Hogwarts MOO

Transfiguration and Tornadoes

(OOC: 1907-08 school year.)

+---[ Hogwarts - Transfiguration Classroom ]---------------------------------+

Samantha Crewe yawns, flipping open her book. She grins at the mention of the bats.

Chris Holloway gives Daryn a very odd look, then glances around at the other students in the class. Noticing that they're not reacting, he decides to be oh-so-British about it and ignore Daryn's eccentricities.

Sylvie Winters slips into a seat and pulls out her book.

Daryn D'Arcy glances up from his pocket-watch as he begins distributing papers to the students. "Your two minutes are up...Close your books immediately." A sharp eye is cast in Mandy's direction. "Once again, Miss Brocklehurst, you are tardy, but just in time for our quiz. Take a seat, but not in the front row as their is a family of bats nesting in the middle desk."

Samantha Crewe closes her book, and slides it under her desk. She casts an amused glance at Mandy, and gets out her quill

Mandy Brocklehurst mumbles something about poltergeists before sitting down in the second row and staring at the front row as though thoroughly searching it for nocturnal creatures.

Sylvie Winters closes her book, putting it away. She glances at Mandy as she finds and takes out a quill.

Daryn D'Arcy clears his throats as he begins. "Now...in no less than eight lines, discuss the opposing viewpoints of the public, and the ministry concerning transfiguration. Also explain how the conflict was resolved. Make sure to identify the document that formed the backbone of this reconciliation."

Daryn D'Arcy clears his throat as he glances up, then stands. "Put down your quills and hand your papers to the front row as quickly as possible. Since the quiz covered nearly everything a lecture or discussion would, I have planned a little treat for today's class." He solemnly glances around at the gathered students, waiting for them to finish handing in their quizzes.

Sylvie Winters looks over her paper quickly. Shaking her head, she hands it forward. Putting away her quill, she looks at Daryn curiously.

Daryn D'Arcy smiles as he removes a wand from within his sleeves. "Now...I am certain that most of you have only thought of transfiguration as a useful tool to make a spare pot...or a fancy necklace to wear to some social gathering. However, today...we shall cover the usages of transfiguration in duels." He hurriedly rushes to the center of the room, and clears a circly of radius ten feet in the center of the room. "The first thing that you ought to know, is that spells are objects. They can be dodged, hidden from, but most of all, they can be transfigured."

Chris Holloway hands his paper forward, then leans back, rubbing his eyes tiredly. He watches Daryn with a somewhat bemused expression on his face, though whether it's because of the nightrobe or an aftereffect of the quiz is unclear.

Mandy Brocklehurst stares at Daryn with obvious interest and shifts her position so as to better see him.

Philip Tsang comes in realizing he's late. He quickly takes a seat and hopes Daryn won't see him.

Emili Lordre sets down her quill and passes her parchment forward. Watching Daryn curiously, she rests her chin in one hand, elbow propped on the desk and takes in as much information as she can.

Myles Coffey noticing that he is much too late, walks back out and will talk to Daryn later.

Daryn D'Arcy taps his wand thoughtfully. "However...more on that later. First of all. If you were to transfigure something...anything in a duel, what two things should you target?" He peers about, pursing his lips. "And please...do stand. It is relatively hard to duel while seated. Mr. Tsang, you are quite late...please see me after class about the quiz. You as well Mr. Coffey."

I apologize for my lateness, there was a commotion in the Owlery." Myles Coffey says.

Chris Holloway raises his hand, after waiting a moment to see if anyone else is going to.

Daryn D'Arcy blinks twice. "Perhaps I might ask what you were doing in the Owlery so close to class time, but I probably would not like the answer. Remain standing." He turns to Chris with a little sigh. "Yes, Mr. Holloway? Which two items would you transfigure?"

Chris Holloway says slowly, "Well, the wand is the first thing that comes to mind. As for the second, I'm not so sure. It'd be hard to transfigure the person, so maybe..." he looks slightly embarrassed at this point, "Maybe their robes or something."

Sylvie Winters stands up as instructed, brushing off her robe as she does so. She looks at Chris as she quietly decides on her own answer.

Myles Coffey rests his weight against the wall, and puts his book bag on the ground.

Emili Lordre rises out of her seat at Daryn's request, hesitantly taking out her wand as she does so. Thinking over the question, she frowns, but says nothing.

Philip Tsang waves to Hank coming for him to sit next to him. He finally catches on what is going on and stands up abruptly following his classmates.

Mandy Brocklehurst stands up obediently and scuffs the floor with her shoes a little.

