She knew that face. It wasn’t the kind you forget easily, especially when said face had been responsible for unceremoniously dragging you into a fountain of filthy water and ruining one of your favorite outfits. Slightly mortified, Nana didn’t allow her embarrassment to show on her delicate features, rather, she kept her countenance as calm as ever. “Yes, well… it’s not difficult when one looks about one’s surroundings.” She lightly replied, fiddling with her jacket cuff as she spoke, dark eyes glinting.

Nana understood very well, yes, thank you.



“yes, of course, I know you, Professor Tanner.” Nana casually replied, refusing to suffer another embarrassment so quickly after this little encounter with Water Boy. How on earth had she forgotten the young woman? This was just unlike her. “Pleasure to see you again.”

“Oh, no, no. I love sweets.” She paused, lips pursed as her mind quickly whirled through Japanese and English in an attempt to make sense of this particular use of the word pudding. English slang was still not her forte. “Is pudding…. Pudding means something else, yes?” She asked, laughing softly at her own silly sounding question.

“I am, I was there for a few years.” She nodded, good school, smaller and quiet, but good.



……. Well, she supposed it could have been worst. “It’s alright, Professor Myers… Just call me Nana.” She would have preferred to be called by her surname, but perhaps this was for the best.

She bowed her head to the well, dressed Charms Professor. “Good evening.” Nana echoed, smiling politely.



They all speak to each other with such familiarity, and such warmth. It was not what Nana had been expecting at all from a school like Hogwarts with it’s reputation. Glancing towards the Groundskeeper as he spoke, Nana offered him a soft, polite, but not unkind smile. “Hello, I’m Nana Ichihara.” She would have explained her station as well, as he had, but it was announced by her assigned seat. “I’m… Well, thank you.. “ she paused to take a sip of water, eyes glancing down the staff table and watching the interactions carefully. “I… admit, I’m a little overwhelmed.” The words slipped out before she could properly stop them.

“How about yourself, sir?” She asked.

The red suited man.

Had-

Was that-

Live long and Prosper?

And the Vulcan salute. Nana’s mouth was wide and she was just about to say something, to question the well dressed man, when the sudden appearance of a man she had never expected to see stopped the words in her throat.



James Draper, what on earth was he doing here? She stared at him with disbelief, her features turning slightly pink as embarrassment and surprise rushed through her at a speed much too quick. Her lips were parted with surprise and her dark eyes were wide, but only for a moment, for a second later she had gathered herself back together. She was a professional after all. His tone did not go unnoticed, but Nana kept her features calm, not allowing her indignation to show. “Likewise, James.” She calmly replied, no warm smile for him, no hello or good evening ether, not when he was wearing that smug grin and looking for all intent and purposes like the cat who’d eaten the canary, Fear struck her suddenly. Would he… No, he wouldn’t dare mention… Certainly he had enough propriety in him not to discuss…

Flushed, Nana took up her goblet and drank. This. Was. Not. Happening.

She absolutely, positively, rejected this.



In the midst f her small freak out, Nana’s attention was drawn to the man sitting beside her. Another man? There was certainly an awful lot of testosterone on this dias. “Good evening,” Perhaps she ought to give up on being called by her surname like a professional. It seemed everyone was very set on calling her by her first name, and though it irked her more fastidious and formal qualities, Nana was not about to correct her new colleagues and coworkers. “It’s a pleasure to see you again, Professor Kitridge. I’ll be stopping by the library soon.” She nodded, thankful for the conversation and the distraction. “Yes, I did, thank you. How about yourself?”

Oh My.

The….

Was that a Hag? She was no creature’s expert, but the woman’s appearance bore a striking resemblance. Nana watched with wide eyes as the cackling thing approached the table and began to casually, joyously paint hateful futures for half the staff table before accosting the headmistress.

Was this normal?

At the headmistresses smile, Art grinned back. Nice and big. "Th-thankyou. I uhh... I hope you are well?" Hmm? If not, then he would happily see her to the Healer. No use being sick at the feast.

The person his mind had called a fellow golden oldie had leapt out of his chair. Art had spotted the suddenness in his periperhal vision, and his head swung in that direction. Art smiled as the man approached. He squinted through his glasses, in thought, his hand tapping at his chin. "Arthur Newman... Newman... New-man... no, I don't remember him." That was a shame. Who was Arthur Newman anyway? "Er... hi, though... I'm-I'm Art. Newton. Well, Arthur, but you can... ohhhhhhhh," he said. "Me? It's Newton, not Newman. Only two letters wrong though," he chuckled, quite impressed at this man's memory. But it was all coming back. Yes. The smile. He held his hand out to shake the man's hand. He could not recall, for the life of him, what this man's name was. No matter how much he tapped his chin, squinted, and looked at the man. The name, blank. The face? Yes, he remembered it. "I was, yes," he said with another chuckle. "Ohh right, right, cleverst kid! That-that's quite, uh... quite an accomplishmnt. I was probably... probably bravest and clumbsiness. Not... not uh... not the best cobination." No. Too many broken bones to think about. White haired fellows, eh? Art started laughing at that, reaching a hand up and touching his own head of white hair. "Ah yes, we certainly do. What-What do you teach?" He was feeling a bit out of the loop, not quite knowing who these people were. He hadn't quite spotted the seat the man had come from, so he couldn't narrow it down. Well, perhaps the first half of the alphabet of classes, actually. But that was still half of the classes he could have taught.

