Another new year had arrived, as the summer fully departed. Javy, aka Professor Thompson had plenty of things on his mind as he sat himself down in his usual seating. How the time with his family was spent, what this year would be meaning for them after. And of course, the arrangements on his own plans.

Well, there wasn't much to do for now but sip his goblet of water until the students started arriving.

Botros was deeply tanned from the heat Alexandria graced him with-- and by tanned, we mean his wrinkly skin looked reddish brown in patches where the wrinkles allowed the sun to fry it.

He had his content small smile on his face as usual when he walked into the Great Hall, and up to the dais with slight difficulty. "Evening, professor." He greeted the Care of Magical Creature professor and took his seat, letting his cane rest on the edge of the table.

This, was weird. Just, plain weird.

And embarrassing. Upon entering the Great Hall, Sabel had started initially started moving towards the Gryffindor table. Towards where he used to sit. It was just force of habit. Being back in the hall, being back in the school. His feet and body seemed to know exactly where to go and what to do. Except, that it was the wrong doing and going of directions.

Thankfully, there were only a few Professor's to witness his detour towards the student table. Hopefully, neither of them were paying much attention. It was a high hope, but one he held onto as he made his way somewhat stiffly up to the staff table. Never in his life had he imagined he would be going up there. To sit there. Unfortunately, the full realization of his position, of his job, was only starting to hit him now. Why couldn't it have happened last night?

Reality was a fickle thing.

Reaching the table, Sabel counted the seats as he worked a smile towards the other two Professors. "Good evening." One...two...three....Did he introduce himself? Perhaps. How did this even work? He'd never seen the Professor's sit themselves at the table before, so he wasn't sure what the proper ettituqe was. Maybe...perhaps...

He extended a finger, pointing at himself and then the chairs, giving the two men a friendly, but somewhat sheepish smile. "Sabel...Dakest. Uhm...I can't remember where I'm supposed to...sit."

Help a guy out?

Did summer go by faster then normal? As the blonde finished up her new looking office, she freshened up and headed for the great hall thinking about this. Cassie was one to always enjoy new beginnings, but tonight she felt like she was still longing for a few more days. She had some nice traveling and fun experiences, but her grandmother's offer still lingered in her head. The signs all pointed here though, this was her place.

As she made her way to the staff table she over heard a new voice. "Mr. Dakest you are right next to me." The five foot blonde moved in her darker colors over to her seat and beamed pointing to the chair next to her. She would miss Medea, but if someone was going to sit next to her that wasn't her friend, at least he was cute.

Setting her purse down she shoved her shorter hair behind her ear before smiling towards the others at the table. "Good evening everyone. Summers for fabtastic I hope."

Meredith Moxley certainly had some pep in her step as she made her way onto the dais. She'd spent all summer relaxing with her adorable husband and daughter and now she got to return to her adoring students. Awesome life, right? She thought so.

"Helloooooo, everyone! Good to be back!" The brunette took her seat and beamed at her coworkers, extra widely for the newbie. Sabel, was it? She'd be coming up with a nickname for him soon. And where was Cosgrach? She wanted to know all about his little bundle of joy! Hopefully he had some pictures to share. In the meantime, she settled on sipping water and waiting for the rest of the staff to arrive.

Though it seemed to be a rather fast and busy summer, Nessa felt like it had been a relatively good one even if she had a nagging feeling of uncertainty over a few things nagging at the back of her mind as she walked through the Great Hall. But she pushed all of that out her mind the best she could and put on a cheery expression for her colleagues and, later, their students.

"Hello everyone!" She beamed brightly as she approached the staff table and rounded one end to take her seat. "I hope everyone had a delightful summer!" Oh, seeing Javy reminded her that she never did find time to visit the Fuller-Thompson household to see their new baby. Of course she had a gift for the little guy, but she could stop by his office later. And also to Cosgrach's office.. She had something for his precious bundle of joy as well.

