Alessia looked at every person in there, wincing at the thought of being seen so... vulnerable... and then her eyes fell on a couple of unfamiliar faces. A very attractive man.. I mean really, other than the dinamic comedic duo of Ashby and Kapoor, all the men on the Hogwarts staff were lookers, and even the duo had their charm... And then this woman... she'd never seen her before... if was she that was bothering Papa Valon. Too old to be a student, and too young to be a professor. Why WAS she here?

Pity and concern that she might have felt for Valon Kazimeriz dissolved instantaneously. She may have felt out of place among all these professors who had at least a decade on her, but it was something else entirely to call her on it. And he was one to talk. Hadn't he given up Defense Against Dark Arts?

Caroline's sharp blue eyes sharpened still and narrowed at the old man. "As the headmaster said, I am interning as a healer, sir." she said icily. "Pray tell, what is an ex-auror who is no longer teaching defense doing here?"

Holy Merlin on a hoverboard! He knew that sharp tongue well. Kazimeriz's heart was in his throat; a mix of emotions ran through him as memories came flooding into his mind. Caroline Kinney. Wonders never ceased. Perhaps she did get a hold of that time turner as she boasted she had, way back in the ninteen eighties?

He smirked, equal parts amused, shocked and delighted. She had apparently done her homework before she came into the room, read up on his life... "Just utilizing my other talents to broaden young minds... as well as keeping alert to ensure no wayward healer interns step toe out of line, naturally, Miss... Avalon." He raised an eyebrow at her, wanting her to know that he was on to her little game.

Iliana got herself settled, returning Annie's nod with a smile. Getting a good look at what she was wearing, Ili relaxed, feeling less self conscience about her own casual attire. Yay for Annie!
"Oh, thank you sir." Iliana said, pleasantly surprised by his hospitality. Blushing slightly at his compliment, Iliana smiled and quickly took a sip of her drink. Maybe the jeans weren't such a bad idea after all. She thought, giving herself a little internal pat on the back. Still, she didn't think she'd make a habit of it.

...

Overhearing a bit of the conversation nearby, Iliana turned her head to address Kazimeriz. "Afternoon Professor... Alessia." Before giving them the proper greeting she'd intended, something else caught her attention. What was this? New faces! How lovely. "Good afternoon." She said, extending her hand first to the pretty brunette; then the amused-looking gentleman next to her. "I'm Iliana Morgan, Care of Magical Creatures."

Pepe cleared his throat, hoping to cut this tiff off before it became something more heated. "Well, I suppose I've been a bit remiss in my introductions. Miss Avalon is our healer intern for the year. I believe we had a Miss Trelawney just a couple terms back, my first year teaching here in fact. And since the cat's been let out of the bag already: I have decided to step down at Potions Master so that I can more fully focus my energies on being headmaster. Professor Kazimeriz has graciously agreed to take my place and Professor Lawson shall be taking his. We also have a new Gryffindor Head of House: Professor Dumont and Transfiguration Professor: Professor Svensson who are replacing Profeesor Pierce, who I regret to inform you all, has stepped down from her post at Hogwarts."

Hopefully that quelled whatever arguments were about to ensue. Perhaps he should have planned a team building workshop or outing of some sort instead of a meeting. It seemed like everyone had someone else to snipe at. Something to consider... Perhaps he could convince Sophie to... Hmm... maybe not....

Although, he tried not to, Kapoor looked a little bummed that one of his buds was gone from staff. Professor Pierce had been a wonderful teacher, he hoped that this Swensson bloke could do an equally good job and couldn't wait til a moment to properly introduce himself arose.

"Congratulations, Antonio!" He said, genuinely glad for his friend. Dumont would surely make a great head of house for the Gryffindor students.

Antonio beamed as he heard the sincere greeting from Kapoor. He genuinely liked the Divinations professor, had from the first day he met him. In fact, he liked the Headmaster and all the other staff members very much, each of them brought something unique to the table and that was one of the reasons Hogwarts was such a wonderful school and the number one wizarding school in the world, at least in his opinion. "Thanks," he said softly. He was very excited and happy to have been appointed as Gryffindor Head of Household, and sincerely vowed to do his best to help the Gryffindor students reach their full potential and hopefully win the house cup for the coming term.

