Playpen Walkway
 

Anyone May Claim :3
 

*claaaims*
 

Agatha was still surprised she managed to get an OWL in CoMC. She had been more surprised than proud at first, but since that had been a few months back, now the main feeling about it was pride, of course. In your face, everyone who thought she couldn't.

Hair flip.

The Slytherin had made up her mind she would spend a lot more time with animals that term, then, since she seemed to do well in the subject. Of course, she wouldn't hang out with just any animal out there - some of them were gross and not worth her attention. However, professor Thompson did have some awesome winged-horses and those were Agatha's all-time favourites.

When she got near the area, she noticed a younger girl sitting on the floor. She had seen her before both in classes and the Slytherin common room, but the sixth year didn't think they had properly met. So after giving the girl a sort of acknowledgement look, she stood one or two metres away from the kid and turned to also watch the winged beauties.

This younger girl was a winged-horse lover - or at least she liked them - and a Slytherin, so she was already starting well in Agatha's social scale. She wondered for a brief second if the girl also did ballet.

"Hello." The sixth year replied, turning to look at her housemate. The fact she had seen the girl before didn't mean she knew much about her, although her first impression was already really good. "I didn't know you liked winged-horses. You have good taste." She announced, nodding her head solemnly before tucking a lock of her hair behind her ear as she looked back at the creatures. "Professor Thompson looks after them really well."

Emmy. ^^
 

Oh, there was a lot of thing most people didn't know about her? Agatha nodded approvingly. "That's a good sign. Means you know better." Than to trust anyone, that was. See, there were a few intelligent people out there, after all, and of course they belonged to her house. "Winged-horses are great, I'm sure you could do almost anything if you owned one." The sixth year added as she turned once again to admire the mighty creatures. Morgana, how she wanted one of them.

The younger girl had a point. It was probably very complicated to take care of so many different creatures, and Agatha respected professor Thompson for that. She wonder if she would ever have the capability to do that. ...If not, she would just stick wth the winged-horses, thank you. Once again, the ballerina nodded at her fellow housemate's words. "It is more peaceful here, and honestly, animals can be better companies than people." She said truthfully. Morgana only knew how awful people could be. Animals could be bad, too, but there were easier to ignore, Agatha supposed. "I'm Agatha Hapgood, by the way." She guessed it was time for an official introduction.

Walking around the castle was starting to get really boring. She didn’t know what she wanted to do right now really. Looking around at the other students she wanted to take her mind off of family stuff but she really didn’t know what to do or who she wanted to talk to. The sixth year also had a letter in her hand from her Aunt Willa. She really didn't have a problem calling her that even though she knew Willa before she had ever dated her Uncle Jaxson but she was happy that they had found each other because they seem really happy together and they really must be after this letter she had sent Emmy.

Now she had to suck it up. She is mature and she would put the differences aside but that article was still bugging her because she was still hearing about it in the girls dorm. If anyone else was mentioned in the article no one would remember it and now here it was a few weeks later and people were still talking about it. They weren't even talking about Puck and Kace. The only thing that Emmy keeps hearing is Lux and Kace, Lux and Kace. With all this family drama with her mother and all this stupid article drama, the sixth year just didn't know what to do at all.

Now she would have to find Lux. She didn't even know where to look in the first place. It's not like the two of them are best friends anymore so she didn't know even know where to look. The blonde didn't know at all, she just kept walking around the castle for something to do. Walking into the playpen walkway her dark blue eyes spotted a girl with ginger hair. It wasn't everyday that she had seen someone with ginger hair. Not that many people at Hogwarts have that colored hair. The Gryffindor tapped on Lux's shoulder. "Hey." She said just to break the ice but then she kept talking. Emmylou sighed lightly. “I’m not here to start a fight, I swear.” She didn’t really know what she was doing just talking to her or even being around her outside of any of the classes but there was something bugging her.

Holding her hand out, Lux made little clicking noises in hopes that it would attract one of the animals over. She could definitely see why Adi wanted a hippogriff farm and it would be awesome to visit it some time. Maybe she'd visit Kace and his dragons too so long as they didn't burn her to a crisp.

Feeling someone tap her shoulder, Lux was surprised that it was Emmy. Even though they were more civil than before - which wasn't at all really - they didn't really TALK. Was this about the Aparecium article??? Because everyone had to know that was total rubbish. Her and Kace??? EWWWWWWWW, so gross. She already had the boy she wanted, and Kace obviously had Emmy. He wasn't even a flirt like the gossip said.

But Emmy didn't want to fight, so maybe it was about something else. She had to know that the Aparecium was wrong because it was obvious that she didn't love Kace in that way. She loved her boyfriend. Not sure if she should mention it, Lux gave a small smile. "Hey. So how have things been?"

