A new school year was starting and Leo had almost felt the anticipation in the air when he had arrived at Hogwarts an hour or so after breakfast with all his belongings and kneazle in tow. A few days previously he had received the annual memo from Annie with news about the school and new hires to the staff. It would feel a little odd without Piers and Josephina there, but hopefully the new colleagues would be nice and easy to befriend.

Entering the great hall clad in dark navy robes with his eagle HoH pin pinned to his chest for the festive night, the dark mop haired librarian strolled up on to the staff dais in the quiet hall. Leo paused in front of Cassie's empty seat, extracting a pink rose from within his robes which he placed on her platter along with a small note. Satisfied, he walked down to his usual seat and slipped into his chair. Now he just needed to wait for everyone to arrive.

Another term, another year, another fresh start. Anastasia took her seat in the center of the table and primly folded her hands in front of her. She was ready for a term WITHOUT any mad student antics, and trusted that despite having not chosen two student leaders to lead the other student leaders, they would have a peaceful and uneventful term.

"Good evening, Leobald," she called out to the librarian as she watched him leave a certain PINK something on the charger right next to her seat. Was that rose really intended for Cassie, and not Leo's lovely boss? Well. He might not have seen her sitting there, as it were, since everything was so QUIET and her throne was so large. It was easy to mistake the Divination professor's seat for the Headmistress', so she leaned right over and snagged the rose off Cassie's seat.

Hehe. She might have given the librarian a fright, she thought as she twirled the pretty thing thing between two fingers.

It was just another year here at Hogwarts. A different one, that was for certain with Javier as he strolled right on in through the Great Hall. The seemingly vast, yet not empty Great Hall. It had only been a month since he last saw the current occupants before him. "Evening Leo." Their best man, as he deserved. "How's the rest of your summer been?" Quite eventful, yes? Least he hoped so.

Walking along to his side of the table, he smiled a little at his boss. "Hello again Annie.." Who seemed to be quite enchanted by that rose. A delicate rose. It had quite a scent to it from this distance. "What a lovely rose you have." He deduced it likely to be from her husband. It was a very gentle and thoughtful way of sharing his love after all. By now he was sitting, waiting on the other arrivals. The Creature Professor didn't have much of a reason to look to his left as often anymore right now.

He'd gotten done with his office much sooner than he expected he would have. This left him a lot of time for a nap. What he didn't forsee was waking up even more exhausted than before he'd settled in but that didn't change the fact he had to get ready and head down to the Great Hall. Best he got there before the students started filling in, this way, he was at his leisure to stroll down the Great Hall, hands deep in his pockets and head turning in all directions. The nostalgia was kicking in faster than he'd have believed.

Maddox stopped at the top of the dais. "Headmistress." He said with a small nod. Fancy that, she brought her own rose. Allllll the way down there was...was...oh Merlin, he knew this. What was his name? (Leo) Uh...well, he'd remember soon enough but for now he got a nod and so did the one closer up the table (Javy) before the man flopped right into the seat next to the red head. This was his, right? And look! A note!

For him? Maddox opened it thinking just how thorough these people were with keeping the new ones informe--

O_O

.......ormaybenot. Ahem. He slipped the note into his pocket and was prepared to pretend this never happened. It was the Headmistress. It had to be. Just look at the way she was holding the rose. Merlin what had he gotten himself into??? Slowly Maddox rose, giving her an uneasy smile before hopping four seats over (Airey's) seat. This was a safe enough distance....yeah....he'd just...not be here til things started. Having decided that, the man casually slipped into the form of a black cat and curled up on the seat. You can't have a crush on a cat. This was safest.

Still twirling her stolen rose, Annie was now daydreaming about what Zan might have made Davie for dinner. Potatoes? Hopefully it wasn't pancakes again, Merlin knew what had gotten into her husband's head... something had started with her attempt to make shepherd's pie the last week, she supposed...

She let out a small "Hmm?" as Javier walked by, then came to her senses to give both him AND the new Charming Charms man beaming smiles. Smiles for them both. "Oh! Thank you," she twirled the rose again and addressed Javier first. "Good to see you," she returned his greeting. "How's Piers?" Probably quite happy away from this place...

Then the redhead turned her blue gaze on the Charms professor, who had decided to sit in Cassie's seat. He was reading something by now, so she did not interrupt him until he started making a strange face. "Erm, Maddox dear, that's not your se---" Oh, oh wait, now he was moving. She watched him like a cat might trace a laser beam with its eyes. Anddd now he was in Airey's seat. "That...well." Well, now she would be talking to a cat. She wasn't crazy enough to forget that this Charms professor was a half-bred something of an animagus, so she let that one go as well.

And back to facing forward, the Headmistress decided that she would allow the Astronut the pleasure of removing a black cat from his seat. Heh. That actually might result in tonight's entertainment, if it went as usual....

"So good to be back!"

Meredith Moxley had arrived at the feast and she was in good spirits, per usual. The brunette clapped Maddox on the back good-naturedly on her way by him, happy to be in his company. "Little lion man, you're looking good!" He was. But whoa! WHOA! Hold the telephone! That was a muggle means of communication, FYI WHO was that man with the face of an angel? "How am I meant concentrate with a super model sitting at the same table, am I right?" This question was directed at Annie as the former Gryffindor winked at who she knew to be the Care of Magical Creatures professor. My my. Her husband would be jeaaaalous when she told him about her new work crush!

Finally settling in to a seat at the opposite end of the table, Meredith leaned back against her chair and grinned at the man sitting next to her. "Meredith Moxley here! Guess we're table buddies!" Lucky librarian.

