Cassia entered the library tucked into her puffer jacket with her wool scarf covering half of her face. And her wool hat covering her head till beneath her ears. Only her wide brown eyes were showing, because also her hands were covered in gloves and pushed into her pockets too. She gets very cold..obviously.

It wasn't easy for her to leave the fireplace in the common room but she had to return the books she had borrowed earlier. Actually it's been like three weeks. But she was making sure not to miss any helpful piece of information in the books. No really she was.

She stood before the front desk, her bag slung over her shoulder, "Hi Mr.Kitridge," Wait why did her voice sound muffled like that? Oh the scarf still covered half of her face. She must have looked creepy all covered like she was undercover in a secret mission... well except that she was short and small. Anyway! She got her hands out of her pockets and uncovered her face. She grinned at the librarian now that her face was visible.

"Hehe..It's me, Cassia." Just in case the hat still covered her identity. "I'm sorry I took such a long time keeping the books." She said sliding her bag over her arm and opening it. She placed two books on the desk. "I have finished reading those two and they were really useful." She told the man, "Though I'll keep the last book because I'm not finished with it yet. Is that ok?" Any other students having hard time with their owls and need to deal with them, no? only her?

After the lock-out incident with the common rooms, Daichi was dealing with a problem. A problem that if it wasn't fixed soon, he could say goodbye to his future. All of his school books except for Potions and Divination because he had those classes that time, were in his trunk up at the dormitory.

Normally, he wouldn't have freaked out about it but since he was an OWL student this year he had a big problem if he couldn't study for the subjects. He had already talked to Professor Scabior and the man had told him to go to the library first to see if any spare school books were left. If not Daichi luckily could borrow the Professor's books.

But first he had to check at the library and that was why he was standing in the middle of the library looking at the wooden desk in front of him. "Ahem" he cleared his throat to get attention. "I uh... i am looking for school books, can i borrow them?"

Leobald was just sitting back down after spending most of the morning on his feet checking out the charms on every shelf in the entire library. Any wonky or outdated charms he replaced with new ones. It was a task he had put off doing mainly because it was time consuming and well tiresome but feeling accomplished he was looking forward to a little break.

Looking up as he heard footsteps approach Leo eyes widened, startled by the ninja figure that came up to the desk. Holding one hand under the desk around his wand he wondered if he was being robbed and how long he had to send for helf. He exhaled in rapid breaths when he saw who it actually was. "Cassia dear….please…don’t…scare me….like that."

Regaining his breath slowly he nodded. "Of course, just give me the books you want to return. And I’ll extend the loan on the third book. Are you interested in loaning some more books or are you content with the one you haven’t finished?" Leo asked the snake girl.

Sitting at the front desk, working his way through a large pile of paperwork Mr Kitrdige tried to come up with plausible solutions or reasons rather for the lockout. It remained a mystery why all 4 house common rooms had evicted its inhabitants without warning. At the moment his assistance weren’t needed in the Great Hall or elsewhere and as thus he had slipped back to his part of the school; the library.

Enjoying the silence Leo worked his way through the pile one parchment at a time. He had about 5 parchments left to read and respond to when a dark haired boy came up to the front desk and interrupted his work. Plastering on a smile Leo looked up and listened to the boy’s query. "Hello, yes we have school books you can borrow." Gesturing towards the reference section Leo said. "Go check the reference section there you can find all school books currently in. If you are looking for something specific and can’t find it let me know and I’ll help you look.”

The Slytherin girl felt bad for startling the librarian, she definitely wasn't planning on it. And she could understand why he felt like that as many things around the school were happening and no one seemed to know what's causing them. Cassia smiled shyly at him. "Sorry, Sir." About freaking you out and all. At least he didn't react by casting a curse or something. Thought he had looked ready to. Good.. the librarian's defense reflexes are awesome. Cassia made a mental note of sticking to him if anything bad occurs in the castle.

She nodded hearing that it was ok for her to keep the books. She pushed the two books towards the librarian, "Here they are." She said. And did she want other books? Hmm…"I think I'm okay now. There are many thing I haven't tried yet." On that evil creature named Snaty.

