Of course doing a nonverbal was definitely always an option... But trying to get the intent and focus had always been hard enough... So when they weren't forced to do a spell nonverbally, Zander always stuck with the traditional ways of doing things. Plus, none of the Professors had ever emphasized using nonverbals before and this was most definitely going to be Zander's first time. And it freaked him out loads. Because not only was he probably going to fail at it, but he was also probably going to fail at it in front of the entire class.

AND not to mention, now that he had this title looming over his head, people expected him to succeed. He'd be letting more than just himself down. He'd basically be letting down the Professor AND the other Prefects AND the students... basically the entire Hogwarts population. And that's the kind of pressure he was feeling at the moment. It made him very uneasy.

So he wasn't standing. Because he wasn't confident yet. And before he knew it, he was the last one left sitting and--Oh. "Uh, no worries, Professor. I've got this," he followed her instructions and stood up, but the words he said had no ounce of confidence behind them to back it up. He didn't have this actually. He just didn't need to attract any sort of attention, especially not the Professor's because then EVERYONE would be looking at him. And he'd rather fail while no one was watching.



After finally standing up, he didn't have to wait long to hear the instructions for their activity. Merlin, Zander wished he could disappear just about now. He wasn't good enough for nonverbals. For Merlin's sake, he wasn't Sophie Brown. He was Zander Adair, unfortunately. Ahem. The Gryffindor let his eyes travel curiously up to the ceiling, taking note of where all the red balls were.

Maybe this wouldn't be so bad? No. He was sure it'd definitely be bad.

But he couldn't just sit out. He needed to help lead by example or something... Or something. 'Dupulso!" he thought, letting his wand sweep and concentrating as hard as he could muster. He was aiming for that red one right over there... But nothing happened. 'Depulso,' he tried again. Still, nothing. Of course he was focusing very hard, which was normally a problematic point for him all in itself, but the intention was a bit foggy. Not that he wasn't aware that he wanted the red ball to banish into his bin because he knew that he needed that to happen. But... it was difficult trying to picture this as the end result when he was positively sure that he wouldn't be able to do it. And that's where his problem was. Though, of course, he wasn't thinking about that. He was thinking about this stupid nonverbal.

'Depulso,' and again, nothing. The only banishing that took place was the banishment of his dignity, probably. Merlin. This was going to be one terribly long activity.

So the spell also worked for living things. That's good to know. And the Professor said its rude to have them tossed around? What if they're rude to her first and she wanted to toss them around? But she sure wouldn't used the spell to innocent creatures, they're too precious after all.

Candice heard the Professor asking them to stand up. Well, she's already on her feet. Game? Cool. They're moving to the fun part. FINALLY! She saw foam balls coming from the ceiling. The Gryffindor listened carefully as the Professor told them about the rules of the game. So she had to use the banishing charm to banish the ball to her house' bin? Sounds easy enough.

Wand at the ready.

Remember, Candice, intent! Its all about intent!

She eyed one of the red ball not far from where she stood. She waved her wand and "Depulso!" The red ball went into the Gryffindor' bin. One down and many foam balls to go!

They were now accumulating a good number of foam balls in their Hufflepuff-colored bin, weren't they? But there were still many that were making their descent. That meant they could still have moooore fun! He sure was having fun. He just learned a new charm and was working with his fellow badgers and being hit with soft foam balls. It even felt like he was getting mini massages. Hehe.

Although that was pretty enjoying, his main objective for the activity was to be proficient in performing the Arresto Momentum charm, so... "Arresto Momentum!" Owen mumbled, followed by a wave of his wand. A number of foam balls sloooooooooooooooooowed.

He was making huge progress!

Game Time! Oh Janelle was going to enjoy this. She listened as the professor gave the instructions and pulled out her wand in anticipation of the start. She was ready to play, but first she had to concentrate on what she needed to do. Reviewing the steps in her mind, Janelle was jolted out of her trance when the balls started falling.

