So, this spell seemed like a really bad idea to use when trying to remain hidden, no matter how user-friendly it was just saying. "Ver-dih-mill-ee-yus," she repeated, wand by her side for now. "Ver-dih-mill-ee-yus, Ver-dih-mill-ee-yus."

Wait, did he say chocolate? As in the sugary sweet? Kalie stood up and started feeling around on her cushion for anything that felt like a chocolate coin. Hey, the spell wouldn't very well work if she didn't know where to aim, right? After a couple of minutes, she thought she felt one and took aim. "Verdimillious." No luck. Maybe she was wrong and that wasn't where it was? Or maybe she was moving her wand the wrong way? She decided to give it a think before she tried again.

SPOILER!!: Ello, ello question

Quote:

Originally Posted by FearlessLeader19

Thank you, thank you very much, professor! Excuse Aria for being proud of herself. Her head bobbed as she took in Madigan’s explanation, clearing up all the things she had been unsure of. Just one more question. “What sort of damage, professor?’’ she asked, tilting her head and allowing her eyes to widen in just the right amount of innocent curiosity.

The Slytherin rather liked the sound of this spell because of the three effects it had. As instructed, the pronunciation was done, with A LOT of gusto on her part. “Ver-dih-mill-ee-yus. Ver-dih-mill-ee-yus.” And the Duo version could be used? EXCELLENT! Aria watched all the happenings from the professor’s end already knowing this was going to be easy peasy lemon squeezy for her. Yes! She was THAT confident!

Grabbing the nearest cushion {ignoring Violet like never before whom she happened to be looking around - no doubt for a partner}, she braced herself to get her practice started. “Verdimillious Duo!” Keeping her gaze on the cushion, a circle was traced over it, much like Madigan’s demonstration from moments ago. The chocolate coin appeared and sent Aria into a huge toothy beam. See? She knew she had this down. It made sense for an OWL student to be.

Damage? Ah yes, Verdimillious' damage to the opponent. "I'd say about the same damage as Stupefy or Flipendo but with a bit more of a sting feeling." It was good to ask, but the Professor certainly hoped she didn't have any plans on testing it on someone here, ahem.

In addition to this question, Professor Madigan checked to see how the students were coming about with the spell. Some were already successful and were pleased with the snack. Good, good. Some were still working on it or in the process of working, which was all well and fine. The effort was seen and welcomed. Now they could begin in action.

"Alright now, looks like a number of you got the incantation ready to use." Now for the main course. "Now then, you've been waiting long enough. Given the charm you are learning, you are going to be revealing a hidden passage.... via above our heads here." Professor Madigan wordlessly performed the highest level of Verdimillious to reveal the staircase by the far corner of the room, raising up to a visible board roughly 2 meters (6.5 feet) up. Waving to reveal another staircase at the opposite end of the room.

"This way everyone, line up as we will be ascending up. If you're worried about heights, stay close and think of it like jumping into a pool except you'll be able to bounce right back up easily." Once they followed him to the stairs he further explained as he climbed up. "Once we reach up, you'll be tasked to use Verdimillious to view the nearest platform you can jump towards." Now what was the catch? "Seeing as you'll be working with Verdimillious, I should explain the downside. You will be able to view the passageway for a limited time. If you use Verdimillious Duo you'll be able to see more along the way but around the same time." Good thing there were cushions yes?

"Now do not worry, even though the platform may appear to disappear it'll still remain so it'll appear as if you're floating in midair if stationary long enough." The aforementioned why would this exercise be necessary? "Another important factor with Defense is seeking all options in survival. Say you came across a domain where the enemy is located but they left a dangerous pit for you that you can't appear to cross ahead. Or you're escaping a hostage situation, managed to scavage the guard's wand and now facing a pit of doom. Here we are." Professor Madigan had a habit of presenting seemingly wild circumstances. Was it a part of his experience as a hunter or did he happen to have a wild enough imagination? Who knew.

