When Ewan posed the question of a royal family connection to witchcraft, Fiona spoke softly, "Well, I believe that female members of British royalty during the 15th century were accused of being witches. I'm not sure if they were indeed witches and I'm not sure if this continued into when this Queen Victoria and her family were around."

At the mention of the article, Fiona reached into one of the pockets of her robes and pulled out the article and held it up to show Isla and Ewan. "I thought it might be handy to hang onto this when we departed the great hall," she replied with a small shrug.

When Isla spoke about this 'Storm of the Century,' Fiona's eyes widened with keen interest. "Okay, I've heard of weather vortexes. Maybe this is a time vortex."

Okay, it was a long shot but this mystery needed solving.

Placing the book he was holding back having not really read it, the prefect found a chair and sat down and considered what they both were saying. ”I think they were alive at the same time and that they’re related. It just seems a little weird that all of those names are so closely linked although I do think you’re right about the article. One of them was most likely reading it”. It just all seemed weird to him. The fact that they just happened to turn up this year and not for them to be related. ”That was a bit of good thinking though Fiona, keeping that article”. At least they’d have a little evidence to use and re-read.

As for the crown jewels, it was a long shot but it always paid to know more about the people you’re looking for. ”Maybe not. It was honestly more of a stab in the dark”. He wasn’t about to spend a load of time looking into it.

”Sunny Raine? Who’s that?” his eyes on the Isla, slightly confused. Was it someone from the wizarding world or the muggle world? Either way, he wasn’t really part of either world when he was out in Canada. ”And how does he know that there was going to be a storm?”.

”Time vortex? he had never heard of that but it couldn’t have to do with a time turner because those were all destroyed, weren’t they?

Lukas had found the library within the very first few days of the term and right away he had fell in love with it. Not as much as he loved the barns and creature pastries but it was probably his second favorite place to be. The amount of books at his disposal was more than he could have hoped for and at least once a week he was stopping in here to return a book or two and sign out another.

Being unable to go home for the holidays had but a large damper on the first years mood and he wasn't as bright eyed and happy smiles as he normally was. He was doing the best that he could to not sulk or cry but it was difficult, especially when he was on his own like right now. The only thing keeping him from crumbling into a million little pieces was the book in his hands that he was currently reading. Obviously it was a book about creatures, winged horses to be exact. Working with them in the barn almost everyday got him wanting to know as much as he possible could about the different species.

Lukas shifted in his spot on the arm chair beside one of the fireplaces, tucking his feet beneath him and resting the book on the arm of the chair. He had removed his shoes which were placed beside the chair on the floor.

Isla had no idea what Fiona and Ewan were talking about. Accused of being a witch? They explained it like it was a bad thing. Also, how did the muggles back then even know about people possibly being witches? Maybe it was just her age, but Isla really needed to read up on her history!

She grinned when Fiona produced the article. She didn't blame the girl. Isla would have kept it, too. If for nothing else, then it'd be nice to have for evidence in case there really was a mystery around here! ...and judging y the fact that the whole entire world had disappeared, Isla figured that yes, there definitely was a mystery! "What's a time vortex?" she asked. She had never even heard the word vortex before. She just stared at the article as Ewan explained that one of the ghostly students might have been reading it. Now that was just freaky. She was no stranger to ghosts, but these ghosts seemed...different.

"Sunny Raine showed up on the school grounds a while back. A few of the other students and me found him on our side of the gates," she explained. "He wanted to talk to someone in charge and kept mentioning something about the storm of a century." She shrugged. Maybe it was nothing. Kent had just kicked him out the school anyway.

She got up and placed the book back on the shelf. "I don't think we're going to find what we're looking for here. At least not today," she said. She gestured toward the book she'd just put back on the shelf. "At least we found something." Those names of the mysterious students, that is. "I'm going back to the common room to think this over. Let me know if you find something."

With a little wave toward both of them, she turned and made her way out the library.