Daryn D'Arcy smiles, arching an eyebrow. "You ought to have more confidence, Mr. Holloway...Your original answer would have been correct. Yes...the person, or the wand. Now, if you can please pair off...we shall have a small duel. Since none of you ought to know the Humantro spell, we shall only be transfiguring wands. And /do/ hurry...Pairing off is really quite simple, and not much fuss needs to be made over it."

Hank Shih whispers something to Philip Tsang

Philip Tsang looks around the room wondering who to pair up with.

Chris Holloway nods to Myles, and takes a step over to stand next to him.

Mandy Brocklehurst raises an eyebrow at Samantha as if to ask 'Do you want to be my partner?'

Samantha Crewe glances at Philip and then to Mandy, and nods.

Sylvie Winters glances around once. She raises an eyebrow questioningly at the person closest her own age, Emili.

Emili Lordre gives a faint smile at Sylvie and moves so she is standing next to her.

Mandy Brocklehurst smiles and goes to stand next to Samantha.

Philip Tsang glances at Samantha and accepts Hank's offer politely.

Kanani Wana'ao isn't late. She was here the whole time...right? Quickly hurrying in, a hand holding down ebon tresses, she glances about - quietly.

Hank Shih nods his head and walks quietly towards Philip.

Daryn D'Arcy gives an encouraging smile towards Emili, as if urging her to say 'yes'. He glances about at the rest of the latecomers, shaking his head with a faint smile. "Miss Wana'ao, I suppose that means that you will be my partner. When you are ready, attempt to transfigure your opponent's wand. Fell free to cast now."

Hank Shih whispers something to Philip Tsang

Samantha Crewe looks at Mandy. "I'll go first," she volunteers, raising her wand.

Emili Lordre gives a nervous little sigh and waves her wand at Sylvie's, murmuring the spell under her breath.

Rather large chunks of hail strike the many turrets and towers of Hogwarts castle. Propelled by the fierce, gusting winds, they rattle against the windows as if attempting to break them.

Hank Shih takes out his wand from his robe and points it at Philip's wand and mutters, "Altro Mesion Frunu Terra." Philip's wand begins to shake a little.

Philip Tsang bows to Hank as he usually does and waits for Hank to strike first. He glances anxiously at his wand wondering what it will turn to.

Mandy Brocklehurst nods to Samantha. "Alright then." she says.

Mandy Brocklehurst sneaks a glance out the window, frowning.

Kanani Wana'ao eyes Daryn D'Arcy, ashen pallor whispering something milkish as she handles her wand with delicate fingers. "Partner? Excuse me, but could you explain the comment - I am to transfigure my opponent's wand?"

Samantha Crewe takes a breath before exclaiming, "Altro Mesion Frunu Terra!" and pointing towards Mandy's wand. Mandy's wand suddenly turns into... a plain quill.

Hank Shih looks at Philip's wand as it changes into a piece of wood. Hank smiles a bit at Philip.

Myles Coffey nods to Chris and mutters, "Altro Mesion Frunu Terra."

Mandy Brocklehurst 's gaze returns to her wand and she chuckles. Dipping it into an inkpot, she writes something on a bit of parchment. "Hey, it works!" she says.

Sylvie Winters watches Emili anxiously, quietly flicking her own wand and muttering the spell, hoping for a plain old piece of string. And hoping she got the spell off in time, as her own wand changes in her hands and she blinks at it.

Daryn D'Arcy nods towards his Slytherin partner with a sigh. "Yes...transfigure my wand...Preferably something...not disgusting like sludge."

The wind howls creepily, small peices of hail on the roof and sides of the castle adding percussion to the howl of the wind and the creaking of the trees in the forbidden forest.

Samantha Crewe smiles at Mandy. "There you go," she replies, shrugging.

Myles Coffey glances out the window, then focuses back on Chris' wand, nothing has happened yet.

Samantha Crewe looks around, waiting for everyone to finish and smiling at their outcomes.

Chris Holloway blinks, and looks down in surprise at the rather long candy cane he happens to be holding. He grins at Myles, and says, "I almost wonder what would happen if I ate part of it, but I'm not going to try."

In the distance, you can hear a low growl of thunder and if you were to look at the sky you'd notice the fluffy clouds in it steadily becoming darker.

Emili Lordre takes in her breath sharply as the hail assaults the building. She frowns slightly as her opponent's wand shimmers into a tin ladle, but her attention is distracted by her own wand and the quickly darkening weather.

Myles Coffey says, "Wonder, if it would taste like wood."

