Meh, Brooklyn wasn’t about to bother moving, not after she’d gotten to the Great Hall and found her perch on top of the Slytherin table. Even as prefects and then Professor Bellaire had called for them to report, she’d stayed where she was. It was their own fault if they couldn’t see the tiny redhead sitting on the table, practically in the middle of it as a matter of fact. She remembered way back before Christmas, the fear potion and her and Cutty being bit by something that had made them sick. That Cutty had said it was spiders, which only seemed more accurate now that there were [i]acromantulas[i] invading and taking people. Taking the headmistress, even, and thinking about the fear potion homework made her look around the room. Lots of people, lots of adults now that Hogsmeade people and Ministry people had burst in too, but she didn’t see Cutty or Ethan. An analytical look crossed her face at that, but she remained quiet.

Her wand was in her lap, but she wasn’t stupid enough to volunteer for any search and rescue team, or the charm people who thought they could trick the acromantulas. She’d sty here tyvm, and blast anything with eight legs that tried to get anywhere near her. Even if it meant being on Professor Flamsteed’s team, and Professor Moxley. And apparently Frankie, who looked about as willing to go out there as she was. Nope. She was staying right where she was, and she wasn’t speaking. Not unless it was going to be blasting spiders to smithereens.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Felixir

Lip wibbling was happening, as much as Toby didn't want it to, and he quickly stepped down from the bench so it wasn't that easy to see. Okay. Well. He regretted coming out from under the table, and wondered if he wouldn't be able to go back under there now and hope that the situation resolved itself. Though logically he knew that that... was not going to happen.

Then Airey was there, with a hand on shoulder, and despite everything it was mildly comforting at least. So Airey was STAYING, and that meant there would be work to do here, yes? Did that mean Toby could stay? He looked up at the man at the shoulder squeeze, attempting a smile but sort of failing miserably. He let out a sigh and rubbing at his face with both hands. This had to be a nightmare, right? Toby couldn't remember ever having a nightmare before, but he imagined this was what it felt like.
...

Hand still on Mr. Toby's shoulder, Airey was now attempting to hatch a plan to help distract the boy. No, not distract...hone his nervous energy and put it into something productive. The only thought that came to his mind was the same tactic he used on himself after the accident: teaching.

"Mr. Toby, perhaps it would be a good idea to gather those who are staying and instruct them on some defensive spells? " he suggested with a quick wink. Not really just a suggestion as an indirect order to go ahead and start doing that. Just because they were sitting here in the Great Hall did not mean that they should sit back twiddling their thumbs and play Exploding Snap - WHICH, he actually did have on his person right now. "Keep our minds sharp and reflexe---"

Well, hello there Miss Brown.

OH SWEET SOLSTICE. LOOKING AWAY. LOOKING AWAY.

And then came the abrupt pulling on his chest. No, not pulling...crushing. As if a super massive black hole had sucked it up and was now being crushed by its high gravitational force. At the same time his reality seemed to split in two. In one, the astronomer was instantly incinerated by the chaos and destruction that was Hogwarts at this moment, and in the other one he wasn't at Hogwarts at all..but home with...

Holding Pebbles and Boulder even closer now, he swallowed and moved away from the pair with his thoughts.

Yes. Focus. Assemble those staying. Do that.

Quote:

Originally Posted by TakemetotheBurrow

...

When volunteers were deciding where they would go, the muggle studies professor finally called out, "I'll stay here and help man the fort, as well!" She worked well with rocket man and she had a soft spot for the ickles so this was a good place for her. The best place, in fact.
...

Which included Meri-berry. He threw his colleage a quick salute as shopkeepers from Hogsmeade AND the Ministry arrived.

Thank Merlin.

Quote:

Originally Posted by lazykitty

Yep, she was already headed towards Professor Flamsteed. Who was volunteering to stay. Which was a good thing, because then she couldn't be accused of not being a Gryffindor if she stayed behind as well. She didn't think it was a good idea to be out there fighting with a newly healed rib. It needed to babyed.

Also, Heather was wondering why it seemed like Quigley was in charge. "Where's the Headmistress?" she asked, coming up behind the group of Gryffindors. 'Cause, you know, she'd kind of missed the first part of the speech there. "Staying too, by the way."

"Taken," he informed the Gryffindor with a firm nod of the head. "By the acromantulas."

Not that that REALLY needed clarification or anything.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roselyn

For reals?

"Ooh..." he fidgeted a bit more, as if he had to go to the bathroom, but he was itching to go back and get his precious toad. Alas, professor's words were like...law, right? "Okay. Maybe." His stomach felt simply awful. Biting the inside of his cheek, he took a deep breath...

POUT.

He could tell by the look on the young man's face the the professor's words had not been convincing, but they were all he had to share for the time being.

"Keep sharp your mind, Mr. McWitty," he said with as much encouragement as he could muster at the moment. "Wand at the ready and work on your Shield charms."

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tazenhani

...

His gaze drifted over to Toby, and Flamsteed standing by as the most solid support he'd ever seen the man. A true beacon of strength, even with the rocks tucked under his arms.
...