And even though she had just seen Cassie, helping her with her new decor, she gave the blonde a cheerful wave as well as a bright smile for the man next to her. He must be their new professor... It was a shame the name escaped her, not being so good with those.

Annie was already here, of course, seated in the center of the table as usual. She murmured her greetings as the others sat down, a mental list already forming in her mind of all the things she had to do later. She did stir, slightly, when Sabel sat down. He was her latest and greatest treasure, after all, the Auror she had stolen away from the Ministry. She HAD to say something to him.

So after a murmured hello back to Cassie, the Headmistress leaned around her back to smile his way. "Settling in alright, Professor?" Oh to be a young and new professor again! What a TREASURE.

Having taken the opportunity to do some initial set up earlier in the day, the astronomer had returned to his office to sign off on some documents and write Medea. He surprised himself at how sentimental he had become in her absence, evening going so far as to venture down to her old classroom and snoop. One thing was for sure, the new fellow was NOT a Medea Romanos and - like prejudices he had had upon Calista's departure - the gangly suited astronomer was not sure he was ready to accept some of these changes. But hearing that she was in good spirits in her condition and despite personal matters, he had kept himself distracted by more immediate matters.

Such as the heavy box he had levitating behind him as he approached the dais.

With civil twilight coming to an end and nautical twilight setting in, you could just make out the sliver of the last quarter moon through one of the windows. "Live long, and prosper," Airey greeted, his tone even more enthusiastic than usual as he switched his wand to his non-dominate hand long enough to perform a proper gesture with his palm forward and histhumb extended, while his fingers parted between the middle and ring finger. Big plans this feast. Big big BIG plans thanks to the inquisitive - and at times teenage dramatic - Miss Wright.

He considered passing out posters to his colleagues - except you, Headmistress. You had proved that you could not handle the responsibility! - the Gryffindor Head of House refrained and instead pulled Pebbles from his enchanted breast pocket and set her down on the table in front of his chair while carefully lowering the box of goodies to the ground behind his chair. Finally slipping into his own chair, he cast a loooooooong glance down the table at this Sabel Dakest fellow as he reached for his goblet (actually taking the one that belonged to Javy on accident) and took a long sip from it.

"You know anything about the new guy?" he asked the Creatures professor in a hushed tone, goblet back to his mouth for a long sip and covering half of his features as he STARED.

This summer unlike many others had gone by in a fast and busy pace. Leo had travelled and experienced lots of things which he in hindsight wouldn’t have wanted to trade away. It had been a great summer to say the least. After unpacking in his office, Leo had changed into dark blue evening wear for the feast, and given his black unruly lock covered mop of hair a half hearted attempt to smoothen it out, before heading down to the great hall.

Making up his way up the staff dais Leo wondered if Cassie was wearing the locket he had given her over the summer, as he rounded the right end of the table and slipped into his seat in between Nessa and Meredith. Flashing them both big bright smiles he said "Good evening Nessa and Meredith! I hope you both had wonderful summers? Is the dress code for tonight supposed to be black and white?" Leo asked the two ladies in hushed whisper. Had he missed a memo?

Looking down the other end as his eyes caught the faces of Botros, Javy, Cassie, Airey, the new guy and Annie he called in a bright and cheery voice to them all "Good evening everyone and happy feast time! I hope everyone had good summers?"

Not going to lie, it had been VERY hard to leave his family this time. Cosgrach didn't even know how many times he kissed Helena, Victoria and twins goodbye before he stepped back out of the fireplace to have "five more minutes" with them. He didn't have a heavy heart, because he WOULD visit them frequently. He would just miss not waking up to Helena's presence, or Vic's breakfasts, or twin's pleas to play with the baby. Still, he had a baby at home, and just the thought of it plus not having to wake up in the middle of the night brought a biiiiiiiig, warm smile on his face.

"Hello everyone," he called cheerfully as he sat down on his chair at the end of the table. He was in his usual blue suit with a pink tie to celebrate his daughter's birth. He hoped everyone got their owls with the candy and announcement. He'd brought a few extra candy with him, in case anyone missed it, because the WORLD must know he had a daughter!

