This. Was. Weird.

It was like all the books were staring at her. They knew she didn't belong in there. Anyone with eyes could tell that she didn't belong in there! Alexa Cambridge and books never went hand in hand--not harmoniously anyway. Now here she was walking through the bookshelves-- and perhaps the most shocking part--looking for a book. Such deliberate action was strange when coming from her.

This being said, she had a good reason for being in here. It was time to take matters into her own hands.

Walking down the aisle she ran her hand along every book and stopped when she came to the one she was looking for. Yup. She even had a book in mind when she walked in here. "Here we go." She said, pulling Basic Hexes for the Busy and Vexed from the shelves and briefly skimming through the pages. This was just what she needed. Evil GRIN.

Now then...what else could she read?

Once practically every book that was in front of him was repaired under a watchful eye, Edmund turned to Kitridge. "The books are okay now." He was hopeful that the man would be relieved by this knowledge. He carefully opened the first previously torn book and looked in the contents. "So why would they be looking at this sort of stuff? And why tear it out too?"

Sarah had finished the whole inspection... nothing seemed wrong or out of place so she went back to the librarian and gave him the report. "Nothing seems strange.. I looked sir, everywhere" that is except the restricted section of course "What books are the ones damaged anyway?" she asked curiously. Yes, Detective Sarah at your service

A long, thick, green tendril slowly crept through the doors to the Library and made it's way along the walls until it reached the stacks of books, delicious FOOD all gathered for the Vinora.

The vine raised from the floor, leaning on the wooden shelf and began lifting a book, ironically entitled 'How to Know If Your Clinging Plants are Too Clingy' by Primrose Latticework, and pulled it from the shelf. Suddenly another tendril appeared and another grabbing more books until a whole shelf was practically gone. The planty arm then retreated back to the rest of its body.

Yum....

So Vickers has been walking around the library for a while now and so far hasnt seen anything other of the ordinary since they found the tragedy of those torn books. He was making his way back towards where the Librarian was when his eye caught a whole EMPTY shelf which he was pretty darn sure was fully stacked earlier. He placed his hand on the empty shelf as if the tactile sense can further confirm what his eyes were seeing. Was somebody doing homework and they thought of grabbing a whole row of books, many of which were of the same title and edition? "Mr Kitridge?...."

It was nice and quiet in the library this time of day, and Vivi was looking forward to grabbing a few hours for homework and study for her NEWTs. It was so difficult not having a place to study with the common room still closed, and she was growing sick and tired of sharing space with so many people.

Although she thought she was alone, a voice caught her attention... a very welcome and familiar voice. She poked her head around a shelf and spotted Vickers standing there... on the other side of a nearly empty shelf. That was odd... you weren't supposed to see through to the next aisle. "Hullo. Are you checking all of these books out today? Have an interest in..." She checked the nearby shelf. "Herbology, do you?"

It pleased her immensely to think so. Someone was starting to understand the messages left for him, wasn't he?

It was just another day in the library; students were coming and going more and more as the exams and the end of the year loomed closer. These days Leobald found mostly 5th years and 7th years sitting around the library table buried in books or practicing spells. Luckily he had restored the unstable magic or the student's could without knowing about it cause a disaster.

Gathering up an armful of charms books Leobald headed down between the aisles when he heard Vicker's voice calling his name. Rounding a bookshelf he came upon Vickers and another senior blond girl (Vivi) in front of a barren shelf.

Looking from one to the other Mr Kitridge asked as he turned to the barren shelf. "Have you two borrowed all the Herbology books for you Newt studies?" It was possible; they were both Ravenclaw’s like he had been at school.

Part of the reason why he valued the silence of the Library is that it helps him hear better, a whole lot less background noises for his poor ears to filter out. So it was easy for him to not only pick up the words coming from behind him but also who it was from. He turned around with a small grin on his face as he his gaze shifted to the Ravenclaw blonde....

-- whoah wait... did she say he checked out all those books? His smile faded a bit as his attention returned to the empty shelf "Actually I just found this shelf completely devoid of books. And I was pretty sure this shelf was filled end to end when I passed by it a few minutes ago."

He paused for a moment as if letting that fact hang in the air for a while. In truth he was pondering about the way Vivi posed her question, how it reminded him about certain things that came across his readings during his research for their Herbology project. The initial shock at the discovery may have abated but the confusion and awkwardness were still there. As he shifted his gaze back to Vivi he mustered another small smile and said "I already have a copy of one of the books here checked out for some time... had a lot of interesting facts about plants, not usually found in our standard textb--"




Oh! Mr Kitridge was here...