"As a further incentive. I'll give the first three who make it across a prize to keep. You're more than welcome to help or work with another person." Everyone else, well he already promised the coins. "I'll show you part of the way before it disappears after me, Verdimillious!" And with that Professor Madigan was the first to leap ahead across invisible path showing 3 platforms glowing yellow and sparkling with a sizable gap spreading wide in-between the platforms. The first platform he jumped to land on, then quickly stretching his leg out to the next one that was closest. Followed by another jump just as the first platform he stepped on faded into nothingness. He repeated the Verdimillious charm again after every three platform steps for demonstration before he made it to the end. Now it's your turn? Quickly as the Professor already made it halfway with a hidden trail behind before he reached the end.

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OOC: Here we are! An imaginary pit of doom was formed for your character to make their way across. Using Verdimillious/Verdimillious Duo your character (and possible partner) are tasked with revealing and then leaping across hidden platforms to the end. The time limit of each platform shown would be about 10-15 seconds. Duo shows more along the way (6 platforms) but also hides after 10-15 seconds.

The gap between each platform is up for interpretation along the way. If you fall, you can jump back up to where you slipped/were reaching from or bounce back up to the starting line. There will be no purposely falling and then bouncing under the platforms until up to the finish line. The length of the room is close to a Basketball Court so give it about 2-3 posts to reach the end (or one lengthy post if limited for time) creativity is encouraged here.

If needed, I'll have Madigan post from time to time so there won't be a long wait before you're able to make your next post. Any questions, feel free to reach out, you'll have approximately 72 hours to finish.

The difference between training with her dad and DADA was that she got to use her wand in the latter one. It was unfortunate, really. Training with her dad was a lot more rigorous and she’d advance a lot more of she was allowed to use magic outside of school. Alas, she was stuck at school. At least it was with a professor who was challenging her.

Serena skipped practicing Verdimillious and went ahead with Verdimillious Duo. A chocolate coin was discovered each time she cast. At the end of class she’d collect them and save them for Jasper. Serena didn’t like chocolate, so might as well be charitable and give them to someone who didn’t mind any kinds of food.

Finally it was time for the activity. Serena put her hair up into a ponytail and shrugged off her robes, rolling her sleeves up to her elbows. Time to get casting. The fourth year had no aversion to heights. She’s a Quidditch player for Scotland U17. In fact, she enjoyed heights so much it could be considered borderline dangerous. Ever since she went skydiving with Stuart, Serena wanted more of that thrill.

Following the professor, Serena’s brain went to work when they were demonstrated what they had to work with. She was definitely going to go with the stronger version of the spell. When she was up, Serena cast, ”Verdimillious Duo!”

Without thinking much of anything aside from the task at hand, Serena jumped onto the platform that revealed itself of her. Nimble feet touched down and just as quick she assessed the next one and jumped. Then again. The Slytherin barely made it onto the fourth platform before they disintegrated, leaving her as if she was floating on thin air.

Fawkes. She wasn’t fast enough.

Oh nooo, professor. Aria had no plans for such destructive things. At least not here? But if she were to encounter a hostile at some point, you bet that she would. Now she had an accurate idea of what this particular spell would do to someone. This could be useful for OWLs, right?

The girl watched with interest as Madigan revealed all the things while she hugged the cushion she had worked on to her chest. Until they were instructed to follow the man, of course, and she dropped the cushion and did so. Thankfully she wasn’t scared of heights but she did pity those who did. Phobias were something she understood. Madigan’s explanation went through her mind on the loop for a bit. Thank Merlin she had practiced the stronger version of the spell!

Watching Madigan demonstrate, Aria thought it all seemed so easy and couldn’t wait to get started. Just imagine how different it would have been if no magic was involved and one fell from above. “Such a ‘dangerous’ activity,’’ Aria muttered good naturedly. “Wait till my father hears about this.” Val or James? Both? Who knows.