Philip Tsang watches with wide eyes as he sees Hank's spell hits directly at his wand. He drops his quickly when it turns into a piece of wood. He gives a small chuckle later and walks over to Hank for doing well.

Mandy Brocklehurst stares out of the window, biting her lip.

Myles Coffey inquires, "Mr. D'Arcy, will Chris' still work even though it is a candy cane?"

Chris Holloway says to Myles, "I'll pass this time. Change it back and we'll try again?"

Kanani Wana'ao offers a disdainful glance toward her partner, lifting her nose at the thought. "If I'm to transfigure it, I'll transfigure into whatever I want!" Attempting to appear as though she knows what she's doing, she points her wand at her opponent's, staring at it for a while before finally managing to conjure up something...something...unrecognizable. Black, slimy...ew!

Sylvie Winters peers at her tin ladle for a second more. She looks up to Emili. "Good job." Then she scans the room quietly, looking at others' results.

Philip Tsang whispers to Hank if he can change his piece of wood back into his wand.

Myles Coffey whispers something to Chris Holloway

An open window down the hall bangs loudly, buffeted by the wind, adding to the symphony of the storm. The small, mostly harmless pieces of hail, seem to be getting a little bigger.

Chris Holloway whispers something to Myles Coffey

Chris Holloway glances in the direction of the window, and says, "Maybe I should go close that one."

Samantha Crewe looks around again, watching others to see what they are doing. "Alright then, I'll suppose I'll have to transfigure it back."

Myles Coffey says a phrase under his breath, and instantly Chris' wand changes back to it's normal form.

Daryn D'Arcy shakes his head as he withdraws a crystal from within his robes. A light glow comes forth as his wand quickly transfigures back to its previous form. He lightly rushes about the room, murmuring the transfiguration spell as he points to everyone's former wand. "No, it will not work..that is the point in transfiguring it. Casting the transfiguring spell again will simply reverse the process. Now...on to the more delicate part of today's lesson. As I said earlier, spells are /objects/...they can be transfigured like anything else. It usually helps to focus on a spot just in front of the opponent's wand. Prefect Winters...if you would care to help me demonstrate? Please...cast the stupefy spell..."

Mandy Brocklehurst nods at Samantha before jumping at the noise. "Oh honestly," she murmurs. "Will these storms never end?"

Myles Coffey says, "Your turn Chris."

Hank Shih looks at Philip with shock and mutters, "Don't you like your piece of wood? Hehe..I'll change it back." Hank holds up his wand and points it at the piece of wood and mutters, "Altro Mesion Frunu Terra." The wand begins to shake a little and with a blink of a eye, it changed back to it's formal form.

Myles Coffey whispers something to Chris Holloway

Chris Holloway nods to Myles, but holds off from having a try of his own since Daryn's demonstrating something else.

Mandy Brocklehurst puts her wand safely back into her pocket and watches Daryn.

Emili Lordre nods at her partner, growing rather anxious as the storm builds up, but focuses on Daryn's demonstration with evident interest.

Sylvie Winters nods slightly to Daryn. "Of course." She eyes her wand for a second, willing it to work, and takes a breath. "Stupefy" she mutters, waving her wand a bit.

Philip Tsang gives a small wink at Hank and wants to cast the spell himself at Hank already knowing what to change it into.

Gada flaps into sight, hooting a warning as it dives at Philip Tsang, dropping a letter. Immediately, the bird flaps away again.

Philip Tsang raises a hand urgently to ask Daryn to be excused.

Samantha Crewe gives Philip a questioning look from across the room.

Fireshocker has arrived, looking for Philip Tsang.

Fireshocker tucks a message into a small pouch on its leg, flaps its wings quickly, and swoops away to its destination.

Daryn D'Arcy draws his brows together, hoping to god this works, for it only has worked twice for him. He murmurs the transfiguration spell five times in quick succession, pointing to each of the five small sparks that fly from Sylvie's wand. There is a small puff of smoke, and the odor of sulfur fills the room, but when the air clears there are five distinct bundles of flowers lying on the floor. Daryn exhales deeply, obviously relieved as he takes the bundles and offers each lady in the class one. "Yes, Mr. Tsang?"

Fireshocker flaps into sight, landing smoothly on the ground.

The wind begins to moan and howl, whipping around the turrets and towers of the castle. The relentless hailstones grow ever larger and continue to attack the building and grounds alike. A forked bolt of lightning streaks across the stormy, darkening sky, illuminating it with a grand, white light. The thunder that follows rumbles ferociously throughout the hallways.

Philip Tsang sighs happily. "Um...I want to be excused for a minute. My friend needs some urgent help. I will be back in around 5 minutes."