Antonio had been aware of a bit of a disturbance earlier as a very young, very attractive woman entered the room and sat down, he had mistaken her for a 7th year at first and then learned that she was the new healer intern. He decided not to judge her on her appearance, he was certain that she would prove to be more than capable, the Headmaster was a very good decision maker and knew what he was doing, after all.

Well... at least he was alright. She put her hood back on her head and shaded her face. "Yes, congratulations Tony..." she said... really that was the only name she remembered.

She looked to the Headmaster... she thought it was very sweet for him to give up his teaching position to let Papa Valon stay... or for whatever else reason he was giving... Yeah... She knew he was just a sweet man. "I'm sad to see Professor Pierce go... but... Welcome... If you are in need of any assistance, I'd be happy to try and help." She said helpfully.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SlytherinSistah

"H'mm...Oh! Yes! My Kapot. It is doing quite well. I have it over by my window so it can get some sunlight, but...I think it has a caterpillar. Someone has bitten little half-circles into one of it's leaves." As he spoke, Kapoor cautiously stole little glances towards the floor. Ah. Shoes. She was not a hippy afterall, but in a pair of smart brown boots. "I like your shoes." He said, in a rather unassuming tone. He didn't quite want to embarass her, but was glad to have her back to...normal?

"I'm glad to hear that it's getting some sun!" Anastasia mentioned cheerfully. She wasn't happy to hear about the caterpillar however. "Dear dear," she tsked, shaking her red head just slightly. "I'll have to come pay you and your puffapod a visit and perhaps find the source of the offending bug then."

Ughhh bugs. Bugs were almost as annoying as...wait, was he looking at her shoes? Bunbunz crossed one leg over the other without thinking and blinked for a moment. "Thank you?" She was tempted to scratch her head but then again, this was Kapoor. Never a dull moment with this one. Plus, the last time he had seen her feet they had probably been embarrassingly void of any footwear whatsoever.... oh Merlin.

Annie shook off a possible blush by sniggering to herself at the sight of Ian Ashby's eyebrows. Merlin's pants, he needed a personal assistant or barber or something. Though, since he was old and married...why bother? See this was precisely why she wasn't fond of marriage: old people like Kazimeriz just let themselves go......everywhere. Just like that.

Speaking of the old devil, apparently he wasn't too keen to see that young... thing ....either. Excellent. Bunbunz was about to pipe up and ask exactly why she was there too when she caught sight of Alessia Lupa across the room. EWWW MERLIN! Dear dear sweet Merlin someone get the girl a masquerade mask! It was like the face of death staring through her soul. Disgusting - if anyone needed some of Shaniqua's Shine-A-Fying Hair Solution, it was that woman. Ugh. May the fates have mercy on her as she knocked on death's door.

Annie shook off the wee bit of pity she felt for the Ancient Runes professor and turned her attention to the boss. She could dissect the others' appearances later....if she even dared to look at anyone else. Surely Lupa's looks weren't the result of something in the drinking water here? Perhaps Anastasia could stock up on firewhiskey and gillywaters and maybe even some of that Muggle Evian before school started...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biochemkris

Pepe cleared his throat, hoping to cut this tiff off before it became something more heated. "Well, I suppose I've been a bit remiss in my introductions. Miss Avalon is our healer intern for the year. I believe we had a Miss Trelawney just a couple terms back, my first year teaching here in fact. And since the cat's been let out of the bag already: I have decided to step down at Potions Master so that I can more fully focus my energies on being headmaster. Professor Kazimeriz has graciously agreed to take my place and Professor Lawson shall be taking his. We also have a new Gryffindor Head of House: Professor Dumont and Transfiguration Professor: Professor Svensson who are replacing Profeesor Pierce, who I regret to inform you all, has stepped down from her post at Hogwarts."

Hopefully that quelled whatever arguments were about to ensue. Perhaps he should have planned a team building workshop or outing of some sort instead of a meeting. It seemed like everyone had someone else to snipe at. Something to consider... Perhaps he could convince Sophie to... Hmm... maybe not....

"Congratulations, Tony," Anastasia nodded toward the Muggle Studies man and raised her glass a little. Well he definitely didn't look as disgusting as Lupa; perhaps something was just internally wrong with the woman. It probably stemmed from her relation or friendliness to Kazimeriz....yes...that was surely it.