"Things have been alright. You?" She sighed. "As alright as things really could be right now." Right now. She knew that Lux didn't know what she was talking about but very few people did at this point. Emmy really didn't know where to start. Well she did because of Aunt Willa's letter but she didn't because she just didn't. That totally makes sense, how? The sixteen year old sighed. "It's not about that stupid article either." She shook her head. "It's about this letter I got from your sister." Emmylou held out the letter for Lux to read. Willa was really nice in the letter but Emmy wasn't NOT going to listen to her. "Your sister wants us to make amends." The sixth year shrugged. She could handle making amends with Lux but trusting she wasn't too sure about that.

Emmy didn't really sound like she was alright, and Lux had to wonder if it had to do with her mom. They might not be friends anymore, but she remembered how mean Emmy's mom is. There had been a time where she wished that they could share mothers, but now it was like Emmy and Cinna were sisters. Cam and Raeanne were wonderful, so Lux was happy for them. Not sure what to say, she nodded slowly. "I've been okay besides my freak out in charms." That had been awful, but she was okay. She had her friends and she had Bay. She also wrote to her parents and siblings.

Lux was happy to hear there was no trouble in regards to the article. "I had a feeeling you wouldn't believe it. That paper comes up with the worst nonsense." At least her and Emmy wouldn't fight over it because that would have been awful.

Honestly she was a little surprised when she heard about the letter from Willa. Lux knew that her sister had a heart of course, but she never expected it. Curiously she read it over. "Well, we can do whatever you want to." It was Emmy's choice and Lux would be fine with whatever decision she made. She missed being friends, but she knew that there was no need to push anything - didn't WANT to push anything.

Sorry this is so late.
 

Freaking out in charms, no big deal, right? Emmylou wasn't in that lesson because she didn't feel good that day. It must have been something that she had eaten the night before. She knew that it wasn't any candy or anything. Emmylou nodded at her as she spoke about the paper. It was stupid and people were even dumber just thinking that Emmylou, herself would allow for nonsense to happen right under her nose. No she wouldn't. Just because Emmy came off as nice didn't mean that she couldn't kick someones butt and tell them to go away. People just expected that kind of stuff from Cinna. Emmy was silent but deadly if people cross her the wrong way. "I'm sure you already knew that she was pregnant." Being the little sister and all. She was sure that her grandmother knew about it already too. Emmylou would have to send her an owl. "I really don't care what I do." But since Lux was going to be in this family for forever then why keep fighting.

Agatha already liked this girl. They haven't spoken much and that was probably a good sign. The younger Slytherin seemed like she had a really good sense of self-preservation and that was very good, in Agatha's opinion. She even liked winged-horses. "Of course. You have to please them in order for them to like you and follow your orders." Besides, you would have to be very stupid to upset a massive creature like that. Agatha knew she wouldn't stand a chance, even with her poor magic. "I'm good at looking after animals, though, so I would be fine." She added with a firm nod. ...If she weren't, she'd always have her uncle to do it for her anyway.

'Some people aren't so bad either.' Hmm... "I guess." The sixth year agreed half-heartedly as she looked back to the winged-horses. Some people. Only some. Very few. "Nice to officially meet you too, Hady." And Agatha actually meant it, hoping the girl would be one of these very few people.

Lux was happy that Emmy didn't believe any of what the paper had said. No one should believe that paper because it was full of made up gossip. This was the second time it had mentioned her, and she hoped that it would be the last. The first time, they had called her a gold digger, which was far from the truth.

The conversation turned to Willa being pregnant, and that was much better. Lux was going to be an aunt, and she was so happy for her sister and Jaxson. Too bad she'd probably be in school when the baby was born, but maybe that wouldn't be the case. "She told me soon after she found out. And I also found out about the wedding shortly after it happened. She showed me pictures." Emmy had probably seen them as well seeing that Jaxson was her uncle. That made Willa Emmy's aunt, she supposed. That was a bit odd, though of course she didn't really have a problem with it.

As Emmy said she really didn't care what she did, Lux simply nodded. She didn't really know what to say to that. At least she had established that she was leaving it in the other girl's hand. Maybe they weren't going to be friends, but that didn't mean they couldn't be civil and get along. She and Emmy were now related through marriage.

Emmylou wasn't surprised that Willa was going to tell Lux first. Why wouldn't she tell her? "I expected her to tell you and your guy's side of the family before any of the nieces or cousins on Uncle Jaxson's side of the family." Emmylou gave her a small smile. "I'm guessing the parents are the first one's that should know about it." Thinking about that she wondered how her parents did that before she was born. They must have been so angry at her mother and father. They were still in school at Hogwarts. The sixth year sighed a bit. "I know that you and I aren't on the best of term but I don't hate your sister." Or really anyone else, Emmy was pretty she she didn't fully hate Lux either, she was just more annoyed with Lux's actions than anything.

She paused for a moment and tried to get her thoughts together. "I really do love your sister even before she was family but after what happened at Christmas last year I knew that she was going to fit into my family just fine. She didn't even have to stand up for me but she did. I wasn't expecting anyone to stand up for me." Emmylou knew that one of her uncle's would have said something but Willa just stood up and started yelling at Emmy's mother and putting her in her place without even thinking about it at all. She wasn't even sure if she should have even said that in the first place.

