Big Top and Main Stage

[Zoe]

Witches and warlocks, children of all ages, the Worple and Warmsley Magical Travelling Carnival is proud to present a creature feature like nothing you've ever seen before! See the enchanting erumpent walk the tightrope! Witness the daring demiguise fly through the air on the trapeze! Behold the disappearing diricawl magic act! No matter what your pleasure, the main attraction is sure to delight and

A sprawling red and black striped tent looms tall and proud in the center of the carnival, its front flaps pulled apart to allow guests easy access to the main attraction. Cheery carnival music and several large posters advertising the acts greet all who approach. Located just to the left of the entrance is the ticket booth where a sign proclaims: Admission - 4 Galleons; Children 5 and under get in free.

Inside the tent, several rows of bleachers line the sides. The center space is occupied by the main stage, a varnished wood structure decorated in red and black bunting to match the big top. A long tightrope stretches overhead, and a few small trapezes dangle. A possible hint of things to come? A red and black curtain separates the backstage area where the animals and ringmaster go to relax between acts; this area is off limits to the audience.

So step right up and take your seats! It's only a matter of time until the lights dim and the show begins. In the meantime, don't forget to check the schedule for a rundown of the acts.

Text Cut: Schedule

Act 1
The Flying Demiguises - 7:00 PM

Act 2
Occamy Obstacle Course - 7:20 PM

Act 3
Erumpent Tightrope Walk - 7:40 PM

Act 4
Diricawl Magic Show - 8:00 PM

Act 5
Chimaera Taming - 8:20 PM

Act 6
The Dukuquwa Cannonball - 8:40 PM

[Tazzie]

As soon as he arrived home for the summer, Trent tried all the tricks up his sleeve to distract his mother from her inevitable lengthy monologue of how he was supposed to be married now and settling down. Trent loved his mother fiercely but she didn't understand that even at 28, the now martial arts coach just didn't want to be tied down just yet. He was enjoying being a bachelor too much. Besides, he was surrounded by kids all the time (it was one reason she insisted upon too: "You need to have your own kids by now!); he taught aikido-arnis to a bunch of 9-12 year olds plus, his twin siblings were still ten, respectively.

He believed he was just doing very fine in the kids department, thank you very much.

And today, the twins, Madison and Mason (yes, they were both born shortly after he graduated from Hogwarts; their parents were unbelievable tbh), had asked him to bring them to Diagon Alley because apparently there was a carnival. Trent agreed, of course. He hasn't been to a carnival in a long time and he could really use some time out of the house and his mother and the litany that surely came with her.

So, here they were...lining up for the acts first.

Trent paid the necessary admission price and followed the twins inside. Finding a seat was easy since there weren't many people yet and it didn't take long before the twins started talking animatedly to each other, discussing what acts they might witness and whatever it was that ten year olds talked about. Trent just watched them with a smile on his face as he shifted to get comfortable.

[Katerina the Flexible]

“Ze show is very good.”

The announcement seemed to come from nowhere, yet in fact it hadn’t. Katerina knew that there were people waiting for Augustus to start the creature shows, and she’d been as excited as any seventeen-year-old who had grown up a member of the carnival. Mamasha had trained her well in her own skill set, but that hadn’t stopped the girl from befriending the others. Not to mention carnival-goers wherever they settled.

Executing a perfect backflip into the seat next to the man with the two twins, she tilted her head to one side as she effortlessly lifted one leg to rest behind her shoulders, better to observe the people she’d spoken to. The show really was very good, after all.

[Augustus Skender]

Another day, another show! Augustus Skender lived for the spotlight! He bustled about backstage, running a few last minute checks before the show started. Jacket? Check. Hat? Check. Creatures? He wandered down the rows of enclosures, the long tails of his jacket billowing behind him as he went. He stopped as he came to the demiguises;they were on first. "Hey, guys," he said, patting one demiguise on the head. "Ready to go on?"

It wouldn't be long now! He checked his watch... ten minutes left. He peered around the edge of the curtain just in time to see Katerina backflip into one of the seats. Hmm... so few seats filled tonight. Oh well there was still time; hopefully more people would arrive before the show started!

