Layla was extremely tired of the cold weather that was even managing to permeate the castle (even though it was still warmer inside than out), so of course she was here, notebook and pen for note-taking in hand. She was surprised, however, at just how many had actually shone up. Research that wasn't for a class had never really been a very popular choice, so she guessed that it was a testament to how sick of the cold everyone in the castle was. Well, and being cooped up inside too, because even though Hogwarts was huge, there were still limits on what could be done.

Anyway, after she had taken a seat and greeted Professor Flamsteed, Layla opened her notebook and started scribbling notes on what was known so far. Which obviously wasn't much.

Text Cut: Bestie <3

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaniDiNardo

She might have had the last straw, because yes, the wind out of nowhere eating all the balloons and slamming the windows shut spoke of something SERIOUS. Any hope she'd previously had of the weather letting up had been crushed in that one Astronomy lesson. That was why Lex was here. She didn't have anything better to do and wanted to see what kind of ideas they'd been bouncing around and would be trying to work through.

Surely someone would come out with something to spring them from this place, yes? Yes.

With a somewhat sullen expression, the Gryffindor dragged herself into the library. For a moment her face lit up when she saw how close they were to the restricted section but then she remembered they wouldn't actually be going in there and her mood sank right back down.




Oh look, the best friend had already made it. Without really taking the time to look at her company where she was, Lex made her way over, resting her head on her shoulder. Yes, very much put off by this weather, this whole thing. June would come before they knew it and storm was too busy eating meterological devices to shove off.

Could things get any worse? Probably.

Grayson got a nod when she realized he was there and the Professor got something like a nod too. She would just...be here, waiting for something to happen.

Not gonna lie. Lotus was startled for a nanosecond when someone decided to rest their head on her shoulder, like... what even?? But... it was her best friend, so everything was alright. No need to be alarmed or hex anyone. Also, for less than a nanosecond she thought it had been the Toussaint kid, you know? The tone-deaf one. The one who hugged her without asking for permission? The one who got Ascanius' pants on fire? Yeah, that one.

Ravenclaws, really. Sigh.

"I know," she said to Lex, and nodded as well. She was tired of this perpetual winter, too. Though she wouldn't have minded if they could step outside, but she knew why they shouldn't be out, soooo...

...let's just hope all the little kids here have enough imagination to get them all out.

Flamsteed didn't look happy at all today, which was definitely odd. Flamsteed was like, perpetually happy. Perhaps the cold was finally getting to him, just like it had gotten to Caleb like...weeks ago. However, Caleb was in a good mood, which was lucky for Flamsteed, so he looked at him and smiled cheerfully.

"Hey Professor, everything alright?" he asked. Maybe Caleb was just really happy that he was finally going to get to look in the RESTRICTED section! This was like an exclusive club in the Hogwarts library or something. Hehe.

Botros finally made it to the floor beneath his own. Yes, it was only one floor down but the staircases kept moving and it was cold and he just wanted to be in his rocking chair under those blankets again.

"Hello everyone!" Ab greeted the small group of students, and Professor Airey standing by the window looking oh so ominous. "Hope I'm not late. Have you guys started on anything?" He directed the question to the students, since they all seemed interested and quite involved.

And Botros was here too now.

Simon beamed, happy to see that the elderly Professor was out of his office. It was good to see him again. Ah, now for Botros' question. Well they hadn't started anything yet. But with Botros here now too, they'd probably be starting research any minute. Simon shook his head. "Nope, not yet, sir. How are you?" he said.

Oooh. And more people are coming! He thought…research was boring? They all said it’s boring stuff, so why are they here? Oh…Ohohoho. Bonus points of course. Smirk. Ethan returned the greeting and said his hello to Lux, and a salute to Grayson. It’s always nice to see the older snake around, and he was sure that Whitlock was here for the points too. Hehehehe.

