Macadrian pulled the heavy oak door shut behind her as she entered the School with Fex in tow behind her, a line of sweat beading up on her brow despite the cool winds from which she'd just stepped out. Glancing around, Macadrian contemplated between popping in the staff room to see if anyone was around, heading straight to her office to begin planning her lessons, or visiting with the Hufflepuffs in their common room to introduce herself. And what to do with Fex?

I really should say hello to my colleagues, but at the same time I'm here to educate those students. But I also have responsibilities to ensure that the Hufflepuff students are getting well adjusted to the School and answer their questions. I don't want them to think I bailed on them because I haven't been present for a few days... but at the same time, I really should set up my office and begin figuring out what I'll assign for homework. But I haven't seen my colleagues in so long, some of the males for over a year, and it would be nice to visit with some fresh faces. And what am I going to do with this goat? I suppose I could just drop him by Fabian's office quickly. Hmmm.

A woman who was known for the ability to make a quick decision with confidence, Macadrian was flustered by her sudden inability to make a simple decision. Unable to choose, Macadrian's brow furrowed in frustration as the tears welled up in her eyes. Had she changed that much? Where was that woman she was last year? Before Belle's School? Before the summer?

He didn't have to walk to far when he spotted a clearly upset Macadrian. "Macadrian, what's wrong?" he asked softly as he strode up to her side and put a comforting arm around her.

Jezz wandered into the entrance hall carrying Ishni. She was kinda tired and not to aware of her surroundings. All of the sudden Ishni jumped off her shoulder and took off running toward the two figures she now saw in front of her. This did not look like a good conversation to interrupt. "Ishni no!" She semi-yelled at the reddish-brown squirrel, attempting to chase him down.

Ishni was sick of being carried around, he wanted to explore, and he smelled someone familiar, someone who smelled funny. Scampering over to the woman who smelled like someone he recognized, Ishni was happy to be free for a moment. For a woodland creature he was slightly unobservant. It wasn't until he was right there that he saw yet another new person that smelled like grass.

As soon as she heard his voice, Macadrian's mood improved considerably. Despite the fact that she'd seen him quite often over the summer, his face was one she never really grew tired of seeing. Well, maybe sometimes but not as often as before. She played down her emotions while leaning into his comforting arm, "Oh Max, I'm fine. Just a bit tired from my travels, I guess. Maybe a bit overwhelmed by how much I have to do, but I'm better being here than anywhere else, especially home alone without any company. I was debating what I should do tonight - work, visit with my Badgers, or pop in to see some colleagues. Any suggestions?" She scratched behind Fex's ears with her free hand as she looked to Max for answers.

"Definitely spend some time with your colleagues," Max said and handed her a clean handkerchief. "That's what I'd do if I were you. Besides, Fabian will be delighted to see you and Fex." He glanced at the goat and grinned.

Macadrian accepted the handkerchief to dab her eyes and her forehead. She smiled a half smile and joked, "Fabian will probably be happier to see the latter than the former. Do you know where he is? I should probably get his goat to him before the man has angina." Macadrian watched as Fex began sniffing the reddish-colored squirrel at Max's feet. Fex was known to eat a lot of things - her research, library books, magazines - usually papergoods. Would he try to eat anything alive? The way he was eyeing that squirrel made Macadrian a bit nervous...

"Staff Room," Max answered and stopped. He was distracted by Macadrian who was staring at a reddish-brown squirrel and then Fex who had his tongue out. Oh, not good. "Fex, no boy," he said as he bent over and picked up the critter. He straightened up and caught a glimpse of Ravenclaw robes. "Is this little guy yours?" he asked Jezz.

Jezz nodded. "I'm sorry he just got away from me. I think he was looking for Mr Masterson, he really likes that guy for some odd reason." She held out her hand for the little guy.

Vindictus grinned as the squirrel jumped into his owner's hands. "Well, Mr. Masterson does smell like acorns so that doesn't surprise me." He laughed at his little joke.

Ishni jumped into Jezzabells hands and ran up the arm of her school robe.

Jezz grinned at Professor Vindictus and said. "Sorry to disrupt your conversation. I'll go now. See you on the pitch, you know while Ravenclaws winning this year." With a last smile she turned and walked back the way she came.

Macadrian watched the entire exchange between Max and the young Ravenclaw student without saying word. It didn't even cross her mind to open her mouth and say hello. Boy, that must have seemed unfriendly. Nice job, Mac. You could have at least told the girl how adorable her squirrel was.

As the student walked away, Macadrian shook her head to snap herself out of her mental berating and replied to Max, "I guess we should head to the staff room then. Is it just you and him there or are there other staff members? Would be nice if I could kill two birds with one stone - drop off Fex with Fabian and spend some time with colleagues. I suppose I'll just visit with the Hufflepuffs tomorrow morning and then get started on my lesson plan. Lead the way."

Macadrian adjusted the heavy bag she was carrying into a more comfortable position and set her eyes toward the Staff Room. As her stomach growled loudly, Macadrian muttered somewhat embarassed, "Sorry. Didn't get a chance to eat much since I left from home." Rummaging around in her bag, Macadrian found a flask of pumpkin juice and took a swig. Ahhhh, sweet sugary goodness.

Fabian descended the moving staircase heading back to the staff room, he kept adjusting his tie, hair, ironing shirt and removing dust from his cloak with the use of his wand.

