Baked Alaska and love poem in hand, Torin made it over to the Staff Table. It was quite a feat for him to have made it this far with Reese clinging all over him and making goo-goo eyes. But he had finally managed to escape.

And it didn't matter that she was in conversation with other Professors. He set the dessert down in front of her plate and said, "here is your Baked Alaska, Professor."

Iliana gave Marcus a little laugh and said, "I'd love to see that. I might have to stay behind just to watch," she winked back. She smiled at his question. Nice try. "Marcus, I try to make every term exciting," she answered, purposely vague.

Iliana raised an eyebrow at Marcus as he draped his arm around her and followed his gaze down the table. She spotted Bunbury a few chairs down looking none too pleased. What a face she was making. Silently she wondered, Just what could have happened to Annie to make her such an unhappy person? Guess it takes more than shoes to find real joy in one's life. With that thought, she gave Annie a friendly smile before turning her head towards the sea of HAPPY faces. It was a much more pleasing sight. She'd have to remember to bring Annie a fruit basket or something. Maybe that would cheer her up.

"Nice to see you as well, Iliana," Antonio said with a smile. "How was your summer?"

Nearly everyone was here at the Staff Table now, almost all the professors, with the exception of the one who would never show up there again. Antonio frowned slightly as he remembered what had happened at the Leaky Cauldron, such an unexpected and tragic occurrence. It was all very mysterious, and he couldn't imagine anyone who would possibly want Professor Forrester dead, but it had happened nonetheless. It just showed how uncertain life was, he supposed. Then there had been the incident at the General Assembly at the end of term last year, he thought, glancing again at the Headmaster and Alessia. Why did Antonio's thoughts always have to turn to something negative, even at such a happy time of the year? Everything was going to be fine, just fine.

Antonio tried his best to banish any negative thoughts from his head, and turned back to the group. Hopefully everything WOULD go perfectly this term, for a change.

Oh great. So Kapoor had wanted the vacant chair beside her so he could play a prank on Ashby. Of course, she should have suspected that, obviously, not assumed that the man would actually sit down. Working with Tweedledee and Tweedledum took some patience indeed.

Annie tried not to roll her eyes too obviously and turned back to the front of the table to face none other than Bunz Stalker Numero Uno.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Whitterz

Baked Alaska and love poem in hand, Torin made it over to the Staff Table. It was quite a feat for him to have made it this far with Reese clinging all over him and making goo-goo eyes. But he had finally managed to escape.

And it didn't matter that she was in conversation with other Professors. He set the dessert down in front of her plate and said, "here is your Baked Alaska, Professor."

"Mr. Kane," she coolly greeted the boy, not touching or even reaching out toward the dish he'd plunked down in front of her. "Aha. So you took my challenge quite seriously."

Challenge? It had been a dare. And although Bunbury had indeed jokingly told the boy to make her a dessert, she had never expected him to carry through on it. Then again, he was a stalker, so what should she have expected?

Anastasia leaned forward slightly and tilted the dessert up with her hands, tilting it to the right and then to the left as if inspecting it for Top Chef: Hogwarts. "Interesting," she declared after a long moment, sitting it back flat on the table and folding her hands again.

"It's not on fire." Wasn't that where the baked part came in?

He watched as she inspected the dessert. And then she asked where the fire was. "Well, Professor. I wasn't going to carry a flaming dessert around the castle. That wouldn't be very safe, would it. But you can set fire to it with magic and then eat it." Really he wasn't that stupid. He knew better than to carry flaming desserts around the great hall when he had a Slytherin stalking him.

"But I did take you seriously. I never back down from a dare like that."

Alessia applauded at the newly sorted Slytherins. Each one, she nodded to as they looked over her way. She was the Head of House... she should start acting like it. Iliana was right, Lycans were strong... and she needed to be equally so. "Maximus..." she asked before she turned her baby browns on the quidditch official, "will the all stars be returning for another Quidditch Match this term?" That's what she needed... a distraction... Just a kip of a distraction...