[DaniDiNardo]

Alexa Cambridge regretted today dearly. Well, she did and didn't. It was great her kid got to enjoy a carnival, but taxing...oh so taxing. Add another two children to the bunch--one that refused to be put down--and Lex was solidly ready to be back at the manor sipping a drink and pretending she didn't know any of the blonde little demons.

It was unfortunate, she'd drawn the short straw. Arisa was now well into a spa day with her friends sans children and Lex was on sitter duty. It wasn't a real complaint, as this was typical of the pair. Depending on the day and what each had, the other took over the little people care. It was the only compromise to be had with such a nitpicky grandmother. The years had simply made them used to it.

Now, Lex couldn't imagine leaving her kid with just anyone, just in case. Didn't need her picking up the wrong kinds of bad habits.

The Head Auror ushered the 7, 5 and 2 year olds into their seats by the front as they'd eagerly insisted. It was abundantly clear they were looking forward to this more than she was.

[Hey Ju]

Catherine was always keeping the adults in sight because she had heard of the strange - bad - things that sometimes happened in Diagon Alley. She believed her mother thought she was being discreet when discussing things with dad, but Catherine could often overhear them, especially her mother because she just spoke louder than dad.

Diagon Alley could be dangerous! Catherine was not here for danger. At all. Ever. No, thanks. Leave that to Noah and Cecelia and Scarlett and Dawn and their crazy antics. But not her.

The little brunette quietly made her way to where a show would take place soon, every so often looking over her shoulder to make sure she was still safe. Which she was, at the moment. Good.

Taking a seat, she patiently waited for the show to start.

[oh its Erik ok]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hey Ju

Catherine was always keeping the adults in sight because she had heard of the strange - bad - things that sometimes happened in Diagon Alley. She believed her mother thought she was being discreet when discussing things with dad, but Catherine could often overhear them, especially her mother because she just spoke louder than dad.

Diagon Alley could be dangerous! Catherine was not here for danger. At all. Ever. No, thanks. Leave that to Noah and Cecelia and Scarlett and Dawn and their crazy antics. But not her.

The little brunette quietly made her way to where a show would take place soon, every so often looking over her shoulder to make sure she was still safe. Which she was, at the moment. Good.

Taking a seat, she patiently waited for the show to start.

Igor was first wondering what kind of games they could play here but guess he would have to wait for those since he was directed by his parents into the the big top and well at least he was able to get his own seat as long as they could see him of course. He still was a little mad he could even play some games. He wanted to show he could win something and brag about it because you know eleven year old boys.

He looked around and went over to a seat where someone looked a tiny bit familiar.

"Excuse me, is this seat taken?"

Had to be polite and all.

[Hey Ju]

Quote:

Originally Posted by oh its Erik ok

Igor was first wondering what kind of games they could play here but guess he would have to wait for those since he was directed by his parents into the the big top and well at least he was able to get his own seat as long as they could see him of course. He still was a little mad he could even play some games. He wanted to show he could win something and brag about it because you know eleven year old boys.

He looked around and went over to a seat where someone looked a tiny bit familiar.

"Excuse me, is this seat taken?"

Had to be polite and all.

Catherine was minding her own business, watching the empty stage in front of her and thinking about how amazing it would be to own a cat when somebody spoke to her, making her nearly jump out of her skin.

Wide eyes looked up at the one who spoke, her mind already screaming STRANGER DANGER when... she realised the boy was familiar. That meant she knew him from somewhere so he wasn't exactly a stranger. "No." She told him, her expression completely neutral as she judged studied him. Why? Did he want to sit there? Why? There were loads of other seats around, couldn't he see? Why did he want to sit there? Was he trying to trick her? Why?? Why would he want to trick her?? Catherine bet he just wanted to annoy her like her brother. That was what boys did, they were just annoying and liked to annoy people all the time. She was there to watch a show, not to be annoyed by a boy!

...

What was his name again? Vitamin. Oh yeah. Igor Vitamin. Yeah, she remembered him; she knew who he was.

And she was now staring at Igor Vitamin. Intently.

[Augustus Skender]

The final minutes ticked down to the start of the show. Augustus peeked around the edge of the curtain again. More people had arrived by now, and not a moment too soon! He glanced at his watch again. 7:00 on the dot. The ringmaster grabbed a long black cane with a red handle and pulled it apart to reveal his wand. After casting a quick sonorus, he was ready to go on. He took a deep breath to calm the rush of excitement that came with every performance. Showtime!