Oh and finally! Watson, er, Simon was able to catch up with him. What exactly was he doing anyway? Taking down notes while walking? Ethan tilted his head in wonder. Simon was starting to develop this habit of multi-tasking. The fair-haired boy hoped that Simon won’t get himself in trouble while doing that though. He can’t have a blind Watson. No thank you. Ethan looked just in time to catch Zander’s wave, and returned it with another salute and a nod. Oh hey you, Zanderman! Sup?

Then Professor Botros arrived.

Oh nooooooooooooooooooo. Ethan had to step a little bit to the side, and hopefully the man will not notice him? Because. Merlin. What happened inside his office was really embarrassing! Without a word, he sneakily got Simon’s notebook from his jacket’s pocket and pretended to read what he wrote down. He doesn’t really need to absorb what was written because they have been discussing this for days now. So yes…don’t mind us, kind sir.

Abby nodded at Penelope her fellow housemate and said "Hey Penelope" turning to her other sister and said "Hey AJ no idea where the treats are but boy its cold" Abby had put an extra layer of clothing on to help her try to stay warm but it wasnt really helping that much

Marigold was honestly ready to do almost anything that could mean the snow going away. Plus the added benefits of something to do instead of being all lethargic AND extra credit? It would take a miracle to keep this Hufflepuff away. She gave her customary smile to the professor, though it might look more like a grimace. "Hi, Professor. How is the cold treating you?" At least he looked as miserable as she felt.

As more people joined the group, Lux gave friendly waves and greetings. It was awesome to see so many students who wanted to help out. But then everyone was beyond tired of the cold, so it was understandable. She, personally, had more than just the cold to worry about as she assumed that whatever had attacked Bay was related to the extreme weather. Helping Bay was more important to her than dealing with the cold.

Oh, hello Professor Botros. Lux really liked him because he was a very nice man and one of her favourite Professors. "Hello, how are you?" Hopefully he was doing okay. "You are just in time because we haven't started yet!" Awesome for him because being late really sucked.

She was here and hadn't missed the meeting. It would be silly to blame distractions on her almost forgetting about the meeting. But said distraction was really the reason why she'd almost missed or heaven forbid, have been late. Like her daddy always said: Be there on time or don't be there at all.

And she was here.

A bit out of breath, but here. Running and hopping staircases was fun and released a bit of the pent up energy, but it wasn't the same as being able to go outside.

Taking a seat, her eyes shot from the Restricted Section to Professor Airey. Then back and forth, back and forth. Airey won. But only because that happy smile of his that she was so used to was absent from his face. Was the weather causing this?

If weather was a person she'd give it a good kick in the bum just for Airey. She would.

"Hi, Professor Airey," she greeted, coming off a bit more timid than usual--but that was only because she didn't want to disturb him from his thoughts.

Then was professor Botros. He got a wave and another shy, "Good day, Professor Botros."

WAS SHE LATE?

She had a very good reason as to why but she wasn't going to say it just now she had to make it up to be sure that excuses had to be made and all. Once she saw the gathered group, the seventeen year old casually inserted herself among the others and stood examining her nails. Been standing here for a while, mhhm. Did they not see her?

Anyway, it was fortunate that they have not started without her. She wouldn't want to miss all the fun or whatever they were going to do.

Oh, Professor Botros was here. They must be starting soon, then.

Rapping his knuckles against the frozen glass, the professor gave a heavy sigh as students began filing into the room.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mordred

“Do you already have a theory in mind, professor?” he looked like he got one already. Smart man he was. “About the…freak weather? Oh and hi.” With a quick salute, he joined the Astronomy professor and he too looked outside. “Merlin. It looks like Hoth outside.” Oh wait, sorry. Wrong science fiction. notsorry

Beginning with Mr. Mordaunt.

"A few, Mr. Mordaunt," he nodded slowly. Each one as less likely than the next, but since science had failed him he had to start over somewhere.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Squishy

Spotting the Professor, Lux gave him a small smile; he seemed stressed and it was something that she didn't blame him for. "Hello, Professor Flamsteed." Oh, and Ethan was there as well. "Hello." He got a smile too.

