Despite Layla’s terrible attempt at injecting some humour into their conversation, the blonde had somehow managed to get Eden to smile even if it was just a small one. The seventeen-year-old was rarely one to show affection in any way. Obviously things were different with Bambi but she was often a reserved person who kept her feelings to herself. However Eden was one of those that she could be herself with and it was for that reason that Layla slung her arm on Eden’s shoulders and gave her a quick one-armed squeeze. She could be sweet when she wanted to.

“Grumpy, like usual” she responded nonchalantly to Eden’s question. She didn’t care anymore, this was just who she was. A heavy sigh escaped her nostrils. “But I’m alright and I ain’t gonna spend this entire year mopin’ cos fat load of good that did me.” But she probably would, loneliness would hit home and she’d be done for. “And neither will you. Our dorm would get frickin’ depressin’.” Depending on what mood the others were in of course but when Eden was happy she drew the girls together. It was a nice atmosphere and Layla often cherished those times even if she never mentioned it.

The familiar sight of the Grey Lady who Layla still had a slight dubious mind over whether she was just a projection headed over to speak to the girls. She let Eden talk first before shrugging in response. ”We’re fine. This don’t make a change with me anyway” Y’know, the frown on her face anyway. ‘Naturally miserable’ as she liked to call it. “I’m sure we’ll feel better after a good night’s sleep” she offered her an attempt at a ‘genuine’ smile. Heh.

Then the table started filling up and the Ravenclaw sunk down on the bench. Problem was Eden was popular and that meant people came and spoke to her and whatever and Layla became invisible. She wouldn’t have minded that much but still. She offered Evie a nod and a smile after she’d interacted with Eden, an interaction that received a slight raise of the brow. Sophie got a “hey” too and one of her half smiles. “Congratulations on the badge” she nodded at her. Politeness never went amiss.

Nobody else she knew, at least she didn’t know well enough to talk to them. Everyone seemed to know who the new kid (Benzi) was but he received nothing more than a straight-faced expression.

Turning her attention to (Abby) Helena smiled "I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed your summer break dear. Did you go on that school trip I heard whispers in the halls about?"

The fifth year girl with the dark skin and honey coloured eyes (TiaMarie) that quietly took up a seat at the Claw table did not go unnoticed especially since she chose a seat not far from where Helena was hovering. "Good evening TiaMarie, why so quiet dear? Are you not excited to be back to learn new things?"

The hat had begun sorting new students and soon enough a boy with big glasses (Chris) joined the table. As his staring eyes focused on her Helena bowed her head slightly in greeting. "Welcome to Ravenclaw! Yes, I'm a ghost, Ravenclaw's house ghost to be exact. I'm Helena Ravenclaw." She introduced herself. "Some also call me the Grey Lady. And who might you be?" she wondered curiously.

When (Sophie) the newly appointed prefect of Ravenclaw arrived at the table by piggyback ride on her boyfriends back Helena almost shook her head in disapproval. A prefect had to talk walk and be an example. It was the first night though so she let it pass and smiled broadly. "Congratulations Sophie to your prefect appointment! Mr Kitridge told me the wonderful news. Are you excited to take on your new responsibilities?"

The girl that came over next dressed in Slytherin green robes (Amelia) got a small welcoming smile from Helena. "Good evening, it's nice to see that other house students have found friends in Ravenclaw. I wish you a lovely feast."

The boy (Asher) that next got sorted into her mother’s noble house chose to sit by himself and he didn’t immediately engage in conversation with the students closest to him. Interest awakened the transparent lady left her position at the head of the table to float towards the boy. "Welcome to Ravenclaw! I'm Helena Ravenclaw, the house ghost. And who might you young sir be?"

The week smile and feeble hi in her direction that was mumbled out by yet another newly sorted boy (Tyler) taking his seat at the table caused her to float a little closer to him smiling warmly. "Welcome to Ravenclaw! I'm Helena Ravenclaw the house ghost. And who might you be young man?"

Spotting (Penelope) waving around a stack of posters further down the table and asking her eagle peers if they were interested in adopting a pet rock Helena floated a little closer to the fourth year asking. "Evening Penelope, does the opportunity to adopt a pet rock extend to ghosts too?" Never mind the fact that she couldn’t touch human things. Maybe Penelope could be a dear and care for the rock on her behalf?

Eyes switching over to look at (Eden) once more Helena cocked her head to the side. "What could you have to be sad about on this magnificent night? Is it boy troubles?2 It was likely, given Eden's age. The lady had her own troubles. If only the Baron could stop loving her.

Gaze turning to the girl beside her (Layla) as she spoke Helena nodded thoughtfully. "I've heard that a good night’s sleep can cure many troubles but if it doesn't well I can always lend a listening ear. I've got lots of free time." So there you had it girls. Helena was offering her ear and sage advice if they wanted it. Otherwise she supposed the girl’s could always go and knock on their Head of House’s door.

Turning to the dark skinned second year (Janelle) that just now decided to slip into a vacant seat Helena smiled warmly. "Good evening Janelle. It's lovely to see you again too. I had a pleasant summer. I’m glad the castle is filling up again with your voices. It tends to get a little too quiet. How was your summer dear? Did you go on the school field trip?"

Abby smiled at Helena and said "Yes i did go on the school field trip Helena and i had a great time" Abby was telling the truth she had a blast on the field trip

Before the pretty girl had time to even look at him, Piggy Back Couple had quit the piggy backing and started greeting everyone, so his attention jumped to them. He learned that Crazy Eyes Eden's friend was called Layla and that the pretty girl's name was Evie. And then Piggy Back Girl looked at HIM and o_O. Oh no.

