"...and this is where you'll be sitting, Mr. Amoroso, and you, Cassandra," Anastasia was heard saying as she led the way into the Great Hall. A great rumble of thunder shook the hall just as the Headmistress finished speaking and Annie's hand went instinctively to the pretty brooch she had taken to wearing ever since she'd left Egypt.

Merlin knew her old place of employment never saw weather like this gloomy eve. Good thing the children hadn't had to walk, eh? It was about to downpour any second.

"Please have a seat and make yourselves at home. We'll catch up with Professor Lainey shortly, I'm sure." The Headmistress flashed the Governors a tight smile and slid into her throne.

Seren was her usual excitable self as she made her way to the Great Hall. Having hidden out in the Staff Room for the past couple of hours in an effort to avoid the weather. Besides, she had some reading to catch up on.

Heals clicking, Seren reached her seat on the dais, and noticed there were new additions to their party. "... Hello!" she chirped, all smiles. "That's a lovely brooch," she added to the red head.

Leobald was in an upbeat and happy mood as he made his way into the Great Hall which was filling up with students. For the evening he was clad in his brand new dark red robes. As he passed between the table's he couldn't help but notice that some of the student's looked battered and some even a little sickly. The hospital wing would no doubt be swimming in patients by the end of the feast but he had no idea why.

He had been sitting in the back room of the library labeling a new shipment of books for most of the day which practically isolated him from any outside news. Leobald was completely unaware of any train malfunction. Coming up to the staff dais he shot a warm smile in the directions of all the new additions to the staff. "Good evening!" His eyes rested on the red head. "Beautiful brooch." he commented in passing.

Was the red head the new headmistress?

Taking his assigned seat a few spots from Seren, Leo greeted cheerily "Good evening, Seren. You look very pretty in that red dress."

"Merlin's Beard. I haven't been back here in so many years..." He said looking around the Great Hall. He glanced over at the Slytherin table and smirked. One particular spot. That's where he'd sat. That had been his spot and now... some girl was sitting in it now. She looked to be a fifth year. Mehh no matter. He was on the Dias now.

OH YEAH!

"Thank you headmistress," He said politely and sat down. "This is the life..."

"Amoroso." Hecate said from her seat. Hecate looked tired. Her face showed signs of ware and she had been sitting straight back in her chair to not show it. There were bags under her eyes, and her hair didn't seem at its fullest. She didn't look pregnant as she had no belly. She had also began using a special perfume to cover up the smell her breath had developed. "Nice to see you in the Great Hall." She said simply.

"Lafay!" He said and then smiled. "Fancy meeting you here." and he chuckled softly. She was not looking better. No matter. He knew the woman didn't want to talk about it, so he went on. "Remember when you got angry with me at dinner your 5th year? And you set my chicken leg on fire while I was eating it just enough to burn off my cool mustache?" He chuckled again... those were the days.

"Not a cool mustache. It was peach fuzz and it was the reason so I got angry." She would have lost her prefect badge had Alexander not intervened. "It's better gone." She smiled at him though. "I've got to keep an eye on the house table. But stop by my office later, we'll walk around the halls and reminisce." She said with a nod.

"Love to." He said and smiled back.

Entering in a little tardy, Tristan took his seat. He was a very busy man, after all, they were lucky he'd found the time to attend such a frivoulous event. He reached over and pulled the pitcher of what looked like water and huffling a little, poured himself a glass. His eyes wandered the table, and he saw the stunning redhead he'd agreed to return to teach for. He nodded in her direction. Gingers always stick together.

Is simply had been aaaaaaaaaaaaages since Marion had stepped foot in these charming halls and heard the clicking and clanking of her heels on the stone floors. Of course now, instead of school shoes, she wore rather fancy shoes of a deep purple that stood out against her long lilac skirt. Perhaps she should have shown a bit more of her former house spirit and worn something in brilliant marigold, but no matter. There would be plenty of time for that.

"Hellooooooooo dears," she sang as she made her way towards her seat and sat down. This was her seat, wasn't it? Turning to her left, Marion noticed she was seated next to a blonde woman in a red dress and she inclined her head in greeting. "Evening darling, Marion Burbage."

"Some things never change, do they?" Cassandra took the seat that Anastasia had pointed out, although her eyes never left the ceiling overhead and the tapestries and the students entering the Great Hall (looking rather rougher than she remembered). My, it brought back so many memories.

Oh, oh! Cassandra took the napkin off the table and dabbed at her eyes as she spotted the first years lining up for the Sorting... with her daughter lurking in the middle of the line and trying not to look half a head taller than those around her. What a special moment, to see one's own child get sorted.