Another year! And with this one came a new responsibility for the Arithmancy Professor. It seemed that it was her lot to be teamed up with Leobald Kitridge, first for her eagles and now for Gobstones. She was fortunate in this, because he was a gentleman and they got along well. "Evening, Leobald!" she called first as she approached the table. And while she was on that end, she had other business to attend to. "Cosgrach, congratulations! And your announcement was adorable. How is little Helena?"

Yaaaaaawn.

That...had to be...one of the most brilliant naps he'd had in a long time. No children jumping all over him asking to be taken places, no loud noises, just him and his office. Only thing that ruined it was--you guessed it--having to wake up to get to the feast. Sue him but he'd actually forgotten which explained why he seemed to be one of the last people to arrive at the table.

He didn't miss this place, hardly but he wouldn't deny it was nice being back until the children showed up.

Hands buried deep in his pockets, Maddox took his own time in strolling up to the dais. Shame Airey had already arrived, the man could have had a nice surprise for him. "Good evening, everyone." He greeted lightly before sliding into his seat. The man by Medea's seat must have been her replacement. New meat, that was always fun. Maddox glanced over at the Astronut that had began making queries about the new man and was struck with a bout of brilliance.

"Maddox Quigley." He introduced with a Cheshire grin and an extension of his arm. This should be interesting.

Sophia was here. Ariana was safely at Durmstrang, she had done her board duties and all the affairs of her home was complete. She had a good summer. Her daughter had done exceptionally well even with doing three extra subjects. But that was her Ariana...well centered..over achieved and most of all well behaved......

She offered a good evening to her co-workers then walked around so she could pass Quackface and whack him in the back of his head with her purse.

"Quigley.."

And now to settle into her seat...which she did. Another year...another chance of chaos....welcome to Hogwarts right?

No sooner had he sprouted his awkward question, than it was answered. Sabel turned slightly, starting a little at the woman that had joined the company at the table. Right next to her? Well, that certainly made things interesting. "Thank you very much."

With a bright smile, he nodded and moved around the table to take up his place at the chair she had pointed at. He did his best to try and remember the names he had read on the seating arrangement, particularly of the woman that had given him a helping pointer. He was halfway down the memory-mapped table when others started joining them, with greetings, well wishes and smiles. One particularly noteworthy Professor coming with a positively magnificent muggle greeting. Ten points for the man, anyone?

Everyone seemed to be in a good mood, and Sabel did his fair share of nodding and smile and the occasional 'hi', 'hello', 'evening' here and there, while trying to place faces with names. It wasn't working particularly well, and he had no qualms blaming lack of sleep, stress or nerves.

Or being all too aware of the looks and stares he was getting. One in particular was aimed at the side of his head, and it's consistency and weight was already putting him on edge. He understood, new people got stared at. It was only natural. But this, was rather uncalled for. He was about to turn and address the Professor that was boring a hole into the side of his head, when he caught sight of one familiar face, though it took him a moment to realize that the Headmistress's words were meant for him. 'Professor' just wasn't something he was used to hearing yet.

"Headmistress." He gave the woman a warm smile, relieved to see her here, even though there had been no question about whether or not she would actually show up. "Settling in very well, thank you. It's good to be back."

Had she noticed his deviation towards the Gryffindor table? He certainly hoped not.

Sabel was about to ask how the remainder of the woman's summer was, when the seat directly beside him was occupied. He turned slightly to a greeting and a grin that gave him momentary pause. No need to be rude by way of suspicion. This was Hogwarts, not the MLE. How troublesome could the Professors be?

"Sabel Dakest." He shook the offered hand, with a polite smile. "Nice to meet you, Mad--" His broke cut off in a wince, as the newest-addition Professor's bag caught the man in the back of the head. "-dox."

