HOT LAVA. Did Professor Moxley KNOW she dominated at this game? 'Cause she did. It combined all her favorite things: jumping, soft things, pretending, and dramatic exclamations. Norah beamed at the Professor, her smile getting interrupted by a little yawn before she went back to beaming again. She peeled her happy sticker off her sleeve and stuck it to her forehead so everybody could see how exciting this was. Hot lava. Oh yeah.

She scrambled onto a cushion right as Professor Moxley finished her countdown, a little disoriented but that wasn't going to stop her from doing the best lava-avoiding of all time. When the game began, she took a flying leap and landed on a cushion a few feet away. She eyed a chair a few more feet away and swung her arms back and forth before taking another big jump. Her knees just reached the edge of the cushion and she grabbed hold of the arm rests to pull herself up. The master, that's what she was.

HOT LAVA?

Oliver honestly was not sure if Moxley was planning on making the floor actually lava. She was magic, and this was Hogwarts, so it would not have been out of the question. But he was glad that was not the case, because real lava was dangerous. Pretend lava on the floor, however, was a completely different story. He definitely knew how to play this game!

He jumped on a brightly-colored cushion when Moxley yelled for them to start. He did not want to end up in the lava. Odds were that he would fall at some point, because he didn't have the greatest balance, but of course he would do his bet not to fall in the lava. Because that was like losing the game, and he did not lose.

Luckily, the cushion he was standing on was fairly close to a few other cushions. He stepped onto the nearest one and peered at the path ahead. What would be the best path to take? And the least dangerous? There was an old loveseat within jumping distance from his cushion. Without another thought, Oliver leaped onto it. What next?

The hot lava game should be a piece of cake after the dueling assignment he had done a few days ago. So Yoongi was ready as can be. It was funny how much he had changed over the past year. If he hadn’t been part of the search and rescue team in the forbidden forest he’d probably still been scared of getting hurt or dirty. Though he still did not like getting dirty eww.

As the cushions fell down from the ceiling, the Gryffindor jumped on one of them as the Professor counted down. This was so exciting! At the HOT LAVA, he jumped off his cushion and on to the nearest arm chair. Also , look at Norah go! He really wondered why she had said that she wasn't good at anything. First herbology and now this? liar.

He first looked around and spotted one of the cushions a bit further away. He didn’t think he’d make it so he stood up and put his foot on the leaning side of the chair. It toppled over and he jumped on the cushion. Now he had two options, another chair or a desk? Chairs were more comfortable so he turned in that direction and got ready to jump again.

Hot Lava?

Paulina didn't think she was familiar with this game because it didn't ring any bells. Fortunately the rules seemed pretty straight forward so she wouldn't be at any disadvantage despite not having played it during her youth. All she had to do was make it to the other end of the room without touching the 'hot lava'.

Should be pretty simple...right?

Knowing that she didn't want to be caught unawares and standing in lava right from the start, Paulina followed Professor Moxley's cue and made a beeline towards the nearest cushion. Once she was standing on top of it she scanned her surroundings. It was a good idea to form a strategy so that she didn't end up on the wrong path and in trouble.

She was as ready as she was ever going to be.

Time to take the first jump.

Wait did she just say they could jump on people to get around the floor by saying ' your friends' because that is what it sounded like to Dante. Not that he would do that. But it could give some first years ideas like Phillip over there. Look at him so excited about this. Well it was his idea so he had reason to be. Dante wanted to ask if he could just sit on the ground off to the side and just watch. He would probably enjoy himself more do that than playing hot lava.

Look at him only basically just turned fifteen and already acting like a grumpy old man. His family would be soooo proud

Whatever he would play.

He leisurely jumped from his cushion to a free armchair one that was closet and free of people. Already having made a way around this class made up in his head.

Hot lava game?

Thanks Moxley! Great way to make her feel like a seven year old again. Although she did play the hot lava game with her brother, Chase a lot. So she should still be a pro at this. Plus she was very balanced.

No falling in the hot lava for her.

First thing first though she should probably grab a cushion. No going into the lava before she even had a chance to save herself. As soon as the professor said three a cushion was grabbed. There now she was really to surf the lava. Haha. M

Moxley started another countdown and the lava appeared. Hello, lava. Now how was she going to get to the back of the classroom.

LAVA???