Gemma walked towards the staff table clicking her way as she went in her new blue heels. Her pace slowed down as she viewed the staff table. Yes it was going to be a crowded opening dinner with the BOG sitting with them. She wasn't completely sure why they were here and she had to admit that it made her a little bit nervous. But through her nervousness, she kept walked and kept smiling as she found her seat. She walked up to her spot giving everyone a little "hello" as she went.

Sophia clip clopped her way into the great hall. Her mood very much reflected the weather outside more stormy than gloomy though. She shrugged her damp cloak off and banished it to her quarters, like she did with her trunk then headed towards the table gown sweeping the ground as she did so. She did not miss the faces there either but was in no mood to initiate conversation so she muttered a "pleasant evening all" and sunk into her seat, scowl firmly in place.

Vanora had arrived!

A little rough looking, thanks to the stormy weather outside, but she had arrived nonetheless. And despite that stormy weather, which usually put a damper on things, she couldn't help but feel EXCITED. She was back at Hogwarts! She was allowed, no, she was supposed to sit at the staff table. She had a really cool prefix before her name! So many things to be excited for.

With a slight skip in her step, the newly appointed Care of Magical Creatures Professor made her way up to the staff table, shooting everyone already present a grin. Her eyes briefly glanced around for Cece, but not seeing the Healer yet, she moved herself around the table and got comfortable in her own seat.

Oh, look! She could see everything from her seat! Exciting.

From his seat Leobald could see how Hecate arrived to take her usual seat chatting with one of the BoG members a man which seemed to be a character of sorts. It was a long way to the other side of the table but from what Leo could see it looked as if Hecate was still sick or just recently cured off sickness since she looked tired and battered almost like some of the student’s sitting around the tables. Had Hecate ridden on the train with the kids and thus been injured too? Speculate he could only do from his current position.

Where had that man's clothes been, at the bottom of a chest somewhere? Leobald couldn’t exactly ask since the man filed into the last seat at the other end of the table. The man looked unpolished though which at a feast with prominent visitors was ill-advised to say the least. Leo’s gaze was diverted as a new staffer joined the dais.

Dears???

And the woman was singing too? Leo eyes widened for a moment as he took in the older woman’s figure. He ignored commenting on the ‘dear part’ and instead greeted her with a warm smile. "Good evening, madam. Is this your first visit to Hogwarts?" Who was she? He couldn’t help but wonder and why was she sitting in Cecelia’s seat? Leo shifted his position on his seat slightly.

This was going to be an interesting feast.

Being distracted by the madam next to Seren, Leobald didn’t see how Gemma entered the great hall before she sat down next to him. "Good evening, Gemma! Did you have a nice summer vacation?" he greeted the muggle studies professor with a smile.

After Gemma, Sophia clip clopped into the great hall and up to the dais looking like a storm cloud if there was such a description for a woman who otherwise looked totally stunning in her long greyish gown. "Good evening Sophia. Beautiful dress, I guess it has started to pour down outside?" Leo greeted with broad unarming smile. Erase that scowl please, dear it doesn’t suit you. “How was your summer Sophia?” Leo queried curiously to attempt the start of a conversation.

At the other end Leo saw another new staffer take her seat a ginger haired woman (Vanora) by the looks of it.

Jayden walked up to the staff table slowly. A huge grin forming on her face. It had been a good summer, a GREAT summer, but nothing could compare to Hogwarts. When there was enough pause in the professor's conversation to be able to greet her Herbology instructor, she went for it. "Good evening Professor Bentley! How was your summer?" She asked politely. Merlin. She was so giddy tonight, despite the train ride issue.

Stupid trains.

Dash didn't mind the stormy weather. In fact it gave him a bit of an excuse for showing up later than normal, rather than the truth, which was that a crying six year old really was something that made him want to stay put.

Shrugging his cloak off, he show cased his deep blue robes, before even reaching the table. Dash's eyes flickered just a bit around the great hall, then to the staff table which seemed abnormally bigger. However, like Anastasia had specified in her staff meeting, the board of governs were expected at the feast. He didn't really think anything of it, and continued up the steps to the staff table.

There were two governors in particular that Dash could spot from a mile away. One of which was already seated, and although he couldn't remember having more than a handful of short conversations with the woman, he still found himself walking up to her. "Nice to see you back Professor." Well, yes. She had been his DADA professor after all. And his headmistress for most of his time at Hogwarts. Dash doubted that the woman remembered him and finished off with a nod before making his way to his seat.


