Zander was on the lookout for Cold Ones. Still staying low on the ground. He'd spot them when they came in. Out of the corner of his eyes he noticed Ethan approaching! Good, he could help. Ethan was a pretty bright kid. They could work together to save the class from utter danger and Cold One attacks. As Ethan made his way over, Zander gave him a slight nod of the chin. He couldn't risk saying much. It was still too dangerous.

As Ethan started sniffing the leaves, Zander lifted a curious eyebrow, but then promptly lowered it when he realized what the Slytherin boy was doing! Of course! SO SMART! Ethan was checking to see if the leaves were suspicious! Yes, he would make a great addition to the Cold Ones fighting team! Very well done Ethan! "Good thinking," he whispered. HA!

Zander was so busy trying to think of a plan of action, that he had barely even noticed Kevin walking towards him! If he wasn't on the ground, he definitely would've jumped because was that a Cold One making those crunching sounds!? Oh. Just Kevin. He wasn't a Cold One... Or at least he wasn't the last time Zander checked. Hm. Maybe he really should start checking. After hearing Kevin making funny of him, the Gryffindor relaxed. Nah. That was definitely Kevin. No Cold One would be able to pull off that ridiculing tone the same way this lion did. He just ignored the question because he knew that Kevin wasn't seriously looking for an answer. He would've protested to be called a weirdo, but then Kevin was grinning.

He momentarily let his guard down to smile back as Kevin sat down next to him. "It's good to see you too Kevin," ha. Actually no it wasn't good to see Kevin! He couldn't let his friend get attacked by a Cold One!! This was worse than he thought. Much worse. But maybe Kevin would help him save the class from utter danger? Gryffindor Goobers save DADA class from raging Cold One Leader/Professor? He'd have to ask him later. But for now, it was still too dangerous with the class being relatively quiet. Romanos could hear. Who knew what special Cold One powers she had. Super hearing could be among them. As Adi, approached Zander looked up and let his eyes follow the kid as he came right next to them. "Shhhhh I'll explain later, Adi!"

Zander didn't even bother getting up and properly sitting down on his bottom. Lying down helped him stay low. Out of the normal line of sight. It was all about the stealth.

Beverly glanced around as she entered classroom 1C. The elves seemed to have forgotten to sweep the room as there were leaves strewn about. Her shoes made a crunching sound as she walked in further. Rubbing her mitten covered hands together, she wrapped her arms around herself.

So...what's with the new room?

And no where to sit. Did that mean they were going to do something fun? Like learn to kick butt. Beverly Wayne would appreciate that. Especially with stuff being muttered about in the castle.

Staying put in a spot, she waved at the professor. "Hello, Professor Romanos." She would have said 'good day' but it wasn't a good day. A cold day didn't make a day a good day.

Penelope looked around the room as she entered classroom 1C. This room was smaller than the other room, and it didn't have any windows. That was not good for the claustrophobic girl. She did not like this room, and was nervous about staying in here for class. Taking a deep breath, she tried to distract herself with other thoughts. Why were there leaves on the floor? would they be doing something with the leaves in the lesson? "Hello Professor," she said, still freaked out about this room with no windows. Did the professor notice? She didn't want to be here, in this room. Not one to miss a lesson, the young Ravenclaw found an open space near the door, in case she changed her mind about staying in this room. With her foot she made a circle in the leaves, large enough for her to have at least 2 feet all around her. It was a personal space circle for her, and she stood in the middle of it.

Well THIS was different.

Maddie entered the classroom and the small brunette raised her eyebrows at the scene in front of her. The Professors at Hogwarts sure seemed to have interesting takes on the seasons and when they were meant to occur. Now they had WINTER in the hallways and Autumn in Defense Against the Dark Arts. Too bad no one had effectively come up with a way to get Spring back because the first year wanted OUT.

"Hello Professor." Hi. Maddison Cooper reporting for duty.

