#20 - Down In The Dungeon

There was no sign of a distressed house elf, nor any sign of where to go.

A few students wandered by, mostly Slytherins -- which was surprising, given it was the Dungeons after all. Thankfully, it seemed as if no one had Potions this afternoon. But the area was well-travelled, even if not unusually busy and paid little notice to the lone Ravenclaw 1st year.

With the coming and going of students or general easy access of the area MJ was in... it seemed unlikely Mitsy was there. She'd have to venture deeper, off the usual path. Somewhere more hidden or less ventured, perhaps?

It was simply an empty room, though she couldn't tell what it could be used for. It struck her as odd, that there were such empty or perhaps even abandoned rooms at a school like Hogwarts. Then again, the Dungeons didn't exactly inspire frequent use or exploration.

In any case, it didn't have what she sought. Backing out, MJ could swear there was something strange coming from another darkened corridor, beyond where her wandlight reached -- almost a small cry or whimper. The dungeons were much colder down here though, and the torches weren't as effective as they were in more ventured areas. Even her lit wand did only so much.

In fact, after making another turn, it was getting harder for MJ to orient herself. Where was she? If she went further, she might find her answers -- but the chances of finding her way out again got slimmer the deeper she went. It was a place where even her own footsteps felt oddly foreign to the area. 

There was still no answer.

The corridor seemed to stretch forever, winding as it went. The light from MJ's wand began to help a lot, though the spookiness of the cold dungeon began to close in on her as she became well and truly in unfamiliar territory.

Finally, under brighter torchlight, there was a cabinet. In front of it was a pink house elf, cowering on the floor and covering her ears. The cabinet gave a violent shake, causing the elf to whimper in fear.

The elf peered at MJ, then nodded her head when asked if that was her name. Mitsy sighed in relief to see a student. She hurried to her feet, stepping a bit behind MJ to distance herself from the cabinet. She pointed urgently to it, too scared to speak.

A moment later, the cabinet's handle turned on its own -- unlocking itself. The doors swung open and...


This is a co-op modded moment. In your next post, describe what emerges from the cabinet. It's a Boggart - thus takes on the form of whatever frightens MJ the most.

Mitsy was still too scared to speak, shaking her head in a way similar to how Narby had. She didn't place hands over her ears, too busy readying herself to flee or grab MJ if needed.

The dragonfly's wings made a high-pitched sound, amplified by its sheer size. It honed in on MJ, ready to strike. Ready to-- 

But then there was a bright flash of light, forcing her to cover her eyes until it faded.

The cabinet rattled, its threat once again sealed inside. Mitsy stood beside MJ, eyeing the locked doors. With big, sad eyes she turned to the first year.

'You is not knowing how to defeat a Boggart,' she said nervously, quieter than a whisper. 'You is not able to help, until you is finding a way to.' The shuddering elf resumed her fearful spot on the floor in front of the cabinet, her back to it as she once again covered her ears.

A chilling, fearful wail emitted from behind the cabinet. Mitsy whimpered at the sound, tears in her eyes.

Mitsy accepted Trikee's spoon, staring at it in bewilderment for a moment. She then held it close, nodding to MJ before the Ravenclaw hurried away -- leaving the poor house elf alone once more.


Thread may be reused this afternoon, if MJ wishes to return.

The dragonfly had already re-emerged by the time MJ finished speaking, having sensed her approach and was apparently determined to get her this time. Mitsy clutched to the "lucky spoon", eyes wide and fearful.

Zack eyed the dragonfly while rolling up his sleeves. He was perfectly calm, as if confronting Boggarts was just another part of his day. He gave the area a curious glance, seeming to recognise Mitsy. He smiled at the house elf, then nodded at MJ.

Making a gesture for both MJ and Mitsy to move aside, he squared up against the dragonfly -- his wand aimed and at the ready. 

With the dragonfly's erratic movements, even considering its large size and the less-than accommodating corridor space, it took a moment for it to hone in on its new closest target. Once it fixed on Zack, its form began to alter -- twisting, reshaping, mixing... until finally, it turned into a grey Werewolf.

Standing upright, he snarled at Zack -- drool dripping from its sharp fangs. Zack flinched, breathing shuddering for a moment. He cleared his throat, focusing on the creature as if he was about to charge it. Which, thankfully, was not the plan as that was rather stupid.

'Riddikulus,' he declared, pointing his wand with the force of plunging a blade.

The Werewolf yelped, and shrunk down to the size of a much fluffier version. In puppy form, it spun on the spot to chase its tail. Zack grinned at it, a bit of laughter escaping him, but it was only strong enough if it amused MJ as well.