Noel Wallace had said his goodbyes even though he was struggling to accept his fate. It was a process, one which the Slytherin was making very hard. Who knew his 'about to die' moments could be so annoying. And he had thought ravenclaws were annoying.

Speaking of ravenclaws ......

...

WAS HE SUDDENLY BEING RESCUED? WHAT WHAT WHAT?

Noel could have kissed Benzi. He had never ever been more happy to see his face. "BENZI, YOU IDIOT!!! WHAT TOOK YOU SO LONG?" The sixteen whispered rather flaily like while grinning and wiggling and letting the older boy cut him lose from his sticky ties. Also there was another person to save him (Jackson) "Hi!" the boy said as he finally found himself on the ground, taking a hold of his wand finally. YES. FINALLY. LETS GET OUT NOW. "Yeah, yeah, I am okay!" Noel assured Benzi before noticing the acromantulas arriving. UGH. "Please, yes lets go, yes!" He wanted to see his mama again, please!

Cole was not sure all the spells being shot out was making things better or maybe he was just hoping they could get out of here before the commotion alerted the others and they were ambushed by a larger number of acromantulas.

"The forest is your home! And if you let the humans go, the ministry can help you," Cole spoke up, when Cassie tried to reason with them - did the shopkeeper just fainted?

And just as he expected, the spells only aggravated the acromantulas. His head turned sharply, as one of them snapped the wand of one of the staffers. "LISTEN" he started even more firmly this time - knowing this was it, either the acromantulas would listen or things would get more ugly. "You DO NOT want more of yours dying, nor do we. Enough has been done. The ministry workers will stay here, sort this out, but it's time to let the others go."

He heard one of the students (Puck) speak up, and he truly commended her bravery.

Despite her current condition, Lux still managed to flash Puck a smile. "I hope my hair doesn't look disgusting." she said in an attempt to calm herself down through humour. At her breaking point, there were still tears streaming down her face and she felt wobbly.

Adi's comment helped her feel a little better. Wiping her eyes, she thought of how she'd get to see Bay and her family soon but that wasn't going to happen just yet. Mostly she wanted her boyfriend to hug her and make her feel better. Her friend was doing a great job of it in his absence, and it helped her feel a little better as she kept her eyes glued on Cinna and everyone else. What would she do without people like Adi in her life? She felt so blessed. "We can visit him together, she said before all hell broke loose.

HOW could she have thought that the spiders wouldn't come back?

Mentally kicking herself, Lux stayed as close to Adi and Cinna as possible. Her friend had her back, and Lux would have returned the favour if she had her wand. If any harm came to Cinna or anyone else, she was going to lose it. No one was allowed to die and these spiders had caused more than enough suffering.

From the corner of her eye she saw a woman fainting, but it was okay since Professor Dakest picked her up and placed her over his shoulder. Fortunately that was dealt with, because she, Cinna, Adi, and the boy named Yoongi needed to focus on getting to Mr. Kitridge. As she started making her way back with Adi's help, Lux heard Professor Cassie and Puck trying to reason with the spiders. They were very brave, but she wasn't sure if it would work.

One of the reasons why he'd never qualify as an instructor in a school would be his impatience toward children. The former Slytherin did a low growl as he turned just in time to see a kid (Jackson), about Ethan's age, go on offense mode right away. He did hear that the arachnids found them, but their presence was not enough excuse for their group to strike. Somebody in school should teach those kids how to fight with finesse, because attacking right away isn’t always the solution. The blonde woman (Cassie) was on the right track...see if they can convince the arachnids to let them go, or at least go into a negotiation. But because of recklessness, they all found themselves in trouble.

Mordred kept quiet as he let the others do their thing. He was kind of busy over in one spot trying to get another human adult out of her web. The former Slytherin no longer paid attention to who it was, as he busied himself severing the web around the person. Hopefully, it was the Headmistress that he's setting free, because it could only mean that they can finally move out of the clearing, and back to the safety of the castle.