He was gazing around the table, catching a few eyes (Roderik). Art waved, and, deciding it might be a good idea to get to know his colleagues, he approached the man. "Hello," he said with a head bobbing nod. After a few seconds he raised his hand to shake the man's hand. "Art. Newton. Arthur Newton. Uh... I'm new here. Well, alumni. Bit before your time," he said with a chuckle to himself.

Art remembered that he had said it was good to see Ansley again, so he knew he didn't need to say it again. No. "Er, it found me here," he nodded, thankful. He wasn't sure what help he would have been if it had conked out half way there. "I managed to-to be seated in a compartment of-of-of very young students," he frowned with a nod. "They thought I was old." He thought about that for a while. Art wasn't old, but he did wear his salt coloured hair with pride. "Oh! How was your ride?" he asked, realising that it was the right thing to say in reply.

Right, back to his neighbour (Nana). "Who... are you? I believe," he thought a moment, "Transfiguration is what you teach?" The moving in his pocket had stopped, which meant Madame Curie was now asleep. Good, the poor thing had had an exciting day, what with being on a train, and meeting new people. She would probably sleep right through until morning.

He waved at the other Professors around him, or... faculty. He was sure somewhere in this bunch were three members who didn't teach. He didn't know who they were though. Well, he didn't really know who anyone was. And there was a... what on earth was she? Not only did her cackle wake up poor Madame Curie, who started moving around in his pocket, but she had frightened Art as well. "Great Scott..." he muttered. And then the old hag, if he were to call her that, pulled out a bottle and promptly started spraying it. One inhale caught in his throat and he started coughing, but trying to catch his breath was no easy task. Every inhale brought about another fit of coughing. "EXCUSE ME?" he said to the old had. "I have... s-sensitive lungs. As do-do-do... well maybe... maybe the other students too." He didn't know. Childhood asthma, if that was a thing amongst magical students, was a serious issue. He took out a litle vial from his pocket and drank it. Right down the hatch. But not only was he sensitive, his little rat-baby was too. He pulled Madame Curie out of his pocket, and tipped the last drop onto his finger, letting her lick it off. "It's okay, I won't let her near you." Squeak squeak. "I promise."

Oh good. Tiara thought she may have run into her before. "And a pleasure to be seen by you!" Sometimes her memory, though.. No matter.

Tiara's faith in the woman was restored - she liked sweets! But clearly something else was on the woman's mind? Oh, that. "Oh yes, pudding just means dessert! Perhaps not the case where you have lived, though?" she asked, partly out of curiosity and partly to give the woman an out.

Ah, so it had been America after all. "We have gotten several excellent staff members from Salem over the years. I'm sure you won't be the exception to that, Nana." She looked like a capable woman, if a bit ignorant of British terminology.

She was about to ask another question, but.. then a disturbance behind her caught her attention. Something was going on at the Gryffindor table. Shock.

James saw that. The look of disbelief. The pink tint that turned in Nana's cheeks. Merlin. This was worse than he thought. There were expectations now, he was well aware of what woman wanted. And James would have NONE of it. He would not be held to any standards. It was one night and nothing more. But he had to be calm. He was very hot and bothered though, for the record. Which was very difficult to hide as when she responded in that calm, collected way of hers it annoyed him even more. Deciding that his look said enough he continued to saunter down the dais.

No.

On another note, the reaction he got out of the Headmistress was very satisfying and exactly what James had been expecting, of course. Nothing ever took him by surprise. Well, except for that Nana Ichihara over there, but that’s another story all together. And as James was headed for his seat, there wouldn’t be anymore time to explain. Giving the Headmistress another small nod, he continued on his way.

And for the record, he hadn’t ignored Tattoo (Roderik) over there. He was merely trying to get the heck away from the Banjoed Hippy. Didn’t need the bloke to think they had potential to be friends, y’know? Might as well set the record straight right now. After all if this was the man’s first impression, James did NOT want to be around for the rest. But once he found his seat he did return Tattoo’s smile and nod with a nod of his own. So far, Tattoo was the one he liked the most.

Finally sat at the seat he had chosen himself, James assessed the Great Hall once more. It was full now and children were being sorted. Excellent. This meant the food would come soon, yeah? Honestly he forgot how it worked around here. But context clues. Those were important. Clearly everyone was waiting for something to happen, and then food. But for now all he had on his plate was this ridiculous lint roller. And ah, a visitor.

James hardly had any time to decide whether Mr. Pink-Tie (Leo) over here was worth his attention, but the man was fortunate because James gave it to him anyway. Hm? And fortunately for James, this man didn’t seem like a nut. That was reassuring. James was starting to have second thoughts after seeing that Banjo-Baboon over there. But this Kitridge bloke was alright, for now. ”James Draper,” he said, getting out of his chair and extending his arm forward to shake the librarian’s hand. ”I’ll keep that in mind.” Which meant ‘no thanks’. The only books James would be interested to read were the ones he had bought himself and those were all stacked up in his office. So a library trip wouldn’t be necessary. But the sentiment was amicable, so he smiled.

Straightening the leg of his pants, James leaned back to sit on his chair once more. But oh? Pink-Tie had more? Er. Kitridge. He’d have to make sure to remember names here because something told him that these nicknames wouldn’t be well-received by the general public. ”Of course, feel free to stop by anytime,” though he really didn’t have a choice here, did he? Couldn’t just say no. These sorts of questions were silly. It’d hardly be acceptable to turn the man down. So he was cornered. ”We’ll see what I can do.” Meaning, he’d be able to figure out the problem within the first five minutes. Creatures. His department. Leaning back in his chair, the New Professor gave the man a small nod. You’re welcome.