The lights went down, and Augustus had just enough time to replace his wand before the curtain parted. A spotlight appeared on him as he stepped onstage, flashing a dazzling smile “Witches and warlocks, children of all ages, welcome to the show!” he called, doffing his hat to the audience. “I am your ringmaster, Augustus Skender, and we have quite the creature feature in store for you tonight! So without further ado…”

He pointed upward with his cane. “First up, we have an animal acrobatics act of epic proportions. Put your hands together for our furry flier, the disappearing dynamo, the beast from the Far East… The Flying Demiguises!”

Augustus led the crowd in applause before bowing offstage with a dramatic flourish.

[Anna Banana]

The circus? Hmm. Torii kind of thought that maybe her aunt was trying a little too hard, but at least she was trying. The decision to go to the circus after a long day shopping for school clothes had been one made on a whim. At first, Torii had seemed hesitant. Really hesitant. Again, though, at least her aunt was trying, and that made Torii seem to want to try just a little herself. She knew her aunt and uncle loved her and felt sorry for her all at the same time, but they still hadn't made any sort of connection. Torii still felt lost and all alone.

When she blinked her eyes, she was in a seat, and a team called The Flying Demiguises had taken the stage. Whoooa. Had she been so lost in her thoughts that she'd just wandered around with her aunt until she found herself here? That was kind of scary in a way. She checked to make sure her aunt was indeed still beside her. Good. She was. The fourteen year old got herself comfortable and fixed her eyes on the act.

First time for everything, she guessed.

[oh its Erik ok]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hey Ju

Catherine was minding her own business, watching the empty stage in front of her and thinking about how amazing it would be to own a cat when somebody spoke to her, making her nearly jump out of her skin.

Wide eyes looked up at the one who spoke, her mind already screaming STRANGER DANGER when... she realised the boy was familiar. That meant she knew him from somewhere so he wasn't exactly a stranger. "No." She told him, her expression completely neutral as she judged studied him. Why? Did he want to sit there? Why? There were loads of other seats around, couldn't he see? Why did he want to sit there? Was he trying to trick her? Why?? Why would he want to trick her?? Catherine bet he just wanted to annoy her like her brother. That was what boys did, they were just annoying and liked to annoy people all the time. She was there to watch a show, not to be annoyed by a boy!

...

What was his name again? Vitamin. Oh yeah. Igor Vitamin. Yeah, she remembered him; she knew who he was.

And she was now staring at Igor Vitamin. Intently.

Did Igor scare her or was she normally this nervous whenever someone talked to her. Well she said no so he did take a seat. Look at him being polite and all. Well she wasnt saying anymore and looked like the show was about to start. What was her name again.

He knew it started with a C and or K.

Cassandra, no. Colleen, definitely no. Hmm..Kathy, no no no dont think a K was in it.

Oh, Catherine.

"......."

Now she was starting at him and we was just sitting there and she was stare and by now he felt he needed to say something.

"Are, are you ok?...oh oh look the show is starting!"

The Flying Demiguises sounded cool

[siriusblackliveson]

Victoria shuffled in sitting down after hearing the announcement that the show was starting. She loved carnivals and was so happy that she was going to get to see this. She never got the chance to see one of these magical shows. She was always at the county fair with the muggles riding horses, but this was a totally different experience. "Wow this is so cool." she mumbled under her breath. She hadn't made a ton of friends in the past year, but she was starting to get more familiar with the area and the people around.

Patrick snuck into the big top as the show was beginning. He wasn't sure what to expect his parents had never taken him to something like this before. His mama and pops were off around the food vending area. He was hopeful that he might get to hang around with his friends for a bit uninterrupted. Especially since he was about to turn 15 and he was more than responsible now.

He heard the ring master introduce the act. He was really regretting his choice not to get popcorn. Or ask his mama to grab some for him. He scanned the room quickly to see if any of his friends were around. He missed them all terribly.

[DEMIGUISES!]

As soon as their Ringmaster left the stage, the red curtain opened with a flourish ... only to reveal nothing. The spotlights focused in on the centre of the wall, but there were still no signs of movement. Was this part of the show?

Then, just when the lack of anything happening was almost too much to bear, Phineas the Demiguise swung into view, holding on to a trapeze. Its long, silky hair moved as he circled around the tent as music began to play, whizzing past the faces of those in the audience close enough for a momentary draft to be felt.