Skirting the wall, the twelve year old stood by Kyroh and that older snake boy who looked like he could be in a fashion magazine or a painting or BOTH. "You don't really think that's possible, DO you?" The whole tree thing. Was there a SPELL that turned people into trees? Did DIMA know how flammable this room was right now 'cause he had to be careful. Where WAS Dima, anyway?

Questions, Maddie had them.

Smiling at Professor Romanos, Lux was suddenly distracted by Zander. Why was he acting so strange? It made no sense and was frankly worrying.

Not buying into the whole 'you are weird' thing that Kevin had taken up, she looked at her Gryffindor friend with concern. "What's wrong?" Zander wasn't weird. He was just a little... different.

No dueling arena? And there were leaves all over the ground. Hmm. Interesting. Penelope was definitely curious about this lesson now, especially since it was one of her last ones here.

Which was kinda a weird thought. The cold and snow had kept her wanting more and more to get out of this place, so graduating wasn't really a sad thought at this point, but it was a bit weird after all these years of lessons at Hogwarts.

But anyway, she wasn't gonna focus on that. And she also wasn't gonna play in the leaves. They seemed to be fine since some of the other students were playing with them, but she was just gonna stand off to the side a bit. "Hi Professor," she greeted Romanos.

And now to wait.

She was too busy thinking this was going to be one of that last times she walked around here to wonder about the state of the classroom. Yeah, now windows or desk. Minor details. Leaves though. She only noticed those because she stepped on one. And froze for a minute registering what on earth that sound was. Of course, watch where you're stepping. The magical rule.

"Good day, professor," The snake greeted Romanos.

She felt she wanted to ask what were they going to do. Rewind her first year's days and all. But nah, they'll know shortly so no point.

As more students began to arrive, Jasmine was on the lookout for familiar faces. Receiving greetings from two of her friends, she quickly responded to them. "Hi Lux, Hi Adi", she said as they entered the room.

Still standing propped up against the wall, Jasmine hoped that Professor Romanos would start class soon. She was eager to find out what they would be doing today. Truth be told, she was kinda missing those yoga mats right about now.

When Cutty entered the classroom, the first thing he saw were Barrington and Adair on the floor with the leaves. Exorcisms. Cool. But then it soon became apparent that no such thing was happening here and he was left neutral. Happygoody was staring at the scene and this gave Cutty every indication that this was merely an opportunity for free entertainment. Hogwarts, live on stage.

The room was cleared out and not even a yoga mat could be seen. Good. Maybe that meant this class would be particularly spell-intensive. He hadn't spoken a word to his housemate, Beverly Wayne since that story was printed. He didn't mind being associated with the poor little rich girl of Slytherin house, but there was a time and a place for it. And it was far better to save her face when she was most useful in pristine state. He understood this silence to be a tool until something else was printed that would sufficiently distract from what was said about them. Nonetheless, Hello Wayne.

...

Goodness, did she smell? Was there a spider behind her?

Taking a quick peak at the wall and ceiling corners, an eyebrow raised as she glanced back to Zander. Oh! Oh my. What in Merlin's beard was he doing? The boy was acting...unusually strange. Perhaps the cold WAS getting to him. Best not to poke the sleeping dragon too much, or in this case, a troubled third year. For now.

Keeping an eye on that one.

The cold had most certainly gotten the best of this one. "Not that i'm avare of, Mister Scabior." she...smiled. Ahem. That didn't stop her from subtly glancing down to her covered arms to check if there were a few stuck leaves and what not.

Nope. All clear.

Some, umm, ordinary greetings were very much welcome, thank you very much Lily. "Good morning." she smiled to the seventh year, gaze flickering over to the two particular odd acting students every now and then.

Oh...make that three.

"Helloooo." she said, flashing the Gryffindor a warm smile.

Oh yes, one of the Valentine kids. She was getting the hang of telling them apart now.