Maddox was nothing if not a gentleman sort of so to Sophia's childish behaviour he simply nodded with a grin and a pleasant enough "Brilliant to see you again, Sophia." A lie, quite obviously if you knew their history but said in good enough humour that it might cause one to pause in wonder. Was it bad he'd been hoping she quit after last term? Retirement perhaps?

The man brushed the thought away, content to continue with the little fun he'd prepared to have. The pause was noted but Maddox did not care. A little skepticism made the game more fun.

"Please, the pleasure's all mine." He paused, feigning contemplation as if there was an internal struggle to keep whatever it was to himself before he gestured for the man to lean a little closer. "I...don't mean to alarm you or get you riled up so soon but I trust Annie has clued you in on why you've really been hired?" Because clearly Maddox would know everything. Clearly.

Keeping his tone as official as possible, he gave a subtle nod toward the Astronomy Professor. "I'll assume you know the back story behind the sudden loss of our Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor. Poor thing. How could she know the man she dated would do her in with his rock collection. The man's got no shame, see how he's brought them to the table." And a small gesture to Airey's box of rocks. "I'm sorry to be the one to tell you this but as Deputy, it's my duty. Hogwarts...isn't safe with him."

It was curious, how the man's grin suddenly vanished for something much more...serious. So of course, Sabel leaned in a little. Curiosity was a fickle thing, but the years had tempered it with caution and he was careful not to be drawn in too closely.

Of course, with what the man (the Charms Professor was it?) had to say, it was hard to keep that curiosity at bay. One eyebrow went up. Why he had really been hired? A murder of a Professor? A rock collection? His eyes flicked over to the indicated Professor, the one he realized that had been staring at him with unnerving consistency.

Sabel was quiet for a moment, resting his elbow on the table and scrubbing at the stubble on his chin. "The Headmistress did allude to the fact that having an Auror at Hogwarts would make some people a bit more...comfortable."

Lifting his finger, he pointed discretely at the box the accused had brought with him, before placing the digit lengthwise against his temple, resting his chin on his thumb. His expression and tone, were devoid of emotion. "You're telling me, that those are the...tools? And that the former DADA Professor was ... removed sometime during the previous semester or summer months? And that both you and the Headmistress know of this?"

He was going to assume, both answers were a yes. It was his turn to lean a bit closer, watching Maddox closely. "What then, as Deputy, are you doing letting him bring them in here, let alone set foot in the school?"

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tazenhani

"Headmistress." He gave the woman a warm smile, relieved to see her here, even though there had been no question about whether or not she would actually show up. "Settling in very well, thank you. It's good to be back."

Had she noticed his deviation towards the Gryffindor table? He certainly hoped not.

"Glad to hear that," Annie replied warmly, noting that Maddox was certainly eager to talk Sabel's ear off. So she would let him, and let Sabel go with a small nod and a smile. She leaned back and poured herself a cup of water, crossing one leg over the other to watch and wait for the students.

Leo was pouring up some water into his goblet when his good friend Cossy arrived on the dais. Beaming warmly across the table to him he said "Good evening Cossy and congratulations again to the arrival of little Helena. The announcement was cute and the candy was delicious." After talking a sip of his goblet to quench his thirst Leo continued. "How was your summer as a whole?" Everything had probably been overshadowed by the arrival of Cossy’s baby daughter as it should be but he was curious anyway.



FWhile his attention had been on Cossy he hadn't to be honest registered Tiara's arrival on the staff dais until she spoke to him. Flashing her a big smile Leo said "Evening, Tiara! Did you have a good summer?" He'd get more chances to catch up with his co-leader of Ravenclaw and now Gobstones too. But since she was standing there he couldn’t help but ask "I didn’t know you were a fan of gobstones?"

On the other end of the table he saw that Maddox had arrived and was chatting with the man that had taken over after Medea. It was no use trying to start up a conversation across the whole table so Leo satisfied himself with giving Maddox a wave and a light nod in greeting.



