WHERE WAS THAT THING GOING???

And Holy Merlin! That thing was fast!! Noelle frowned, none of the spells that had been cast seemed to slow it down. Kane was off after it. Noelle torn between following him so he wasnt alone, going to help Ace, or running straight to the Headmistress' office.

"Are we sure theres only one monster??" Noelle said, oddly calm as she walked to the portal. The monster was out of it. But could there be more? Also... where had that thing gone. Leon and Kane had gone after it.

Noelle saw Ace's wand and went to retrieve it. She brought it back over to him and knelt down beside him. "Hey, you okay?"

SWEET MERLIN.

What WAS that thing?!

O_o

Rosalyn had arrived on the scene right behind Kaysha, since their offices were so close together. Because she had been all the way on the First Floor, it had taken longer to get to the portal. As it was, she was short of breath, both out of exertion and fright. At least the children by the portal were okay and being seen to.

"Yes, we need to look! I'll go with you, Kay." They had worked together when the girls had vanished earlier in the term, and they would work together now. Her eyes travelled to Gaston, silently pleading for him to be careful. She couldn't bear to even think of losing him.

"Students should head back to their common rooms. Stick together and be careful!"

OOC: Students, either head to your common rooms or decide to look for the monster anyway. The choice is up to you.

Two, three steps at a time, River literally flew all the way up to the sixth floor in an embarrassing state in time to hear the Headmistress make an announcement. There were a couple of students who dashed off the other direction, perhaps in pursuit of something. "Where are you going? You better--" Of course his words landed on deaf ears as the two boys continued their way. Though he was torn, the Healer continued up the stairs until he reached his destination. River skidded to a halt, his eyes grew wide at the sight of the portal. What made it more disturbing was the fact that it felt alive. Looking the other way, his eyes immediately found the small group on the other side, huddled around the fallen...prefect?

Yes, he must've been patrolling when the monster happened.

"Excuse me, out of the way. Give him space to breathe please, thank you," he said in a low voice, gently but firmly moving the students away from Ace as he placed his satchel on the ground and checked on the Gryffindor Prefect. "Prefect Salander?!" He hated to say it, but it seemed that Merlin has abandoned Hogwarts for an early summer vacation. It was Hogwarts, after all. There was always that time of the year when 'something wicked this way comes.'

And wait, what?! Everyone is leaving?

River took a moment to take note of who was around, and nodded absent-mindedly as his co-workers decided that it was time for the witch hunt. "Do what you have to do, I'll remain with the prefect." He said to one of his co-workers who was still there.

Now back to the fallen Lion. "Are you hurt anywhere, Tenacius?"

He shifted and tried to pull himself off the ground, and it was only then that he realized the impact of his hitting the wall and onto the floor. He was aching.

Before he could move any further the Charms Professor was upon him, casting a shield over them for which the leonine lad was grateful. But now Noelle found the one thing that made him even more confidently secure "mY WAnD! ThanKS Noelle!" he said as he took the Alder wood and grimaced through the pain of trying to get himself off the floor.

And now the Healer was here, and the Gryffindor Prefect grasped the man's strong arm to prop himself onto a less pathetic seating position. "I hurts..... everywhere." It was the simplest, not to mention probably the most accurate way he can put it.

He heard Noelle ask a very valid question "I only saw one go through. Big nasty ugly thing. I dunno if it got friends in there." He sure as hell hoped not.

He turned his attention back to the Healer "Do you have something for the pain Healer Reed? We gotta go after that nasty thing before it turns all of Hogwarts into his personal smorgasbord!"

See, it takes more than a ragdoll toss to keep this Gryffindor down. Look he's already trying to get on his wobbly feet.

Spells were flying around and there was so much shouting and commotion. The students as well as her fellow co-workers were doing their best to keep the students back and capture whatever th-that thing was at the same time. Camilla couldn't believe her eyes when not even one of their spells had managed to hit that thing! Heck they hadn't even slowed it down!