"So once I'm done with the third book I'll return it." She said. "It shouldn't take long time as I'm half way through it." And the beginnings of books are always the hardest for some reason. Maybe it just takes her some time to her used to the author's way of writing or something.

After dusting off the dirt from her boots, fourth year Ravenclaw Beezus Castell stepped inside the library carrying a small box of treats for the librarian. She was in need of his assistance at the moment.

"Good day Mr. Kitridge," she greeted back as she settled the box on the Front Desk. "I brought you some donuts sir." She politely pointed out the box. But eating wasn't allowed at the premises, no? Maybe he can munch on them later, unless, he was exempted from the rule given that it was his place.

"I was wondering, are there any questionnaires from previous OWLs examinations that are available here at the library and accessible for students?" She needed to compile the most she could get. She'd promised the Slytherin Captain she was going to help him study. So, keeping our fingers crossed!

Still breathing in deeply to get his pulse down Leo cocked his head and asked hoping his voice at least was steady. "No damage done, love. Why are you dressed like a ninja?" meaning covered in layers of scarves he asked curiously. Had the dungeon environment become so hostile that the young snakette had to cover her whole face to not have it freeze up? If that was the case then Leo would need to seek out the caretaker and ask him to do something about it.

Taking the books from Cassia he dropped them on his returned books pile to put back on the shelves at a later time. “No rush, return the book when you are done with it." Sitting up straighter in his chair and stretching his neck as he did so, Mr Kitridge asked "How are the classes going on, any favourite subjects?"

Coming out of the back room after spending almost the whole morning re-organizing and inventorying Leobald was slightly weary and tired when stopped back at the Front Desk to see if any students needed his assistance. He had only slumped down in his seat and was contemplating if the library was deserted enough for him to take a break and brew himself a cup of coffee when a eaglette stepped up to his counter carrying donuts.

And they were fore HIM!

Leobald blinked for a moment at the donuts before eyeing the girl. "Hello, Miss Beatrice isn’t it? You helped out in the reference section some months ago." He wondered. "I um, thank you. No student has given me cookies before." And unfortunatley he couldn’t eat them here in the library even if the donuts looked delicious. He had to live by example and thus follow his own rule of not eating anything in the library.

Contemplating Beatrice question his forehead creased as he answered. "I think there are some old OWL questionnaires in the reference section. You should find them on each subject’s shelf if I don’t remember incorrectly. They are there to be accessed by students, are you already studying for your OWL exams?" She was a Ravenclaw so it wasn’t surprising if she was planning ahead.

Beezus nodded and smiled at the librarian. Beatrice. Heh. Most grown ups really did call her that. "Yes sir. Beatrice Castell." Oh! And he remembered, huh? The Ravenclaw nodded again. "That is true sir. I was with Kurumi and Katrina. Were the charms on the books sufficient enough?" She won't mind helping out again if he was in need of an extra pair of hands. Although, she badly hoped there won't be any rogue book the next time around. Hmm. No one has given him those before? "You're welcome. But I suppose, you're not allowed to eat them here, sir?" If so, then he was being a good example.

There were OWL questionnaires? Wooot!

"Oh, that's good to know. Thank you Mr. Kitridge." So, the Reference Section once again. She's developing a relationship with that portion of the library, it seems. Her, studying for OWLs? "Uhmm..not really." She was still a fourth year. OWLs are taken by fifth years so she still wasn't in dire need of studying for the said tests. "I'm actually doing someone a favor. I plan on compiling the most questionnaires I could find so that person could study easier." BEAM.

Good, she didn't give the librarian a heart attack or any serious damage.Ninja? Cassia looked at herself all covered up and indeed she definitely looked like a Ninja when only her eyes were showing, "I get very very cold in winter .Though I like it, my hands and nose are always cold no matter what I wear." She told the man rubbing her cold hands together. And because they didn't get any warmer she reached for her gloves and put them on. A bit better.