And where was the other new staff member? Perhaps it would be someone nice and friendly and TOTALLY new, not like that annoying Lawson or little cherry pie intern. Tuttutt.

"Thanks to both of you," Antonio remarked to both his female colleagues, whose names were easy for him to remember because they both started with the letter A. Alessia and Anastasia, he thought to himself, noticing that both their letters ended with the letter A as well. What an interesting coincidence!

Quote:

Originally Posted by XanaSnape

Holy Merlin on a hoverboard! He knew that sharp tongue well. Kazimeriz's heart was in his throat; a mix of emotions ran through him as memories came flooding into his mind. Caroline Kinney. Wonders never ceased. Perhaps she did get a hold of that time turner as she boasted she had, way back in the ninteen eighties?

He smirked, equal parts amused, shocked and delighted. She had apparently done her homework before she came into the room, read up on his life... "Just utilizing my other talents to broaden young minds... as well as keeping alert to ensure no wayward healer interns step toe out of line, naturally, Miss... Avalon." He raised an eyebrow at her, wanting her to know that he was on to her little game.

Oh great... The Old One had made the connection between her and her brother... wonderful. She knew Tobi had not been his favourite student, unless you look at it from a perspective of victimization. How unfair that her spotless record was forgotten but her brother's campaign of foolishness hung on, not that she really blamed Tobi for not being able to get into the good graces of a man like... that.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Liisa

Iliana got herself settled, returning Annie's nod with a smile. Getting a good luck at what she was wearing, Ili relaxed, feeling little less self conscience about her own casual attire. Yay for Annie!

"Oh, thank you sir." Iliana said, pleasantly surprised by his hospitality. Blushing slightly at his compliment, Iliana smiled and quickly took a sip of her drink. Maybe the jeans weren't such a bad idea. She thought, giving herself a little internal pat on the back. Still, she didn't think she'd make a habit of it.

...

Overhearing a bit of the conversation nearby, Iliana turned her head to address Kazimeriz. "Afternoon Professor... Alessia." Before giving them the proper greeting she'd intended, something else caught her attention. What was this? New faces! How lovely. "Good afternoon." She said, extending her hand first to the pretty brunette; then the amused-looking gentleman next to her. "I'm Iliana Morgan, Care of Magical Creatures."

Cari's insistent glare in the direction of Kazimeriz was broken by a pretty caramel blonde. "Hmm? Oh! Pleased to meet you. Caroline Avalon, Intern Healer." She shook her hand absently and took her first sip of her drink. Her eyebrows shot up. A mint julep? hmmmm....

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biochemkris

Pepe cleared his throat, hoping to cut this tiff off before it became something more heated. "Well, I suppose I've been a bit remiss in my introductions. Miss Avalon is our healer intern for the year. I believe we had a Miss Trelawney just a couple terms back, my first year teaching here in fact. And since the cat's been let out of the bag already: I have decided to step down at Potions Master so that I can more fully focus my energies on being headmaster. Professor Kazimeriz has graciously agreed to take my place and Professor Lawson shall be taking his. We also have a new Gryffindor Head of House: Professor Dumont and Transfiguration Professor: Professor Svensson who are replacing Profeesor Pierce, who I regret to inform you all, has stepped down from her post at Hogwarts."

Hopefully that quelled whatever arguments were about to ensue. Perhaps he should have planned a team building workshop or outing of some sort instead of a meeting. It seemed like everyone had someone else to snipe at. Something to consider... Perhaps he could convince Sophie to... Hmm... maybe not....

Wow. Caroline was strongly reminded of her mother as Headmaster Bontecou subtly intervened in her little spat with Kazimeriz. A slight blush coloured her cheeks, as she had been caught misbehaving. Certainly the man was crusty and rude, but she didn't have to rise to his bait. Or she could try not to anyway. Especially since he seemed to be staying on in a field related to her own. Did it have to be POTIONS? Couldn't have been Astronomy? Arithmancy? Divination? No, that would have been too lucky.

Okay, enough of that. Cari was determined to pay attention. Okay, new staff, Marcus, and herself, and one other, Svensson? Okay... And a new head of Gryffindor, Dumont... Tobi's other favourite Professor, apart from Ethan. Well good things do happen to good people.