Sophia always knew how to make an entrance. Leo watched as she rounded Cassie's end of the staff table to whack Maddox in the back of the head with her purse before she proceeded past Leo's seat to her chair on the end next to Cossy. Even though he was very eager to know why she had whacked Maddox in the head he didn’t ask instead he said "Good evening Sophia. I hope you had a wonderful summer? How is Ariana?"

Once she had sat down she looked towards the Sabel that now sat beside her. “Cassiopeia Morgan Divination. Everyone calls me Cassie.” She beamed at him. She knew his name from a memo of new staff, but he probably didn’t know who she was. “Are you really an Auror? That seems so exciting, what made you come to be a professor?” She snapped happily that he was here though, she liked meeting new people.

Well then, Cassie certainly got a vibe from the headmistress and her only murmur of a hello. Maybe she had other things on her mind or something was going on between her and the new professor that she could only focus on him and not chat with the rest. Either way she felt in the way so she got up from the table and moved towards others to greet them before the students came in.

“Helllllllo Meredith. You had a nice summer I hope.” She hadn’t got to know the woman all that well last term, but hoped to see her more this one. It was nice to speak to all the staff before the term and enjoy their company. Though she was ready to see all the smiling faces of the students and the positive energy of a new term. Turning to her best friend she gave her a little hug, “Hello stranger” She giggled and snapped happily. “The office looks fabtastic, thank you sooooo much for all the help.” It was rather great of her to take the time away from Harvey and her own things to help her.

“Of course I had a good summer.” She smiled towards Leo as he spoke moving her hand up to play a little with a certain locket that hung around her neck. “I hope you did as well Mr. Kitridge.” She chuckled quietly as she stood between her best friend and boyfriend. “Are you all settled in or does some work in the library still need done? I could always pop by to help if you need.” Funny how she spent so much time in the library, it was just like when she was in school, just for different reasons. Though she still did love the books.

“Cosgrach” she almost squealed seeing him and her snapping had already started. “Hello, thank you soo much for the announcement. I adored it and Helena is such an adorable name. I hope you are all getting along well.” Looking up as another joined them she gave a bright smile, “Hellllo Sophia, hope you had a lovely summer.” Seeing all the others on the other side of the table, she'd have to make sure to say her hello's in a second.

Sophia had responded to Maddox with a 'I can't say the same about you' on her way to her seat. Really his little prank last term would not go unpunished..oh no, she was going to show that man just why no one messed with Sophia Jane Bellaire nee Wright.

Hmph..

"My summer was fine thank you." She replied to the Divination professor as she took a sip of water. "Busy." Always busy, she was and now on top of Hogwarts business she had a ball to plan and she needed to find a suitable 'match' for her youngest daughter, so she didn't end up like her wayward sister.

Leo received a nod from her. "Same as usual." He heard her response to Cassie right? "It was good and Ariana is doing well." Really well actually, extra subjects and all. She was a very proud mother.

Another term, another feast. Why did they have to have these over rated events? Nothing good ever came of these feasts. Students seriously did not know how to behave, even when all the professors were present. Of course this didn't stop Cece from taking her place at the staff table where she would be keeping an eye on the students that would soon be seated at the Slytherin table. Hopefully after the events that happened last term, those unruly snakes had learned how to control themselves. Points loss and detentions would not be tolerated tonight. No! There would be much more serous consequences for any snake who even dared step one little toe out of line tonight.

So, here Healer Murdoch sat, minding her own business, not getting caught up in anything going on with the other staff members. Of course she didn't miss the fact that the seat to her right was empty. She wouldn't be surprised if it stayed that way the whole term. After all, who would want to take a position that was known to be cursed.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nordic Witch

...
Looking down the other end as his eyes caught the faces of Botros, Javy, Cassie, Airey, the new guy and Annie he called in a bright and cheery voice to them all "Good evening everyone and happy feast time! I hope everyone had good summers?"

Giving Pebbles an affection pat on her head, he lamented not bringing Boulder along as well. Then again, Boulder was not as bold as Pebbles and needed a bit more time adjusting. He would have to apologize to Miss Wright when he met her at the entrance to the Great Hall later.