Lux smiled at Emmy. Even though they weren't friends, it was still nice to talk to her about family things. They would have to get used to being in one large family now. "Everyone seems so happy for them. Willa and Jaxson are such a cute couple." She was so happy that her older sister had found the love of her life. Unfortunately it hadn't made Willa open to the idea of her and Bay dating, but maybe that would change with time.

It was also nice to know that Emmy didn't hate her sister, though Lux knew that they were fond of each other. "Willa is great like that." Honestly she didn't really know about what had happened last Christmas, but she had a feeling that it involved Emmy's mother. Lux wished that woman would just leave Emmy alone because she was totally bad news and a horrible person.

Lux wasn't really sure if she should say something else. Honestly she was a little surprised that she had been told that much. Oh well. Here goes nothing. "I'd stand up for you too, you know." Even if things weren't like they used to be, Emmy didn't deserve the crap she got from her mom and they were family now. She wouldn't let her mother say mean things to her either.

"My mother didn't really know what to do when Willa spoke her mind to her." Emmylou knew that people were there for it but it felt like no one could keep her own mother in line at all. The sixth year still couldn't believe that she had even said all of that out loud and to Lux. There was a very tiny part of her that could trust Lux but not with something like that. "I feel like if people met my mother that they would stand up for me too." If it the tables were turned and someone else had her mother she would stand up for them but she wasn't able to stand up for herself.

It was not really surprising that Emmy's mother had no idea what to say to Willa. Her sister could really put people in their place if she wanted to. Lux felt that there were a lot of differences between her and her sister, but that was not one of them. If people messed with people that she loved, she was not afraid to be sassy with them. "I think anyone would," she agreed while wondering if Emmy really wanted to talk about this or something else. It was all so personal and they weren't friends. But if Emmy wanted to keep talking about it, that was totally cool with her.

A winged horse was finally making its way over, so Lux reached her hand out to pet it, cooing softly. She loved Professor Thompson's animals even if she never wanted to fly on one of his horses. They were all so beautiful. "So how is the term going for you so far?" It was rather uneventful besides the Aparecium entries and that was a nice change.

"No, and I bet it's not that difficult either." To befriend a winged-horse, she meant. She's already ridden normal horses and it was soooo easy. She was brilliant like that. Winged-horses shouldn't be much different. "It is, and I'm going to have my own winged-horse one day." Agatha added with a firm nod and prideful hair flip. "Soon." ...Okay, that part was probably not true, but she was allowed to dream.

The sixth year gave the younger girl a quick smile before looking back to the winged-horses. It was nice to find out the younger kids from her house were better than some people her age she knew. There was hope, after all.

Calm and gentle. That was exactly what Agatha was not. She was really good with animals - so far -, so she was sure she could deal with a winged-horse. Or so she hoped. Hm, no, of course she could. Of COURSE. "Yeah, both at my mum's and my uncle's. My winged-horse will love it there, it's massive. Both places." She nodded. Unfortunatelly they weren't filthy rich, so she still couldn't afford a winged-horse. And to be fair, even though they were rich, she knew neither her mother nor uncle would give her money to get a winged-horse. They were way too worried about her silly education. Pffft.

Whatever.

And then she asked THE question. Agatha flipped her hair with pride before turning to face Hady once again. "Yes, I'm a ballerina. I have done ballet for 11 years now and I'm excellent at it. I'll be a prima ballerina when I leave Hogwarts." Yep, she was determined. "Do you like ballet?"

"Yeah, it will." She hoped that it would happen soon as well. She couldn't WAIT to get her own winged-horse. "...Do you think professor Thompson would let us ride them outside of lessons?" Agatha asked casually, looking from Hayd to the winged-horses.

The girl's reaction was way better than Agatha was expectin and she felt awesome because of that. So Hady was interested in ballet as well, it appeared? Agatha knew all along she was a good kid. "Yes, and I've always been one of the best in class." Which was the actual truth and one of the biggest reasons why Agatha loved ballet so much. So Hady had done ballet for a while when she was younger. "How come you stopped? And would you be interested in starting again?" Another casual question. Agatha hadn't exactly given up on teaching ballet at Hogwarts, but OWLs got the best of her last year. She supposed it was never late to try and restart it, especially if there were enough people interested in it.

"We should ask him, then." Agatha gave a firm nod and looked towards... where she reckoned professor Thompson would be. She really didn't know, but she guessed it would be around the barn or something.

See. See. Hady was a very nice kid. A true Slytherin, if you asked her. Not like those stupid guys that somehow ended up in her house. The Sorting Hat got it perfectly right sometimes, but some other times she wondered if he had taken some sort of potion of confusion. Or maybe the Hat was just really old and it was getting to its brain. ....Or whatever he had instead of a brain.