Sabel received a small nod of the head as he continued to walk the room collecting those staying behind.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DuckyLinJi

Yoongi saw the Hogsmeade people and even a few of ministry entering through the door but he didn't pay much attention to them. He was looking at Marsha and gave a small smile as she nearly started to cry. He wanted to tell her that everything was going to be okay but he couldn't. He perfectly well knew what he had signed up for so he couldn't lie and make promises he couldn't uphold. So he continued to smile as she told them about a Ravenclaw. He got it, she wanted to be with the people she liked. "Good idea, Marsha but i also want you to stay close to Professor Flamsteed or any of the other adults" he nodded his head, yes she would be safe with them. ...

Oh! That was his name? Yes?

Not sure which direction it came from, Airey waved his hand. Over here!

"All those staying to protect the Great Hall over this way," he shouted with some wild flailing of his arms. Maybe they could provide some additional cover for those running off to the forest somehow. Once the plan was in action that is.

Maggie. Hit. Her. No one had ever physically struck Dot before, or even really handled her roughly, and all she could do was stand there with her hand on her cheek, eyes welling, and feel like the worst thing in the world had just happened to her. Maybe worse than Noel getting snatched or people being scared and crazy and mean. She went from feeling very very safe in her sphere of influence to realizing, sadly, that anyone could touch her. Hit her.

Hurt her.

And then she just turned around and expected Dot would be able to stand here and converse like nothing had happened. Dot pressed her fingers against the rising red mark on her face and hurried away. Figure it out for yourself, you horrible troll-baby.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweetpinkpixie

Not sure which direction it came from, Airey waved his hand. Over here!

"All those staying to protect the Great Hall over this way," he shouted with some wild flailing of his arms. Maybe they could provide some additional cover for those running off to the forest somehow. Once the plan was in action that is.

It was pretty obvious that Dot wasn't going to be allowed to go outside, and she was starting to think she didn't want to. IN the heat of the moment, it seemed like she was SO brave, but mostly she just wanted to be doing something other than feeling all those... feelings. Terror and confusion and anger and ugh. All of those.

But she was also only fifteen years old, and not very brave or clever or interesting, and her face really HURT from where Maggie had hit her. So... mostly she just really wanted her mum, or Kyroh, or Dima... or anyone who would hug her and tell her they weren't going to have to do this anymore. Her best bet was to stick close to Professor StarMan, who wasn't foolhardy.

"I can help, sir professor man." She rubbed her cheek and waited for directions.

Everything was getting loud and confusing real fast. Students shouting across the room, Professors giving orders. The man was getting a headache. His ears throbbed painfully, matching the rhythm of the throbbing veins in his forehead. A quiet room would be appreciated after this was all over but for now, he would suffer through.

"We don't have much time and need to minimize our margin for error. Last I heard, the spiders took them off in the direction of the forest. I leave the removal of the agelines to the Professors in on that. Let's get a move on that." Seemed the spiders had travelled far to escape the ageline when taking their victims back. They on the other hand didn't have the luxury of time and needed to bust in immediately. "Those willing to go on the defensive need to be at the ready. The Daydream charm is powerful enough and it'll already contain one basilisk. With the snake skin cover you lot will compose the other one. It'll allow you to get close enough to stun and blast these spiders when they come charging. Once I've cast at the door try not to head through it or you'll be under the daydream charm as well." Because they WOULD come charging, he could feel it.

"Charmers with me." The Professor stepped down from the dais, finally removing that painful charm from his throat. Normal talk now, yeah? No more of that loud stuff?

The man headed for the door to the Great Hall, trusting those that had volunteered would be right behind him. "What we'll need to do is cast this charm on any and all entrances. It'll take focus and concentration. Leave no windows or doorways unchecked. We need these creatures believing without a doubt that they are face to face with their worst nightmare and that'll take intent and imagination. Now listen closely." As he spoke, he pressed his ears to the door, trying to pick up anything with their over-sensitivity. From what he could tell the coast was clear. "I'll take this one, by means of a demonstration. The incantation is 'Sentio Somnium' and you'll make a circular motion in the direction of the object you want charmed."

Maddox cautiously pulled the door open, just a little then all at once. "Everyone out, I don't want you walking through this door after I've cast it, not yet anyway." They'd have to when they fell back to help protect the castle. The man waited a moment for them to step through before drawing his wand and casting. "Everyone clear on that?"

Torie whimpered as he heard the words 'staying to protect the Great Hall to go over that way. He'd heard Chris ask if he could just stay under the table, and Jay was with Toby now. He was sitting there all alone and didn't want to be alone, so he headed over to the Astronomy professor. Defense, protecting the hall, and the school. Okay, he could do this. Mum had said they were great at defense, so he just needed to be more assure of himself. If he could do that and believe he wouldn't fail he'd survive be able to help. He didn't want to come back next year now and would probably beg mum and dad to stay home, but he wanted to get out of there alive first! Taking a deep breath he got to his feet and headed towards the professor.

Sophia still didn't like the idea of students being involved in this. She was sure that there were enough staffers and adult personnel to control the situation but alas, the decision was not up to up to her.

While Maddox rounded up the students she turned her back to everyone and started summoning the drabes hanging around the great all to her. They all floated leisurely over Ro her and piled themselves at her feet.

A few fancy wand moves and inaudible mutterings later, a pile of snake skin was present where the drapes were. Not too shabby....but no time to admire her work. She turned around to address the students.