Lifting his wrist ever-so-slightly, James checked the time. He was bored. But ah, the new arrival to the table proved to be very entertaining. And just when he thought that Poncho-Man had won the grand prize craziest dresser, he was proven wrong. Which by the way, did NOT happen very often. Luckily the perfume was sprayed in the opposite direction, but unluckily it was sprayed all over the Emaciated Santa Claus (Airey) who happened to be sat one seat down. James EYED the Crazed Sea Monster of a Woman (Ursula). WHO WAS SHE? And had she no respect?? He coughed a little as he continued staring down the Sea Monster. She also made the list. Hopefully she’d be sat by Poncho Man over there. The two could keep note of the latest dumpster fashions, or wherever she managed to pick up that stank.

Turning to his left, he gave Shiny Head (Julien) a disapproving look and a nod in crazy lady direction. ”She can’t be a Professor. Doesn’t Hogwarts have standards?” Cleaning staff. Probably head of the house elf committee or something, he was sure.

Healer Murdoch sat there like she did at an other feast, not drinking the water and not joining in on the conversations around her. Honestly, why were all her colleagues acting like they had never met? Did they so quickly forget about the staff meeting they had before term started? And what was with everyone talking to others at the opposite end of the table? Seriously people, give it a break already. Talk to the ones sitting close to you. And what the hell was with that outfit Professor Myers was wearing? Did he grab the first thing he found in his hamper or what? And WHY did he have that ridiculous banjo with him? He better not start playing that thing. Cece did NOT want to have her hearing assaulted with that nonsense. And to think, he was made the new Head of House for those puffy ones.

Looking to her right she did make an exception to talk to one person. "Justin, are you ready for our after feast festivities?" She wasn't sure if she was ready, but this was something she had put a lot of thought into and it was time.

Hearing a certain name called out, Cece immediately turned her attention to the sorting hat ceremony. There was only one house she wanted this child in and that house was...

SLYTHERIN!

Yes! Ariadne was placed in Slytherin. Cece was so happy she about jumped out of her seat to run down there and hug the girl. Of course she didn't do that just yet. She would wait until after the speech then she would make her way down to the Slytherin table. Plus she didn't want to scare the girl. It had been a few years since they had seen each other.

The smile that had appeared on her face after learning who the newest student in Slytherin was disappeared just as quickly as it appeared. "WHAT is that SMELL?!" She blurted out as she looked right at Professor Myers. The man really needed to take a shower and change his clothes. Just because he was the herbology professor didn't mean he needed to smell like dragon dung, and at the dinner table of all places. Just another reason Cece wouldn't be eating anything here.

It was rather safe to say Cece was totally oblivious to the hag at the other end of the table.

Dressed himself? In...the dark? Offering Paul a series of quizzical looks ranging from simple disbelief to complete horror, the astronomer pursed his lips and slowly nodded his head up and down. Not in approval...just to acknowledge that he had, in fact, heard what the man had had to say. "I...concur...on wrinkles," he said slowly, giving Pebbles a side glance while mouthing 'sweet solstice to her. But what came next was a MUCH welcomed distraction. "Stellar!" he nodded, raising his hand to return the gesture again. And, just for good measure, he would repeat the greeting. "Dif tor heh smusma."

Which reminded him of Mr. Adair. Had the boy ever mastered the expression? The Head of House couldn't help but hope that somewhere the former Head Boy was still practicing.

Oh. Sweet. Solstice. Tears. At least they were not the bitter tears of teenage angst, but they were still tears. So...he was just going to properly excuse himself. Ahem. "Yes, well...enjoy," he said, taking his leave and scrambling down to the safe side of the table.

Uneventful, good. Airey nodded his head in mild approval at Ansley's words (that had been on the name on the memo, right? RIGHT?!). "A hag? On the train?!" He couldn't say that that was impossible because, well, Hogwarts. But since he had said uneventful...perhaps not? No one had been eaten, right?

Or...no. Too soon to tell. But with Miss Summers disappearing like that....

Squirming in his seat - because women with a TONE were terrifying, even without flaming red hair - his blue eyes flickered towards the unoccupied Ancient Runes seat and then back to Tiara. "It was..." he began, ears noticeably turning a vibrant shade of red. "...stellar." Sweet solstice, was it hot in here? Clearing his throat and adjusting his tie just a smidgen, not that it NEEDED to be adjusted but he really needed something to occupy his hands right now, his vision refocused and he offered further explanation. "I had some business with Mr. Prince over the summer at the Royal Observatory. Bit disciplinary issue from the field trip I took my class on last term. So between that and coordinating the summer Space Camp at the National Space Centre, it was quite busy."

Just the way he preferred things. Being idle gave the man anxiety.

AND THEN THERE WAS CONTACT ON HIS SHOULDER!?

Snapping his head around, Airey gave Justin a proper stink eye. Don't. Touch. The. Suit. Dude. "Quite," he replied through a tight lip smile.

Watching as the Groundskeeper moved far away from his freshly pressed suit, he turned his attention back to Tiara and this, er, seat discussion. "Well, you see, there is aaah...that perfectly fine seat there next to you. Rather inviting really..."

And another interruption in the form of...oh the new Care of Magical Creatures professor. Instinctively scooting to the edge of his seat on the side of Tiara, Airey gave the fellow a few attentive looks up and down. He was even tempted to cast Oculus Focalis on his eyes to make absolutely sure that the man did not have any follicles of doom on his clothing at present. Looked...safe...for now. "House warming gift," he grinned nervously, although his eyes were rather reminiscent of an eager cruppy looking at its master. That sort of annoyingly eager excitement looking for approval and acceptance. "It's a lint roller. Helps keep fur and other unwanted animal dandruff off your clothes," he explained. Did he like it? Jedi mind trick time? You will like this lint roller. This is the lint roller you are looking for...