Astronomy Tower in order and his newest, and most expensive collectible Star Trek figurines placed gingerly on the appropriate self in his office, the Astronomy professor made his way towards the dais with an extra bit of bounce to his step. In the manliest way possible, of course. He had a STELLAR feeling about this term - ABSOLUTELY STELLAR - in every aspect, professional and personal.

So it was with a wide smirk that he leaped over the steps to the top of the dais and began making his way towards his seat - but not before stopping by to give Meriberry a hard time. Entirely her fault. That monster of a patronus had sent Hershel on a peeing spree in his office from fright. "I wouldn't bother with the oogly eyes," he whispered to his colleague, who he seriously would need to catch up with later because Merlin it had been a while. "Married and not into the ladies." Not to mention rude on the occassion. Hadn't even let his sister down gently that he wasn't interested. Kiera bounced back though and apparently had been on a pretty fantastic blind date. "You look good in that seat, though," he saluted before his attention turned to Leobald "She's a talker, Leobald. Have fun."

Making his way towards the other end of the table, and noting that the Cecelia had not yet arrived, he passed by the Headmistress and offered the woman an eager salute. "Evening, Headmistress," he greeted as his arm lowered to his side. "You know, whenever I see roses I can't help but think of the Rosette Nebula. Are you familiar with it? It is also known as Caldwell 49 and is located in the Monoceros region of the Milky Way Galaxy. Quite breathtaking to behold. You can see it with the telescope in the Observatory, after some additional focus enchantments and tweaks. I highly recommend it!"

Right. Shutting up now.

Confident grin still on his face, he offered Javy a salute as well. Maybe without his partner-in-crime around these parts his seating area would finally be glitter free for a term - the common room was a lost cause. Those girls and their glitter in the girls' dormitories. Merlin help him.

Airey eyed the empty Charms professor's seat and shrugged his shoulders in an amused manner. It was to be expected, of course, that he would arrive before Maddox. Attention entirely on his enchanted breast pocket as he rummaged through it for something, the Gryffindor Head of House paid no mind as to where he was sitting - more specifically WHAT he was sitting on.

Not exactly plopping down in his seat, but rather slowly settling into it, his eyes widened when he felt something....squishy under his bum and immediately leaped to his feet. Knees crashing against the table in a dull thud, the astronomer spun around and...

"HOLYMOTHEROFBLAZINGCOMETS!" he manly shrieked as he toppled over backwards and landed right in Javy's lap. Complete with his arms hugging the Creatures professor around the neck like his life depended on it. THERE WAS A FEROCIOUS BEAST OCCUPYING HIS SEAT!

THIS WAS NOT FUNNY, MEDEA ROMANOS!

He loved her, truly, but she needed to STOP wanting all these creatures. And Chu Chu was still loose in the Gryffindor common room somewhere...

It was SO on!

Only just not yet. He was going to stay attached to Javy like a parasite for a little while more. Just in case the beast decided to attack.

Cosgrach entered the Great Hall in the classic black robes right after Airey. He was in high spirits for the next term, and it showed on his smiling face. "HELLO, everyone!" he greeted them, nodded at the faces - not without frowning a little at Annie's rose. Did she really... bring a rose her husband bought her, or did someone else give it? But it was a known fact that she was married, wasn't it? Maybe it was a nice gesture... he wasn't even sure...

He sat down and checked his watch, but before he could do more, Airey was shrieking. He was as dramatic as Cosgrach, wasn't he? The man smirked to himself as he craned his neck to see what was going on.

Cassie walked into the Great Hall with a huge smile on her face. She loved the new term. It was so refreshing and the excitement just filled the air. She had been coming to the castle for a few days getting ready for the term, so today she spent with Nessa at the spa. New hair cut, done nicely for the special evening. Their nails looked wonderful and she felt fabtastic!

Making her way towards the staff table she beamed at all her coworkers, but didn't go to her side of the table, no she went towards the other side. She had business. "Hello Cossy, did you have a nice summer?" She figured he would with his family. Seeing a new face that she had known would be in Josephina's seat she beamed. "OHMYGOSH!" She squealed!! "Welcome, welcome. I hope you have been settling around well. If you ever need anything please don't hesitate to ask. Cassiopeia Morgan, but everyone calls me Cassie."

Plopping down in Nessa's seat, she knew her friend wouldn't mind. She looked at Leo. "I got a dog!!!" Grabbing Leo's arm in excitement. She had gotten the puppy about a week ago, but hadn't got to tell him yet. "Don't worry.. I've already seen that her and the other fur babies will get along fine." Meaning his kneazle too if the cute little kneazle wanted to visit her office this term.

Something caught her eye as she was talking and her head turn to Annie, "OHMY what a pretty rose Annie. Did your husband send it for the start of term. Ohhhh that's sooooo romantic." What a romantic thing, but before she could say anymore she jumped at the noise at her end of the table. What on earth was that...

"OHMYGOSH AIREY NO." Setting down her own purse that held Aries and Gemini on Nessa's chair she hurried over to the Astronomy's chair and picked up the kitty. "Oh you poor scared baby. Did you go missing from your human?" Nuzzling the cat to her face she kissed it's cute little head. "Honestly Airey it's just a cat they will not hurt you." She kept the precious fur baby nuzzled near her neck to keep it safe. It had to be so scared.

Botros was here. He'd been here for a while which was probably why he had nodded off, snoring loudly for those near to hear him.

