Merlin's flexing pecks!

The table had just shifted! Did it? No it didn't look like it from above. He did finally have enough leg space though, to move his chair up to a comfortable position...He could have done that...

"None I couldn't deal with." His eyes locked on to the first year faker instantly from a distance. Hopefully he won't have to deal with newcomers afraid of water anymore either. "Call me Kirby, or Orsino, Anastasia. We did play Quidditch here you know." Or had she forgotten about the massive Hufflepuff chaser?

It didn't take much for Orsino to peak over Anastasia to spot the woman on the opposite side of her. He did lean forward just a bit just so talking over the Headmistress wasn't going to be awkward for the three of them. "Evening to you too Tiara." He threw a quick smile up "pleasure's mine. I can't wait to see the games start." Yup, he was craving to get some fill of Quidditch Ever since he was barred from the league years ago.

It took Kirby a moment or two to realize that the woman near the other end of the table was wiggling her fingers at him. He turned to face her direction and awkwardly wiggled his back to her. Did he know her from somewhere else?
....................
....What?...

Oh did he let his strength get the better of him again! "DRAT!" Orsino lifted his hand up to reveal that he had indeed crushed the fish food cap with his hand. He gave the Bafoony blonde head and apologetic look. "Sorry about that. Not nothing to worry about". He lifted his heavy arm up and scratched his head. "Ahah! You know what? I'll get you a good hefty jar of Homemade honey for throwing you into that there nervous sweat." He doesn't normally mean to scare the little guys like he normally does. That's reserved for the pick on your own size kind of jerks he hates most. He gave the Bafoony man a hard pat on the back "Name's Orsino Kirby if you're interested." Orsino turned to the young lady who sat not to far from Bafoony man. "No harm...again sorry about that. Not nothing a good jar of honey can't fix I'm sure...and a hearty breakfast." He was about to head back over before stopping "I didn't catch your name?" He asked turning back around.

.........................

What a speech! Excellent! He had no earthly clue what she was on about with all that stuff about getting stuff back, but he had read about the EQBGHYNTRFCS, or whatever they called it...he needed to read the Prophet more than he normally did.
...........................
Ice Skate....? Kirby hadn't the faintest idea what that boy was on about. He sort of avoided any and all winter weather when he could, so his knowledge of Icey activities was lacking. "That a winter thing?" Groundskeeper asked in all seriousness.

AHAH! So finger wiggle lady was the Boy's Head of House! "Excuse me." Orsino wiggled his fingers again in the direction of the Hufflepuff HoH. Then stood from his spot again to inch over the boy's Head of House. "I brought the young one up here. Told him to see you ASAP." He raised his eyebrow at the kid. " Caught him sneaking into the boats with the newcomers, made him help me row a boat to shore for it. Figured you'd like to have a word with him too. I was thinking of taking a dozen or more points for his blatant disregard for rules."

There she was! For a moment Donny felt like he might pass out from the stress of it all, but that would just make matters worse, so he shook his head in an attempt to gather his thoughts. Right. Boats. He looked up at her, a biiiig smile on his face and waved. Just smile and wave, smile and wave.
But by then it seemed like the big!guy had done all the talking already. Way to ruin a great story, dude. He hadn't exactly sneaked in, he'd done it with style. Yeahhh. That's what he'd tell everyone. OOH! Mr Oliver would love to hear about this, but first things first, Donny had to make sure he didn't get expelled and he'd have to use his charm for that. Elodie didn't call him cutie for nothing.

'Heeeeeeey, I'm Donnacha Harper...!' He took a moment to inspect his head of house, never having been in trouble before he wasn't sure what to expect. But surely she wouldn't take so many points from him! Classes hadn't even started and he was losing points already. Elodie would be upset, he bet. 'I... He tells it way more boring. And I didn't sneak in, no no, never. SUBBTLE IS NOT DONNY. I was only going over to the boats to.. to..' ..have fun. Having fun wasn't a valid excuse though, he scrunched up his face as he tried to come up with a good reason and after a few seconds he had it. 'YES. To help the scared lookin First years. Yeah! I was only doing it for them. Not at all cause the boats are fun and I like boats, never ever, P'fessor! Don'twritemymam.' He searched through his pockets while smiling up at her, lollipops could be used as a bribe in case she did want to write his mam.

Abraham decided, after three years of sitting here, that he would appreciate his neighbor professor to be less loud and... squirmy. The old professor kept quiet, though, eying the suspicious fish tank that was now claimed to be a person. This was too much, shouldn't they take the poor man to St. Mungo's to get his body back? Botros wouldn't mind escorting the fish--the man with him during his coming up overall checkup. He opened his mouth to tell the Astronomy professor that when the now-awake Charms professor talked to him.

