nodded seriously again. Very seriously. "I'm not to let her out of my sight, grasp or care even if dementors attack or worse." Quote, unquote. "I won't let Pebbles or Professor Flamsteed down." Serious Gryffindor she was, very serious.

"Oh it's definitely not normal." Staircases moving weren't really normal by any standards, but this was not-not-normal of the not-normal normal. .....Yes, something like that. "Well, if you compare normal to then...." She thought a moment, "I guess everything was odd. I was sitting on the landing watching the stairs." Which she had never seen another student do. "Professor Flamsteed showed up on his way out to walk pebbles and he was..." Well, Professor Flamsteed. Enough said. "And I don't know about the students and elf on the stairs, you'd have to ask them."

If they were still alive. Hopefully they were still alive. By the sound of the grating and grinding that was echoing down the hallway towards them the stairs hadn't calmed down a tick. If anything, it sounded like they had gotten worse.

Botros raised his thin silver eyebrows at the girl's insistence about the monkey howl. He was smart enough to know that arguing with a kid about an insignificant issue was pointless so he didn't waste further breath on it.

Back to Pebbles. This Gryffindor kid was mighty dedicated to her head of house and his whims, Botros was impressed and smiling at her as she quoted once again. It would be nice of Airey if he didn't scare the kids with dementors even for his stone pet, but oh well. We all know this wasn't going to happen. "There will be no dementors here, dear. You're very loyal for keeping it and... quoting professor Flamsteed's words to renew your oath to him." He patted her head affectionately and continued leading them briskly down to wherever the stuck crowd were.

Why was she watching the staircase? But Abraham didn't linger on this bit, Gryffindors were always inexplicable and weird bunch to him. "Nothing sounds unusual except for the rotating staircases." He thought out loud in a low tone and came to stop abruptly when they heard that grinding sound. Botros put a hand on the little girl's arm stopping her and he stood there, looking up and down at the staircase trying to see if there were any people on there...?

Yes! There they are! He could recognize professor Flamsteed's bright blonde hair. Oh great, the staircase was stopping right at this floor, whew. Botros looked down at the little girl and gave her a happy smile. They've found them. The stairs looked pretty normal to him at the moment, though.

Abraham stood where he was waiting for everyone to get off them, his crup Feo though was still bouncing around, approaching the students and sniffing their robes.

Monkies, Professor. For real seriousness. Monkies. Perhaps they needed to charm some monkies into existence to prove this point? But that would be another matter for another day.

For now, they were dealing with stone. Pebbles stone and stairway stone. She nodded firmly. "I'm not afraid of dementors. And even if I was, a promise is a promise." Really, she didn't know if she would be afraid of the black-caped creatures. She had never met one before. Wasn't interested in it, really, but she couldn't say until she had the experience. For now, the promise was the most important point, and she knew that.

She liked the pat on her head though. That made her feel like she had definitely got the right man for the job. Epic Old Man Professor.

"Well, they're unusual that they do that in the first place." The rotating and moving and all. It was why she had been watching them. "I don't know any other stairways that do that other than muggle escalators." But they only went one way. Boooring. But still. Nothing else out of the ordinary, besides the unordinary ordinary? That was just unordinary. Her head was beginning to hurt with all that thought process, and so, instead she focused on keeping up with Professor Botros.

The process of moving feet to do so halted abruptly as the Professor stopped her. She blinked out into the stairwell and gasped. The stairs! They weren't moving. She pointed at them in an accusatory manner. "I swear on Merlin's shaved beard that they were moving moments ago Professor. I'm not pranking you." She had a feeling Epic Old Man Professor could turn into Scary Old Man Professor very quickly.

But that smile. That smile said that he trusted what she had told him. It made her smile, to see that smile, to see Professor Flamsteed and the other students and to see the stairs unmoving. Still, fearing that they would start up again at any moment, Amur grabbed the side of Professor Botros' robes to try and hold him from rushing onto the stairs to help. It was safe back here, until they knew more. And it wasn't like Professor Botros' could do flips and rolls onto the stairs like Professor Flamsteed did, if they did start moving.

Or could he?

Cupping one hand to her mouth, Amur called out to the group. "REINFORCEMENTS HAVE ARRIVED!"

Agggghhhhhhhhh!!!!!

His finger!!!! Was in SOOOO much pain. There was still blood dripping down it. The blood had already soaked up the tissues that Hady, the younger snake, had given to him. Taking off the now bloody rags, it was worse than he originally thought. The whole entire nailbed was practically sliding off his finger! When the nailbed originally cracked from slamming into one of the rails, the edge must have jammed itself into skin, cutting it open. Boy did it sting. It felt like a mix of being burned by putting you hand on a stove when it was on, and being stabbed by a knife at the same time. This excruciating pain needed to end!!!

Thankfully, the Professor, Hady, and himself stopped the staircases from moving...which was an extremely good thing. A voice from above appeared, making Gregoire direct his pained stare up to the sound. It was the other girl, with the Ancient Runes Professor. "You're late to the party!" He joked around. "Joking aside though, we really need to get to the healer." The fourth year called up. Quickly and swiftly making his way up the staircase, he kept a firm grasp around his finger to stop the blood flow. That's what his mom always told him to do. Though this made it hurt even more, the kid just kept squeezing it until it started to turn purple.

Finally being ascended to the platform where the other two were the boy spoke "Yeah, less chit-chat, more healing for me and Airey." Gregoire's voice was quick and apprehensive. Then this thought hit him. He just left the Professor, a grown man, with possibly a broken toe, with a second year girl...sigh...There was no way Hady could help the Professor up the steps by herself. Gaahhhhh!!! The only spell- well, it was considered a jinx- so- the only jinx Gregoire knew that could possibly help was levicorpus, and that wouldn't be able to move him much. Also it would hoist the man by his ankles...so yeah not happening.

Rushing back down the steps, Gregoire quickly wrapped his good arm around the Professor. Calling over to Hady, the Frenchie told her "Quickly Hady, get his other side, we must help Professor Airey up the steps! To stop my finger from bleeding." Wait, that sounded so self centered. "Erm...And to get Airey some help." There, that saved it...well...kinda...not really...but it was an attempt.

In his defense he could've just stayed up there with Botros and the Gryffindor girl! Or just ran to the healer himself! But nope. He did neither of those options. He came back down to help because he was just that nice of a person.