12/31/2001

 

Entry Hall

 

Hogwarts is certainly a magnificent building; why, even the common muggle could tell that at the first glance (were it not bewitched to repel them).  The entry hall is not exactly the heart of the main building, but close to it, as it may seem.  It is indeed very large, and elegant.

 

The entry hall definitely has the touch of a medieval castle; the walls are constructed from stone, torches attached to the wall, doing their task of providing sufficient light.  The walls are decorated with many portraits; of course, these aren't just paintings, for the characters portrayed in them seem to be moving about.  Along with that, the crest of Hogwarts is daintily draped across a wall, as well as four flags briefly presenting the four houses of Hogwarts.  The ceiling seems to be endless, reaching up to the heavens above.  The floor is also made of stone, various slabs of rock layered onto the ground, smoothed and polished out.  The hall looks generally well kept, and for a good reason, seeing it's usually a student's first glimpse inside of Hogwarts.

 

Two solid oak double doors seem to open up to another hall, one with even more prestige than this one.  Another door seems to lead to an empty chamber, so it seems.  The last doorway will take students and teachers alike to the grounds.  A few sets of staircases (hidden ones included) lead upstairs to the second level, where more whimsical rooms and such may be found.  On each side of these steps are two passageways which take students to various other rooms in the castle.

 

 

Ron is headed towards the marble staircase.. one hand reaching for the railing while the other holds a piece of parchment he looks down at quietly. He looks just about miserable as he takes the first few steps, reading with tight lips and a pale face that shows his freckles more clearly than ever.

 

Cho has just finished coming down the marble staircase, likely looking for one of her many friends who's supposed to be in the Great Hall right now, but she pauses as she sees Harry's friend looking like that. Her lips go into a thin line before she starts towards him, purposely not stopping in front of him, so she won't get rammed, "You all right?" Hopefully that's not more bad news. The school has had enough of that the last few days...

 

Ron blinks, glancing up from the note to Cho before he sighs and shakes his head with a rather blunt, "No." He watches you a moment and then wonders aloud, "Did you see Hermione the night of the Yule Ball? After she left? She's gone missing since then.." And he's hoping, now that he sees you, maybe you know something, anything.. even something that would seem inconsequential.

 

Cho raises her eyebrows at the name, but then slowly shakes her head, "No, I'm afraid I haven't..." But she's gone missing? Oh, that doesn't sound good, especially after the news of that Slytherin girl was in the Prophet. "Has no one seen her?" She tries to conjure up a mental image of the girl to go with the name. As the top student in her year and as one of Harry's friends, she's easily recognizable.

 

Ron shakes his head, leaning back against the railing as he folds the parchment, "No one.. Angelina says she was talking to her out here when she got hit with a Stupedefy Curse. She thinks Hermione was hit by one as well.. Angelina woke up in the girl's bathroom, but Hermione.. she's gone." And yes, believe him; he's been thinking the same things. And the idea of Hermione being found dead on her parent’s doorstep is not a pleasant one for the guy.

 

Cho takes in a slow breath. She can understand what Ron might be going through right now, only she didn't have the 'what if' hanging over her head. She just had the definite answer. "Have you informed Professor McGonagall?" Her look is one of concern and even sympathy, but at least this person she's trying to be sympathetic for is more likely to appreciate it, unlike a certain person who shall remain nameless.

 

Ron certainly is nothing like that git. He doesn't take your sympathy as condescending.. actually, he doesn't really 'take it' at all. Very little is registering right now. He just answers as you ask. "Yes.. I told McGonagall and Major. They're going to let Dumbledore know." But they're not sure where Snape is, a fact - upon others - that strangely worries the young Weasley. "Just wish there was something I could do.." Sitting around doing nothing while waiting to see whether Hermione's alive or dead is going to drive him nutters.

 

Lezard's boots make soft but hollow thumping sounds as he descends the stairs in search of some nourishment. He hasn't eaten in several days and evidently hasn't gotten around to washing his clothing yet either since he's resorted to wearing the formal uniform of his old academy. He looks more like a 7th year student now instead of a professor; then again he never really looked like a professor. He is humming cheerfully, a copy of the daily prophet tucked under his arm and blinks at the presence of the two students, "Hello Master Weasley, Miss Chang."