And any connection or familiarity between the two of them? Completely oblivious. Ho ho .... ho.

Leobald received a small salute and smile as he made his way past. Your goblet was safe for tonight. No promises about tomorrow. "Evening, Leobald," he greeted. "Quite pleasant. Yes. Oh and busy. Yes" And the color was back in his ears.

And it was nice to see that the man had not met his untimely demise at the claws of those ferocious beasts of Cassiopeia's. Vicious things. Vicious.

He offered another Vulcan salute to the new Potions Master as he approached the dais, catching sight of the new Transfiguration professor gaping at him. What? What had he done now?

Roderik Hirsch. Right. Professor Not Sabel, got it. Airey offered the man a curt nod and quick salute. The Charms professor's line of sight took him out to the Sorting taking place. Chest puffing out with pride for those now joining the...PRIDE...Airey offered a loud round of applause to those newly sorted to Gryffindor. He would make his way down to the table in due time, but for now it would be up to Sir Nicholas and his prefects to make sure that everything was taken care of.

Looking back to Tiara again - because seat switcheroo? - his nose reacted before anything else could. The stench...which made the detention he had given Mr. Gunter after he had thrown up on the professor's shoes...was beyond awful and was making his eyes water. But that wasn't the worst of it. Oh no.

..............

..............

..............

Eyes widening and jaw clenching, Airey felt as though he were about to faint and spontaneously combust at the same time. His suit. His FRESHLY PRESSED suit. His suit that now matched the color of his face. No, wait, his face was a much more vibrant color now.

Much.

Feeling his teeth grinding against one another - a wonder something had not chipped or broken right off, really - the man opened his mouth to speak but absolutely NO sound came out. None. The vein in his forehead began to BULGE when Meri-berry GREETED the woman-thing-hag and WELCOMED her.

Divination? So they hadn't rid the school of that subject of pseudo scientific hokum? But had, in fact, hired this person WHO HAD JUST RUINED HIS SUIT AND WAS SPOUTING COMPLETE AND UTTER RUBBISH?! MERI-BERRY HAD BETRAYED HIM!

Vein bursting - not really because ew gross - Airey jumped to his feet, knocking his knees against the under side of the table and clenched his hands into tight fists in front of his face and had even allowed Pebbles to roll off his lap and on to the floor with a dull thud.

And Tiara? NOT APPRECIATED. WELL AWARE, THANK YOU VERY MUCH. OR NO THANK YOU.

"SUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUIT!" he roared in anguish, baring his teeth and gripping his hands so tightly that his knuckles were turning white. "SUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUIT!"

And then, because he had completely forgotten that his lungs required oxygen to function properly the past minute or so, the Astronomy professor became increasingly lightheaded and keeled over backwards as his vision went all white first, then the putrid color of the contamination on his suit and then fade to black.

Lights out, Flamsteed.

Still pointing her sharp finger at the headmistress person Ursula cackled out crazily to her almost sympathetic. "You youngling nowadays have too sensitive stomachs to be able to appreciate a high-quality perfume like mine." Leaning forward a bit Ursula let more of her glorious perfume splash up into the womans face for good measure as she wheezed on. "The moons children are coming dearie for you and the inhabitants of this school. They have already set their sights on a red headed girl in green robes with a badge. She is already in mortal danger. She will be first to succumb to the illness, you mark my words by year's end you'll have to use this fine food room as an infirmary.."

Not bothering to answer the woman's last question with an answer but a nod, Ursula trotted off around the length of the table to take up the directed seat next to the headwoman and beside the pretty young man.

The happy Urusula felt when she eased into the seat the head woman had directed her to, distorted her facial features as she reached over to pat the man next to her on his arm with a bony hand to get his attention as she cackled to him. "When will food be served? Can you be a sweet dearie and order me a soup of onions and liver?"

Pointing to the card still on his plate she cackled excitedly, perfectly horrid sound. "You're a believer! I knew you had the vision!"

As if the smell coming off of Professor Myers wasn't bad enough, now Cece had to listen to the astronut yelling about his suit. Yes Airey, we all get it. You're wearing a suit. Tell us something we don't already know.

Refusing to look over at Professor Astronut, Cece decided to turn her attention to Leo. "Can you believe Flamsteed down there making a fool of himself. Yelling suit like we don't already know he's wearing one." And then something blinded her. "WHAT is with that pink tie Leobald?" Did he know how hideous that thing looked on him? Obviously not or he wouldn't be wearing it.

Someone really needed to teach a few of these men some fashion sense, starting with Myers and Kitridge here.

Leo was sipping on his water and was thinking happy thoughts about Cassie when Airey graced him with a response from across the table. Raising a brow he called over to his too fascinated with astronomy pal. "Busy how? I had a good, but busy summer too. Cassie now runs her grandmas muggle psychic shop. Buisness is flourishing...."

Before Leo however could ask or say anything more Airey had a meltdown over something with his suit. It was hard to not hear the anguish beneath the roar. He could sympathize. Leo could have meltdowns too if someone set fire to BOOK or he went BALD.

But back to Airey that now even from this distance got a very bad putrid coloured tone to his face before the astroman rocked and then keeled over backwards and dropped to the floor. "Airey???? Are you all right?" Leo shouted across the table eyes and tone full of concern.