Her Christmas plans had gone completely sideways. She was stuck at school. She just wanted to spend the time with her newest sibling when she went home. That wasn't going to happen though. She was frustrated. Turning into the library she hoped she could get a good look at the last set of magazines her mom had sent her before what ever happened began.

Now she just needed to find a comfy cozy spot to go read in. She was glancing around when she noticed the fire. Oh that would be the spot. She was just about ready to plop down and start reading the gossip when she realized a boy was already sitting in one of the chairs. "Oh, excuse me." She took a step back, "mind if i join you?"

He had just began to read again when suddenly there was a girl right in front of him. Looks like he wasn't the only one that enjoyed reading beside the fireplace in a comfy chair. How long the girl had been standing there for, the first year hadn't a clue. Oops. Losing track of the time when he was reading was something that tended to happen a lot to him.

The girl wanted to join him? He wouldn't mind that at all. In fact he would welcome it right then. It bet sitting all by himself. "Sure. There's more than enough room." He nodded, offering a small smile and sitting up a little more, even scooting over on the arm chair in case she wanted to sit beside him. It didn't matter to him where she decided to sit.

Charlie smiled looking at the boy... she knew his name, but she just couldn't think of his name at the given moment. She nodded when he offered to join him. Taking the offered space beside him she grabbed her magazines out of her bag. Should she introduce herself? Maybe just sit in the silence? For once she was quiet and observant, instead of extra chatty and over the top.

Huh. A weird guy showing up on the school grounds? You’d think that would have gotten around the school more but he’d never heard of it. ”Well that’s a little weird. I mean, Hogwarts has loads of spells to stop that from happening. I don’t like how he was just able to walk right up and chill there”. Maybe he’d have to keep an eye out for the stranger next time he was down in the grounds with the creatures or on one of his early morning jogs. ”And he was talking about a storm? Huh. Weird.

Watching her leave, the prefect gave her one small nod of the head and decided to do the same. They had done a little bit today but not quite as much as he’d hoped. Still, at least they’d agreed he would be the one handling the magic. ”Yeah, I’m going to head off too Fiona. I’ll see you around”. Grabbing his things, he headed off back to the Ravenclaw common room, somewhat unsure of what their next step would be.

Lukas smiled warmly at her when she sat down beside him. Moving around a little he tucked his feet up underneath himself better to ensure that he wouldn't accidentally kick her or anything. That wouldn't be the best way to go about making a new friend. Speaking of new friends... he should probably tell the girl his name. "I'm Lukas," he offered just in case she didn't know who he was. This place was huge and with so many names and faces it was hard to remember who was who if you weren't around them often.

Noticing her pulling out magazines from her bag, he tried to catch a glimpse of what kind they were. "What are you reading?" he asked, keeping his voice low so as not to disturb anyone else that might be in the library.

Taking the seat and getting herself all cozy, especially near the fire, she was so excited to get to read her magazines. She watched him tuck his legs and get comfy himself. Oh He was Lukas. She knew that, smiling at him she nodded her head, "I'm Charlie."

She moved her head to hear him slightly better, oh what she was reading, "I'm reading muggle gossip magazines and cooking magazines." She looked closer to see what he was doing. Whispering back, "What are you.... reading? Working on? Sorry couldn't tell what you were doing when I showed up." she tucked a curl behind her ear.

Watching her get herself settled comfortably beside him on the large arm chair, Lukas smiled. This wasn't bad at all. Now he wasn't all alone like a friendless little boy who kept to himself constantly or something like that. He happened to like being around others and making friends, being from a large family where something was always going on he naturally felt more relaxed when he wasn't by himself. "It's nice to meet you, Charlie." He smiled brightly at her.

Oops. Had he been speaking too quietly? She had leaned closer to him just then so maybe he had? Being in the library he didn't want to disturb anyone else but he also didn't want her struggling to hear him so he spoke a little louder this time. "Oh... is that interesting?" There was a clear look of puzzlement in his clear blue eyes. Muggle gossip was something he had NO clue at all about. Maybe it was a girl thing? "Do you like to cook?" Cooking wasn't high up on things he loved to do and he wasn't very good at it either. But he did like to eat!