The scary redhead and the tired looking blonde, hmmm I wonder if she's quite well? congratulated a nearby man with long hair so Cari took it to mean this Professor Dumont. "Congratulations, Professor," she added quietly.

Ethan slid into the staffroom his back ramrod straight, looking much like he was attempting to claim a small measure of dignity before being tossed out immediately. Though... he'd have heard about it by now if he'd lost his job, surely. He glanced around the room and a rare, tiny, infintesimal smile creeped onto his face when he saw Caroline. His newest... dare he say, friend?

He offered a nod in greeting to Axe and an almost warm look at Annie, who... well she wasn't wearing his jacket for a change. Prefering to stand, Zan moved to hover by Cari's chair.

"Apologies, I did not realise the time." He murmured, looking around at the other staff members, but avoiding eye contact with a few in particular.

Vindictus sat there and watched the banter go back and forth. Kazimeriz had the appearance of a man about to have a stroke, Alessia looked as if she had a bad reaction to a facial, the bows on the shoes of the new healer intern looked like they belonged on the head of an adorable 3-year old, and the rest, well, they looked normal or too young to be teaching. Strange mixture, indeed.

Suddenly, he started doing this weird finger pointing at those who were bickering and showed his officiating whistle to Pepe. "Give me the signal, Boss!" he mouthed silently to the Headmaster.

Antonio wasn't used to so many congratulations in one day. "Thank you," he told the new nurse intern. No doubt she was going to stir things up a bit in the staff room this term, in fact, it seemed as though that was already happening as she looked about the room and read the expresssions on the other professors' faces. Interesting.

Marcus leaned back casually in the chair and watched the goings on between the staff members. Obviously he had nothing to worry about, they were all just as crazy as he was. He looked between Caroline and Kazi and he ducked his head to hide the smirk on his face. Oh touche Avalon. He leaned over to her slightly and whispered in her ear. "Tut, tut making enemies on your first day, Caroline Avalon." He gave her a wink and straightened back up again.

He could also not miss the looks between Annie and what was her name? Another smirk touched his lips, he would have to personally introduce himself to her. Anything that's going to annoy Annie was always a good thing. Marcus however watched as the woman stood beside Kazimeriz and realised that this was the woman that Zan had spoken of. Oh so this was Professor Lupa, the old man's goddaughter. Ah he promised himself to stay away from her but if it annoyed Annie...

Oh...someone was talking to him and Marcus turned to face an attractive woman and he gave her a smile. "Nice to meet you Iliana. Marcus Lawson, Defense Against the Dark Arts." He gave her hand a quick shake and then turned back to Caroline.

"So Miss sneaky pants. Why didn't you tell me that you were interning at Hogwarts?" He leaned forward a little closer to her. "You know I wouldn't have told you all that stuff if I knew I was going to see you again" he teased as he moved back to sit comfortably in his chair.

Looking up as someone else entered the room, Axe shook his head. Typical Zan, always had to make an entrance. Obviously the actor had not left him. Marcus nodded his head back to Ethan, "Perhaps you should invest in a watch mate" he chuckled as he watched Zan stand beside Caroline.

Oh...someone was being congratulated and Marcus turned his head to the young man, Professor Dumont. "Yeah congratulations." he had no idea what he was congratulating him for but it sounded good.

Quote:

Originally Posted by NicoT

Ethan slid into the staffroom his back ramrod straight, looking much like he was attempting to claim a small measure of dignity before being tossed out immediately. Though... he'd have heard about it by now if he'd lost his job, surely. He glanced around the room and a rare, tiny, infintesimal smile creeped onto his face when he saw Caroline. His newest... dare he say, friend?

He offered a nod in greeting to Axe and an almost warm look at Annie, who... well she wasn't wearing his jacket for a change. Prefering to stand, Zan moved to hover by Cari's chair.

"Apologies, I did not realise the time." He murmured, looking around at the other staff members, but avoiding eye contact with a few in particular.

Caroline smiled at Ethan. Well this was much better. She was properly surrounded by people who she either counted as friends, or seemed friendly, like the the slightly addled man and his counterpart with the bushy eyebrows.

"Hello Ethan, did you get caught up with a book?" she asked.