Leo was about to push out of his seat to rush to Airey's side when darling Cece stopped him mid-rise with a comment that was just Cece in a nutshell. You had to Love her.

Unconsiouly stroking his pink time with one hand Leo gestured exassperatedly with the other to Airey lying on the floor behind the table as he spoke to Cece oblivious to the hag on the dais or that she was the reason for the bad itch in his nose. "Never mind the pink colour of my tie which incidently was a gift from my fiancee Cassie. Airey needs your help. I think he might have PASSED OUT!" Cece do something!

EWW!

Did Cece hear that right? Leobaldy was engaged to that nutter Cassie? "Well you seriously need to stop wearing things your fiance gives you. Unless you like looking ridiculous." Yes, she said it, the man looked ridiculous with that stupid pink tie.

Turning to look towards the other end of the table she seen Flamsteed on the floor. "Oh please. The man" if he could even be called a man, "is just being his usual drama queen self," she said as she looked back over to Leo. "You know him, always trying to get attention. Maybe if we ignore him we can have a peaceful meal." Not that she was going to eat anything.

She looked back over at Airey. Maybe she should go make sure he wasn't dead. Him lying on the floor like that was a bit over the top, even for him. After all, his precious SUIT was going to get dirty.

Nah. She opted for quiet right now.

Taking a breath to remain calm and not get offended by Cece's comment he answered serenely. "I'm actually quite fond of this tie and many other things Cassie has given me so I'm going to keep wearing them. If that makes me look ridiculous in your eyes then so be it." Leo wasn't going to stop wearing something because of Cece's thoughts on them. It just made him want to wear the tie and other things more.

And then of course Cece had to be unhelpful and stubborn on top of everything else. After a glance over at the still unmoving Airey he refocused his attention on Cece as Leo rose from his seat. "You're right maybe Airey does have a tendency for the theatrical sometimes but that doesn't mean we all should stop caring about him or his well being. He is clearly not playing us since he hasn't moved an inch since he fell to the floor which at least I see as a big sign of worry."

"If you don't want to fulfil your responsibility as this school's healer and check on his health then I'll do it for you. I might not have your extensive knowledge of healing but I do know how to check a pulse. Airey is my friend and colleague and there will be a second ice age before I'd ever leave a friend in need of aid."

With that last remark Leo left his seat and Cece and strode quickly towards Airey. They may not be close or on any kind of BBF level and the many times Airey had teased him badly over the years calling him BALDIE wasn't forgotten but Leo was not any less of a man then he'd set that aside to give aid now.

A wide grin. Was this a volunteer or just a simple gesture of politeness? "I'll hold you to that, Julien." One former Professor to another he could add. As for (Roderick), "Nor did you," This was a delight as he grinned, "we must catch up." It was literally a decade since they were in a school environment together. Another less hectic time, given the current circumstances.

Thanks to that (Paul), he subconsciously began rubbing his own beard. Handsome and rustic, aren't I always? Laughing aloud, "Why thank you. " Singing to the Hufflepuffs. Well, they sure picked the right Head. "Couldn't have picked a better man for the job." Was he told this enough, or at all?

Weeell, lookie here. Students just about pouring in as Justin looked up thereby breaking eye contact. "Is that so?" He chuckled a little. "We'll just have to make this year even better then." Yep, indirectly telling (Tiara, Airey) they would be seeing more of him soon as he gave their shoulders a few soft pats before deciding to head to his seat.

Just the way the Groundskeeper preferred his seat. Oh so close to the throne where it no doubt gave off heat automatically giving his right side a pleasant feeling. Sighing as he listened to (Moxley)'s summer. "How marvellous, I haven't been to Salem since I was just a tyke." He would have to find a time to go again with Zach and little Lucy. "Mine? Oh it was excellently tiring." How so? Well, he dug into his other pocket to withdraw his wallet before showcasing exactly what he said. Moving and still photos of his newly born daughter, "She's a real beaut, Lucy, at three months old now."

Justin's brows furrowed before the nose wrinkled. It rivaled one of his daughter's little surprises left out too long with the odour..... The Groundskeeper had no comment for the old hag other than questioning her belonging. Wait. She was going to be sitting with Moxley now? He thought. Would it be impolite to draw his wand to suck up all these 'fragrances'? He didn't have to think for long as (Cece) spoke. "Ah yes. It's been about time for it to happen." Not that he was still holding over last term's issues. "Merlin, I won't be able to eat with this stench." Duly taking his wand out to wordlessly block the smell from reaching over his side of the table.

Chuckling, "Not too bad. Just saved a few from meeting the Squid as always. They were quite taken by pretending to be sailors." (Leo).. Leo, oh Leo, oh Leo. To the outsider the grin on Justin's face could pass as one of sympathy. But he was highly amused at the amount of affection he was wanting. "How about-" The next set of words of acceptance never got to leave his lips. Turning to see the commotion on the other side with Airey being himself. Then the little banter between him and Cece which led Leo to walking right over. Taking a sip of his water, he had to fight a little laughter. Such a beta male, he thought. Maybe if he comes back, Justin could sit by him at last. Too good of a man to not befriend.

How does he do it, one may ask. Secrets just naturally seem to flow straight into Justin's ear. Especially from such a pretty lady as (Nana). I… admit, I’m a little overwhelmed. He heard. "Such an important position to fill." Making sure students don't turn their glasses into animals with legs in the same shape and all. "You must be more than qualified for the job I bet." So nothing she couldn't handle, yes? As for him? "Well, according to rumours, this should be my last year of living. Got to make the most of it." Wide grin. Maybe she'll find the humour in that, otherwise- "It gets easier around here."