Zander sent the BIGGEST, WIDEST, GOOFIEST grin towards Sophie Brown the moment he heard what they were doing for the rest of class. His whole life had led up to this moment. This is the day he had been dreaming of since the womb. This was his calling. This was it. This was his time to shine.

MAN. This was AWESOME!!!

Except also.... Zander Adair was not the best on his feet. So this would be awesome, but mostly just interesting.

He was quick to jump onto a couch right from the get-go. Hoping that Soph was doing the same. Also... What did the Professor mean by using your friends? Er. Where they supposed to step on each other? Because that could be very horrible. Zander would know.

As the lesson had continued, or more accurately the activity had been explained, Brooklyn had to try hard to avoid rolling her eyes. Of course they were going to be doing something a first year had mentioned. The only part she was glad about was that she’d managed to get close to a chair by the time the countdown had started. It was easy enough to climb up onto the seat in the time allotted. The only problem was finding where to go to next, since she definitely didn’t want to get stuck with any of those index cards that were mentioned. She’d find a way across the room, no matter what.

Although she did take a moment to look around to see if Benny or any of the other older students were nearby. If it had worked to escape the swamp, it had to work for imaginary lava. She’d just have to figure out how to get there, if any of them got close enough. It wasn’t like it would be as easy as climbing up onto someone’s back from the ground. She had to stay on her chair, or another one if she felt like jumping.

HOT LAVA! Heck yes! Sophie LOVED this game, she was quite fond of playing it with her older brother when they were younger. It had been years, however since she had played. Her balance was questionable, but she was so excited to be dipping back into her childhood memories.

Sophie was eagerly looking up at the ceiling and from it cushions tumbled, how cool! Hogwarts truly did have the best Professors! Listening to the instructions, Sophie raced towards a pillow that had quite a few surrounding it. Soon she would have to make her way towards the back without touching the lava!

As soon as Professor hopped up on her desk, Sophie hopped on top of a cushion and mapped out her way to the back. With a quick pounce, she tumbled onto her next cushion without touching the lava. Oohh! This was going to be such a fun class!

When pillows began to rain from the sky, Janelle really wanted to know what was happening. What were they going to do? This class was going to be very interesting.

The Hot Lava game? Janelle had never heard of that game before, let alone played it. The rules sounded pretty straightforward. Stay out of the lava and you will be fine. Spotting a purple cushion nearby, Janelle stepped onto it. She was safe for now, but once the game started, she would need a plan. Janelle looked around the room. Now was the time to develop her strategy, She had to make it to the other side of the room without touching the floor. Janelle's balance was pretty good so hopefully she would have a pretty good chance with this game.

Hot lava? Like they were running from a volcano? Dot had played variations on this game when she was little, although Dima's mom hated when they climbed on the expensive furniture, and Dot's furniture hadn't been nearly interesting enough. This, though, this was jumping from cushion to cushion. No furniture damage required.

Dot hopped onto the nearest cushion, a purple one, and waited for the go sign from Moxley. And... GO. Lucky it wasn't a race, because Dot had managed to strand herself on a cushion island in a sea of lava. No cushions were close enough to reach, even with her long legs. UGgggh.

"Can someone kick or wiggle a cushion my way? I'm going to diiiiie a horrible lava death if I can't figure out a way to go next."

Sophie heard a plea of help from someone stranded at sea! Well, stranded in the middle of the room with no cushions nearby... Sophie had plenty of cushions near her! She hopped from one to another to get a little bit closer to the girl she thought was named Dot? With a kick, a cushion sailed towards the girl so she could move without fear of the lava! And just to make it so she could actually get somewhere, she kicked another pink one within distance of the other. "There ya go!" She called to the girl.

Okay, back to her strategy! Sophie crouched down and leaped onto a chair, she didn't care about making it to the back of the room first, she really only cared about NOT touching the lava.

Weeee

Well this was fun. You know with the REAL lava. She was hoping cushion to cushion easily. She had only slipped once but she had regained her balance and continued on her trek to the other side of the room.

The seventh year turned her head when she heard Dot from behind her. She could just jump off and push off the one she was on over to Dot. She was about to call a incoming to the fifth year when someone else sent her one. Oh well maybe next time.

She jumped on ahead of the other two girls. The next cushion must have been slick because as soon as she jumped and landed her arms started flailing. "I'm slipping into the lava." probably not but she was close to it. Arms still flailing.

They were asked to take off their shoes?

Okay.