Another turn of his head, and his face came in contact with a wand tip. Soon, the disillusionment charm was off him, and in return he just stared back at the man who did it. No words were said to him...for now. Only, amid the chaos, Mordred etched the face of the man who lifted the charm in his memory. He couldn’t remember running into the man in the Ministry, so he was sure he’s a professor. He'd have to cross-reference him with Ethan's description of his new teachers: One was named Quigley, the other one was Dakest.

Once he was done with the web, he overheard the freed student that 'Lux' doesn't have her wand with her. "Not good." he thought. And who on earth was Lux? Of course he'd come across that name, thanks to Ethan, but he's got no clue as to how she looked like. "Those who don't have their wands with them, stay in the middle. Get cover behind those who does." And one of the acromantulas decided to pounce on another adult. “Now...quickly.” Mordred instinctively held his wand up as soon as the blonde woman counterattacked, and pulled the man (Leo) a few steps back toward their group so he could regain his composure.

A plan formed inside his head, as soon as the spiders closed in on them. As he stood among the group in the middle, he chose a spot facing the mouth of the trail where they entered. "We have to clear that section, and start moving towards that direction as one unit..." he murmured to one of the professors closest to him. Another idea came to mind, but he'd have to see if it was really the best option. But wait. What is this? Mordred's brows furrowed in irritation as he kept his eyes on the arachnids before him, while his ears listened to one of the students. Seriously. A diplomatic speech right after attacking them? If he was one of the arachnids, never will he believe her words.

But then again, what if there's another way around their situation without attacking the giant spiders like barbarians? Besides, they were already wasting time by talking nonsense to the creatures, so why not make use of the opportunity to learn a thing or two, yes? While the beasts were distracted, Mordred stood calmly with his group, and subtly pointed his wand at one of the arachnids. Non-verbally, he ran his experiment. "Animalis Fidelis." Well, it would take an impossible number of wizards and witches to perform the charm on a dragon, that he knows, but Mordred secretly hoped it will work on a smaller beast. "Come on. Let us go, and let us pass." Based on his comrades words, they all seem to be sharing Harmony Skylark's sentiment: Peace and Love all the way.

AND SAY WHAT?! Say what Knight??! The Ministry will stay? Well, he can go and stay and play the hero if he wants, but Mordred won’t. He already offered his hand to help in this mess, but no thanks, he’s not offering himself to die. Seriously, what kind of negotiation is that?

“You have to be kidding me.” The former Slytherin muttered under his breath without taking his eyes off the arachnids before him. At that point, Mordred wanted to kick his co-worker real hard. Was the concept really hard to grasp? They will fight as one, and they will get out of there as one.

Where was William Williamson when you needed him? His former professor and mini-bossman would know what to do...or say to charm the acromantulas.

Good Merlin.

As one exciting thing after the other occurred, Cutty watched as his fantasies of attending Durmstrang blew about like dust. He wanted this. This guaranteed near-death experience brought to you by rash Gryffindor actions and the letter Q. His hand was tightly wound around the hilt of his duelists wand as he felt the only other person at that school who was likewise worthy of Silver Spear enrollment tug on his arm. Headmistress Truebridge? That couldn't be her. She wouldn't be caught dead in that much silk on a day like this....weeellll...

He felt Bevs start to take hold and then the sweet French mama from Honeydukes fainted and he had almost NO time to collect all of her fallen wands. Instead, he held to his distempered weapon and closed in on Professor Dakest who would now be vulnerable carrying the witch on his back. Although, it was superficial he still experienced the protectiveness kids sometimes get over their teachers and professors.


"Yer can't outrun 'em so aim fer their legs or their fangs!" If you could take down one the other had less potential for harm. With the captured Hogwartsians in custody at least some of them would have to hold to give the others enough time to escape. Hopefully to high ground, but not beneath trees. Or maybe they would all stay and fight. Pull a full scale extermination. Who knew. Chaos was so beautiful.