 

Cho clicks her tongue against the roof of her mouth for a moment, trying to think of something that might be able to help. That 'git' gave her a headache in her attempt to help him. "Maybe we could try to find some kind of spell that could locate her..." She pauses to think for a few more moments, but her train of thought is interrupted by the arrival of the Assistant Professor of Potions. She visibly stiffens before she responds, "Good evening, Professor."

 

Ron meets Lezard's gaze and nods solemnly to the assistant professor, "Hello, Professor.." He looks skeptically at the young, but older man.. wondering whether he should chance it. Something about him has always turned Ron off from really ever talking to him, but Angelina said.. and maybe he could clear up.. "Professor, may I speak with you?"

 

Lezard blinks and readjusts his glasses, "Of course. But do you mind if we take this discussion in the Great Hall? I am famished and frankly, I can't remember the last time I took a meal."

 

Cho glances at Ron, offering another sympathetic look while she remains a bit on edge around the Professor. "Do you want to talk to him alone?" She asks, toning her voice down a bit in volume, asking the question just in case Ron would rather take the questioning away from her. She doesn't look like she will be offended if he does, he's not exactly someone she's close friends with after all.

 

Ron actually hasn't eaten, yet, either.. he nods in agreement, stating, "That's fine, sir." He moves to follow him, but pauses by Cho first to ask quietly with a bit of hope, "Do you think we could do a spell like that?" He's talking as he's walking, but also says, "It doesn't matter, really.. I'm just going to tell him what I told you." You may not be close, but you are a year older and may know more spells than he does. Not having the brains of the operation in times of emergency because they -are- the emergency.. not comforting. Though, the things he wants to ask about Snape... well, they'll have to be asked carefully anyway. With or without Cho there. So he shrugs and let's the girl decide as he walks towards the Great Hall.

 

Lezard says, "In that case. Let us go." He smiles in a friendly unassuming fashion at Cho, "Joining us Miss Chang?"

 

Cho's brow furrows for a moment, trying to think. "I might be able to find one, but I'd need some help." She doesn't know it right now, but that's what books are for. Probably something the person they are looking for would agree to. She nods after a moment, following after him. She wants to hear what the Assistant Professor has to say.

 

 

Great Hall

 

The Great Hall certainly seems to be the heart of Hogwarts, as every day the four houses of Hogwarts and professors alike join together in this magnificent corridor.  Even the elitist wizard or witch would be bedazzled by the sheer brilliance of this hall.

 

The room seems to be lit by an endless number of candles floating atop the five tables set up here.  Four of the tables are evenly placed beside each other, measuring at least a hundred meters each.  These polished tables seem to possess an endless number of golden goblets and platters, which are empty at the moment, but rest assured; any decent magical institution would fill them with many eats as breakfast, lunch, and dinner each roll around.  The walls adjacent with the four tables are decorated with elaborately ornamented flags of the four houses: Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin.  Of course, seated at these four tables would be the students of these houses.

 

At the front of the room is another table, identical to the other tables in the room except for the fact that the professors at Hogwarts dine there.  Above that table is the crest of Hogwarts, proudly displayed in all its glory.  The occasional suit of armor is placed around the room, as well as a few framed pictures, but it's not like the room really needs to be decorated by things such as those.

 

Above the tabletops is a magnificent ceiling, if it's a ceiling at all.  It seems to be the starry sky itself; the ceiling stretches upward so high, it certainly is hard to tell if there's a rooftop covering the room or not.  Although someone who has been reading his or her books about Hogwarts would tell you it's bewitched to look like the sky outside.  Nevertheless, the room as a whole certainly is a breath-taking place.

 

 

Ron follows the Professor in.. and watches to see where he decides to sit. All three of the strange party belong to different tables, so he holds back, but asks as they walk, "Have you been teaching a lot recently, Professor?" He's seen more of Lezard in his own classes, the more he thinks about it.. but he wonders if that holds true for all of them.