He didn't think anyone other than Cutty would actually REGONISE him. He'd been so tiny back then. And those cornrows. So embarrassing. Blinking at the girl while searching his mind for HER name, Piggy Back Guy seemed to catch on and apparently also remembered him, and as Cutty's friend no less. Oh. OH. WAIT. HE REMEMBERED.

"You're Tobias Tempus!" Such a catchy name. "I REMEMBER YOU. You were friends with Forrest. And," he turned the girl, the cogs in his brain spinning rapidly now that he'd managed to remember ONE name, "you're.. you're SOPHIE. Or Sylvie. No, SOPHIE. With a colour for a last name." Was this the same Sophie Cutty had talked about? Who knows?And judging from that badge he recognised from his mother's old school photos, he added, "Prefect Sophie Colour Last Name. ... Man you guys grew up."

This was weird. It's like someone took their faces and STRETCHED them. And, like, made their noses pointier and their voices heavier. ODD. Very odd.

Satisfied with himself, Benzi made to swivel back to talk to the Evie girl when he caught sight of Crazy Eyes Eden, who seemed even more down than before. He wouldn't have given this the slightest bit of thought had something not started nagging in the back of his mind again. Eden.... Crazy Eyes.... Cutty's friend... CUTTY. NO WAY. COULD IT BE? Had he met the Eden already and just hadn't known it?! She fit the description of "try not to look directly into her eyes". HE GOT IT NOW. "YOU'RE Cutty's Eden?!" he exclaimed, his eyes wide.

Then Evie introduced herself, and he was instantly drawn back to the pretty, not before blinking blankly at Eden's friend Layla's look. He grinned and held out his hand like the polite man he was. "Hello, I'm Benzi, as you might have guessed already," he gestured to Toby and Sophie, "and you don't. I would have remembered you, trust me." More grinning. Perhaps even a wink. Perhaps.

YO! "Grey Lady!" he called out with a wave, a delighted smirk gracing his features. "Remember me?!" The GHOSTS. He'd FORGOTTEN about them. Eyes refocusing through the Grey Lady's robes, he looked up at the staff table for the first time and just as quickly looked away. Weird back of the mind tickling thing was happening again.

So. Food time? Perhaps? He was a growing boy, and the eight sandwiches his Mum had prepared him seemed like forever ago.

And here they were again. After riding the carriages that pulled themselves, they were in the great hall. The candles were up, the tables were long, and the first years were looking nervous. He remembered back to his first year and how he was kind of upset to not have gotten Slytherin like his dad. Now, though, he was happy he took after his mother. But that was a thought that was too bad to think about on such a glorious evening.

Okay Austin, get your mind on the situation at hand. The situation at hand was that he needed to find Ophelia. As soon as they got off the train, she bolted to the carriages. Why? Who knew. Ophelia did things her own way. But it did mean that he didn't get to sit with her on the ride over, and now couldn't find her. He stopped and looked around for a moment. Once he did finally find her, he sat down.

"Merlin's beard Ophelia, come on. I know it's Hogwarts but do you really think running off is such a good idea?" Concern was in both his eyes and tone of voice. But now that he had found her, he began to relax, and his irritation started to go away. "Gosh, Third years!" He laughed and shook his head. Hopefully that lightened the mood.

Austin glanced over at the list she was making. "Hey, you know, as your adviser you're not allowed to make official decrees without consulting me first." One of his favorite things about his friendship with Ophelia was that they had this whole thing going with them being royals and owning a kingdom and what not. She was a Queen and he was her potions maker/adviser. Although... he was not sure when his roles of King got revoked. Maybe that was a different universe. Maybe they had two made up universes? Eh, who really knew?

It was getting a bit boring at the Hufflepuff table and Dylan needed to stretch his legs from such a long train ride and all that sitting at the table. So, the sixth year wandered about the tables, greeting old friends and meeting new ones. When he finally reached the Ravenclaw table, he spotted a first year who had just sat down. He made his way over, glancing to the empty spot beside the boy. "Mind if I join you?" he asked with a smile.

Sitting down? "Well." Pause. "I... I kinda thought you'd wanna sit with your house." It being the last start-of-term feast for him, but she wasn't going to point that out. "And I'd come with you, but I think... with my new duty 'n all, m'supposed to stay here. I've seen prefects get reprimanded by professors for wandering to the other tables when they're supposed to be looking out for their own house," she murmured to him, her eyes darting suspiciously around at everyone, then up to the staff dais. She couldn't see Kitridge or Botros yelling at her, no, but she knew the healer would get on her case, and she thought Flammy was blunt enough to nudge her back to her own table, too, if she strayed too far from her own.

"But I wanna be with you. So..." Ahem. "I thought I'd just stand here and keep you hostage until you tugged away and returned to your own kind." She was kind of joking with that, as everyone knew Tobes sat with the Ravenclaws frequently and he meshed with them very well. He wasn't an alien at this table - he was practically an honorary Ravenclaw anyway. She gave him a smile to convey this line of thought and continued to cling to his arm and play with his fingers.

Juuuust standin' here, hangin' out. No big deal. If anyone else asked, she was just going to say she was standing to overlook the whole table and get a bird's eye view of everyone. Or as good as it could've gotten. Just doing her JOB.


It was at that precise moment that Sophie did do some overlooking of her table, and she smiled at the arrival of both Kyroh and Janelle - both of them got a brief wave of greeting, and she even debated dragging Tobes over to one of them to make small talk when...

Penelope arrived. Talking all sorts of nonsense. A pet rock? Was she working for Flamsteed now? Or was she acting all on her own, trying to suck-up to Flamsteed and gain his approval by trying to get other students interested in pet rocks? Was she trying to boost his ego by making him think he started a trend?