Determined to put her best foot forward, Aria got started. “Verdimillious Duo!” Just as with practice, the necessary wand movement was done, only this time nothing happened. Woops! Just minor technical difficulties! Perhaps she hadn’t used enough intent and focus. “Verdimillious Duo!” EXCELLENT! There we go. Ms. McLeod beamed to herself for six platforms had suddenly become visible. She’d better hurry otherwise they’d vanish soon, yes?

So, basically this was going to be awesome? Partly because she was familiar enough with the spell and partly because it was going to be hysterical to see people miss the platform and fall onto the cushions below. And if, IF she happened to miss, she was just going to bounce right back up extremely gracefully, so it'd be no biggy at all. Awesome.

Speed seemed to be a necessary thing here as the platforms disappeared super quick, so Nerina decided not to hesitate. "Verdimillious Duo." She jumped for the platform as it appeared, landing with her feet firmly planted. The next jump was a bit farther so she stepped back as much as she could without falling and gave herself a bit of a push-off before making her second leap. It wasn't exactly pretty, but it did the job. She hesitated for what felt like only a second to fix her hair when she noticed the surface beneath her feet starting to disappear, which was mildly worrying even though she knew she was fine. "Nope." Big nope. Moving oooon. She made her last jump right before the platform she'd been on disappeared completely and it was with a sigh of relief that she landed on platform number three.

This really got the heart racing, huh?

Despite the confidence in herself, Aria could not help but suddenly feel a hint of nervousness. Yes, there was no danger should she take a dive to the ground but still… She took a huge breath, pulled herself together then took off to the first platform. ‘Hurry but don’t fall, hurry but don’t fall,’ repeated in her head like a soothing mantra. Indeed those were the goals.

The fifth year kept her arms slightly stuck out at either side of her. They would help to maintain balance should she need that extra help. One platform, two platforms, three platforms, four platforms - OH! Her arms flapped like a bird trying to get airborne. Aria had stepped unsteadily on the fourth and as her eyes widened in surprise, she thought she was going to take a plunge. Fortunately for her, flapping like a bird helped, even if it were sort of embarrassing. During that time, the remaining two platforms had disappeared. No worries! That could easily be remedied!

“Verdimillious Duo!”

And there they were: the two previously platforms that had vanished plus four new ones.

This probably had to be one of her favorite lessons thus far. Heights and spells? YES. Serena was thoroughly enjoying herself, as well as treating this as a serious training exercise.

Her brows knit together as she analyzed her next move. There were more students joining her on the invisible platforms. She noticed a few looked scared. Something which she didn’t understand. They were all safe. The ground was squishy and if they were to fall, they’d bounce back up.

Forgetting about that, she focused back on task. She was halfway there and had to make the next six platforms count. “Verdimillious Duo!” Her magic didn’t fail her. Serena jumped one after the other, her footwork agile and precise. She wobbled slightly at the last platform, but that’s didn’t stop her. “Verdimillious Duo!”

This time around, Aria was better prepared for her trek across the platforms. The mantra ‘Hurry but don’t fall, hurry but don’t fall’ still repeated in her head; this time it seemed louder though. Now that the end platform was closer in sight, the Slytherin suddenly was enormously determined to be among the first who finished. Keeping her eyes down, she carefully stepped across to each platform. It wasn’t before long that five were behind her as she stood on the sixth.

“Verdimillious Duo!” The remainder appeared without issue which made Ms. McLeod scooted over to the first one. Then the other and the other until she was at the very end of line. She let out a loud cheer, jumping up and down as she did. “All done, professor!’’ Aria called happily as she descended the stairs.

Best lesson EVER!!!

Why was he whispering? Because it seemed the appropriate thing to do in a dimly lit classroom. He didn't know why, but there was something about less lighting that made him automatically think 'lower thy voice'. As far as signs that raised suspicions in the area, dimly lit was definitely one. But then again, the castle was dimly lit after hours .... not that it was something he would voice aloud. He wasn't one to incriminate himself when it came to being out of bed after curfew.