Pepe caught Antonio's glance. The old fellow looked like he was thinking deep thoughts. Pepe raised his glass to the man. "To a safe and happy term," he said and winked before taking a sip of his magically refilled water.

It was a good sorting. Almost speech time, he supposed. Pepe glanced down at his watch again. Yes, he should definitely get to speechifying soon. He didn't want to cut it too close.

Constantine slowly pulled a roll apart, piece by piece and ate it, watching the different goings on in the Great Hall. Perhaps getting his hands dirty on the grounds would help take his mind off the fact that little Jadyn was MILES away.

Deciding to finally get over himself, Constantine focused on the staff table and looked up and down in, pausing every know and then to listen in on some sort of conversation. Oh, what a social bug he was.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Whitterz

He watched as she inspected the dessert. And then she asked where the fire was. "Well, Professor. I wasn't going to carry a flaming dessert around the castle. That wouldn't be very safe, would it. But you can set fire to it with magic and then eat it." Really he wasn't that stupid. He knew better than to carry flaming desserts around the great hall when he had a Slytherin stalking him.

"But I did take you seriously. I never back down from a dare like that."

Bunbury was not going to be eating this.... mmm... chocolate deliciousness anytime soon, as tempting as it looked. Not unless she had a taste-tester first. Marcus, maybe, he would do. She carefully pushed the Baked Alaska to her left so it would catch the other chocoholic's eye.

"Well then, I will be setting it on fire later," Anastasia declared, looking up from the dessert to Torin. "That's right, walking around with anything on fire isn't safe... and we can't be concerned enough with safety these days."

She deliberately glanced down the table toward the Headmaster and then looked back at the Hufflepuff. "I think you should head back to your table now, before Bontecou speaks. Thank you for the ah, Baked Alaska though."

This place never ceased to surprise her; it was always one thing after another. No one could ever say that Hogwarts was a boring place, though.

Drawing a sip from her shiny goblet that sat in front of her, Angela glanced first to her right and then to her left. The students had been sorted, which had been wonderful to see. She always enjoyed seeing fresh faces discovering the joys of the library each year. Though most of them seemed nervous, as she herself had been her first day here, she knew that they would settle in quickly.

Leaning back in her chair, she smiled towards Macadrian. Here lay the perfect opportunity to speak with her. "Macadrian." She began. "How was the wedding? I meant to ask you about it during the staff meeting, but didn't have a chance."

He smiled at her and watched as she pushed the dessert to the side. So she would eat it later. Good. "Yes, Professor Bunbury. Enjoy your dessert."

He smiled and was about to go when he remembered that he still had his poem for her. "One more thing." He placed the poem on the table. "See you in class later." He turned away and headed back to his table.

SPOILER!!: poem

Search the world, but let me say,
That you will never find,
A lady with a better taste,
Or more fantastic mind.

No one who, with better skill,
Can spot some Jimmy Choos;
No one who, with better taste,
Can pick, in pink, her shoes.

A better flyer never was,
And who can not admire?
Her taste in food, in dishes sweet,
Her hair, that shade of fire!

A teacher who is sans a match,
A teacher made of beauty,
Someone sweet, to never shy,
From courage, pink or duty!

Alessia's head spun before Max could respond. It was as if she was on fire. (In her defence, being this close to the full moon was stressful.) Had that horrible rabid bunny thing said what she'd just heard!! And to a student?! Alessia took a breath trying to steady herself... it wasn't the student she was angry at... "Hold that thought Maximus," she said and glared at the Herbology Professor. She waited until the student was out of hearing distance and said, "It's Headmaster Bontecou, Professor Bunbury, he never ceased to be the headmaster and deserves to be shown respect, when we speak to the students." This was not about challenging his position per se. This was all about his being a werewolf and made Alessia furious!