And his seat was taken, taken by someone that was not him for some strange reason. Dash just stared before he carefully began to fold his cloak and then cleared his throat. "You are probably not aware of it, but this is my chair that you are currently sitting in. I'm not exactly a man bent on possessing silly things like chairs, but I am someone who thinks knowing the alphabet is very important. That being said, A-" Dash held out his arm and pointed over to the right, before pointing it at the left "-to Z. I encourage you to find your rightful spot."

Calista made her long journey from the Divination Tower just like she had every day her previous term at the Castle however she had spent MUCH more time getting ready for this Feast. Rumor had it that the key members of the Hogwarts Board of Governors were going to be breaking bread with the staff tonight and the Headmistress would be there, yes and Callie wanted to impress these people. Being on the good side of your bosses and the ones who paid you was always a positive thing.

The blonde calmly entered the brilliantly lit Great Hall and flitted in between the long tables to the Staff dias. She was wearing a tight fitting orange dress that ended just past her knees with a black belt; her hair in a bun. The Divination Professor's arms jingled with the familar braclets and bangles accompanied with the Atlantis one given to her by the mysterious yet kind History of Magic Professor. She had made it a personal goal to get to know that man more this year. She needed more friends on Staff.

And now she was at the table with the noticable amount of new faces and extra chairs. Gulp.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BanaBatGirl

"...and this is where you'll be sitting, Mr. Amoroso, and you, Cassandra," Anastasia was heard saying as she led the way into the Great Hall. A great rumble of thunder shook the hall just as the Headmistress finished speaking and Annie's hand went instinctively to the pretty brooch she had taken to wearing ever since she'd left Egypt.

Merlin knew her old place of employment never saw weather like this gloomy eve. Good thing the children hadn't had to walk, eh? It was about to downpour any second.

"Please have a seat and make yourselves at home. We'll catch up with Professor Lainey shortly, I'm sure." The Headmistress flashed the Governors a tight smile and slid into her throne.

There she was...the Bunbury.

Pushing a flyaway bang behind her ear Calista walked directly to the woman who she most nervous about meeting tonight. One would typically be a tad hesitant to meet the cousin of an ex boyfriend with whom you stole from and sort of used your Seeing ability to manipulate him into a relationship. At least Callie felt bad now about it and she was worried Indigo would have told her now Boss. Awkward.

"Good evening Headmistress Truebridge. I'm Calista Elwood, Divination. You're brooch is quite lovely." Callie had always loved accessories as one could tell with a quick look at her. She began to twist one of her bracelets nervously, a smile all the while present on her lips. Just play it cool she might not know about all that.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hera

Seren was her usual excitable self as she made her way to the Great Hall. Having hidden out in the Staff Room for the past couple of hours in an effort to avoid the weather. Besides, she had some reading to catch up on.

Heals clicking, Seren reached her seat on the dais, and noticed there were new additions to their party. "... Hello!" she chirped, all smiles. "That's a lovely brooch," she added to the red head.

"Evening Seren!" Callie called down to the Herbology Professor as she made her way to her own chair. "The Fanged Geraniums you gave me last term are doing wonderfully, they're getting so big." She scruntched up her nose and grinned at the woman. She would have to bring them down to the Greenhouses for her to see one day soon.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nordic Witch

Leobald was in an upbeat and happy mood as he made his way into the Great Hall which was filling up with students. For the evening he was clad in his brand new dark red robes. As he passed between the table's he couldn't help but notice that some of the student's looked battered and some even a little sickly. The hospital wing would no doubt be swimming in patients by the end of the feast but he had no idea why.

He had been sitting in the back room of the library labeling a new shipment of books for most of the day which practically isolated him from any outside news. Leobald was completely unaware of any train malfunction. Coming up to the staff dais he shot a warm smile in the directions of all the new additions to the staff. "Good evening!" His eyes rested on the red head. "Beautiful brooch." he commented in passing.

Was the red head the new headmistress?

Taking his assigned seat a few spots from Seren, Leo greeted cheerily "Good evening, Seren. You look very pretty in that red dress."

And the Libarian, Leo, who had also started his post last term with Callie was already in his seat so she gave him a small wave and decided to inquire about his summer knowing that he would probably ask about her own. It hadn't been well but she could always put up a front.

"Evening Leo, was your summer well?"