Quote:

Originally Posted by aussiegirl

Marcus leaned back casually in the chair and watched the goings on between the staff members. Obviously he had nothing to worry about, they were all just as crazy as he was. He looked between Caroline and Kazi and he ducked his head to hide the smirk on his face. Oh touche Avalon. He leaned over to her slightly and whispered in her ear. "Tut, tut making enemies on your first day, Caroline Avalon." He gave her a wink and straightened back up again.

He could also not miss the looks between Annie and what was her name? Another smirk touched his lips, he would have to personally introduce himself to her. Anything that's going to annoy Annie was always a good thing. Marcus however watched as the woman stood beside Kazimeriz and realised that this was the woman that Zan had spoken of. Oh so this was Professor Lupa, the old man's goddaughter. Ah he promised himself to stay away from her but if it annoyed Annie...

Oh...someone was talking to him and Marcus turned to face an attractive woman and he gave her a smile. "Nice to meet you Iliana. Marcus Lawson, Defense Against the Dark Arts." He gave her hand a quick shake and then turned back to Caroline.

"So Miss sneaky pants. Why didn't you tell me that you were interning at Hogwarts?" He leaned forward a little closer to her. "You know I wouldn't have told you all that stuff if I knew I was going to see you again" he teased as he moved back to sit comfortably in his chair.

Looking up as someone else entered the room, Axe shook his head. Typical Zan, always had to make an entrance. Obviously the actor had not left him. Marcus nodded his head back to Ethan, "Perhaps you should invest in a watch mate" he chuckled as he watched Zan stand beside Caroline.

Oh...someone was being congratulated and Marcus turned his head to the young man, Professor Dumont. "Yeah congratulations." he had no idea what he was congratulating him for but it sounded good.

Cari shot Marcus a glance out of the corner of her eye, did he wink at her? Oh he did. She gave him a look that said, 'Oh? Do you want to be next?'

He didn't seem fazed, nor should he have been, as her look was not at all serious. He only teased her further. So she responded in kind. "It was my secret to keep. It's not my fault if you can't keep any of yours," she replied.

If he didn't move out of her space she was going to have to shove him, all this attention was starting to make her blush again. But he did, he straightened up and started talking to... Ethan?

"And do you two know each other?" she asked, leaning over the edge of her chair to involve herself in their conversation.

Quote:

Originally Posted by NicoT

Ethan slid into the staffroom his back ramrod straight, looking much like he was attempting to claim a small measure of dignity before being tossed out immediately. Though... he'd have heard about it by now if he'd lost his job, surely. He glanced around the room and a rare, tiny, infintesimal smile creeped onto his face when he saw Caroline. His newest... dare he say, friend?

He offered a nod in greeting to Axe and an almost warm look at Annie, who... well she wasn't wearing his jacket for a change. Prefering to stand, Zan moved to hover by Cari's chair.

"Apologies, I did not realise the time." He murmured, looking around at the other staff members, but avoiding eye contact with a few in particular.

Anastasia took another sip of her drink and relaxed a little as a familiar, friendly face wandered in.

"Ethan! So glad you could join us," Annie called out, patting the couch cushion next to her in invitation. As in, sit...here...not...by...her.

Quote:

Originally Posted by aussiegirl

Looking up as someone else entered the room, Axe shook his head. Typical Zan, always had to make an entrance. Obviously the actor had not left him. Marcus nodded his head back to Ethan, "Perhaps you should invest in a watch mate" he chuckled as he watched Zan stand beside Caroline.

Or...him?! WHAT? What was this? Bunbury's bright blue eyes quickly darted between Truebridge and Lawson, Lawson and Truebridge, trying to figure out the connection between them. One called the other 'mate'... so...that implied that they knew each other...already?

Oh this was on. On like Donkey Kong. Anastasia crossed her arms in a silent huff and glared daggers at Marcus, unable to actually say anything since she was pretending not to know him....still...how could they have friends in common? Hmm? This was simply scandalous.

Quote:

Originally Posted by druidflower

Caroline smiled at Ethan. Well this was much better. She was properly surrounded by people who she either counted as friends, or seemed friendly, like the the slightly addled man and his counterpart with the bushy eyebrows.

"Hello Ethan, did you get caught up with a book?" she asked.

......

If he didn't move out of her space she was going to have to shove him, all this attention was starting to make her blush again. But he did, he straightened up and started talking to... Ethan?

