A splendid summer had come and gone, as Wilber once more was at the helm of the luminous Great Hall. Deciding to continue his travels this summer with a Mediterranean cruise, not complete without his trusty travel companion. Although Wilber was sure that that Earl was less than pleased with the rocky waters of the sea as the demiguise seemed less than thrilled with the motion. Every time he tried to snap a picture with his companion, the demiguise had a knack for disappearing. Often found moments later in his cabin.
Sunkissed skin with a cruise-appropriate Hawaiian shirt - the edges of which slightly visible under his robes, he lovingly patted his colleague's shoulders as he hobbled his way towards the center seat.
"Don't let me forget, I've got floral shirts for each of you in the staff room." Well, save for Marion, as he doubted she'd benefit from such an item.
Watching the sorting ceremony taking place with the little dears was such an enjoyable part of the job. Pushing his glasses up with his knuckle, Wilber rubbed at his temples giving a proud look over before standing.
"One moment," he smiled at his colleagues, wanting full well to catch up on their summers but if he waited any longer to give his speech they might not have time for food.
Now standing behind the lectern, he raised his hands high to quiet the youthful jabbering.
"Good evening young dears, welcome welcome. To what will surely be another delightful year at Hogwarts. To all the first years and transfers, additional welcome sentiments and congratulations on your sortings. Your housemates and heads of houses are eager to make your acquaintances and offer you a welcoming hand should you need it in the vast halls"
A brief pause for everyone to look around at their new housemates and he was off to some more speech giving.
"I would often remind my dear sweet wife, the trick to juggling was in determining which balls are made of rubber and which of glass. Rubber will bounce back. Glass is fragile and must be handled with care. This is true of the friendships and connections forged here, to be gentle with each other. Be gentle with your professors, eager to impart their wisdom to you." There were no new faces joining them on the dais which was strange but the stability should be a welcomed change. There was one thing to address,
"Later this year we will have the opportunity for a valuable lesson that I trust you will find quite stimulating. More to come at a later date." "A reminder that classes begin tomorrow morning at 8am, so remember to get plentiful sleep between your dreams and weekend fun. For the strategic-minded students, Professor Feirgrund and Professor Leroy will be posting about Gobstones sign-ups sometime next week and Professor Adara will be hosting Quidditch tryouts for the athletic sort in the near future as well. Keep your eyes open and wide for these updates and the plethora of other clubs available to broaden your minds." He grinned, clasping his hands together dramatically.
"Now enough of my ramblings as I trust your tummies are a rumbling and the house elves have prepared a delicious feast. If any student can tell me why cheeses never have to worry about anything, then there are some honeydukes sweeties and perhaps something extra awaiting for you." He concluded with a couple claps of his hands to make the food appear at each table.
"Eat up, my dears and enjoy."