 

Lezard says, "Indeed. With Snape's frequent comings and goings for Dumbledore, I have been asked to fill in until further notice." He shrugs, "It has been a unique experience I must say." He smirks, "Though Snape is not very pleased with me as all of his students passed the exams."

 

Cho can't help but smile a moment at the Professor, though he still earns some rather odd glances from her. At least that haunting mental replay hasn't started up yet, probably thanks a lot to her recent conversations with Harry. She remains silent, trying to think of something that might work. Wonder why they don't just put charmed homing objects on everyone's house badges for instances such as this...

 

Ron mmns.. listening to his footfalls in the mostly empty hall. "Snape must be pretty busy..", he says, absentmindedly. "Well, Professor, what I wanted to let you know..", he begins as they near the chosen table, "Is that Hermione Granger has gone missing. Bushy hair, top of 5th year.." Though he's sure you know who she is. The more he says it and the more detached he sounds, the better he's getting at numbing himself for now, though. "I'm trying to see if anyone has seen her or.. or knows anything." He glances at Cho, grateful to see her thinking. He's crap at spells and isn't sure if Harry would know what to do about it, either.

 

Lezard says, "Hrm..." He moves the Gryffndor Table and makes a motion with his hands, food appearing, enough for three people and takes his seat, "I'm sorry but I haven't see Miss Granger lately. She doesn't seem to be the sort who misses classes, or at least so I gathered from our last rather... uneventful meeting." And the last time he saw her, it was when he inadvertently insulted her in front of Ron and Harry.

 

Cho is a Ravenclaw; learning, thinking, intelligence are all traits they pride themselves on. She looks at the Gryffindor table as the food appears, and moves to sit down, though she doesn't take any. Hopefully no one will mind if there's a Ravenclaw at the table. She has a curious idea and puts it forward, looking at both the professor and the young Gryffindor "I was wondering, do you think it could be possible to try to have an owl locate her? Mail owls tend to have an affinity with finding people anywhere they are, especially if they know them."

 

Ron pauses for a moment before slowly taking a seat across from Lezard. "I see.." Yes, that was the first time he met you and it wasn't the best impression. "She's not. Apparently.. well, another student was speaking to her after the Yule Ball and believes they were both attacked with the Stupidefy curse. The other girl is unharmed, but Hermione's gone.." Okay, maybe it's not getting easier to say. He chokes a bit on that last one before coughing and taking a sip of water. Not yet touching his food. At Cho's remark he rummages in his robes and pulls out the parchment he was holding earlier, "I sent this out yesterday for her, just thinking she was in the castle and avoiding me.. Pig brought it back, though." The poor thing was actually calm as it lowered the letter to its master.. looking as hopeless and feeling as useless as Ron did himself. But Ron can't blame the poor owl, he tried. "I don't think it'll be that easy."

 

Lezard says, "A pity." He picks up a roll and tears it apart, "That is odd though. People do not just disappear off the face of this earth." He would lean back if he was on a chair with a back but he's sitting on a bench and thusly leans forward, propping his elbows on the table, "Very curious indeed." He chews thoughtfully, as he gets the look of one in ponderance.

 

Cho hrms lightly. It was a thought, but if his owl couldn't find her, then other owls likely can't either. She offers Ron another sympathetic smile, before she glances at the Professor oddly. Her mind obviously starts to wander back to the subject at hand. Maybe she should try to see Professor Flitwick. He might know of charm that could work... When she does speak again, she asks, "Does Harry know about this yet?"

 

Ron looks at the parchment and is almost glad Pig couldn't find her. It's a rather cold note, just asking about here 'whereabouts'.. not at all what he'd wish to send her right now. He then stuffs it away once more before nodding to Cho, "Yeah, it was his idea that we send her an owl yesterday. And then Angelina told us both about what she knew. Harry's looking for Dumbledore right now, I believe." Though.. the way McGonagall hesitated.. Ron wonders if Dumbledore's even here.

 

A low snarl erupts from across the room--from underneath the Slytherin table to be precise. A shaggy looking creature half emerges, glancing from student to teacher to student, its teeth bared in obvious aggression, the fur all along the back of its neck raised. What the heck is it doing in Hogwarts?! And in Great Hall of all places. Blue eyes peer out from under the wolf's dark brows, but they aren't in the least bit friendly looking.