"Mr Westwood, Mr Kenendy!," she shouted after the two young men as they took off down the corridor after the monster! What were those two thinking?! Dear Merlin this couldn't be happening. She needed to go after them and make sure they were safe, someone ha- what? Hearing her name she nodded letting out a breath to see her cousin as well as Rose join them. "I already alerted the Headmistress as well as all of the staff via patronus. Healer Reed should be on his way I sent Pips for him." Everyone of the staff was alerted hopefully. She had went to open her mouth to say more but the voice of Regina reached her ears. Perfect! With an announcement like that all students would hopefully return to their common rooms. "Good idea Rose. Stick with Kay, please. I'll do a trip along this floor then head to the seventh floor before working back down."

Just then River arrived and she let out a breath of relief. "River do you need someone to stay here and keep a lookout or are you alright?" If he needed a hand with Tenacuis she could do that as well. She was still a bit in shock but now wasn't the time to focus on her, the students were in danger and that's what mattered.

As for the students standing around... "Miss Summers I need you to make sure everyone here returns to their common rooms please. Be safe and alert." She gave her firm nod telling her to go. Now. Looking at all other students she spoke to them as well. "You heard the Headmistress, return to your common rooms. Follow Noelle."

Not good. Not good at all. Amid the commotion, River did not fail to observe that Tenacius seemed to slur his words a bit, and River feared that he may have injured one of his cervical vertebrae-- the one responsible for his speech. However, the boy was still conscious...and just wouldn't stop talking. It was a good sign, anyway.

"And why do you ache everywhere, Prefect?" the Healer helped the boy get in an upright position, and continued to examine him only to stop short when he felt something damp against the boy's curls. "I will be fine Camilla, thank you. Prefect Salander and I will not be staying here any longer anyway," he said as he pulled back his hand and showed that his digits were stained with Tenacius' blood. "I'm afraid you are not going anywhere, Prefect. You are done patrolling this hallway," he said, as he quickly got hold of the teenager and started to drag him away from the scene. "Have faith in your peers, Prefect Salander. Hogwarts is a strong unit when united. That monster will not stand a chance, however, you need to get patched up." River cannot help but feel that he will have a very busy Hospital Wing this afternoon.

Merlin, help 'em all.

Gaston's attempts to stop the monster had been futile. All he could do was watch in horror as the creature vanished farther into the castle, silently berating himself for not reacting faster. he was so focused on the monster that he didn't register anything else going on around him until he heard Kay saying his name and... his heart sank as he saw Rose with her. He nodded slightly as the muggle studies professor voiced exactly what he was thinking. "Y-yes, go! I... I'll catch up," he said, though he was unable to keep his voice from breaking. The look on Rose's face was breaking his heart. He knew how she felt; the thought of that creature hurting her was... No! He couldn't let himself think about that, not now. His students needed him to stay calm.

It was taking every bit of restraint he had not to go rushing after them, but... He couldn't leave until he knew Mr. Salander was going to be alright. Blink, blink. The Frenchman's bright blue eyes widened as Miss Summers asked if there was more than one monster. The thought hadn't occurred to him until just now! Despite his panic, he still managed to give the girl a small smile as she found Mr. Salander's wand. "Thank you, Miss Summers," he said.

Now where was River?! Gaston peered down the corridor, searching for the healer, but he didn't have long to wait. He took an automatic step back as River approached, even before the other man asked for space. He nodded in reply to the healer's words, giving him a quick look of gratitude. His hand tightened around his wand, and as he turned away he overheard a bit of River and Mr. Salander's conversation. At least now he knew only one monster had escaped! He looked back for a moment, giving the prefect a reassuring smile. "Healer Reed's right," he said, and his expression hardened as he added, "That thing picked the wrong place to go rummaging for a snack!" And he turned on his heel and was gone.

Camilla watched silently for several moments as River examined the fallen Prefect. Her only hope right then was that the boy wasn't harmed to badly seeing as to how he was speaking nonstop and insisting on helping with the Monster search. Brave boy, he was wanting to continue to help.

Hearing River announce that he would be alright and was going to bring the boy to the Hospital wing she nodded her head. "I will be on my way then. Mr Salander, I hope you a speedy recovery and don't you worry about a thing." With a soft encouraging smile sent Tenacius' way she turned on heel and went the opposite way then her fellow colleagues. Her steps quickened as she disappeared down the corridor, wand in hand and eyes wide open listening and looking for anything out of the ordinary.

Something had to be done. And done now! No one else could get harmed by that-that thing!

