To say that Aryan was thrilled and excited was an understatement. The fact that he adored Mooncalves was well known to all who were close to them. How many times had he and Bry visited the Scamander Zoo just so that he could see the creatures? Aunty Hady had even allowed them to stick around for the Mooncalf dances when she worked there; it was an activity that he positively loved.

With a blankie doubled and tied around his neck like a cape {this one was patterned with dragons and hippogriffs and was a present from his fathers on his last birthday}, the firstie hurried down to the pastures. There he found Hady and wasted no time in giving her a large smile. She knew all about his adoration for Mooncalves so she would more than understand why his eyes were so bright and he was practically bouncing on his feet.

Oh. He had something for her. Ary removed the white paperclip Mooncalf from his pocket and handed it over to her. This had been fairly easy for him to make, and the shape was very recognisable. Hope you like it, Aunty Hady.

Professor Paton's activities were always a ton of fun, so when the notice went up Vera hardly looked at it - just noted the date, time and what to wear. That would absolutely be more than enough information and then whatever else was listed could just be a surprise when she got there. Comfortable clothing also happened to be her favorite attire, so she was arriving to the initial meeting spot clad in a pair of jeans, pale purple top and a jumper alongside the blanket in her tote back, juuuust in case it got chilly.

With some pep on her step, Vera reached the pasture and quickly spotted the CoMC professor whom she made her way towards. "Hi Professor Paton!" She greeted with a smile, before finding a spot against the railing to lean against while she waited for others to arrive. She then noticed the first year too and smiled at how adorable he was with his cape. She waggled her fingers towards Aryan as well. "Hi Ary!"

Even being a Fifth year now, she still managed to never check with her friends to see who else was going to what. She hoped for a few select faces to see around, but she was also certain her extroverted self would find someone to hang out with. She'd also brought a blanket large enough to fit more than herself, if needed. Her blanket collection certainly had given her options for that.

Brandon loved Care of Magical creatures, and he loved no-pressure activities even more. He arrived this evening wearing grey sweatpants and a plain white tshirt, with a blue sweater on top. The sweater belonged to his older sister, but it fit him and it was both comforting and warm.

After spending a moment admiring the sunset, even snapping a picture with his camera, he joined the group. He didn't mind that the activity would be a surprise... knowing Professor Paton, this would be fun. "Hi, Professor. Hi Vera. And... Ary? Nice creature cape." The firstie was SO adorable.

Being outside in the evening felt illegal anywhere but especially at Hogwarts, and usually Betsy would pass on an optional gathering where she didn’t really know anyone, but as it was the care of magical creatures Professor that had posted on the notice board - her interest was peaked. She wasn’t sure why, but the subject already felt like it had brought comfort to her, let’s hope that the activity was relevant as the notice hadn’t given too much away.

The sky was gorgeous and her head was tilted upwards during the entire walk down, also to avoid the many students that were clearly headed to the same destination as her. Betsy reluctantly wore a sweatshirt and jeans, wishing so much that she could have worn her school robes. Of course, she could have, but something told her that nobody else would be and she did not want to be different.

Upon arriving, Betsy stood alone and very uncomfortably as she waited for something to start. The pit of regret sinking into her stomach for bothering with this.

A chance to go outside, leave her books for a few hours, and spend it with creatures Maria was so there. Dressed in comfy blue jeans, and a matching sweatshirt she headed down to the pastures sometime after dinner. It was nice the fifth year badger thought to herself that they got to go out of the castle for an evening activity. It didn't happen that often since they were usually restricted to their common rooms after a certain time.

"Hi Professor Paton!" Maria greeted with a cheery smile and a wave as she spotted her bestie with a big blanket. "Hi Vera!" Maria called as she made her way over to her bestie noting a few firsties like Betsy, and Ary on the way as well as Brandon. "Can we share your blanket?" Maria wondered as she stopped by her friends side. "I hope we get to see some beautiful creatures tonight."

Apollonia wasn’t the best when it came to looking after creatures, in fact her only companion was the Fiddle-Leaf Fig called Fergus who resided on a shelf in her office. Even poor Fergus however was looking a little worse for wear with his spindly stem and browning leaves where the Professor constantly forgot about watering him.