"Don't worry about it, Less. I'm not offended," he said, looking at Less and then Professor Bunbury. And he really wasn't. It would take a lot to offend Pepe. He was far too easy going.

"It is not a matter of being offended Pepe..." she said trying to calm herself before she exploded. "It's a matter of teaching the students respect. It will go a long way in their education." She said but resigned herself to Pepe's decision and returned to Max, "Forgive me..."

If a student saw a professor disrespecting the headmaster, what's to stop them from doing so too... she thought to herself, but if Pepe wanted to let that... bunnything talk to him that way, she couldn't stop it, and she would be cursed if she looked at Annie's smug mug.

Kazimeriz fiiinally made it up to the dais, taking the steps slowly and looking for the closest available seat. That would be the empty seat by Kapoor.

"Good evening, Professor Kapoor. May I..." Kazimeriz started before noticing that the 'empty' seat had a 'This Seat Reserved For' sign of sorts on it, in the form of a whoopee cushion on the seat. "Ah, this must be Professor Ashby's seat. My mistake." he said with a smirk.

"Might I suggest a concealing charm on it to make it invisible?" he advised with a tiny smile as he passed behind Kapoor seeking another seat. He wasn't absolutely without a sense of humor, after all, and he did enjoy a good practical joke.

"Indeed, commanding and maintaining respect for all authority will be of particular importance this term." Kazimeriz said to Bontecou and Lupa as he overheard the last snippet of their conversation. He made his way over to the headmaster, taking out a parchment from his pocket and slapping it down next to Bontecou's plate.



"This was given to me by one of the Hufflepuff students." he said simply.

"Oh yes that would be fun. I might be a Gryffindor just like you." Because he was like brave you know, he had saved house elves and took on merpeople last year. Marcus, gave Iliana a little grin and stretched his legs out in front of him. "I just bet you do" he murmured, rather innocently.

Ah Iliana had noticed his little act of immaturity and he slid his arm off from around her shoulders. Just wouldn't be fair to bring Iliana, into his feud with Annie. "So Professor Morgan, I was wondering if I could ask you for a favor?"

Reaching for his glass, Marcus spied the chocolate Baked Alaska. Oh was it time for dessert already? He hadn't even eaten any dinner yet but like HE was going to pass up more chocolate. He pulled the Baked Alaska towards him and picked up a spoon and without a second's hesitation he started spooning the delicious dessert into his mouth. Mmmm yummy.

Marcus watched as Alessia stared daggers at Annie and he quickly swiped the chocolate while she was not looking. Waste not, want not and all that. Oh Merlin!!! Was she going to start something with Annie? Marcus shifted in his seat so that he could get a better view of this and he popped the chocolate into his mouth.


YEAH GIRL FIGHT!!!

His money was on Less, she was a feisty thing and she had that whole werewolf thing going for her as well. Bunny, was going down!!

Pepe listened to both Less and Kazimeriz, drumming the fingers of his left hand upon the table. He glanced down briefly at the parchment before responding. "I'm all for teaching the students respect, but we're all friends here and I am Bontecou as far as Bunbury's concerned," he shrugged, flashed a grin at said Bunbury which was probably a bit more sinister coming from a werewolf than if it had just come from Pepe even if it was the same old smile as before.

Then, he took a moment to really look at the parchment. He sighed and stuffed it in his pocket before Less could see. She'd find out eventually, but this was not the night for that. "Thanks for the heads up, Professor," Pepe flashed Kazimeriz a quick, halfhearted, grin as he placed his palms on the table on either side of his plate.

Well, that was everyone, he thought. Headmaster Bontecou pushed himself to his feet and walked around the staff table, avoiding the Bunbury side (he may like her, have infinite patience, and wear glasses but he was neither blind nor stupid and didn't want to straight the poor girl's nerves any further). When he was standing in front of the owl, it assumed the position for oration. He cleared his throat, took a very brief, uncharacteristically nervous, glance around the room, and broke out into his usual twinkling smile.