All the same, despite Soph's skepticism, she took one of the flyers and looked it over, holding it between herself and Tobes for them to both read.

"We could share a Pebbles Jr." THAT would be cool, okay?


Layla was awfully polite, wasn't she? Though the girl mostly lacked school spirit and always seemed to be uninterested in the going-ons around her, Soph did notice how Layla was always very nice to her when someone took the initiative to be kind to her first. Very good manners, the older girl had, and she even went the extra mile to be sweet about her new badge.

"Thanks, Layla. I reckon we're gonna have a good term." Unrelated to her receiving the badge, Sophie just had HIGH HOPES that this one was going to be good. She could just feel it, and she hoped her energy and optimism might rub off on the seventh year, too.

After all, the girl was probably super excited to be graduating soon, wasn't she?

Taken from her thoughts by the Grey Lady, Sophie forced a very sweet smile and actually curtsied when the house ghost addressed her, her tone sincere despite this being a very well-rehearsed speech, "Thank you, ma'am. Though I'm excited, I also know this is a great responsibility, and a great honor that I don't take lightly. So, more than excited, I'm mentally prepared to be the best leader I can be, look after others, and be a reliable friend and helper for those in need."

Heh. Heheheheh. It WAS very well-rehearsed, but Sophie simply smiiiiiled angelically, no hint of a lack of genuine spirit showing on her features. Of course she did mean those things, in fact, but she was putting on a sickly sweet show for the house ghost who never hesitated to announce her disapproval of Sophie's "unladylike behavior" and "poor posture," as the ghost so eloquently put it.


Turning her smile now to Evie, Soph gave a few nods at her hurried words and let herself be tugged a little closer, but she still didn't sit down yet. "I can't wait," she smiled, giving Evie's hand a supportive squeeze, and only dwelled for a few moments on what Eves could possibly want to talk about so urgently.

Because BENZI.

BENZI KNEW TOBES. AND FORREST. AND... "Brown, yes," Sophie's grin widened, pure elation apparent on her features. Her YEARMATE from her VERY FIRST TERM. HE WAS BACK. "You grew up, too," she laughed, noting for the first time just how much - he looked GOOD, didn't he? Merlin. Time was good to him.

Peeking curiously between Eden and Benzi, Soph's eyebrows raised. Cutty? Cutty's Eden? Ha! This sixth year didn't know what was going on, but she was EXCITED TO WATCH.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grey Lady

Spotting (Penelope) waving around a stack of posters further down the table and asking her eagle peers if they were interested in adopting a pet rock Helena floated a little closer to the fourth year asking. "Evening Penelope, does the opportunity to adopt a pet rock extend to ghosts too?" Never mind the fact that she couldn’t touch human things. Maybe Penelope could be a dear and care for the rock on her behalf?

It looked like some of her fellow Ravenclaws might be interested in adopting a pet rock. The Grey Lady was here! It was always nice to see the Ravenclaw house ghost. The house ghost wanted a pet rock? Could ghosts touch-? Oh. "Good evening, Helena. If you would like to adopt a pet rock, I would be happy to care for the rock." Maybe they could get one as a house pet and keep it in the common room. She would have to ask Mr. Kitridge about that. If even Helena Ravenclaw, the house ghost, wanted a pet rock, it shouldn't be too hard to convince everyone that they should get a rock as a house pet.

Ophelia looked up, slightly startled by the arrival of her King. Or was he an advisor? What were they at now? This thing was getting slightly confusing, not that she was complaining. It gave the thirteen year old a chance to fill in some plot holes which her own imagination. And she had officially appointed him King Adviser. Which meant that he advised himself and her. He was important, not that the little blonde would ever tell him that. Didn't want her king/adviser getting a big head, now did she? He might try to take things over for himself, and then where would that lead her? Without help, or a train.

Also, running off? While she admitted that it was kind of cute that he cared --okay, really cute, but who was keeping tabs-- the thirteen year old couldn't help but chuckle at his remark. She knew he was only trying to help. Sometimes the school could be a dangerous place, and if keeping tabs on the little blonde Queen made him happy, then so be it. Ophelia wasn't complaining.

"I'm just a wild card, I guess." The short girl stretched out her arms and placed her book on the table like she was trying to be cool. Wild cards were cool, sometimes. Okay, to be honest, Ophelia had no idea what that meant either, though she knew her parents used it all of the time to describe her personality. Was that a good thing? Hopefully. "And besides, I'll be fine. It's you we have to worry about." She looked him straight in his blue eyes and tapped him on the shoulder. "If you ever need me to fight anybody, you let me know." And with that, she flashed her muscles in the generic power pose and smiled as wide as she could.

And about the notebook, she would have to tell him sooner or later. The original plan was to surprise him with all of the new ideas on the train ride next year, but there was a chance she was going to either lose the book or let it slip before that. And besides, as her official adviser, he was kind of right. She couldn't make any official decrees without telling him first.

"When we talked about making the new tradition, I got extremely excited. Look!" The brown journal got pushed towards him, page open to let him see her sloppy handwritten ideas.

Some of them were normal-ish, like wearing fancier clothes and having an entire compartment to themselves. And then there was the ones that involved candies. Those were the coolest. Mostly because she was hungry at the time and wanted candy. And speaking of hungry....

"When is the Feast going to start? I'm staaaaarvving." And then matter of factly, "Little people go through food twice as fast as you larger ones. I might actually die if I'm not fed soon." The word die got slightly caught in her throat, but the thirteen year old spit it out. Not a good place to talk about dying. Especially with the occasion. Ooops.

Changing the subject, Ophelia reached into her pocket and pulled out a drawing, placing it on the table next to the notebook.