Cassia nodded in appreciation that she could keep the other book longer. Though she won't push the librarian's courtesy and keep that book too long.She knew better than to break her promises. And as the librarian asked her about classes,the Slytherin leaned on the desk and rested her elbows on the edge. She was always ready to chat. "Classes are generally cool," She said. But no she wasn't done that was an introduction. "Each one has its pros and cons of course. But I enjoy the practical ones much more than the ones we only discuss in theory." Mainly because she'd get sleepy and bored. "I like Potions," Ignoring the not-so-nice Potions mistress. "Also Transfiguration and Care of Magical Creatures." Cassia added. Yup, they work most of the time at those lessons and that she liked.

She paused thinking if she was going to add anything on that matter. "Though I don't know if I'd change my mind about some subjects because last year I didn't enjoy Transfiguration much. Probably because I wasn't so good at it." And she enjoys being able to spells successfully. "But one subject I'm pretty sure I won't ever like...is Herbology." She said grimly her eyebrows furrowing automatically. Her feelings for this particular subject are never going to change.

Leobald inwardly petted his back for remembering the brunette’s name and where he had met her last. "The charms on the books were sufficient. I thought I’d have to reinforce them when I updated and changed all the charms on all the other shelves and book cases but I didn’t since you three had done an exceptional job." He explained with a smile. It occurred to him that he should enlist the help of student’s on a more permanent basis since they got to practice magic in an environment outside the classroom and that only benefitted their mastering of spells.

Shaking his head Leo nodded. "Exactly, I can’t eat them in here since it would set a bad example for all the students visiting the library if I want you all to follow the rules I’ve set up." It would be like doing himself a bear favour since the student’s took after his way of acting.

Beatrice was there on the noble mission to compile questionnaires to aid a friend in his or her owl studies. "You're welcome dear. Just make sure that your friend takes breaks and have some fun in between the study sessions." Breaks were important.



Leobald felt for the young snakette it couldn’t be easy to live in the dungeons if you get very colds hands and nose regardless of what you wore. "Have you asked the healer for advice, Cassia? Ms Tillstorm might now what you can do to keep warm in the winter months. You shouldn't have to be walking around all bundled up like a ninja if you don’t have to."

Cassia went on to speak about what subjects she liked and didn’t like for different reasons. Doing something practical with your hands had always been something Leo valued too since it was through practice you got to see if the theory worked. He couldn’t stop himself from raising a brow at the second year when shared with him that Herbology was a subject she feared she’d never like. "Why don’t you like about herbology? It is a practical subject like COMC." At least when Professor Bentley taught it.

An exceptional job? Heh. If only he knew how she messed up that time with the charm the Gryffindor Prefect taught them. Although, she'd been practicing it since so she was pretty confident that she won't be causing any problems again the next time. Hmm..so she was actually considering a next time? "Well, I am glad you appreciate it sir. It was mainly Kurumi's initiative that made it a success." With a little help from them. "If you need help with absolutely anything Mr. Kitridge, I'd always be happy to come over and lend a hand." Anything for those lovely books! Yep.

See? Just as she'd thought. He was being a good role model so he wasn't going to eat the donuts whilst inside. "I absolutely agree. Got to abide the rule first ourselves before expecting others to follow, right?" The Ravenclaw replied with a smile. She would never eat anything inside the library too.

The man called her 'dear'. He just sounded like Professor Bentley! Beezus was already finding him an easy to approach adult. Smiling some more, she nodded at him. "I'll make sure he does sir. Too much studying might mess his head and it won't be productive at all." Sure she wanted her boyfriend to get high marks in his OWLs. Pulling him way off to his limits without rest wasn't the intervention she had in mind in order to help him though.

Cassia was really touched by the librarian's concern. She smiled at him and shrugged. "I don't think that it's that important because my father is like me as well so it runs in the family I guess." She said remembering her father's cold hands. She liked resembling her father even in this not-important thing. The healer...Cassia shuddered at the name. Since her first year she was and still convinced that the woman wasn't nice and the slytherin was going to make her best not to have to go into the infirmary during her seven years. Two are done and five to go. "So I guess I'd be a ninja during cold days." She giggled. It was cool to be ninja she thought. And helpful as she and Theo were Slytherin spies.