He wasn't surprised to see that the bloke who'd fired the animal fidelis charm was none other than Mordred Mordaunt. He didn't remember reading anything about the Acromantula being immune to any magics. It was, afterall through magic that they came to be. Cutty stomped onto one end of a fallen and weathered branch causing it's other end to rise like a skateboard. He lifted it into his free hand and casted a bluebell flame onto it.

Out of all the words being spoken, there was one set he could agree to. Strangely enough, the spiders themselves seemed to be supportive of the idea. Or, they had upon first appearance. Shouldn't be here. Wouldn't be here. They needed to get out, now.

Sabel caught sight of the bluebell flame appearing on the edge of the stick which Cutty held, a simple concept that was ingenious in that very moment. Combined with Morduant's words, Cassie's insistence and the general want of the company to be out, thoughts clicked into place rather swiftly. He gave the now-visible man a swift nod of acknowledgement and the kid a clap on the shoulder with his free hand.

Shifting the weight of the woman on his back, Sabel turned to the path they had come by and found the nearest, large tree. For the moment, he ignored the advancing spiders, the freeing of the hostages and the talks of peace. Especially the words. Problem was, that once you set foot on a course of action, it was hard to reverse in the opposite direction. And while he could agree with the sentiment of not killing any more spiders, the stench of their burnt flesh still fresh in his nostrils, now was not the time. Not when there were lives at stake. And not when the spiders did not seem to be in the mood for conversation.

"Doubt words will hold much weight here, where there is fresh blood." Both spider and human. "Everyone, get ready to move!" Because no one would be left behind. Not this evening.

Taking a breath in, Sabel snapped his wand towards the tree he had picked out, sending a hard-handed severing spell right through the trunk. It was followed up by another fluid motion of his wand, a jet blast of air, giving the extra push to offset the trunk in the right direction, away from the group. The cracking and crashing of the boughs through the other trees and towards the earth was deafening.

At the very least, it would create a temporary hole in the advancing spiders. Maybe squish a few, if they didn't recognize the need to move right away.

Perspiration beaded on his forehead, and Sabel fought with the sudden jolt of fatigue that reminded him it had been there before, since the firestorm, waiting. His attention briefly parted, registering who was close to him. He couldn't do this alone. "Cosgrach, a hand."

He didn't need to say doing what. He would just start and hope that the man would pick up on what he meant. He had faith that he would.

Another hard flick of his wand and earth split, debris spitting into the air as a gouge was created in the landscape, along the length of and next to the felled tree trunk. The woman on his shoulders seemed to be getting a might bit heavier, and he had to heft her again before casting the next spell. Fire sprouted from the tip of his wand, diving into the engineered pit. All the bits of earth, broken wood and leaves lining the bottom of the gorge caught flame instantly. A extra exertion of will, more beading sweat, and a wall of fire birthed to life on one side of the tree, between it's trunk and the acromantulas.

The pit would keep the fire from running rampant through the forest. A temporary thing. A controllable thing. They needed some control in this place, right now.

Hopefully, this would be enough.

It was tempting to get on the edge of the trunk, of the half-crafted bridge between fire, and utter those most famous words, 'you shall not pass', but it was all he could do to keep the fire burning, the woman on his back and his legs from giving out.

Professor Dakest was awesome. Sure she had tried the words attempt but that was more a diversion right? They needed to distract the acromantulas so that they could find a way out – and Dakest’s tree bridge was the best kind.

“Let’s be vigilante,” she muttered and began to head toward the bridge. “C’mon everyone we need to get out of here as quickly as possible,” Puck spoke up and looked at the other rescuers. “Cutty, if they need to be blasted away while we take the bridge out of here let’s do it.” She grinned.

They were going to get out of this. Alive. There was no way she was going to let any of her fellow students perish tonight not out here in the forest where…where everything happened.

Of course. Merlin help him, even when suffering a near death experience Noel Wallace still somehow managed to be infinitely irritating. Boy was Benzi happy to see him. Deciding to let the entire idiot incident go - for now - Benzi rolled his eyes then helped his friend up and looked around.

