A hoarse snore snaps you groggily back to a waking state as you sit up to find yourself lying in the dorms at Hogwarts.
Sounds of deep, restful sleep heave and sigh from the other four-poster beds, and although you’re feeling unusually relaxed for having been jolted out of your own reverie, there’s a lingering sadness that it had all been a dream after all.
Rolling on your side to cuddle up with the blankets, set on returning to a blissful slumber, all at once a voice comes from the foot of the bed.
Poking your head over the covers, it’s even more alarming than the first time you caught Saffron appearing out of the shadows.
At least then I wasn’t in the dark, you snicker to yourself. While it was perhaps more startling this second time, the abrupt switch from fear to familiarity wakes you up quickly, then just as fast has your nerves settled again.
“Go to the common room,” their voice implores, the inscrutable blaze of the angel’s face flickers against their shimmering eyes and feathers as Saffron’s wings carry your friend out of the dorm.
Entering your house common room, you’re surprised to find someone sitting in one of the armchairs reading a book. You can’t recognize who it might be from this angle, but taking a step in that direction, the late burning fireplace discloses that this isn’t a human as anticipated.
Dumbfounded—and scared—at the sight, Saffron’s dulcet tones ease the burden of apprehension.
“Another extraterrestrial species known by many,” they say. “The Reptilians are tall and scaled, and they can take on the form of humans, blending in with you to gain information, resources, and power for their own goals.”
“Oh,” you murmur, “I’ve definitely heard of them. Aren’t they supposed to be a nefarious bunch?”
“Don’t worry,” Saffron acknowledges your hushed whisper, “They’re in the middle of a download and couldn’t hear us anyway.” They flit toward the person in the chair, demonstrating any lack of awareness from them. “I’ve also placed a precautionary enchantment as backup, just in case they come to, so we can speak as we please.”
Moving closer yourself, it’s evident whoever this night owl is has no idea that either of you are present. Taking in their lizard-like features, you tremble slightly as, louder than intended, you ask, “What is a Reptilian doing here in the castle?!”
Task:
Spotting a Reptilian when they’re cloaked in human form out in the world is harder than you’d think, but you can practice being keen on the uptake by solving the following Spot the Differences puzzle and Send Me Your Solution through a private message. 1 bean/sapphire for each of the 14 differences found (and 1 bonus bean/sapphire for finding all fourteen). This task will be considered “complete” once a minimum of eight differences have been spotted successfully.
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Alternatively write a Review of any piece of media that correlates with extraterrestrial life, such as a book, movie, song, or any other form of art. Share below using 125 words or more to describe what you enjoy about this selection and/or your critiques! Has it left any meaningful impressions on you, or stirred up noteworthy thoughts and feelings?
This task is worth 15 beans/sapphires, with an additional 15 bonus beans/sapphires for completing all Week Three tasks by end of activity. Deadline is 11:59pm (HOL time) on Sunday July 28th.