Claudine was not one who usually studied in the library but this Friday afternoon after her last lesson, she chose it nevertheless. The girl wasn’t in the mood for company so she figured the best place to be left alone could only be the library. In any case, she’d make use of her time here to actually push some studying in as examinations were looming ever so close. Her memory lapses were not doing her any good and at least twice, she thought she had been hallucinating because she saw students around whom she did not recognise. Speaking of memory lapses…

The Snakette retrieved her flat Newt from her bag. She had forgotten all about this assignment until that day when she was going through her History of Magic notes. Seated at a table with a bookshelf a little distance behind her, Claudine used her books to make a neat pile. On top of that pile, she placed Newt. Next, she got to her feet with the camera in hand. The camera was angled so that she was able to capture Newt, the stack of books and the bookshelf behind. Perfect.

She took her seat again. Abandoning the camera for now, the following description was written:

SPOILER!!: Stuff!

Since Newt adores learning, another place he loves to frequent is the library. He likes to research creatures but is a little less fond of researching other topics for his classes. Still, Newt manages his time quite well when it comes to the two for he never allows his grades to slip. Fun fact: on a few occasions, one might even find Newt asleep, using his books as a pillow.

Her second description was done.

Blake needed to get his little Newt out and start making entries but he was struggling to find the joy in that assignment right now. He was in all honestly tired of school this year. The storm and being forced to stay inside was drawing on him and he was rather over it. But he still needed to get good grades so he went to the library to study.... and who should be there but ...

"Well look who it is." He added plopping down on the table next to her. "I see you brought Newt." He added pointing to her little cardboard guy. He hadn't seen Claudine all school year it felt like, in a strange way he had kind of missed her, not that they were friends, but they had some kind of "bond" with being the same year and from Slytherin.

SPOILER!!: Blake <3

Quote:

Originally Posted by love-for-HP

Blake needed to get his little Newt out and start making entries but he was struggling to find the joy in that assignment right now. He was in all honestly tired of school this year. The storm and being forced to stay inside was drawing on him and he was rather over it. But he still needed to get good grades so he went to the library to study.... and who should be there but ...

"Well look who it is." He added plopping down on the table next to her. "I see you brought Newt." He added pointing to her little cardboard guy. He hadn't seen Claudine all school year it felt like, in a strange way he had kind of missed her, not that they were friends, but they had some kind of "bond" with being the same year and from Slytherin.

Claudine set down her quill and rechecked what she had written. Indeed, it was a short and sweet paragraph. Now that she was actually done with this little activity for the moment, she wasn't’ sure she wanted to study. That mood had suddenly evaporated. But it seemed the fates had made a decision for her as Blake showed up. Claudine was not pleased to see him.

“Uh huh,’’ was all she said, still fortunately remembering her determination of staying away from Bernadette Grantham and Co. That ‘Co.’ included Blake Ryan. It was such a peaceful life with them in the distance. The Snakette pretended to be interested in rummaging through her bag for a book. She secretly hoped that Blake would grow bored of her silence and be on his way.

..... well she wasn't she just a bundle of joy ... Blake really didn't expect much else form her, but still. He sat in some rather awkward silence for a while ... but .. well he was used that that with her to. "Not talking to me won't get me to go away." Blake added, "So you can't stop pretending to look for stuff in your bag." Blake said pulling his own writing materials out and getting ready to write his charms essay.

"Has it ever occurred to you that we don't always have to fight with one another." Blake wasn't sure this was the best way to go about clearing the air between them, but at least if it got her talking ....

SPOILER!!: Blake <3

Quote:

Originally Posted by love-for-HP

..... well she wasn't she just a bundle of joy ... Blake really didn't expect much else form her, but still. He sat in some rather awkward silence for a while ... but .. well he was used that that with her to. "Not talking to me won't get me to go away." Blake added, "So you can't stop pretending to look for stuff in your bag." Blake said pulling his own writing materials out and getting ready to write his charms essay.