But Phineas was not the only Demiguise performing this act. Just moments later, Ferb the Demiguise joined his friend. The two creatures circled around and around, gaining momentum, moving faster and faster.

Suddenly, Phineas swung himself forward and let go of the trapeze, allowing himself to flip through the air...

And Ferb caught him just in the nick of time.

Then the two started swinging, swinging, swinging. Phineas let go, making a number of backflips before grabbing onto his original trapeze bar.

Ferb then pulled himself up onto his bar and stood. Then, clinging onto the bar with his feet, let himself appear to fall, only to swing around and return to his position on the bar. The same move was done a number of times before he was no longer on the bar and was somersaulting midair.

But where was Phineas? He seemed to have ... disappeared.

Was Ferb going to... Gasp!

Right when Ferb was mere feet from hitting the ground, Phineas' body appeared and grabbed onto the arm of his ape-like friend. The two gracefully swung around and around, now doing some sort of elaborate dance together.

Soon the duo were back to swinging around and around, though this time it was Ferb that was let go and completed a series of flips back to his original bar. The two then started leaping from their bars, flipping through the air so they crossed each other, and latched onto the other's bar.

The speed of the spinning bars gradually died down, as did the Demiguises dance. With one last flip happened, their version of a bow, and Phineas and Ferb flew off stage and out of sight.

[Augustus Skender]

Augustus watched the demiguise act from offstage, his eyes glued to the little hairy ape-like creatures as they sailed through the air. He smiled when Phineas appeared just in time to catch Ferb. That part of the act was always a crowd pleaser! He appreciated the flip at the end too; it was a nice touch, and what could he say? He was a sucker for dramatic flair!

As the demiguises flew out of sight, Augustus took the stage again, applauding loudly. "Bravo! Let's have a round of applause for Phineas and Ferb, our flying friends!" When the applause died down, he went on, "If our last act was proof that things are not always what they appear..."

Out came his wand, and with an exaggerated wave, an obstacle course appeared center stage. There were objects with openings in a wide range of sizes from as small as a pillbox to as large as a Hogwarts trunk. " Our next shows that talent comes in all shapes and sizes. Witness tye wonder of the serpentine size-shifter... The Outstanding Occamy!"

With his staff he pointed toward the start of the course where the creature would appear at any moment, then exited the stage with a dramatic bow.

[Hey Ju]

Quote:

Originally Posted by oh its Erik ok

Did Igor scare her or was she normally this nervous whenever someone talked to her. Well she said no so he did take a seat. Look at him being polite and all. Well she wasnt saying anymore and looked like the show was about to start. What was her name again.

He knew it started with a C and or K.

Cassandra, no. Colleen, definitely no. Hmm..Kathy, no no no dont think a K was in it.

Oh, Catherine.

"......."

Now she was starting at him and we was just sitting there and she was stare and by now he felt he needed to say something.

"Are, are you ok?...oh oh look the show is starting!"

The Flying Demiguises sounded cool

Catherine continued to stare watch as the boy took a seat next to her. She hadn't stopped wondering why he did that with so many empty seats around, so she was still staring watching to see if he was going to try and play any silly games.

He only stared back, though, which was weird. Why was he doing that!? Did she have something on her face? The girl started to slowly turn her head back to the stage, but her eyes stayed fixed on him. Now she was side-eyeing him because... Catherine didn't trust this boy. He had a strange name.

She discreetly scooted away, but it was only when the show started that she ignored his question and finally looked away from him and towards the showman talking. The small brunette listened to what the man had to say and her eyes widened when he disappeared and the red curtains opened with a flourish.

.....??????

Well, that was anticlimactic. But Catherine was now proud of herself because she could use that word. Anticlimactic. It was a big word and she knew it. She wasn't about to share it with Igor Vitamin, though, because she didn't really know him that well.

Strange boy.

The girl was still watching the wall, half expecting something to happen, half having already given up on the show altogether when a creature jumped into view, making her also jump on her seat basically for the second time in less than 5 minutes. She was now sitting pretty close to Igor Vitamin, so close that their arms bumped, causing her to frown when she realised what had happened and scoot away again immediately.

Gross!