Locking her eyes on a particular blue ball, she tried to focus. It was a little difficult with balls falling everywhere and students casting spells all around her. Somehow, Janelle managed to tune most of that out and concentrate only on her blue ball. She pointed her wand at the ball, waved it and said, "Arresto Momentum". The ball slowed slightly, but not quite enough for Janelle's liking. Quickly she repeated the spell. She had to slow it down more before it hit the ground. This time, the ball came to a near stop.

Janelle grabbed the blue ball and raced over to the blue bin. She dropped the ball inside and hurried back to take another try. There was no time to celebrate her success now. She had more balls to catch.

It was a good thing he had started working on non verbal spells since early last school year, yeah? The results were that Adi rarely encountered any difficulty when casting these type. Anyway, his next focus was on one of the balls Owen had slowed down. The firstie wouldn't mind, right? "Snagging one of those balls, Owen!''

"Depulso!"

Sweeping wand movement with silent incantation? CHECK!

Intent? CHECK!

Adi glanced over to the Hufflepuff bin to see yet another yellow ball make its way comfortably in.

OH YEAH!

IT'S TIME FOR THE ACTIVITY!!

Baxter was seriously a cool Professor. She didn't teach to much theory things and she approved this. Ava watched the foam balls falling down from the ceiling. And the mission was so simple, using Aresto Momentum to slow the fall and then put them on the bin. The RED bin. She'd better be good for this. Ready, set, and go! She watched a red ball almost fall into her face, lucky that her reflex was good enough so she quickly cast the spell. "Arresto Momentum!" The brunette waved her wand and.. Let's see if it's work. The ball seemed falling slowly. Great! She grabbed the ball and tossed it to the red bin.

GO GO GRYFFINDOR GO!!!

One down, many more to go.......Janelle hoped. It was time to get another ball and she looked for the best one to catch. Finding one close by, Janelle was determined to get it on the first try this time. She aimed her wand carefully and concentrated on slowing that ball down. She would stop it this time, she would.

Janelle waved her wand and said, "Arresto Momentum", giving her voice as much authority as she could. She watched as the ball slowed to a complete stop. "Yes", she said, as she approached it. Since it was suspended in the air, the ball was easy to take. Janelle grabbed ball number two and quickly deposited it in the Ravenclaw bin. She was on a roll now and wanted more, more, more.

This spell wasn't that difficult, she admit that.

But whatever, it was always fun to practice the spell whether it's easy or difficult. Plus, the activity was fun too! Ava was gonna stop more balls and catch 'em all. She was very on fire for this! She spotted another red ball was gonna fall into her. She quickly waved her wand and cast the spell.

"Arresto Momentum!"

Once the ball had been slower, she caught it and tossed it to the Gryffindor bin. She already got two and it means.... Many more to go. Okaaaaaay!!!

So far so good for Janelle. She had to keep going because Ravenclaw needed all of the points they could get. OK so she was competitive. Janelle couldn't really help that. She liked to win, don't judge.

With her wand out and ready, Janelle took aim at her next target. The blue ball seemed to be falling quickly and she had to stop it. She raised her wand and pointed it at the ball, trying to time her spell perfectly. "Arresto Momentum", she shouted. Stop you ball, stop! This time the ball slowed down, but did not stop. Fortunately, it was moving slowly enough for Janelle to catch it. Unfortunately, she bobbled it a bit. Fortunately, she was able to get the ball under control and hug it against her body.

Back to the bin, Janelle went and she tossed the ball inside. Got it. Back to the falling balls she went. Janelle was having fun with this game. It was always good to get to practice spells in a fun way. She definitely learned better this way.

Under normal circumstances, Blaise would consider himself a coordinated kid but right now, all this happening right here wasn't normal and the boy didn't know whether to feel incompetent because of how well others were doing or frustrated that his wand wasn't doing what IT was supposed to be doing. It was all the same, wave the wand and say the incantation 'Arresto Momentum!' but 'cept it wasn't proving all that easy.