There were a few other seaters too who got some eye contact and chin-raising nods from Justin. Perhaps later on they could get further acquainted as with (Ansley), "Yeah? How long ago was your last set of terms here?" He did look younger, but not as young as a newly graduate of course.

What. in. the. name. of. Merlin?

It was bad enough that the hag disney witch nightmare woman mysterious lady was predicting ominous things to her about students and staff at her very first feast as headmistress but on top of that, Rocketman had fainted and though the healer seemed less than concerned, which gave Moxley hope the man hadn't had a heart attack, the brunette couldn't help but worry. Leo seemed to have it under control, at least. Still, she was suddenly in a very anxious mood and wishing everyone would just be quiet and what better way to shut them all up and get this feast over with while things were still semi-under control than the speech and some food? Yes, food. That's what they needed.

"Enough of this," she said, giving Justin an apologetic look for not commenting on his beautiful daughter as she'd wanted to. Sorry, bro.

Clearing her throat loudly to end all conversation at the table, the brunette stood and looked down at the students. Magnified voice ready, she then started her very first speech as headmistress. Talk about exciting!

“Students, please rise!” Her tone was stern and she lifted her hands as if the motion alone would send each and every Hogwartian up and out of their seats. “Now take one step to your left,” She paused, giving them time to do so. Her gaze was fixed on them, expectant. “Now one step back.” More staring and a brief pause. “Now return to your seats.”

…

“My dad always said if I was going to be a good leader, I’d need to be able to move a crowd. Looks like I’ve got that under control, am I right?” The Moxinator gave a little giggle!snort and smiled down at the kids. “I want to welcome you all to Hogwarts, students new and old. I’m Professor Meredith Moxley and your interim headmistress. Our thoughts are with Abraham Botros, the former headmaster and beloved professor, while he deals with personal matters. I trust we’ll all behave in a manner he would be proud of.”

“I’d like you all to give a warm welcome to the newest additions to the staff. Professor Ichihara for Transfiguration, Professor Hirsch for Defense Against the Dark Arts, Professor Primeaux for Charms, Professor Finch for History of Magic, Professor Draper for Care of Magical Creatures, and Professor Newton for Potions.” Merlin’s beard, that was a lot of people! “Probably would’ve been easier to point out who had returned, eh?” Cue a nervous laugh.

SHOOT. She’d forgotten the…the um woman and she had yet to learn her name. Uh…

“Oh and a very warm welcome to our new Divination professor. Yes,” She said quickly, vaguely gesturing to the terrifying woman.

“With that said, let’s eat! And don’t forget that this term I expect you to have fun, be safe, and make the right decisions!” Moxley out. There was food to be had.

Julien was teaching...Charms. Roderik? Right? He was the new Defense guy...MERLIN keeping everyone straight would be difficult for his mind! But he was happy to see the new faces! The bright faces! Hehe!

Did Moxley say...PAJAMA DAY? Paul BEAMED. "I love pajamas!" He owned exactly 34.5 pairs of pajamas (one of his shirts had been lost forever in the wash. alas.) all of them decorated quite differently! "Make it happen, Meredith!" he said with a wink and....

Well.

Ansley was speaking to him! He seemed lovely. Absolutely lovely so far! "Ahhh...I am indeed. I'm in a band. The banjo is something I picked up back in '51 or so..." he couldn't remember exactly now. "It's fun...relaxing...and very therapeutic if I'm having a long and stressful day. I sip my tea and play my banjo." Ahhh. "Are you excited to be teaching here, good sir?" he asked curiously.

Nana wanted to be called Nana. GOOD. Paul disliked the surname thing. It felt so FORCED and formal and Paul was neither of those things, like, ever.

His attention brought back to Arthur....HE POSITIVELY DIED LAUGHING! NEWTON! Not Newman! "Well..my memory got your name wrong. SO it can't be that great, eh?" he chuckled to himself. "I teach Herbology! And you..?" Though Paul was pretty sure he remembered what Arthur was hired to teach: Potions! One of Paul's favorites!

It was Cece! Paul beamed over at her when he heard her voice. He did like talking with her...when she would talk back! "Smell--" he sniffed a little...and then.......

Eyed the hag.

"I'm pretty sure it's our new friend over there, Cece...not me, I swear. She just sprayed that ghastly perfume..." Hmm. He wondered if anyone had properly welcomed the hag. Was she joining their ranks? He was really glad to see it! Hags deserved rights, too! Poor things. He just wanted to give her a hug....if he get over the smell. And the liver breath she may or may not have.

FLAMMY DOWN!

FLAMMY DOWN!

Paul leaned over the table in concern. "Airey!" he cried, feeling panicked. "Does the man need CPR? IS anyone certified?!" he asked LOUDLY. Precious Leo going to help him, too! He stared at Cece next to him. "It makes sense you're the Slyhterin head of house, m'dear. Cold hearted." And that was that. He wasn't biased against them--Milton was a Slytherin!

He slipped out his seat and made his way over towards Airey, peering over at the man. "Leo, do you think he's all right? It was the suit, wasn't it?" he asked sadly.

You never touched a man's suit. Or Airey's suit, for that matter.

And...Moxley's speech.

Well, the woman was doing an excellent job. His heart wasn't completely aflutter in panic, at least. Though, to give a speech while Airey is on the ground...well, Meredith knew what she was doing!