That wasn’t to say that Fergersnout wasn’t intrigued by the natural world which was the reason behind her attendance at this little activity. She didn’t have much else to do with her evening either considering it was still early in the term and her marking duties weren’t too strenuous. Dressed in a dark purple floor length robe that concealed her bright orange slippers beneath, she strolled her way down from her office and out towards the pastures where the students had been informed to assemble.

“What a supernal sunset you have tonight, Professor Paton” she beamed, joining her colleague at her side before glancing around at the gathering of students. “Good evening budding naturalists” she greeted the children. She was quite surprised by the number who had forfeited sleeping and socialising to be here but good on them for being so enthused by education.

Like Nadia was gonna miss anything involving creatures, especially when organized by her aunt. Nope, she was ready for sure when the time came to gather at the pastures for the evenings adventure. A rolled blanket held under her arm that was clothed in comfy clothing just like the rest of her. There were several fellow students around the COMC professor when she arrived including the new History of Magic professor, Vera and her little brother. Oh look…she remembered him getting the blanket cape he was currently sporting.

“Evening, Professor Paton, Professor Fergersnout ” she greeted with a bright smile as she joined the group. “Hey guys,” Nadia added for Ary, Vera and co.

---------------------------------------------------

One beautiful, clear evening.

One telescope magically set to record a portion of the sky where the full moon would be center stage for a project she was working on.

One evening of plans with the students and some awesome creatures.

And one animangus professor running late and flying down from the astronomy tower. The owl landing atop a post at the edge of the pastures to catch her breath.

Damien would laugh at her, her husband knowing just how bad she could be with time management when she got too in depth with her astronomical passion. Not her fault…all the time….really! And she had to agree to the comment of it being a beautiful sunset. Hady sure had a great evening for her gathering. Feeling recovered, she slipped down to the ground with a flap or two, her true form present even as her shoes touched the grass. “Good evening,” she greeted her colleagues and students alike.

Arden possessed such unadulterated excitement at being here, under the moon, with her fellows and professors about to do something definitely cool with magical creatures. And since it was MOONlight, she was hoping it had to do with MOONcalfs. Ugh, how adorable. The thought alone made Arden want to sing a song, dance a dance, and whistle a tune. However, she stuck to just whistling for now, the slight wind running its fingers through her hair.

"Good evening, Professor," Arden greeted with that warm smile of hers as she looked around for friends. Not that she considered anyone an enemy who wasn't a friend, but her usual hangouts weren't here (yet).

So Arden came to a stop next to Brandon Fox, and she nudged him gently. "Hey. Nice night, right?" she asked with an amused wrinkle of her nose.

When Alissa had seen 'mooncalves under the moonlight' on the noticeboard she had immediately been super excited. She had never seen a mooncalf before, but she had read about them. She knew that they only came out of their burrows on a full moon, and that they danced in complicated patterns. Not very many people could say that they had seen mooncalves dance, and she was ecstatic at the prospect at being able to see it for herself.

The fourth year made her way down to the pastures as the sun was setting. The notice had said to dress comfortably, so she was wearing black joggers and a comfy sweatshirt. She hadn't brought a blanket because she didn't have any that she wanted to get dirty, but she wasn't opposed to sitting on the grass so thought it would be okay. When she arrived she glanced around, but didn't see anyone else she knew yet. Which wasn't saying much, considering she didn't know too many people yet. There were a lot of people at Hogwarts and she had only had a conversation with about half of them. That was okay though. Alissa wasn't afraid to meet new people. She joined the group starting to gather at the pastures and gave the Care of Magical Creatures professor a smile. "Good evening Professor Paton. I'm excited for tonight."

So the charms activity involved getting messy and the COMC one didn’t? My, what a backwards start to the term, Desiree mused to herself as she made her way down the path.