"Has it ever occurred to you that we don't always have to fight with one another." Blake wasn't sure this was the best way to go about clearing the air between them, but at least if it got her talking ....

Was this awkward for Claudine? Not in the least for she was quite a pro at pretending someone did not exist. The same could be done for Blake and it was actually going quite well until he opened his big mouth to speak up. What? She pretending? even if she was “I am not pretending.’’ As proof, she pulled out her CoMC book. “See?’’ Truth was, there was a bit of the homework that had to be finished off but the girl hadn’t intended to do that now.

Oh well.

“Fighting?’’ Her face did not betray her surprise. “Who’s fighting? I’m just ignoring you like always because I don’t like you, Blake Ryan. Nor do I wish to spend my time with anyone who is too chummy with Bernadette Gran… whatever her last name was.’’ What an inconvenient time to forget the ex best friend’s name.

Charlie felt her grin broaden at his smile and his kind words saying that he thought it was nice to meet her. It was always nice to have new friends at school. She felt like she was constantly trying to meet new friends.

Too quietly. Not at all she just wasn't paying close enough attention when he spoke up. The library always made her question whether or not she was loud enough for people to hear or too loud. She raised her eye brows was he a fan too? Or was that Confusion, "I love baking. Cooking still makes me nervous." She was always afraid she was going to get burnt. Which seemed totally silly when you considered the fact that she baked.

Lukas couldn't help but notice the girls brighter smile and it made him instantly happy. His parents had raised him to always greet someone with a smile and to be polite. With politeness came friendships. Not every moment could he be happy but it wasn't right to push his moods onto others so he did his best not to do that. Lately with the things happening around the castle that hadn't been easy but he was trying and that had to count for something, right?

The look on his face made his laugh quietly. He most certainly was not a fan of muggle gossip. At least, not yet? It was hard to be a fan of something he knew nothing about. Thankfully for him she didn't question it and he visibly relaxed as she choose to answer his question about baking instead. "I bake at home with my mum and siblings sometimes." Mostly during the holidays. When he dad was home and cooking for the family he sometimes helped him too. "I'd much rather eat then cook." Lukas grinned at her. He was only twelve after all and still very much growing, hopefully, right now he was still on the shorter side for his age.

"You and I both know you had no intentions of doing that homework, but whatever." He added pulling his own Care of Magical Creatures book out as well. "We can finish it together!" Blake was determined to annoy her as much as possible really.

"Excuse me?" He added .... "What's not to like about me?" Okay there was probably a 100 things to not like about him, but Blake was a good guy, or at least he thought he was. "Just because I don't need to treat everyone around me like crap....." He trailed off ... okay so maybe the hadn't been fighting before, but this certainly wasn't going in the right direction. "Oh get over yourself about Bernadette." Blake had honestly had enough from both of them over the school year about it. "People are allowed to be friends with both of you, in fact you still should be friends with each other." He wanted to stick his tongue out at her for good measure, but that seemed to be a bit to childish for the situation.

SPOILER!!: Blakeee <3

Quote:

Originally Posted by love-for-HP

"You and I both know you had no intentions of doing that homework, but whatever." He added pulling his own Care of Magical Creatures book out as well. "We can finish it together!" Blake was determined to annoy her as much as possible really.

"Excuse me?" He added .... "What's not to like about me?" Okay there was probably a 100 things to not like about him, but Blake was a good guy, or at least he thought he was. "Just because I don't need to treat everyone around me like crap....." He trailed off ... okay so maybe the hadn't been fighting before, but this certainly wasn't going in the right direction. "Oh get over yourself about Bernadette." Blake had honestly had enough from both of them over the school year about it. "People are allowed to be friends with both of you, in fact you still should be friends with each other." He wanted to stick his tongue out at her for good measure, but that seemed to be a bit to childish for the situation.

How dare he?

Claudine glared at Blake. “Don’t you assume anything about what I intend to or to not do,’’ she hissed at him, quite annoyed by his words. Even if he was right, she wasn’t going to tell him so. “No, thanks. I don’t need help with any CoMC homework.’’ It was her best subject and if she ever needed help, she never minded spending hours researching in the library.