Unconsciously Vickers gulped, turning to face the Librarian as the other man posed a question. He remembered how the man reacted when they found the shredded mess that were once Hogwarts' precious resource. With an even lower tone he replied "No Mr Kitridge, we didnt check them out... in fact, I just passed by here a few minutes ago and the entire shelf was fully stacked. I came back around and now the entire shelf is empty." He glanced around worriedly, as if looking around would actually provide the answer he missed the first time "I havent seen or heard anybody taking the books out so I'm not sure how an entire row of Herbology research materials just... vanished." he added shrugging helplessly.

That smile of greeting, the way he lit up a bit at the sound of her voice, it was like a balm to her anxious heart, and Vivi just shoved her hands into her pockets and rocked on her heels, grinning back like a stupid fool. They were all so busy with studies and things, and it was hard not to have time with any of her friends outside of class, but especially hard not to have moments with Vickers. Above all other things, he was probably her best mate at Hogwarts.

His suggestion that the entire shelf of books had gone missing drew her attention back to those in question. Why would anyone want all the Herbology books? Not that it wasn't interesting, but ALL of them? And was Vivi relieved or disappointed that he wasn't showing a keen interest in Herbology?

At the news that he had been holding onto one of these texts for a while, she peeked back up at him through a lock of pale hair that had fallen across her forehead. "What book is it that you already have?" she asked quietly.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nordic Witch

It was just another day in the library; students were coming and going more and more as the exams and the end of the year loomed closer. These days Leobald found mostly 5th years and 7th years sitting around the library table buried in books or practicing spells. Luckily he had restored the unstable magic or the student's could without knowing about it cause a disaster.

Gathering up an armful of charms books Leobald headed down between the aisles when he heard Vicker's voice calling his name. Rounding a bookshelf he came upon Vickers and another senior blond girl (Vivi) in front of a barren shelf.

Looking from one to the other Mr Kitridge asked as he turned to the barren shelf. "Have you two borrowed all the Herbology books for you Newt studies?" It was possible; they were both Ravenclaw’s like he had been at school.

The librarian turned the corner, which was just as well to Vivi, who was probably going to swallow her own tongue or say something idiotic to Vickers. Saved by the... book man. She recognized Kitridge from the few times she'd studied here throughout the year, but they'd never been formally introduced.

"No, sir, but I can imagine it's quite a popular subject. Professor Bentley is very well liked among the students, especially among her Gryffindors." Although there were probably a few duds on the shelf that were claimed too, which was odd. Not every book was worth reading, which might be an unpopular Ravenclaw opinion, but Vivi had only one life and couldn't waste any of it on stupid things.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steelsheen

Unconsciously Vickers gulped, turning to face the Librarian as the other man posed a question. He remembered how the man reacted when they found the shredded mess that were once Hogwarts' precious resource. With an even lower tone he replied "No Mr Kitridge, we didnt check them out... in fact, I just passed by here a few minutes ago and the entire shelf was fully stacked. I came back around and now the entire shelf is empty." He glanced around worriedly, as if looking around would actually provide the answer he missed the first time "I havent seen or heard anybody taking the books out so I'm not sure how an entire row of Herbology research materials just... vanished." he added shrugging helplessly.

"Couldn't someone have... borrowed them?" There were enough strange things going on at Hogwarts for them to assume that people checking out more books than normal was necessarily a bad thing. Then again... a good sleuth never ignored any of the clues that might potentially lead to the crux of the mystery. A loathing for Herbology? An inordinate interest in the subject? So far as Vivi knew, the major events thus far had happened here in the library, in the Care of Magical Creatures barn, in the Common Rooms... and the train, of course.

Nothing Herbology related there. "I can help look if you're concerned, sir."

The grip tightened around the books in Leobald’s grasp as he STARED at the empty bookshelf. This was ridiculous! Why had someone or something decided to cause chaos and confusion in his library and most of all damage his books at different intervals all term? The bookman felt like dropping to his knees, look up into the ceiling and curse fate for his and the student’s misfortune. But he couldn't, not with student's there with him.

Turning to the 7th year boy as he spoke Leo tried to make sense of what he was actually saying even though his head felt fuzzy and slow. "The books…can’t have vanished. Theyyy..must be in here somewhere. We have to find them." Mr Kitridge said in low tone devoid of emotion. This was not GOOD!