Other types of dance. That was really good to hear, but Hady looked a little frustrated? "You don't need to quit one type of dance to do others. I started jazz the other year and most definitely did not stop ballet." She said solemnly, chind slightly high because dance was her specialty and she knew what she was talking about. "And mixing different styles together is good for your creativity." She nodded assuringly. Although of course, you should be aware of all of the proper techniques and it could get a bit confusing if you were starting. But not for Agatha, since she was a pro. "You should join me and we could work on something. Something to show others." And prove how awesome they were. Not that they needed to prove it, but everyone should KNOW how amazing they were, because that was the truth. Besides, what was the point of dancing if you would never have an audience? "People like watching good dancers perform."

From the Whomping Willow, with Cartographers
 

w/ the Cartographers group
 

Javier from the end of the group made sure everyone got inside before him as they now entered his familiar area. Though now they were in with the Hippogriffs.. sort of. "Alright, we should be fine covering this whole area since most of them are in their own group." Indeed as they looked to be relaxing amongst themselves, paying no attention to them. "If you have to cross in their path, just remember to bow to one closest without blinking until they return the gesture. Then we should be okay. We'll be right with you if you need assistance." Juuuuust in case. Some of the Hippogriffs were excessive in the pride department after all.

Sooooooo... would anyone notice if Toby just sidled off to play with the Hippogriffs instead of mapping out this area? It seemed like a crime to just not acknowledge them at all. He sort of headed that way, making a super rough sketch of the playpen areas and the walkway and stuff, trying to get everything down as fast as he could so he could use some of the extra time to go say hello. Hey, maybe Monty was here, too.

When he though he had enough of the area covered and noted down, even with labels and the odd annotation, Toby cast a glance back to the professors before caaaaaaaaasually stepping over to a group of Hippogriffs and bowing to them. Notblinkingnotblinkingnotblinking. Huzzah! Toby had been rewarded with a bow of the head from the closest Hippogriff, and stepped forward to pat its beak.

"Hi," he said. "We're mapping the grounds. See?" Toby held up his sketchbook, flat against his chest so the Hippogriff could make an assessment of his work. "You can fly. D'you think it looks like the real thing?" 'Cause he'd seen it from up there, probably, of course.

Toby looked at the Hippogriff expectantly as though waiting for an actual response. The Hippogriff cocked its head at him.

"Yeah. That's what I thought, too." Petpetpet.

C - group
 

Beverly smiled over at Professor Culloden, whom seemed excited. She liked that her favorite professor was excited about magical creatures. She loved creatures, add in a favorite professor; the meeting just got a bit better.

Way better as her eyes landed on the Hippogriffs.

If she has to cross their path Thompson said? Oh. She was going to definitely need to cross their path for sketching purposes. Yes, yes, of course. Hehehe. Don't mind her, she was just sketching away...and making observations.

One of the Hippogriffs (Monty) did give the younger man and that object he held a simple look. How nice of him it was to give him so much pets and attention. Some of the other Hippogriffs surveyed taking account at the amount of humans. Pretty far away and paying little attention to them. Good. They did not feel like moving or bowing to visitors just yet on this tickling snowy day.

There was a weird sensation going over one. Which then spread over two, to three to the rest. As the snow below seemed to be moving...

SQUAWK!

Move over humans. This was not the place to relax anymore, as the whole group were stamping their claws over the crunchy ground, while three (Henry, Buddy and Charlene) were heading toward the fence behind the gathering of humans looking for an escape.

After getting his own supplies, Cutty followed the group silently and hopefully unnoticed to the playpens on the grounds, though he was close enough to smell Bev's cherry blossom shampoo. He'd begun to sketch, plodding their slog onto parchment. Hippogriffs. Not his favourite beast but he'd been taught well enough to know how not to be killed by one of them thanks to Professor Thompson. And for the most part it seemed as if they were content to stay in their own space. So Cutty began exploring the flora of the area, noting the trees, their positions, stages of growth and type.

He was hell deep into a peeling birch when he looked up hearing the alarmed squawking of the animals nearby. Then he looked up to see at least three huge Hippogriffs heading toward them. Would the others join? In anycase..."STAMPEEEEEDE!" He shouted to anyone uber engrossed in their work. Look alive! Dropping his sketchbook and charcoal he himself hightailed it out of harms way.

His Hippogriff (because he'd totally adopted it, by the way) wasn't all that talkative today, it seemed. Understandable, because Hippogriffs couldn't actually talk. Except they did, you just needed to know how to speak Hippogriff, like Toby.

Because he could totally do that.

Totally.

Toby was looking over his sketch again when one of the Hippogriffs DID speak up. The alarmed squawk surprised Toby, as it didn't fit at all with the relative peaceful stillness of the day. He looked up, taken aback, just in time to hear Cutty chime in and see him run away.

Stampede? But why?

Hopefully the others would think fast and move too, though Toby was sure the Hippogriffs wouldn't hurt them, although... they did seem very scared. As for himself, he didn't make the effort to move at all, not feeling as though he was in any danger (did he ever?). Instead he simply stood right where he was looking confused, brow furrowed as he watched the peculiar antics of the Hippogriffs. Had they been spooked by something? What was going on?

"....................................?"