"Everyone who is staying behind to help..get your snake skin and prepare yourself for the daydream charm."

As for her, well she was going to stand here and kill some spiders.

This seemed to be getting worse and worse with the plans being formed and decided because Jenna didn't really feel up to being a part of either of them. Run toward the acromantulas in a rescue mission? Nope, no thanks. Help cast the Daydream Charm? She couldn't even cast it yet. Why wasn't there a go-hide-somewhere-that's-actually-safe option?

But then there was. Kinda? The closest thing to it at least, and that was stay here and "protect the castle". Yeah, okay. That at least sounded a lot more reasonable to her.

So she shuffled over to where Professors Flamsteed and Moxley were, still not saying a word and just wanting to hide - or, um, protect the Great Hall. Yeah, that.

Well Cassie knew she was little, she was only five foot tall, but the blonde had a voice and a loud one at that. She just couldn't believe Maddox and Sophia didn't hear her say about the Basilisk scent. There just be so much going on that they didn't hear over all the other students and things.

Turning to Toby she gave him a small little smile, "You will be home once term is over. Home and graduated." She couldn't believe he'd be graduated soon, but no time to dwell on that. Glad to see his necklace she dug in her purse. "Pass them out to anyone who hasn't gotten one yet." She needed to get the Vials to the ones being snakes.

Her smile grew as Leo said he would be doing the search group too. She felt better knowing he would be there with her and the students. Though she did stop in front of Javy and handed over a necklace. "Just a little extra help. Though I know you can handle your own with creatures." Now she was off on a mission.

She quickly went over to Ab, "Here I'm going to put some of this scent on you so it works extra well." Placing some of his tablecloth she gave him a good luck nod and turned for the next person.

"If you are being a tablecloth or drape snake I have some vials of scent over here to put some on before heading out, it will be real quick." She head them up so the students knew where to come.

"Sabel this seems like your expertise I think you should be the leader for this." Unless he had someone else in my for the search and rescue.

Well.

Daphne would have liked to have known who this guy was, but she guessed the front line was no place for introductions. He seemed legit, though, and there was nobody else standing here giving orders, so she gave him her undivided attention. She felt a shiver go through her body at the sound of spiders taking humans off to the forest. It was bad enough that ANYBODY got that fate, but it could have been her Kate.

Daphne followed the man to the door, not wanting to get caught up in the Daydream Charm. Her wand was still at her side and ready to go when need be. In the back of her mind, she tried not to think about the fact that she was trained to be a dragon researcher. She didn't even belong on the front line in a war against spiders.

Daphne knew the incantation, but she watched the demonstration anyway before heading out the door and away from the line of fire. "Got it," she told him, passing him by then getting out the way to allow for others to come through, too.

Kate thought herself to be on the tall side for her age, but right now, she was feeling so small. There were way too many people in one area, and it seemed very few of them knew what to do. Kate included. She'd talked to her mother long enough to hear that the woman was heading out to the front lines to do most of the fighting. Kate didn't want her mom to do most of the fighting. She wanted her mom right here with her.

...because Kate was scared.

Somewhere in the crowd, Kate heard a familiar voice and decided to follow it. Staying behind to protect the Great Hall sounded good to her. That meant all she had to do was find Professor Flamsteed and stay put. Finding him, Kate looked up and said, "I'd like to stay behind and protect the Great Hall." Did that mean she could just go hide behind a table somewhere and come out when this was all over?

"Well,I'm ready! We have to stick together, we're going to be okay,Yoongi...Professor Dakest with us,"Henric told Yoongi.

What?! There was no way any of them going to hold him back from finding his friends! He was almost as tall as any of the older students, he was not a small child anymore. Besides, he knew a few defensive spells and he could take on any one of those blasted spiders if he must! He was still capable of inflicting damage even with one bandaged arm! There wasn't enough time to think logically! Lives were at stake here! Henric was about to burst out what exactly on his mind but stopped himself when Dakest started to speak for them. "Yeah! What he said!"he agreed fiercely.No bloody way he was going to stay in here.

"I'm joining, I won't let them take away my friends and the headmistress, I can fight if you let me,I'll follow orders.. I will!"Henric told them, gritting his teeth. They were going on an offensive, that was the plan. They had Dakest with them, he was the best Defence Against the Dark Arts professor in Hogwarts. There was noway any of them going to be harm when he's around.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anna Banana

With a mixture of fright and sadness in her blue eyes, Kate just glanced over at Caleb. Her mom was here, which meant the Creatures department had been called in. "Do you think the people on the front line will make it out okay?" she asked. Casting a daydream charm was one thing, but Kate figured her mom was heading out to fight the spiders one-on-one. Or worse, one-on-a thousand.

Kate pushed herself off the bench and went to stand by Caleb. She didn't know where he was going, but he was an of-age wizard offering to let her stay with him. It didn't take being a Ravenclaw to know you shouldn't say no to that.

Caleb had been watching quietly as a woman, who Caleb could only assume was Kate's mum, came over and told her to stay out of the fight. Well that was kind of cool, her mom being at the fight and everything - but he could also see why that would be like, SUPER terrifying.