"I did this for you when you went back to your house. I got bored." It was a picture of the special spot in the forest, a place where she specifically mapped out for the beauty. When her mom was younger, she went through a Bohemian phase, and during this strange period, she hung little metal charms on fish hook off of several branches from several trees. The result was little floating metal charms of elephants and fish and peace signs, all reflecting sunlight and swaying in the breeze.

Of course, her drawing could never capture the beauty, but she worked hard on it until she thought she was close. With a quick little start, she realized it was the first non-scary picture she ever gave to Austin. Hopefully this one could make him not have nightmares.

"I don't remember if I ever showed you this place, but it's somewhere in the woods behind my house. My mom set it up when she was a bit older than me, I think. They're little charms, and they're so pretty!" She smiled a bit just thinking of the place. It was her favorite on the property.

The run that he'd broken into after retrieving himself from the floor seemed to rally on for eternities. Rooney fell into a seat away from Calliope, because he knew she would have something to say or a joke to make or generally every intention of embarrassing him more than the bloodied graze taking up the majority of his chin. The eleven year old held his sleeve to it still, main aim being that he didn't want looks from anyone who hadn't been made aware of his sorting and falling within 10 seconds. Were Ravenclaws supposed to be graceful on their feet or have amazing coordination? That was a notebook question, for sure. As was the presence of a ghost at the table. Not the existence, nor the reasoning, but more so the living on as one. If they could move through walls, did that also mean they couldn't hold a quill? So...no autographs, clearly. Upsetting.

He reached inside of his robes with the hand not occupying his chin and tried to locate his tatty notebook of his worldly questions. The one with the important pages about his real father's crime. The bad, bad thing that Rooney was insistent on not becoming. Daddy Dex was his Dad now.

No notebook was to be found.

It had been there before he was sorted. It had, it had. Had someone swiped it when he'd fallen? Had his gravity adoration exposed his book and been the reason someone else had it? Where was it?? He didn't know anyone by name yet. No one really knew him by name. And if they read it, they'd know what was probably in store for him in the future, what he thought of things that happened, and the perfectly innocent but laughable questions that he did have.

Bugger.

"I think a Wild Card is an understatement with you." Although he wasn't sure what would be an appropriate word. But wild card wasn't it. "I'm a wild card. You're just plain out wild." There was a joking tint in his eyes that hopefully let her know he was kidding. He really didn't want to upset her. Another few months without her would not be fun.

If Austin had been drinking something, he would have spit it out. "Hun, I hate to break it to you but you couldn't fight a nargal if it showed up right in front of you." She really was the least threatening person he knew. She spent a lot of time telling him that he was a huge teddy bear. But that just made her the little girl with pigtails. She was so innocent in everything, even when she was trying to get in trouble. And trust him, she tried. Even though she was doing her best to look and act older, Austin will always see that little girl he dragged to the tree in her first year.

The now, official, fourth year took the book and glanced over it. It was a list of all the things they talked about on the train ride. "Hmm... Well, as your adviser, let me advise. I think that the candy and the attire is an easy do. But I'm not sure how well we will get our own compartment. We would need to get there early. Otherwise we might have to share. But that shouldn't be an issue." He gave a nod of approval, and passed her back the notebook.

He was about to say something about the feast, because he was really hungry, but she put down a piece of paper in front of him. It was a picture of fish hooks and branches and charms. It looked nice, but he was sure the actual place was much nicer. "No, you didn't show it to me, but I think I remember your mom talking about it. I didn't think it actually existed. I thought it would be gone by now." Maybe they could go visit it next summer. He would love to see the beauty of it. It was then that he realized what the picture was of. It wasn't dark, or strange, or about his family. It was of something beautiful. "You know, this is really good. You should try drawing more things like this." Don't get him wrong, he loved his pictures she gave him, and still has them. But this was a better use of her time, he thought.

Okay, Ophelia could live with wild. Wild was good. As long as HE was the one who said it. At least with Austin, Ophelia knew he was joking. It was like the way she never said hi to him anymore. It was just something they did. And him being a wildcard was also kind of an adorable thought too. Like him unexpectedly dragging her to the tree, or the tree house, or getting into a fight. Seriously, the little blonde had never seen him like that. Maybe she would have to take boxing lessons from him or something. Seeing as he didn't think she was tough.

"Excuse me, hun? I could take down twenty Nargles with my eyes closed and my hands tied behind my back! I mean, not to brag, but this is a pretty impressive gun show over here." One of those muggle phrases. The weirdest part about being both muggle and wizard was that you heard a lot of people say weird phrases that never made sense. "Penny for you thoughts", "one in the hand is worth two in the bush" and now gun show. They were guns. And wizards didn't even have guns. What would be the more appropriate term? Wand show? Wand shop? There had to be something there.

And besides, if he got to pretend to be tough, so did she. To her, he wasn't the boy who fought Gregoire or the boy who could protect her. Ophelia remembered the Austin best who went by King Blue Eyes and sassed her when they first met. Or the boy who she offered candy to when he was sad. Or the boy who she gave her drawings too. Not some dude who would take out everything in his path. Although, there was some pent up rage there. Maybe he was like one of the superheros in the old comic books that just went crazy when he was mad. That would be intense.

And as for the book she was writing in, the third year felt herself sitting up straighter as Austin advised away. He was, after all, an important part of this tradition too, and the fact that he was helping her -in this and their secret and hypothetical plans of world domination- was kind of awesome. Okay, more than kind of awesome. He was the best. Or one of the best. Then again, the other best no longer went to Hogwarts or inhabited this world, so technically he won out on that one.

Annnnnnd it might be time to switch gears.

