River let out a deep, but silent sigh as he momentarily closed his eyes to shut out the light and help suppress a headache that was forming behind his eyes. Clearly, he was not yet ready for the Term to start, and to immediately meet chaos the moment he stepped inside the hallowed halls of Hogwarts was a definite way to put his supposed festive mood off. It didn’t take long for him to hear the thundering footsteps of at least about a thousand pair of feet coming just behind the door of the Great Hall in front of them. As he did so, he willed himself to get his act together, and banish the headache once and for all with the help of his handy-dandy potion.

As if on cue, his headache slowly vanished as River slowly opened his eyes to see the first few students go to their respective tables. The once silent hall was now once more filled with excited voices. Soon, everything else will be awakened, such as the House Ghosts...and perhaps Peeves. Okay, maybe they can forego Peeves for now because he had enough exposure from last term. As the Healer sat straighter in his chair, and pulling his suit down, he caught sight of the Deputy Headmaster first, giving him a wave. “Hello Paul. Did you bring some grapes with you? I would love to grow one in my herbal garden.” Or perhaps they can plant one in his garden back in the grounds, yes? “I hope you had a relaxing summer too.” Because of...certain reasons, mhm. “Good evening Kay,” River gave the Muggle Studies professor a wave and a grin. He knew she went on a hiking trip with Rose and Camilla and was wondering if they enjoyed it. “How was the hiking trip? Did you ladies liked it?” Not everyone liked hiking, that’s why. Another wave was seen, and this time, River gave Ciara a nod and a grin. “Please, just call me River. Everyone else does,” except the students, of course. “Welcome to staff, officially, that is.” They’ve had staff meetings before the Opening Feast, and friendly interactions were made since then. Nothing beats welcoming a fellow colleague officially on their first feast, however. River’s smile didn’t waver when his eyes shifted from Ciara to Camilla. “A good evening to you too, Camilla. And I am glad that my humble gift brought wonders to your camping trip. Did you see hidden gems along the way?” He wanted to know if the charm he placed on the broken compass actually worked. It could point her in the right direction, of course, but what made the compass special was that it can point her to hidden destinations that no muggle or wizarding folk haven’t discovered. River’s attention, shifted to the new librarian next. “A good evening to you as well, Kalen,” It was too bad that he wasn’t there last term to see his nephew off. Was it just a few months ago when Leon stood in front of him to deliver his nice little thanks to them? “I’ve received...letters from Miss Snow’s mother about her daughter’s...latest accidents. Would you like to come by my office tomorrow to discuss it?” It was a good thing that Chase Kennedy haven’t given his threat yet, but just like all of his former colleagues whose children/nephew/niece are currently under his care, he ought to get one soon. Like, it’s become the unofficial protocol from Healer parents and guardians when their charges start in Hogwarts.

Laurel’s voice was then heard, making River turn to his right side and face his other colleagues from there. “Good evening to you as well, Laurel. And congratulations on the new appointment.” Surely, Justin would be proud of her. Smiling, River nodded at her question, “I am ready yes, minus the wrong delivery of medical supplies from earlier.” Seriously, they’ve been doing this for years and they screwed up now? Unbelievable! “Looks like you had a good summer,” he said giving her a nod and a grin. They all ought to have happy summers anyway, considering the events of last term. Shifting his attention to the gentlemen behind Laurel, River gave Tristan a wave and a smile. “Ah. Good evening to you as well, Tristan. You’d have to meet Bumi and Roscoe soon, yes?” He’s a man of creatures, and Tristan will surely love his huge Newfoundlands. And then there was Gaston. Seriously, that man needs some life injected to him. River took a glimpse at Hirsch wondering if he still remembered the promise they made to Viktor and Jordan before they left school. “Good evening, Gaston. Congratulations on your new appointment.” River sincerely smiled at his colleague tilting his head to the side thinking, “Is everything alright?” Really, he could tell River things, heck, they even share the same floor so adult conversations can be had whenever he’s free and vice-versa. River then gave a polite wave towards Haraldur and Keiyona. Yes, they’ve all met before the Feast, but he just wanted to be respectful and such.

And...then...the unexpected happened. River faced up front, only to be met by a Slytherin student. Last term during the Closing Feast, this happened too and honestly, River didn’t know how to handle the situation, considering that it was his first time being on the staff dais. Somehow, there was an unwritten law about not talking to the professors before the Headmistress/Headmaster made her/his speech, and Regina happened to be strict with it. But before dismissing Miss Diggory, River gave her the chance to speak, considering that she might be in need of an immediate medical attention. Why else would she approach him instead of another professor, right? “Hello Miss Diggory. Thank you and welcome back---”

...

What? In that moment, River could feel the gears in his brain do a full halt, wondering where that came from? His Ravenclaw brain tried to fit in logical answers to Skylar’s statement, but was only met with a resounding ‘HUH?’ and ‘WHAT?’ in his head. The lady Snake said she felt the need to tell him that, and River was itching to ask the reason behind that need. Shouldn’t Amortentias be, something personal? Merlin’s beard, if Hirsch heard this confession, he will not hear the end of it. It would be another ace against him, on top of the other aces he discovered during their summer misadventure. “Ah...I...see.” Her Amortentia was his smell? Merlin, River just got lost in that thought. “At least the smell is...well, clean?” River chuckled clasping both of his hands in front of him, giving Skylar’s new HoH a quick glance, “Listen, I would love to discuss this with you while we eat...” River gave Regina a sheepish look, and leaned over his plate towards where Skylar stood, “But first, you have to return to your table now. The Speech will come in shortly.” River gave the Slytherin a grin and a nod. She ought to flee now before Regina could duck points off her. Or worse, detention.