Catherine pretty much missed the amazing trick by the two demiguises because she was too busy frowning and huffing because of what had just happened. Their arms bumped and it was gross! Yuck yuck yuck, why was he sitting so close to her!? Why???

Crossing her arms over her chest, she tried to shift her attention back to the show. She watched as one of the demiguises standing on a bar, and when he nearly feel the girl jumped again and ended up too close to Igor Vitamin... again.

Noooooo! Her frown was now so deep it was almost stopping her from being able to see anything that was going on in the show. Scooting away from him again, her attention was now mostly on the boy instead of the creatures, which was not what it was supposed to be like!!! She knew it!! This boy was here only to annoy her!!

Maybe her attention not being fully on the acrobatic creatures was a good thing, otherwise that next stunt would've made her jump.... again.

It was only when the demiguises were spinning and spinning that her focus was back on them, and she even knew when to clap. Not that she clapped too much because she crossed her arms over her chest again to stop them from touching Igor Vitamin.

When the showman told them what the next act would be, Catherine's eyes went wide once again. An occamy!! That was a brilliant creature and she couldn't wait to see it! No boy would stop her from watching it change its size to fit into all those different boxes!

[OCCAMY!]

There was not a single sign of movement after the ringmaster left the stage. Deadpan silence followed after the introduction of the next act. The anticipation was building. Where was that Occamy?

But then something moved. For those with good eyesight, a rogue cockroach scurried onto the obstacle course as fast as it possibly could. It was as if it had seen its worst nightmare, which wanted to make a tasty meal out of it.

That, however, was the reality of the situation.

With a sqwuak, Morgana the Occamy came into view, her winged serpentine body not easily missed at this point as she was about the size of a car. Her body curled like a snake and her head launched forward for the insect, her beak snapping repeatedly.

Miss. The roach fled within the confines of a slender tube.

It was then Morgana rose into the air and started changing size. Within seconds she was no longer the size of a car and dove right into the tube with ease. The sounds of her beak sounded as her entire body fit its way inside the tube.

Out came the insect, shortly followed by Morgana.

The cockroach led the Occamy through a series of obstacles. Three rings of various sizes, through a tiny crack in a randomly placed wall, down a slide, up a pole, weaved its way through swinging tires, and through various tunnels on a mount of dirt. Then the little thing did something unexpected, it leapt toward the audience, right in between the feet of those sitting in front.

Morgana weaved her way in between pairs of feet, her beak snapping here and there in an attempt to catch her snack. Miss, miss, miss. The insect was starting to gain some ground, its chances of escaping becoming more and more likely.

The bug then made a beeline for the stage, finding refuge inside a teapot in the centre and thinking it hadn't been seen.

But the Occamy was smart. She had seen the end of the insect slip into the vessel just in time. Morgana's tiny body slowly slithered away from the feet of the audience and gracefully darted up into the air. Her body grew in size, larger and larger, circling the stage.

When she could grow no more, she dove. As she inched her way closer and closer to the tiny entrance of the spout, her body rapidly shrunk. Within a blink of an eye Morgana's body plunged into the pot and out of sight, where she was enjoying the juicy roach she had been chasing with satisfying crunches.

[Augustus Skender]

From his place offstage, Augustus watched as the cockroach took the stage, closely followed by the occamy. His eyes followed the pair through the course. So far, so good; everything going according to plan...

Then the roach skittered into the front row. His eyes widened slightly, darting toward the audience to gauge their reaction. Hopefully no one would be too put off by the occamy weaving between their feet. Merlin, he couldn't afford any complaints! Smile, Augustus. Let them think it's part of the act, he thought. And he did.

Augustus applauded wildly, a wide smile on his face, as the occamy dove into the teapot to enjoy a buggy bite to eat. "Thank you, thank you!" he said loudly, taking the stage again. "How about a hand for our occamy, Morgana, who's shown us that big things can come in small packages!"

He paused a few moments for applause before going on, "Up next we have something a bit lighter for you, a beastly balancing act of sorts." He pointed dramatically upward with his staff. "Please welcome all the way from Africa the titan of the tightrope, the horned high wire walker... the amazing erumpent!"

With an exaggerated bow, he backed offstage once more.

[oh its Erik ok]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hey Ju

Catherine continued to stare watch as the boy took a seat next to her. She hadn't stopped wondering why he did that with so many empty seats around, so she was still staring watching to see if he was going to try and play any silly games.