Verdimillious. He'd used that spell a time or two, but was curious to see how it would play for today's lesson. Verdimillious Duo. Okay, that was easy enough and it seemed they would be using it to reveal platforms for them to jump across. This was actually kind of cool. It would be like flying without a broom, which come to think of it was a skill Apollo wouldn't mind learning. Forget animagus training; could they do a flying without assistance training course?

Queuing up, the fifth year steadied his nerves as he cast "Verdimillious Duo" which revealed six platforms. Jump... jump... jump... jump.... jump... jump. He managed to reach number six just as they all seemingly vanished. Eyes widening, he blinked a few times to steady his vision, grateful for his height and quidditch agility training that allowed him to jump quickly.

So he was maybe halfway there? A third of the way? He still had a fair amount to go though.... since he could no longer see the starting platform, but the finishing point wasn't yet visible either.

"Verdimillious Duo" he cast again, revealing the next set of platforms. Jump... jump... jump....jump "eeeeekk" How'd he miss that? Cause somehow he miscalculated and didn't quite make the next platform. Falling onto the trampoline-like ground, he bounced promptly back to the last platform he had landed on, feeling slightly disoriented. No stress though. He could do this.

Having not seen any younger students struggling to find a partner (and blatantly ignoring Aria's increasingly rude behavior, Violet decided her solo practice had been enough. But really, what was up with Aria? The way she was acting, you'd think Violet had thrown her favorite puppy in the Great Lake or something. Sure, they'd never been particular friends, but Violet couldn't think of anything she'd done to upset or anger the younger girl, either. Maybe it was just the effects of being a Fifth Year. At any rate, Violet did not have time for adolescent sulking this year, between getting ready for her N.E.W.T.S. and making future career choices. And before any of that, she needed to get through this DADA lesson.

Violet sighed. She was not only a little afraid of heights (which she would never, ever admit to anyone, ever, she was not at all confident when it came to athletic feats. While she felt pretty confident that she could execute the spells necessary to reveal the platforms, jumping onto them, especially if they were very far apart, was quite another matter. She was glad she'd made some extra bruise salve in the Potions Lab.

Finally reaching the top of the stairs, she was rather impressed to watch Professor Madigan deftly leaping from platform to platform (and even more impressed with his imaginative scenarios--he sounded like a fellow writer!). And then it was her turn. Duo seemed to be the way to go here, since it gave one a wider view of the course, so..."Duo Verdimillious!" Violet cast firmly and confidently, and sure enough, a pattern of six platforms appeared outlined before her. Immediately, she jumped onto the first one and then the second. The third was a bit further away and she needed a minute to gather her resources and take a step back before attempting the leap, and just managed the landing as platform three faded away from under her (though she could still feel it there--what a weird sensation!). But now the rest of the revealed platforms had vanished.

Oh well, not to worry, Violet could always cast another spell. "Duo Verdimillious!" And there were six more platforms. Violet continued this way across the long room, revealing six platforms but usually only managing to land on three before the spell faded. She was just not athletic enough to do this quickly, and she'd learned from painful experience (Animagus training, anyone?) that trying to rush things usually wound up with her falling down and having to start over. Once she actually made four platforms in a row, though the last one was just far enough away that she lost her footing and slipped off it, and wound up hanging by her hands as the surface disappeared beneath her. Good thing her imagination was good enough to allow her to visualize where the platform still was and she was somehow able to muster up enough upper body strength to pull herself back up and continue on.

Finally, after what seemed an age and in an exercise that had grown much less exciting now that she was getting tired), she cast a final "Duo Verdimillious!" and saw only four platforms left. Nearly there. Taking care not to slip up at this late stage in the game, Violet leaped--one, two....threeee. Did she say the last one was the final spell? She was lying to herself, she was not about to attempt four jumps in a row again on the very last one. "Duo Verdimillious!" she cast one last time, and reached the final platform, and then the stairway down. Finally! She slowly made her way back down the staircase, her legs feeling a bit weak under her. "Made it," she commented, panting slightly as she passed Professor Madigan at the bottom.