 

Lezard takes a sip from the cup in front of him and makes a face before making another gesture and takes another sip, "Ah. Better." He blinks at the snarl and his eyes scan the room, "A wolf eh? How odd." He shrugs and ignores the unfriendly looking thing. He's encountered bigger, uglier and far far nastier things than a shaggy unfriendly wolf, "And there are charms preventing teleportation spells. A pity." He sighs as he dips another piece of bread into the newly filled glass of wine, "Then I suppose we can come two one of two conclusions about Miss Ganger. Either she is dead or if she is alive, she is being protected by a very powerful and clever shield." He chews thoughtfully, "And with these appearances of Dementors... very very curious. I shall bring this up at the staff meeting."

 

Cho smiles faintly that Harry had come up with the same idea that she had, but then is distracted by the sound coming from the direction of the Slytherin table. She quickly looks over, eyes widening a bit at the sight of the creature. How did a wolf get inside?! She could understand if she'd run into the creature out in the Forbidden Forest, but... right here? As the Professor manages to keep his mind on the subject at hand when faced down by a wolf, she gives him a surprised glance, before looking at Ron. Yes. At Ron. He's the /real/ Gryffindor at this table. Bravery, courage, chivlary, all that buzz. She does slowly start to reach for her wand though, just in case. She doesn't like confrontations, but she likes not being mauled more.

 

All that buzz indeed! Because Ron's jaw drops further than either of yours as he moves to stand from his seat, stumbling on his robes and backing up, "Wh..what the.." Why in the hell is a wolf inside here?? Good lord the security in this place is dropping. He gives Lezard a stare of utter disbelief. The man is a rock.. and a weird one at that. He should HOPE Hermione Granger's disappearance would be far more important than to just bring up at a staff meeting. Maybe Lezard is new and doesn't get it, but as far as Ron is concerned, Hermione is one of the most important people in this school and it astounds him that anyone could treat it all so lightly. And please don't bring up death x.x But honestly, his mind is on the wolf, as he whips out his wand and eyes the creature with uncertainty.

 

The wolf steps sideways, and then fully emerges from underneath the table, still snarling. She's a lean and strong looking creature. Her eyes are now fixed on Ron, the student having moved more than the other two, and slowly the wolf begins to stalk towards him, pausing now and then to dodge to the side, as if she's expecting something to happen.

 

Lezard sighs, "Really. Master Weasley, don't move and neither do you Miss Chang." He eyes the wolf with a practiced eye of one who has often dealt with vicious creatures, "Do try to remain calm." He reaches over to his plate and takes a slice of the still slightly bloody roast beef and throws it towards the wolf, "Chew on that for a while if your hungry." He is speaking directly to the animal, "While these two are under my care." He indicates Ron and Cho, "I'm afraid I cannot let you hurt them." He is still seated and as calm as ever.

 

Cho wraps her fingers around her small wand, but doesn't pull it out all the way. She may not be an expert on wolves, but she knows most animals tend to dislike sudden movements when they're upset, and this wolf certainly doesn't look chipper. She glances over at the Professor as he tells them to stay still. She's not one to generally argue with teachers, but she certainly doesn't move her hand away from her wand. Like said before, she doesn't want to be mauled. She's spent her night in the hospital wing already.

 

Ron is always a bit brash, so he's still as a statue a bit too late. His eye twitching slightly as the wolf approaches, narrowing to steady it and watch the animal closely. He lets his jaw set as he simply breathes, waiting for the wolf's next move. But he does manage to assure himself not to instigate the already miffed creature.

 

Angelina moves forward a few feet and sniffs the offered meat, but shows no interest in it other than that. Her eyes move up to regard the professor. The wolf's snarls momentarily cease, but her gaze is drawn again to Ron...and she moves forward a few more steps. The ears flatten against her head and her lips part for yet another teeth baring snarl...but she's not coming any closer, for the moment.