Until his young colleagues started walking in and making noises and out of nowhere the familiar shriek of professor Airey pierced the air and made the old man's ears twitch as he winced. What was it this year, then? A shredded tie on his seat as a threat? Botros looked and found a cute black cat sitting there. "Don't frighten the poor creature, son." Abraham was used to call them that when there were no students present yet.

He watched professor Morgan rescue the cat, thankfully, and decided he should just stretch out his old weary limbs from that short-lived, peaceful, quiet siesta.

Healer Murdoch entered the Great Hall in a really good mood. She had just spent a really great summer with her husband doing absolutely nothing but enjoying each other. Well, they did go to New York for their anniversary, but other than that, they spent their whole summer at home enjoying their life as a normal married couple.

She was in such a good mood that she even greeted the professors sitting at her end of the table. "Hello Cosgrach, hello Leo." Oh, and there was a new person sitting there in the Muggle Studies seat. "Hello there. Professor Moxley I assume." Yes, Cece had read the welcome back letter from the Headmistress. "Welcome to Hogwarts. I'm Healer Murdoch and Slytherin's Head of House." She was about to hold out her hand to the woman to shake but then she seen it. That AWFUL pink cat purse that everyone knew belonged to Cassiopia.

Not bothering to excuse herself, Cece went straight to the seat next to hers, snatched that hideous bag and took it to the other end of the table where she dropped the bag right in front of Cassiopia. "I believe this hideous thing belongs to you. I would appreciate it if you didn't bring those creatures to the Great Hall all the time. And I especially would appreciate you NOT setting them on the seat right next to me. I do not want cat hair in my food or drinks!" Not that she ever ate the food there, but still, other people did. "And for the love of Merlin woman," she said pointing at the cat the woman was holding, "put that one away before Flamsteed there has a heart attack and I have to move him to the infirmary." Or Thompson throws him off his lap.

So much for her good mood.

When had she arrived? Had he actually missed her sitting there on her throne? Leo turned his head to address his boss, a cheery smile pursing his lips to conceal his. "Good evening Anastasia. I trust your summer vacation was lovely?" Why not be informal, it were just them there at the moment anyway.

Leo was about to turn to pour up some pumpkin juice in his goblet when he saw how Annie snatched up the pink rose intended for Cassie. Throat drying up and eyes bulging out of their eye-sockets, he struggled for breath as he mumbled. "That rose is not-" trailing off he finished silently to himself 'intended for you.' Coughing Leo tried again. "So did you like the rose Annie?" It seemed like it was the appropriate thing to ask. He'd have to breakdown and worry about the implications of Cassie's rose getting stolen by Annie. What was he going to tell Cassie? He was definitley not telling Annie that what she had taken was not hers. He wasn't that bold.



Leo was grasping around for a way to steer his conversation with Annie away from the rose when good, dependant Javy arrived on the dais and saved him the trouble."Evening Javy, the rest of my summer has been amazing and eventful." He mused with a smile. Javy would know what he meant by that. "How was your end of summer with Piers?" He was about to ask what Piers was going to do now that he wasn’t working at Hogwarts.

Javy stopped him dead in his tracks with his mouth gaping open and with the words hanging on his tongue as he acknowledged the rose Annie was playing with. Feeling his face start to burn, Leo looked everywhere but at the pink rose and his boss and Javy.



Leo looked up as one of the new hires shot him a nod. He returned the nod politely reminding himself; that he’d have to go visit Maddox later in the week. If anyone could help him with his matter then it’d be the new charms professor. Leo lifted the can of pumpkin juice to fill up his goblet when he saw just where Maddox took a seat. He sat down in CASSIE'S SEAT!!!!

And then sure enough Leo looked on in growing horror as Maddox read the note he had placed on the platter for Cassie and then he slipped it into his pocket. Setting the can of pumpkin juice down very carefully Leo dropped his head in his hands sighing heavily. Could they just flash forward the feast to the speech now? He’d really be super grateful.




Eyes darting down to the clock on his wrist Leo willed it very much to go faster when the new, chatter happy muggle studies professor took a seat next to him. He was inwardly panicking and just feeling incredibly hot and flushed when the woman spoke to him. Raising his head to look at her he murmured back hoping he didn’t sound as agitated as he felt or that his stressed body language would give him away. "I guess we are. Pleasure to meet you Meredith; I'm Leobald Kitridge, school librarian. Welcome to Hogwarts!"




A talker? Just who was Airey talking about? Admittedly his mind was pretty pre-occupied right now with more important things than figuring out who Airey meant. Shrugging his Leo flashed his colleague a small smile. "I'm sure I will. You look really happy tonight." It was worth mentioning. The space man was pretty much radiating happiness all the way to Leo's seat.



Eyes darting around the hall, stressed and wide-eyed Leo’s gaze stopped on Abraham that was sitting peacefully in his chair on the other end of the table, flashing him a shaky smile. If only he could get some of the man’s calm. It felt like his mind was going to implode with all the thoughts running around themselves and not mention the pulse that was beating higher and higher in his ears.




"Good evening Cecelia." Leo chirped out his throat feeling hoarse. "Did you have a good summer?" Hoping that Cece didn’t take notice of his stressed appearance he quickly poured some juice into his goblet and drank several big swallows of it.



Seeing and hearing Cassie's voice made Leo splutter out all the juice he had in his mouth over his unsuspecting meal buddy Meredith's lap. He mumbled "I'm sorry." To her before his eyes fixed on Cassie. He hadn’t registered a single word about her new crup he was too busy stumbling out the words of an apology."I'm so sorry Cassie. I’ll buy youuuu a new rose in Hogsmeadeeee and i’ll bake you an enormous muffin any flavour you want. I promise, just don't hate meeeeeeeeeeeeeeee." He finished off, eyes big and pleading and frightened.