Ava kinda hoped that they're gonna play hide and seek since it's her favorite game. She took off her converse shoes and put them away. But well... why there were cushions on the floor? Yeah, the young lioness watched Moxley dropped cushions. She was curious, you know?

Then the professor explained to the class what they were gonna do today. Hot lava? Okay, she'd never heard of that game before. But the instructions seemed pretty easy. Good, she was ready to start. Once Moxley counted and shouted hot lava, Ava then jumped to the nearest cushion.

Where was that cry for help coming from? Oliver peered behind him and spotted prefect Dot stranded on a cushion. Never fear, Oliver was here. Oliver laid down on the loveseat and reached for the nearest cushion. It was just barely within reach of his fingertips. Once he had it firmly in his grasp, he threw it toward the older girl. See? He was a good person who would help others. Well he might not have helped just anyone, but Dot was nice and deserved some help.

Now he had to keep moving. Oliver glanced around him, searching for the safest route. There was a cushion behind his love seat that he would probably be able to get to. He climbed onto the back of the couch and tried to go over. Okay, maybe that had not been the best route. He reached a foot toward the cushion, but ended up falling off the back of the couch and landing in a heap on the ground. He sprang up, slightly winded but determined not to let his fall slow him down.

Wait, he had to do something before he could continue. Oliver grabbed an index card off the ground and read it. Tell a knock knock joke. That was easy enough. He turned slightly to face Dot again. He'd just saved her life, the least she could do was listen to his knock-knock joke. "Hey Dot. Knock Knock."

Hot lava game? Ooh..he hadn't played that one before during his childhood years. He stepped onto one of the cushions and waited for the signal to start. He contemplated his next move, should he go left or right? Both seemed to measure equally the same distance for him to easily hop on over. Meh...he just going to go with his gut feeling and chose the path that had more cushions along the way to the end. So he took the left one. HOP. He stumbled a little but his feet didn't touch the 'hot lava' so he was saved! Fuu...now on to the next one.

Sophie was having a blast watching the other students play Hot Lava, so reminiscent of her childhood. She stood on top of the chair glancing around her, there didn't seem to be a way for her to advance without back trekking...ah, she should have thought that route out more! Oh well! She hopped off of her chair and back onto a cushion, only sliding slightly. From her cushion, she glanced around and checked to see where she had made her mistake...she couldn't go back to the chair.. Sophie spotted a bright yellow circular cushion and she made a large leap towards it, barely landing right on top. Finally, she continued her journey towards the back once more!

Adi watched Moxley keenly, hoping for a hint at the activity and was soon rewarded with alllllll the tumbling cushions. Waaaah! How cool! Then he watched her bounded from each cushion, dropping cards in the spaces unoccupied.

Ohhh, Hot Lava!

Awesomeee!

Adi nearly laughed out aloud when Moxley said that they could use their friends for the activity. He shot Benny a knowing look. He was thinking that he could hitch a piggy back ride on his friend. Hehe. That was there thing but naaah. He wouldn't let the lion take on the 'lava' alone.

Buuuut it was almost time to get started! When Moxley counted to three, the Hufflepuff leapt onto the nearest cushion- a purple one- as fast as his Head of House had made it onto her desk. Yeaaah, he had seen ya, Professor!

One of the perks having a small build: She could manage her balance pretty well. Once again, she had to be thankful for the Burton gene, hehehe. Ava managed to land at the first cushion perfectly. Now it's time to move to the next cushion. One, two, three and... JUMP! Yay, she did land to the next cushion perfectly. Next jump? Okay! She counted on three and then jumped again to the cushion next to Henric. Oh, hi Henric! Hehehe... But it seemed like the young lioness lost her balance and accidentally pushed the Hufflepuff boy.

Ooops?

The one advantage to her perch on the chair seat was that for once Brooklyn’s height didn’t matter. The chair put her at nearly the same height as the tallest seventh years, or the really tall people closer to her own age. The fourteen year old only knew she was shorter than most of the other Slytherin fourth years, aside from Hady. But Hady would likely get help long before anyone would bother to offer it to her, which meant she had to be more cunning. She had to actually be smart, which wasn’t a problem. Just because she preferred avoiding work didn’t mean she wasn’t capable of coming up with ideas. She just knew better than to be reckless.