"Waking up early and getting our own compartment, or making new friends because I'm not a morning person?" The thirteen year old pretended to weigh these exciting options. Making new friends was always good, but then again, if they could get their earlier, they could be as loud and weird as they wanted and nobody would say a thing. And they both did loud and weird well. Hence the wild card, and just plain wild. Scrunching her face up as if thinking harder, the Ravenclaw finally dropped her right hand as if making a choice. Unscrunching her face again, she smiled.

"I guuuuueeees I can wake up early. But I might need some sleep. Be prepared, I was told I talk in my sleep." Mostly mumbling about nothing in particular, but still, talking. Which reminded her...

"We still have that potion to test out! I mean, the more testing the better, especially because you're probably not going to get many other people to try it. Walking up to others and saying, here drink this and let me watch you sleep makes you look like a creep, not an inventor." Yes, she was sort of making fun of him again. But still, potion. Ophelia was excited to test it, especially if it meant they could spend a bunch of time talking in the common room. Of course, the next few days might be a little crazy, but after all of the craziness died down, maybe.

And as she joked around, her grey eyes fluttered to the drawing she had laid out. The fact that he liked it was extra great, greater than great, greater than the Great Hall great. Because the drawing was special to her and wanted to draw a special place for a special person. And the fact that he said that she should draw more happy drawings, drawings of special places and special people. Well, she was kind of a step ahead of you there, Blue Eyes. She had four separate sketches of adventures they had over the summer hidden safe in a manila folder in her bag. Would he ever get to see it? Maybe. When she was a little old lady running people over with her walker and shouting at children to get off of her lawn. Then he could see. But until then, the special person was never going to be allowed to see the special drawings.

"Oh, thank you!" She meant it. It was a great compliment to 'Ophie. "Now I'm not going to be a starving artist anymore! Maybe I won't cut off my ear after all." Referencing ancient muggle artists always made you the life of the party. The little blonde remembered when she was seven and looked at a painting of the guy her mom had shown her. When she asked, her mother had told her in detail his whole story, and that might have been the first lesson that Ophelia ever got excited about. "Wait..." She put her hands up to her hair, running it through the soft blonde tufts that were left from the attack. "What happened here?" Her face contorted into a mixture of nerves and incredulous surprise, with the slightest hint of a joking smile behind it. Because that's what they did, joke around. "Oh, wait, that's not my ear, that's my hair. Maybe that can be my thing." Pause for dramatic effect. "Cool, I have a thing! Besides being a Queen and a dictator of course. Cool, I have lots of things!"

Text Cut: Asher

Quote:

Originally Posted by yesalexandria

Asher sat down at the table after being sorted. He sat by himself, not knowing anyone else around him. And he wasn't keen on interrupting anyone else's conversations. Asher wasn't the butting in type. As he" took a drink fro his goblet, Asher nearly spit it out, his eyes widening in surprise. Was that a ghost? Floating around and talking to people? First a talking hat and now a ghost? This place was so illogical. Oh, well. He supposed he would get used to it eventually no matter how illogical it could get.

Tyler was looking along the table when he saw what looked like another nervous first year just like him, so he gave a smile to the kid as he too seemed to be looking at the Ravenclaw ghost. He decided to say Hi, if he was going to get to know people and talk to them he had to start now right. He was going to be with these guys for 7yrs so it would be a good idea to get social "Hi my name is Tyler, what is yours?" he asked the kid. He didn't seem to be pleased about where he was, maybe Tyler could help with that.

Text Cut: Janelle

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daydreamer11

At the Great Hall at last, Janelle made her way over to the Ravenclaw table. Her first order of business was to greet the House Ghost. "Hello Miss Ravenclaw". It's good to see you again. I hope you had a nice summer."

Janelle slid into the nearest empty seat and decided to take a moment before seeking out her friends. Scanning the table, she saw the usual suspects and a few new first years. She would have to introduce herself to them and make them feel welcome. She knew how it felt to be the new kid on the block......Scary. Oh and was that Sophie Brown with a Prefects badge? Cool. Janelle would definitely have to congratulate her.

Suddenly, something caught her eye on the table. Janelle looked down to find a flyer for........pet rock adoptions. What, did Pebbles have babies or something? Amused, Janelle thought she might actually consider the idea. In the meantime, there were housemates and friends to greet.

Tyler looked up as another girl joined their table, he guessed she was an older claw. He gave her a weak smile and a slightly stronger Hi "Hi" she was his housemate so he was going to try and get to know them. He could get them to help him when he was stuck in class, they of course knew more than he did since they had been here longer. He hoped that he wouldn't get hexed for saying Hi but he was a new kid on the block, she wouldn't hex a new kid... would she? Well he hoped not!

Text Cut: Grey Lady

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grey Lady

The week smile and feeble hi in her direction that was mumbled out by yet another newly sorted boy (Tyler) taking his seat at the table caused her to float a little closer to him smiling warmly. "Welcome to Ravenclaw! I'm Helena Ravenclaw the house ghost. And who might you be young man?"

He looked up as he saw the ghost come closer and actually talk to him, so she could see him then? he wasn't invisible? darn! no worries he did like to chat though. She was.. is.. was.. is.. was Helena Ravenclaw??? "Thank you Ms Ravenclaw" best be respectful, this was afterall her house he had been sorted into. "My name is Tyler, happy to be sorted into your house. I didn't think I was suitable to be in Ravenclaw. But Im guessing the hat thought otherwise" he said to her and then glancing at the hat as it sorted others into houses

Text Cut: Dylan!!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ringo

It was getting a bit boring at the Hufflepuff table and Dylan needed to stretch his legs from such a long train ride and all that sitting at the table. So, the sixth year wandered about the tables, greeting old friends and meeting new ones. When he finally reached the Ravenclaw table, he spotted a first year who had just sat down. He made his way over, glancing to the empty spot beside the boy. "Mind if I join you?" he asked with a smile.