By the time Leo noticed that Cossy had arrived on the dais he was hyperventilating, red-faced like a ripe tomato and feeling his pulse beating like a drum in his ears. Getting to his feet a little rockily he made his way towards his buddy......."Cossssssssy. Can't breath...." he stammered out. Could he get some assistance please before he fainted? He had absolutely no idea that Cassie was nuzzling a cat that wasn't hers or that Airey was close to fainting in Javy's lap either.

Sophia haaaaaaaaaaaaaated this part of the year. She really did. Sitting at this table with screeching insane professors who smalled talked about Merlin knew what (because she tuned them out mostly) and staring into the face of students so they wouldn't act like idiots at the feast and give the fresh yet of students any ideas.

The joys of being the only sane one on staff.

Cece might be but the woman was foul so not even that couldn't save the healer in her opinion.

She rubbed her temples as a lack in concentration allowed the Astronomy professor's yearly shrieking penetrated her ears. She groaned.

yeeah...great.

"Rocketman!" Meredith's face lit up like a Christmas tree though the news her former housemate was delivering made for a bit of a shock. "Isn't that always the way? No harm in enjoying the view though, fancy pants." She grinned at him and then at Leobald, sure the latter wouldn't mind some good conversation with a pretty lady, heh.

"Keeper of the books, how fascinating!" She batted her eyelashes at the man and then nudged him to show she was only joking. Leobald looked like he was in need of some cheering up. He couldn't be this bummed about being back, could he? "Thanks for the warm welcome."

This one was a BALL of sunshine, huh? Meredith was amused and she greeted the blonde with a grin and squealed back, "Cassie! So nice to meet you! S'like a cheering charm come to life in a professor. Y'should talk to Leobald over here. Guy looks like he could use some lightening up!" She gestured to the man with her thumb and then winked at her.

Next up was Healer Murdoch, apparently. Bit of a severe woman, it seemed. Meredith wondered if this was an all the time thing or if the woman just felt the need to let people know who was boss before showing her softer side. Either way, the brunette grinned and saluted the lady with the fancy pants titles. "Nice to meet you, Healer Murdoch. Meredith Moxley, Muggle Studies."

Meri didn't get too much more conversation in before her night was made, though. As the scene unfolding at the staff table was enough to cause the brunette to burst into giggles. Oh Maddox, that was too perfect. It was like being a kid again. Airey was squeaking like a frightened mouse and Maddox was being scooped up by Sunshine Mcgee and all the muggle studies professor could do was snort and call out to the astronomy professor, "Hey, I saw 'em first!" They could both share a Hogwarts crush, though. Surely their significant others wouldn't mind.

...Her lap was wet. She hadn't laughed so much that she'd-no. Still coming down from her giggle fest, the brunette's shoulders still shook occasionally like the aftershocks of a laughter earthquake and she eyed the librarian accusingly. "Merlin, brother. You're supposed to swallow your liquids!" But clearly the guy was having bigger problems. Poor man looked like he was going to pass out.

"Epic feast so far, Annie!" Meredith glanced over at the red head, all smiles. "When's the food get here?" And the students. She guessed she should be interested in that too.

Another start of term feast and Nessa couldn't be more excited. Not that she had a particular reason for it, she just loved beginnings and this happened to be one. After the mani-pedi she got at the spa with Cassie, the brunette spent a considerable amount of time in her closet searching for the perfect outfit. It had to be, of course, something that the staff and student body hadn't yet seen her in. Even if she would be sat at the table before the students arrived, she needed to make her entrance and leave a good and lasting impression.

Humming happily to herself as she walked into the Great Hall, Nessa had a bright smile for the entire staff table. It appeared that she was one of the last to arrive, but that was alright. She did have to find the perfect outfit and it just meant that she could say hello to everyone all at once. Adjusting her hat slightly, she noticed some sort of commotion at one end of the table. Had she missed all the excitement already?

Coming around her end of the table, she first cheerfully greeted those already sat. "Hello, Sophia! Hope you had a delightful summer! And Cosgrach, you as well... I hope the elections aren't keeping you and your wife too busy." She didn't pay all that much attention to politics, but it seemed tedious. And there was a new face! Nessa beamed at her. "Hello! You must be.." Oh goodness, she was so terrible at names and she should know this. "The new Muggles Studies professor! Welcome!" Hopefully she covered her bad memory well with that, she didn't want to be rude.

Oh, Merlin! What was going on with Leo? He looked like he was in a terrible state and that should not be. Not when she was going to suggest switching seats with Cassie so the two love-birds could sit together. "Leo," she began in a loud whisper as she placed her hand on his shoulder and bent down a bit. "Is everything alright?" Maybe she should go say something to Cassie.. Speaking of.. Nessa lifted her eyes towards that part of the table before heading over there. But not before giving Annie a bright smile and, "Hello! Hope you had a relaxing summer!" And then an aww at the rose she was holding. What a sweet thing for her husband to send on her first day of work!

Nessa couldn't help the frown on her face at Cecelia's outburst over her friend's cats. Merlin.. it seemed the woman had gotten up on the wrong side of the bed again. She really should think about adding a daily dose of cheering charm to her morning pumpkin juice. It couldn't possibly be healthy to be in such a bad mood all the time, but Nessa simply put the smile back on her face and was about to greet her when she was soon distracted by the fur baby in Cassie's arms. The brunette let out a squeal and rushed over. "Did you get another kitty without telling me??" Look how cute he was! Nessa patted his little head and scratched him behind the ears. She wondered how this one might do with the other animals.