Fireshocker leaves away towards home.

Chris Holloway nods, looking mildly impressed at the demonstration. Then he steps quietly aside to close the window that was banging open earlier.

Mandy Brocklehurst backs up against the wall, staring out the window, mouthing something.

Gada flaps into sight, hooting a warning as it dives at Hank Shih, dropping a letter. Immediately, the bird flaps away again.

The swirling clouds overhead seem to coalesce, twisting slowly into a dark, ominous tunnel that slowly winds its way downwards to touch the ground a ways away from Hogwarts.

Sylvie Winters smiles slightly. She managed to make the charm work first time, and it didn't end up stupefying anyone, which wouldn't have been good in this case. She murmurs "nice," as she looks at the flowers.

Emili Lordre's eyes widen with surprise, but seems pleased with the demonstration. Biting her lip at the storm, she looks at Daryn anxiously, wanting to sit again.

Daryn D'Arcy gives Philip a light nod. "Of course...I...suppose you may, though it seems like a professor would be more appropriate." He turns towards the other students, clapping his hands once against the other. "There is nothing to be worried about...this room is surrounded by heaven knows how many protection spells, and nothing can get in. Now...one person from each group is to cast a simple spell...perhaps...the leg-locking curse at his or her partner. The other person is to attempt to transfigure the spell. Do /not/ become embarrassed...or hurt if it does not work, for I have...unfortunately, not gotten this to work many a time myself."

Chris Holloway, who was closing the noisy window, takes a step back from it, and exclaims, "Goodness, it's a cyclone!"

Fireball tucks a message into a small pouch on its leg, flaps its wings quickly, and swoops away to its destination.

Sylvie Winters nods again, starting to open her mouth and ask Emili if she wants to cast first. Then she hears Chris and spins, blinking.

Kanani Wana'ao pauses for a moment of thought, but decides to remain silent, glancing at the flowers suspiciously - but moreso at Daryn. Oy. Still handling her wand with care, she doesn't move, refusing to show a trace of the confusion blocking her.

Daryn D'Arcy waves his wand impatiently. "Yes yes...there is nothing to be worried about. It will /not/ hit the castle. Now please, may we begin with the lesson? My dragonlets are getting hungry and will eat my bats if we do not hurry." He turns towards Kanani, waving his wand and murmuring in a soft voice. "locomotor mortis."

Mandy Brocklehurst stares out the window and positively /screams/.

Emili Lordre glances at the window at Chris' exclamation and gasps, paling. Shaking her head, she reminds herself to heed Daryn's reassurance and turns to Sylvie, cringing as Mandy screams.

Chris Holloway comes away from the window, looking somewhat unconvinced. Perhaps it was the references to dragonlets and bats that undermined his confidence. "But we never have cyclones in the United Kingdom..." he mutters, returning to join Myles.

Gada flaps into sight, hooting a warning as it dives at Hank Shih, dropping a letter. Immediately, the bird flaps away again.

As more bolts of lightning streak across the sky, they light up the whirling black tunnel that is the ferocious tornado, approaching the castle with deadly speed. It swirls beautifully in a circle, a frightening shade of black. As it whips around the grounds it uproots small trees. The hail beats against the windows relentlessly.

Sylvie Winters looks out the window for another second, hoping there isn't anyone outside. Actually hoping she'd have some way to know if there was. Well, they should all be in classes.. as long as she doesn't hear anything. She looks back at Emili. "You want to tranfigure, or cast the charm first?"

Kanani Wana'ao is not idiot, but for lack of information she just eyes Daryn - this kid /can't/ be much older than she - and points her wand at - well, somewhere, likely the other wand - and somehow manages to produce a simple lei. Hmm.

Mandy Brocklehurst decides this would be a good time to hunch under a desk.

David Porter's voice is amplified throughout Hogwarts. "Staff members, report to the Great Hall immediately. Students, get underneath any object that is sturdy. Take cover at once..."

Mandy Brocklehurst whimpers loudly and curls up, a look of sheer terror upon her face.

Daryn D'Arcy gives Kanani an approving nod, then glances up in irritation. "Class is dismissed...remember to do your reading for next week. Go...quickly..."

The howling of the wind and the pounding of the hail has risen to a feverish pitch, a chill wind whipping through the castle, an ominous portent of what is to come. Small dust-devils light about the grounds, twisting the grass into little circles, though they merely echo the impressive size and power of the tornado as it approaches. Dirt whips up about it, solidifying its form as it twists and meanders its way towards Hogwarts at great speed despite its indirect path.