Ah. Okay. Fire, bridge, professors fighting spiders and Ministry people, um, talking to them? What was that other guy doing anyways? ... Okay when did Puck get here and what was she DOING?? Since when did reasoning with the acromantulas become an option?! Did they not see the pincers? What was going on?

"C'mon we'll head to Dakest, seems he's found a way out," Benzi said to both Jackson and Noel, nodding towards the fire pit. Keeping to the shadows as much as he could, and eyes trained diligently on the advancing spiders, Benzi gripped his wand with one hand while helping Noel with the other because he was NOT about to let his friend get taken again, fall or just generally be stupid again. Noel was capable of many things and Benzi needed to make sure he kept that blonde head of his down and his mouth shut.

While this wasn't your traditional trap which would require more spiders, it still was just as much dangerous, and even though Cosgrach was beyond annoyed by the fainting shopkeeper, he also understood her well. Sabel had acted before him, though, and picked her up. It was handy to have an auror around at times like this. They did the exhausting work.

Cosgrach didn't let anyone else act before him, however, as he allowed himself a few moments to check if every hostage had a rescuer helping. They seemed to have, so he joined the stunning. "Every pair help someone," he cautioned still, in case they left someone out. However, stunning wouldn't do much and they needed fire or something just as effective...

Okay, the most Gryffindor (ie. one Sabel Dakest) had decided it was fire. Cosgrach didn't need more words, he joined the spellwork of the man. Funny, charms had been his weakest subject at school, but he took classes from Maddox only last year. Had he not taken those private classes... he didn't want to think what. Instead, he also contributed to make the fire as big and threatening as possible to save everyone here.

"Leave no one behind and RUN!" He and Dakest would leave the last but he didn't want to have to deal with carrying someone while fighting spiders, thank you very much.

Were those drops... venom that he could sell use for science? Could they come back after this was done?

They were not threatened by the wild stick waving that immediately took place, nor were they swayed by the hollow words of protection and peace that were being handed out. Mother had been specific in her plan and when some fell, others were there to take their place. Not even the attempts at taming them with magic could prove effective for the highly intelligent creatures.

The number that remained, however, was not great enough to keep rising when their siblings fell so when that man (Sabel) raised his wand and sent the blast, it took some time before any others could move into action.

But then they heard it, there was a stampede heading towards them. Pincers clicking wildly, heavy thuds and quick steps. Soon the forest came alive with the shrill cries of hundreds of acromantulas all rushing and pushing in an effort to be anywhere else. "RUN!" One shouted.

"Get away if you can! The enemy is near!"

The spiders in the clearing though confused at first, quickly jumped into motion with the others at the sudden, dreaded mention of two 'basilisks' in the castle. The giant swarm grew even bigger as now they were joined by those who had once been watching the hostages. In one large movement they swept across the forest floor in obvious retreat, wailing and shrieking of the horrors that they had seen until finally the swarm was no longer visible and the forest fell silent once more.

Okay, were they still going to argue with the spiders? Obviously, the arachnids weren’t listening anymore. They’ve got a good number of easy preys, and the smell of human flesh would surely override their logic. Mordred caught the man’s acknowledgement and returned it with his own nod. The former Slytherin backed away as soon as he figured out what the professor was about to do. He did not expect him to take his words seriously when he said ‘clear a path’. He’s not going to question it now because it was time to move before the arachnids figured them out.

Mordred paid attention to the professors’ next moves, and willed himself to follow through their plan. What was next again? Ah yes, move out. Now. The former Snake eyed the man (Dakest), and approached him quickly. “Let’s share the burden, shall we?” He said and didn’t wait for the professor to argue. Mordred can see how tired the man was, and it will be suicide for him if he kept up with the dead weight on his shoulders. Besides, he hasn’t expended his energy reserves yet, so he was good to carry a heavy weight and run out of the forest. The task was nothing compared to his training back in Russia. He had to deal with the harsh weather, and heavy clothing there all the time. “Round up everyone professor. Make sure everyone gets out.” As professors, he reckoned they’d stay at the back of the group. “Let’s go before the arachnids figure our exit plan.” He said shifting the woman on his shoulders took a step back from the man, and assessed their current situation. Well, they were good to go. The other professor said so anyway.