The first year wasn't sure if he was supposed to be doing this but he got up from his seat at the Hufflepuff table and walked over towards the professors table anyway. He would have asked his Prefects butt hat wouldn't have been a very good idea, now would it? Nope. Bradson stood towards the middle of the table, about where the headmistress was sitting, he didn't know what person he was really looking for at the moment but he did want to greet all of the professors. Brady may be a sassy Scotsman but his grandmother didn't raise a boy without manners.

Brady cleared his throat. "EXCUSE ME! ATTENTION ADULT PEOPLE!" The little boy started out with, he wanted their undivided attention. He knew very well that yelling wasn't the best thing to do but they were all talking or was that causing drama? He was sure, he's not able to tell the difference. "I'M LOOKING FOR A HUFFLEPUFF MAN THAT PLAYS THE BANJO!" Brady nodded and gave all the adults a sweet smile. "I MUST MEET THIS MAN! IT'S IMPORTANT!" Very important.

"In other news, how are you all?" The Scottish boy smiled, he needed to do something while he waited for this man, so why not strike up a nice conversation. Brady looked over the guy that fainted. "Is that man okay?" He asked the adults.

Making it over to Airey's sprawled figure on the ground Leo leaned over him. "Airey? Airey can you hear me? Airey its Leo." Behind him he heard Paul's panicked voice. Could he talk sense into Cece? Hopefully Paul had more success.

Crouching down next to Airey on the stone floor Leo tried to remember how the muggles checked if someone was breathing. Placing his head close to Aireys chest he saw to his relief that the man was breathing but still unconsious.

Looking up at Paul he said "I think so. Airey just fainted I think. It'd be nice if Cece could come over here with her smelling salts." Wondering if he should put a pillow under Airey's head or not Leo crouched indesicively. "Airey please wake up!"

With no time at all Torrance hurried over to the Staff Table. Standing directly in front of his Uncle. Tory was totally caught of guard by his Uncle's presence here at School. Hell he was outright terrified that his Grandfather placed him here as a mole of sorts so that He would relay all if his doings, wrong or right back to him. He looked to his left. There was some sad looking fainted guy at the Table, and....ugh Tory gagged. The Ugly Hag from the train. She was there too.

He jabbed his index finger at his Uncle. "HI UNCLE!" Tory said throwing on a smile. He quickly looked around at everyone else at the staff table then back again to him. "I just wanted to let you know that I've not done anything Wrong yet, and you can let Grandpa know that it's all cool!" Yup. "Also I'm sorry I didn't go to Ravenclaw like the Hat Suggested!" Tory nodded. It was his decision to be a Lion and the Hat concurred so there. Wasn't his Daughter. Cousin Keeley a former lion. Maybe he'll be forgiven for it then.

"I think he's okay. Cece must think he's fine." He pulled his wand from his holster and aimed at Airey's face. "This will probably do the trick." He cleared his throat. "AGUAMENTI!"

A steady stream of water hit Airey square in the face, right on his left cheek. Pulling back, Paul looked up at the screaming child. One of his, it seemed. Merlin.

"Little sir, I am here--" he waved and widened his eyes curiously. "Paul Myers, Herbology...Hufflepuff Head of House...and yes, I play the banjo." He smiled and stood up, quite forgetting about Airey for a minute. HE HAD A STUDENT WHO WANTED TO SEE HIM!

"Now..what do you need? The food has just appeared--you should be filling your tummy with deliciousness!" he gestured at the Hufflepuff table. He was also not observant of the...food beginning to fly from the Gryffindor table to the other tables. "Who are you, m'boy?"

What in Merlin's beard was going on here? Julien looked and watched and looked again. He was applauded that adults acted in this way. They did know they were professors and not children, correct? He stayed in his seat with his posture perfectly straight. He was now fully convinced that there was something in the water to make you act the way they were.

When the astronomy professor went down, he had about had it. He was just about to lift from his seat and excuse himself, maybe to give his resignation already if this was the standards this school had, when the Headmistress stood for her speech. It was a good speech and then the food distracted him.

Looking down to start eating he heard a very loud voice that he knew very well. "Torrance do not point at anyone. It is not polite."He couldn't help but sit back and rest his hands folded on the table, "You have been very loud since going over to that table now you are being loud in front of your professors I'm not sure what your thoughts of behavior our, but that would not be considered okay in mine." Though he might have been placed in the perfect house with the red fainted man screaming before hitting the floor.

"You were placed in the house best suited for you. I hope you take that and embrace it. Not all Primeaux's are Ravenclaw. Tonight alone you and your cousin Kaleb were placed in Gryffindor and Benton was placed in Hufflepuff." He gestured toward the table. "How are you enjoying the school so far?"

Aw Nuts! It seemed that Uncle Julien was already very mad. He wondered what of? Torrance straightened up his posture and held his head high not letting it wander to the ugly hag....okay maybe just once it did. Slight Gag.

"Sorry Uncle Julien, sir. I was just excited I guess. Don't tell Grandpa I was Rude." He nodded frantically. "I won't point at no one again." His tone was softer but still loud to try and go over the noise from the House Tables behind him. "I don't mean to shout I'm just really happy, yeah?" Can you blame him. It's the first time he's been to Hogwarts."I want to Make Gryffindor Proud. I'LL BE THE BEST LION IN THE SCHOOL!" He raised his voice intentionally this time. He was bragging, he wanted to make sure the other Professors heard his proclaimation.