As per the notice, she was dressed comfortably - which for her meant wearing something fashionable and Disney-inspired. It took her forever to come up with a character whose aesthetic lent itself to the nighttime theme of this activity. She eventually decided on Esmeralda’s festival outfit because it came with a moon and star patterned scarf. She’d made a few modifications to the iconic red and purple dress to account for the chilly weather. The sleeves were longer, and she had purple leggings with a moon and star pattern to match her scarf. She had gold boots that matched her earrings and bracelets, and tucked under her arm was a purple blanket with a matching moon and star pattern.

The dark-haired Hufflepuff was all smiles as she joined the group. Spotting Professors Paton, Fergersnout, and Gert, she nodded politely to each in turn, “Hello, Professors,” She stood aside, her blue eyes scanning the area for familiar faces. “Hi, Maria! Hi, Vera! Hi, Brandon! Hi, Arden! Hi, Nadia!” She greeted her classmates with a friendly smile and wave. The people she didn’t know (Ary, Betsy, and Alissa) likewise got a smile in greeting. “Hi! I’m Desiree,” she introduced herself.


Norman had some free time on his hands tonight. Since it was a lovely night to be outdoors and he was mildly intrigued by tonight’s activity, he might as well make an appearance. If memory served him right, it seemed like at least one of his colleagues turned up in animagus form to the Creatures activities. Sometimes more than one. This time he thought he’d jump on the animagus bandwagon!

A large brown dog quietly crept up to the group.It weaved between the students, looking up at each person with a tilt of the head as if to say hello. The dog stood by the three professors, calmly watching the scene unfold. Would anyone notice its scar and bluish-green eyes? Only time would tell!

Unlike the way her fellow classmates came from the castle, Bryony came skipping towards everyone from the other side of the pasture, her long blonde hair blowing around her face thanks to the gentle nights breeze. Around her waist was a fluffy blanket with mooncalves on it, that she had folded long ways and tied about her waist. There was even a mooncalf on the hoodie she was wearing. She knew the nights theme and was ready for it.

As her feet carried her across the grass closer to where everywhere was gathered, Bry picked up her pace from a skip to a light sprint. Hi mama! Hello Professors!" Bryony wiggled her fingers at the three adults in greeting, the smile on her face bright as per usual. Hi everyone else that was already here! "Ary, Ary! I'm here! Yes, she was shouting at the boy as she nearly flung herself at him. "Are you ready?!" She knew he was. How could he not be ready for Mooncalves. If anyone knew how much he loved them, it was her. The amount of times they watched them at Scamanders Zoo was so high she had lost count.



If Hady would have guessed who the first to arrive would be, she would've been correct. Anytime it came to mooncalf, she had always known Aryan to be front and center. She returned his smile with a warm one of her own. "Is this for me?" She questioned softly, reaching out to take the paperclip he had held out to her, holding it in her hand to see that it was a mooncalf. "Thank you, I love it. Do you mind if I keep it on the shelf near my desk in my office so everyone can see it?" Such a cute paperclip creation deserved to be displayed.

More students were arriving and Hady wasn't surprised to see smiles on their faces and both dressed warmly. "Hello, hello! Are you ready for our activity Miss Thanatos? How about you Mister Fox? I hope you captured a beautiful photo of tonight's sunset, it's really lovely, isn't it?" The blend of colors in the sky was simply magnificent.

The young Miss Thornbug was a quiet one, wasn't she? That was quite alright, there's not a thing wrong with that. Paton saw the Ravenclaw either way, sending a warm smile her way by way of silent greeting.

"Good evening, Miss Kingstonsdottir Dolph. How are you tonight? Hady smiled warmly, quite glad to see that small group of students that was quickly gathering around. Her gaze very quickly fell upon another student she knew her entire life. Nadia. "Hello Miss Atreyu-Rehman, all for tonight's activity?"

Hady shifted from one foot to the other, glancing up at the sky briefly. They still had some time left. "Good evening Miss Toros, Miss Rhodes. It's a wonderful night, isn't it? she hoped everyone was looking forward to the activity as she was.

Ah, look at Desiree dressed up tonight. Hady couldn't help but smile about this as she knew the ongoing Disney theme here. "Hello, hello. I love the outfit tonight. I can see you certainly put thought into it.