She soon looked up to offer Abraham a cheery wave, her wiggling fingers stopping in mid-air as she saw Airey sitting in Javy's lap. Oh my. That was certainly cozy. Soon smiling again, she greeted the three men at that end of the table. "Hello everyone!" She wasn't going to ask about the lap-sitting.

Cosgrach smiled at the ladies (right before Airey and Leo stole the spotlight). He opened his mouth to answer them, but Airey happened...


...and then his best friend on staff was hyperventilating.

Cosgrach, being the hero, rushed to him, dashing around Sophia's seat.

"Leo!" he whispered, after his apology, it wasn't hard to guess the rose was meant for Cassie, but Annie had taken it, "Here, now, drink this." He snatched a glass and filled it with cold water. "It'll calm ya." It was simply water, but he was the potions man, and all the better if Leo thought he'd added some calming draught in it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by TakemetotheBurrow

"How am I meant concentrate with a super model sitting at the same table, am I right?" This question was directed at Annie as the former Gryffindor winked at who she knew to be the Care of Magical Creatures professor.

Oh Merlin, Moxley had arrived and made her presence known. Anastasia had enjoyed her interview with the woman, and she certainly didn't disappoint with her sense of humor already. "Mmm," was all Annie had to say about Javier's supermodel good looks. Too bad he was a) taken and b) not interested in their type. Alas, she would allow Josephina's replacement a chance to figure that out for herself. Twas all Muggle Studies, right?

The redhead began to smirk as she poured herself a cup of water.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweetpinkpixie

Making his way towards the other end of the table, and noting that the Cecelia had not yet arrived, he passed by the Headmistress and offered the woman an eager salute. "Evening, Headmistress," he greeted as his arm lowered to his side. "You know, whenever I see roses I can't help but think of the Rosette Nebula. Are you familiar with it? It is also known as Caldwell 49 and is located in the Monoceros region of the Milky Way Galaxy. Quite breathtaking to behold. You can see it with the telescope in the Observatory, after some additional focus enchantments and tweaks. I highly recommend it!"

...and right on cue, here came the Astronut. Annie couldn't have planned the evening's festivities better herself (except that she had, sort of, planned them). "Evening, Flamsteed," she greeted him levelly, still smirking a bit.... until he started talking waaaaaaaay above her understanding. Heavens above, were all his Astrolectures this long-winded? She felt like a dying star just listening to him talk, mostly because she didn't know what he was going on about.

"I'm not at all familiar with that er... thing," she waved a hand at him a bit. "But sure, I think I will be dropping by the Astro lab this term." If only to make certain he were no longer possessed and/or rambling about Herbo-shaped-star arrangements. Luckily now, the man was heading toward his end of the table.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bazinga

Something caught her eye as she was talking and her head turn to Annie, "OHMY what a pretty rose Annie. Did your husband send it for the start of term. Ohhhh that's sooooo romantic." What a romantic thing, but before she could say anymore she jumped at the noise at her end of the table. What on earth was that...

And Cassie was arriving instead. Not in her seat yet, she noted, but that was fine... "Oh thank you," she beamed at the blonde, who was looking quite fresh and lovely herself this evening. Not as nice as Annie, but it was a nice effort for the Divination professor. "Actually, Leobald dropped this off for me." She giggled and wiggled a few fingers down toward the librarian. "No idea why, he didn't leave a note for me or anything..."

A note for her... waaaaaaaaait...........

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nordic Witch

When had she arrived? Had he actually missed her sitting there on her throne? Leo turned his head to address his boss, a cheery smile pursing his lips to conceal his. "Good evening Anastasia. I trust your summer vacation was lovely?" Why not be informal, it were just them there at the moment anyway.

Leo was about to turn to pour up some pumpkin juice in his goblet when he saw how Annie snatched up the pink rose intended for Cassie. Throat drying up and eyes bulging out of their eye-sockets, he struggled for breath as he mumbled. "That rose is not-" trailing off he finished silently to himself 'intended for you.' Coughing Leo tried again. "So did you like the rose Annie?" It seemed like it was the appropriate thing to ask. He'd have to breakdown and worry about the implications of Cassie's rose getting stolen by Annie. What was he going to tell Cassie? He was definitley not telling Annie that what she had taken was not hers. He wasn't that bold.

"We didn't go anywhere this summer, actually, but I did have a great break! So enjoyable. How was yours? Read anything good?" She'd have to drop by his office later, as she recalled now that she had some new volumes on Herbology and Ancient Runes (SPELL-CHECKED VOLUMES, BY THE WAY) for the school's collection.

But what was this sudden expression of his for? "The rose is not....?" she repeated, a frown creasing her otherwise nearly wrinkle-free face for a second. "Oh!" She said instead. "I DID. It smells LOVELY. Reminds me of home." Well then, the rose HAD been intended for her, silly Leobald mixing up her seat with Cassie's. "It's always nice to feel a bit of appreciation from an employee, you know?"

Well he didn't, but Annie laughed at her own joke anyway.

Quote:

Originally Posted by TakemetotheBurrow

"Epic feast so far, Annie!" Meredith glanced over at the red head, all smiles. "When's the food get here?" And the students. She guessed she should be interested in that too.

It was about now that all the commotion surrounding Flamsteed, Javy, Cassie, and... oh great, Tillstorm Murdoch was involving herself in this mess... started to catch the Headmistress' attention. Ordinarily she would have corrected them all, quieted them down, and made Flamsteed get off Javy's lap, but tonight the redhead was in such a good mood that she just leaned back in her throne and watched.