"Good day, Miss Carrington," he nodded to the Hufflepuff, not entirely managing a real smile but managing some sort of a facial expression. Probably came off as more of a grimace than anything else though.

Quote:

Originally Posted by hermionesclone

"Hellooooooo Professor!" 'Sup. Hey. He was here. "Hey Lux! Snowstorm Man Ethan!" 'Sup to you two too.

"Mr. Whitlock," he replied, giving the Slytherin a solemn nod.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daydreamer11

"Hello Professor Flamsteed", Jasmine said. Seeing that only a few students had arrived, Jasmine said, "Hi guys". Then she found an empty seat and sat down. Curious as to the Professor's theory, she waited for the meeting to begin.

"Hello, Miss Guidry."

Was it just him or did the Ravenclaw seem a bit more...herself recently? Not that he was going to ask what had been bothering her before. Students' personal lives still freaked him out.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saz Hale

Abby wasn't sure why she had come to this meeting she just wanted to put and end to the stupid weather they were having just now and plus she wanted to be able to go back outdoors again but she stayed quiet as there weren't that many people she knew just now

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harry174

Angel was totally looking forwards to helping the Professor. "Good day Professor." Angel beamed and then she saw her sister but it wasn't AJ it was Abby. "Abby, how are you?" Angel beamed, she was happy now, she knew her sister was safe.

"Good day to you too, Miss Valentine." He meant it, even if his face didn't exactly show it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SlytherinSistah

A polar vortex was what the lanky Professor Flamsteed had called it the last Cutty had asked him about it. But then he'd confessed to not being any sort of weather expert. Still, he was the most qualified person available on staff to give them answers. Though, he tended to work alone, Cutty thought it would be a good idea to go hypothesis shopping here amongst the minds of others. He could always further develop it later.

He gave Mr. Mordaunt a firm nod of the head.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Felixir

Still, Toby was cheerful. Every time he saw a person he knew or even vaguely recognised the Hufflepuff gave them a beaming grin and a small wave. Even Cutty, though he may have faltered ever so slightly.

And for once, it seemed he could use some of Mr. Tempus' optimism and energy. His own spirit was clouded a bit too much from the unknown to be able to be bouncy like Mr. Tempus. Still, he gave the Hufflepuff a small nod of the head to greet him.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Emms

Before he knew it, they were at the Restricted section. Simon’s blue eyes widened with anticipation at all the books that he had never been able to feast his eyes upon. “Hello Professor! Reporting for duty,” greeted Simon with a friendly grin before standing to attention and giving the Astronomy Professor a Vulcan salute. Yep. This was going to be a customary greeting just for his fellow Trekkie.

...

He turned back to the Professor, noticing Airey's clenched jaw. Huh.... Something was amiss. That wasn't a reassuring sign. “So what can we get started on?”

Not even the Vulcan salute was enough to earn a smile from the astronomer, although he did return the gesture. "Good to hear it, Mr. Holden," he replied. "You can grab any of the reading materials you see on the tables and just get started on research."

Quote:

Originally Posted by TakemetotheBurrow

"Hello Professor." There was little enthusiasm in her greeting seeing as she was FREEZING but it wasn't all together unpleasant. "Fellow student people." 'Sup nods and maybe a smile (depending on who you were, of course) happened.

The first year settled quite comfortably in a chair next to an older Slytherin boy who seemed lost in thought and let her notebook fall to the table with a THUD.

"Miss Cooper," he greeted, not showing the slightest bit of surprise when her book fell on the table and made a noise that echoed throughout the library.

Quote:

Originally Posted by griffin

With her notebook in hand, Penelope walked over to the place in the library where the research meeting was. She was ready to help with the research.

"Hello, Professor Flamsteed," she said.

"Hello, Miss Wright." Hopefully nothing bad would happen to the first year this time around. She seemed to have rotten odds when in his presence. He would have to keep an eye on her to make sure she didn't get sucked into a book or something.

Quote:

Originally Posted by littledhampir

"Hello Professor," she said when she entered. "Find anything yet?"

"Not yet, Miss Malone. Go ahead and pick up any of the resources here and get started."