It was a wonderful sight to see her colleagues making their way over. "Good evening! Thank you all for coming down and joining us on our adventure tonight. Hadleigh smiled warmly at the other adults. It was always nice to have some help during these things even ones in animagus form. One day she was going to have to start a lesson that way.

It was nearing the time to get moving and someone running across the pasture was spotted out the corner of her eye. The small blonde was one of her own and the greeting from Bryony earned a gentle look by a soft smile that served as a reminder to watch what titles she used when.

Now that everyone was here…

"Good evening once again! I hope you all are ready for what I think is going to be a magical night. The reason I am holding this activity at this very specific day and time of the night is for good reason. Would anyone like to take a guess?" Professor Paton looked out over them all to see if anyone wanted to answer. It was okay if they didn't want to or if no one knew, this wasn't a lesson. However she had basically told them what was going to be happening in the notice she left on the noticeboard. Perhaps a good long look up at the sky would give them a nice clue.

"We're going to be taking a short walk across the pasture. It's not a difficult walk, just straight behind us and up that small hill so we can see out over the clearing below. So please all join together and make your way up the hill. Hady waited for everyone to come closer before she turned to start the short walk towards the small grassy hill. "Feel free to chat among yours, ask questions or even sing a song if you like while we walk.


OOC: Hello! Thanks for joining us! Feel free to have your kiddos take a guess at Hady's question if they like or ask their own questions. They're taking a short walk across the pasture and up a hill now to where they'll stay for the rest of the activity! There's always time to still jump right in and play!

The firstie nodded, smiling happily at Hady. Yes, that creation was for her because he loved her and he loved that she was his Head of House and CoMC professor. He just appreciated her more than he could ever tell her. She wanted to display the mooncalf? Oh, how Ary wanted to throw his arms around her. “Yes, I think you should do that,” he told her, joy very much in all of his words. Much like how Bry displayed all of hers. “I can hardly wait to see the mooncalves you have for us."

Before long Ary was seeing the familiar faces approach, though he was looking for two in particular. Opting to stand beside Hady, Vera got a two finger wiggle-wave. He tried to determine if she was feeling better today, from the last time they really spoke. Hi, Vera! He sincerely hoped your mood would stay happy and bouncy. Then there was an older Hufflepuff who he’d seen around. Unless he was mistaken, this was Brandon, the violin guy that Dy talked about since the two Hufflepuffs played the instrument. “Ary,’’ the Snake confirmed with a small smile. “Thank you, it was a birthday present. I think you’re Brandon?” Excuse his questioning look. Was he cute? Ary didn’t think so; in fact, he didn’t think much about himself at all. He was just an ordinary little fellow who was on the quiet side. Merlin knew a lot of students must think him boring.

One of Vera’s friends arrived {Maria}, making him think that Vera having her friends around would be a good distraction from any bad moods. Friends were very helpful for things like that. “Hi, Nads.” He smiled widely to see his sister. “Good evening, professors.” Ever the polite one he was. That nice girl that he always saw was actually talking to him! Wow. Ary still was in awe that others wanted to talk to him. “Hi, Desiree. I’m Aryan.” He gave her a somewhat shy smile though his attention was practically diverted a split second later. He had quite expected an excited Bryony to come hurtling at him. Ary even expected to be bowled over by her but much to his relief, she seemed to be honing in her excitement quite well… for Bry standards. “Hi, Bry.” Calmly, he patted her shoulder, and taking in her Mooncalf themed attire. “I am.” He grinned broadly. “It’s gonna be just likes Scamander’s.”

There was a handsome doggo! Ary’s eyes followed it, his eyes bright with interest. When it came near, he did not waste time in leaning close to pat it on the nose. “Hi, professor,’’ the boy whispered. He wasn’t going to give away the ‘secret’ for those who did not know but Dynah had mentioned Carton’s Animagus to him recently. “Good doggo.” Pat, pat.

And it was time to get started. His own excitement surging once more, Ary slipped his hand into Bry’s as he turned to listen to Hady. Yes, he knew all too well why the activity was being held at night but he didn’t volunteer an answer. Somehow, he felt it wouldn’t be fair to do so. After all, he had seen quite a few Mooncalf dances before. Aryan shuffled close to Bry, tugging on her hand so that they could hurry on their way. He would run if he could but knew that Aunty Hady would frown upon that. Brisk walking it was.