"Exotic." He pointed at the fish tank, "Feels like the beach." Botros can also be funny, he was hip like that.

The speech was nice and short, he clapped politely at the appropriate places and finally they were eating! He tucked the napkin into his shirt's collar and started, ignoring all the students who found this the perfect time to have questions or be naughty. Botros shoved some food into his mouth and observed the kids, the chatter in the hall drowning their voices making it impossible for him to understand what was it they were saying.

Tiara was glad that Calista could appreciate the excitement of it, even if she clearly didn't know anything about Quidditch. Not that it was Tiara's personal mission to make everyone an expert on her sport, but... how did anyone that had been in the Wizarding world that long not know what a Bludger was? "Calista, you shall have to join us for a match sometime this year. I think you would like it." Maybe she'd even pick up some terms from listening to the commentary.

Listening now, she nodded politely. "Relaxing summers are perfect in some cases. Personally I may go stir crazy, but sometimes it's just what the Healer ordered." Animal sale in Diagon Alley? "I never made it into London this summer, unfortunately. But I have been thinking about getting a pet - a bird, actually. How much work is a parrot?"


Well, it appeared that Anastasia was not going to be upset by the water spilling incident. Tiara let out a small, inaudible sigh of relief. Speech time already? Excellent, I am quite hungry, indeed.

Tiara gave an especially enthusiastic round of applause at mention of the return of the school brooms. The poor broomshed had been very lonely last year for lack of first years grabbing brooms. Now if she could only convince Anastasia to trade in the old relics for more up-to-date models...

But that was a topic for another day. Tiara did not want to spoil the celebration with money talk and haggling. She sighed with contented delight as the food appeared on the tables. It looked much better than last year, that much was immediately obvious.

Oh good the Groundskeeper has been listening too. Excellent hearing indeed. So he didn't have to repeat himself...but wait...there came that question.

"Yes Ice skating is a winter sport, but why I need an icy surface and a place to practice is to play Ice Hockey....which can be played all year round." Sander clarified his request

Please don't ask me explain what ice hockey is all about. The Headmistress looks pretty sharp and intelligent. So we shouldn't have a problem then.

Sander looked at the Groundskeeper. Okay he was going to give him the benefit of the doubt.

"I know the favored sport here is Quidditch. Unfortunately, I don't play that. My favored sport is ice hockey, and I was hoping to be allowed to keep practicing it while I'm here in Hogwarts." Sander explained pausing to allow what he had said to be processed.

"If I go get permission, could you suggest a place where I could practice weekly during my spare time? "Sander asked and then stood back to patiently wait for an answer.

Please say yes...please. Playing ice hockey helps me relax, Sander thought to himself.

She ignored the other girl's protests about cavities and dental floss and her other methods for religious tooth care. Everyone knew the amount of candy Lex put in her mouth was bound to make something rot.

And unqualified males? Most boys in their house- or anywhere- were dumb as stones, so Alice didn't find this the least bit surprising. But... "You don't really... expect Cambridge to prefect a house all by herself, do you?" Not that she didn't have faith in her fellow student leader. Ahem. "I mean, s'a lot of work, right?"

'Cause if this prefect was in charge, they were all doomed.

And there was her favorite professor. Waving back, Alice offered him a grin and... why was he mouthing a congratulations? And pointing to her chest?

She bent her head to look down. Something wrong with her badge? A bit titled, but she just adjusted it. Aireyhead really had an eye for detai-

... oh. He meant Lex.

Tessa glanced back at Laura, shooting her friend a look before resuming her walk up to the teacher's dais. A new transfer making a great first impression- not the most ideal way to start a term. But she never refused a challenge, or a dare.

"Excuse me," she said, walking up to the closest authority figure. "Excuse me, my friend and I have encountered a problem," she said, doing her best to look worried. "You see..." she glanced back toward her friend. "Her unicorn has not had anything to eat, and we were wondering if we could take a plate of food for it?" she asked, trying to put on her best pleading look.

Text Cut: Sander and Orsino

Quote:

Originally Posted by FireboltAvis88

Sander slowly walked up to the Staff Table. He eyed the staff sitting up on the dais and gulped in the hope that by gulping it would help swallow the fear that was growing in his tummy.

Should he have waited to speak with the Headmistress and Groundskeeper? Maybe he should have, but he was already almost at the table. To turn back now would make it more obvious that he had approached the table in the first place...and secondly it would make him look indecisive.

No....he had a mission...and what was the worst they could say? Go back to your table and come back another time?....yep that would be the worst scenario.

