Hands reached out to grab the goblet filled with water in front of him, the new Groundskeeper took a sip from the water and carefully watched the students in the Great Hall. He recognized a few of them from the boat trip to the castle. He brought the goblet back to his mouth when he froze. Sticky Nicky... The goblet in his hand was shaking a little from the tight grip he had on it and he quickly placed it down on the table because he was afraid he would break it. He had not heard that nickname in what? More than 10 years?

Turning his head, Nicks dark brown eyes narrowed dangerously at Flamsteed the moment he realized who had said it. Oh yes he knew the man. Fellow Gryffindor and a total weird nerd. The type of person Nick had not wanted to be seen with while at school. Especially not Airey and that high pitched mouse voice friend of him....who was..wait...he was hired as a Professor here as well?! Honestly!

"Flamsteed" he greeted cooly, eyes not leaving the man. He wanted nothing more than grab him by the collar of his suit and shake him violently. It had been HIS fault that Nick had gotten that nickname after that potion class in his seventh year. His reputation had been ruined in just a few seconds. Although there had been no proof that Airey HAD done it. Nick liked to give him the blame because someone had to. "What you got there?" he asked as he pointed at the posters. Keep your friends close but your enemies closer, is what the muggles would say.



Seeing a woman giving him a small wave, the man did not wave back but instead flashed her a charming smile. Tiara was a really pretty name. "Nick Cantwell, the new Groundskeeper" He answered. "Pleasure to meet you Ms. Tyner"



Finally, the Headmistress showed up and Nicks mind went to the food that would usually appear after the welcome speech. He had heard what had happened at Hogwarts last year and although he did not know the fine detail he did know he should be glad that there were real silverware and hopefully real food soon. "Good evening Headmistress, you look lovely this evening" hmmhmmm.



Eyes....he felt eyes on him. For a second he thought it had been that brat Flamsteed but it turned out to be a very young looking woman and if it hadn't been for the school robes and the Hufflepuff Prefect badge she was wearing he would have believed she was a new staff member as well. The smile made him uncomfortable eventhough he was used to smiles being casted his way 'cause hey, he was a looker if he said so himself *COUGH EGO ALERT COUGH* anyways, the smile made him a bit uncomfortable because it seemed like she knew something and it bothered the man.

The others would deal with her right? Cause his attention went to an old man with a cane at this moment. Without thinking, Nick stood up from his chair when the man said a hello and a promise to chat later and waited till the old man had taken his seat and the Groundskeeper lowered himself down again as well.



"Thank you" Nick answered immediately and again did not wave his hand but simply gave a nod. "It's good to be back again" If anyone had told him he would be back even after graduating those many years ago he would not have believed them. And here he is! Funny how things go. Oh wait, introduction! "Nick Cantwell, the new Groundskeeper" who wanted to proof that there was no curse on this job....