Turning to look at the Hippogriffs he still stood by, Toby eyed their stamping. Speaking as someone who was totes fluent in Hippogriff, something was, uhh... definitely wrong.

Holy mother of dragons...

. . . . O_O . . . .

Things all of a sudden got interesting. Had she been on the other side of the fence and away from the line of fire, Beverly would have eagerly awaited for results. As it was, she was in the line of fire as a horde of Hippogriffs decide this was a great time to stampede.

This is where she regretted getting so close to them.

This is when she ran.

And she passed a Tobias what-ever-his-last-name-was-now. "MOVE!" Why wasn't he moving? Beverly gave his robes a tug just enough to get him moving, but didn't linger. She was NOT going to get trampled over a Hufflepuff.

Javier was continuing his sketching of the area. He personally wasn't an artist as he started off with a huge square, but the notes he jotted down regarding the size and other measurements made up for it.

Occasionally he glanced over at some of the students, Miss Wayne and of course Mr. Fuller-Thompson. It was just those two senior students by the group and he trusted their judgement given their activity in his lessons regarding Hippogriffs. So he continued.. and continued.. before he heard loud squawking making his head pick right back up.

That was it.

His notepad and quill with the sketches fell to the snowy ground as he took out his wand. Frightened Hippogriffs were one of the only things on his mind now as he made motions towards Miss Wayne and Mr. Fuller-Thompson, sending an invisible shield in their direction and at the main entrance where some others were. They were much too close to be able to out run them but at least they should be safe with the shield and from the Potions Professor's quick action on already getting the creatures to slow down a little..

As for the others though, "Everyone! Back off and stand by the side of the fences!" The Professor yelled as he ran towards the two and help pull them over to the other side.

Gabe...was still standing by the fence, measuring the size and dimensions of it in a most important manner. It wasn't nonsense. This could be important later, maybe...Also, it kept him away from the hippogriffs...and that was ultimately the goal. There was no interest in going near the creatures. None at all.

When they moved to a different location, Gabe could get back into the action.

Of course, he'd obviously missed something as people started rushing towards his post. NO, he'd called this area. It was just too bad, too......Whut?

Why were spells being tossed about?

Finally realizing that something was amiss, he glanced over his shoulder at the two professors and the raging Hippogriffs...That was NOT something you seen every day. In fact, it was all happening very fast.

There was no lingering, however. Gabe immediately took himself out of harms way.

Um. So. Everyone was yelling.

WHY WAS EVERYONE YELLING?

Toby was confused, very confused. There was pandemonium with the Hippogriffs and people were YELLING (some of them at HIM) and he could think of nothing that might upset them further than more yelling and Beverly was tugging at his sleeve and Culloden was throwing SPELLS at the creatures and Toby was having emotions about that and everything was happening all at once and it hurt his head and he just stood there.

Before he even had time to protest about the spell Culloden was casting, Thompson was suddenly there and pulling him and Beverly back. Toby was still confused because, as far as he was concerned, he had been in no danger.

"Don't HURT them!" Toby finally managed to blurt out as he was basically hauled to safety, his thoughts still very much on the wellbeing of the Hippogriffs. He knew what that spell did, and that it was harmless, but STILL. "They're scared."

Her dad once said her stubborn nature would get her hurt. As much as that statement was true, Beverly wanted to live and tell the story. Seeing as hippogriffs were creatures and her number one rule was to never harm one, she did not raise her wand. She should have. It was stupid not to.

Fortunately Professor Thompson was there. She allowed him to guide her to safety, she might have clung to him for a bit and stood behind him. The Slytherin wasn't afraid, she just wanted to live.

"No one's hurting them," Beverly said, oddly calm as she tossed her long hair behind her shoulder. She did have to agree with Tobias. Something unsettled the hippogriffs. As she thought what possibly could have caused that, her grip on her wand tightened.

Vigilance.

Sophie Brown
 

He was a bit out of breath when he'd made it to what he'd call relative safety. Looking back on the scene it looked like Toby had been spared a trampling...


...


And Beverly was clinging to Professor Thompson. His run became a slow walk as he surveyed the surroundings for the probable cause, rolling his eyes at Lux and firmly deciding that she might have been too stupid to live. The snow! G'HaW! Cutty pulled up alongside Sophie Brown, who from the look on her face, was already analyzing the situation as well. "What did it, Prefect Brown?"

The Hippogriffs who were slowed down with magic (Buddy and Monty) panicked even more, and flapped their wings. They did NOT like what was on the ground as they kept stomping on. The other Hippogriffs started to march towards the humans and where they believed was safe, faster. They didn't seem to care much if humans were in front of them or not, all they wanted was safety. Suddenly, one (Henry) squawked loudly. He was visibly very panicked. He stopped, stood on his hind legs and changed directions to run off to the Forbidden Forest!