Hopefully, being new and all, they would make allowances for his lack of wisdom.

Now that he knew who the Headmistress was....yes it was easier, now that she had done her speech, Sander slowly approached her and waited until she was done speaking with Lexa...yes that was Lexa...she was indeed a brave girl...Sander stepped up.

"Um...please excuse me for interrupting your excellent dinner, Madam Headmistress but I was wondering whether now would be the appropriate time to speak with you about the possibility of me being allowed to ice skate on the school grounds?" Sander paused not wanting to overwhelm the older woman all at once.

He glanced over at the hulking Groundskeeper who was sitting just next to her...which was very convenient indeed. Sander wondered whether his hearing was excellent enough for him to hear what he had just asked the Headmistress.

...for if the Headmistress gave her consent, the Groundskeeper would be the next person he would approach to ask for possible suggestions to where he could do what he wanted to do.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJ ExpelliarMOOSE

Merlin's flexing pecks!

The table had just shifted! Did it? No it didn't look like it from above. He did finally have enough leg space though, to move his chair up to a comfortable position...He could have done that...

"None I couldn't deal with." His eyes locked on to the first year faker instantly from a distance. Hopefully he won't have to deal with newcomers afraid of water anymore either. "Call me Kirby, or Orsino, Anastasia. We did play Quidditch here you know." Or had she forgotten about the massive Hufflepuff chaser?

Ice Skate....? Kirby hadn't the faintest idea what that boy was on about. He sort of avoided any and all winter weather when he could, so his knowledge of Icey activities was lacking. "That a winter thing?" Groundskeeper asked in all seriousness.

Quote:

Originally Posted by FireboltAvis88

Oh good the Groundskeeper has been listening too. Excellent hearing indeed. So he didn't have to repeat himself...but wait...there came that question.

"Yes Ice skating is a winter sport, but why I need an icy surface and a place to practice is to play Ice Hockey....which can be played all year round." Sander clarified his request

Please don't ask me explain what ice hockey is all about. The Headmistress looks pretty sharp and intelligent. So we shouldn't have a problem then.

Sander looked at the Groundskeeper. Okay he was going to give him the benefit of the doubt.

"I know the favored sport here is Quidditch. Unfortunately, I don't play that. My favored sport is ice hockey, and I was hoping to be allowed to keep practicing it while I'm here in Hogwarts." Sander explained pausing to allow what he had said to be processed.

"If I go get permission, could you suggest a place where I could practice weekly during my spare time? "Sander asked and then stood back to patiently wait for an answer.

Please say yes...please. Playing ice hockey helps me relax, Sander thought to himself.

"Ice hockey." Anastasia repeated the request with a bemused expression. How very Muggle of the boy, to request an ice hockey rink. Or whatever they were called in the non-magical parts of the world. She did a tiny shrug of her delicate shoulders and looked up to Orsino. "I'll have to let my fellow, former quidditch player decide that one." Yes, she DID remember chasing with him. Who could forget the Yellow Hulk?!

"Just so you know, though, young man, the lake does freeze over in the winter. Eventually. I suppose you could skate out there, with the groundskeeper's permission, and at your own risk...."

Text Cut: shhhhhhhhhhhh about the cupcakes, Jeremys. I mean, Gryffindors.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaniDiNardo

Alice was good at this description stuff. It was very likely they were looking for someone less loud than her--"Hey!" She shot Alice a look, clearly offended. "I'll have you know I brush and floss religiously and do NOT have cavities thank you very much." Rude. Just very rude. Lex? Cavities? Maybe just two but they were filled and were when she was like 12, no biggie.

She turned to the Headmistress again at her words. They would survive. Why did that sound so much like--.......yeah, yeah like that. No male Prefect? Lack fo qualifications? Alexa looked to her badge immediately. She got badge but no boy was qualified? How bad were they?

Despite the subtle indication that the conversation might have been over Lex didn't budge. Bentley was sitting right next to the wall of muscle right there, Alice could speak with her if she wanted, Lex had her badge, it was no skin off her back--except it was. "So then.....I'm in charge?" Lex asked with the most innocent of contemplative tones. Oh yeeesss, she happened to LIKE the sound of this.

"Like...legit?"

Quote:

Originally Posted by lemon

She ignored the other girl's protests about cavities and dental floss and her other methods for religious tooth care. Everyone knew the amount of candy Lex put in her mouth was bound to make something rot.

And unqualified males? Most boys in their house- or anywhere- were dumb as stones, so Alice didn't find this the least bit surprising. But... "You don't really... expect Cambridge to prefect a house all by herself, do you?" Not that she didn't have faith in her fellow student leader. Ahem. "I mean, s'a lot of work, right?"