"Arresto Momentu--ow!" So close, soooooo close to finishing the incantation this time and he'd gotten the wave SO perfect! It was all in the wrist you know and just now he figured he had the perfect technique but it was foiled by a fallen red ball to the head.

Huh.

It must have been fate.

Not willing to question it too much and not willing to consider the Professor might notice him, the boy reached down, picked up the ball and as casually as if he was allowed, walked over to the red bin to slip it into. There. One more ball for Gryffindor. Now he felt like he was actually adding value to the lesson instead of being THAT one kid. He did wanna get it right though so he'd keep trying--right next to the Gryffindor bin. He was gonna stand right here and try just in case. "Arresto Momentum!" Just how much intent did he need with this wand waving??

Already standing behind her desk Hady didn't need to hurry and do so when they were told yet once more what they were supposed to be doing. With her wand still firmly in her hand she was also ready for the activity to happen.

Lifting her gaze towards the ceiling she noted the different colored foam balls only really caring about the green ones before her eyes shifted to where her house bin was located. Alright so she had to banish the green foam balls into the green house bin. This she could do. Charms was her thing and she always did everything with full intent on the outcome in mind. Really she shouldn't have any trouble at all with this then.

When told they could start Hady held her wand gently as she watched a green ball come falling downward. “Depulso,” she cast instantly with a clear sweep of her wand in order to banish the ball into her house bin. Following it with her eyes she was happy to see it landed in the green bin if only just barely. At least it went in.

You didn't have to ask AJ twice to get out of her seat. Nope. She practically leapt to her feet once the professor had said the magic words. The chairs and desk being banished was exciting. It was about to get physical. Balls! Did that mean dodge ball? AJ was SO good at that. She could take some people OUT! Only... no, that wasn't it. Bummer.

Full attention was on the professor as she discussed what they were to do. Got it. Gryffindor was about to win this thing. They had already proved in Astronomy that they were a good team. Watch out, other houses.

Intent was needed. Well, AJ was NEVER lacking in that department. It was so hard to keep from bouncing up and down in excitement while she waited for the professor to give them the go ahead.

FINALLY!

Go time. AJ wasted no time. She thought of nothing but the ball going into the bin. With a sweep of her wand she cried out "Depulso." A red ball was in her house bin. WOOT!

Janelle was feeling confident now. She was liking the charm.......so far anyway. There were so many balls still falling. Janelle had to decide which one to choose. With her eye on the next one, she was ready to go. Concentrate, concentrate, concentrate.

Wand at the ready, Janelle raised it toward the blue ball. Waving it, she said, "Arresto Momentum!". This time though, the ball didn't slow down. "Aw come on", Janelle said. She was doing so well before. The target ball hit the ground before she could recover. With a sigh, she tried again. Spotting another ball, Janelle concentrated and raised her wand again. With a wave of her wand, she shouted, "Arresto Momentum". This time, the ball froze in mid air. Happy that she had done it this time, Janelle got the ball and raced for the blue bin. After tossing the ball inside, she ran back to the balls and prepared to get another one.

Feeling good after getting a ball in the bin on her first attempt, AJ hurried to locate another red one. It had to be said that her spellwork was getting so much better. Sure, she still struggled from time to time, but it was nice to get things right and on the FIRST try sometimes. It seemed like even the firsties were having an okay time with it. Not to be house biased or anything, but she was mainly just looking out for other little lions at the moments since this was a house competition. Nothing wrong with that. Ahem.

Everybody was doing well. There were a few that struggled every once in awhile, but that was to be expected. How could you learn otherwise? AJ Valentine did NOT just think that.

SMACK.

A ball had hit her in the face, but it didn't hurt. Maybe she needed that little smack back into reality anyways. AJ was starting to daydream and get distracted, and that simply wouldn't do. Not at a moment like this.

Another ball was in her reach. Full concentration was happening right now. AJ swept her wand in front of her and the ball and said, "depulso!" Boom. There was another ball to add to the lion's collection. AJ was on cloud nine!