"Welcome back to another exciting term at Hogwarts! And welcome new students, I'm sure you'll all come to love this school as those of us returning do," Headmaster Bontecou began his speech on the upbeat, but the mood quickly turned somber. "Unfortunately, it is my regrettable honor to announce that Professor Forrester will not be returning to teach Astronomy this term. However, I want to assure you all that a replacement professor will be here in time for classes to begin. And on another sad note, our healer, Ms. Avalon, is missing and a replacement healer should be arriving shortly."

Actually, he had been expecting both new staff members to be here in time for the feast, but one could never really tell with those two. This quick thought brought a brief smile to his face. "It has also come to my attention that there are a lot of misconceptions being spread regarding werewolves. I would like to reassure each and every one of you that Ministry and I have been working for the better part of the summer to ensure your safety while within these walls and surrounding environs. And not just from werewolves, who happen to be people just like you or..." he stopped before he slipped and said 'I' like he'd been purporting ever since he was old enough to recognize discrimination for what it was. "The lovely Minister of Magic. They have been dealt a challenging hand in life, but the condition can be managed so as to reduce the risk to people to nearly zero.

"In addition, I have been meeting with the merchieftainess, Arethusa, and want to reassure you that we will have no trouble from the merpeople this term. Arethusa has even gone so far as to offer protection to the castle from any other water-bound threats. So, the castle will be remaining flood-free. I apologize for dampening any hopes for another pool party," the headmaster winked and chuckled.

A very discrete, though probably noticeable, glance at his watch and Pepe decided to finish this up (and not necessarily because he was getting a bit long winded). "That said, I know you'll all have a fantastic time this year.
So, fill your minds with knowledge, your hearts with friendship, and your guts with food. I declare this feast officially begun!" he declared as food appeared on the tables.


Then, the headmaster moved in front of where Kazimeriz was sitting and leaned over the table. "Will you close the feast for me and ensure the students get safely off to their common rooms?" he asked.

Kapoor about died. He couldn't hold it in any longer. And, even though the joke had not yet played out, the anticipation and envisioning got to him. His laughter became booming and quite exuberant until a tear threatened to stream down his face. He leaned towards Professor Bunbury on the calm down, then faced Kazimeriz. "Ah, yes, Professor Kazimeriz, but consider the added humour if it should still be a success despite it's obviousness." And, at his and Ian's ages, he had to test it. Who knew what habits they'd grown into that could be used to make the practical jokes a reality. Besides, Ian would likely come back with something equally explosive (he hoped not literally).

He played with the end of his deep celestial printed indigo tie as Kazimeriz passed some kind of love note on to the headmaster.

Kapoor sort of jumped when he heard Alessia speak. He had told himself he was not going to treat her differently, but that was becoming increasingly harder with her uncontrollable shows of temper, one of which ended in a brutal attack. Such a repeat of history he did not care to witness.

"Well, I'm exhausted. I think I might just turn in. If you all will excuse me?" And without another moment of hesitation, Kapoor got up skeedaddled off to the towers.

Iliana looked Marcus up and down playfully as if trying to measure him up. "You might be able to pull off Gryffindor," she teased. Then she leaned in closer and said, "I guess we'll soon find out." with an evil little grin. There was NO WAY he was backing out of this now.

As Marcus' arm slipped from her shoulder, Iliana turned her head from the tables below and looked at him. "Yes, Professor Lawson. Ask away," she said with a curious expression.

Iliana listened to the Headmaster's speech intently, with a renewed sense of pride. She gave him a little applause and said, "Well said, Headmaster." as she watched him leave. Then she leaned forward, across Marcus and asked, "Alessia, are you leaving too?"

Quote:

Originally Posted by Whitterz

He smiled at her and watched as she pushed the dessert to the side. So she would eat it later. Good. "Yes, Professor Bunbury. Enjoy your dessert."

