Though his coat stopped much of the coldness of the ground from seeping into him, it did not stop the surprise that coursed through Aldous body met ground, cane a few feet away and almost invisible in the night and grass. The legs of another were briefly entwined with his own before the pair managed to separate, still in the grass and drawing a few startled looks from passers-by.

"No harm done, Miss," Aldous reassured what he now saw to be a young lady, like him still on the ground. By now, the wizard had at least returned to a sitting position, but was taking a moment to get his bearings before endeavouring to stand.

Still from his grounded vantage point, the wizard asked, "Are you alright? I must admit, it takes some doing to arrive at the shore as you have."