Quote:

Originally Posted by Droo

"Merlin's Beard. I haven't been back here in so many years..." He said looking around the Great Hall. He glanced over at the Slytherin table and smirked. One particular spot. That's where he'd sat. That had been his spot and now... some girl was sitting in it now. She looked to be a fifth year. Mehh no matter. He was on the Dias now.

OH YEAH!

"Thank you headmistress," He said politely and sat down. "This is the life..."

"Amoroso." Hecate said from her seat. Hecate looked tired. Her face showed signs of ware and she had been sitting straight back in her chair to not show it. There were bags under her eyes, and her hair didn't seem at its fullest. She didn't look pregnant as she had no belly. She had also began using a special perfume to cover up the smell her breath had developed. "Nice to see you in the Great Hall." She said simply.

"Lafay!" He said and then smiled. "Fancy meeting you here." and he chuckled softly. She was not looking better. No matter. He knew the woman didn't want to talk about it, so he went on. "Remember when you got angry with me at dinner your 5th year? And you set my chicken leg on fire while I was eating it just enough to burn off my cool mustache?" He chuckled again... those were the days.

"Not a cool mustache. It was peach fuzz and it was the reason so I got angry." She would have lost her prefect badge had Alexander not intervened. "It's better gone." She smiled at him though. "I've got to keep an eye on the house table. But stop by my office later, we'll walk around the halls and reminisce." She said with a nod.

"Love to." He said and smiled back.

The next familiar face Elwood caught was that of Hecate who was not looking well at all. Her summer must have been as dreadful as Callie's was. Poor thing. She poured herself into her work (no pun intended) and she at least deserved to have a relaxing break; surely the Minister took his wife on holidays.

"Hello Hecate." The woman HAD yelled at her last term but Elwood assumed it was just because of all the frozen students in the woman's classroom. Yeah, nothing to worry about.

She also noticed a strange man, probably a Governor talking with the Potions Mistress. Callie gave him a small wave.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tristan Christiansen

Entering in a little tardy, Tristan took his seat. He was a very busy man, after all, they were lucky he'd found the time to attend such a frivoulous event. He reached over and pulled the pitcher of what looked like water and huffling a little, poured himself a glass. His eyes wandered the table, and he saw the stunning redhead he'd agreed to return to teach for. He nodded in her direction. Gingers always stick together.

Oh a new male face. "Good Evening. Welcome to Hogwarts." She noticed he was sitting in Oliver's seat. Such a shame, the man had been pretty nice the few times she had spoken with him, she should have gotten to know him better.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marion Burbage

Is simply had been aaaaaaaaaaaaages since Marion had stepped foot in these charming halls and heard the clicking and clanking of her heels on the stone floors. Of course now, instead of school shoes, she wore rather fancy shoes of a deep purple that stood out against her long lilac skirt. Perhaps she should have shown a bit more of her former house spirit and worn something in brilliant marigold, but no matter. There would be plenty of time for that.

"Hellooooooooo dears," she sang as she made her way towards her seat and sat down. This was her seat, wasn't it? Turning to her left, Marion noticed she was seated next to a blonde woman in a red dress and she inclined her head in greeting. "Evening darling, Marion Burbage."

On her end there was also another new face, she was older, but still new so Callie grinned at her and walked over to introduce herself. "Hello there, Calista Elwood, Divination. Who might you be?" The blonde's American accent was present but thankfully less noticable than last term.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cassirin

"Some things never change, do they?" Cassandra took the seat that Anastasia had pointed out, although her eyes never left the ceiling overhead and the tapestries and the students entering the Great Hall (looking rather rougher than she remembered). My, it brought back so many memories.

Oh, oh! Cassandra took the napkin off the table and dabbed at her eyes as she spotted the first years lining up for the Sorting... with her daughter lurking in the middle of the line and trying not to look half a head taller than those around her. What a special moment, to see one's own child get sorted.

And there was Cassandra Rae-Branxton, a living legend of whom Calista had heard plenty about despite never attending Hogwarts. The woman had done so much for wizarding education it was an honor for them to be sharing the same table.

A tad starstruck Calista leaned forward in her chair and waved down at the woman, not really knowing what else to do.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lezleighd

Gemma walked towards the staff table clicking her way as she went in her new blue heels. Her pace slowed down as she viewed the staff table. Yes it was going to be a crowded opening dinner with the BOG sitting with them. She wasn't completely sure why they were here and she had to admit that it made her a little bit nervous. But through her nervousness, she kept walked and kept smiling as she found her seat. She walked up to her spot giving everyone a little "hello" as she went.