He only stared back, though, which was weird. Why was he doing that!? Did she have something on her face? The girl started to slowly turn her head back to the stage, but her eyes stayed fixed on him. Now she was side-eyeing him because... Catherine didn't trust this boy. He had a strange name.

She discreetly scooted away, but it was only when the show started that she ignored his question and finally looked away from him and towards the showman talking. The small brunette listened to what the man had to say and her eyes widened when he disappeared and the red curtains opened with a flourish.

.....??????

Well, that was anticlimactic. But Catherine was now proud of herself because she could use that word. Anticlimactic. It was a big word and she knew it. She wasn't about to share it with Igor Vitamin, though, because she didn't really know him that well.

Strange boy.

The girl was still watching the wall, half expecting something to happen, half having already given up on the show altogether when a creature jumped into view, making her also jump on her seat basically for the second time in less than 5 minutes. She was now sitting pretty close to Igor Vitamin, so close that their arms bumped, causing her to frown when she realised what had happened and scoot away again immediately.

Gross!

Catherine pretty much missed the amazing trick by the two demiguises because she was too busy frowning and huffing because of what had just happened. Their arms bumped and it was gross! Yuck yuck yuck, why was he sitting so close to her!? Why???

Crossing her arms over her chest, she tried to shift her attention back to the show. She watched as one of the demiguises standing on a bar, and when he nearly feel the girl jumped again and ended up too close to Igor Vitamin... again.

Noooooo! Her frown was now so deep it was almost stopping her from being able to see anything that was going on in the show. Scooting away from him again, her attention was now mostly on the boy instead of the creatures, which was not what it was supposed to be like!!! She knew it!! This boy was here only to annoy her!!

Maybe her attention not being fully on the acrobatic creatures was a good thing, otherwise that next stunt would've made her jump.... again.

It was only when the demiguises were spinning and spinning that her focus was back on them, and she even knew when to clap. Not that she clapped too much because she crossed her arms over her chest again to stop them from touching Igor Vitamin.

When the showman told them what the next act would be, Catherine's eyes went wide once again. An occamy!! That was a brilliant creature and she couldn't wait to see it! No boy would stop her from watching it change its size to fit into all those different boxes!

.....was she ok.

Because Igor was beginning to think something was wrong with her. He was trying to pay attention to the demiguises which were cool and all but she was like kept bumping into him and such. He was kept look over at her everything time she did it. And well now he had to ask once the demiguises thing was over.

"Catherine, do you have to go to the bathroom?"

Only explanation he could think of.

Oooo those Occamy were really something. Look at it chasing that...was it a roach or something. Go Occamy Go!

"Catherine you see that, that was so cool!"

Maybe he was being a tad dramatic but really he never has gone to one of these things before that he can remember. But he got up and started clapping like the guy told him to because why not

An erumpent, what was that?

[ERUMPENT!]

Slowly but surely, the large rhinoceros-like creature stepped onto the stage. The people in the crowd staring at him didn't bother old Bernard one bit. He was used to crowds after all these years and was a gentle soul, though he knew he was quite a powerful beast.

The Erumpent circled the stage, giving everyone a good look at him. The thick hide, the long and rope-like tail, and even his scent was enough to let anyone know that he wasn't to be messed with. But, perhaps the most impressive thing about him was the long, deadly horn it bore. The sight of Bernard was enough to cause people to question how was it possible that such a large creature could walk a tightrope.

But that was the grand mystery, the magic, the wonder behind it all.

With a loud creak, the Erumpent stepped up onto his wooden platform. He knew that it was his goal to walk across the tightrope to the other platform, which he had done many, many times before. The beast had done it many, many times before successfully. However, the risk of tonight being the night he blew up was ever-present.

Music began to play, which was a signal for Bernard to make his first step onto the tightrope. And then another ... and another ... and another.

The large creature was now hanging by a thread. One wrong move and total chaos would ensue.

Another step was made, followed by two more. Minutes went by, and Bernard cautiously made his way forward. In by inch, he maintained his balance. When one foot on the right side of his body moved, his long horn moved to the left, and vice versa. So far, everything was going as planned.