"Good morning." she nodded towards the Gryffindor.

"Good day, Miss Abbott." she greeted, taking notice of the Hufflepuff. Good amount of students so far.

The second Valentine. Wiggling her fingers towards the Gryffindor, she smiled in return. They were just missing Abby weren't they? And oh yes, she did spot the wave from Adi.

Wiggled fingers for you too!

It was rather amusing to see which students didn't mind stepping on the leaves, and others taking the time to avoid them altogether. And then there were those who were rolling in them and...sniffing them. Although, she was hoping that was just the effects of being inside all the time lately. Not that being a bit eccentric was a bad thing.

"Good morning, Miss Wayne."

They could add leaf circles to the list of odd. However, she didn't particular think much of this one. Leaf circles were rather nice. Much like leaf angels. "Good morning, Miss Wright." Hopefully doing well, what with being inside all the time now.

Was there a split moment in which Medea almost looked to her empty wrist for the watch that wasn't there? Maybe. Just maybe. Thank goodness there was a clock to the side of the room she could keep an eye on. Summer to-do list: buy that new watch she still needed.

"Hellooooo." To yoouu Maddison.

Another student to add to the list of kids leaving the school after this term. Or, well, young adults now really. The number just seemed to grow...unfortunately. And fortunately. Such a crossroads! "Good morning, Miss Greenwell." she smiled, even adding in a little finger wave.

Oh, another seventh year. And it was Miss Somerland of course. Odd moment that was when she had to re-read the class list a couple hundred times to make sure she was reading the girl's last name correctly. Was it truly Somlerad? Or was that a complete misspelling? Had to be a misspelling.

"Good morning." Ahem, refrain from proper name greetings until she figured that one out.


Taking a glance to the clock, she took note of the time...as well as the amount of students that had arrived so far. She'd give the stragglers a few more minutes before she closed the door, such as the couple of students whom just walked in (in which she gave the proper smile and nod towards) but for now, there was no problem in starting with the lesson.

"I realize it's been a tough time staying indoors for as long as ve haff." Reason for which she'd skip over for now. "But, I hope ve can make up for a little bit of it today. Ve're going to be reviewing the spells in vhich you learned this year...but in quite a different setting. Bit more of a challenge I vould say."

"Can someone please remind us all vhich spells ve've learned?"

He knew it. HE KNEW IT. Staying indoors for too long was going to make people LOONY.

The proof? Right in front of him.

Grayson did what he'd usually do in a situation like this: sit back -- or in this case, stand -- relax and enjoy the live action. It was funny, actually. People falling flat on their bottoms was ALWAYS funny. He did TRY and suppress his laughter for Zander's sake because he was NICE like that. Sometimes. Once every blue moon. And Ethan just got weird looks for the leaf sniffing. What in the name of merlin was THAT about?!

As for Romanos being a part tree: LOOOOOOOOOOL.

The Slytherin cleared his throat and turned his attention over towards Romanos herself. A bit challenging, eh? Did he like the sound of that? YES. As long as the challenge wasn't one he was destined to fail at. If not, then he was ALL up for whatever it is that had been planned for the lesson. But right noooooooow............... his hand went up in the air. "Impedimenta's one we learnt. Great against the Skygge." Uh huh. He knew stuff.

Oh this was going to be a strange class today. There had been some weird goings on already and class hadn't even started. Jasmine wondered what in the world was going on with some of her classmates. She didn't have too long to think about it because Professor Romanos started class.

She asked everyone to share the different spells that they had learned so far. Jasmine raised her hand to give an answer. "We learned the Reductor curse", she said, thinking of the first spell that popped into her head. Then Jasmine sat back and prepared to take notes.

As she scanned the room some more her eyes landed on the one and only Cutty Mordaunt. They haven't spoken much. Even less after that blasted article was published, but she didn't blame that being the reason. They've simply have been busy. Yes. Busy.

He was still Cutty Mordaunt.