More students joined them as they waited to begin, a familiar Huffepuff in the mix. “Hey Desiree,” she greeted the older girl, returning the wave and the smile. Nadia almost moved to introduce her to Ary as she approached him, but her brother beat her to it. “Hi Ary.” And there was Bryony who would now be stuck to her brother like glue. She bit back a chuckle, the girl reminded of how at one point she had wondered if she should rescue him at times, finally realizing it was harmless. Nadia certainly wasn’t going to get between the friends as long as Ary wasn’t begging for assistance.

Beside Aunt Hady had gotten her attention. As well as the dog that had trotted up to the group and stood by the professors. He got a raised eyebrow from Nadia as she remembered mention of a certain someone who was an animangus canine. Not that she was gonna spoil it. “Yep…all set,” she confirmed the COMC professor with a nod, excitedly awaiting them moving onto the night’s event. “Because the creatures we are looking for only come out at a certain time of day and year.”

---------------------------------------------------

Would you look at that?

Celeste saw the dog approaching the group and acting all familiar and belonging there with them. So, a certain someone had decided to join her and Hady in the fun of appearing as their alter egos to student gatherings. She raised an eyebrow but said nothing even as the young Slytherin approached and pet him. “Hello Mr. Atreyu-Rehman,” she said, returning his greeting as well as nodding in return to those who had joined since she had made her appearance.

And they were now moving. A short walk and a small hill. Though glancing at the canine again, the astronomy professor had an idea. They could both help keep watch as animangus just as much as they could in human form, and she had to admit she moved better at times as an owl. So, she resumed her form and took off, the raptor heading in the direction Paton had directed as if leading the group and staying just high enough in the sky to stay aloft above heads without much trouble.

Hoot!

Not needing an excuse to be out exploring the castle at night, Sloane had escaped the Slytherin common room a little later than she’d expected and headed straight down to the pastures to meet up with the professor and the rest of the students who’d turned up voluntarily as if there ever was such a thing. She may have arrived late but she didn’t feel like she’d missed all that much.

Dressed in her yet another hoodie, because that’s all she owned, and a pair of ripped jeans, Sloane joined the rest of the group, slotting in just at the back as they walked across the pasture and up the hill. Despite the lateness of the activity, she wasn’t that cold, although that could also have been to the brief walk up the hill.

As she took in the group properly for the first time, she couldn’t help but notice that there were several professors present, which seemed a little strange. Not wanting to draw the ire of them all for being late, she remained at the back of the group, quiet as a mouse as they walked across the pasture.

"Hi Desiree, nice outfit!" Maria chimed in greeting with a smile to her fellow badgette and as she took in her very disney inspired outfit. If she had known that they could have dressed up the maybe she would have gone for something else rather than just what she had on but it was a cool night. Hearing her full surname was a bit unusual since most professors tended to just say 'Ms Dolph' to her, but she liked and appreciated it so she answered Professor Paton's question with a sunny smile. "I feeling very good Professor, just a bit cold. I hope we'll get to see some beautiful creatures tonight." Moonlight could as Maria had read and heard bring out some rare and beautiful creatures but it would also attract unwanted creatures. She supposed that that was why more professor's were joining in the activity.

Shortly after they began the short walk towards the pastures, Maria shared her suggestion with the rest of the group. "Is it because the moonlight brings out certain creatures that otherwise are hard to encounter on a regular day/night?"

As much as she had wanted to send herself hurling through the air at Aryan, daring him to catch her like she normally did, Bry was sure her mama would really frown upon that during a professor held activity. She was trying extremely hard to keep all of her excitement bottled up tightly and not knock him over as she throw her arms around him as 'calmly' as she could for a quick squish. "I know, I know! I can't wait!!!" she giggled, bouncing back and forth from one foot to the other. "You brought your dragon and griff blanket with you.. and I have my blanket. We can share them if you want?" One to sit on and one to wrap themselves in if they got cold?