Tyler was then approached by a boy that was quite older than him, nearly a man Tyler had to say, wait? this older kid wanted to join a first year? Was he alright? Maybe he was just being nice, might as well answer him and see what would happen. He just hoped that the big kid wouldn't play a prank on him, not on his first day there AND in front of everyone here. The last thing he needed was everyone laughing at him "Umm yeah sure you can join me, mind name is Tyler" he said not waiting for the question, everyone asked names right? "What's your name?" just so he knew who to name as the prankster if it all went wrong.

Text Cut: Benzi!

Quote:

Originally Posted by fire_faerie

Before the pretty girl had time to even look at him, Piggy Back Couple had quit the piggy backing and started greeting everyone, so his attention jumped to them. He learned that Crazy Eyes Eden's friend was called Layla and that the pretty girl's name was Evie. And then Piggy Back Girl looked at HIM and o_O. Oh no.

He didn't think anyone other than Cutty would actually REGONISE him. He'd been so tiny back then. And those cornrows. So embarrassing. Blinking at the girl while searching his mind for HER name, Piggy Back Guy seemed to catch on and apparently also remembered him, and as Cutty's friend no less. Oh. OH. WAIT. HE REMEMBERED.

"You're Tobias Tempus!" Such a catchy name. "I REMEMBER YOU. You were friends with Forrest. And," he turned the girl, the cogs in his brain spinning rapidly now that he'd managed to remember ONE name, "you're.. you're SOPHIE. Or Sylvie. No, SOPHIE. With a colour for a last name." Was this the same Sophie Cutty had talked about? Who knows?And judging from that badge he recognised from his mother's old school photos, he added, "Prefect Sophie Colour Last Name. ... Man you guys grew up."

This was weird. It's like someone took their faces and STRETCHED them. And, like, made their noses pointier and their voices heavier. ODD. Very odd.

Satisfied with himself, Benzi made to swivel back to talk to the Evie girl when he caught sight of Crazy Eyes Eden, who seemed even more down than before. He wouldn't have given this the slightest bit of thought had something not started nagging in the back of his mind again. Eden.... Crazy Eyes.... Cutty's friend... CUTTY. NO WAY. COULD IT BE? Had he met the Eden already and just hadn't known it?! She fit the description of "try not to look directly into her eyes". HE GOT IT NOW. "YOU'RE Cutty's Eden?!" he exclaimed, his eyes wide.

Then Evie introduced herself, and he was instantly drawn back to the pretty, not before blinking blankly at Eden's friend Layla's look. He grinned and held out his hand like the polite man he was. "Hello, I'm Benzi, as you might have guessed already," he gestured to Toby and Sophie, "and you don't. I would have remembered you, trust me." More grinning. Perhaps even a wink. Perhaps.

YO! "Grey Lady!" he called out with a wave, a delighted smirk gracing his features. "Remember me?!" The GHOSTS. He'd FORGOTTEN about them. Eyes refocusing through the Grey Lady's robes, he looked up at the staff table for the first time and just as quickly looked away. Weird back of the mind tickling thing was happening again.

So. Food time? Perhaps? He was a growing boy, and the eight sandwiches his Mum had prepared him seemed like forever ago.

Evie was enjoying the interactions going on around her. It was much more fun this year since she knew most everybody and who they were talking to. She still didn't know this Benzi kid, though, but she was watching him with interest as he talked to almost everyone around like he used to know them, such as Toby, Sophie, Eden.... wait, Cutty's Eden??? HOW DID SHE NOT KNOW THIS?

Back to Benzi. Evie smiled at the boy when he introduced himself and held out his hand. Evie shook his hand with a pleasant smile that grew when he seemed to be flirting with her. Right? Did she pick that up right? "Everybody here seems to know you," she observed, silently asking for explanation. He was Ravenclaw, so supposedly smart, so he should pick up on that.

Gabriel was here. Had been, too. Lurking.

The news of Coral Bay's dePrefectment had left the Seventh Year in a very ODD mood...and as a result, he was finding it difficult to approach the Ravenclaw table just now. Gabe had friends there, of course...but it felt strange to go to them at the moment. Most likely because there was a Sophie Brown in the midst of them all.

CB's replacement. He wasn't sure how he felt about it. Or Sophie Brown, furthermore.

Gabe didn't know much about her, to be fair. Past the brief run-ins and hangouts (considering Toby was a good friend of his), he didn't pay her much attention...but he was concerned about the act of 'working together'. Would she be just as patient and kind with him as Coral had been? Or would she be a judgmental cow? It was in his experience that most Ravenclaw girls were.

Without warning, there was a sudden flash of red in his peripheral and Gabe turned immediately to seek it out. A peculiar force of habit lately...

Unfortunately, however, it didn't lead to what he thought it might...and the Ravenclaw's interest was quickly lost. Perhaps he'd sit down, after all. He was clearly starting to imagine things.

So, seventh year and all. Like he just got into the school and now it was his last year. You'd think he'd be feeling casual about it but it had a ring to it. So wow. Graduation. Funnily enough his plans of making the enormous amount of friends wasn't going too well? Well, a year should do it, no?

For now he had hope with a couple of people. Whom he totally failed to communicate throughout the summer but hoped that it would still mean he could say hi now? Would that be too lame. Maybe?

The Seventh-year Slytherin casually wandered by the Ravenclaw's table his eyes scanning the faces. Oh, there she was!