Sylvie Winters turns again, focusing one the Hufflepuff. "Erm, one second, Emili.. Mandy, It's all..." She blinks, and moves toward Mandy. "Easy, Mandy.. We'll be fine."

Chris Holloway had started to say, "D'Arcy...there's trees flying around out there..." when he hears Porter's announcement. He promptly takes cover under a heavy looking table, and pulls Myles down with him.

Daryn D'Arcy raises his voice, eyes flickering a little. "Did you hear me? I said to leave...It is evidently not safe here. We shall meet in the Great hall. None of these desks is sturdy enough to provide shielding...every single one of you must leave this room immediately."

Myles Coffey gets up from under the desk and leaves according to Daryn's instructions.

Emili Lordre's eye is caught by something outside, and she stares, seemingly entranced by the cyclone. Tearing her eyes away at the Headmaster's she bites her lip and flees the room.

Kanani Wana'ao grabs the lei, throwing it about her neck with a smudge of satisfaction - was that a sigh? - before twisting to eye Daryn, uncomprehending, but intelligent enough to head toward the door, pacing herself quickly.

Sylvie Winters nods quietly. Seventh floor classroom, not a good place to be. "Everyone, go with Daryn. Hurry." She reaches out an arm to Mandy.

Mandy Brocklehurst takes Sylvie's arm and stares out the window, whimpering.

Daryn D'Arcy nods to Sylvie. "Forgive my audacity Prefect, but please escort the first group of students to the Great Hall. I shall check the other rooms on this floor for any students."

Sylvie Winters just nods again. If he wants to do that instead of her, at least it'll still get done. She stands up and heads out (with Mandy?) after the other students.

+---[ Hogwarts - Great Hall ]------------------------------------------------+

Chris Holloway goes over to Ruth, and says to her, "I thought this sort of thing only happened in America! What do you do when there's a cyclone?"

Kynthia Silvertongue hurries towards the center of the room, occasionally glancing frightenedly out the window.

Ruth Cohen says, steadying the slight tremble in her voice, "You go the cellar . .that's all you can do, most of the time . . but I suppose the Great Hall is just as safe . ."

Kayla Lockwood inquires, "How about the pit room?"

Sylvie Winters runs in, following the group of students who came from tranfiguration. Most of her attention is turned on them, making sure everyone is alright.

Ruth Cohen shakes her head, "That's on one of the highest floors! That'd be crazy . . "

Kayla Lockwood says, "oh"

Emili Lordre bites her lip nervously, staring at the ceiling, oblivious to the conversation around her.

The luminous cloud cover blackens the sky; only the torches provide light in the deep darkness. Massive lightning bolts and enormous rolls of thunder make it sound as if there were a death tournament occurring in the heavens. The spiraling vortex of the tornado grows larger. Impact with the school is imminent. The enormous roaring of what sounds like a train can be heard. The pressing inside of the school is changing; it feels as though you are being pressed against by the air itself.

Daryn D'Arcy bows as he enters the common room, not too far behind Sylvie. "The upper floors are completely clear of students, headmaster. There is one fellow who seems to be stunned with fright on the fourth floor, but he is in a safe spot."

Siria Sardona comes in, seemingly nervous, her hands continually clasping and unclasping..

Micaela Goldbeck seems strangely unworried, only intent on her task and what to do next. She nods at Daryn and grasps her staff, waiting for a cue from the headmaster.

David Porter nods to Daryn, "Thank you, Mister D'Arcy..." His gives a protective glance to the students now in the hall. "Sylvie!" He calls, gesturing for her to join him at the center of the room with the other staff members. There isn't much time left, but he knows the two people is not enough.

Mandy Brocklehurst rocks back and forth under the Hufflepuff table.

Kanani Wana'ao's expression is on the verge of being penetrated by sheer anxiety, the unsettling sounds causing a frown above caramel-glazed orbs; decidedly, she heads in that direction, weaving her way through students.

Sylvie Winters glances toward the Professor. She gives Mandy a worried glance, but hurries over to join the staff.

birthday party?" Vertigo Hypno inquires.

Ruth Cohen gestures the people who came in recently to get under the tables, already under the Slytherin table herself, having ducked under there automatically on hearing the headmasters announcement to get under something sturdy.

Chris Holloway glances around at his fellow students, then remarks to those nearest him, "We should probably get under tables anyhow, and not distract the teachers."

No Vertigo." Kayla Lockwood says.

David Porter looks to the teachers, the Minister, and Sylvie. He raises his wand high above him, waiting for the other members to follow suite.