Bryony tried not to giggle and instead nod her head at her mama when she was given a look. It wasn't her fault. Calling her mama 'professor' was going to take some getting used to. She could figure that out later though, they were heading up the hill now to see the creatures! That's where her focus currently was. Sorry not sorry to whatever the question was her mama had asked everyone. Her small hand may have been perfectly closed around Aryan's but she was also hugging his arm tightly and shaking it all around in excitement. There was a half bounce, half skip going on in her stride that seemed to quicken the further up the hill they got. "Do you think they'll be ones we know?" Bry glanced at Ary curiously, a twinkle in her eyes.


Hady wouldn't do anything to make Aryan anxious in front of other students but should he ever want a hug from her, it was quite alright. "You will get to see it the next time you come to my office." she smiled softly at him. Yes, her daughter was quite a lot like her in displaying things that were important to her.

"There's extra blankets at the top of the hill if you're still chilly when we get there," Hady smiled softly at Maria. "That goes for anyone else that needs a blanket this evening." She had seen to it that she had a stack of blankets ready in case anyone forgot there's or didn't want to bring them all the way down from their dorms.

As for seen before she even asked the question, not too many students answered. Those that did were pretty well on track. "Good guess girls. What we will be hoping to see tonight are more likely the come out on a full moon." And no she wasn't speaking of werewolves, so no need to worry. Everyone would be safe tonight.

It only took a few short minutes of walking before they were all at the top of the grassy hill. There was a stack of blankets as promised, along with two tables. One with themed snacks of all kinds and the other with drinks to help keep everyone warm.

For those that may have noticed during that short walk, the setting sun was nearly gone now and the moon was slowly making its full appearance. The time was getting near now. "We have just enough time now for everyone to get some snacks and/or a drink if you like and get comfortable on a blanket or seated on the grass. You'll want to be sitting face the pasture at the bottom of the hill in front of us." Not behind them obviously as that was the way they had all walked up here. "Any minute now our creature friends should be coming out to dance." In case anyone hadn't figure it out already, that had been another clue right there.

Ary and Bry sharing their blankies was definitely happening; they usually shared their belongings, anyway. With this fact in mind, along with the fact that Aunty Hdy would be putting his paperclip creation on display in her office and the prospect of seeing Mooncalves, he continued hurrying along with Bry, who happened to be very clingy and was shaking his arm with such gusto that Ary was quite sure the limb would fall right off eventually. But this was nothing he couldn’t handle, being so used to Bry’s enthusiastic antics.

Before the young Slytherin knew it, they were at the hilltop. Naturally, being the non-athletic type, there was huffing and puffing. This was okay though; it'll pass before he knew it. He barely took in the tables and blankies before his eyes were darting around. Since none of his classmates were yet to answer correctly about the creatures, he simply said, “The Mooncalves will be out and about soon.” Whomever heard him would now be enlightened of the creatures they were going to be admiring this evening.

Face shining with excitement, he turned to Bry. “Set up the blankies rights at the front?” He wanted to get a good spot; if anyone blocked the tiny first year, he would be most displeased. “Mights be? If Aun- professor Paton gots em from Scamander’s?”

More likely to come out on a full moon.. Maria sincerely hoped that that didn't mean werewolves or something else as nasty that lived in the forbidden forest. She wanted to see pretty creatures tonight, and not worry about her, Veras or anybody elses safety.

Nudging Vera in the side when they got to the grassy hill Maria murmured to her bestie. "If you get us a good blanket spot at the front Vera with good view of the pastures then i can get us snacks, and something hot to drink. Do you want warm chocolate or butterbeer? Chips or a sandwich?" Maria wondered as she headed off to the tables to get them sorted with food and drink for the evenings event. She heard one of the firsties mention mooncalves, but maybe they also would get to see some thestrals or unicorns.

Any minute now.

Thank Merlin. It was getting chilly out here, although the walk had warmed her a little. Betsy mustered up the courage to fetch herself some blankets, one to sit on and another to wrap herself up in. The students who had offered her a smile went completely under her radar so unfortunately didn’t receive one in return. Which was okay, as she wasn’t entirely in the mood to make friends. She did, however, offer a half smile towards the Professor, a lame attempt to get into her good books.