He came to an abrupt halt when he reached the ground floor, he sure wasn't expecting to find Macadrian in school.. yet. Instinctively his right hand slipped into his pockets to make sure the notes were securely hidden and not poking out for attention. "Macadrian!" he chimed, "its so nice to see you again. How was your journey? Well I hope" he moved closer and beamed gingerly at the sight of Fex, "my dear Fex. I sincerely apologize for leaving you by the gate" he bent down to stroke his goat's head, "I'm completely at fault and i do assure that I'll make it up to you".

Macadrian knew it was him before she's even seen his face. The way he carried himself was so distinct that he was impossible to mistake. With wide eyes, she stared at him as he approached. She knew that she'd arrived earlier than she'd previously planned and that he likely wasn't expecting her, but she couldn't stay away from the School any longer than physically necessary.

She greeted him with a bright smile, "Fabian, equally a pleasure to see you. The journey was brief and without incident. Thankfully I had a traveling partner." She laughed lightly and rubbed the top of Fex's nose, then added, "And he only tried to eat my robes twice the whole time!" Macadrian watched as Fabian spoke to Fex like a doting parent. His attachment to this animal still surprised her from time to time, mainly because he always seemed to care more for this creature than he did for most people around him.

After allowing ample time for Fabian to apologize to his goat, Macadrian asked, "How was your journey here? Did you arrive for the opening feast in time?"

Max kept a firm grasp on Macadrian's arm and resisted the urge to slap Fabian silly for showing too much affection for his pet goat. "Let's get to the Staff room so that you can enjoy a relaxing meal, Macadrian," he said and shook his head at the man. "Are you going to join us, Fabian, or are you going to spend time with the goat?"

"My journey was good" he replied, the moment Macadrian's hand shot towards the goat, Fabian pulled his hand away without being too obvious about his reaction. "Pleased to know everything went smoothly. I really don't know how to thank you" though he was almost but glaring at the woman, "I was at a loss of means on how to bring Fex here without leaving post for a day or two. Thank You Macadrian" he smiled at her as gingerly as he could without showing his annoyance with Max. "Fex is good company, forgive him on the robes, he can't help himself. It would be my pleasure to send you a new set of robes the soonest I can".

"Max" he shot a nod in his friend's direction, when did he leave the staff room? Was he expecting Macadrian? He wanted to ask him but decided against. "Well" he sighed, "your probably tired and need some rest" he glanced at the way they were both holding hands, "I'll take Fex over to my office.. I'll see you both at dinner" he took a good hold over Fex's leash and started moving him towards the stairs again.

"Dinner? You've lost your mind mate - cards. She's going to eat while we play," Max called out at Fabian's retreating back. Shaking his head, he turned his attention back to Macadrian. "Shall we go to the Staff Room?"

"Ah! Cards!" he called over his shoulder, completely forgetting why he was coming down here in the first place. To head back to staff room for a game or two, "I'll be right back down once I settle Fex. I doubt other staff would want him chewing on their robes"

Macadrian pretended not to notice that Fabian withdrew his hand as hers drew near his, albeit unintentionally. And what was with the look?! She just got here so what could she have possibly done this time? And she'd brought him his goat out of concern for both of them, but he still looked unhappy. The man never ceases to amaze me with his odd unpredictability. I really need to read his numbers for the year sooner rather than later.

Speaking cordially but without much emotion, "New robes are not needed, but thank you for offering, Fabian. I suspect it was my own fault for carrying in my pocket the sweets Max bought me in Diagon Alley. If I'd stowed them properly, he probably wouldn't have bothered with my robes."

Macadrian observed the interchange between Max and Fabian and found Fabian's behavior odd, though Max did not seem to detect the slight change in Fabian's demeanor. As Fabian walked away, Macadrian turned to Max and inquired quietly, "Did Fabian seem a bit... strange, to you? Oh, and can we stop in the kitchens before heading to the staff room so I can get some food? Unless you have food in there for the card game already."

"He's been acting strange since . . . well, let's just say I'm getting sick and tired of it," Max said quietly as they walked to the Staff Room. "There is a plate of food waiting for you, and if you need any more, I'll get it for you."

With a small frown on her face, Macadrian thought she knew when Fabian's oddities had begun and it made her feel rather guilty. She sighed heavily, "I'm sorry it has been affecting you too..."

When Max explained that food was already settled, Macadrian smiled gratefully and replied, "Oh Max, you do think of everything, don't you? Always know how to take care of the things I need! I'm more grateful than you know for your assistance, especially now. Let's go play some cards, shall we?" And with her hand resting on his forearm, Macadrian lead the way to the Staff Room.

Tasha practically tumbled down the stars as she tried to stop at the top. As she reached the bottom step, she glanced round the corridor... Great Hall... Classroom... Broom Cupboard! She ran towards the door and yanked it open.

Oh, this is stupid... She thought as the clunking of the bucket on the stairs echoed round her. Pulling her wand out and pointing it at the bucket, She said "Wingardium Leviosa!" The bucket raised up and she continued her journey u the stirs, the cupboard door still open.

Ludo walked quietly back into the castle. He always enjoyed visitis to Hogsmede but now it was back to education. But first things first, he needed to go to the Library.

He checked that he still had the book and headed for the grand staircase.

He stepped into the entrance hall with her "Well i dont think ill try out this year but i do love it. I play all the time at home i just want to get some more practice in."