"Great entertainment, I do agree this is an epic start," she called back to Moxley. "Though I expect the Astronomy professor will be getting off his coworker's lap any moment now... has a great fear of cats, that one." In case she didn't already know this evident fact.

"The food will be here after I speak," Annie added. "And after the students are all Sorted and all that."

Quote:

Originally Posted by emjay

But not before giving Annie a bright smile and, "Hello! Hope you had a relaxing summer!" And then an aww at the rose she was holding. What a sweet thing for her husband to send on her first day of work!

Oh good, nearly all the staff was here now! "Hi Nessa, I did thank you. I hope you did as well."

Annie glanced casually toward her gold watch, an antique she had acquired this summer which still worked just as well as anything. And this antique wasn't cursed by a ghost either, she'd made her husband check it out first.

"The train should be here any minute now," she called out dutifully, as a head's up to those still... socializing and sitting on each other.

Dear? Boss Lady was even calling him dear? This was more serious than he'd thought and Maddox would most certainly not be baking cookies with her down in the kitchen later. No. His wife would kill him. Oh but perhaps she was saying something of importance? His ears pointed at attention and his yellow eyes locked on her curiously in the event it might have been serious...but she never said anything else and slowly his head sunk to the cushy chair. He could actually take another nap here if he forgot the throbbing back he now had thanks to the earlier smack from Meredith.

He'd only just dozed when he felt an unexpected pressure weighing down on his back. What...? Maddox's eyes popped open in time to see a bum moving away from him. Without really meaning to his fur bristled. Maddox screeched and hissed, claws out and aimed but the person (Oh! Airey!) was already well away and in the lap of the other bloke with some merlin awful shriek that sent his ears ringing.

Before he could right himself he felt himself being yanked off the chair despite his best efforts to sink his claws into its fabric. Everything else happened too quickly. He was being rubbed against some woman's (Cassie) face while someone else (Botros) referred to him as a 'poor creature'? Oh for the love of all things decent. It only got worse as yet another (Cece) came with demands to PUT HIM AWAY????

T_________T

Maddox squirmed and wiggled, hissing in protest. Down, he wanted to be put DOWN. A little help Headmistress? The noises got more atrocious as Leo went pleading to the woman who was crushing the life out of him and just down the table it got worse with Meredith's booming laugh. When did this place get so noisy? Circe someone make it stop. Maddox wiggled again, wondering why it wasn't obvious he wanted to be put down when another (Nessa) came gushing and scratching him behind the ear. He was almost lost in the really happy feeling before he caught himself and hissed. With nothing left to be done he extracted his claws again, frantically working at Cassie's face and hands until he managed to wiggle free and topple to the ground.

It was at this point he finally regained the form of a man fallen flat on his bum looking up at everyone. "What in Merlin's beard...?" He rubbed at his face, still evidently tired, before looking to Airey "I'm not a cushion for your bum mate and must you be so loud?" He looked up at the manhandlers, not making any moves to get up just yet. " 'm not a cuddle toy either, sorry." And hello headache, haven't had you in a while.

This wasn't how he thought to start his term. Not at all.

Archie had slipped into the Great Hall quite silently, pausing just as he had apparently seen a feline turn into a fully grown man at the table. Maybe he was just tired. He proceeded with a confident stride (much more confident than last year anyway), and perched himself in his seat beside the Headmistress, blissfully unaware of anything that was going on.

"Hi, Anastasia. Lovely to see you, I hope you enjoyed your summer." He smiled brightly at her before looking to the rest of the professors. Ahhh, those guys were much more difficult. Archie still didn't know any of them too well.

"Hi... hi, hi... hi..." Archie spoke a quiet 'hi' to every face he could see, getting quieter with each one. Anyway... oh look, students.

"Oh, he's doing alright." To Annie who was wondering about Piers. And for Leo. "It was wonderful to say the least. The rest of the time with our family made the summer even more perfect." That seemed to be the most this man could say positively. Now that he was in his chair.. hearing the new Charms bloke change seats again... and again.. nope, still wrong seat. Casually glancing as he took Airey's seat, Javy opened his mouth to direct him to his other side. Instead he had to witness him turn into a cat.

...
.......

Well...Perhaps this year wasn't that different after all to Javier. Save a few missing face(s). One thing he knew with cats was once they were comfy, back off. Hopefully the Spaceman remembered to look before plomping his bottom there. Sipping his goblet casually. He saw more making their grand entrance. The new Muggle Studies professor for one. Javier returned the wink. What? It was polite. Cassie who went straight to her man. He had to share with them something later on. Cossy and ah.. Airey. He sat down the goblet.

It had been some time since they properly conversed.. and it was going to be a little longer delay on that now. Because first his ears were jolted and his own arms bunched up from this extremely tight hug. Not to mention the fact on his lap not being occupied by a napkin.

........

Merlin, help them. Probably the most blank look ever on this Creature Professor's face appeared. "..I personally prefer hugs to come after the greeting." Good ol' Cassie was quick on rescuing the manly cat as Abraham, Nessa, and just about everyone nearby was on this. Javier meanwhile was left practically motionless at all of this. Now that Maddox was not so cat-like anymore. "See Airey, now you can get off of me." You know, before he became part of another feature on a certain article.