'Cause if this prefect was in charge, they were all doomed.

"You ARE in charge, Alexa, but you are NOT all by yourself," the Headmistress replied to the Gryffindors. She did a long, deliberate stare from one girl... to the elder. "Alice here is VERY familiar with the responsibilities of prefecting, captaining, and being a good example for the younger Lions. Plus, her grandfather is on the Board of Governors, so leadership basically runs in her blood. Isn't that right, dear? You'll just be ever so helpful this term, for the love of your house?"

She tilted her head at the girls with a sick sweet smile, then picked up her fork and proceeded to eat some now lukewarm mashed potatoes. Mmmmhmmmm.

Quote:

Originally Posted by UnicornDragonPatronus

Tessa glanced back at Laura, shooting her friend a look before resuming her walk up to the teacher's dais. A new transfer making a great first impression- not the most ideal way to start a term. But she never refused a challenge, or a dare.

"Excuse me," she said, walking up to the closest authority figure. "Excuse me, my friend and I have encountered a problem," she said, doing her best to look worried. "You see..." she glanced back toward her friend. "Her unicorn has not had anything to eat, and we were wondering if we could take a plate of food for it?" she asked, trying to put on her best pleading look.

"Unicorns are not permitted at Hogwarts, except in the care of the Magical Creatures professor," the Headmistress looked up from her plate and replied loudly to the...... child, inquiring about her 'friend's pet.' *snort* Yeah, she'd heard that one before.

Leaping lemurs, it WAS a person?!

Baffled, she shook her head and turned to start heading around the table to her seat, glancing down to the opposite end for a split moment. Oh yes, young child was still there. As well as familiar faces and newcomers. And...a very large man. Before any MORE curiosity could arise, she hurried to her seat as the Headmistress started her speech.

Speech distraction. Yes. Good. She flashed a smile in Callie's direction as she took her seat, though her gaze still would not meet the Divination professor's. This time, the blonde haired woman really DID know. Even worse, Callie was fine with it. Apparently.

...

SO SHE SAYS! CONSTANT VIGILANCE! Hehe...he...eh...

Food. o.o

Braith was grateful that the Healer was such a gracious and forgiving woman. He hated forgetting names, especially those of the gentler gender, but it honestly couldn't be helped. There were quite a few for him to remember all at once now so it might take him a little time, but he would make it a definite point. "Well, it's a pleasure a Cece." Sure, he'd call her that. It always seemed to Braith that when one offered their nickname as an option, it was what they preferred. "And thank you for your kind welcome. How long have you been a Healer on staff at Hogwarts?" Small talk for one, but it was also curious to him that there was rumor of a high turn over rate at this school so one might wonder...

It was certainly refreshing that the staff was so friendly and welcoming to the new people. Not that Braith would have been too undone if they weren't, he'd still come in and do the job that was required of him, but it worked easier this way. Still engaged in conversation with the librarian, he tilted his head at the question, thinking it over. Finally he shrugged, giving the other man a chuckle in response. "I dunno really. I suppose it could be. I'm American though, my family has been for a couple hundred years, I think." Or did his Brooklyn accent make that obvious? Maybe it didn't need said and he misunderstood what the man meant. "I think my parents just liked the name," he added with a crooked grin. "Though there is some Scottish ancestry in our lineage." So good on you, Leobald, for catching that. But he wasn't so sure he was named after anyone or anything like that.

Braith's eyes fell momentarily on the water goblet as Seren lifted it to her lips, realizing that he was quite thirsty all of the sudden. He thought about getting himself a glass of water, then remembering the water mishap from several of the ladies at the middle of the table and figuring he'd just wait till they were served. That'd be soon, yeah? He smiled faintly as she seemed to know exactly what he was talking about with the staircases, then chuckled as he thought about it. "I hope so. But it's interesting to think about, I suppose. Like a little adventure, get on the staircase, wonder where you'll end up." He also wondered if there was some sort of pattern or schedule to it, but he supposed he'd find out in due time. "How long did it take you to get used to it?"

Before he could say anything else to Seren, his attention was diverted to the far end of the table by a very loud voice. A melodic voice, but a loud one all the same. His eyes snapped up to the scene and he watched curiously for a moment, trying to figure out just what was going on from his place several seats away. Braith couldn't hear all that well from his distance but he gathered that the seated fish was actually an animagus gone terribly wrong. And that it was not a good idea to annoy the giant groundskeeper. Yeah, he didn't know what was going on over there though it was mildly entertaining for the time being. He watched for another moment longer before deciding any more staring would be considered gawking, then turned back to the conversation on his left.