"Scared is a kind of hurt!" Toby insisted, as he helplessly watched the two slowed down Hippogriffs flap around in what was quite clearly a display of panic. He knew the feeling. He knew how it felt to feel the need to run and not be able to do it, he knew how distressing it could be, and he felt bad for them as he watched Monty and the other one. Had he not been so upset and fixated on what the Hippogriffs were doing, he might have tried to interfere with Culloden's spell. Luckily he was far too distracted for that. So Culloden only got a brief but BETRAYED LOOK, before Toby turned back to the pen.

They were all moving now, the Hippogriffs, and the one Toby knew to be named Henry was going off in another direction. He wondered for a split second why they didn't just try to fly away, but figured perhaps there was some sort of spell to stop them. It clearly wasn't very beneficial. Toby didn't even want anyone to stop Henry getting away, until he realised that the Forest was in that direction. Weren't there dangerous things in there? That ate... students? And....... maybe Hippogriffs??????

"Professor!" Stop him??? Or not???? WHAT DO.

This was upsetting. Super upsetting. Toby hated it. He hated seeing Henry and Monty and all the Hippogriffs so very clearly frightened. He wanted to help them, but had no idea what he could do. The seventh year looked towards the marching Hippogriffs and past them, to see what they might be trying to get away from. Perhaps something on the other side of the pen? If he could just get over there and take a look and they could make it stop and calm the Hippogriffs and all would be fine again...

He made for the fence, towards the advancing Hippogriffs, oblivious to any danger. One foot was already on one of the lower beams, Toby fully intending to climb back over to see what his precious creatures were so frightened of.

The animals weren't quite through with their erratic behaviour it seemed and so Cutty took a step back from Sophie Brown. His wand hand immediately reaching for his silver rapier. Then Henry bucked and began to gallop off toward the forbidden forest, the last known refuge of the cockroach express.


"Our investment!! CHARLEEEENE! NOOooooooo!" That only left them with...He turned his head towards the remaining beasts and in doing so realized Charlene was actually still around. "Oh." He smiled at her. "There yew are, gehrl." But then who the hell was that that went careening into the forbidden forest?

So, Gabe was safely (or so he thought) in the front corner of the pen, eyes glued to the scene playing out. Considering trajectory and where the group of Hippogriffs might dash to, he felt moderately protected. If they made for the fence, they'd breach the side...or that seemed most logical, anyway. Not that these creatures were currently concerned about logic. They did seem very scared, though...and much like people, animals were unpredictable and dangerous when scared or backed into corners.

The professors seemed to have it well in hand...but what Gabriel didn't understand was what Toby was doing, climbing over the fence. O.O.........Was he going into the Forbidden Forest? Wasn't an.....age line in place?...BUT TOBY WAS OF AGE NOW...!

Gabe had meant to shout out to him...but his friend's name only escaped in a hushed whisper. He wasn't very brave and he felt terrible for it at the moment.

Well then.. the Hippogriffs did continue to run amok, though at a slower rate. This was fairly good since this mean there was a bigger chance to keep them safe as some joined them by the fence. But wait. It looked like one of the Hippogriffs.. Henry. Yes. He recognised those particular shaded feathers on him. He was that donated one from his first term teaching, wasn't he? He saw him dashing through the entrance gate in a direction.

Professor Thompson knew there was only one place it would want to go so he raised his wand out again about to get it back.. but then he felt someone leave his side. "Tobias!" His eyes widened despite his still calm composure. He outreached his hand grabbing ahold of his robes to pull him right back. No one was going out there without a Professor. Even if they were of age, ".... Help Monty for now. He will need you." He knew he had a close bond with him, so logically he could calm him down faster and keep him out of trouble as well for now.

Just so it didn't look like Javier was letting that Hippogriff go, he closed his eyes again thinking immediately of his family, seeing his two sons interact for the first time together as he aimed his wand out towards the gate. Letting his trusty Goose patronus escape to fly out. Even if they left now, the chances on catching up with the Hippogriff were next to impossible. But there was the Groundskeeper. Hopefully he'll get the message in time before they can reach it. Now then, "Everyone, try to settle the Hippogriff nearest you down, use the Animal Friendship charm, Animalis Fidelis, if necessary so we don't have more than one Hippogriff out there. We'll join Mr. Maclaren and Henry as soon we're finished." He trusted the Groundkeeper's abilities. Now tegardless on what scared them it was important to keep them calm so they can deal with that after.

SQUAWK! SQUAWK!

How dare these humans try to keep them in with the danger?! It was like they couldn't see or feel it! This was an outrage!

SQUAWK!

(Waterwings) squawking the loudest went straight after (Henry) only to be stopped by a small human in blue robes who shot something at her.. No. No. She didn't have to go after him. She could stay right here and protect this one as she bowed back.

Right below them a small trail of moving snow went right under their feets already following the trail after the escaped Hippogriff. This Hippogriff was now calm but the others were still stamping around the middle of the area.

.

.

.

There was still A LOT going on.

...but...yes...Gabe had definitely seen the snow moving, too.

"Stop.......stop shouting."...If the creatures were spooked, loud noises wouldn't help, right? That...was his logical thinking. Take Sophie Brown for example. She seemed almost too calm and that was working wonders for her...and Gabe could honestly say he'd never admired her more than at that moment. Way to take charge...