But then the Erumpent stopped about half-way. Something managed to distract Bernard from his task. Did the light hit his eye the wrong way? Was someone in the audience doing something to distract him? Had a little mouse been sighted somewhere and startled him?

No matter the cause, the tightrope began to wobble. Was tonight going to be the end of the creature's tightroping career?

The large creature didn't move. He just stood there, petrified, as he tried with all his might to stay balanced.

After minutes had gone by, one foot then suddenly rose and was placed before another. A second foot did the same, then a third, and a fourth. The tightrope stopped wobbling as Bernard moved forward again. He carried onward until he had successfully made it onto the other platform with a loud creak.

Success! Bernard let out a low bellow and dipped his head before stepping down from the platform and off the stage.

[Augustus Skender]

Augustus watched the giant rhinoceros-like animal appear and circle the stage. Good job, Bernie! he thought, giving the creature an approving smile. Get the crowd all pumped up for the big act! He kept his eyes glued to the creature as the music started and it stepped onto the tightrope, just as it uad done so many times before. So far, so good...

Then the erumpent stopped. Why? What was going on? The ringmaster's eyes widened slightly, but he wasn't too concerned just yet. Setbacks were part of performing. Still, his hand hovered over the top of his staff, ready to draw his wand in case the creature fell. He couldn't even begin to imagine the bad publicity if an erumpent crushed or blew up half the audience!

Come on! You can do it, Bernie! Auguatus thought, his eyes locked on the animal as if willing it to move. After several tense moments, the erumpent made it the rest of the way across, and Augustus applauded wildly. The bellow at the end was a nice touch!

"Bravo, bravo! It just goes ro show if at fiest you don't succeed, try again," he said, taking the stage again. "Let's have a nice round of applause for Bernard, the balancing erumpent!"

Augustus waited a minute or two for the clapping to stop before continuing, "For our next act, we have a rarity long thought to be extinct by muggles. Give it up for our fine feathered friend, the disappearing diricawl!"

He gave a dramatic wave of his wand, the cue for the bird to appear and bowed, standing aside.

[Robin Yuze]

Standing in the big top Zak watched all of the animals as they made their performance for the Ringmaster. It was impressive but unfortunately the animals were slightly too big to pocket. Zak had the balloon he pinched from Mr Balloons and was stretching it out ready to make some form of animal. Maybe he'd make himself a balloon erumpent. That would sell for the big money surely.

Zak changed tactics, playing with the small pocketful of sickles he'd managed to pinch from unguarded pockets along the way. He slid his hand into the pocket of another person as he passed and removed another few sickles. Merlin, why didn't people carry around galleons? He didn't even have a galleons worth of sickles in his pocket. What good would that do?

[Birchwoodmom]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robin Yuze

Standing in the big top Zak watched all of the animals as they made their performance for the Ringmaster. It was impressive but unfortunately the animals were slightly too big to pocket. Zak had the balloon he pinched from Mr Balloons and was stretching it out ready to make some form of animal. Maybe he'd make himself a balloon erumpent. That would sell for the big money surely.

Zak changed tactics, playing with the small pocketful of sickles he'd managed to pinch from unguarded pockets along the way. He slid his hand into the pocket of another person as he passed and removed another few sickles. Merlin, why didn't people carry around galleons? He didn't even have a galleons worth of sickles in his pocket. What good would that do?

Ashery made her way to the big top and looked around to see if she could spot any of her friends. She had be separated from them after they had agreed to meet up for refreshments, and she had been running late. Deciding the big top would be their next stop, Ash was walking on tip toe and not paying attention to what, or who, was in front of her. With just millimeters to spare, she came to a stop just before running into him (Zak). "Oh, my apologies, sir." She lowered herself back to being flat footed and moved her bag back up to her shoulder after it had been dislodged during her sudden stop, before giving the man a bright smile.

[DIRICAWL!]

The moment the ringermaster's wand was waved and he started to step aside, a multi-coloured Diricawl appeared on his top hat. The plump bird's heard looked around this way and that, her eyes taking in her new setting. And then... pop! She was gone.

Until another soft pop sounded. Lemon appeared on one of the audience member's laps. She let out three high-pitched chirps and then with another pop she was gone again.

Lemon returned with a pop, this time on the outskirts of the main stage. The flightless bird strutted around a bit, her eyes in search of something. Or, rather, three somethings. She was expecting them to have shown up by now. A mother's call was one that was not to be ignored.