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lizasaurus

Zoe appeared and headed for the research meeting. She'd gone and helped with research a few terms back and hoped somehow they'd come up with an idea as to what was causing the cold and snow. She wondered if maybe it was the planets alignment or something, but that was just a thought she had. Nothing conclusive to it. She took a seat and looked around and realized the professor was standing at the window, crossing her arms on the table she rested her chin there waiting for him to tell them why they were there and what they were researching.

He gave Miss Tillstorm a small nod and finally figured he ought to finally move away from window and back towards the desks.

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhoenixStar

"Where are the treats?" Every meeting that she had been to so far had treats. This was a bummer considering that sweet treats were the second reason for why she bothered to come to the meeting. The first year cupped her hands to her mouth and blew hot air into them. AJ was wearing gloves, but the hot air was managing to make it's way to her fingers.

"No food in the library," he grunted. "Just because Mr. Kitridge is in the hospital wing doesn't mean we will ignore his rules."

Besides, this wasn't a party. It was research. Serious business.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lockhartian

A smile went to the Slytherin boy as she joined them and another to the deep-in-thought Professor. Was he thinking about how to get more fancy marshmallows? Because she was. Lotus had loved them and would've asked for more had she not noticed how difficult it had been to take eight from him. She was considerate, you know? "Hello, Professor!" Your favorite is here, Airey Flamsteed.

Bright minds are here to help, or something. *waits*

"Good day, Miss Wisteria."

Still not smiling. Sorry Miss Wisteria. But he had finally returned to the tables and was currently leaning against them instead of the wall by the window.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaniDiNardo

Oh look, the best friend had already made it. Without really taking the time to look at her company where she was, Lex made her way over, resting her head on her shoulder. Yes, very much put off by this weather, this whole thing. June would come before they knew it and storm was too busy eating meterological devices to shove off.

Could things get any worse? Probably.

Grayson got a nod when she realized he was there and the Professor got something like a nod too. She would just...be here, waiting for something to happen.

And a faint nod in return to you, Miss Cambridge. Seemed that their moods were one and the same today. Brilliant...or something. Although he didn't have anyone to lean his head against. Alas.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlwaysSnapesGirl

So she was here. Flamsteed got a nod when she entered but she didn't say anything. Just gonna wait for the meeting thing to start.

He gave a small nod towards Miss Greenwell as she entered.

Quote:

Originally Posted by FearlessLeader19

Adi was heeere. Was he late? He wasn't feeling so well earlier (hopefully he wasn't coming down with the cold or something) but on the bright side he was alright now. Kind of. Anyway, there was the Astronaut in the corner. "Hello, Professor.'' Was it just him or did Flamsteed look a bit tense?

And another nod to Mr. Rehman. Yes, hello there.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArianaBlack

"Hello, Professor."Making his way towards the professor, he noticed a somewhat frustrated demeanor? Uh oh. That can't be good. The Gryffindor reached into one of his bag pockets and took out a chocolate frog from the secret-zipper compartment. "Would you like some chocolate, sir?" Oh wait. He wasn't supposed to call him sir. Rightoh. Either way, emergency chocolate was always good to keep around. Chocolate could fix everything (except for this eternal winter)!

"No eating in the library, Mr. Adair," he replied while shaking his head. And no, giving him a valentine would not give you special permission to eat chocolate in the library.

But collectible Star Trek figures might.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Holmesian Feline

He stepped inside the library and headed towards the area that had been set aside for the gathering. Plenty of students had already gathered and the professor himself was standing by the window. "Good day Professor," he greeted as he came near, passing Angel, AJ and someone who could only be the elusive third sister. The Gryfffindor managed a weak smile at the three girls before opting for a spot near Adi. At least his bestie was safe ground.

"Hey..."

"Hello, Mr. Atreyu," he said, giving the Gryffindor some sort of salute in place of a nod of the head. Needed to change things up, right?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chiara

The restriction section...Lucy had never been here before..
She smiled at her professor and her classmates and she said:" Hello!"