 

Lezard sighs and stands "Come here." His voice takes on a completely different quality, it is soft but there is steel and magic laced in his words. A spell known on his world, he used it often against disobeying 'pets' to make them comply to his orders. It is a command spell.

 

Cho glances towards the Professor, trying her best not to move her head as she does. Whatever it is, the wolf seems to be paying the most attention to Ron, which while she is rather glad it's not her, she doesn't want anything bad to happen to another of Harry's best friends. The Gryffindor Seeker probably has enough on his mind as it is without having his non-missing friend ending up mauled by a wolf.

 

Ron's eyes widen as he holds back a sound that would seem too much like a whimper. His pride and his need to be quiet and still stifle it. But he can't help thinking, 'Why me? ._.' as the wolf nears. His eyes dark towards Lezard as he speaks, hoping that whatever he just did will work.. Ron's not sure what'll pop out of his wand to save himself, and he doesn't want to chance it being bubbles instead of a halting spell.

 

But there is more at work with this wolf than just animal instinct. For a moment, it looks as though she will indeed obey Lezard...she takes a few steps in his direction, eyes slightly glazed. But then the moment is broken, and she lets out a deep, threatening growl. However, it seems clear that to try anything with three wizards in attendance would be extremely stupid, and instead of lunging at Ron, she lunges toward the open door.

 

Lezard blinks and frowns. His spell failed and he wants to know why, "Oh no you don't!" He holds out his hand towards the open doorway, "Frigid Maiden!" Three women the color of ice blue appear bearing swords of ice and form a barrier of ice in front of the open door, "I'm not letting you go that easily!" If Angelina tried though, it IS possible though albeit a difficult to jump over the barrier.

 

Cho watches the wolf start to leave, but can't really let out that relieved of a sigh. First Dementors in the Forest cause Quidditch to be cancelled til further notice, now wolves in the school. But she's about to suggest that they should probably warn people, when... Frigid Maiden. ... When Professor Valeth said he knew a different kind of magic, well, that certainly is different.

 

Angelina yelps and skids to a halt just before she reaches the barrier. It's obvious the wolf hadn't expected *that*. With a growl, she turns around, looking this way and that for some form of escape. She just wants to get away now. Steely blue eyes are turned on the professor as she bares her teeth threateningly once more.

 

Lezard stares back, unflinching and his right hand glowing with a dark blackish purple flame, "You're not what you appear to be wolf." He barks a command to Cho and Ron, "Stay behind me!" never once taking his eyes off Angelina, "As for you..." He flexes his fingers in his right hand, "There is no where to run or hide and you cannot hurt me."

 

Cho does as she is told, immediately, moving behind him, but pulling out her wand finally, just in case the Professor has a problem handling the wolf. Though after seeing his... rather impressive display, she is starting to wonder if she should have any doubt at all.

 

The wolf snarls, starting to circle around Lezard, looking for an opening. She isn't so blind as to think she can take him on...but perhaps if she can catch him off guard, the magic blocking the door will fade. Her tail is down, almost between her legs, betraying her underlying agitation.

 

Lezard keeps his eye on the wolf and he is smirking, "You want out eh? I can see it in your eyes. The barrier will melt eventually." He follows the wolf in the circular motion, "But why don't you do us all a favor and just settles down hrm? There is more to you than that wolfish apperance. I could command you to reveal yourself but I would rather have you do it yourself by your own power. The sooner you do this the sooner I will let you go."

 

Cho glances at the professor, raising eyebrows. More to the wolf than meets the eyes, eh? She doesn't say anything though, but slowly starts to release the deathly grip on her wand. Not letting it go completely, but her knuckles are no longer a bloodless white.

 

What is not apparent is that Angelina has no idea *how* to reverse this transformation. In truth, she's hardly even aware of what's happening, her animal instincts and that other guiding force in control. But she certainly doesn't want to be revealed here, and *not* in front of a teacher, especially this teacher. She pads slightly to the side some more, and then attempts to slink under the Gryffindor table, no longer snarling.

