Despite Kreacher's warnings and protestations, Astor clambered onto the statue, tested the spear's weight, and attempted to prise it from his outstretched hand. While he had not eaten for a couple of days and was cold and feverish, Astor was still incredibly strong. He pulled with all his might and felt the spear move an inch. Encouraged by this, he heaved a few more times, but the spear wouldn't budge. He steadied himself, knowing he had the stamina for only one more attempt, took a large intake of breath and pulled up with all his energy. Astor groaned and felt his muscles flex and felt as though his eyes would bulge out of his sockets. He tried to keep his feet steady, but this put enormous pressure on his thighs. The spear came loose unexpectedly, flew out of the spearmen's hand, and clattered on the floor below. The two heard a chilling scream emit from the statue, and a red oozing substance dripped from the statue, now spear-less, hand. It fell on the plinth holding below him and congealed in a pool between the two figures. The smell was disgusting and Kreacher implored them to get out of there and warned Astor not to touch the red substance or the spear. Astor ignored Kreacher's advice, though, feeling like the spear would be too valuable, and went to collect his prize. It felt heavy and ominous in his hands. The material was cool to the touch but felt like bone, not metal, as one might expect. Careful not to touch the end, which was dripping with the blood-like substance, he grabbed it at its handle, which was wrought with black leather. He felt Kreacher pull at his shoulder as the screaming continued, and prudently got to his feet and followed him down the correct path.