SPOILER!!: before the catman drama, Moxley, Bunz, Leo, Millard

Puts text here *is lazy*

Beaming towards the new professor she couldn't help but chuckle, the woman was very cheery and kind of loud, but Cassie enjoyed both of those things. "Why thank you, I do enjoy spreading cheer!" It was one of her favorite things. She glanced at Leo, "Oh don't you worry about him, I'll take good care of our beloved Librarian." She giggled, but didn't wonder what was wrong with him.

Why was he apologizing, she was super confused. A rose? What was he talking about and then it clicked and she turned her head as Annie spoke, "Well isn't that just the sweetest thing! He is just totes adorbs isn't he?" Well of course he was, she couldn't help but just smile hugely at both of them, her hand still on his arm. "Leo's biggest reason is he is just soooo thoughtful and sweet!" She thought of their dates over the summer and had proof of the sweetness, she had brought her cute music festival T-shirt with her.

Her eyes softly turned back on him, "You are just too cute! How about we bake muffins together? You still owe me a baking lesson you know." She giggled and snapped encouragingly. "I could never hate you silly." The rose was suppose to be hers, she had figured that out and it was just sooooo romantic and just sooo cute!

Oh and look the sweet groundskeeper had joined them, "Hello, congrats on the new position. You will totes rock it." She beamed towards him.

SPOILER!!: Ab, Cece, Nessa, Maddox, Leo and Annie at the end

text goes here *lazy*

She was still cuddling the cute little fur baby even though he was hissing. "Oh it's okay.. it's okay.. You are safe with me." She cooed at him hoping he'd settle, weird though she was struggling to see future in this one. Hmm, maybe he was just too stressed out, she'd have to calm him. Yes that's exactly what she'd try to do. Giving Ab a smile she would talk to him and congratulate him on such an amazing honor to be head of house later, right now her focus was kitty rescue.

Her green eyes snapped up, "Oh Cece" She giggled, the woman was always joking. "They aren't hideous and they never leave my purse. They are very well mannered and look at their cute little yellow bows for Hufflepuff." She beamed at her cats sticking their heads out showing off her old house colors. "I had to set them down and I set them on Nessa's chair, but thank you soooooo much for bringing them to me." It was just so sweet of her to do that.

Oh the poor little baby was so scared and his claws were swinging. She held him tighter and kissed his little head again. "Shhh shhh it's okay." OUCH! He got her face, but she wouldn't blame him. No it was all the crazy commotion everyone was scaring him with. She'd put him in with Aries and Gemini he'd be safe there until she could find his human, but Nessa caught her attention and she smiled through the scratching pain, "Oh no he's not mine. I'm just trying to calm him." Poor poor thing scratching at them. "It's okay baby.. you'll be fi.."

O_o

He was down on the ground AND NOW HE WAS A MAN!!!! SHE HAD KISSED ANOTHER MAN!!! Cassie jumped back and put her bloody scratched hands to her face gasping. "OHMYGOODNESS OHMYGOODNESS OHMYGOODNESS!!!!!! I'm soooooo sorry, I didn't know. I thought you were a scared cat, I'm soooo sorry.. OHMYGOODNESS!!!" She was so embarressed and forgot quickly about the scratches the man had left on her. No wonder she couldn't read him, he was a HE.. a MAN!

She turned towards Leo's side of the table horrified. How would he ever forgive her, she just kissed a catman!! A CATMAN!!! She mouthed a thousand I'm sorry's towards him, but noticed the students entering, so she just sunk into her seat quietly embarrassed by the entire ordeal, looking towards Annie right next to her she shook her head, "Sorry about that I didn't know." How was she to know the man was a cat or that cat was a man, MERLIN. Pulling her REAL cats towards her legs in her purse. Goodness could she leave?

No?

NO?!

Exsqueeze me?

Airey didn't even have the strength to throw the Divination professor a scowl as she tried to assure him it was "just a cat." He did scowl at that one. "And I supwposed you would tell someone who had arachnephobia that an Acromantula is just a spider," he muttered as he clung a little more fiercely to Javy - still not entirely realizing what he was doing. "People can DIE from those BEASTS you know. Ever heard of something called SEPTICAEMIA?!"

Yeah. YEAH. That KILLED people and the potential carrier of that was ON HIS CHAIR AND IN HER PURSE.

He simply shook his head at the Runes professor. Poor old bloke didn't know any better and clearly needed his eyes checked.

In all the commotion he, unfortunately, did not notice the arrival of the rest of his colleagues - although Cecelia's voice somewhat registered far off in the distance - and had his eyes LOCKED on the feline that Cassiopeia was foolishly snuggling up to. And then his point was proven. RIGHT THERE! SEE! HE HAD TOLD HER SO!

But before he could point this out, and mention to Cecelia that treatment would need to be immediate, the black cat transformed into...

"SWEET SOLSTICE! ARE YOU BLOOMIN' JOKING?!" he half groaned half laughed when he saw that the cat was in fact Maddox. "I didn't know you could do that." Airey was still, by the way, sitting on Javy's lap at this point and ever so slowly becoming aware of this fact.

And then it all clicked. Maddox KNEW that the astronomer had a fear of the feline variety...this had all been one big set up. If Airey wore gloves, he would have thrown one down on the ground right this instant - it looked like something fun to do from what he had seen in old muggle films. The Charms professor had just declared a prank war and Airey was more than willing to rise to the occasion.

"And you've got no business turning into a cat and sleeping on my seat," he retorted, glancing over his shoulder at Javy. Speaking of being places he ought not to be... "If it's any consolation, Javy, you were quite comfortable." Cue a look towards Maddox. UNLIKE some others who could afford to be a more comfortable pillow if they insisted on sleeping places.