"They'll be fine. THEY'RE the experts on those spiders, after all," he assured her. "And we should probably stay here and help with the daydream charm. The more successful we are with THAT, the better THEIR odds will be on the front line," he added. Now that he had a small group of Ravenclaws to look after (wasn't this like, Gabe's job or something?) he was using that as an EXCELLENT excuse to not do ANY fighting. Plus, Bellaire and Murdoch would probably KILL him if he volunteered to fight.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sarahlooo

And then, out of nowhere, came Caleb to chew out Damien for trying to be a Gryffindor. HAH. SEE? Not that a prefect's word really meant anything (sorry guys), but it was another person telling him not to DIE.

And then he was charging toward her.

OOF. Evie got a little bit of air knocked out of her when Caleb gave her the biggest (and only?) hug he had ever given her. Slightly weakened, Evie stumbled back a step, but managed to keep her footing. It was reassuring to know that Caleb had been so worried about her. Evie had no idea he had seen them disappear into the chamber. And it had taken that long to get help? They didn't even get help, they escaped on their own!

Was she okay? Hah, yeah, she was great... "I've been better." There really was no point in lying. She probably looked like a zombie. She felt like one too. "Don't tell me you're about to go fight on the front lines, too." Because that would be ANOTHER person leaving her.

"Should I call Murdoch over?" Caleb asked her, raising an eyebrow. He didn't want her like, passing out on him or anything. That wouldn't be good, and would just make her an easier target should the spiders break through!

He shook his head. "Nope, no WAY. I'm not bloody insane," he told her with a small grin. "Besides, I've got to look out for Kate here," he added, playfully nudging the younger girl. Maybe if he tried to joke around a bit, he'd feel less nervous, and the people around him would be less nervous too...

It was the best way to calm his own nerves right now.

Quote:

Originally Posted by nicole black

SPOILER!!: Caleb and Evie

Evie was begging him. She was actually begging Damien not to do this and it hurt his heart. He moved forward as he tugged him, his lips set into a painful grimace as an ache shot through his leg. "I'm no good at Charms Evie, I'd mess everything up!" He said. Stunning spells, defense that was what he was good at, Damien wasn't even sure he knew how to do the daydream spell and the thought of making a mistake in such a dire circumstance filled him with dread.

But then Evie said please and he saw the fear and the worry mangled up in her dark eyes. There it was again, the urge to protect and to keep safe. He ran a hand through his hair and he as about to reply when the Prefect walked up.

Damien didn't know this dude, well, he'd seen the dude, but they'd never spoke and he definitely didn't know his name which made it kind of weird and awkward and really surprising when the guy started on him. He clenched his jaw, blue eyes set in an uncharacteristic glare. As much as the Chicago born boy wanted to disagree, he knew that this guy was right.....

Damn it all.

"Fine." He said, almost spitting out the words. "Fine, I'll stay and do the charm." He looked to Evangeline. "You're with me, okay?" Damien wasn't letting her get injured or taken, no, he'd gotten her into this mess, he'd make sure she got out.

Who was the team? Eden, Gabe... there were others, too many for him to count, but it was a solid lineup. They could do this.

Oh good! He'd actually talked the kid into staying! Well, ok, probably Evie did because she was the one who actually knew him. He was just being a bossy prefect who was still a little annoyed that the kid had broken into the Chamber of Secrets in the first place. But that was all water under the bridge now.

"Good idea, mate. I'm Caleb, by the way - hope your leg isn't too bad," he added, figuring it would be a gesture of goodwill to ask how it was doing. They needed everyone in a good mood - as much of a good mood as they could muster - so they could get the strongest charm possible!

Seeee? Adi knew it. AJ would want to go. “I know you do but it’s up to the Professors now, I guess.’’ Even if had been up to him, he wouldn't stop her. She wasn’t one of those bigger girls that needed protection though sometimes it was difficult for him to remember that. It was safe to say he adored her bravery.

Waiting.

Grrrrr. This was one of those times Adi was not pleased about waiting this time around. He nodded understandingly at Dakest then averted his eyes to the other happenings around him. He wasn’t going to go against his Professors. He respected them far too much to do that but he wished they and the other arrivals would hurry things up. Who knew what was going on out in the Forest… “No. I have to think positively,’’ he told himself and without realising it, he was rocking Marsha from side to side gently as she clung to him. But then Dakest was speaking to him again. “I understand, Professor. I WANT to go.’’ Needed to … he also needed to go. He had failed Ilia and needed to make up for it. Or at least try to. As for Lux, he just wanted her back.

And WHAT the heck was Angel saying? Did she think this was a joke or something? Adi gave her a cold stare. Did she think the spiders were stupid? For Merlin’s sake, they had infiltrated Hogwarts for however long and no one had realised anything until it was too late. If anybody needed to stay back here to help it was her and not AJ.

With a shake of his head in disbelief at AJ’s sister, Adi turned his attention to the voice that seemed to have come nowhere. Shifting slightly, he looked down to see Janelle. He smiled instantly at her words. Awwh, it was so nice of her to say that. “I’ll be back, Janelle. Don’t worry. You keep an eye out on the younger students and do your best spell work.’’ Adi put a hand around her to give her a tight hug. Without realising it, it he gotten another little sister. And yes, he did know Janelle was only a second year but she was VERY mature so she could look out for others.