Gemma was back for another term, which was good to see. The woman had been so welcoming to her and the other new Staff members. "Hello Gemma, have a nice break?" She didn't know too much about the woman's personal life but assumed she was out doing fun things while away from the Castle.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Davvy_Wavvy

Sophia clip clopped her way into the great hall. Her mood very much reflected the weather outside more stormy than gloomy though. She shrugged her damp cloak off and banished it to her quarters, like she did with her trunk then headed towards the table gown sweeping the ground as she did so. She did not miss the faces there either but was in no mood to initiate conversation so she muttered a "pleasant evening all" and sunk into her seat, scowl firmly in place.

And then the seat one to her right was taken by Sophia.

Siiiigh.

Callie didn't like this woman from the beginning, as a matter of fact, one year from this very night. They met as equals, both new to the school but she had already assumed herself better than Callie which had turned her off of the woman ever since. The blonde also had a bad feeling that she was the one that had sent in word to the gossip paper that she was Fake and her Seer abilities were all a sham and a lie.

"Sophia."

Yeah that was all she got, not even a nod.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Destiny

Vanora had arrived!

A little rough looking, thanks to the stormy weather outside, but she had arrived nonetheless. And despite that stormy weather, which usually put a damper on things, she couldn't help but feel EXCITED. She was back at Hogwarts! She was allowed, no, she was supposed to sit at the staff table. She had a really cool prefix before her name! So many things to be excited for.

With a slight skip in her step, the newly appointed Care of Magical Creatures Professor made her way up to the staff table, shooting everyone already present a grin. Her eyes briefly glanced around for Cece, but not seeing the Healer yet, she moved herself around the table and got comfortable in her own seat.

Oh, look! She could see everything from her seat! Exciting.

And then as if Callie didn't need something else to put a damper on her evening William's seat beside Sophia was taken by some new lady. She had known since William left last year but the actual sight of him gone and being replaced made a bit of her heart hurt. He was one of her best friends on staff, now it was just her and Medea--speaking of which, Callie hadn't seen the DADA professor yet.

Deciding to suck it up for the time being, Calista leaned over Sophia (not caring if she thought it was rude or not) and held her hand out for the newcomer. "Welcome to Hogwarts! Calista Elwood, Divination."

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaos.Doodles
Dash didn't mind the stormy weather. In fact it gave him a bit of an excuse for showing up later than normal, rather than the truth, which was that a crying six year old really was something that made him want to stay put.

Shrugging his cloak off, he show cased his deep blue robes, before even reaching the table. Dash's eyes flickered just a bit around the great hall, then to the staff table which seemed abnormally bigger. However, like Anastasia had specified in her staff meeting, the board of governs were expected at the feast. He didn't really think anything of it, and continued up the steps to the staff table.

And his seat was taken, taken by someone that was not him for some strange reason. Dash just stared before he carefully began to fold his cloak and then cleared his throat. "You are probably not aware of it, but this is my chair that you are currently sitting in. I'm not exactly a man bent on possessing silly things like chairs, but I am someone who thinks knowing the alphabet is very important. That being said, A-" Dash held out his arm and pointed over to the right, before pointing it at the left "-to Z. I encourage you to find your rightful spot."

Callie was ready to settle in for the night and begin to fill her goblet with pumpkin juice when she saw the History of Magic professor. She smiled and waved at him, not really expecting a wave back. She for a second thought he was heading down her way and began to make sure she looked okay but he passed her and stopped infront of the older woman, the new one and began to lecture her about seats.

O___o

"Everett, I'm sure she's just confused." She was old new to the Castle after all.

Well Hops and the students were lucky on the way up to the Castle but had to brave the downpour for a few minutes on their way into the Entrance Hall. Harold was used to storms from back in his youth living in Wales so they didn't bother him and they were nothing a quick drying spell couldn't fix.

Now dry and warm, the Three Broomsticks shopkeeper and owner made his way to the raised dias reserved for the School Staff, and for this evening, guests of honor--himself and the other Board of Governor members. On his way, Lagerty waved to a few familar faces, the student patrons who filled his pub on the Hogsmeade weekends, and strayed close to his old House table of Hufflepuff.

When he reached the table he gave nods and welcomes to the Staff members already congregated there.