Pop! Pop! Pop!

Three Diricawl chicks then appeared, all in various places. One named Cherry found herself next to a group of humans. Pleasant little chirps escaped her body and she hopped closer to them. Would they pet and play with her? But before they had a chance to, a pop sounded.

Another, named Kiwi, had managed to appear right next to someone's foot. Startled by the human, the fuzzy female chick let out a nervous chirp, peed a little, and then disappeared with a faint pop.

The third, however, was hungry. Mango appeared someone's head and the little thing couldn't help but tap on their head with his beak. Where their any worms in there? Tap, tap, tap. No? Pop went the Diricawl.

Another series of chirps was sounded by Lemon, and then she too disappeared with a pop.

Pop! Pop! Pop! Pop! Pop! Pop! Pop! Pop! Pop! Pop! Pop! Pop! Pop! Pop! Pop! Pop!

Left and right, up and down, on top of heads, on laps, next to feet, everywhere the Diricawl appeared and disappeared, making a spectacle of themselves. Lemon wanted them all in one place and was doing her best to gather her chicks, but they seemingly had their own agenda. Cherry was looking for a playmate, Kiwi was trying to find somewhere she could be alone, and Mango was still on the hunt for food and rapping on people's heads.

Pop! Pop! Pop! Pop!

Now at the feet of the ringmaster, Lemon let out a loud chirp. Enough was enough. Her chirp was enough to make the three chicks disappear wherever they were and then reappear with a series of pops. Pleased, Lemon started leading her babes off the stage, only to rapidly pop, pop, pop, pop away when a low roar was suddenly heard off-stage.

[Augustus Skender]

No sooner had Augustus moved that the mother diricawl appeared on his hat. His eyes darted upward. Oh, hello there! then just as quickly as she appeared, the creature was gone. He smiled as the Lemon called for her babies, and the three chicks appeared... friendly Cherry, nervous Kiwi, and (apparently) hungry Mango.

the ringmaster's expression changed slightly as he noticed Kiwi's little accident, and he shot the unfortunate person an apologetic look. So sorry... hazard of the occupation! He aimed his wand to vanish the puddle left behind before anyone could slip in it when...

Out of the corner of his eye, Augustus saw Mango pecking on somebody's head. He shook his head. Kids today! He let the birds continue their shenanigans for a few moments. Just when he was ready to call them back, Lemon appeared at his feet and chirped for her babies. Good girl, Lemon! he thought, nodding approvingly.

With a series of popping sounds, the diricawls disappeared, and Augustus applauded loudly. "Bravo! give a hand to our feathered family, Lemon and her chicks, Cherry, Kiwi,and Mango!" he said. then he heard the roar form offstage. "Looks like someone's eager to go on! Our next act is proof that even the deadliest creatures known to man can be tamed. Please welcome all the way from Greece the horrible hybrid... the chimaera!"

This time instead of bowing offstage, Augustus remained firmly in place, wand drawn, eyes glued to the other side of the stage where the chimaera would enter at any moment. Not that he was worried, of course! He'd done this act hundreds of times before. He sent up red sparks to draw the beast's attention, then quickly cast a shield charm. Any other spells cast would follow after the creature made its appearance.

[CHIMAERA!]

A low roar was the only proof that it was there. He did not immediately take the stage, even after the ringmaster's introduction. The Chimaera was waiting.

Once the red sparks were casted, the light sneaking through the underside of the curtain, the head of a lion slowly peeked through. First a snout, a pair of whiskers, and a set of large sharp teeth. Fierce yellow eyes followed, then a furry mane.

The beast growled. Eyeing the ringmaster like he was a piece of meat. The lion, mind focused on nothing but the man, lowered its head to the ground...

Without warning, Leonidas pounced and the rest of his body, dark goat legs and hooves, and thick green dragon tail, slid through the curtain.

Instantly it collided with an invisible shield, causing it to bang its hooves against it as another growl escaped its mouth. The hybrid gave the shield a loud whack with his dragon tail before giving up on trying to break through.

But the Chimaera wasn't done yet. He began to circle the ringmaster. The man would have to stop cowering behind an invisible shield eventually. If not, then the lion-goat-dragon would feast on other prey that was oh so conveniently nearby...