Taking another accidental sip from Javy's goblet, he turned his attention briefly towards the librarian. Good summer? Try STELLAR! The field trip had been...er...interesting. And he had Kiera to thank for a few tricks of the creature trade - not to mention Medea for everything else related to kelpies. Space Camp at the National Space Centre had been even better than last year and he was fairly certain that he had secured things well enough that he could talk to the Board about getting some special summer program scholarships in line for Hogwarts students. Not many - the Centre was suffering some budget cuts - but hopefully at least three students or so.

"Stellar," he saluted the man.

Quote:

Originally Posted by StarShine

...
"Hello everyone," he called cheerfully as he sat down on his chair at the end of the table. He was in his usual blue suit with a pink tie to celebrate his daughter's birth. He hoped everyone got their owls with the candy and announcement. He'd brought a few extra candy with him, in case anyone missed it, because the WORLD must know he had a daughter!

But then his stomach tied in knots and did a few tragic backflips at the appearance of the Potions Master...and everything the man symbolized now for the astronomer. To say he was looking into his future was a bit generous as the Gryffindor Head of House was not nearly as, er, open about such matters. But he had nearly dropped the parcel that had arrived from the man and his, er, growing family.

The sweeties had been yummy, however.

He offered the man a polite nod and took a hurried sip from not-his water goblet again.

SPOILER!!: MADDOX AND SABEL, MWAHA

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaniDiNardo

Maddox was nothing if not a gentleman sort of so to Sophia's childish behaviour he simply nodded with a grin and a pleasant enough "Brilliant to see you again, Sophia." A lie, quite obviously if you knew their history but said in good enough humour that it might cause one to pause in wonder. Was it bad he'd been hoping she quit after last term? Retirement perhaps?

The man brushed the thought away, content to continue with the little fun he'd prepared to have. The pause was noted but Maddox did not care. A little skepticism made the game more fun.

"Please, the pleasure's all mine." He paused, feigning contemplation as if there was an internal struggle to keep whatever it was to himself before he gestured for the man to lean a little closer. "I...don't mean to alarm you or get you riled up so soon but I trust Annie has clued you in on why you've really been hired?" Because clearly Maddox would know everything. Clearly.

Keeping his tone as official as possible, he gave a subtle nod toward the Astronomy Professor. "I'll assume you know the back story behind the sudden loss of our Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor. Poor thing. How could she know the man she dated would do her in with his rock collection. The man's got no shame, see how he's brought them to the table." And a small gesture to Airey's box of rocks. "I'm sorry to be the one to tell you this but as Deputy, it's my duty. Hogwarts...isn't safe with him."

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tazenhani

It was curious, how the man's grin suddenly vanished for something much more...serious. So of course, Sabel leaned in a little. Curiosity was a fickle thing, but the years had tempered it with caution and he was careful not to be drawn in too closely.

Of course, with what the man (the Charms Professor was it?) had to say, it was hard to keep that curiosity at bay. One eyebrow went up. Why he had really been hired? A murder of a Professor? A rock collection? His eyes flicked over to the indicated Professor, the one he realized that had been staring at him with unnerving consistency.

Sabel was quiet for a moment, resting his elbow on the table and scrubbing at the stubble on his chin. "The Headmistress did allude to the fact that having an Auror at Hogwarts would make some people a bit more...comfortable."

Lifting his finger, he pointed discretely at the box the accused had brought with him, before placing the digit lengthwise against his temple, resting his chin on his thumb. His expression and tone, were devoid of emotion. "You're telling me, that those are the...tools? And that the former DADA Professor was ... removed sometime during the previous semester or summer months? And that both you and the Headmistress know of this?"

He was going to assume, both answers were a yes. It was his turn to lean a bit closer, watching Maddox closely. "What then, as Deputy, are you doing letting him bring them in here, let alone set foot in the school?"