The corner of her mouth lifted into a half smirk and she shot him a greeting nod as Professor Romanos began the class.

Pay attention in class, Mordaunt.



Tough time staying indoors? Yeah, she could say something like that. It was horrible. She felt as if she were stuck in one of those forever-snowy snow globes. As if Hogwarts was now its own little planet and there was no way of reaching out for others. Cue dramatics.

No, but really. She was going to start sprinting down corridors and doing some serious parkour if this situation didn't let up.

A certain spell came to mind at the question. Ever since the meeting Bev's been going through notes and books that would help on self defense, and a particular one stuck out. Well, several, but she was only mentioning one.

Beverly raised her hand. "Ligatenous." She paused. "It's somewhat familiar to Incarcerous except Ligatenous conjures chains instead of ropes." That counted, yeah? "It's from last term, does that count?" she added.

It was brought up for reasons. Her reasons.

Really? She could make a leaf pile and jump in it? Hayden brightened and began to do just that. She immediately started gathering a bunch of leaves together in a pile, but before the pile was big enough Professor Romanos started the class. So Hayden stopped building but she stood near her pile. It was for later.

She raised her hand at the question. "We learned the reductor curse." And...and... she totally knew it. They also learned...Hayden wracked her memory trying to remember what else they had learned that year. She definitely did know it, she was just having difficulty remembering at the moment.

Zander looked up from his spot on the ground as he noticed someone else approaching. Merlin, first Ethan, then Kevin and Adi, and now Lux! They couldn't congregate like this! It's just what Romanos would want. It would make them easier targets for the Cold Ones if they were all together in a group. Didn't anyone understand that?? Still, the third year looked up at his friend and tried his absolute hardest to smile at her. Under certain conditions, like a Cold One attack, it was kinda hard though.

He was just about to respond and let her in on the curious happenings, when.... Class (if they could even call this one of those) was starting. Looking back to the Hufflepuff with a great look of concern he just, "Shhhh there's not tim to explain now. But don't worry, I won't let us die!" Still he whispered, incase Romanos really did have super hearing Cold One powers.

Speaking of the evil Cold One leader, the woman or-whatever-she-was, started addressing the whole class now. How clever she was. Asking the class stupid review questions to ease them. Take away any ideas of the attack she had in store. Absolute genius.

Well, Zander's not falling for it. Well, technically he had fallen. But he didn't fall for this. He fell because the leaves were slippery. But that wasn't the point. He would not be a fool, not today! So of course, he opted not to answer the question, but instead focused on the escape plan. How could he approach this? Maybe he could enlist Kyroh?

... Besides, others had already answered with the spells from this term. So meh. There was no point to add on.

For a while Lex had been completely fixated on the leaves that were scattered about the floor. It wasn't so much that she had an impulse to smash them but rather an impulse to question their purpose. Why were they there? Were they hiding something beneath them? Being a distraction for something else? If so, she was failing because she was distracted, seriously distracted and only came back to the present when she heard people naming spells.

Defensive spells? It would make sense given the class they were in. A few were repeating the same spell too and she figured this had to have some meaning to it but....what?

"Incendio." Lex said with the most confused of looks. They were probably talking about the leaves right? And how to get rid of them? Getting them in a heap and incendio-ing them would do wonders Professor.

Helpful Lex was helpful. Romanos was SO welcome.

Lux wanted to catch up with Jasmine a little, but there was no time to at the moment. For one thing, Zander was being very unsettling, and for the other thing Professor Romanos was speaking.

Raising her brow, Lux sent her friend a silent message to say this discussion isn't over. She wanted him to explain to her what was wrong and why there was any need to fear anyone DYING. Raising her hand, she answered the question the Professor had asked. "We learned Impedimenta." There were others, but that was the one that came to her mind first.

What spells had they learned? Some pretty cool ones, that's what. But the one Caleb was really interested in was the Reductor curse. That was his favorite one - and obviously the most useful.