Braith nodded a bit at the Muggle Studies professor as she tried to clarify, not that she really seemed to know either. There had been Evelyns as students, at least in the past, but it didn't sound like any of the staff were called that. Not that he recalled at any rate. Anyway, he didn't think it mattered all that much, he was just curious about who the woman thought the child was calling names. "No," he said in answer to his question. "This is the first time I've stepped foot into Hogwarts, actually." Well, this week that he had spent preparing his office and lesson plans, he meant. "I'm from the US," he added, aware that his New York accent was probably apparent anyway. "I went to Salem before University." He wondered if she was familiar with any American schools but before he could ask his attention was diverted by the beautiful Transfiguration professor.

Oh? Had she heard his lowered voice from all the way down there? Merlin, she had some enhanced hearing. He bet that would come in really handy during class, which made him grin at the thought. Maybe it was a spell he could use for his own classes to make sure no one was cheating. Oh, so there was no Evelyn. "Ah," he nodded. "That does make more sense. Good manners." But he was still a little nervous wondering if he had to teach little ones too. Teenagers were challenging enough.

Oh finally, the speech... Braith turned his full attention to the lovely Headmistress as she rose and began to speak. Looking up as she mentioned him by position, he gave her a small smile then a small nod to the students as an acknowledgement. Yep, that was him, new History of Magic professor.

He squinted at the Headmistress a couple times during her speech, curious about repossessions and restorations, though didn't dwell on those thoughts for long. Not when such glorious food appeared before him. Braith fully dug in, eagerly enjoying a plateful of food. He had been starving after all. And he didn't pay much attention to the children that approached the table in favor of eating. Though he wondered if it was customary for the students to hang out with the staff instead of their peers at first opportunity. Not his concern at the moment though and he continued eating lost in his own thoughts until..

...someone mention ice hockey?

Well it didn't seem to take long before Josephina discovered what the younger boy was up at the staff table for. She stared up at the large Groundskeeper when he hovered her and listened carefully to what he had to say. Wait, did he just ... that boy ... he sneaked over to the first year boats? Was that a crime or something for older students to ride the newcomers boats? She didn't know. But before judging him or deciding on a punishment, she directed her attention now on Donny. A boy who seemed new to her, at least, which meant definitely new to the school.

"Nice to meet you Mister Harper," Hadley said with due respect, interlacing her fingers on the table in front of her. "Mister Harper, this is your first year at Hogwarts, correct?" Her gaze flickered for a moment between Orsino and Donny, but then affixed themselves to the groundskeeper. "Correct me if I'm mistaken, but the first year boats are to be ridden by students attending Hogwarts for the first time, or is it simply for first years? Because perhaps there was a simple ... misunderstanding, rather than a lack of following the rules?" Maybe it was just her, but she was pretty sure there were pieces to the story missing. Cause right now, it didn't seem like a whole lot of disregard for the rules. Just ... classic misunderstanding. Except ... wait, what did Donny say? He wasn't there because he was a first time Hogwartian?

Blink, blink. "You do realize that Mister Kirby's job description is to make sure the first years aren't scared, right?"



Wait. First time he set foot in Hogwarts? He was ... American? And teaching History? Well, wasn't that . . . intriguing. "Welcome then, especially. Are you enjoying your time here on this side of the ocean so far?" Salem? Racking her brain for a moment, she tried to recall why that sounded familiar. AH RIGHT!! She was blond and sitting right there on the other side of the Headmistress! "So then, you ... you know Calista then? Our resident qu- Divination Professor?" They looked to be around the same age and she was pretty sure Callie was American. Perhaps that was how Braith discovered the job opportunity - through Callie?

Sander breathed a sigh of relief. The Headmistress did indeed know what Ice Hockey was all about. He quickly nodded when she reminded him about the lake.

"Yes Headmistress I do know that the lake will eventually freeze over during the winter, and I look forward to that, but like the Quidditch players need to practice a lot to improve their skills, I'm afraid that I need that too, and the winter days are too few and short for me to do so." Sander politely explained to the Headmistress.

So the Headmistress was allowing the Groundskeeper to make the final decision. Sander glanced over the Groundskeeper, hoping that the man would understand his need to practice all year round and not just during the winter months.

"Mr. Groundskeeper, as a former Quidditch player yourself, I'm sure you understand the need to practice all year round. Please allow me to do that too." Sander made his plea to the man.

Yes...please...let me do that, or I'm going to have to resort to roller skates. Which isn't half as fun.

To play Ice Hockey, one just needed a small area filled with water to freeze.....like maybe the duck pond.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJ ExpelliarMOOSE

....What?...