He smiled and was about to go when he remembered that he still had his poem for her. "One more thing." He placed the poem on the table. "See you in class later." He turned away and headed back to his table.

SPOILER!!: poem

Search the world, but let me say,
That you will never find,
A lady with a better taste,
Or more fantastic mind.

No one who, with better skill,
Can spot some Jimmy Choos;
No one who, with better taste,
Can pick, in pink, her shoes.

A better flyer never was,
And who can not admire?
Her taste in food, in dishes sweet,
Her hair, that shade of fire!

A teacher who is sans a match,
A teacher made of beauty,
Someone sweet, to never shy,
From courage, pink or duty!

"I.... whuhhhhh?" Bunbury's eyes narrowed as Torin headed back to his table but not before leaving a bit of parchment on the table in front of her. She quickly snatched it up before anyone could take notice and read through it like it was going to turn to ashes in the next five seconds.

Merlin's pants did she blush at the end of that poem. GUHHHH. The boy would not give up until he was Hogwarts' Poet Laurete or what??? Embarrassing. Quickly, trying to cool herself off, Bunbury folded the parchment into a tiny little square and stuck it under her thigh.

If someone had noticed...

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeerCassandraTrelawney

Alessia's head spun before Max could respond. It was as if she was on fire. (In her defence, being this close to the full moon was stressful.) Had that horrible rabid bunny thing said what she'd just heard!! And to a student?! Alessia took a breath trying to steady herself... it wasn't the student she was angry at... "Hold that thought Maximus," she said and glared at the Herbology Professor. She waited until the student was out of hearing distance and said, "It's Headmaster Bontecou, Professor Bunbury, he never ceased to be the headmaster and deserves to be shown respect, when we speak to the students." This was not about challenging his position per se. This was all about his being a werewolf and made Alessia furious!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biochemkris

"Don't worry about it, Less. I'm not offended," he said, looking at Less and then Professor Bunbury. And he really wasn't. It would take a lot to offend Pepe. He was far too easy going.

...but no, they were too concerned about her addressing Bontecou by his last name?

"Is there something else I should call you...?" she observed loudly in Pepe's direction. Bunz was instead thinking of a million and one things just then that she could call Lupa but it took quite a bit of self control to keep her expression and tone emotionless. "Of course he is a headmaster. I am a professor. But I don't object to being called by only my last name.... Lupa."

She did object when the other woman called her Annie but did she ever make a stink about it in public? Not yet she hadn't. Filthy werewolf.

Quote:

Originally Posted by XanaSnape

"Indeed, commanding and maintaining respect for all authority will be of particular importance this term." Kazimeriz said to Bontecou and Lupa as he overheard the last snippet of their conversation. He made his way over to the headmaster, taking out a parchment from his pocket and slapping it down next to Bontecou's plate.

SPOILER!!: flier

"This was given to me by one of the Hufflepuff students." he said simply.

Anastasia's eyes were briefly directed away from that infuriating Runes professor when Kazimeriz shuffled to the scene. She raised a curious eyebrow and tried to lean a bit closer to see what a Hufflepuff student had given the man, but alas, the Headmaster quickly snatched it away.

Maybe he, too, was receiving love poems? But...but who would write a WEREWOLF poetry??!?! Ew.

Quote:

Originally Posted by aussiegirl

Reaching for his glass, Marcus spied the chocolate Baked Alaska. Oh was it time for dessert already? He hadn't even eaten any dinner yet but like HE was going to pass up more chocolate. He pulled the Baked Alaska towards him and picked up a spoon and without a second's hesitation he started spooning the delicious dessert into his mouth. Mmmm yummy.

Marcus watched as Alessia stared daggers at Annie and he quickly swiped the chocolate while she was not looking. Waste not, want not and all that. Oh Merlin!!! Was she going to start something with Annie? Marcus shifted in his seat so that he could get a better view of this and he popped the chocolate into his mouth.