Why did he ache everywhere? He didn’t really want to answer that since it will spell out a verdict he kinda knew was coming "I... uh... kinda hit the wall a bit, I was trying to set a shield charm over the Portal but yeah that didnt work as well as I hoped." He didnt feel to have to add that it backlashed on him. He wanted to join the monster hunting party. He was fine, all he had to do was shake off the woozies and look for--

....blood.

Whut?

He touched the same spot on his head as the Healer did moments before. "I'm bleeding?" he murmured as looked at his hand, genuinely surprised. Its not like this is the first time he's seeing his own blood, but he didnt think the impact of his tussle was that bad. Gryffindors eh? Wouldnt stop until they're heads have fallen off. Or almost as one case may be.

He smiled sadly at the Transfiguration Professor as she wished him well. "Thanks Profesor, and you show 'em Monster this aint his turf no more!" and we that the Gryffindor Prefect allowed himself to be taken away by the Healer.

Watching Blaise's quill move quickly over the notebook page, Olivia continued to hold her position at the corner of the corridor. Even when Gaston had beckoned her over... the blonde would not answer his call. Sorry.

Nope. Sorry. S O R R Y. Not happening. No, thank you, Gaston.

In fact, Olivia Phillips was blowing this popsicle stand. They weren't moving fast enough for her liking, and she was getting... anxious and panicky over... things. THINGS.

Blessed.

The stairs were just down the corridor a ways. The blonde Gryffindor felt she could make that distance without dying. No, that was not the Gryffindor in her wanting an adventure, but rather, the smidgen of common sense; telling her that staying still any longer would get her killed. Yep, needless to say, Olivia was NOT about that life.

#PeaceOut

THERE was his cousin he'd been meant to wait on but went ahead of instead. "Sorry, thought I heard something and it turns out I was right." But where was Livvy going? This was going to be a grand adventure and she was....leaving? But but but OLIVIA!

Blaise thought to call out to her but there was...the issue of the Headmistress' request.

Common Room? Why that was the one place, other than this spot here, that Blaise was SURE the monster was not. Consequently....."Yeah...we'll head right on over there." Blaise took hold of his cousin's sleeve and gave it a hard tug. "Let's go, Bentley. Gotta get to safety."

And again he tugged, giving the Professors a final look before yanking the boy along with him. That monster was worth more with pictures and a story surrounding it. NO WAY he was missing this.

Ugh! He was clearly lost to the party. Yes he was perfectly aware that he should be grateful for the fact that he arrived on the scene when the immediate danger had past but he was not. The fifth year was sure that he might have missed photos that could quite possibly make history.

It was a right shame really.

"I'm coming Blaise, must you yank at my clothes?" He shrugged away from his cousin frowning.

"If you were a monster, where would you go?" He asked his cousin as he walked off with him.

Quite frankly, the monster was relieved that no one was getting in its way of returning to its humble abode. Still moving wickedly fast, it glanced a quick look down at the courses it had selected. It paid no attention tot he saliva that was dribbling down the side of its face. They were of perfect size, and it was now contemplating as it approached the portal which one it was going to eat first. The boy with the glasses or the boy with the big mouth? Decisions, decisions.

The creature would make a choice once it was safely back. Whichever one kicked and screamed the most would probably be the one to go first...

After rounding a corner, the portal was now in sight and it quickly ran toward it with the boys to and fro. One moment in was in Hogwarts, the next it was on the other side where it was in familiar territory.

She was not surprised to see that a number of students were quick to meet her and the staff members present at the portal. The woman would have greeted them all, but moment like these did not call for such formalities. This was a moment of urgency for there was not a minute to loose. Every minute that passed by here was another minute the two boys were still in danger. This was a time to be vigilant.

The headmistress eyed the portal as she stood there, waiting a few more moments before giving her nonnegotiable orders. It was important that those that wanted to help heard this instructions.

"Thank you for your eagerness to help," Regina addressed the crowd that had congregated in the corridor. The turnout did not shock her in the least. "To make sure that everyone remains safe, a handful of staff members will be going through the portal while the rest of the staff remains here in the castle. If you are an older student, meaning you are a fifth year or above, you are welcome to accompany us because you have learned enough magic at this point to aide us in fighting against the monster and retrieving the boys. If you are a younger student, meaning you are a fourth year or below, you will remain in the castle. Your job is just as important. We, according to the research many of you did in the library, need to find the poltergeists." The one that was the source of the energy causing the portal to be there, to be exact.