Oh did he let his strength get the better of him again! "DRAT!" Orsino lifted his hand up to reveal that he had indeed crushed the fish food cap with his hand. He gave the Bafoony blonde head and apologetic look. "Sorry about that. Not nothing to worry about". He lifted his heavy arm up and scratched his head. "Ahah! You know what? I'll get you a good hefty jar of Homemade honey for throwing you into that there nervous sweat." He doesn't normally mean to scare the little guys like he normally does. That's reserved for the pick on your own size kind of jerks he hates most. He gave the Bafoony man a hard pat on the back "Name's Orsino Kirby if you're interested."

Airey sunk a little lower in his seat out of instinct when the man raised his arm. He had half expected the man to give him a proper thump on the head. Only instead of any thumping he was.......being offered honey? "I....uuuuuuh...thank you?" There really was no need for the questioning tone, but he blamed his deer in headlights look for it. Honey DID go with some of the teas from his collection...so this wasn't such a bad thing. "A-A-Airey Flamsteed....P-Professor of Astronomy," he replied with a small nod of the head as his stutter came back and got the best of him.

And now that the man was preoccupied a little with Calista...he was going to stuff his face with food to prevent him from having to engage in further conversation.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Magical Soul

"Exotic." He pointed at the fish tank, "Feels like the beach." Botros can also be funny, he was hip like that.

With the exception of the Ancient Runes professor that is. Airey quickly swallowed his mouthful of shepherd's pie, so as not to speak with his mouth full, and gave a nod towards Tiberius. "I reckon he would have fancied turning into something a bit more exotic than a bass."

Quote:

Originally Posted by lemon

And there was her favorite professor. Waving back, Alice offered him a grin and... why was he mouthing a congratulations? And pointing to her chest?

She bent her head to look down. Something wrong with her badge? A bit titled, but she just adjusted it. Aireyhead really had an eye for detai-

... oh. He meant Lex.

Oh yes, Miss Fischer. She got a double handed wave when his blue eyes returned to the two girls and saw her waving. He couldn't wait to see what the young woman had in store for tryouts and the upcoming season. He was really pulling for a Gryffindor win this term. It had been far too long and, although he hated thinking on this for too long, it would be a stellar send off for the young woman.

**********************

As the evening began to dwindle down and his plate had been emptied of its delicious contents more than once, Airey rose from his seat and slipped the book Medea and given him into his pants pocket before turning and giving her a quick and awkward wave. He would stay and chat more, but he was positive that Captain was famished by this point - seeing how his meal had ended up all over the place.

Grunting and groaning, he lifted the large tank and tried his best not to splash anyone in the process.

"See you all at the staff meeting!" he called as he made his way down from the dais and out of the Great Hall.

Orsino had nodded along with the Headmistress as she spoke. The boy had told him something about ice hockey, but that still drew blanks in his head.
...Then he said something that caught his interest. Did he follow him in Quidditch when he played?! Was he famous? Merlin's sweaty pits did they have a playing card of him!?!?!? This plastered a giant grin on his face, and the Groundskeeper's thoughts got lost in the air. Completely zoning out any and things around him. Was there a kid asking about hockey? He didn't care his mind was reminiscing on the time an opposing keeper from the Wasps got himself hung upside down from the goalpost thanks to one of his deadly quaffle throws. That was one of the few times he didn't get ejected from the game...good times, good times. He was off in one of his own la-la lands now. Elbow on the table and staring off into the distance.

.............................
Orsino was getting tired of this boy now. He obviously looking for excuses to avoid getting in trouble now. Kirby was not having that. "He was dressed in full school uniform, black and yellow tie was the give away. Especially since the newcomers I got across the Lake don't get sorted until I get them here." So not nothing about misunderstandings, but Donnacha Harper there had attended school last term. "I'll have no issue putting him to more use, maybe buff up those arms of his on my Rowing Machine if he wants to continue helping me row the boats each year." He gave Donnacha a smile at this suggestion. He had always wanted a mini-me of him. "I don't like doing this this, especially to a student from my former house." He had to learn not to be too biased to the loyal badgers now. He'll be screaming his face off at the matches though.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweetpinkpixie

Blue eyes back on Calista now, he was glad to see that the rage in her eyes was diminishing just a tad. Maybe now she wouldn't yell at him? That had been rather terrifying.

Swallowing, Airey leaned over a bit more so he wouldn't have to shout down the table to answer her. "It...er...seems that way. None of the usual spells are working and..." NOW he was back to fidgeting. Time to compliment her nostrils and then ask the favor, right? Or maybe he could work his way around that. If she came to the conclusion herself then he could make it seem like it was her idea and then THAT could be the compliment. Oh thank you logic! "....and....um....it is just a hypothesis, but perhaps what he needs is something to help him remember what it was like to be human. Something to......uuuuuuuuuuum.....make him feel like a man....."