 

Lezard makes a tsking sound, "I see. That is how you are going to play it I see? Very well. I won't force it upon you... know." His glasses gleam in the candle light as he smiles, "But you have sparked my interest little pup. Unfortunately more pressing issues concern me at the moment. When I have more spare time I will hunt for you again... do try to stay alive." He laughs as he pushes up his glasses and turns his glowing hand towards the ice barrier, not keeping his eye off Angelina, "Fire Lance!" Lancelets of fire stream from the palm of his hand, effectively evaporating the ice barrier without a single scorch mark.

 

Cho starts to move away from the table, after having seen the wolf move under it. Harmless or not, she's hoping that the wolf doesn't jump out and hurt anyone. "Professor, is it really save to let it alone?" She will accept the teachers judgement at this time, but the thing was growling at all of them a minute ago, so she's a got to ask.

 

Ron watches behind Lezard, where obediently went to when told. This magic.. is unlike any he's seen before. And he's seen his fair share. Hard not to around here and around Harry. But.. there being more to this wolf? Is Lezard accusing it of being an animagi? Well.. well, then it should be reported! Or held! Something.. he stares as the barrier is let down and watches the wolf cautiously, not thinking that the best idea.. but not willing to say so to this Professor.

 

Angelina needs no further encouragement. She darts from beneath the table and through the door before the professor can change his mind. Beyond it, however, she pauses momentarily to glare back icily, and snarl her own opinion of Lezard's threat.

 

Lezard laughs and calls out in response, "And do try not to scare the other students. I have my ways of finding and dealing with unpleasant creatures and there are far more frightening things in the world than you little one"

 

Cho sighs at the very strange professor. If anyone gets mauled, she knows who to blame, and as she helps out in the Hospital wing, she will likely hear about it. She puts her wand away, shaking her head slightly. She probably shouldn't have gotten closely affiliated with a certain set of Gryffindors. Trouble seems to end up finding them no matter what, doesn't it?

 

Ron lowers his wand hesitantly but surely, shaking his head at the Professor before pocketing it. "I can't believe this day.." He says more to himself. Well, Cho.. you sort of got initiated last year and now you're stuck, most likely. Especially now. "Cho.. I hate to take up your time, but if you can.. see what you can find about a locating spell, alright? I'd be in your debt." Seriously. Otherwise, that wolf still troubles him.. "But right now I think I should owl Hagrid about that wolf. Maybe he knows something about it.." He's still hoping for a whole wolf and not some crazed animagi. Eitherway, he wants to get out of here and into the comfort of his Common Room.

 

The wolf is hardly away when Orin makes his presence known, hissing and spitting like any cat that is highly distressed, with his fur all sticking out. He heads immediately to his favorite person of the moment...Ron of course ^_^ After a momentary rub against the boy's leg, the cat seems to calm down, looking as if he might just try to climb to Ron's shoulder.

 

Lezard closes his right hand into a fist, thus causing the magical fire to extinguish and blinks at the cat, "Ah... Another one." He shakes his head and takes his seat back at the Gryffindor table, "What a curious night this has been..." He looks slightly paler than usual as he raises his goblet to take a sip of the strong wine it contains and mutters under his breath, "My physical self is starting to get rather bothersome."

 

Cho nods to Ron, "I'm thinking of looking into plotting spells. They're generally used to locate places, but it could probably be modified to find a specific person. Of course, if she's someplace that's Unplottable..." She trails off. "I'll look for any I can find. I.. just hope I don't run into that wolf in the Library." She glances towards the doors, shaking her head lightly. If she needs to get into the Restricted section... maybe she can get a pass from Professor Flitwick... She blinks a bit as she sees the cat that scratched Draco, but says nothing. At least it's friendly to Ron.

 

Ron was hoping to get -away- from the animals he doesn't like, not meet them head on x.x;; He groans as that all too familiar rub is felt. "Oh no.. please don't.. don't climb.. stay, stay!" Ron tries to order the cat, even going so far as to bend down and offer a hand to keep the cat on the ground. And.. least favorite animal or not.. Ron has to admit the feline is upset.. "Man.. what's got into you.." He glances up to nod at Cho, "That would be great. I'll tell Harry what you're doing, maybe he can help." If not help looking for the spell, help watch out for you while you do.