"And do you two know each other?" she asked, leaning over the edge of her chair to involve herself in their conversation.

AND this one too?! The cherry pie tart whatever little girl knew Truebridge too and Bunbury didn't even see a connection? Wow she felt like a social failure, not having even heard of Whatshernamelookitme before today. It was whatever though. She would just listen in on their little conversation and absorb the secrets to her enemies. Yes...that was how she operated. Silent and deadly.

"I have one." Ethan answered quietly, "I use it to navigate." Because his compass was broken and had been for awhile, though Ethan did not recall how or when he had first noticed it.

"I did." Ethan agreed quietly. He looked up at the Headmaster. "I actually have a few books that I acquired this summer, surplus to my needs. I'd happily donate them to the library."

He looked at Cari and nodded at her question. "We do."

He looked up at Annie, it took him almost a full minute to register that she meant for him to sit next to him. He'd prefer to stand but Annie would probably be quite put out if he didn't sit with her, he'd learned that she liked things to go her way and mostly he didn't much mind. Giving Cari's shoulder a comforting you-are-welcome-here squeeze, he moved to sit next to Annie, meeting her eyes for a brief moment before focusing his attention on Bontecou.

"Maybe you shouldn't be so irresistible that I felt the need to tell you all my deep dark secrets." Marcus gave her another wink because it clearly annoyed her and he liked seeing her all fired up. He moved back however, just in case she did decide to take a swing at him.

Axe looked up at Zan and then back to Caroline. "You could say that. But I'm the better looking one" he chuckled, sparing a quick glance at Zan. His huge ego sometimes surfaced especially at times like these when there were so many women in the room. And even better Zan, wouldn't bother to retort. He had probably already zoned out anyway.

Marcus raised an eyebrow at Annie...possessive much!! Heaven forbid should the man sit anywhere but near her, nice to see things hadn't changed. Noticing her look between himself and Zan, Marcus allowed himself another smirk. Oh yeah she wasn't the only one to know him. He merely gave Annie a lazy look and reclined casually back in the seat but he couldn't resist giving her a wink. 'Nice to see you again...babe' he mouthed to her.


"Ah of course, silly me" Axe replied dryly. He would have to talk to the bloke about taking everything so literally. And then he watched in horror as he made his way over to Annie. No man don't do it, she will eat you alive and spit out your remains. Of course Marcus said none of this and looked away with a nonchalant expression on his face.

She smiled at Iliana, though, under her hood, Ili wouldn't have seen it. The Caroline woman was odd... Avalon... Avalon... Little Mister Avalon was a student last year... She wondered if there was a connection. Hmmm... She was just about to introduce herself when... HE came in.

She froze. Odd, she didn't think she would have frozen... Come on Less, move. Either way, THIS was not the place for her to tell him off. They were collegues. She was going to act towards him in a professional manner. They just weren't going to... share meals... or go on outings together...

She closed her eyes and when she re-opened them it seemed she just missed the new man's eyes on her... Lawson, was it? Well, of course he was looking... She was hideous. Who wouldn't look. She sighed as her hand came up to touch her face...

The dymanic duo was there... she wished she had known them better, David was so sweet, every time he was around she only heard kind words and Ian, behind those... eyebrows? was a really funny man. They both made her smile.

She needed to get to know some of the other staff members without being under the influence of a spell... Papa Valon had forgiven her... he knew her and loved her no matter what had happened. And if she got to know her, maybe the Bunny woman was nice, like Iliana had told her... then again... maybe not. She was sitting with HIM. She needed to apologize to Max and Eddie, maybe patch things up with Macadrian... and get to know Tony, Constantine and the librarian... Kohan or something. Someone was still missing... The new transfiguration professor.

And then there was Pepe. Whom she admired so much. But how to apologize to your boss and thank him at the same time, one for not firing you and realizing something was wrong, and two, for being such a very sweet man to her when she had been under the influence. She was still very embarrassed.

Less stayed at her godfather's side silent, with her hand on his shoulder, waiting for Pepe to give them direction.

Typical. Late, and announcing himself... so dramatic. Kazimeriz glared at the young man-- his nemesis. His hand instinctively moved closer to his wand pocket as Truebridge entered the room and stood by Caroline. He had hoped that the man would be on probation at least by this time, if not outright suspended or fired. He would find out later. For now, he would merely observe and remain on guard... waiting. But he did not like the expression on Truebridge's face when he looked at his Caroline. Not. one. bit.