The night was beautiful and Betsy smiled as she watched the moon, also keeping an eye on the bottom of the hill in hopes to catch a glimpse of the beasts before anyone else. They were all busy blabbering, and she hoped they wouldn’t scare the creatures away!!!

Desiree positively beamed at the compliment from Professor Paton. Granted, she didn’t curate her Disney-inspired outfits just for attention, but it was nice to know her attention to detail was appreciated. “Thank you, Professor,” she replied with a little twirl to show off the moon and star pattern on her outfit. Likewise, Maria’s compliment also got a beam. “Thanks! I like yours too.”

Nadia’s wave and greeting got a smile from the dark-haired Hufflepuff, and her smile grew as the first year boy introduced himself. Aryan… she’d have to remember that name! It shouldn’t be hard for a social butterfly like her. “Nice to meet you, Aryan,” she replied.

Desiree greeted the people (Bryony, Sloane & Dog!Carton) with a smile and joined the rest of the group on the walk to the hill, softly humming “Topsy Turvy” from The Hunchback of Notre Dame to herself. Hey, it went along with the outfit! She considered Professor Paton’s question, but kept quiet because there wasn’t much she could add to Nadia and Maria’s answers. Reaching the hill, she picked out a nice spot to spread her blanket. When she was satisfied with its placement, she helped herself to a mug of hot chocolate and a few cookies. She returned to her blanket, looking around with anticipation as she sat down. This was going to be fun!


The brown dog sat at dutiful attention, observing students and staff alike. So far, so good, No signs of trouble - Oh, what’s this? Bluish-green eyes blinked in surprise, but the dog (like its human counterpart) showed no emotion as Mr. Atreyu-Rehman petted him. Well, that was unexpected! If there was one thing Norman could never get used to about being a dog, it was people randomly petting his dog form!

He acknowledged Hady’s greeting and Celeste’s eyebrow raise with a slight tilt of his head. He was going to transform back into his human form before starting the walk to the hill, but he noticed Celeste had turned back into an owl. Okay, he’d bite (no pun intended!). It was a nice night for a run in animagus form! He followed the group at a brisk pace, keeping to one side because a large dog running among the students could be dangerous.

Upon arriving at his destination, he transformed back into his human form as inconspicuously as possible in case his dog form should scare the mooncalves. While he wasn't a big snacker, he wouldn't say no to a cup of hot tea! Cup in hand, he moved to the back of the group so as not to tower over anyone in front of him as he watched.

Sorry, Aryan. Bryony was by no means fully aware of the fact that she was shaking him all around as they walked. It was habit. Being easily over excited was a trait of hers, one that she was trying (sometimes) to dial back on whenever she did take notice of it. Tonight wasn't one of those moments. It also didn't always help that Aryan normally let her do whatever she was doing without much complaint. Oh, how she adored that boy! It was no wonder she was stuck to him like spellotape ninty-nine percent of the time.

Reaching the top of the hill, Bry glanced at Ary. "Deep slow breath," she reminded him, not that he needed it, it was just another way for her to show that she was always looking out for him. "Uh-huh, but don't worry I'll make sure we're all set up before they arrive." She smiled brightly at him, nodding her head.

"How about right here?" Bry asked, bouncing from one foot to the other as she moved from where they had been standing to a spot right at the top of the hill in front. They needed to be up close since they were both short and would be unable to see over any taller kids that may sit up close too. "Who's blankie are we sitting on.. mine or yours?" It didn't matter much either way but knew how much Ary's new blanket meant to him and that he might not want it all over the ground.

"There's lots of snacks and drinks too.. like hot cocoa and sandwiches and biscuits." In case he was hungry. She would be getting a snack once they had their blankets set out.


Hadleigh loved when the students got into the moment of an activity and 'dressed' the part. Over the last couple of years she had come to know well that Desiree had a thing for Disney and she honestly had started looking forward to seeing what the Hufflepuff would wear to classes and things.