But...what the hell was that noise? Mordred paled at the thought of spider reinforcement. “Get behind the fire pit now!” The flame will surely buy them some time to re-think their plan, and find another way out. The former Snake took a few steps back, his wand arm now protecting the kids behind him.

...

Retreating? Blood came rushing back in his system as he heard the word ‘basilisk’. He couldn’t be more proud at the mention of the great snake as he watched the spiders run for their lives. As soon as the forest was enveloped in silence, Mordred shifted the dead weight (Maisie) on his shoulder and turned to their group. “No more negotiations I believe. Let’s move. This way!” Seriously, Hogwartians. Don’t waste time. Wand at the ready, Mordred’s brows furrowed in concentration as he carefully treaded the trail that will take them back to the castle.

When he reached Professor Kitridge, Yoongi pointed his wand at the spiders though did not shoot any spells yet. Mainly, because they weren’t attacking yet and also because he suddenly saw and heard Puck, their Prefect trying to TALK to them. He knew right away that that wouldn’t work because he had already tried that at the Entrance Hall. And where did all these people come from anyways?! Did no one know the meaning of ‘selected group’. Of course, the more help the better but they kept popping up out of nowhere and it totally ruined the plan they had all made back at the school.

But then he remembered, they had had no plan. Just ‘follow orders’ which wasn’t exactly a plan. As the spiders advanced closer, Yoongi raised his wand again, waiting for Professor Dakest words that they could attack but then something else happened. He watched as the Defence Professor heaved the shopkeeper over his shoulder and shot a spell away from the group and hit a trunk and then he blasted it away. The noise was deafening to his ears but Yoongi did not move.

For the first time, he disobeyed the orders and watched, transfixed on the spell work that the man was doing. This was like, his dream , right there. To be able to do magic like that. He knew all the spells Dakest was doing and could do them, but he wasn’t able to do them so quickly after another. As a wall of fire suddenly blazed in to existence , the Gryffindor’s eyes seemed to twinkle in the light of the fire. This was…SO COOL!

And then he saw their Potions Professor moving the same wand movements and helped getting the fire as big as possible. He still watched at them, feeling both jealous and amazed. The words 'Leave no one behind and RUN' was somewhere far away. It wasn’t until he heard the noise of clicking behind him which made him look away from the spell work and his eyes widened when many MANY spiders ran towards them. Wait, they didn’t seem like they were attacking though, it looked like they were fleeing!

The enemy is near? What did that mean? But then he remembered the plan at the castle. The fake basilisk plan. And he wondered if these spiders had just dashed out of the school to the safety of the woods. He watched them retreat , shrieking in horror until they weren’t visible anymore. Woah…

Yoongi turned his attention to the spell work yet again and it was only after a Ministry worker (Mordred) told them to move, that he reluctantly took steps away and towards the castle.

…Wait…he had forgotten about Adi , Lux and Cinna! Ah, they would be okay with Professor Kitridge.

Wha--- what in the world----

One minute, Annie had been slowly severing webs with her wand, and the next, they had a search and rescue party coming to rescue them! FINALLY! Her webby bindings fell just in time as the search party started stunning and yelling at the few remaining guard spiders. Annie could hardly see who all was even here through the tears of relief clouding her eyes. She did recognize a few voices, though...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bazinga

Hearing Sabel, she kept in her place, "Listen to Professor Dakest. Keep each others back and start heading back the way we came and get back to the Great Hall." She was planning to stay in her place and make sure they got out. "Headmistress are you alright?" That's when she noticed the fainted woman, someone would need to grab her too it seemed. Her eyes back on the Acromantulas as they started to advance.