While he did not share her enthuasim at the moment, the eagerness was appreciated. Good for research motivation. "Hello, Miss Petersfield."

Quote:

Originally Posted by lazykitty

Anyway, after she had taken a seat and greeted Professor Flamsteed, Layla opened her notebook and started scribbling notes on what was known so far. Which obviously wasn't much.

He was back to greeting with small nods of the head as the Slytherin took her seat.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lissy Longbottom

Flamsteed didn't look happy at all today, which was definitely odd. Flamsteed was like, perpetually happy. Perhaps the cold was finally getting to him, just like it had gotten to Caleb like...weeks ago. However, Caleb was in a good mood, which was lucky for Flamsteed, so he looked at him and smiled cheerfully.

"Hey Professor, everything alright?" he asked. Maybe Caleb was just really happy that he was finally going to get to look in the RESTRICTED section! This was like an exclusive club in the Hogwarts library or something. Hehe.

"That would depend on your definition of alright, Mr. Newell," he replied.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScarletCharm104

Marigold was honestly ready to do almost anything that could mean the snow going away. Plus the added benefits of something to do instead of being all lethargic AND extra credit? It would take a miracle to keep this Hufflepuff away. She gave her customary smile to the professor, though it might look more like a grimace. "Hi, Professor. How is the cold treating you?" At least he looked as miserable as she felt.

More feeble nodding of the head to greet Miss McAlistor.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deezerz

"Hi, Professor Airey," she greeted, coming off a bit more timid than usual--but that was only because she didn't want to disturb him from his thoughts.

He offered Miss Wayne a small salute and then checked his sundial watch for the time. Shouldn't just stand here feeling sorry for himself and the rest of Hogwarts for too much longer...

Quote:

Originally Posted by the fastest seeker

WAS SHE LATE?

She had a very good reason as to why but she wasn't going to say it just now she had to make it up to be sure that excuses had to be made and all. Once she saw the gathered group, the seventeen year old casually inserted herself among the others and stood examining her nails. Been standing here for a while, mhhm. Did they not see her?

Ah, the Head Girl was here now too. Stellar. He gave her a small nod as she entered.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Magical Soul

Botros finally made it to the floor beneath his own. Yes, it was only one floor down but the staircases kept moving and it was cold and he just wanted to be in his rocking chair under those blankets again.

"Hello everyone!" Ab greeted the small group of students, and Professor Airey standing by the window looking oh so ominous. "Hope I'm not late. Have you guys started on anything?" He directed the question to the students, since they all seemed interested and quite involved.

Oh good, he had made it here. "Professor Botros, thank you again for coming," he said as he made his way towards the man. Should he like...pull out a chair for the old man or something? "We were about to get started." That, and he had sort of been waiting for the Runes Master to arrive to really get into the meat of the research.

He then turned his attention towards all those who had gathered thus far. "Thank you everyone for coming today," he announced, rapping his knuckles on the table twice to hopefully get everyone's attention. "You make work alone or with a partner or small group while you look through the various materials we have on the table. Now, the majority of these have some reference to archaeoastronomy. Some of you may recall I mentioned the topic briefly in my first lesson of the term. Now, with archaeoastronomy you are very likely to come across passages with runic scripture and this is why I've asked Professor Botros to assist us today." He paused for a moment to drum his hands on the table a few times before continuing. "Look for any connections to the weather, specifically winter weather. Even large winter storms in so-called muggle history could give us some insight into what is going on here if we cross reference it with dates in the wizarding encyclopedia's and the like." Really...just look for ANYTHING! "Professor Botros and myself are here for any assistance you may need. So go ahead and get started."

OOC: go ahead and search the web and/or SS archives for anything you think may be applicable :3

She smiled at Professor Flamsteed when he nodded her way and watched as other students and even a professor entered the room. She lifted her head though when the professor started giving them instructions and moved to start looking for a book to start looking through, her eyes falling on one of the Hogwarts history books and started flipping through it.