"Evening Ian!" Hops greeted the Secretary warmly with a slap on the shoulder. The man seemed to be in a conversation with a woman who appeared to be the Minister's wife but Hops didn't really mind. "Good to be back in the ole alma mater, huh? Could do without the rain though."
Turning to see where he was sitting, thankfully beside Ian and the new Headmistress and not the strange Lainey broad, Harold saw Cassandra, friend and fellow Board member. "Ah, good evening Madame President, I hear your journey on the Express didn't go quite as planned? You would think it was acting up on our account." He chuckled and held a hand out in greeting. She was always a pleasure.
And lastly they had their new hire, Mrs. Truebridge, the one he had been pushing for ever since he saw her application--she was an educator after all and a former Professor and alumni of the School no less! "Good Evening Headmistress." he took her hand and planted a polite kiss on it. "I'm very sorry about your ride on the Express this afternoon, terrible way to start a term I would say. But it is great to see you here safe and sound."

It seemed no matter how hard she tried, Medea found herself never able to be one of the first to arrive at the feast. Although this time she blamed it on Erma. That cat kept rubbing on her, making her clothes all furry. Alas, fur free, heels clicking on the ground, and with an utmost positive attitude, Medea entered the Great Hall, gaze automatically locating the staff table. Definitely not one of the first.

Although she did spy that there were a couple more chairs than usual, as were the good handful of people she didn't know, Headmistress included. The mood of the Great Hall didn't go unnoticed however. It was...different. Certainly the brewing storm hadn't gotten the students all riled up had it? Nothing like the Hogwarts feast that couldn't cheer them up!

Stepping up to the staff table, she nodded and gave her pleasant "good evenings" to those she passed by before taking her seat between the Charms and Divination professors. Goodness, there were a lot of new professors.

Scooting in her seat, she sighed softly and first glanced to her right to Sophia. It seemed the woman hadn't held a grudge over her for that little stunt last term. Her worries could calm down now, couldn't they? Perhaps not. That scowl wasn't pleasant at all. "Good evening, Sophia."

Turn that frown upside down?

Medea did not take long to glance to her left instead where she knew there'd be a lot less scowl-age. Even if William, Waylon, and Oliver were gone, at least Callie was still here. "Long time no see." she said in a rather, NORMAL, accent, not being able to help but beam a little as she did so. It took her some practice, but she'd been able to actually sound somewhat 'normal' if she really thought about it.

Cece had seriously contemplated just skipping the Opening Feast altogether this term but in the end decided she best make an appearance. After all, they did have a new headmistress and there were members from the Board of Governors there. It probably wouldn't look so good if one of the staff members didn't show up. Besides, she had promised a certain young Slytherin that he would be seeing her soon. She didn't want him to think anything had happened to her... or his broom. Plus she wanted to be there to congratulate her cousin once he got sorted into Slytherin.

After scanning the Slytherin table and not finding either of the boys she was looking for, Cece finally made her way to the staff table where she found...



... Someone sitting in HER seat, and Dash trying to say it was HIS seat.

"Your seat Dash? I do believe the last time we sat at this table, this seat here..." she said pointing to the one the clearly confused woman was sitting in, "...was my seat, not yours. Your seat is over there, on the other side of Seren." This time she pointed to the empty seat between Seren and Leo... where Dash needed to go sit. "Maybe while you're teaching this woman her alphabet, you can learn yours as well." Because the last time Cece checked the alphabet, Healer came before Herbology while History of Magic came after Herbology, meaning Dash needed to move on over to his own seat and this other woman to wherever she landed in the alphabet.

Or, Cece could just go sit at the end of the table next to Hecate since the transfiguration professor wasn't there yet. She was sure the potions mistress wouldn't mind her sitting there for a bit. Then maybe later she would just make her way down the table next to Vanora. They did have a lot of catching up to do after all.

Her scowling first born was done with the sorting, and Cassandra could once again pay attention to those around her. She dabbed her face once again before spreading the napkin on her lap. The appearance of one of her former students, now a professor, brought a broad smile to her face.

"Mr. Scabior! My, don't you look dapper this evening. I'll try to stop by your office before I head home again."

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanialRadFAN01

And there was Cassandra Rae-Branxton, a living legend of whom Calista had heard plenty about despite never attending Hogwarts. The woman had done so much for wizarding education it was an honor for them to be sharing the same table.

A tad starstruck Calista leaned forward in her chair and waved down at the woman, not really knowing what else to do.

And there was another professor waving down the table. Cassandra waved back with a small smile, although it would, perhaps, have been better to be introduced properly. Perhaps later, after Anastasia's speech.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harold Lagerty

Turning to see where he was sitting, thankfully beside Ian and the new Headmistress and not the strange Lainey broad, Harold saw Cassandra, friend and fellow Board member. "Ah, good evening Madame President, I hear your journey on the Express didn't go quite as planned? You would think it was acting up on our account." He chuckled and held a hand out in greeting. She was always a pleasure.