"CASSIE!" Oh what a relief seeing her was. "I'm fine! I'm fine! Let's get the kids and----" WHOA, herd of acromantulas coming through! Annie sniffed away her tears in time to watch them all scramble past, leaving their clearing finally clear of spiders. "What got into them?" she wondered, before realizing that everyone was FINALLY heading back to the castle.

OKAY! ESCAPE! It was finally theirs! The Headmistress shook off the remaining cobwebs and thrust her wand up into the air in a take-charge motion. "LEAD THE WAY, Sabel!" They were NOT spending another minute in this dark forest!

No sir, they really weren't spending more time here!

Cosgrach didn't know what scared the spiders so much, but he would speculate later. Right now, they had to reach the castle.

"Let's go!" he said, and helped anyone who looked like they needed it towards the castle.

THEY WERE ALIVE AND UNHARMED!

Wiping her eyes, Lux didn't need to be told to stick by someone who has a wand. She was more than covered in her new position, though leaning against Adi probably wouldn't do his spell casting any good. Oops. At least there were adults who could handle the situation. Like Dakest and Culloden. Yeah, fire would go a lot better than talking in this situation. As long as the whole place didn't burn down, they were all good.

... At least they were until a stampede of Acromantulas came running towards them.

Shrieking, Lux wanted to run away but couldn't. She would just stick by Adi and hope that she wouldn't get taken again. No one was going to let that happen, right? She was so scared that she was going to be made a meal of, that it took a moment to realize that this wasn't an attack.

"What's going on?" she asked even though she was pretty sure that no one would be able to hear her and answer. "Is there a BASILISK in the castle?" Like...what even? Lux was so confused.

Keeping close to Adi, she was finally making her way back to safety. Yep, with no Bay he was stuck with the job of comforting her because boy did she need it.

Thank Merlin people got her words correctly and figured a way to blast through them. Though it had become a bit easier than she thought and a smile crossed her face, "We will explain later Lux, just get to the castle." No snake just some brilliant wizards and witches. She was so proud of the students and staff at that moment, but she would snap later. Her eyes were still fixed on the spiders waiting for students to leave.

Looking over to Leo she reached for his hand, "Let's get out of here." Turning the two of them headed behind the students watching behind them to make sure no spiders were following. She was thrilled to know that Annie was alright, she had been so worried. It was good that they got there in time. She had feared the worst though hoped for the best.

She was breathing a sigh of relief as they made it out of the forest.

"You're alive too!"Henric replied as he returned llia's embrace. But it wasn't the time to rejoice now because the spiders were advancing quickly towards their group! Henric swerved his head around to ensure everyone else that were trapped in the cobwebs were getting out alive too. He would rescue them next if none of the S&R group hadn't already got to them first. He saw Adi and Jackson got Lux, Yoongi with the gryffindor girl, Benji and Cutty and more saving Noel, but what about the headmistress?! However, Henric hadn't had the time to locate her because they were in such vulnerable position, they really should move."Guys, we should go now!" Henric helped llia up along with Sophie and moved back into safety.

..........................

Once they managed to regroup with the rest, Henric's eyes widened when he saw Dakest carrying the honeydukes shopkeeper woman on his shoulder.What happened to her? Did she faint of something?! Blazing barnacles...everything happened in a blur,Henric could only watch in disbelievement at the big pit of fire suddenly erupted in front of them. Woaah! Henric pulled llia back instinctively behind him. "Careful,guys..." he said to his unit. He hoped the spiders weren't stupid enough to go after them because mann...look at that fire! They could legit set anything ablaze if one past through them.

Right! No time to admire the great casting spell work of Professor Dakest and the rest because they needed to head back to the castle now.

Adi could see his comment about Bay helped Lux but he still hated the spiders for making her cry. He hated them so much that there were words you'd never hear him uttering out loud running through his head as he silently cursed the acromantulas. "We sure will. I'm not going to hang around though if you two start snogging.'' Keep her distracted, keep her distracted was all that was running through his mind. Of course Adi couldn't keep her distracted fully with all that was going on but hey... it was working a bit.