Eventually Professor Madigan had made it to the opposite side awaiting for the students to make their way. A few seemed to do splendid, albeit hesitantly, which was another good thing. It was crucial to be cautious and accurate than quick and unprepared. But those who were a big too quick and slipping up, that was no trouble. Mistakes were a wonderful lesson and in this case would serve to encourage.

Ms. Santos was the first one to jump across and was doing quite well, followed by Ms. McLeod who then quickly surpassed Santos and Ms. Moretti. Then there was Mr. Adara-Stark who was doing excellent until, gasp, he fell, but promptly bounced back up! Then there was Ms. Blackthorne, his eyes were focused on how the young man fell incase he got injured that he almost missed Ms. McLeod and Ms. Blackthorne make the final jump and then down the staircase to his side. "Well done," He smiled and nodded in approval, before looking back up to see how the others will make it across. "Keep it up everyone, you're doing excellent!" Directing to those who were still in the middle of the path.

--
OOC: Heey, you're doing great everyone! So great, I'm extending the activity for another day. Once finished you're free to talk and mingle with the others who also made it. For a refresher, this post will help. Any other questions, feel free to reach out, you'll have approximately 24 hours to finish.

Serena tightened her ponytail and focused on where the platforms would appear. She wondered if the professor could help her train and challenge her more. Maybe by adding more height or adding obstacles or flying objects.

“Verdimillious Duo!” Serena cast. The remaining platforms she required appeared before her. She quickly took advantage of them and jumped her way to the end. “Woo! Done!”

That was fun could they do it again?

Slightly bothered by the slip - Apollo still didn't know how he had managed that!! His balance was GOOD, OKAY?? - the Gryffindor stood on the platform he slipped off from and readjusted his stance.

"Verdimillious Duo" The remaining platforms seemed to appear and Apollo mentally scolded himself because of how close he had been. No time to waste though, as he used that adrenaline to jump his way to the end. On the last platform he landed with with a shout. "Yessss!!" And made his way down the staircase much slower to lower his heartrate back down.

"Wonderful!" Professor Madigan exclaimed as Ms. Santos followed by Mr. Adara-Stark made it to the end joining the others that finished. After some time he awaited for the remaining students to jump across the platforms. Some struggled but remained determined in the end.

"Well done, everyone! As promised, let's give a hand to our winners, Misses Aria McLeod, Violet Blackthorne, and Serena Baltazar-Dos Santos. Here's your prize, limited edition coins that the face of the coin will automatically shape to your current look." Handing each one coin to keep. "I wouldn't suggest trying to spend these without sending the recipient a good shock before the coin disinigrates." As for everyone else, "Among the cushions the chocolate coins are free to take and enjoy. And to those unable or not a fan of chocolate, I have vanilla and strawberry flavored in this box here." Cue the box nearby opening to reveal for some to take. With that all said and done. "Class is dismissed, thank you all for coming today. Remember, think, breathe, and prosper."

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OOC: Thank you everyone for participating! You're free to finish up a post for credit. Otherwise, the class is dismissed and thread will close later tonight.

Wow, she'd won a prize! And for an event that involved something vaguely athletic, even. Even if she had to share the glory with Aria McLeod, Violet felt pretty good about it. She only hoped that her "current look" the coin was supposed to shape itself to would not be the sweaty, disheveled look she was currently sporting. "Thanks, Professor Madigan," she said to him, prize firmly in hand. And thanks for the philosophical closing, too--Violet appreciated a bit of poetry in her life.

Aria smiled widely when it was announced that she was among the winners. What made her even happier was that it had been all- Slytherin girls who won. Even if Violet was among the three. As for her prize? Ms. McLeod was quite delighted with it! Fancy having something this unique! Oh yes! The chocolate coins too were quite the catch and she wasted no time in collecting a few for herself. Maybe she’d share with Caes later, if she was in the mood.

“Thank youuu, professor! This was such a great and fun lesson!” Flouncing wordlessly past Violet, the fifth year headed out of the room.