YEAH GIRL FIGHT!!!

His money was on Less, she was a feisty thing and she had that whole werewolf thing going for her as well. Bunny, was going down!!

She settled back into her seat as Bontecou went around to give the speech. Annie was still relatively calm, despite Alessia's provocation from earlier, and now she had dinner entertainment in the form of the Defense professor.

So Marcus just couldn't stay away from the Baked Alaska, eh? MWAHAHA. Hopefully Torin had put something in it... student germs... stalker spices... something. "How does Hufflepuff cooking taste, Marcus?" she called down the table.

He seemed to be enjoying something just then like Iliana's company, maybe? HMMM??

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biochemkris

Pepe listened to both Less and Kazimeriz, drumming the fingers of his left hand upon the table. He glanced down briefly at the parchment before responding. "I'm all for teaching the students respect, but we're all friends here and I am Bontecou as far as Bunbury's concerned," he shrugged, flashed a grin at said Bunbury which was probably a bit more sinister coming from a werewolf than if it had just come from Pepe even if it was the same old smile as before.

Then, he took a moment to really look at the parchment. He sighed and stuffed it in his pocket before Less could see. She'd find out eventually, but this was not the night for that. "Thanks for the heads up, Professor," Pepe flashed Kazimeriz a quick, halfhearted, grin as he placed his palms on the table on either side of his plate.

Well, that was everyone, he thought. Headmaster Bontecou pushed himself to his feet and walked around the staff table, avoiding the Bunbury side (he may like her, have infinite patience, and wear glasses but he was neither blind nor stupid and didn't want to straight the poor girl's nerves any further). When he was standing in front of the owl, it assumed the position for oration. He cleared his throat, took a very brief, uncharacteristically nervous, glance around the room, and broke out into his usual twinkling smile.

"Welcome back to another exciting term at Hogwarts! And welcome new students, I'm sure you'll all come to love this school as those of us returning do," Headmaster Bontecou began his speech on the upbeat, but the mood quickly turned somber. "Unfortunately, it is my regrettable honor to announce that Professor Forrester will not be returning to teach Astronomy this term. However, I want to assure you all that a replacement professor will be here in time for classes to begin. And on another sad note, our healer, Ms. Avalon, is missing and a replacement healer should be arriving shortly."

Actually, he had been expecting both new staff members to be here in time for the feast, but one could never really tell with those two. This quick thought brought a brief smile to his face. "It has also come to my attention that there are a lot of misconceptions being spread regarding werewolves. I would like to reassure each and every one of you that Ministry and I have been working for the better part of the summer to ensure your safety while within these walls and surrounding environs. And not just from werewolves, who happen to be people just like you or..." he stopped before he slipped and said 'I' like he'd been purporting ever since he was old enough to recognize discrimination for what it was. "The lovely Minister of Magic. They have been dealt a challenging hand in life, but the condition can be managed so as to reduce the risk to people to nearly zero.

"In addition, I have been meeting with the merchieftainess, Arethusa, and want to reassure you that we will have no trouble from the merpeople this term. Arethusa has even gone so far as to offer protection to the castle from any other water-bound threats. So, the castle will be remaining flood-free. I apologize for dampening any hopes for another pool party," the headmaster winked and chuckled.

A very discrete, though probably noticeable, glance at his watch and Pepe decided to finish this up (and not necessarily because he was getting a bit long winded). "That said, I know you'll all have a fantastic time this year.
So, fill your minds with knowledge, your hearts with friendship, and your guts with food. I declare this feast officially begun!" he declared as food appeared on the tables.


Then, the headmaster moved in front of where Kazimeriz was sitting and leaned over the table. "Will you close the feast for me and ensure the students get safely off to their common rooms?" he asked.

There, see, Bunbury and Bontecou could maintain a safe distance from each and get along. HA. The redhead had to throw a satisfied smirk in Less' direction but quickly went back to feigning interest in the speech.