Reaching the group of adults, he saw that Maisie was was out and was being carried by Dakest. "Is Maisie okay?'' he asked of no one in particular. He doubted anyone heard him because the DADA Professor was telling them get ready to move. Oh, boy! Was he ever ready to get out of here! He looked around... Henric, Ilia, Cinna, the Headmistress, Noel, Yoongi and the others were safe, right?! Yeah, they seemed to be. The sudden sounds of snapping and breaking trees distracted Adi. And then earth and what not were shooting in the air. The protective Hufflepuff tried his best to shield Lux from any of the falling stuff. "You alright, Lux?'' He shook his head, getting rid of some of the things that had landed in his hair.

A fire pit thingy! That was what Dakest and Culloden had created! Brilliant! But then there were a crazy, giant hoard of the eight legged creatures scurrying from the Castle's direction. The enemy was near? The sixth year could not help but smirk. Riiiight. They got fooled by the 'basilisk'. The Charms and the Transfiguration groups had obviously done what they were supposed to do. But he didn't need Culloden's advice twice. They had to get out of there!

"Lux! It's okay! Let's go! They wouldn't get you again.'' That was a promise. He half pulled, half dragged his friend because she didn't seem to want to move. "I'll explain later. Right now let's stick with Mr K and Professor Cassie.'' Those two adults were behind them and he felt safer knowing they were close by.

Back to the Castle they went... and soon they were there.

PHEW! They had made it!

Nope. It wasn't going to work. Harmony was probably going to be disappointed that the negotiation did not to work.

At least the negotiation worked for a little bit for distraction though. Sabel was on point - Cole didn't protest, not that he wanted to in any way - the former claw just followed the man.

Stunning away any spiders that got in the way. He was sure Harmony and they had to come up with another plan to restore peace and their territory.

Noel was running. Noel Wallace GRIPPED his best friend's hand as tightly as he could and ran. Blindly shooting away stunning spells at the slightest suspicion of spiders.

This was his chance. THEY WERE GOING TO GET OUT. He was going to see his people again, and he would hug the crap out of everyone.

And no, he didn't care if his hufflepuff was showing.

Ilia held her wand steady, glad that she had not needed to use more than some defensive spells and backing up the professors. Her people meant more than revenge did and it seemed like they had everyone back together. The Head Mistress was safe thankfully, their 'Queen' chess piece was returned. Could they stick her closer to the middle for safe keeping? She was particularly important in the young snakettes perception and she didn't want to let her sight off of the beautiful red haired adult.

Professors Dakest and Culloden executed a fire pit / wall to help and more spiders were running scared from something in the castle. The eight legged freaks were on the retreat and she had her people close by, no more scathed than when she left them.....bleak future was starting to clear up a little.

Still on guard, she kept close to Henric, Professor Dakest, and whoever the fainted witch on his back was. The least she could do was make sure nothing tried to back attack one of her teachers. With running backwards and on one leg that had seen better days she thought she kept pretty good pace. Back towards the castle and hopefully her head of house could fix her best friends arm.

All she wanted right now was Bay and her family, but she wasn't going to see them just yet. "We aren't going to snog around you, Adi." Laughing at his silliness, Lux wiped her eyes again. It was so hard to keep it together right now because of the ordeal she had been through.

Her friend was protecting her which she really appreciated and now he was helping her along after the spiders had given her a real fright. It took a moment to register that he had even asked her a question. "What? Oh - I - I don't feel the best, no." At least she had no bites, and that was one of the things she could feel grateful for.

Professor Cassie and Adi hadn't exactly answered her question, but Lux wasn't too bothered by that at the moment. So long as no REAL Basilisk was involved she was finally going to be safe again.