His slips twitched up in a slight smile and he offered a nod towards Evie. She looked engaged in conversations with other people so he'd have to search for her some other time. But there, first step towards reconnecting, yeah? Not so hard was it. His brother would be proud. Or would he ?

"Oh, hello there. I'm Asher. A first year," he said. "This is such a peculiar place, though I suppose I'll get used to it eventually." Asher had come from a muggle family. He had only wished that things such as magic existed before he got his letter. Even then, Asher almost hadn't come to Hogwarts, though that was mainly due to being accustomed to the muggle way of life. Hogwarts was completely fascinating and illogical; it went against all of his instincts. But Asher knew he would eventually grow to love it.

Even though Toby's mind was basically totally elsewhere (roughly six hundred miles south of here, in fact), he still managed to pick up on a lot of the table conversation, even though it was just snippets. Various greetings were happening, mostly people saying hi to Soph. Toby returned the 'hey's and 'hello's to those who addressed him, too, like Evie, but otherwise just stood there, part of the furniture. Not that he minded, actually. That just showed that people were chill with him being here.

But anyway, yes, Sophie. Toby had heard that little explanation and now looked at her in that blank, confused way of his that had become so normal for him in the past few months. Except usually something eventually clicked and he'd suddenly understand what people were on about, but not this time.

"Why would I do that? I barely ever sit over there." Not since Ella had left, really. It wasn't that he had a lack of friends over there or anything, or that he disliked his own house, Merlin no. Toby just liked it at the Ravenclaw table, and he knew a lot more people here, and nobody had ever said he couldn't sit here, so it was just where he always ended up. Toby shook his head, smiling, and leaned across to give Soph a peck on the cheek. Would have been on the forehead, except he wasn't tall enough to do that with ease. Ahem. "C'mon, nerd." He knew Soph was struggling with the idea that this was his final start-of-term feast at Hogwarts, much more than Toby was, at least. But he didn't bring that up.

Sooooooo, in the end, Toby was the one who tugged Soph closer to the bench, and took a seat for himself while waiting for her to do the same.

SO YES. BENZI. It made sense that it was THE Benzi that Toby had known (or at least known of) back in the day. After all, it wasn't really a name you encountered all that much. As Toby picked up the fork at his place and started fiddling with it out of habit, he offered the old-but-new Ravenclaw a grin.

"That's me," he said, twirling the fork between his fingers like he often did with his wand. "It's Fuller-Thompson now, though. Or, y'know, Toby is fine too." Or anything. He didn't mind. But OH. "Yeah, Forrest! He's here too!" Or, over there... at the Hufflepuff table, probably. "He went away and came back too. Where did YOU go?" Hmmmmmmmmmmm? The Tobes was curious.

The Tobes also had not missed the familiar sight of one Kyroh Scabior as he sat nearby. It had, however, taken Toby a few moments to process the fact that that was indeed Kyroh, because of reasons. Didn't help that the Ravenclaw just insisted on getting even taller. Why did he keep doing that.

He was tempted to reach over and ruffle the younger boy's hair, but Ky seemed to be in a... different mood. For one, he hadn't tackled him with a hug in greeting, and was now sat there looking a little reserved? But he wasn't going to let him get away without at least exchanging a couple of words in greeting, so Toby reeeeeached over and tugged on Ky's sleeve.

"Hey buddy," he said with a smile. "Missed your face." And then, for clarification. "And you in general, mostly."

Dylan smiled again and sat down. "Thanks!" He said. The firstie seemed nice, he had a feeling they might just get along well. Turning towards him as he asked his name, he replied, "I'm Dylan, it's nice to meet you Tyler." BEAM. The sixth year just loved making new friends, especially new ones to Hogwarts, so he could help show them around and help them feel comfortable. It was in his Hufflepuff nature, he supposed.

"So, you excited that you're in Ravenclaw?" He went on curiously. He himself had never met anyone who didn't like the house they were sorted into, but you never know.

He wasn't in the mood for jumping up and down, but waves were good. He liked waves. With smile tugging on the corner of his lips he offered a wave to all the people who he noticed. Like Eden, and Abby and T-Sophie. Just Sophie. Glancing around once more his eyes locked with Amelia's and Kyroh gave her a small silent roar. It had to be done.



Ignoring his stomach, Kyroh focused in a guy he had never seen before, but seemed to be drawing everyone's attention. Maybe it was because he spoke so loudly. Sitting up properly the fourth year brought his hands to his mouth. "HEY YOU! YOU'RE BEING REALLY LOUD. SOMETIMES THAT'S GOOD BUT SOMETIMES IT ISN'T! LET'S JUST PRETEND THAT EVERYONE REMEMBERS YOU SO YOU STOP, OKAY?." He really didn't remember the guy. Was he suppose to? Oh well. If it made him feel better that everyone remembered him.....and if it made him shut it. It was all good!


Now that he had made the loud boy feel better about his existence- Kyroh blinked as a hand tugged on his sleeve.

Oh. Toby.

Blinking at the boy for a few seconds, he held out his arms.

No words. Just hugs.

Tyler felt someone sit down next to him and he turned to see a big guy there, woah. Yeah he forgot that there were older guys in Ravenclaw too not just other houses. See he was not used to any of this!! But he would have to get used to it pretty quickly, just then he felt the guy stand up and sit back down again after looking around "Hi, Im Tyler. Are you looking for someone? they can have my seat if they want" just in case this guy was waiting on someone to join him on this table that was getting a little crowded by the looks of it with all the newly sorted claws.