His eyes SQUINTED at Calista when she spoke to the Meathead. He was TOO well. Hadn't had any infected ice cream or been punched in the mouth so hard he lost any teeth in, well, at least a year now.

"Well have you considered asking for further help?" Calista said, still rather annoyed. She had liked Tiberius well enough and he shouldn't have to suffer a fish's life just because his mate was an ignoramus.

Something to make him feel like a man? "How about let him just sit in his tank and not ask for real help like a man?" Hmmm?? "Or maybe find him a fishy girlfriend." Elwood hissed low at him before Medea could hear.

Maybe that would make him feel all better.

Okay Mr. Groundskeeper the Giant, you could juice his head now.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJ ExpelliarMOOSE

....What?...

Oh did he let his strength get the better of him again! "DRAT!" Orsino lifted his hand up to reveal that he had indeed crushed the fish food cap with his hand. He gave the Bafoony blonde head and apologetic look. "Sorry about that. Not nothing to worry about". He lifted his heavy arm up and scratched his head. "Ahah! You know what? I'll get you a good hefty jar of Homemade honey for throwing you into that there nervous sweat." He doesn't normally mean to scare the little guys like he normally does. That's reserved for the pick on your own size kind of jerks he hates most. He gave the Bafoony man a hard pat on the back "Name's Orsino Kirby if you're interested." Orsino turned to the young lady who sat not to far from Bafoony man. "No harm...again sorry about that. Not nothing a good jar of honey can't fix I'm sure...and a hearty breakfast." He was about to head back over before stopping "I didn't catch your name?" He asked turning back around.

Oh but Orsino was a softy? That was actually really nice to find out after seeing his size. Calista guessed that Annie wouldn't really want to hire someone who was going to go around turning everyone into a soupy human pulp or did she?. He mentioned something about honey and that's when Elwood went to turn back to her chair, the show was over, but he was talking to her again.

"Oh, I'm sorry Orsino, I'm Calista Elwood. Divination Professor and Ravenclaw Head of House." the blonde said with a smile and her American accent.

Quote:

Originally Posted by hpluvr037

Tiara was glad that Calista could appreciate the excitement of it, even if she clearly didn't know anything about Quidditch. Not that it was Tiara's personal mission to make everyone an expert on her sport, but... how did anyone that had been in the Wizarding world that long not know what a Bludger was? "Calista, you shall have to join us for a match sometime this year. I think you would like it." Maybe she'd even pick up some terms from listening to the commentary.

Listening now, she nodded politely. "Relaxing summers are perfect in some cases. Personally I may go stir crazy, but sometimes it's just what the Healer ordered." Animal sale in Diagon Alley? "I never made it into London this summer, unfortunately. But I have been thinking about getting a pet - a bird, actually. How much work is a parrot?"

"Of course I will! I need to help cheer on my Eagles after all." Mr. Branxton would be holding try-outs here soon come to think of it. She had seen the Hogwarts matches before and they were always rather exciting.

Stir crazy? Yeah that was her at some points but mostly at her low points she was sitting in her room in the dark watching Muggle reality tv and stuffing her face with chocolate cauldrons. Those days were few though. "Yeah it was really nice, they had all sorts of cute animals." But she didn't get a kneazle, DEFINITELY didn't get a Kneazle. *cough*

"Birds are just lovely! I've had Galileo with me almost ever since I got out of University. He's such good company." She grinned thinking of him up in her office. "They're not too much trouble though. Once you train them to...use the bathroom outside or in their droppings tray, you're basically set. They just need to be taken outside to fly often, which you won't have trouble with. During the winter I let him fly in the Great Hall for exercise." Not when meals were happening though. "You could always watch him sometime if you like, you know to get the hang of things." She trusted Tiara.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roselyn

Leaping lemurs, it WAS a person?!

Baffled, she shook her head and turned to start heading around the table to her seat, glancing down to the opposite end for a split moment. Oh yes, young child was still there. As well as familiar faces and newcomers. And...a very large man. Before any MORE curiosity could arise, she hurried to her seat as the Headmistress started her speech.

Speech distraction. Yes. Good. She flashed a smile in Callie's direction as she took her seat, though her gaze still would not meet the Divination professor's. This time, the blonde haired woman really DID know. Even worse, Callie was fine with it. Apparently.

...

SO SHE SAYS! CONSTANT VIGILANCE! Hehe...he...eh...