Herbology....Cassia sighed, "Once when I was five one of my grandma's plants tried to eat me." Yup she was so convinced of this. "So I don't like the subject nor the plants." She expressed casually. She was used to explain this now. "However I managed to work out some of my fears this year as I joined Herbology task force." Yup and she was so proud of herself. "But it stops here. I know I won't be a tree-hugger anytime soon." As trees were related to plants and herbology. She stood swaying back and forth on her feet as she pushed her hands into her pockets. She was making sure not to lose track of time. She had to get back to the common room.

"Heeeellllllloooooooo! Is anyone in heeeeerrrreeee?!?!?!" Mrytle floated into the library....it had been ages since she had visited this part of the castle and she hated it....she looked around anxiously, "Where is everyone?" she knew they were probably hiding from her or trying to scare her...she was not amused at all and crossed her arms and started to scream demanding attention....

Gemma hurried out of the Reference Section with a little sigh of relief...what was going on in this castle...it was so hectic and now students were in danger as well as professors....this was madne.....

but her thoughts were interrupted as she entered the Front Area of the Library and heard a scream and a very familiar scream. She pushed her eyes open through her squinting and saw whom she knew was the owner of the voice before she could even look...well this was a nice little coincidence.

"MYRTLE!" she said sternly, but nicely towards the ghost, "Could you please explain why you are standin....floating screaming at the top of your lungs..." she said crossing her arms in front of her...she didn't care what was going on in the castle, this ghost would act appropriately...and she knew Myrtle could act appropriately from her time at Hogwarts as a student...they used to play hide and seek with Myrtle in the Girls' bathroom every Sunday evening.

She opened her eyes and stopped screaming when she heard someone saying her name...she smiled mischievously at the Professor...professor blue or something like that..."Please do not say my name so rrrrrrruuuuuudelllllyyyy!" she said saying the first few words normal and screaming the last word and drawing it out.

She floated closer to the woman and then around her head in a circle as she spoke to her....this woman was so familiar and reminded her of someone from a few years back but Myrtle couldn't put her finger on what it was...

"I am here by invitation" she said sassily as response to the woman's question, "....that girrrrrrrrl....that Slytherin girl...." she said remembering the girl was decked out in green, "and that booooooyyyyy...." she said flittering her eyes and making her voice even more high pitched than usual..."told me to meet them here....so that makes me extra important..."

It took every bone in Gemma's body to not roll her eyes at the ghost, but she knew that she was a grown up now and that she had to act like one...right...no she didn't...she quickly rolled her eyes at the girl's description of her sternness...seriously?...

Invitation...she thought she had heard a couple of the students talking about Myrtle coming but she figured they weren't successful and that's why the Headmistress had sent her to get the girl.

"Well, I am glad to see you, but you are a little bit late to the party..." she said cocking her left eyebrow up and trying not to smile at her little joke...yes the party that included a huge man, and student, eating plant and chaos all over the castle and tooooooo many students and staff shoved into the Reference Section...why were these chaotic situations always attended by so many guests at Hogwarts....

"I was just on the way to further extend the invitation to you..." she said quickly looking over her shoulder towards the Reference Section, "ummm....we need your expertise in an area..." she said buttering up the ghost knowing that was the best way to get the girl to help them...willingly...at least...there were other ways to get her to help but willingly was the best option to start with.

"Follow me and I'll take you to where everyone is waiting for you!" she said with lots of emphasis on the you...yes this had to work...as she walked back towards the Reference Section.

Myrtle squished up her face as she watched the Professor, a grown woman, roll her eyes at her...she whooshed forward quickly so that her face was right in the woman's face and pushed her bottom lip out in a pouting face and was about to attack the woman until she started talking sweetly to her again. O yes, Myrtle liked when people were nice to her.

"LATE?" she said excitedly, "how rrrrruuuuudddeee of the children to invite me and start without me..." and then a thought came into her brain and she floated away from the woman and put her hands behind her back, "But you know I'm always fashionably late..." she said sweetly while tilting her head slightly.

What Ms. Blue was being sent to invite her as well...well this did sound promising...but still it could be a trap, but surely a Professor wouldn't do that to her....she smiled at the woman but still kept her distance as she followed the Blue lady back towards another part of the library.