More nods, salutes, and returned greetings occurred as his colleagues arrived and while he was tempted to shout down to Cecelia about making another bet on how this term would go...he refrained. He was eager to get this box of rocks - literally - over to the entrance. Students ought to be arriving soon anyway...along with their new groundskeeper.

"Hey Maddox!" Airey waved, making doubly sure to get the man's attention. He could hear him whispering about something to the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, even thought he had heard his name mentioned once or twice...but it was too hard to tell over the sound of students now filing in. Taking a piece of parchment off the top of the box, he quickly folded it up into a paper airplane and sent it flying towards the Charms professor's head. Hopefully Maddox wouldn't be so lazy as to allow it to poke him in the eye or something. They had been working most of the afternoon in the Gryffindor common room getting ready for post feast activities. "You wanna adopt one? You won't regret it if you dooooooooooo!"

There was an eager grin from the Astronomy professor before he turned his attention towards the Sorting. HUZZAH! HIS FAVORITE PART! Thus, he was giving those students his undivided attention.

Mr. Dafforn....Miss Hanover...Mr. Hyland... those were names quickly committed to his memory as he offered each of them a loud round of applause. Yes, he ought to make a stop down by the Gryffindor table soon as well. Oh what a busy feast this was turning out to be! Perfect for a man trying not to think about impending life changes!

The way his face contorted in concentration and his eyes fixed did nothing if not give Maddox half the gratification he'd been fishing for. It was good to know you could never kick the Auror mentality out of a man--bloody useful even.

From the corner of his eyes he did catch Leo's smile and wave. Thankfully he wasn't so engrossed in his act that he'd missed it and the man did give a wave back. They had things to discuss later on. Interesting enough, Cassie chose to vacate her seat, without so much as a 'hello' when he had arrived. He'd have thought more of it, if his attention hadn't immediately been pulled back to this Dakest fellow.

"I'm glad you've gotten some hints on the matter..." He fixed his gaze on Airey once more, contemplating how best to proceeed. What were they doing as heads about this situation?

"Being a former enforcer of the law, I trust you appreciate the delicate nature of the situation. At the moment we don't have the hard evidence to send him away to Azkaban but we're not prepared to sit around and wait to catch him in the act with someone else...not when there are so many fragile lives at stake. For now the best course--"

Thump. Maddox blinked when his face was suddenly attacked by a ball of parchment. It was in that moment he realized the children entering before his eyes shifted over to Airey again.

"It's best to humour him...so we don't set him off." He whispered to Sabel before allowing the grin to finally slip back on his face. "Airey! I'd love one. Kind of you to offer. How did you know my nephew wanted one?" Highly unlikely given the boy was only three but eh.

"Leo, how nice to see you!" Meredith was glad to see he seemed to be in much better spirits since the closing feast of last term. A sign summer had treated him well? "My summer was wonderful! Lots of family time and the husband bought me these" The Muggle Studies Professor showcased her jewelry with a smile. As for the librarian's inquiry about a dress code, Moxley let out a chuckle, amused. "Not that I know of so no worries there." Though she wouldn't mind wearing black and white to every feast. So classic and refined, just like her. Hehe. "How was the field trip, by the way?" She'd heard things, of course, but she was curious to see if Leo had enjoyed himself.



"Cosgrach!" Look, just the man she wanted to see! Meredith waved enthusiastically and smiled big at the potions professor. "Congratulations again on the newest addition to your family!" And the candy had been appreciated, not that she'd had much. Her daughter had gotten her hands on it before she'd had the chance. "How is the little bundle of joy?"



"Cassie, hello!" Blondie was a good old ray of sunshine, huh? Meredith could dig that. "It was wondeful, thanks. Do anything fun during yours?" The brunette always wondered what her colleagues got up to during their free time. Well, some of them, anyway. She supposed she didn't want t know about all.

Speaking of colleagues, what was Maddox up to? Meredith glanced down the table at him and the new Defence Against the Dark Arts professor curiously. He was being awfully friendly to the new guy, wasn't he? Hm.