This had been a bad idea today. He should have stayed at the tree...or better yet...went back inside. There were a least five pumpkin pasties with his name on them up in Ravenclaw tower.

No, really...they literally had his name on them. Gabe wrote his name on his belongings. Treats included.

All other shouts were lost on Toby, his mind was only on one thing. But he'd barely gotten halfway over the fence before suddenly he was being dragged right back again. NoooOOOOOOOOOOOOO. He had to get OVER THERE.

With an expression that was some bizarre mixture of indignant and distressed, Toby looked again at Javy, who directed his attention to Monty. With a desperate look back after Henry, Toby considered his options, but after seeing the patronus fly off and remembering Monty's distress, the decision was easily made. The seventh year simply gave a silent nod and hurried over to his Hippogriff friend. Once again, he got up onto the fence, but this time only to give himself a bit of extra height so that Monty might notice him better.

"Animalis Fidelis," Toby cast at the creature, not sure how necessary the spell was but not wanting to risk him getting more upset. Then he bowed at Monty again, even though he'd already done it mere minutes ago. Just, y'know, doing anything he could that might help.

He kept his eyes on Monty even when everyone else spoke. Toby wanted to add that the Hippogriffs had been stamping their feet a lot, but he didn't really trust himself to say anything out loud just yet, feeling that his voice might crack and his eyes would start to sting and tear up more than they already were. In fact, Toby didn't look away from the Hippogriff until he heard it. It was very faint, and he might have believed he was imagining it were he not specifically keeping an ear out for any sounds coming from that direction (ideally Hippogriff footsteps headed back their way).

Screams. Faint and unintelligible to his ears, but shrill and desperate and definitely not the kind of sound you wanted to hear, especially not from that direction.

Toby sent a panicked look back at Javy. "Did you hear that? We have to go over there," he said desperately, his voice breaking, overcome with emotion. He had definitely heard something, and if he could hear it from here then it was definitely screaming. Maybe the Groundskeeper? Didn't the professor say that was who was over there getting Henry? "Like right now. We need to." They couldn't LEAVE them. C'mon c'mon c'mon thEY NEEDED TO MOVE.

*ish super late but joins in again*
 

Toby WAS okay, riiiiight? Darn, the dude was quick... not to mention super brave. But anyway, HIPPOGRIFFS needed to be calmed down as Professor Thompson said. ''Animalis Fidelis!'' Noooo way was he going to let these babies get into any harm. Nope. The nearest one to him calmed down severley, allowing him to pat his feathery head after the usual bowing and eye contact.

Gabe was right. They did need to stop shouting. It would only scare the poor Griffs even more. But what had even scared them in the first place? That's when he heard Lux's shout. The snow was moving? O__O The Hufflepuff's eyes snapped over to his friend. Was it because of the chaos the Griffs were causing? Surely snow couldn't move on it's own.

SQUAWK!

Hippogriffs were continuing to squawk, with less stomping though as the moving snow had long but disappeared. They did NOT like their area being invaded. It was an outrage! They liked their space! Humans were okay, sometimes, because they gave them lots of pets and treats.

(Monty) after being shot by something relaxing began to put his claws down. No.. No. It was okay. This small yellow robed human was okay. He always gave him attention. He wanted more attention as he softly tugged on the hood of his robe to pull close. Another Hippogriff was calm.

And another Hippogriff (Grey Feathers) was given the same shot too by another yellow robed human. Not as small though. He stopped his stomping to give a low squawk. Only four were left stomping around while the others stuck by the fences. Let them go... Let them go.... because it wasn't the cold that was bothering them. Better hurry up humans before that slowing spell on them wears off.

*17+ moving to the Forest*
 

Hippogriffs were still stomping around and the students were getting anxious. Javier aimed the Animal Friendship Charm at the two nearest him, one at a time hoping they'll approach him now. Hopefully by now the calmed Hippogriffs could try to persuade the remaining ones that they were okay.

Now what was this about moving snow? The Creature Professor surveyed the ground, not seeing anything other than new tracks made by Hippogriffs. "It looks like it has stopped.." Whatever it was. Oh would you look at that, raised snow trails, as if something was below the snow yet above the ground. "Yes.. tracking them sounds like a good idea." However, one issue still remained, "We'll still need to meet up with Mr. Maclaren and return Henry with his creature mates here. Just in case they manage to get into the forest.. those of age come with Professor Culloden and me and stay close." The line only guarded those under age after all, so he thought.

"Those not 17 years old yet, have a look around for any other clues around here." ..Oh, nearly forgotten, "and later on drop your current sketchpads by my office as well." So there were at least some records could be proven to have been done once they have finished. "This way," Now then... who was staying and going?

His Hippogriff was still allowing Adi to pat him. This was a good sign along with that squawk. "There's nothing to worry about,'' he told the majestic beauty. "It'll all be fine. You can help calm your friends down, too.'' The other Griffs were calming down, yes but the already calm ones could still help with that process.