Weren't her colleagues lucky! One getting to fly up the hill and the other hurrying along after the children. She was going to have to give use her animagus form one of these days and surprise some students (those that weren't related to her and knew about it!).

As all the students laid out their blankets and got themselves snacks, Hady turned her attention to the pasture below and the moon that was now full in the sky above them. "For anyone that hasn't guessed what we will be watching tonight, we are here to see the Mooncalves could out and dance. We are high enough up on the hill that our presence shouldn't frighten them away as long as there is no screaming or running down the hill at them please. Remain up here and we can watch them dance and hopefully learn something about them in the process." As this wasn't a lesson they weren't asked to take notes or anything but they were welcome to ask questions.

For those that were watching the open pastures below the hill, a group of roughly ten or so Mooncalves (young and older) slowly made their way from the other side of the pasture. The quiet night and full moon was what brought them out into the open to dance tonight in full view of the students and staff.


OOC: This is the final part of our activity! The students and staff can have a seat, have some snacks and watch the mooncalves dance beneath the full moon! The students can chat, watch or even dance up on the hill if they like as long as they aren't screaming or running around down the hill (that would scare our creature friends away!) XD

As she walked up the hill towards the pasture, Sloane did briefly notice the smile and greeting of an older Hufflepuff girl, Desiree and not wanting to be too rude, did offer a nod of the head back. Once they’d arrived however, she chose not to sit on the blanket, despite the sixth year opening it up for the people around her. Instead, she stood close by, ready for whatever was about to happen. Honestly, she wasn’t massively sure why they were all here, despite turning up. She was never one to miss something due to her massive FoMO so she was always going to be here. What here entailed however was another thing.

Luckily for her however, her question was quickly answered by one of the many, many Professors who’d decided to take up the late-night stroll. Changing her mind, Sloane quickly perched herself on a bit of the blanket and sat expectantly, waiting for the show to begin. Part of her almost wished her brothers were here, just so that they could talk about it but she wasn’t sure it was their type of scene. It didn’t matter however. This first year was still going to enjoy, just quietly without any emotion or expression on her face.

As around ten or so came out, Sloane tilted her head and began watching without uttering a word to anyone. She was almost tempted to take some of the snacks but the cool night air was making her slightly cold so instead, she sat on the edge of the blanket with her legs pulled up to her chest and her arms wrapped around herself as her grey, moonlit eyes took in the dance. She wasn't exactly learning much but it was still pleasant.

While waiting for the creatures to reach the clearing, Betsy watched her classmates and professors closely, recognising all of them by name, particularly her fellow first years. She didn’t ache to speak to any of them, more so to just observe and suss out. Most of them seemed pretty friendly.

Finally, the mooncalves were beginning to make their appearance, and the Ravenclaw couldn’t control the smile upon her face. They were quite possibly the most adorable magical creatures known to man, and she wished she could go and approach them. But she was one to do as she was told so she remained and enjoyed the dance quietly.

The only thing that was ruining this was the chattering going on around her. Ugh. Annoying.

It had indeed been great to be formally introduced to Desiree, and Professor Carton hadn’t nipped him for petting him. All was going right with the evening so far and he couldn’t be happier, even if Bryony was threatening to dislodge his arm. Ary figured this would have to soon come to an end though as the mooncalves surely would distract her.

Deep slow breaths. Right. The boy followed these instructions and soon enough, his breathing was back to normal. Leave it to Bry to have had so much experience with this sort of thing. Now they needed to set up, something they both could accomplish together. “Here’ll do,’’ Ary agreed after a quick look around. “Um, mines will work.” They could clean all the dirt and debris later since right now there were more important things to focus on. The blankie was unfurled from around his neck, and with Bry’s help, they got it neatly on the ground.

Food? Oh yes, he had forgotten. “Sandwiches and iced tea, if there’s any.” Ary held out a hand in a ‘shall we?’ gesture that suggested they go get their snacks together.

By the time the Slytherins had returned and settled in on the blankie, the Mooncalves appeared. Ary made an excited little noise in his throat and pointed in the creatures’ direction. Was Bry seeing this?