Food. o.o

Medea finally was seated with her during the speech and as she started to eat. Callie smiled at her smally but then got up to go see her Ravenclaws. Perhaps she should give the Defense Professor and Airey some time without her shouting at him over the fish who was recently known as Tiberius.

Once she was back though she looked at Medea and began their usual small talk when it came to eating dinner. She really wasn't angry at Medea, just a tad confused by it all.

........

Right so the Great Hall had begun clearing out as the Headmistress told them all good night. Professor Elwood stood up and stretched carefully in her dress and let out a single yawn. "Phew. I am tired. See everyone at the Staff meeting." Airey had said the same thing, oh well. She patted Medea on the shoulder before heading out

Yes...yes...for a moment the Groundskeeper's interest seemed to have perked up at the mention of the game Quidditch. Yes...Sander was finally going to get his answer....and hopefully permission to create an ice skating rink somewhere on the school grounds.

WAIT!....wait....what is he doing now? The man now had a big grin on his face and was now staring into space. What was he doing? Hey I'm over here...Sander wanted to wave his hands to get the Groundskeepers attention.

Sander bowed his head in defeat. It didn't seem like he was going to get this man's attention at the feast. He turned back to look at the Headmistress.

"Thank You Headmistress for taking the time to speak with me. I will attempt to speak with the Groundskeeper another time.".....once his head is out of the clouds and he's back on the ground....

Shaking his head, Sander turned around and returned to his House Table.

Text Cut: Pearl and Jay

Quote:

Originally Posted by FireboltAvis88

Sander breathed a sigh of relief. The Headmistress did indeed know what Ice Hockey was all about. He quickly nodded when she reminded him about the lake.

"Yes Headmistress I do know that the lake will eventually freeze over during the winter, and I look forward to that, but like the Quidditch players need to practice a lot to improve their skills, I'm afraid that I need that too, and the winter days are too few and short for me to do so." Sander politely explained to the Headmistress.

So the Headmistress was allowing the Groundskeeper to make the final decision. Sander glanced over the Groundskeeper, hoping that the man would understand his need to practice all year round and not just during the winter months.

"Mr. Groundskeeper, as a former Quidditch player yourself, I'm sure you understand the need to practice all year round. Please allow me to do that too." Sander made his plea to the man.

Yes...please...let me do that, or I'm going to have to resort to roller skates. Which isn't half as fun.

To play Ice Hockey, one just needed a small area filled with water to freeze.....like maybe the duck pond.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJ ExpelliarMOOSE

Orsino had nodded along with the Headmistress as she spoke. The boy had told him something about ice hockey, but that still drew blanks in his head.
...Then he said something that caught his interest. Did he follow him in Quidditch when he played?! Was he famous? Merlin's sweaty pits did they have a playing card of him!?!?!? This plastered a giant grin on his face, and the Groundskeeper's thoughts got lost in the air. Completely zoning out any and things around him. Was there a kid asking about hockey? He didn't care his mind was reminiscing on the time an opposing keeper from the Wasps got himself hung upside down from the goalpost thanks to one of his deadly quaffle throws. That was one of the few times he didn't get ejected from the game...good times, good times. He was off in one of his own la-la lands now. Elbow on the table and staring off into the distance.

Quote:

Originally Posted by FireboltAvis88

Yes...yes...for a moment the Groundskeeper's interest seemed to have perked up at the mention of the game Quidditch. Yes...Sander was finally going to get his answer....and hopefully permission to create an ice skating rink somewhere on the school grounds.

WAIT!....wait....what is he doing now? The man now had a big grin on his face and was now staring into space. What was he doing? Hey I'm over here...Sander wanted to wave his hands to get the Groundskeepers attention.

Sander bowed his head in defeat. It didn't seem like he was going to get this man's attention at the feast. He turned back to look at the Headmistress.

"Thank You Headmistress for taking the time to speak with me. I will attempt to speak with the Groundskeeper another time.".....once his head is out of the clouds and he's back on the ground....

Shaking his head, Sander turned around and returned to his House Table.

Oh dear. It seemed something she had said had sent the groundskeeper off into la la land... Annie flashed the Hufflepuff lad a 'whoopsie' smile.

"You probably won't even have time to practice ice skating or whatever it is, boy, with all your studies anyway. Best of luck this year!" She waved her fork at him as a sort of bye-bye and then went back to eating her food. After applying a warming charm to it, of course. Brr, it was cold already.

....

After finishing her plate of food, which still kept getting too cold too quickly, Annie pushed back her chair. She excused herself in a murmur and trotted out of the Great Hall to her office. She had a floo date with her husband, thank you.