No..... tornado" Hank Shih says.

jeez, and on your birthday" Vertigo Hypno says.

I know!" Rhea Aswynn exclaims.

you have the worst luck" Vertigo Hypno says.

yes on her birthday." Kayla Lockwood says.

Dust and small rocks join the pieces of hail that buffet the castle, swept up and flung by the wind.

thanks" Rhea Aswynn says.

Micaela Goldbeck raises her staff, following David's lead.

am sorry, am so scared. " Kayla Lockwood says.

Myles Coffey ducks under the Ravenclaw table, motioning Siria to do the same.

The black, ominous tunnel draws ever closer to Hogwarts.

Vertigo Hypno whispers something to Rhea Aswynn

Rhea Aswynn looks around more worried so she grabs KAyla and Vertigo and she pulls them under the Hufflepuff table

Sylvie Winters pulls out her wand, smoothly for once, and raises her own wand.

Kynthia Silvertongue pulls out her wand, face set.

Rhea Aswynn whispers something to Vertigo Hypno

Chris Holloway peeks out from his position under the Gryffindor table, so as to get a view of what the teachers are about.

Hank Shih screams slightly and hurries and hides under the Gryffindor table.

Daryn D'Arcy eyes the students rather worriedly, but continues pacing the Great Hall, hands clasped behind his back. He turns towards the staff, arching a shrewd eyebrow as he notices them raising their hands. He glances towards the students who have just entered, and jerks his head towards them undoubtedly requesting them to join their housemates.

Rhea Aswynn exclaims, "Sorry Hank only had two hands!"

Mandy Brocklehurst rocks back and forth restlessly, carefully looking anywhere but the window. Her deep blue eyes are almost blank with terror.

Vertigo Hypno says, "how long has it been her"

I think for umm..." Kayla Lockwood says.

it was just hailing then it sort of turned into a tornado, pretty recently" Rhea Aswynn says.

oh" Vertigo Hypno says.

Kayla Lockwood runs over to Rhea and hides behind her letting her hand go.

Hank Shih says, "The crazy thing is there is someone outside."

Kayla Lockwood says, "Yeah."

The howling winds are now almost deafening, the tornado looming large as it approaches Hogwarts, radiating destructive force. The air in the castle grows even more pressing and ominous.

Chris Holloway looks over at Hank, and asks seriously, "Who's outside?"

David Porter does not wisk his hand; instead he holds his wand straight up into the air. He knows that the chances may be slim, but he has to do what is necessary to protect the school. Looking to those lined up in the center of the room, he speaks... "Repeat after me..." Closing his eyes, he shouts... "PRAESIDIUM!"

PRAESIDIUM!" Vertigo Hypno exclaims.

Daryn D'Arcy turns his eyes towards Hank, shaking his head. "Mr. Trim is safe...the tornado shall pass nowhere near him. It is more dangerous for him to try and enter the castle than to stay where he is."

Emili Lordre almost reluctanly, but not quite, slips under the Slytherin Table, continuing her gaze at the ceiling from beneath the table. Tearing her eyes away from the tempest once to glance at the pacing Daryn with puzzlement- why is he not also under a table?- she continues to stare at the lightning and angry clouds, features tense.

Micaela Goldbeck shouts, 'PRAESIDIUM!" shortly after David, eyes closed and concentrating hard.

Kynthia Silvertongue stares out the window, hand shaking as she raises her wand as David did and follows his lead. "PRAESIDIUM!"

Sylvie Winters takes a deep breathe, silently begging her wand.. and whatever they are doing.. to work. Holding her wand up, she raises her voice. "PRAESIDIUM!"

Daryn D'Arcy brings his finger towards his lips, darting a furious glance towards Vertigo. Nevertheless, he does so soundlessly, so as not to disturb those clustered in the center of the Great Hall.

Ruth Cohen watches, at once enthralled and genuinely terrified. She tugs at her hair nervously and listens apprehensively to the wind.

Kynthia Silvertongue shuts her eyes, seemingly concentrating,hoping..praying...if it didn't work...

"PRAESIDIUM!" the staff members, the Minister, and even Sylvie say. Their voices can be heard above the enormous raging howl of the viciously spinning vortex. As the words are spoken, enormous bright red balls of pure energy leap out from each of their wands and shoot through the walls. Through the windows, and the enchanted ceiling in the Great Hall, an enormous bubble takes a smooth shape around the castle. Energy, flowing just like water, continues to pour out of each of the wands being used towards the shield. The tornado impacts with the shield only seconds afterwards. Vibrating floors make standing difficult. The tornado seems to implode upon itself as it hits, literally being forced back into the sky. The storm itself continues on, winds having died down. The forces of pressure within the school begin to drop.

whew" Vertigo Hypno says.