Tyler smiled as the fellow first year introduced himself "Nice to meet you Asher, I'm a first year just like you" man he was sooo glad to be meeting another firstie who could probably understand the nervousness he felt right now. New school, new classes etc Could he manage it all? would he do well? he hoped so, wouldn't want to go back home after his first year and fail everything!! Peculiar place? he guessed it was "Yeah I guess it is quite so. Yeah you and me both." had this kid not seen any of this before coming to Hogwarts, time to ask it without seeming a bit dumb. See!! he was going to fail his classes he just knew it already! "Get used to it? Im guessing then that this is your first time around magic?" meaning he was muggle-born? Whereas Tyler had grown up around seeing things move and float all on their own.

"

Ok so this big kid wasn't so bad afterall. Dylan.. HA! We had got you now, if you tried anything we will know just who to blame! Though with a big smile like that, maybe Dylan wouldn't try anything. Or maybe it was just make Tyler THINK that nothing would happen and then boom! you have been pranked. "Umm nice to meet you too Dylan" Actually this Dylan didn't seem to be so bad at all, making conversation was good. But we are watching you Dylan. "Umm yeah I guess I am, I actually thought I was going to be in Hufflepuff. I don't think I smart enough or anything for this house but I guess that hat thought otherwise. Both my parents were in Ravenclaw too" yup! they were really good claws too when they were at school apparently. He just hoped he wouldn't disappoint them. "What year you in Dylan?" he looked old enough to be finished with school now anyway.

"Gun show? Please, even if you did have said 'guns' you wouldn't know how to use them." Austin flexed his arms. "These are what muggles would call a gun show." Okay, so the only real muscles he had were still from the detention he had last term, and those hadn't stayed long. But it was way better than Ophelia's. She was a girl, and girls rarely had muscles. This included the Blonde Queen.

He watched as the said Queen weighed the options. "If waking up early is going to be the maneuver, I'm going to have to spend every summer at your house. There's no way you'd wake up early without me." It was true that Ophelia had spent many days waking up around noon, while Austin had spent his time up early making conversation. He had recently found a love for the muggle drink 'coffee', and was glad he got some for his time at Hogwarts. He was hoping he could find a way to get the coffee warm. Maybe they'll have some in the morning. "Hey, Ophie, do you know if they serve coffee in the morning here?" Since she knew what it was in the first place, maybe she would know if they had it here.

"Well, there goes my plans for finding testers." He dramatically sighed. "I guess you'll have to do. We can test out my potion this Friday night. That way if something goes wrong, it won't interfere with our classes. But nothing will go wrong, so there's no need to worry." Nothing will go wrong. Promise.

He honestly loved the drawing. He was going to add it to his already growing collection. Along with all of those pictures she took over the summer. "I do love your drawings, and you have a nack for it. But I think you're better off with photography. Your eye for taking those pictures is amazing." He loved her pictures, and wanted to get some album going. That way he wouldn't lose any of them. It would be better than just taping them up around the dorm. They could easily fall off during the school year, and get swept up. Currently they were in his suitcase in a nice pile. Where could he find an album? Certainly not at Hogsmede.

Clara was feeling quite apprehensive about this school year.

On the one hand, she'd found herself more over the summer. Both with her aspirations and ... other things, and she was feeling more confident and stronger. However, there were still complications and things she didn't know how to face. Eden, currently, being a big one due to Phoenix not returning for their final year ... something that also affected her, but not as much as she thought it would.

All of that was to be thought about later. For now, she needed to find somewhere to sit and hope that the feast would pass quickly. She spotted Eden instantly as she was surround be people. Typical. Clara waved, but didn't go over to her. Eden would understand .... there were just too many people for this 'claw to deal with.

Her eyes search for one other person in particular .........

The familiar sight of Toby riding in with a Sophie on his back did perk the fifth year up slightly. She enjoyed their presence and was especially pleased to see that little badge pinned onto Sophie's robes. The girl worked harder than anyone. She was the true embodiment of a Ravenclaw. Albeit troubled as she was, Tia flashed the girl a smile in return - and a smile for Tobes too. He was welcome here, like always.

And Kyroh got a smile in return as well. And Evie and Eden and Layla ... and what was that flyer in the younger girl Penelope's hand? Pet rock? Well Tia was certainly intrigued about that and made a note to stop by and check it out. Pet rock would definitely be a good companion to her long hours of studying this year.

... and what was that? Tia's thoughts were broken as someone addressed her. The fifth year smiled at sight of the house ghost. "Evening, Helena. Oh... " she flushed. "I'm thrilled to be back and learn new things, but well, I think I'm just anxious and nervous about everything this year. Fifth years have a lot to worry about."

Apparently she wasn't the only quiet Ravenclaw. Tia glanced on the other side of the house ghost to see a young boy who looked like a deer in headlights. Just adorable. Could she keep him?

Swinging her legs around, the fifth year stood and went over to the small boy. "Hi there! I'm Tia ....." She held her hand out beckoning him to take it. "Welcome to Ravenclaw House." Because judging from his size, he was most clearly a first year.

.

.

...and there was a little person speaking to him.

Reminding himself that he was supposed to be a 'leader', Gabriel straightened a bit and fought the blushing. Had he been so obvious?

"Hello, Tyler." The small boy was most definitely a first year, as Gabe liked to believe he remembered faces well enough and this one was unfamiliar. As for the offer...Well, that wasn't going to be necessary. Things were...confusing at the moment. Maybe some distance was best...

Also, it wasn't fair. Tyler had been there first.

"I appreciate that, but there's no need..." He paused, looking down at his plate. There may have been some throat clearing, too...as particular people had been glimpsed. Could he get a distraction?...One was needed. "I'm Gabriel, by the way."...and the title wasn't offered. His Prefect badge was in place for anyone to see.