Returning to the area that has been used by countless Ancient Runes professors as a gateway to their office, you will find that the place is quite barren. No cushioned chairs or sofas with tables containing confectionary delights await you. For a moment you might find yourself puzzled by the lack of a good-hearted welcome, but then the fact that Headmistress Hawthorne now teaches the subject pops into your mind. If you wish to casually speak with the woman regarding the subject, the fifth floor is not where she will be found.

Conveniently located across from the locked door of where the Ancient Runes professor's office normally would have been is the opening of a stairwell just big enough for two people to travel on without having to step aside and wait for the other to pass by. Thanks to magic, this recent development will take you from this part of the castle down three floors and vice versa. At the bottom of the steps, the Stone Gargoyle can be clearly seen directly down the corridor, watching as you make step onto the second floor. Students are welcome to use this set of stairs to make getting to the headmistress easier and faster. Or you can use them to simply avoid having to deal with those moving staircases if they are giving you a hard time.