Were there any questions? Now was a good time to ask before they put their plan into action.

OOC: Feel free to play as if your character is already here, or have your character arrive while Regina is giving instructions.

OOHHHH. You know it's about to go down when the Headmistress arrives! This was going to be AWESOME. They were going to storm this portal and take down one really big, scary, terrifying, man-eating monster! That thing was going to dread the day it tried to terrorize this castle!

Of course, Brent was thinking more along the lines of how easy it was to defeat dummies in class, and not how difficult it was going to be to take down a REAL monster.

...or not.

HE WAS LUMPED IN WITH THE LITTLE KIDS?! But he was so close to being a fifth year! He was literally months away! But...but...but...but... DUUUUUUUUUUUUUDE. Brent's face fell. He wasn't going in to defeat the monster after all. To say he was disappointed was a huge understatement. "Okay, well, I'm here to help out wherever you need me, Headmistress. I can assemble a poltergeist-hunting group if you'd like me to," he said. "Where do we need the poltergeist? Back here at the portal?" Sigh. He was NOT looking forward to meeting up with those poltergeist again, but he'd do it.

Zelena was going to help the staff in defeating this monster no matter what. Her wand was at the ready and there was a determined look in her eyes that had never been seen before.

"I'm prepared to do whatever it takes in order to rid Hogwarts of this monster and to make sure those boys are safe."Zelena said as her eyes flashed as if they were reflecting smouldering embers.

Camilla had left the four female students in the very capable hands of Healer Reed down in the Hospital Wing where she knew they would be safe. As much as she would have liked to remain there and keep an eye on the girls she knew that finding and stopping this Monster had to be done. In order to do that they needed as many people out there trying to stop it as possible. Which meant she wasted no time in heading back out into the corridors and making her way through each and everyone.

Only did she pause in her search for the briefest of moments when she heard the Headmistress' voice over the loudspeaker. Had the Monster been detained?

What?!

Oh, dear Merlin! Not one but two students had been taken! Two first years nonetheless!

Gripping her wand much more firmly in her hand, Camilla's pace quicken as she made her way back up to the sixth floor. She was just ever so slightly out of breath from rushing up three levels worth of stairs and down corridors as she reached the rather large group of staff and students. She remained silent the entire time Regina was speaking of dividing into groups. Keeping those younger then fifth years here at the school was a good idea in her opinion.

She was ready to do whatever was needed of her.

Regina arrived, more students arrived.

Kay could hardly look at any of them. How could she have let this happen? She felt guilty! No! BEYOND GUILTY. She snuck glances at Regina, listening solemnly. Obviously she would be staying back here as much as she would like to go into the Portal to make things right. Getting the Poltergeists would be just as important and it would be distracting for her.

"I'll help you with that, Mr Westwood,'' she said quietly and moved towards the fourth year. Since Brent had offered to organise the group, she didn't want to steal this moment from him. He was an upcoming fifth year and could handle the task. She looked at Rose. "You'll be staying too?''

The Sixth Year gave a polite nod to the Transfiguration and Muggle Studies professors. Her mind was too focused on the job at hand to say anything.

Zelena was mentally preparing herself for the immense challenge that she was going to be a part of. Her mind wasn't just going through the numerous spellbooks that she had read but she was going through possible bad situations that required her experience.

She hoped that she could keep her emotions in check, otherwise it would be disastrous. Zelena didn't want a repeat of when she was about nine.

Gaston had dropped Miss Delgado off at her common room and was going back through the school to search for stragglers when he heard Headmistress Hawthorne's announcement over the intercom. His worst fears had come true. His heart dropped when he heard who it was the monster had taken. Oh Merlin, why did it have to be them? He adored all his students like they were his own children, but he was especially protective of the little ones.

