Oh honestly... she knew there were gaps at the table, but had so many of her Lions really not bothered turning up for the feast? And more importantly, did they not keep up with the news these days? ...
She didn't even dignify the boy with a response, and it seemed neither did Airey.
... and it was times like
this that reminded her why she didn't visit the common room. Students, or more effectively - Zahra Kettleburn, running indoors and endangering the lives of her peers.
She supposed between Kettleburn, Cambridge and the others, it was a miracle the place hadn't burned down by now. It was a miracle she would continue praying for... mmhmm.
Surprised by the girls questions, Seren's brows piqued a little as she spared the room and its decor a glance.
"No, I didn't have much of a say in it at all," she replied casually, her brows relaxing as she fluffed up a red cushion affectionately. Goodness knew how old this stuff was.
"Red and gold are the House colours, so it's the only logic I can offer for why it's been used for the common room," she replied with a kind smile. Did the girl not like red? She could see how it might be seen as overwhelming, and it did little to settle ones stomach. Red, usually encouraged people to eat more - it was why food labels and restaurants used the colour so frequently.
Of course, with all the new faces, it didn't come as a surprise that she almost missed one... almost, except he was delightful enough to introduce himself. And wasn't he just
earnest... such... a ... darling.
"It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance Ezra Earnest," she beamed warmly, and what he said next had her beaming even more - if that was even possible.
"You have no idea how delighted I am to hear you say that," she replied, perhaps holding back a tear that might have been welling. Of course she couldn't well cry in front of the children, so to distract from this, she stood and wrapped an arm around the boys shoulder, pulling him into a hug. Poor Ezra had no means of escape now... but after a brief moment, she let go.
"I promise by the end of the school term you'll have plenty to tell your mum."
Miss Messer was a darling, this much could already be ascertained in this first meeting. Seren was simply thrilled with the first years this year, and their new transfers were promising too. Their family was growing, and it was just beautiful.
"Your brother! That's wonderful, please do pass on my regards," she beamed. If Candice was anything like her brother than Gryffindor was in for a treat.
And that was delightful. Pleased, Seren nod and smiled as Bay spoke of his holiday adventures, and internship too.
"Aaaahhh, and how was the internship? Was it at all what you expected?" she asked, curious. The fieldtrip stuff, well, she'd heard enough from the others, it was a blessing she opted not to go.
"It was very pleasant, I got to spend more time with my family, plenty of day trips with my son and husband... and time in the garden beneath the glorious sun..."
Could they go back on holiday now? As great as it was to be back, she couldn't deny that the summer break had been nice. Really nice.
Distractions, it did not surprise her that Cambridge had distractions... but nevertheless, she wasn't going to ask. Word on the grapevine was she was rather smitten with an Eagle, teehee, and while she longed to call her out on it, there were some things she just didn't want to know. Smiling and nodding was happening as she listened, slowing at the point about Quidditch and deciding she wanted to come to come to school in spite of it?
"Oh well I'm thrilled you convinced yourself, I'd hate to be a prefect short..." because this was a joke right? Right? She winked regardless, so if it wasn't a joke before, it was now.
Seren bounced on the balls of her feet, thrilled with the plans they were forming already, and with additional company too.
"Fist of October should be fine, I'll pencil you in and we'll negotiate a time." It was virtually planned, and now she had things to look forward to. Excellent!
But now.... a cup of tea was calling her name.
....
........
..........
But Merlin... she turned her back for mere seconds, SECONDS, and a student was rendered unconscious, a prefect no less, and at Cambridge's hand. She'd have rushed over and done the HoH thing, but Airey was proving himself useful and he was no doubt far more capable of caring for Louis than she was.
Seren gave Airey a curt nod of acknowledgement and thanks, see, it really was no wonder she didn't venture up here often. And there he went with schmoes thing, that thing, she was curious.
Tea in hand, she sidled up beside her colleague.
"You're going to have to talk me through this, I'm clueless."