Adi wasted noooo time in getting back in the game after taking a second or two to watch more balls go into the Hufflepuff bin. The other Houses weren't doing so bad either. If anything they were doing better but who cared? The Hufflepuffs were having a ton of fun, right?

RIGHT!

Another yellow ball was targeted, filled his mind with loads of intent as more balls bounced off his head. Well, as much as he could muster, anyway. "Depulso!" Cue the sweeping wand movement! The targeted ball vanished... annnnd there it went! Into the bin for the Puffs!

Another win for the Badger House!

THUD!

Suddenly she felt something was dropped on her head. Oh, it was the ball. Merlin, how could she miss this? Lucky that the ball was soft so it didn't hurt her head. She'd better to keep an eye to all those balls. Getting her wand ready, Ava then noticed another red ball that almost fall. She quickly made a big wave with her wand and cast the spell. "Arresto momentum!" Yes, she did make the ball fell slower. She reached the ball and then put it on the Gryffindor bin.

Okay... descending foam balls from the ceiling, into the bin. Not supposed to be a problem. The incantation and wand movement weren't a problem... Rory felt confident, a hundred percent sure of himself. After all, he was good at Charms.

He pointed his wand at one of the descending balls, "Depulso," he said, sweeping his wand. The Charm was successful, he managed to banish the ball - preventing it from falling. The only problem was his aim. The ball didn't fall into the expected bin, but instead it fell out one of the windows - How. Wonderful.

He smacked his wandless hand on his face. "Idiot," he thought to himself. He felt embarrassed, others already managed to place the balls in the bins, and he of course forgot to aim and through it out of the window.

He scratched his crooked nose, with his bony long finger. At least the balls weigh like feathers, and no one could get injured if the ball fell on him/her. Or even better, at least he didn't banish one of the younger students out of the windows - that could of been bad. Feeling slightly encouraged, he practice the wand movement once more. He was ready, and this time he'll aim accurately and succeed.

Norah paused to watch the others cast their spells before watching for another yellow ball. Everybody ELSE seemed to be doing fine, why wasn't she? Well. Not everybody, but a lot of people. Turning her wand over in her fingers, she furrowed her eyebrows. Concentrate, Kittredge. Just like Professor Culloden said. Concentration was important and she knew how to do it now 'cause she was a fifth year, remember? Fifth years knew all that stuff.

She raised her wand at the next yellow ball she saw and exhaled quickly before casting, "Depulso!" Her arm made a big sweeping motion as if she were pushing somebody away. C'mon c'mon c'mon go away to the box. Away away away. To the box. GO. Her eyes followed the ball as it really did get pushed away just like last time, but this time it had more momentum. GOGOGO. It soared towards the Hufflepuff box and landed right on the edge, teetering for a fraction of a second before falling into the box. OH YEAH. "Yes!!" Ahem. Who said that.

Arresto Momentum.

MomentUM.

It occurred to Olly that his problem with the spell the first time he tried it was that he had said it wrong. He paused for a few moments, thinking carefully about what he had said just minutes earlier. That was very likely his problem.

"Arresto MomentUM." He said it aloud once without waving his wand, just to get used to it. He had to be able to do it right every time if he wanted to win. Slytherin was already far behind. But there seemed to be less of them, which was completely unfair in his opinion. Why did they HAVE to do the spell anyway? Couldn't they just catch the balls? That would be a lot easier. But it was CHARMS class and not catching class, so of course the answer could not be as simply as that. Fine. Olly turned his attention upward to find another target.

"Arresto Momentum." He pointed his wand at a falling ball and waved it furiously. Perhaps, too much? Considering nothing happened, he had done something wrong. "Arresto Momentum," he said again. This time his wand-waving was calmer. More decisive. And that seemed to work. The ball slowed, and Olly slam-dunked it into the Slytherin bin.