 

Orin is just barely contained. It's obvious the cat wants to climb *badly*. He continues to fluff his fur and mrowr pitifully, rubbing harder against the leg and managing a rusty purr. Odd how some animals are drawn to the people that most dislike them. He wuvs you Ron @_@

 

Lezard just listens quietly to the two students talk. He has plans of his own to consider, especially now with all these new incidents. Chances are he won't be allowed to quit at this point in the great game, a pity. At least the dementors are still out there, He eyes Orin, "Familiar that one is... Oh Miss Cho, do you think the dementors are still here on campus?"

 

Cho watches the cat oddly, as if expecting it to suddenly try to scratch poor Ron. Draco had actually been nice to the animal before it split his lower lip with it's claws. Now she actually likes cats a lot, but the critter certainly isn't coming near her. She smiles though as Ron says he'll tell Harry, nodding. An extra set of eyes is always good when researching. When the Professor asks about the dementors she pales lightly, "No way to really know. But I hope they didn't decide to stay close by..." Unpleasant creatures. Much more unpleasant than a wolf.

 

Ron frowns at the cat before actually petting his head sympathetically and then stands, stretching his legs a bit. "Well, good night Cho, Professor.. be careful." Honest words considering the past events. He glances at Orin, but moves away - though he knows it'll do no good. He assumes that cat'll follow him right up to the Common Room as usual -.-;;

 

Lezard says, "Odd... very." He takes another sip of wine, "Wine Miss Chang? You look like you need some."

 

Cho glances over at the Professor, watching Ron and the cat depart. When her eyes fall on him, she shakes her head, "No, thank you, Professor. Though, if you can give me a pass into the Restricted Section of the Library, I certainly wouldn't say no to that." She offers a friendly (if tight) smile at him.

 

Lezard says, "A pass to the restricted section? What for Miss Chang?" He looks curious, "The restricted section is reserved for advanced students in the defense of the dark arts and professors.."

 

Cho looks at the Professor for a long moment, then says, "I was thinking maybe there might be a way to bypass certain magical shields or shielding charms. I want to help Ron and Harry, with Hermione. If she's missing and if it has something to do with..." She doesn't say it, but he can probably guess. "You heard about the Slytherin student, right? Well... She was last seen at the Yule Ball too... I.. I just want to try to help. If she's still.. The Restricted section might point out some clues."

 

Lezard says, "Understandable. Very well." He pulls out a piece of parchment and signs it, "What sort of spells were you thinking?"

 

Cho nods, grasping her hands together behind her back. "I was thinking of a plotter spell, which uses maps mainly. That could be used to pinpoint the approximate position at least. But if she's in an Unplottable or protected area, there would need to be some way to get around it."

 

Lezard says, "Interesting notion... Do you perhaps have an object that belonged to her."

 

Cho shakes her head, "Not me, but I'm sure Ron and Harry or one of the Gryffindors can get one. She's all that's missing after all, I don't think her things were taken."

 

Lezard says, "Then I may be able to do something. I'll have to check my books." He sighs and takes another sip of wine, "This is a rather pressing issue though. A missing student and a dead one... hrm.."

 

Cho's eyes tighten a moment, followed by a nod. "Yes, it is rather pressing." She unfolds her hands and holds one out to take the pass now. "I couldn't help with Aranea, but maybe..." She shakes her head. It is quite odd, and disturbing, that two of the three people she danced with at the Yule Ball had someone close to them go missing, one of them found dead.

 

Lezard hands over the pass, "But maybe there is a chance that Miss Granger can be saved? I hope for the school's sake that she is. I will do what I can to help her."

 

Cho nods with a very thin smile, putting the pass into her robes. "I certainly hope so..." Harry has been thru enough pain the last few years; he doesn't need this added on. But she does not say that part out loud. "If you'll excuse me, I want to see if I can check a few books out before it gets too late. It was good to see you again... Professor." Though she had been avoiding him after their original meeting...

 

Lezard says, "Of course of course. I am always here for advice." ^^

 

Cho nods, "Good evening." She starts towards the exit now, looking for wolves as she goes. And they said the school was safe. Hah.