Blinking as he turned to the pretty blond Leo said "Miss? You’ve got a point. Herbology is a subject that is quite popular amongst most students, but I doubt someone would borrow a whole shelf worth of books. It seems a little much don’t you think? And besides I don't allow anyone not even professors to borrow so many books at a time." He hadn’t seen anyone heading to the front desk on his way here.

"I appreciate the offer. I don’t want to hinder you in your studies but it could prove useful to get some extra help from you two." Mr Kitridge acknowledged. If they didn’t help him well he didn't want to think about it.

He didnt miss Vivi's last question before the Librarian arrived, and he made a mental note to respond to her as soon as there was a chance, so instead he reached out and squeezed her arm, conveying the message that they will continue that conversation later, as he had a feeling that talk wasnt going to be just about titles and editions of reference materials

But now Mr Kitridge's reaction-- or the eerily lack thereof-- was making him even more nervous. Sure he'd be a bit panicky if the man suddenly wailed and crawled into a fetal position right in front of them, but the fact that the man wasnt letting out any kind of visible sign that he was upset is making this Ravenclaw think twice if he still wants to be around the man at such close proximity. The quiet ones are usually the most dangerous ones right?

... But of course Vivi had to offer help. And he'd be a darn fool to just let her hang around the Librarian alone if and when he suddenly breaks into berserker mode. So Vickers nodded his head automatically, with matching affable grin to boot, and adds "Vivi..." he angles his head at the blonde, just to clue in Mr Bookman about her name "... and I wouldn't mind helping you out with this Mr Kitridge, after all they are valuable school property that must be recovered as soon as possible, specially OWLs and NEWTs are coming up fast."

"We'll look, sir. It's no trouble... I was here to study for my NEWTs anyway, and as there's no where better at the moment, I want to stay." And she wouldn't get a lick of work done until the man was satisfied his books were safe anyway, so she might as well pitch in.

She thought it was silly, though... wasn't the point of a library to get people to take the books? Yes, you wanted them to come back eventually, but it was too soon to panic that the books were lost forever.

Still... she made a bit show of stooping and looking on the shelves nearby. Herbology? Anyone?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steelsheen

He didnt miss Vivi's last question before the Librarian arrived, and he made a mental note to respond to her as soon as there was a chance, so instead he reached out and squeezed her arm, conveying the message that they will continue that conversation later, as he had a feeling that talk wasnt going to be just about titles and editions of reference materials

But now Mr Kitridge's reaction-- or the eerily lack thereof-- was making him even more nervous. Sure he'd be a bit panicky if the man suddenly wailed and crawled into a fetal position right in front of them, but the fact that the man wasnt letting out any kind of visible sign that he was upset is making this Ravenclaw think twice if he still wants to be around the man at such close proximity. The quiet ones are usually the most dangerous ones right?

... But of course Vivi had to offer help. And he'd be a darn fool to just let her hang around the Librarian alone if and when he suddenly breaks into berserker mode. So Vickers nodded his head automatically, with matching affable grin to boot, and adds "Vivi..." he angles his head at the blonde, just to clue in Mr Bookman about her name "... and I wouldn't mind helping you out with this Mr Kitridge, after all they are valuable school property that must be recovered as soon as possible, specially OWLs and NEWTs are coming up fast."

Oh! She jumped at the touch on her arm. "Genevieve Branxton. I come in here all the time, but I'm familiar with your shelving system, so I don't ask for help. Thank you for maintaining such a well-stocked library." That was polite right? Vivi gave Vickers a flat look to let him know she thought this was an exercise in futility before moving down the stacks.

"Any specific titles you can think of that are missing?"

Worry etching itself over his face and into his voice as it wavered and cracked slightly . "I'm glad you are willing to help me. I guess we should start looking for clues. Are you sure you didn’t see anyone near this bookshelf Vickers or have noticed anything suspicious around the library lately?" Mr Kitridge looked left and right and up and down the shelf for some clue as to who or what had walked off with all the books.

Speaking of books he just now remembered that he had his hands full of them. Walking up to the shelf he held each book up, feeling the magic tug at it and he watched with warmth in his eyes as each book floated up to its proper place and shelf. "Yes, its best that we work swiftly. It won't help you or your peers if important herbology study material is missing and unattainable. I doubt the ministry examinators will bear in mind that when they set your grades." He commented grimly. Leo wondered if he should send a patronus and alert the headmistress of the vanished books. But without more meat on his feet he knew she couldn’t do much to aid him.