He rushed to the sixth floor in hopes of heading the beast off, but it was gone by the time he arrived. He was too late... He bit his lip and bowed his head as a million emotions threatened to overwhelm him. He was shocked and angry and devastated... not to mention wracked with guilt. If only he'd gotten here sooner... If only he'd gone a different direction... maybe he could've stopped this from happening. He mentally shook himself. He may not be able to change the past, but he could still help the boys now.

His eyes were a little red-rimmed but his face determined as he looked up. "I'm prepared to fight this thing to the death, but I'll go wherever I'm needed," he said, his voice even and never once wavering. He gripped his wand tighter, and his eyes darted around the hall as he awaited further instructions. He saw Kay and Rose approaching and gave the ladies a small sad smile as Kay offered to help Mr. Westwood, but his face fell as he overheard her ask Rose if she was staying. He looked at his love iwth pleadig eyes, silently begging her to say yes. Please stay with Kay, he thought. Don't do anything stupid!

The seventh year had been going nuts, pacing in his common room trying to calm down, he could be expelled for trying to go help? Really? Leon was frustrated as he moved back and forth, when suddenly he heard the headmistress' voice, saying that two kids had been taken and if anyone wanted to help.. they could!

The grey eyed boy was out of his common room and down to the portal entrance as quick as his feet could carry him..

He arrived just as the Headmistress was giving instructions..

He pulled out his wand and stepped up near the Headmistress.. He was a seventh year, and he was going in.. even though the mere thought of being in that portal gave him shivers down his spine.. "I'll go in.. I've already been inside, and I know magic isn't as strong in there. "

Oh, hello, Headmistress. More instructions.... Whut? She was also saying it was okay for kids to help?! Fifth Years and above... inside the Portal?! Her bright, blue eyes shifted to Rooney's face and... ABSOLUTELY NOT. Not that Olivia needed to really worry herself about that? Her person valued his life. He did. She'd seen him do it.

As for polter-hunting... That option was an attractive one. She had been, after all, in Piffy's wedding party. Miffy was her FRIEND (in her mind, at least!)... The struggle not to go and help track those elusive poltergeists down was a tough one...

Rooney would not like it. Nope... This was going to be a fight.... "Miffy's my friend. I'll help find her and her hubby." .... And their creeptastic polter-child.

She had left the hospital wing before Healer Reed could protest. She hated doing that because he had been there for her so much this term but she couldn't be told no. She hurried as fast as she could through the corridors. She knew she had failed time and time again, but she really did want to help and show that she could be a leader in the school.

As she saw the small group forming she hurried over. "I'll go into the portal." She tried to catch her breath from rushing to the sixth floor. She moved closer to the headmistress and the professors going into the portal. She looked around at which students were there and which were going to be in the portal. She hated seeing so many in danger and honestly part of her was already regretting leaving the hospital wing, but she was needed and she would do what she could.

Sorry Joe and Roman if anything bad happened.

Noelle had been sent to her common room. She knew why. The professor had wanted everyone safe.

But...

When the headmistress' voice came over the castle about two boys... firsties being taken. Noelle wasn't about to sit in her common room and not do anything. She had this feeling come over her. Not excitement. Not need to be in the spot light. Because she wasn't one for that. The need was to help save those kids.

Her thoughts flashed back to herself... a few years ago when all she had wanted was to be saved. That feeling she remembered so well. She could imagine those boys were feeling something worse than that.

Sprinting from the 7th floor, Noelle reached the end of what the Headmistress was saying. "I'll go into the portal." She said, her heart racing. Not from the run down the stairs.. but from the thought of going inside the portal. She was crazy scared, but that feeling... that feeling kept her going. She went over and stood next to Nat. Her wand was ready.

They were being told a lot of different things. Go to the common room, stay if they follow instructions, choose a group if they want to help. That last one came from the headmistress and she was surely the one to listen to. No way was Olly going back to his common room now. He was going to help, but how? He was old enough to go into the portal but was he really qualified? The headmistress seemed to think fifth years would be. And he felt prepared for OWLs. But did he have enough practical knowledge under pressure? He moved toward the group of older students planning on going into the portal even as he was still debating it. He might be better off going to look for the poltergeists.

But then Noelle arrived and Olly moved to her side. If she was going into the portal then so was he. He gripped his wand in one hand and squeezed Noelles hand with his other. Where Noelle went, Olly was going too. He'd do his best to help save those boys.