She was reading from the beginning, flipping through. She loved history, so she was really getting engrossed in the book, when she found something about people getting really cold. Wait.... Reading from the beginning of the chapter again, she grabbed her quill and started writing.

She knew. Lex knew she'd know, hence her being here on her shoulder now. How was this still happening? How did the Headmistress not have a backup plan? Bad things ALWAYS happened. Would it have killed her to be prepared for once?? If she never saw snow again it would be soon. Could they opt to skip the coming winter later in the year? This one kinda...overstayed it's welcome. It was only fair.

"I can't forget the way the wind ate the balloons Lottie. You saw it. Reckon the same might happen to us if we walk outside?" That was what got her. The futility in trying to leave with a storm like that outside. They were legit TRAPPED. Merlin she hated that word and the idea behind it.



The nod told her the Professor's mood wasn't any better and she couldn't blame him. When was the last time any of them saw the sun? It seemed like forever ago. Winters were never meant to last this long. She needed out of this place and away from half these people.

Her eyes scanned the table at all the books and parchments and scrolls and whatnot they'd be going through. Reminded her of why she didnt come to the library often...but what else was there to do?

"I think we can start with these books right here." She said, finalling getting off her bestie's shoulder. "Work our way around or something." Because they were working together, yes? Yes. Of course.

"Cass, wanna come search with us?" That wasn't actually asking. That was more 'get your butt over here, we have to find a way to end this winter' but Cassia would understand this.

And now Botros was here, so they'd be getting started soon, yeah?

Apparently so because Flamsteed started the meeting after a few minutes. Thank Merlin.

So winter weather. Look for stuff about that. Alright, not too hard. Hopefully. There was a lot of stuff to go through, and some of those books were ridiculously big, but that was why there was loads of students here. So yeah, hopefully not too hard.

Grabbing a couple of the newspapers, Penelope plopped down into a seat and began to sorta-read, sorta-skim the pages.

The Professor hadn't even smiled when Simon had given him the all-awesome Vulcan gesture. Professor Flamsteed was almost always grinning. Simon's shoulders slumped slightly. Something was definitely up with Professor Flamsteed but at least he returned the gesture. Perhaps if they found something in the various books that were spread across the tables in this section then the Professor would feel a little more relieved. He nodded his head, then picked up an encyclopedia, and opened it. Right. Now what was he looking for?

Before he could even ask the question, Airey had already answered it. Archeoastronomy. His brow furrowed as he tried to remember the notes he had borrowed from that class. Wasn't dark magic rumored to gain power during this time and that witches and wizards may have the ability to harness special powers during solstices. And hadn't they discussed something about Stonehenge to and Morgan Le Fay?

He set to work, reading some books on the history of Hogwarts to see if the weather had ever been this cold before. His blue eyes widened when he read about the 2048 year. Then Simon pulled out a second notebook (always have to be prepared with two notebooks because who knew when Ethan would take one!) and began scribbling down some notes.

Simon blinked a couple of times trying to process what he had just read. The Book of Mysteria? Well that sounded a little bit odd and certainly mysterious. It didn't really give him a nice, warm, cozy feeling when he read the title of it. He glanced up from his reading and nudged his mate, Ethan. "Want to team up?" he asked with a bright grin. Two detectives in training working together would be better than one working alone.

Lucy thought:" I remember once upon ago that was a very powerful wich who could frozen all things with her hands..but she wasn't able to control her power and one time she lost control and she frozen her land and the sea..but it was a true story in another world.."

The corners of Beverly's mouth were tempted to quirk downward. No smile from Airey. THIS was really bothering him, and it suddenly hit her that this eternal-like storm wasn't just a storm, or global warming-related. It was SOMETHING.

Something bad.

Ah, Fawkes.

Not that she felt 100% safe at Hogwarts, she just told herself she was, but really, she never really was. LOL. Her dad had been right in telling her home was safer. HA. Well. Research was going to happen. Vigorous research to save her butt. There was NO way Beverly Wayne was going down because of SNOW. What a loser way to go.