Why was Zander looking like he was going to have a panic attack any second now? Didn’t he learn non-verbal spell last year? Maybe he wasn’t good at them, that would explain that look. Well, it wasn’t Yoongi’s problem cause he had his own to worry about. But still, he grinned at the Head Boy and gave a thumbs up to encourage him. Ah wasn’t that nice of him~ he thought so.

And did Gryffindor just lose a point?! a sigh for you, Noelle.

Looking up at the ceiling, the Gryffindor was in awe when the disillusionment charm went away and a ceiling full with coloured foam balls were hanging above the classroom. Listening to the instructions, Yoongi nodded his head that he understood and readied himself by closing his eyes. He took a deep breath to focus and as he heard ‘wands at the ready’ he opened his eyes, aimed above him and the foam balls fell down.

‘Depulso!’ ……………………………………….*THUD* a red ball landed on his face.

Henric certainly not going to stop banishing.Yup, everyone of his housemates was doing their best to score as many foam balls into their bins. Owen was definitely one great teamplayer. Henric was glad to have him in their brilliant house! Now, time to get real competitive in here! There were three yellow balls falling and he wanted to get them all at once. He waited for the chance to strike each one as they fall at a slower rate, thanks to the work of the younger Hufflepuffs!

"DEPULSO! DEPULSO! DEPULSO!" He cast them away, hopefully three times the charm..eh? Heheh...Woo! He saw the balls landed exactly where he wanted them to, right in the Hufflepuff bin! Oh yeaaah! GOO HUFFLEPUFF!

"Okay Rory. Concentrate, it's not supposed to be SO difficult," The Ravenclaw thought to himself, with his wand held firmly in his hand. He knew how to do the spell, all he had to do was to aim correctly. He looked up and eyed a blue foam ball descending. He stretched out his long skinny arm and pointed at the ball with his wand. He quickly glanced at the acquired bin, swept his wand precisely, and said, "Depulso."

The blue ball 'flew' straight into his house's bin. Success! A smirk appeared upon his pale face. Rory was pleased with himself, and clutched his wand even harder. But he shouldn't get too over-confident. One time he got lucky maybe, but he needs to stay consistent in order to master the Charm. The smirk vanished from his face, and once again the serious usual expression he always has appeared.

He took a deep breath, released slightly the grip of his 'wand-holding' hand. He was ready for another go. AND FOR RAVENCLAW TO WIN!

His first attempt at saving the blue ball from falling from the ceiling and hitting the floor wasn't what he'd really call a success but he had thrown it in the basket anyways. It had slowed some before almost hitting him. This time though he was determined to get it right.

Pofessor Baxter had said that intent was the the most important thing after all. Noticing that the other house's bins had more balls them his own House's already, he was more determined than ever. There was a fresh new batch of balls falling just now and it reminded him of one of those celebrations where they drop a huge net of balloons on party-goers.

"Arresto Momentum!" Wand swish--still falling. "Arresto Momentum!" The blue ball froze in mid air just within arms reach. With a big grin, Milo snatched the ball up and toss it into the Ravenclaw bin.

It was such a close race, or it was as far as she could really tell. It was hard trying to keep up with other people and keep your head in the game. For all she knew there was some poor firstie laid out, and AJ was still just dropping balls left and right. She meant well, people.


"Depulso," she said while moving her wand just so. Hmm... nothing was happening. No new ball went into the lion bin. WHY? She had said the incantation just right and moved her wand how the professor said to do it, and yet, nothing. This was not okay. There was a game to win. Didn't her wand know?

It hit her.

INTENT.

She didn't have intent. The most important part of the whole freaking game. Well, then. Lesson learned. This time she was all about the ball. All about the ball going into the bin. "Depulso!" This time it worked. The ball was properly banished into her houses' bin. Take THAT, intent.

Her first trial went very well. And she's very happy about it. Because its rare for her to success casting a spell on her first trial. This probably her first success.

Like the Professor said its all about INTENT!

Oh. Look another red ball. Candice made a sweeping motion with her wand "Depulso!" And BAM! The red ball went into the Gryffindor' bin. Another one for Gryffindor!