"Do you like it here Uncle. It seems...." what's the word? There was a lot going on at the Table here too wasn't there. Especially the Dead guy to his Left. "...Weird...W-WITH ALL DUE!!"...QUIETER! ..."...weird with all due respect of course. That guy is Dead" Torrance pointed at the guy getting water splashed on him. Completely forgetting that he told Uncle Julien that he wouldn't point. He realized this grabbed his pointing hand and held it down in from of him.

Sir Nicholas said they were defending the Headmistress and the honour of the school AND his fallen Head of House. Those were fighting words. This was war and the Gryffindor had begun hurling food at the hag (Ursula) like he was told to.

...Aim...being the operative word...and his happened to be shoddy BUT Blaise was determined and there was a line of food heading for the possible child eating, Headmistress dishonouring, Head of House faint making old woman.

Only her, he wasn't trying to get a year of detention, just aiming for the Hag that must have done something to provoke the wrath of Gryffindor if Nick's cries were anything to go off of.

He nodded at his nephew glad he was understanding what respect was. Now if he could get through to many of the other students. He was glad now seeing what this school had come to since he had left that his own daughter graduated without any issues. Keely was working with her mother and he was very proud. His goal now was to help bring order to this place before Juni came. "I won't be telling your grandfather anything that goes on here. You will if need be. I am not an owl for you." He would make sure his own family were treated just as the rest.

"I am glad you are happy and excited about school. It is excited to attend one of the best wizarding schools, but we can not forget our manners while doing it." He would encourage his nephews to have fun, but he expected them to follow rules as well. "I know you will be." He was a Primeaux even if his name didn't say it, so he knew he would give his all and do his best.

Looking around at the staff table he nodded a bit trying not to look too frazzled, "Still adjusting, but in do time it will be alright. Order will come. Just like at home." He had three kids, four when Torrance was living with him, he could handle this, he hoped at least and it was obvious Hogwarts needed his assistance on bringing back the order of adults as much as the students. "He's not dead Torrance, he is just passed out I'm afraid." Should he say that it was his head of house? No, he'd let him find that out later on hopefully more respectable terms for the man.

A smile crept onto Cece's face as Justin spoke to her. "Yes, it is about time it happens. I do believe we are going to have lots of fun tonight." They would be in a place they wouldn't have to worry about rancid smells ruining their night.

And speaking of stench at the table, Cece looked in the direction of the person Paul was accusing of his smell then looked back at him. "And I suppose some of her perfume just so happened to hit you from all the way over there." Nice try plant man.

Cecelia just rolled her eyes when Leo rambled on about that ridiculous tie and other this Cassie had given him. If the man wanted to look ridiculous then so be it. It wasn't like he had the best taste in anything anyway. After all, the man was going to marry that nutter who gave him that tie.

Oh geesh, and now Leo was the one being the damn drama llama here. Even with the astronut laying quietly on the floor, things still weren't peaceful around her. "Oh calm yourself Kitridge. Do you honestly think I would leave him laying over there if I for one second thought there was something seriously wrong with the man." That was more of a statement than it was a question. For a man who was supposed to be so smart,he sure was an idiot.

And then there was Myers being all dramatic. "Oh dear man, you haven't seen cold hearted yet," she retorted as she got up out of her seat. Oops! Was that his precious banjo she just accidentaly knocked to the floor and broke? What a shame. Someone should tell the old man not to bring his toys to dinner.

Not rushing at all, Cece finally made her way over to Flamsteed. "Oh get out of the way you two," she said as she pushed Leo and Paul out of the way. "Water is not what Flamsteed needs," she said as she pulled something out of her pocket. "What he needs is to stop being such a big baby when it comes to his ridiculous suits." And with that remark she popped the top off the little bottle in her hand and ran it under his nose. Now THAT was a stench that would wake the dead. Or those pretending to be dead.

Now get off the floor and act like a man Flamsteed!

As she sat in her seat Ursula couldn't help but feel it's comfort, but she would be much happier if she could have something good to eat in front of her. The day had been long and the smells of the train so delicious. Looking out and around the hall she noticed some taste morsels. Hearing the other adults at the table she turned in her seat and cackled, "That was will need more then smelling salts dearies. He is weak and getting weaker. He will be done in terms time. You will not see him here again." Reaching into her bag she pulled out a can of small cat food. "This will do the trick for him."

When the woman next to her started talking she cleared her through, "Black, Ursula Black is the name you shall never forget." A warning eye went around, no they should not forget her name. When the food showed up Ursula started to eat quickly and very messy. Food was going all over her rags and onto the people around her. "Would the cooks be able to make liver next time?" What was that? Things were flying at her? She rose from her seat staring at the table that food was coming from. Her finger pointing towards them and cackles coming. "I sense great choking in your future. Plants will come to find you."

Food wasn't going to waste though. She picked up the pieces and shoved them in her bag, then started putting pieces from her plate in the bag.

Austin wasn't really sure where to go, or who to talk to. Surely everyone can see the fight that has erupted. But there seemed to be a lot going on here as well. It looked like Admiral Flamsteed was on he ground. Was he... passed out? What was going on today??

"Um excuse me," He cleared his throat. "Excuse me? I know there's a lot going on here, but um, there's a uh... food fight going on." He pointed a thumb behind him at the Ravenclaw and Gryffindor tables. He himself was covered in mashed potatoes, and something that smelt like gravy. Which, sadly, didn't over power the scent that was coming from the new Divination professor. She really needed a bath.

"I wasn't sure what to do, so I just came up here to get one of you." He looked towards Mr. Kitridge, his head of house, hoping he would step in. All this confrontation with the new professors made him uncomfortable.