Turning to the blond Mr Kitridge shot her a smile. "I'm pleased to meet you Genevieve; I just wish it would have been under happier circumstances." It warmed his heart to hear that she appreciated that he maintained a well-stocked library. "I think this was the shelf for specific types of plants if I’m not misremembering like flesh-eating ones to name one." How that was related the librarian had no idea.

Hmmm.

Where was that book?

Her eyes continued to scan the bookshelf, examining all the covers and booktitles. Come on. I know it has to be somewhere around here, the fifth year thought, continuing to read the titles of the books she took notice of, until she finally stopped. At a first glimpse, it seemed to be what she was looking for, but the book proved to be one she had already read, not long ago. Hmph. Coming to the library seemed to have become a routine to Gwendolyn. Things would change after the OWLs would be over, right? Hopefully.

The fifth year continued to walk along the aisle between the shelves, as she looked around for the book. Not long after that, the fifth year managed to spot what she was searching for. Finally!, she thought as she approached the shelf where she had spotted the green-covered book.

Cassia knew that this was something she doesn't usually do. Go the the library. She only goes there on one case. When she wants to ask the librarian for help. And the kind man would always give her the book she needed without complaining. That's why the librarian was one of Cassia's favorite adults in Hogwarts.

However, today she had decided to go and rummage through the bookshelves looking for a book to help her with her homewrok. She knew that if asked the librarian he would help her but she decided to not bother the man so often. After all she needed to try and search for a certain book herself. She was soon going to turn thirteen.

And as she walked alongside the shelves. She darted her eyes between titles and after what felt like five minutes she forgot what she was even looking for. She stood and sighed. Looking for a book turned out to be harder than she thought. And that's exactly why she had to learn doing it.

Something alerted the gir's attention. She listened more attentively and followe a sound caused by someone walking along the other shelves. Cassia kept walking until she found the source and that caused a big happy grin to form on her face. "GWEN!" The girls said cheerfully seeing one of her best friends. Cassia hadn't been able to hang out with Gwen like she used to do last year and that irritated the slytherin. Though she knew that Gwen had her OWLs coming this year and she had to study.

Cassia walked over to the claw, "It is soo awesome to see you!" She said trying not to squeak.

Just as she was about to take the book from the shelf in front of her, Gwendolyn heard her name being called. The fifth year drew her attention away from the bookshelf and tracked down the source of the voice, eventually noticing Cassia. ‘Hi!’, she greeted her with a grin. Gwen then took the green-covered book before forgetting once again where it was. Good. Back to Cassia now.

‘It’s great to see you too’, the Ravenclaw said, not even pointing out that the two of them hadn’t talked in a long time, because that was mostly her fault. Oh well. ‘Looking for anything?’ She looked at Cassia and then at the bookshelf. She would help the Slytherin find the book she needed, because… let’s face it, Gwen really didn’t want to start reading right away...maybe if it would have been a subject that she liked.

‘How have you been?’, she eventually asked Cassia. Hmm. Come to think about it, the last time she had seen the Slytherin was- in Hogsmeade? Yes, something like that. Anyway, Gwen felt like she missed a lot lately, especially since she didn’t get to spend a lot of time with some people, like Cassia. So this time, Gwendolyn was actually curious to find out what her friend had been up to lately. Ugh. She really had to start catching up with everyone.

Somehow it was guessable that Gwen had her O.W.Ls coming. As the girl was buried among books..well not literally but the way she was examingng the shelves and titles showed that it wasn't her first visit here. More like the thousand time. Cassia pushed away the thought that after three years it'd be her in Gwen's shoes. No need to bring up the uncheerful thoughts. She was happy she had reunited with her friend now. Looking for anything? Oh right Cassia was in the library so she must be seeking a book. Thats what libraries are for, right? Not just to chat with librarians.

"Oh I was searching for some book." Cassia replied waving her hand dismissively. Now that she had seen her friend the book can waaaait. Cassia wasn't so enthusiastic about searching anyway. "I am really good." As I don't have OWLs. But she surely didn't say that out loud. She is considerate for her friends feelings. Mhhmm.."How are doing?" She asked the claw. "And how're you preparing for all this...OWLs thing?" Cassia was sure GWen would do great because the girl was a Ravvie and ravvies are smart. So shouldn't be that hard for her, no?

The second-year leaned on shelf near her and folded her arms across her chest. "I really missed us hanging out together," She said. Though Cassia was spending time with her friends from the same year, she still missed being with Gwen. The two girls had a special bound despite the three years gap. "How's your Cat!" The Slytherin asked darting her eyes around. The cat couldn't possibly be at the library, right? Just checking..