The guard continued his ascent to the observatory, and just as his head peaked into clear view of Astor's wand, he heard the shout of stupefy, and a shot of hot blue light missed his head by an inch. Taking the opportunity, as Astor's eyes were clouded by the light from his own spell, the guard leapt the last few steps and armed himself with his own wand against the intruder. The two were opposite sides of the room now, and as their eyes met, there was a moment of recognition.