One thing was for certain, he could always count on Cosgrach to have his back. Any of the teachers really. And the ministry it seemed. While Sabel didn't particularly appreciate being relieved of his 'load', and would have held on in both physicality and argument, it was obvious there was no point. Pride had no place here, and it could end up with people getting hurt, or killed.

So he stuffed his initial, Gryffindor-nosed response back down his throat and got out a thanks as the weight of the woman was taken from him. Truth, it did allow him to turn his attention to the other fire pit that needed to be created, on the other side of the felled tree.

He was just raising his wand to do so, when the acromantula stampede came down on them. For the briefest moments, he was sure they were all spider food, and there was the sinking knowledge that there was little anyone could do about it. That was, until he heard the spiders shouting at one another, and noted the way they scrambled around and past the humans, as if they were no more than moss on the tree roots.

He slowly let down the sheild he had immediately erected around those that were standing near him, a half smile playing on his lips. "Well done, Hogwarts."

It was as long and loud of a sentiment as the moment called for. Truebridge was out, okay and ordering them along. And they shouldn't linger. There was no telling when the spiders would about face with the knowledge that there were some travel snacks milling about their woods.

Good thing he didn't need to do much herding. Everyone seemed to get the idea to put the pedal to the metal, and they were taking off through the forest without further encouragement. Despite Truebride ordering him at the head of the pack, Sabel held back as long as he dared, dousing the fire before joining the group in the sprint back to the castle.

All alive. All safe. Hopefully those left in Hogwarts were the same.

Yes, she knew that she was being completely rude. Thank yous could wait until they were out of the woods, literally. They still were in danger. She was here because of Lux and she was more worried about her than anything else at the moment. Hearing Kitridge, she headed over that way toward the group. Ready to toss spells at any moment if need.

She watched as the plan to get out of here unfold. Now that was a fire pit. Now they could get out right? Hearing the spiders say something about the enemy and Lux say something about a BASILISK. What? Was that why the acromantulas were out here now? What on earth was going on. She would have to hear this.

Run. Yeah. They could get out of here. No one had to tell her twice to go. She was running following the others. Let's get out of here. She trusted Adi with Lux so now she could look out for herself. She was FREE.

To the great hall.

There were acromantulas that were NOT happy to see them, one of the Hogsmeade shopkeepers just fainted on them... but at least the students were helping those who needed to be rescued, and Ilia seemed okay enough to fight on her own. So all things considering, the mission was going well in Sophie's eyes-- until a sound rang in her ears, a horrible, awful, gut-wrenching sound. The sound of a wand being snapped.

She could practically FEEL the effects of the magic in the wand being broken, and her attention immediately snapped to where it had happened - it was Kitridge's wand. Her Head of House. A WAND had been SNAPPED. A BEAUTIFUL WORK OF ART. SO MUCH POWER, SO MUCH-- What if the spiders snapped HER wand? Her beautiful wand, her first best friend, her most prized possession, the 10 3/4 inches vine wood with dragon heartstring, a wand just like the genius Hermione Granger's own - what. if. it. got. DESTROYED.

There was venom dripping threateningly at them and spells were being shot, but Sophie was briefly frozen as others took care of it and she watched everyone else's wands. So much tragedy, so many things going wrong-- and the only thing that shook her from her stupor was Dakest doing what Dakest did best: be a boss. There was earth splitting, there was fire, there was a sweaty professor and then Culloden was telling everyone to run-- but then spiders were running TOWARD them, too many too count and Sophie thought they were all about to be taken then and there, and then... the spiders moved right on past them, deeper into the forest.

...Well then. That was... one way to do it.

As the group already made the quick decision to hurry back to the castle and not linger too long, Sophie let the very capable Henric take care of Ilia, who seemed to be doing just fine on her own, too - and Soph held back as long as she dared, too, watching Dakest with curiosity as he doused the fire, then offered the man a very weak smile before running - and in her mind, racing him - back to the castle.

But what would be the fate of Hogwarts? Were all going to be present and accounted for and in good health?