Airey was calling the students who were staying back at that moment. “Marsha? Professor Flamsteed’s calling for you guys.’’ Gosh, and the man was being dramatic about it. LOL. Buuuut… back to Marsha. “Hey, you’ll be safe, okay? Yoongi’s right. Stay close to an adult. Do your best spell work today.’’ It was the same encouragement he had given Janelle but it was all he had. Adi gave Marsha one of his squishy hugs and a smile before setting her down. “I’ll see you later.’’ The search and rescue group would have to head out soon , yes?

Adi stuck closely with AJ, Henric (hopefully those two would be allowed to come) and Yoongi. Also, Professor Cassie was right. Dakest SHOULD be the leader.

Eden was all about the charming life. Well, like, she normally got Charms pretty well...for the most part. It reminded her of that one time Cutty had cast the same charm on her----

She quickly shook that memory out of her head because it had been...a truly shiny moment in their relationship, and it made her tummy feel weird, like a mixture of happy and sad at the same time. Meh.

Grabbing Gabe's hand again, Eden stepped closer to Quigley and listened closely to the directions. So they were about to...get into action. All right then.

"Sentio Somnium..." she whispered to herself. Normally, in class, she'd be quite nervous about getting the spell right, but right now...she just really focused on saving the castle! For Bunz! For Lux and Cinna and the rest of them! Her confidence wasn't shaken a bit--which was good, too. She squeezed Gabe's hand to reassure him--oh, she knew he'd be good at this, Wasn't he good at everything?

So now..she waited for Quigley's cue to go ahead and get started.

OH LOOK ADULTS!!!!! MORE ADULTS!!!!

So her plan had been a good one after all. The Hogsmeade shopkeepers were here. They HAD come here. Which was awesome because more adults meant a better chance at winning this thing without too many student casualties. It would mean that they wouldn't be standing in the front line, right?

And then even the MINISTRY people arrived. Not the ones she'd been hoping for but ones apparently good at dealing with magical creatures. Which she supposed was good too. Maybe they had inside knowledge on how to deal with those acromantulas. Aside from pretending to be a Basilisk.

Maggie still voted for just killing all of them.



And she'd been IGNORED.

HER QUESTION HAD BEEN IGNORED!!! HOW RUDE!!?!?!?!?!?!?

So now she didn't know what to do or which group to join.

Dot was good with those things. Dot had a similar sense of self preservation as Maggie did. So she turned around to ask the other Slytherin....only to find her gone. Or well, not where she'd last seen her. Instead she was over there with Professor Flamsteed. Holding her cheek. Oh yeah that. Maggie didn't exactly feel bad about it but would agree that it had been bad timing.

THEY WERE AT WAR AFTER ALL.

So she just stared at Dot for a moment. Right. Okay. Not asking her then.

Naturally the group staying here seemed to be the safest. But then again IF the acromantulas did break through they would be trapped in here. And to be honest, Maggie preferred to be out in the open with the option of running away and hiding somewhere. It was a lot more appealing to her than sitting in the Great Hall, pretty much WAITING for the acromantulas to come and eat them.

And seeing as Professor Dakest was with the search and rescue team, that's where Maggie was going to go. "I'm not staying in here." She stated once she'd reached him. Fact.

The Gryffindor waited for Professor Dakest to give him a warning because he spoke rudely to him. But then he told him he would try to remember and he got a clap on the shoulder again followed with a laugh. This made him slightly uncomfortable. Had he been laughing AT him or?.... There was no time to think about it because someone he did not know spoke up about not wanting kids to do the rescue. Yoongi wanted to open his mouth, saying that he was not a kid, that he knew perfectly well what he was doing and that they weren’t helpless until Dakest spoke. He couldn’t help let out a chuckle when he said that they had easier time convincing the acromantulas to surrender. And to make a point, Yoongi nodded his head firmly.

Besides, he was not scared….he was terrified! So if they thought they were doing this to be some kind of heroes than they were wrong. But there were lives at stake and if that meant fighting to save them then so be it. Besides, didn’t three eleven year olds stopped you-know-who from coming back? No one helped them at that point.

”I know” Yoongi said as Henric told them they would be okay. He trusted this little group. He had seen most them (Adi, Henric, Sophie) fight at the Entrance Hall with him. They could do this. The Gryffindor looked at Adi as he also told Marsha to be with the Professors and he was glad he gave her some kind of encouragement.

Anyways, Professor Morgan was right. There should be a leader and obviously it should be Professor Dakest. He had the most knowledge about this. Him and The CoMC Professor. Yoongi did not even ask if it was okay if he came along as well. The man had already promised not to use difficult terms which meant he was going. At least, he took it as that. ”I promise to listen to every command, Sir” should he salute? Nah too corny.

Benzi had a good question though. Where were they holding them? His first answer would be the Forbidden Forest. That’s where he would take them if he were a spider. And then Professor Quigley confirmed his thoughts.

Now, were they just going to stand there and make a plan or just go with the flow?

The shrinking potion casually wore off and soon Cutty was sitting in his spot on the ground hidden from plain sight below the bobbing heads of fellow Hogwartsians and absorbing the information that was all around him. The brave, the scared, the emotionally invested as well as the well checked-out. Emotions. The situation, far from inspiring any of those things in him instead filled him with a full charged sensation of excitement. It was a challenge. A field test. And one during which people, including himself, could and probably would die.

People had probably already died.