Kazimeriz's dark eyes darted back and forth, watching the banter between Truebridge, Caroline and the newcomer... Lawson? So, this newcomer- the man in his job-- knew Truebridge. Ah. It all began to make logical sense in the old man's head... Truebridge had made his cheap post-duel curse in order to incapacitate him, to cripple him-- or worse! -- so that his friend could gain employment at the school? Insidious! But no less than one could expect from a Slytherin. Well... two could play at that game. He watched quietly, his expression smooth and dispassionate, save his eyes. His eyes burned with resentment and loathing as he watched their jovial interplay.

But Caroline... how did she play into all this? Surely she wasn't still resentful over what had transpired... that was years ago. Of course, years ago to an old man would be merely seconds to a woman with a time turner and a vindictive streak. He raised an eyebrow as Truebridge touched her shoulder, alarm bells going off in his head. Something was afoot, alright. And if it involved Caroline Kinney- no, Avalon- in league with Truebridge, it would certainly not bode well for Valon Kazimeriz.

Kazmeriz gently reached up and touched Alessia's hand to reassure her, keeping his other hand ready at his wand pocket. He looked to Bontecou, awaiting Reynard's further leadership for this meeting. He was anxious to make the long trek down to the potions room and finish cataloguing supplies and ensuring he was ready for the coming year. He made a mental note to ask Reynard to join him so they could discuss curriculum and what the students had already addressed in recent terms. He also wanted to learn which students were the strongest and which were those who needed extra assistance or remedial classes.

But mostly, he wanted to know what plan moste evil Truebridge, Caroline and this Lawson might be concocting now. A conspiracy had obviously played out to his detriment last term; was another one afoot?

Being a gentleman, he reminded himself to acknowledge Dumont's success. "Congratulations, Professor Dumont. I hope that Gryffindor will be directed well under your leadership; perhaps you can even teach them to temper their boldness with a bit of forethought." he smirked a little, feeling almost sorry for the man. Gryffindors could be a handful.

Angela said little as she slipped into the staff room, simply nodding to acknowledge the professors in the room. She noticed a few new faces, and smiled politely in their direction. She would have time to get to know the new professors, and she was eagerly looking forward to it.

Hoping that she wasn't terribly late, as she had stopped by her office to drop off a few things, including her very frisky kitten Raven, Angela settled herself into a comfortable chair. The cat was growing at a rapid rate and she found that she had to enlarge the basket that she had been sleeping in while she stayed in her office.

With a quiet sigh, she glanced about the room. She was always happy to be back here.

And apparently she was here in time to hear the announcement of the new Gryffindor Head of House. "Congratulations Antonio." She wished him. "I am certain you'll be a fantastic leader of our young students." But Alex...With a slightly furrowed brow as it was announced that a new Transfiguration professor was present, Angela made a mental note to send an owl to her friend to inquire of her well-being. It was very unfortunate that she had to leave her teaching post. She was very adept at it, but Angela was sure that the new professor would do just as well.

Lars was late. Once he had realized just how much effort it would take to settle his new pet canary in, the man had had no doubt that he would be running late, probably for years to come. As Lars slipped through the door, he barely glanced around. He already knew that he was probably the last one to arrive, so there was no use in making eye contact with the other staff. Instead, moved to stand out of the way.

It seemed the meeting had already started. Lars kept quiet, for he was new. He had nothing to add to any discussion, at least not yet, and he felt that he would learn best how to act by listening attentively to the discussion. Wouldn't he? Certainly he would.

Constantine remained silent in his comfy chair, his eyes watching his fingers as he continued to play with his wedding ring, half thinking about Madison and partially listening to all the discussion going on in the group. His eyes flashed away from the ring to look at the door of the room as it opened again and in came another new person. His eyes immediately flashed back to his ring and got lost in his world of thoughts.

"Thanks, and congratulations to you as well," Antonio responded to the new DADA teacher. "And thanks also, Angela," he added. He was trying to keep track, he thought everyone was here at the meeting now but he couldn't be certain as his mind was beginning to drift just the tiniest bit. He stood up straighter, vowing to pay more attention to what was happening.