"Good evening, Hops. It's a shame you couldn't ride with us... always nice to have an extra pair of hands in times of trouble." She glanced out across the Great Hall before returning to him with a smile.

"But Anastasia handled it admirably, and the Ministry stepped in almost immediately." Funny, that. Almost as if they'd anticipated trouble.

Well this was shaping up to be a rather interesting start of term feast.

Seren turned, offering Leo her usual cheery smile. "Oh, um... thank you," she muttered, having not expected a compliment from the man, nor any man for that matter. "Had a good summer?"

Huh? ... "Er... Seren Bentley, pleasure to meet you."

What happened to Dashbag? Oh of course, naturally, he would make an appearance. A rude one.

Seren gave the woman an appologetic look before pouring herself a pumpkin juice. It was going to be one of those nights.

And indeed...

Jayden Troutwater. Lovely girl.
"Jayden, it's so good to see you. I had a splendid summer, thank you."
Pausing briefly, she looked down the table... hhmm. "I suggest you return to your house table for the time being dear, the Headmistress hasn't given er speech yet." And the little Eagle wouldn't want to get off on the wrong foot with the woman. First impressions and all.

She'd been about to immerse herself in her pumpkin juice again whilst STARING at the Lion table looking for the faces of their new recruits, when a familiar voice snapped her out of her thoughts.
"Callie!" she chimed out of excitement. "Oh that's wonderful! They're not giving you any trouble are they?" Cause you know, teething was one thing, but they rarely grew out of their seedling mentality. Playful blighters they were.

Seren was conscious of the fact that the BoG were... HERE!.. amongst them. Perhaps she ought to have introduced herself, but she hadn't wanted to interfere or get in the way and all.

Oh, look at this strapping young man! Marion inclined her head in his direction upon his greeting. "Evening to you too, dear," she replied with an obvious twinkle in her tone. A twinkle almost as radiant as the gold chain around her neck if she did say so herself. "Oh HEAvens no. Though it has simply been aaaaaaages since I was a student here."

She did, however, raise an eyebrow at the man next. No introduction? Hmmm. "Marion Burbage, dear," she repeated as she extended one of her hands towards him.

"Bonsoir, love," Marion smiled, trying out some of the French that she could remember. How lovely this woman was. Proper introduction and everything. Lovely, siiiiiiiiiiiiiiimply lovely. "Marion Burbage, visiting Astronomy professor."

"Seren, what a looovely name," the elderly woman replied with a small clap of her hands. "Pleasure to meet you as well. OH! Is that pumpkin juice? I used to drink that aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaall the time when I was a student. Can't drink it as much now, you see. Must watch my figure."

Although one goblet full shouldn't hurt anything...


"Oh goodness gracious hEAvens me," Marion exclaimed as she rested one of her delicately old hands on her cheek. "I was not aware that this was your seat!" To which she did consider promptly get out of seeing as it was rather rude to take one's seat without permission. "I tooooooooo find that knowing the alphabet to be a very important skill for one to have."

Yes, she was well aware that that was not what this studmuffin meant, but she was willing to overlook his RUDENESS for the time being seeing as she was the visitor here.

Before the 70-year-old could act another woman made her appearance - one that was wearing a rather unpleasant expression. "Oh goodness gracious hEAvens me!" All this over a seat? Had it really been THAT long that she had forgotten how professors sat at the opening feast? Then again, she had been far more concerned with the food at the feast when she had been a student than to have paid too much attention to what the professors were doing. "I am sooooooo teeeeeeeeeeeerribly sorry, dear." And she rose out of the seat at once.

She did venture a glance towards the studmuffin before making her towards the other side of the table. "Perhaps we both should find our own seats now, hmmmm?" And an apology for startling her would be much appreciated as well, but that went without saying. Right, Mr. Studmuffin?

Jayden nodded slowly as her Professor addressed her. "Yes Professor! Of course, see you in class!" She replied before turning and ambling back down to her table.

Now, if only classes were happening now.


Nerd status!

The damp weather did not do much to improve Josephina's mood. Though she was grateful that her dwellings were located inside the castle and also that her responsibilities didn't extend to seeing the kids off the train. Which meant she took great care in finalizing some things around her classroom before getting ready for the feast. A feast that she had to look exceptionally presentable for, as a veteran professor, and head house, considering it was the first with the new headmistress. Not to mention if the rumors were true of the Board of Governors dining with them.