Micaela Goldbeck sits down slowly, holding onto her staff for support as she sinks to the floor. She wipes beads of sweat off her forehead, and looks up at the ceiling, relief slowly spreading over her face.

Kayla Lockwood says, "thats better."

Daryn D'Arcy reaches a hand towards the mantelpiece to steady himself as he gazes up towards the passing storm, wincing as the tornado passes overhead. Nevertheless, his right eyebrow arches rather skeptically as he peers towards the staff members.

Ruth Cohen gets up shakily from under the Slytherin table . . . that was really scary for a moment, the shaking floor, the loud noise . .but it seems to be over. She breathes deeply and steadies herself, taking a seat on the bench by the Slytherin table, still catching up with what just happened.

Sylvie Winters stands as the spell does it's work, every bit of concentration on what she's doing. The amount of concentration drains her, and she pushes harder to keep going until the spells ends, everyone is safe.. and she falls to the floor.

Vertigo Hypno gets up from the floor underneath the table, then helps Rhea an Kayla up

David Porter lowers his hand. He is a powerful enough wizard not to have been affected by the spell a great deal, as he underwent training for the sort. It is by a miracle alone that he was able to recall a spell powerful enough to disrupt the forces of Mother Nature. As he notices Sylvie becoming weak, he quickly moves to catch her. Kneeling, he gently lays her against himself, not wanting her to lay flat. "I need smelling salts!" his tired voice calls out, beads of sweat obvious on his forehead.

Myles Coffey whispers something to Chris Holloway

Chris Holloway lets out a sigh of relief when the storm is repelled by the shield. He shoots a glance over at Ruth, then makes his way out from under the table. He walks closer to where the staff members are, and then hurries to get some smelling salts. (or anything similarly odoriferous)

Daryn D'Arcy rushes to Sylvie's side, withdrawing the ever-present vial from within his robes. What with all the fainting that has been going on as of late in the Slytherin common room, he has been carrying them on his person.

Myles Coffey gets up from the floor and yells to Chris, "Hurry up with those smelling salts!"

Kynthia Silvertongue 's wand drops with a clatter as the floor shakes. She sinks down onto her knees, looking tremendously exhausted. Her violet eyes drift to Sylvie and the Headmaster slowly as she attempts to get up again, but does not succeed.

Micaela Goldbeck gets up, slowly recovering her energy, though her hair is sticking, wet, to her forehead and the sides of her face. "Is everyone else okay?" She calls out to the rest of the Great Hall after casting a worried glance at Sylvie.

Chris Holloway halts in mid-run when he sees Daryn pull some from his robes, and instead returns with the ever-present teapot and some mugs. (this is England, after all, and institutional tea is always present) He pours some tea out into the mugs, placing them on the table nearest the spellcasters.

Mandy Brocklehurst whimpers quietly but she nods, not moving from her place under her house table.

David Porter takes the smelling salts from Daryn, and mutters to him, "Tend to the Minister, please..." Quietly, he waves the smelling salts in front of Sylvie's nose. His eyes glance about as he does this, checking on the rest of the students and members of the faculty who are in the Great Hall.

Kayla Lockwood whispers something to Rhea Aswynn

Rhea Aswynn looks at Kayla and smiles, then she says "I'm glad it's over".

Myles Coffey grabs a stool and rushes over to Minister Silvertongue.

Ruth Cohen nods cautiously, eyes wide as she surveys everything around the Great Hall. "Everyone else seems to be fine," she says softly.

Here Professor, rest on the stool." Myles Coffey says.

Emili Lordre releases her breath, joining Ruth at the table. She observes the scene at the center, eyes flickering with worry at the exhausted professors and prefect. Sighing again, she looks distantly disappointed at the ceiling for a moment, but shakes off the expression.

Daryn D'Arcy quickly uncaps his vial as he kneels, offering the pungent salts to the headmaster. He nods, brusquely rising to his feet and approaching Miss Silvertongue as he offers an arm. "Forgive my...ahh...indiscretion, but you truly look weak.."

Chris Holloway remarks as he offers tea to Micaela and Kynthia, "That was completely unnatural."

Sylvie Winters blinks, slowly, a few seconds after getting a sniff of the smelling salts. Another moment, and her eyes flutter open. She immediately tries to sit up and look around.

Micaela Goldbeck sits absentmindedly at the head of the Ravenclaw table, where she accepts the tea from Chris. "Yes, decidedly unnatural," she says under her breath.