But in the case of the Headmistress it was more troubling, because of what that would mean for the open vacancy of office. But even then, it wasn't that bad. Botros in that position might actually be...fun. Though, probably not in the way the more adjusted think of fun.

Cutty stood up when a witch bearing chocolate wands entered. He helped himself to one and swung it back and forth and if giving it a testing. Like it were a real wand. Did he detect a nougat and peanut butter center with 40% cacao?

"Hey Caleb! Yer stayin' back, then? Like a pansy?" He said still playing with the wand. "Betteh throw yer arms around me and kiss me whilst yew've got the chance. Yer may not see me again, mate cause I'm goin' in." It'd be a good opportunity to see how he and Benzi's private lessons paid off too.

There was STILL too much going on.

On top of his peers and the school professors, several more adults were now flooding into the Great Hall. Where did they come from?...Who had summoned them? Were they here to smuggle them...to safety? If there was a secure way in...surely, there was also a secure way out.

Why were they....planning to fight again? Why weren't they running? And hiding? And....and saving what lives weren't already lost?! How long had it been already? Hours? Several hours?!...Both the Headmistress and Noel Wallace were most likely dead. Eaten. Ripped apart...and...Merlin...

The Great Hall was beginning to slowly spin around him, forcing the Ravenclaw to slam his eyes shut. There was some doubling over, as well...as he gasped for breaths. He suddenly felt very overwhelmed, which was more crushing than his fear. If that made sense. It was more intense...and the over-thinking, accompanied by the loud noises, shouting, rushing around....it only made everything seem more severe.

He couldn't handle this room.

When were they leaving this room?

So engrossed in his own mind was he, that Gabriel didn't even notice Clara. Not at first, anyway. After Eden retook his hand, it seemed to snap him back into focus...and he glanced around, eyes owlish. This was really happening. They were preparing to fight. What....in the hell were they thinking?! THIS WASN'T LOGICAL!

Being securely attached to Eden Mcgee, Gabe had been tugged through the massive door...and only noticed after the fact that they were no longer standing in the hall...

What?!

Gabriel...hadn't realized they would be.....would be NOT in the Great Hall...

uh...uuuuuuuh...

Looking around wildly, he tried....so...very, VERY hard to put on a brave face. Beside him, Eden was muttering the spell....

Was he scared?

Yes.

Yes, he was.

When she reached Gabriel, she was expecting ..... something, some sort of recognition that she was alive and well, but nothing. He didn't even bat an eyelash. Clara tried to work through that in her mind, but was interrupted by Eden- EDEN! She clung on to her, overcome with emotions. "I can tell you were worried," she mumbled dryly, too quiet for either of them to hear. "Don't worry about me, though, I was only passed out and almost didn't make it here. It's not a big deal," she said a little louder and a little too coldly.

She stepped out of the embrace and took in her surroundings. People from the Ministry were now arriving, and it looked as if some plan had been formed. They were asking for volunteers to help out front, and for others to help in the Great Hall. Huh. Clara turned back to her two closest friends, about to speak, and noticed them ...... holding hands ... something she was not expecting. A lump formed in her throat, but she was well aware that this wasn't a good time to get jealous or ... or territorial, or whatever the hell she was wanting to do, so she stopped looking.

Instead, she followed them to where Professor Quigley was explaining the plan of action. "I want to help," she said a little louder, glancing between her two Ravenclaws, and slid past them. She'd made it this far practically on her own, she could make it out there. She would not be passing out this time. Swallowing the ball of, uh, fear, or whatever, she stepped even further forward, not even looking behind her, because she didn't want to see.

She was focused.

She had people she wanted to protect. Brian. Rusty. Kyroh. Her friends, and more. Not to mention this would be great practise for the future. Assuming she would make it out alive, that is. Strangely enough, she didn't feel frightened, not it her usual sense. She felt the sense of underlying panic, along with sweaty palms, but something within her had switched off.

"All clear," the Seventh year confirmed.

Janelle hugged Adi tightly. She didn't want to let go, but she knew that she must. Looking up at him, she nodded her head. "I will. I'll do my best to make sure everyone is OK. Be safe." As for the charm part, she would have to do her very best because people's lives depended on it. Hearing Professor Quigley calling all charmers, Janelle gave Adi a little wave and headed over to join her new group.

There were several of her housemates there already. Good. Janelle gave Eden a nod. For some reason the older girl made her feel calmer. That was very good. Janelle followed the professor as he headed out of the Great Hall and gave him her undivided attention. Hearing the plan, it all became real. They were going to do this, they had to make it work. If ever there was a time for Janelle to pull out her A-game. This was it. She had to charm like she never had before. There was no room for mistakes or misses.

Sentio Somnium. Janelle began repeating it softly under her breath. Then she made a circular motion without her wand and added the incantation. They had to hit all of the entrances-check. Janelle was ready, well as ready as she would ever be. Now she had to get her mind together because concentration was key. She couldn't afford to lose focus for even a second. Trying to get herself in the zone, Janelle waited for further instructions.

He listened as everyone began talking and moving around. Hops wasn't sure exactly which teams needed more people since no one was really saying, but he was wanting to do as much as he could. "I can join the basilisk group." Moving over he took a tablecloth and wrapped it around as he saw Abraham do.