Grabbing a bunch of articles she skimmed through some of them until her eyes stilled on a certain one.

Snow. In September. BLINK. Werewolves. BLINK BLINK. Dead professor. BLINK BLINK BLINK. Dementor. BLINK BLINK BLINK BLINK.

She stopped reading. Holy Merlin's beard. "This doesn't make sense." She didn't realize she was speaking out loud. "Snow, werewolves and a Dementor. Then nothing in the morning." She rubbed the back of her neck.

Okay. She needed to learn more heating charms. Arrow conjuring--preferably silver ones. And the Patronus Charm. Then she'd be able to kick butt.

This sucked. Really, really sucked. More research. More ways to save her butt. More ways to give herself nightmares.

No food in the library? B-but he was only trying to cheer Professor Flailsteed up. He wasn't going to eat the chocolate himself! He was only trying to be a good citizen. Awwwwh. Okay. Note taken.

Now what was this about partnering up? He immediately looked over to Simon, but noticed that his Slytherin pal had the eye contact thing going with Ethan. Right, they had the whole consulting detectives thing or whatever it was that Simon had talked about that day. Okay, no big deal. He'd just find someone else. Anyyyyyyyone?

The Gryffindor slowly looked around the room, almost resembling a lost puppy. He didn't want to have to read through these books all alone. Actually, come to think of it, he didn't really want to read these books at all. Sigh. Why was he here again?

It was time to get started, and Lux was eager to. She was determined to help solve this problem with the castle if it took all of her energy. She wanted Bay healthy again, she wanted to be able to go outside, she wanted spring weather, and she wanted to be able to send and receive letters. She was on the verge of having a mental breakdown at this point.

Looking around for a partner, she spotted Zander doing probably the same thing. Well, he was her friend and they worked together well in Arithmancy, so why not work together again now? Joining him, she hoped he wouldn't mind. "Want to be my partner?" If not, she would understand.

There was something about the way Cutty held his gaze that made Toby feel almost compelled to look away at once, and yet completely inable to do just that. He didn't have to worry about that for too long though, because soon enough the younger boy was grinning right back at him, and Toby felt a kind of relief. It overpowered the uneasiness in his stomach, which the Hufflepuff told himself was just the same kind of anxious energy as ever. He continued smiling, perhaps even a little more wider and definitely more natural, gave Cutty a miniscule nod of the head and glanced back around the room. It was hard to tell if this meant they were okay now, or things were less awkward but still iffy, or if Cutty harboured any more resentment towards him, as he had felt that this was the case for a long while. Still, it was a start, yes? Maybe they would eventually speak, or at least continue to exchange glances. It was never fun to lose a friend, after all.

As he looked around, Toby caught sight of someone doing exactly the same back to him as though he was looking in a mirror. He didn't know who the other boy was, but had a feeling that he DID know the kid's name from some recent conversation. It was more or less impossible to remember half the conversations he had these days, though, so Toby mentally made a note to seek out that boy later and try to make friends. After all, he seemed nice enough, right?

Soon enough, Airey was talking, and suddenly Toby was forced to face the fact that the Astronomy professor really wasn't his usual self. Normally Tobias found a kindred spirit in Professor Flamsteed, and to see him so NOT happy or full of energy and excitement just felt... wrong. Very wrong. Toby hadn't been aware that this small change in somebody else's demeanour would feel so significant to him, but now everything felt a lot more serious and... well.

But at least Botros was here and not seeming nearly as morose as Flamsteed. That was a positive sign in Toby's eyes, but STILL.

After sparing the time to try to catch Botros' eye and give HIM a smile too, Toby finally sat down on the chair he'd been stood behind. Okay... research.

Research, research, research.

Reeeeeeeseaaaaarrrchhhhhh.

Ahem.

The reading materials all looked so big and daunting, so Toby decided that the best way for him to do this was to go from a different angles. Brainstorming, that had been what his old teacher had said to do when there was too much information to process. Brainstorm your own ideas, then expand on them. Then, if you came across anything interesting or important as you looked, you could make a note of that or go off in that direction instead. It had worked back at his primary school, so why wouldn't it work now.