Claudine arched an eyebrow. She didn’t treat everyone like crap. So what if she was reserved and less warm than others were? She still had friends like Fiona and Heath. Cole too. She then busied herself with getting her writing equipment. “I really don’t need advice from you.” She didn’t bother to mention that it was Bernadette who first started being distant and that she, Claudine, had gotten the message and eventually pulled away completely.

The Snakette retrieved her copy of Fantastic Beasts and began to flip through it. She did not wish to speak about Bernadette, least of all with Blake.

"I don't think I could roll my eyes any harder." Blake added shutting his book with a rather loud SNAP!!! If he wasn't careful he would draw the attention of the librarian. "You don't need anything from anyone." Blake said to her and stood up and starting re packing his bag. He wans't sure why he had even bother to sit down next to her in the first place. "You know, it will be a pretty big fall when you come off that high horse of you." Blake wanted to stormed off, maybe curse her a little before he went, but then he sighed a huge sigh and told Claudine "I'm not sure where we fell off the wagon, but I'm game to start over if you are." There ... that was that....

Valencia was itching to learn something new. She'd been busy revising... and re-revising... for OWLS. She'd updated her study schedule multiple times, determined to commit things to long term memory. She was assuming that they'd still have exams and the magic would come back with enough time to properly revise all the spellwork too.

But now it was April and her future was in major jeopardy.

She needed to get good exam marks and a minor inconvenience like occasional disappearances would not be her downfall.

However, she was starting to feel relatively on edge and needed a fun outlet. So here she was in the library, the source of all knowledge (aka FUN), to see if maybe she could figure out either what was going on, or anything useful. She browsed the shelves looking for the oldest books. That's usually where the best bits of knowledge were found.

He wasn't sure how many times the book had fallen from his hand on the walk up--mostly because he couldn't remember half the things he did on the walk up, but the point stood. It was an inconvenience he didn't want to have to deal with for much longer. It was bad enough his heart threatened to rip away from his chest every time he grew too faint to be seen. Each dimming could be the last and he still needed to see his wife and tell her he loved her and hug his non-problematic child and and and he wasn't ready to go.

Malachi led those who'd chosen to follow him into the library, not entirely sure what it was they were looking for or where to begin.

Just a ways off, he caught...er.......Phil? Lilliane? The Ravenclaw girl over there, yes. "Have you seen a book?" He asked. "Arnold's book. Your schoolmates here think Anthony left it here and it might help us."

What sort of book was it anyway?

"Spread out, we'll cover more ground that way." He'd even let go of Grandson--so she could help.

Arnold? Anthony? Who were these people? Bernie had half-forgotten what they were looking for on the way here. Gryffindors do not give up, she kept saying to herself, giving a reluctant nod to the other girl in the library. She WAS real, right, not a ghost? It was hard to tell, with everyone being so transparent today.

"Who's Andrew?" the third year mumbled, obediently spreading out and mopily wandering along to look for a book. "What's the book title, something about weather patterns?"

If only magic still worked, then they could just summon it to them.

Isla really, REALLY hoped this worked out for them. For the obvious reasons, of course, but also because she'd been the one to chime in and suggest this. She'd feel super silly if she'd led everyone on a wild goose chase through the library for no reason whatsoever. At least Flora (Fiona) and Edward (Ewan) has remembered what she'd been talking about. She had a tiny bit of confidence that her conversation with Sir Nick hadn't been just made up in her mind after all.

Isla broke away from Headmaster Travis' side to search through a few shelves where a book might be hiding. She turned to Birdie (Bernie) and shrugged. "I don't know," she said, because she really didn't know who Albert or Andrew or whoever was. "It's just something Sir Nick told Flora and me in the Great Hall the same day those ghosts were flickering in and out." What would be helpful is if they could just summon Albert to them the same way they'd summoned Crystal Divine. Then he could just tell them where his book was.

The fact remained, though...was it even a book they were supposed to be looking for to get them out of this mess?