Still rubbing his left hand against the creature's beak/ face, the Hufflepuff looked around at Professor Thompson. Did the man just say those who were of age? Yup, Adi was of age. He had only just become so. "See you later,'' he told the Griff before turning to follow the Professors.

Monty had managed to tug Toby closer, and Toby was quite willing to give him the attention he seemed to want. Without much thinking about it, he gave the Hippogriff a hug around the neck, as far as he could reach, anyway. Really, Toby needed it as much as Monty seemed to want attention, so it worked out well.

He smoothed his fingers over the creature's feathers, trying to calm his Hippogriff while at the same time trying to calm himself. It... sort of worked. A bit.

Toby really only started to feel better when Thompson declared that those of age could, in fact, go along to the Forest to see what was going on. Because it meant they would be DOING something to help Henry, who was now the creature that was most in need. Monty was calm, so were the others. Without a doubt, Toby would be going into the Forest to help. He looked at Monty.

"I have to go," he whispered, keeping his voice low because it was still trembling a whole lot and threatening to crack even more as time went on. "I'll be back soon, Monty. And I'll come see you and make sure you're okay. We're gonna go look for Henry."

With one last hug, Toby nodded at his Hippogriff and stepped down from the fence. Now it felt like he was ABANDONING HIM, but Toby had to try and not focus on that. He petted Monty's feathers again and then hurried after Professor Thompson.

Things and shouting was happening as Beverly casted the friendship charm on one of the hipporgriffs. People needed to learn to keep their voice down. In a crisis like this ONE only made things worse. Shouting would only frighten them even more.

Glancing over at Professor Thompson, Beverly felt a jolt of excitement and dread. The Forbidden Forest. Greg had died there. But she wasn't Greg. She was Beverly Juniper Wayne and she was clever and strong. Anyway, if things got rusty, she'll just head back. And get help, of course.

Waving at Cutty and Adi, Beverly followed behind Professor Culloden.

Wait. What?!

BOTH professors were disappearing into the Forbidden Forest?!...Probably never to return...and Toby and Sophie were obviously right behind Thompson all because of an animal...and the groundskeeper, along with many other older students with a death wish. But Culloden...WHY did Culloden have to go? Shouldn't a professor be staying with them...on the grounds...just in case the Hippogriffs started spazzing out again?

...and NO. No, no....NO...Gabe would never go back into the Forbidden Forest. Someone had DIED last time...and...no. It was very sad and...everything...about the groundskeeper and the hippogriff. But...

So, yep. Gabe was just going to stay right where he was and...watch the younger kids. He wasn't brave...but...

Hippogriffs > Forbidden Forest

By the time the other humans left, the remaining Hippogriffs were calm. The danger was gone and there was no reason to migrate elsewhere. Their head (Henry) was taking care of it. They liked (Henry) and trusted him as he was here before them all.

(Monty) the hippogriff's golden eyes looked on as the smaller yellow-robed human walked off. Squaaawk? Where was this human going? He walked on after it before its own feet stepped on something crunchy under the raised snow trail. Squawk? He clawed over the snow mound to dig deep over it.

SQUAWK!

What was this thing? It was not here before. (Monty) was no head of hippogriffs, but the others stopped their own interest in the humans to walk by him. The snow uncovered a mass of green feathers over a small set of bones. Thin bones that resembled the shape of a bird. It was not one of their own, so the Hippogriffs separated to do their own business in the area again.

Ha. HAHA. No. No Forbidden Forest for Gabriel Banner. Nope. Never again.

Content to just stand by the fence and...protect from afar, he refocused on his notebook and scribblings...trying to distract himself from the knowledge that one of the only people he really looked up to was most likely near death. Yes, that was probably a very dramatic way of thinking...but he was panicked. His thoughts weren't good to him when he felt stressed out...and they were currently painting an increasingly vivid picture in his head. One where no one survived this forest expedition

Soon torn from them, however, he squinted towards Lux Carrington; who was calling out to him. Naturally, the first instinct was to reprimand about shouting, especially after what had just taken place...but...What? Something about a bird? Glancing carefully around the clearing, keeping stock of where each hippogriff stood in the pin...Gabe slowly approached.

...and then peered down...

"............Are those bones?" The Ravenclaw BLINKED, eyes zero'ing in on the feathers. "Something they've snacked on, it would seem." Hippogriffs ate....small creatures like this; Small mammals and...insects, if he recalled right.

So...?

Gabe stared at the Hufflepuff girl, mind (and imagination) running over the possibilities. What were the odds of the hippogriffs feasting on someone's pet? Today was proof against any control Thompson might've had over the creatures...but would they venture closer to the castle?...And if not, what would a pet be doing out this way without its owner?

...but also...

"Hasn't there been more than a few missing pets lately? After the Peebles incident?" Toby had covered that bit of news in The Quill. So, that was really the only reason Gabe was aware. Good journalism stated that all things would be investigated before going to print...."I suppose it's worth a mention."

...and what color feathers were those? Green...Gabriel had to bend down to double check.