Pulling a piece of parchment in front of him and loading up a quill with ink, Toby though carefully to himself whilst tuning out the sounds of pages turning around him in an attempt to completely focus. Without looking at any extra information, what did he already know about temperatures like this? What did he know about that could be linked to everything?

Soon enough, the ideas started coming. From his experience at Hogwarts as a first year to the lesson subjects taught earlier that very same term, he at least had a couple of things to start with.

Toby leaned back from his parchment. Yes, this had been a good idea to start with. He looked around at the others in the research meeting, and noticed that quite a few had already started perusing books. The Hufflepuff gave the space of the table in front of him a quick look-over to see if there were any books that would be useful to his chain of thinking lurking nearby. He all but grabbed the first copy of Hogwarts: A History he saw, because that'd be important, as well as a couple of books on advanced spells, focusing on theory. He couldn't see anything about creatures in the books immediately nearest him, so Tobias figured he'd just need to move around a bit to find one, or maybe look in the bookshelves if he needed. In all honesty, he didn't believe that his initial ideas would lead him to any sort of answers at all, it was just something small to try to kickstart his focus and everything.

Okay, so... history of Hogwarts, here we come...

Marigold pulled her textbook towards herself as she began to skim its pages. Maybe she would partner up later on when there was actual stuff to discuss. For now… there was just a lot of weird events she was reading about. Snow in September?

Lost puppy stares. That's what he was doing. See he could've probably done just fine without a partner, but he wanted to stall. He really really wanted to stall. Like a lot. And all this stalling was making him hungry. But Flailsteed had said no food in the library. Sigh. Times are getting tough and it's not just all about the weather. Actually, no it was all about the weather. Because uh, hello, they wouldn't be here if they weren't TRAPPED INSIDE!!!

Ahem. Anyways, LUX! Was she looking for a partner toooo? His love advice friend came over at just the right time! Actually, the wrong time because he was still trying to stall and thinking about food he couldn't eat. Man. "Sure, Lux!" They had made a pretty decent team in Arithmancy, after all. "Where'd ya wanna start?" Zander thought for a moment before looking back up at the Hufflepuff. "I think maybe the Cold One stuff would be a good place?" Just because he had his theories.

His theory that Romanos was controlling an army of Cold Ones to take over the school! But then, the Cold Ones were too strong and overthrew her! AND THEN, now they're coming to attack the castle and they cursed Hogwarts and made it Antartica and are planning to freeze everyone's hearts and stuff. Of course, Sophie knew all about that theory, but he'd need some more research done before he could share it with everyone else, you know?

She wasn't surprised at Professor Flamsteed's unusual for him demeanor. After all, the cold was getting to everyone, even the usually cheeriest inhabitants of the castle. Plus, there was the fact that they were completely on their own in this large castle, since even the owls had left. So there was no way of contacting anyone on the outside, which was a grim realization.

Professor Botros got a greeting nod as he entered and Professor Flamsteed started the meeting. And it looked like her status as a Muggleborn could help with this mess. Awesome. And while she thinking about it, she did remember reading something about some kind of.....polar vortex? one time. So with that thought, Layla started looking for any muggle book at all that could explain that phenomenon a little better.

She finally found something in an old muggle meteorology textbook and skimmed through it, stopping briefly to read parts that jumped out at her. But it quickly became clear that this particular phenomenon could only affect the U.S. So, it was back to square one for her. She put the textbook down and grabbed another book, this one old enough to have leather binding and definitely needed to be treated with kid gloves. She carefully turned to the back and the index that was there, scanning for any mention of cold weather.

Awesome! She had a partner.

Eagerly Lux took a seat beside Zander and pulled a random book towards her. Honestly she had no real idea where to look for the information, but any book could be useful.

... COLD ONES?!

The question was an innocent one, but that didn't keep Lux from turning as white as a sheet. "If Bay was attacked by a Cold One, that means his heart was frozen and he won't get better again." That thought made her want to cry.