Once he moved to from that to the woman with the scent he got himself ready. "What is the exact plan for us? Once the charm is cast we head out?" He was willing to risk his life to protect these children, but he'd like to know what he was going to do. With all the chaos and noise he was afraid he missed directions.

At some point in the last few minutes, Toby had taken to chewing aggressively on his fingernails in his state of high anxiety, as usual not even realising he was doing it. He'd registered the fact that Moxley was staying behind too, and found some relief in that. Moxley was good people. Toby liked her a whole lot, and even though she was very exuberant, he often found her general positivity sort of soothing. Though honestly Toby wasn't sure how well that would really work today.

But... oh GOOD. The creatures were SAFE. With that worry assuaged, Toby felt another little wash of relief... one that quickly left him as he realised that Professor Thompson had just said he was going OUT THERE??? IN THE ATTACK?? Toby's eyes went wide and he stared after him. "But... but..." His vision started to go a little cloudy again as tears formed, and he wanted to go join that group too... especially when Dakest turned out to be going with them...

But AIREY was talking to him and had a plan and Toby looked up at the man as he spoke, eager for something else to focus on so he could stop thinking about... everything else. Because everything ELSE was bringing on the emotions and that was unacceptable. He swallowed a lump in his throat and nodded along with everything. "Yeah... yeah, okay... I can... yeah." And he had the necklaces from the SNAC club to hand out, like Professor Cassie had said to do.

And then Soph happened.

She WAS there, right in front of him, telling him she was going. He should be going out there, too, not staying in here, kidding himself that he was protecting others but most likely just being protected himself when he didn't need protecting at all.

"I..." Toby finally managed when Soph was already halfway back to the other group. He wanted to join her, but he couldn't. He was staying with Airey and he WOULD help look after the other kids. Toby knew that was where he'd be most helpful, but he didn't want to be separated from anyone either, not Soph or Javy or Dakest, and he could already feel the guilt creeping in for not going out to help. He blinked, and the tears in his eyes finally spilled over, causing Toby to curse himself harshly under his breath as he tried to wipe them away. But they kept coming and there was nowhere to really go where nobody could see him because there were people EVERYWHERE and even the spaces under the tables weren't much of a hiding spot anymore.

It was then that he realised that the comforting hand on his shoulder, courtesy of Flamsteed, had gone, and the Hufflepuff dragged his sleeve across his face to try and wipe all the tears (from his ALLERGIES) away before urgently looking around for the guy.

Where was he where where where where where had he gone?

WAIT. THERE. Toby SAW him, or rather he heard him first, and immediately started towards him, still wiping his face with his sleeve from time to time as he wordlessly made his way through the crowd, finding first years and other young students that were staying behind and shepherding them towards Flamsteed.

At last he reached him, and automatically drew went to stand right up next to Airey, practically sticking to him like GLUE and just about refraining from going all out and clinging to the man's suit. He was staying here, with the professor, hovering around him like some sort of... moon. YEP.

"Def-defensive spells, y-yeah?" Toby said, his voice thick with all the emotions. He sniffed, seemed to realise he was still, uhh... obviously emotional, and quickly turned so that his face was away from the majority of people so he could wipe at his face and eyes and compose himself as much as possible. C'mon, Toby. STOP CRYING. A few more deep breaths with maybe a tiny sob slipping through again to try and calm himself down and no feel quite so sick, and he turned back again. Defensive spells. Help the kids. He was fine. "Sorry. Al-allergies." Ahem. "OKay. Defensive... s-spells. Helping. R-right."

With her head in Adi’s shoulder, she didn’t really notice all of the new adults arriving, though when she looked up next she did notice that she didn’t recognise half of the adults in the room now. That, and she had no idea where they had arrived from. However she assumed they were from the Ministry or Hogsmede as she had heard the Professors suggesting them for help. Other than that assumption though, she had no idea. Silently, she wished that her aunts Leza or Mammy or her uncle Logan would be arriving - but she assumed they were from the wrong departments… sighsigh.

Twisting her head slightly, she smiled at Professor Dakest. It wasn’t a big smile, or the usual happy smile that lit up her eyes, but it was a smile none-the-less. Then Sophie, one of the Prefects, was arriving. Marsha didn’t think that she had really talked to her over the last year - but she was smart, and seemed to do really really well in her classes… so she felt glad that Sophie and Dakest were going with Adi and AJ and she assumed her aunt Benny would be there too… She didn’t like that anyone was going TOWARDS the acromantulas, but she figured it was a good thing that such strong students were going…

Marsha turned her head slightly to look at Yoongi and once again couldn’t help feeling like she wanted to keep all of these people close to her and away from the big scary spiders. The Welsh girl wanted to hold everyone close to her close and not let them get hurt - but she wasn’t big enough to do that… she wasn’t able to… So she needed to let them go so they could protect each other. With a small nod against Adi’s shoulder, Marsha nodded. ”I’ll stay close to Xandra and Professor Airey…”- and anyone else who was staying behind to ‘protect the hall’ as they had put it. Silently, she thought it was just gonna be a group of people too scared to attack… and she knew she was one of them.

Sniffing slightly, Marsha nodded her head as Adi told her that Bellaire was just over reacting. Ha. Over reacting was saying that this was going to be impossible, rather than REALLY difficult. Over reacting was anything other than attempting to freak out every single person in the room. They all knew how bad it COULD be, but why did that have to be the main thing that they were talking about. Humph. Cling!Cling.