Standing, Airey retrieved a lint roller from his enchanted breast pocket and proceeded to roll it vigorously over his bum, down either leg, over his bum again, down the other leg, and finishing up - once again - with his bum. "You do recall that the seats are in alphabetical order, yeah? C comes AFTER A...down that way," he instructed, lint roller tucked away and pointing in the OTHER direction.

Adjusting his tie and trying to regain some sort of composure and dignity Airey finally took proper notice of the school's Healer and his brow furrowed. "You...didn't hold up your end of our deal," he said while dramatically pointing at the woman. What was she doing last term at the end of term feast? Slithering into a hole somewhere to avoid the stellar ensemble he had put together for her?

Bad form, Healer Murdoch. BAD FORM.

Merlin, it was going to take that long for the food to happen?! Hopefully Annie wasn't one to drone on and on in her speeches. Short, sweet, and to the point was the way. Welcome, don't kill each other, don't get yourselves killed by doing anything dumb. Boom. Bang. FOOD. Simple. 'Least if she had to wait she had some handsome faces to look at and some amusing drama to watch. S'like being at a movie! A muggle means of entertainment. Moving pictures much like the ones wizards and witches have except scripted and longer with sounds.

While Airey found out that Maddox was the fuzzy creature giving him heart palpitations, the brunette chortled, head tilted back as she clutched her belly. Oh Merlin, this was too good. Almost as good as the look on Sunshine's face when she found out she'd been cuddling the new Charms professor like he was her teddy bear. "Don't worry, he's really a giant softy. Bet he enjoyed it!" Her eyes were teary by this point and Meredith wiped at them when the laughter died down, knowing she'd somehow get dragged into the little prank war about to commence between the two men. Goodness, she approved so much.

"It's going to be a good term. Good term," She said to herself as she looked from one end of the table to the other, wide grin in place. She was going to like it here.

"I'm glad to hear it. Say hi to Piers from me when you talk or write to him next." Leo requested. "I'll swing by the stables later in this week or early next week and we can catch up." He'd bring something they could munch on while talking and just hanging out.



Eyes bulging, his pulse beating Leo accepted the glass from his mate and downed the liquid in several swallows. Feeling his pulse going down and his breathing calming down he smiled warmly at Cossy. "Thank you. I think I was about to pass out." Putting the glass on the table Leo asked "Did you put a calming drought in there or something? I feel a lot better." At least physically, not mentally since he was still trying to process the fright that Annie and the charms dude had given him.



And then all of a sudden Nessa was at his side asking about his well being. When had she arrived on the dais? Blowing out a long breath Leo shook his head at her. "No, I'm far from all right. But I will be soon. I just need a few minutes," To regain his composure and peace of mind. It was just what a man had to do when you had been given a big scare.



To rub it in some more Annie of course had to explain to Cassie of all people that Leo had given her the rose without supplying a note. He opened and closed his mouth several times. Not being able to answer or say anything at all for a good few minutes. He just stared at her. When he found his voice Leo focused on the safe bit first to buy him some time. "I had an enjoyable summer too. I read a good Sherlock Holmes novel that I could recommend you to read; it was thrilling and a real page turner."

"You're welcome Annie. I thought you deserved some appreciation for everything you do for the school and for all of us." Leo said with a sweeping gesture encompassing all the students and staff members currently in the Great Hall. "You're a good boss." And that was his queue to end the compliments. Hopefully now she’d forget about the rose and the lacking note and just focus on something else but him.




Leo stood silently and looked on and listened as Cassie talked him up to Meredith, praising him for being sweet, adorable and thoughtful. With every word she said he felt his face warm up and he couldn't help but blush as he murmured modestly. "I'm just a good guy that's all." Could she keep their dating status to herself? He knew it would get out eventually but still. He didn’t want to flaunt it. He liked privacy. Nodding he agreed softly. "Sure, we can bake muffins in the kitchen. We'll make a date out of it. Are you sure you're not upset with me about the rose?" He asked once more for reassurance. He’d totally understand if Cassie wasn't. It was his screw up. He’d make it up to her.

And then a lot of things happened at once. Cassie disappeared off towards Airey's end of the table to nuzzle and kiss a cat and the next thing Leo knew that same cat changed form and turned into the new charms professor Quigley. He was apparently an animagus. Catching Cassie’s mortified glance in his direction and the mouthed 'I’m Sorrys.'

Turning around and away from Cassie on unsteady feet he made it the few short steps to his seat and sank down in it. Cassie had KISSSED the catman Quigley. This feast was already turning into one gigantic nightmare. Could he sink through the floor already?



Leo really felt the acute urge to bury his head in his hands and just block out everything around him, but his new meal buddy was making that very difficult. She was very chatty. Flashing her an apologetic smile he mumbled "I'm sorry again. I hope I didn't ruin your dress."

"Yes, I am the keeper of the books, so if you ever need a book for your lessons or something fun to read then swing by the library and I’ll help you out." Leo offered.



Looking past Meredith and Cossy to Sophia sitting in her seat at end of the table rubbing her temples Leo called over. "Are you all right Sophia? Did your daughter get to durmstrang okay?" Worrying about someone else gave him a break from worrying about himself and all the questions swimming around in his head and all the emotions.



Just a few seats up the table Archie had claimed his new seat. Waving to the groundskeeper/herbology professor Leo called out "Evening Archie, did you have a good summer?" He took every opportunity to not think too much. If he did that he’d start hyperventilating again. He'd just talk to Cassie later and clear things up. He just had to get through the feast first.