Clacking her way down the aisle, she noticed the sorting ceremony had begun and immediately her hazel eyes found her Hufflepuffs, searching for the new ones. And then, her eyes came up to the dais and she frowned; so many chairs. But at least one thing was consistent, which was that her chair was still second from the end.

With no Oliver anymore. But alas, the Runes Professor chair was not void either as she'd grown accustomed to. She remembered him as a visiting professor for several lessons, though he never seemed entirely too friendly. "Welcome back, Tristan." But just because he wasn't friendly, didn't give her reason to deny him of her own friendliness.

And then toward her other side, it seemed that Edvard Roslund had been replaced with an .... older woman. Who, like her, seemed very open and friendly. And chattery; unlikely the first Astronomy Professor she sat beside, Risu. Risu and her had been accustomed to sitting, staring out, observing. Something, from first perceptions, she gathered she was not going to do with this woman.

"Hello. Welcome to Hogwarts. I'm Josephina Hadley, the Arithmancy Professor." And they were obviously going to be meal partners for the year.

Her eyes scanned over the elderly woman to another woman seated beside her. In William's old seat. And Rosaline. And Maya. And Merlin only knew or remembered who else.

"Welcome to Hogwarts. It's a great view from up here, no?" Fina said conversationally. At least before she spotted someone else. Someone VERY familiar just a few seats down. Next to the Headmistress.

No. It couldn't have been. Could it?

"Well .... I'll ... be...." Fina mouthed, utterly speechless. Really, what was one supposed to say when they suddenly, after 17 years, discovered their former Defense Professor sharing the same table as them. Which was different from sharing the same table as Vindictus. Cassandra was well... she was different. She taught everyone. Vindictus only taught those who took Flying, which she didn't.

Suddenly, she found herself shrinking slightly in her chair and wishing she'd worn her black dress instead of the bright yellow.

Gemma glanced up and down the table and felt two emotions...one: she was getting to be an older staff member...this was her sixth...or was it seventh year as a professor and she had seen quite a few staffers come and go...she was beginning to feel old sticking it out this long...two: nervous and self conscious...all these BOG and she felt like she didn't even recognize them and she didn't know what to do...did she introduce herself and overwhelm them or just smile and be courteous...luckily a fellow staffer said hello and she was pulled from her awkwardness...not too mention a huge thunder rocked her out of thoughts...

She smiled at the woman, "O yes, it was great...short and pretty uneventful...but nevertheless very much needed..." especially after her last term...she was still a little irked at a certain former Ancient Runes professor that had led her on for over a year and then just up and left with no warning or any goodbye...while she thought this through she kept a smile on her face and then snapped back into reality..."and yours? anything exciting?" she asked making small talk.

The professor smiled back at the librarian, "Goood evening to yourself Leobald...glad to see the summer treated you well...is that a little bit a bronze color I detect on your skin?" she asked sweetly, "It was same ol same ol...nothing toooo exciting...happy to be back here..." she said as she glanced at the BOG sitting at the table and felt nervous again especially when she saw the new Headmistress...

Gemma smiled at the Headmistress, even more nervous then when thinking about BOGs at the table...she hadn't been close with the old Headmaster, but they had an understanding that was amiable...she was worried about a new person on staff, but she did notice something she instantly liked...the woman had style!

She leaned forward a little bit and nodded her head slightly, "Welcome back to Hoggy Warts, Headmistress..." she said raising her glass to toast the new fearless leader....

Since he was new to this school, he knew that the first thing he needed to do was introduce himself to the teachers the moment he first saw them, as long as it was possible.
After all, it is extremely important to know your teachers. If you become good friends with them, they could really help you out with a lot of things.

Making his way up to the staff table from the Slytherin one, Ace introduced himself first to the lady in the biggest chair, obviously the headmistress. That was the most important. He could have introduced himself at large, raising his voice enough to allow every teacher to hear, as some people he knows would have done. But that is not at all Ace's style. He thought it was much more important to meet every teacher individually and make a better impression that way.

Walking with confidence, Ace made sure to catch her in the split second of time where she wasn't talking to anyone.

"Hello, Headmistress! You don't know me, I am new to Hogwarts but I thought I should introduce myself since I am going to be attending your school for the next year or so."

Holding out his hand for her to shake, he gave her his best smile - charming, engaging and quite irresistible. "My name is Alastair Dooley, though mostly everybody calls me Ace. It is a great pleasure to make your acquaintance and also a big honor to be attending your school."

Stepping back, he gave her a polite nod. "You are a busy woman, I won't take up too much of your time. Thank you very much and I hope you have as great a year as I surely will."