Nodding her head slightly, Marsha looked around the room. ”Her name is Alexandra Eris? She is a sixth year Ravenclaw?” Looking around once more, Marsha gulped and sighed. ”She is likely to be sitting against one of the walls, away from everyone else. She’s blind so I don’t think she would want to be in anyone else’s way right now when they are trying to get sorted to find the others…” She gave a small smile to AJ as she too agreed to help find aunt X before going to look for the Headmistress and the other students.

Although, before they could leave Professor Dakest told Adi that he could help them by staying here and looking after the younger students - and her… but Marsha shook her head again his shoulder. That wasn’t happening, and she smiled a little when Adi and AJ said as much to the Professor. There… Good. As scared as she was, she wasn’t going to hold back the students who COULD do something to protect the kids and the school.

BENZI! Marsha couldn’t help the small sigh that escaped her lips at seeing the older Ravenclaw. She was glad that he was okay; she was SUPER glad that she wouldn’t have to tell Suri or Rachel that something had happened to him. She couldn’t have dealt with that conversation or with having to think that anyone she knew was seriously injured or hurt.

In fact, where was Lance? She had seen him before but she had lost track of him… Oh grifin, where was he? Snapping her head around though as she heard her voice being shouted out, she saw Lance. Oh, thank Griffin! Though, she then heard Professor Airey shouting out for those who were staying behind to join him.

NO! That meant leaving Adi. Sigh, sigh. ”Be safe… okay.” She wasn’t just saying that to Adi though, she was saying to to AJ and Yoongi and Benzi and Benny and everyone else who was going to go and fight for their protection. She needed them to be safe, okay? As Adi set her down on the floor, she gave him one more hug before moving around the circle. Yoongi got a hug, well she motioned for a hug and ended up clinging her arms around his waist/torso. Then Benzi and Benny got a hug, she REALLY needed them all to come back safely. Okay? Good. Finally, Angel got a quick hug.

THEN, she ran to Lance, wrapped her arms around his neck (finally someone small like her) and clung to him. ”I’m glad you are okay… Did you get down from the Common Room okay?” Pulling away, he took his hand instead and led him back over to their Head of House. She was here, and safe and trying not to freak the heck out.

And just like that, Marsha clapped her eyes on Dot. DOT! Letting go of Lance (she would be back, don’t worry), she moved to surprise!cling!hug Dot. ”Are you okay? Did you get here safely? Did they attack you? Do you need the healer?” She asked, speaking a hundred miles a minute as she looked at the older ginger Slytherin who was holding her cheek.

Letting go of Dot from her death grip, she slipped one of her hands into Dots and took Lance’s with her second hand. There. Looking over Professor Airey’s shoulder, she saw Xandra. Thank griffin. She was happy now… Sort of. She saw her hugging Logan and smiled softly, they were so cute.

Looking around the group, she smiled at Jenna, having seen her around the school and in classes a few times since they had met last summer. Kate got a smile too as she joined them. She felt a little better as she noted that some of the older students had elected to stay behind as well to protect them (Caleb, Evie, Damien, Toby)... no offense to the Professors, but there were a lot more younger students than them… so safety in numbers… right?

Taking in a deep, shaky breath the twelve year old tried to pull herself together. She needed to be strong… urgh. She did SO not feel strong.

Cosgrach had been sitting at a corner and watching everyone. It wasn't his custom to speak much at times like this, so he kept silent. Luckily, almost everyone seemed to have made it-except... where was Annie? His heart skipped a beat... she was taken too and-they had to save them. She had a son that was only ten and the students were students-children of others. Good thing Professor Botros sent a patronus to the Ministry and the shopkeepers from Hogsmeade came as well. They were going to find everyone alive, safe and get rid of these stupid acromantulas. He was sure... wanted to be sure.

So when Maddox told them to divide into groups, he paused only to see where everyone was generally headed to, and when he saw that Sophie picked Dakest's group it was fully decided that he would "search and rescue" as well, so he got up and walked towards them silently. He noted who was with them, but didn't smile or nod. Dakest might find it appropriate to joke with Sophie by placing his hand on her head, but the potions master was hardly amused by anything right now. He just wanted everyone to be safe.

To the forest, then?

Angel saw Adi staring at her, she looked at him before she looked away and then she looked back at the DADA Professor. "I promise, I won't get in the way Professor." Angel said truthfully. "I really want to help find everyone and I promise that I'll listen and do everything that you say." Angel really hoped that the DADA Professor said she could tag along but if not she would help out here.

Zhenya listened to everything that was going on in the Great Hall. So much. For the most part, she remained quiet, listening to everything, observing everything, deciding what to do. What would she be the best for?

She listened to each Professor; Dakest with search and rescue, Quigley with the charmers, and Airey with those remaining to defend the castle. Where would her own knowledge come in handy most?

After a few moments, she made up her mind. She walked over to Professor Dakest. "Professor I wish to join you for search and rescue," she said confidently. Of course she was scared, but she was certain everyone was. Giant spiders? But their Headmistress and fellow students were relying on them to save them. The more wands, the better. Besides, as a seventh year, Zhenya knew she was old enough to volunteer her assistance.