And for once, there was some good news hidden in the boring babble. AVALON WAS GONEEEEEEEE. Praise Merlin and thank the stars! HALLELUJAH! This was a victory for the Bunzinator against Tarticus as far as she was concerned. Mwhahaha. Who cared if another Tarticus tried to take her place; Annie was just plain happy now, especially since the school was never supposed to flood ever again.

With that note, food appeared at last and Bunbury pulled some lovely potatoes in her direction. Perhaps it wouldn't be such a bad term after all.

"Oh really?" Marcus gave her a crooked grin. "You don't think I am Gryffindor material? Well I can tell you now, I am certainly no Slytherin and Ravenclaws are a little too mundane for me." His eyes flicked down to the headmaster, hopefully he wouldn't take offense to that.

Oh yeah the favor. He shifted in his seat, he never blushed but he was sure that if he did then right now his face would probably be bright red. "Well I was wondering..."he picked up his glass of water and took a sip. Just ask her you idiot. "I was wondering if you could help me with my fear of flying?"

Oh good change of subject. Marcus too looked at Less and it just dawned on him why she looked so tense. "Oh. Yeah. It's that time...again." Might be a good idea if he paid more attention to these things.

Looking up from the Baked Alaska with the spoon still in his mouth, Marcus gave Annie a wink and took the cutlery out of his mouth. "It's actually really, really good Annie. I just wonder if his writing skills are as good as his cooking?" He chuckled softly before tucking back into the dessert again. If she thought she was going to get any, then she was seriously mistaken. Nobody came between Marcus Lawson and his chocolate...well someone might.

Kazimeriz could not help but smile as the addled man-child fell out in laughter, nodding. And judging from Ashby's equally childlike behavior, Kapoor was right- it might just work.


"Of course, Reynard." Kazimeriz said with a slight smile that faded into a somber expression. "I do hope the evening is not trying for you. Rest assured things will be in good hands here until your return." He nodded to the man confidently while mulling over the contents of his speech... What was said, and more importantly, what Bontecou hadn't said.

Having said that, he turned to Alessia. "Be well, my dear. I hope the moon will be gentle on your tonight." he contemplated for a moment, then leaned in, bending low to speak in her ear. "And Alessia? These are trying times we face. Do not forget you are under a lens. Let diplomacy be your watch-word... For not only does inciting arguments erode unity, it reminds all who watch you of your recently displayed taste for 'bunny'."He glanced meaningfully over at 'Bun'bury.

"Do not lose sight of our position, or our goal." Kazimeriz patted her hand. With these parting comments, he sat back up straight and poured some tea, taking a sip.

"Good evening, Professor Bunbury." he said quite cordially, smiling warmly at the woman. "You are looking well."

Macadrian turned toward the familiar voice,"Angela!" Macadrian's face broke into a friendly smile, "The wedding was perfect. I'm so sorry we didn't send you an invitation, but we kept it very small and private. It was just our families, no friends. At my age and with this being Fabian's second marriage, we didn't seek to make a spectacle out of it.

"But thank you for asking. It was the best day of my life! How was your summer?"

Iliana laughed melodically and leaned in again. "I think..." she whispered. "that you have more Gryffindor qualities than most of people seated at this table," she said, patting his leg and then settling back in her chair.

Iliana was more than a little shocked by what she heard next but she didn't let it show. But really?!?! Marcus, the fearless ex-auror had a fear of flying. How cute. "Of course, Marcus. Do you have time tomorrow morning to meet me in the stables?"

"I know they will be," he grinned and then hopped off the dias and a very un-headmasterly direction. He waved at the staff and then at the students as he made his way out of the great hall, as if he were some rock star waving to a mass of screaming fans. Ah well, it was something he'd always wanted to do and now he had the inclination and lack of care to do it.

Headmaster Bontecou headed up to his office to prepare for the evening's transformation...