Standing up on the seat of the chair, she eyed another chair a couple feet away from her. It wasn’t particularly close, but if she figured out exactly how to hit it she figured she could land on the arm. If she tilted forward she’d fall onto the seat. She just had to make sure she didn’t lose her balance, or get too much momentum. She bounced on her toes for a few seconds, moving back and forth on the chair, before she leaped. Her forward foot hit the arm of the other chair and she nearly tumbled head over heels into a heap on the seat. It wasn’t pretty, but she decided that everyone else was more focused on themselves than they were her. Plus, she’d made it to the second chair. Now she’d take a break before deciding where she’d head next.

One second cushions were raining... and the next, the floor was hot lava?

HA!

Was she serious? They were playing hot lava? He was oddly okay with this. As ridiculous as it seemed, he wasn't going to complain about it. Easy work.


Upon Professor Baxter's countdown, he leapt onto the nearest cushion just in time for the floor to turn to 'lava'.

...

Was it weird that he was tempted to jump INTO the lava? He didn't much mind the idea of completing mini challenges along the way... depending on what they were. Like, he wasn't about to do something STUPID, but if it was fun, or actually challenging, then it might be worth it. But... should he risk it now? Or wait to try? At any rate, the sooner he found out if they were worth doing, the sooner he could find out if he ought to take this game seriously or not.

Waiting for the next cushion to clear, Zeke jumped to the next, landing square in its middle with only minimal wobbling. Success.

Henric was about to jump onto his third cushion when suddenly someone on his side threw him off balance, he slipped and fell hard on his backside."Ow."He groaned in pain as he looked up to see the person who pushed him. Aah...it was none other than Ava, of course."Hey squirt,that hurt you know...pushing me into the 'lava', I didn't know you were so mean like this,"he pouted playfully at her. He shook his head at her and chuckled.
So he had to pick an index card right if he fell into the 'lava' next?

He went to pick one and was surprised at what he had to do to get back into the game.

"Sing the chorus from your favorite song aloud to the class"

Great, thanks to Ava...he had to do this. Oh merlin..."This is embarrassing..."he muttered. Ehem...clearing his throat now...might as well be funny while he at it.

"Unbelievable SIGHTS....Indescribable FEEEELINNNGS!! Soaring, tumbling, freewheeeeeeling! Through an endless DIAMOND SKY! A WHOLE NEW WORRRLLLDDD!"his voice bellowed throughout the classroom. He didn't even care he was singing Jasmine's part in the Disney classics animated movie 'Alaadin'. Henric was a WHOLE NEW... person after this.

Zeke was composed and content on his cushion and was actually almost bored, so he WAS considering taking the dive and stepping onto the 'lava' floor. Only... before he could, he witnessed a Hufflepuff (Henric) singing.

....

Sweet mother of Merlin.

Singing?

He reconsidered the idea of 'giving in' and instead jumped to another cushion - this one a little further away. It wasn't as easy as the last jump he made, but he still landed on the cushion, his arms flailing a little to help him keep his balance. He did NOT want to have to sing to the class thank you very much.

OH HOLY CHEESE PUFF THEY WERE OFFFFFF.

Rooney giggled as he watched people jump to moving immediately and followed close behind with the intention of using their paths to his advantage. What if a cushion had more stuffing on one side and was lethal if you landed on the other side? Someone else could play those games for him. Besides, if they fell, then he was able to get ahead of them whilst they dealt with the cards in the 'lava'.

Clambering right onto a cushion, Roo evenly placed a foot on either edge of it to stay balanced and plotted to climb over onto one of the sofas pushed aside and then plan out a provisional route across the classroom.

This was sO going to work.

No lava for him.

He was in something of a predicament now, because there didn't appear to be a cushion close enough for him to seek refuge on. So, where to from here?

Hands on hips, Zeke did a turn on his cushion, silently praying nobody planned to share it with him any time soon... because they would both be lost to the lava. He felt hopeless.

Zeke wasn't about to take a jump back to where he came from, he was PROgressive, not REgressive, so that just wasn't an option. Though, he had to do SOMETHING because from here, he couldn't reach a cushion let alone an armchair or couch. Staring down at his feet, he somehow developed a plan.

Shuffling.

He would SHUFFLE his cushion across. That was allowed right? Because, he wouldn't be touching the lava.

Giving it a go, Zeke started wiggling on the spot to gain some momentum, his toes curled around whatever amount of fabric that could cling to on the cushion.

Shift! Shift! SHIFT!

... some progress... minimal.