He raised his hand. "We learned the Reductor curse," he told her. Yeah. What everyone else said.

Oh good, they remembered. Cold hadn't distracted them too much.

"I had meant from this term, but yes, ve did learn ligatenous. Actually a little on track to something ve're going to be learning today as vell." she nodded to Beverly, taking note of who answered what. Yes, she took note of Alexa's answer. Briefly. Very...briefly.

"Right. The reductor curse and impediment jinx vere vot I vos looking for. Ve vill be continuing to practice these spells today...along vith a new spell. Granted, you may not vont to use this upon the topics ve've discussed this term, but it has many uses, both defensive and offensive, that ve'll get into in time." With that being said, she moved a few feet away from the wall and leaned against...something invisible it seemed.

"Does anyone know what spell has the incantation of Carpe Retractum? It vos, I believe, taught not too long ago by Professor Fuller." Just to jog some of those memories.

OH Caleb knew this one! That was a rarity in this class. "That's the Seize and Pull charm, Professor. It's used to basically whip things towards you so you can pull things from far away," he explained, his hand in the air.

Things, people, animals - whatever. He felt like that muggle adventurer - Montana Jones or whatever his name was when he did it cause of the WHIPPING ACTION. Hehehehe.

Benny let the others answer the professor's first question. He was busy eying the leaves, especially after Zander's fall. Something was suspicious about them and you had to be cautious around DADA class. To many variables in the lessons.

He remembered the spell, having learned it as the professor said...in charms. The third year raised his hand before speaking to answer. "That's the grab and pull charm, right?" he said, supplying a response as best he could. At least he thought that was what it was caused. His charms notes weren't with him to double check, not that that would be necessary.

Okay, so this class now officially scared Sophie. She would never admit it, but she came to class today half expecting a Skygge to jump out and chase after them all. Those things were CREEPY. Sophie just listened to the first part of the discussion--the listing of defense spells they'd learned so far.

She raised her hand, though, when the next question was asked. "That'd be the Seize and Pull Charm," she said. She hated to think what that had to do with Defense Against the Dark Arts. She didn't want to be seizing and pulling anything they'd talked about this year.

Oh, look it! Another question that wasn't hard for Lux to answer. Not to say that she was dumb - because she surely wasn't - but there were times when this subject was a little confusing for her. Maybe it was because evil creatures wasn't her favourite thing to study. They tended to give her the creeps.

Raising her hand, she said, "The Seize and Pull Charm."

He caught that look from Lux, but just like the Hufflepuff, he didn't say anything. Besides, he still had some figuring out to do. What did all this mean? The leaves? Were they really just here to make people slip and make escape EVEN MORE difficult? No. Romanos was clever. They must have an alternative purpose.

And yes, he did hear the next question, but he also heard all the answers, which seemed to just be repetitions and variations of each other. So again, the Gryffindor chose not to answer. But still kept his suspicious look fixated on the Professor. He will catch you Romanos, mark these words.

It was hard to pay attention for Simon as he was still thinking about what had made him wake up late this morning. He got a fright this morning when he saw that ALL the bed in his dorm were empty. Was it the fact that he forgot to set an alarm? Probably. Or did he sleep through it? Honestly, the boy couldn't remember but he was just glad that he had made it to class. He just gave his friend a confused look and shot a grin towards both Ethan and Zander as he listened to Professor Romanos ask them what spells they had learned. When she began speaking again, he pulled out his notebook and began jotting down some notes because he most likely would forget all of this later as when he was sleepy, Simon didn't have a good memory.

When Romanos asked about what spell had the incantation of Carpe Retractum? Simon raised his hand. "The Tug of War Charm?" he said his private thought outloud and then his eyes widened. He quickly supplied the answer that he meant. "I mean the Pull and Seize Charm? I remember it as the Tug of War Charm," he said sheepishly.

Whoops.