Kynthia Silvertongue smiles at Daryn as she takes his arm, rising to her feet. She still looks rather shaky, beads of sweat forming all over her face, and she sinks down on the stool a minute, hardly daring to believe the tornado's actually gone.

Chris Holloway puts a mug of tea next to Kynthia, and says to her kindly, "Have some tea, ma'am." He then goes to offer one to Sylvie.

Kynthia Silvertongue glances over at Micaela with tired eyes. "Unnatural's an understatement," she notes exhaustedly. "That was horrific."

David Porter looks about and stands, patting Sylvie on the shoulder. He moves towards the points board and quietly changes some figures.

Mandy Brocklehurst shudders under her table, obviously not daring to move.

Micaela Goldbeck looks cautiously at Kynthia as she recovers her energy, "Yes," she says, her old determined voice coming back to her, "And you seem to know more about these occurrences than the staff here does. We will have to speak later."

Daryn D'Arcy quickly whispers something to the Minister, then rises to his feet and approaches one of the windows, staring darkly out after the receding tornado. Brows draw together as he casts a questioning look towards the headmaster, then quickly approaches with a bow, quickly whispering something.

Daryn D'Arcy whispers something to David Porter

David Porter whispers something to Daryn D'Arcy

Sylvie Winters peers about, weakly. "It worked.. is everyone alright?" Her voice is quiet as she looks around the Great Hall at the students. She then looks at Chris, "Oh, thanks.." and reaches up to take it.

Daryn D'Arcy whispers something to David Porter

Kanani Wana'ao, indecisive to a point, glances about the faces - particularly the male faces - in the room, eyeing the staff with a hint of respect before dashing it to glance over at the House Board. Boredom ensues; back to looking.

Chris Holloway puts the last mug of tea on the table next to David Porter, but says nothing to the Headmaster.

Ruth Cohen stands up, the adrenaline reaction from the storm suddenly taking effect. She feels like she needs to run and shout, but restrains herself to simply walking slowly around the perimeter of the great hall.

David Porter nods quietly to Daryn. "Come on, gent..." He stands, moving up the steps.

Micaela Goldbeck nods and Sylvie and smiles, "Yes, it worked. And you did wonderfully . .we couldn't have done it without you."

Kynthia Silvertongue offers a faint smile in Sylvie's direction. "I do believe we are alright," she notes, glancing around the room. Almost to repeat what Micaela said, she also notes, "You did a very good job, at your age."

Chris Holloway pulls himself up to sit on the table, and helps himself to the tea he'd poured for David. "Should we be taking a look outside, to make sure there's no one hurt out there?" he asks Kynthia and Micaela.

Sylvie Winters smiles slightly. "Thank you." She's glad she was able to do anything, she usually has such horrible luck with spells. At least she can do it when it matters. "Miss.. What happened? I don't think I've ever seen a storm quite like that one."

Micaela Goldbeck nods at Chris, though she still seems tired. "Yes, Chris, take another person and go search the grounds . . . I'm afraid I am still a bit too tired."

Chris Holloway jumps off the table, and looks around to see who could accompany him.

Ruth Cohen tries to catch Chris's eye, even as she paces about the room ..she needs some way to work off this nervous energy.

Chris Holloway asks finally, "Ruth, Myles? Either of you want to help me take a look outside? Make sure no-one's hurt?"

Ruth Cohen nods at Chris, "I'd like to come," she announces, pulling on her cloak and heading toward the door.

Sylvie Winters starts to get up and go to Chris, but discovers she's still a bit tired. She looks to the people he addresses with a small nod, and turns her attention back to the staff as she waits for an answer.

Kynthia Silvertongue sighs. "I'll bet that tornado hit the amphitheatre.." she notes regrettably.

Micaela Goldbeck sighs and nods, "It probably did . .I'll have to rebuild it. I was hoping to use it in a couple classes."

Sylvie Winters offers quietly, "I'll help rebuild, if you like." Then adds, almost regrettably, "if you'll wait until I'm less tired."

Micaela Goldbeck nods, "Well, I believe I'll put off that class for another week or so, Sylvie, until I can do it myself . .though I appreciate the offer."

Sylvie Winters nods slightly, then repeats her earlier question. "I've never seen anything like that, I don't think. "Why'd.. What happened?"

Sylvie Winters sighs and stands up. "I think I'm going to go up and rest.. If there's anything I can do, let me know. Or, if you'd be willing, if you come up with some explanation.." She gives a small curtsy and heads to the hallway.