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Magical Soul · #1 (**permalink**) 08-29-2015, 08:24 AM

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The Hogwarts staff are already seated when you enter the feast. Their traditional place is at a long table on a raised dais at the back of the Great Hall, with the usual Hogwarts crest hanging behind them and looking particularly nice tonight.

Feel free to come up and give your greetings to the School staff after the Headmaster has given his traditional speech. Remember your manners, children. Your professors like to have a quiet dinner too.

Magical Soul · 08-29-2015, 12:17 PM

Walking into the great hall was not any different this year, Abraham had his shiny cane in his hand (not necessarily a support for him because he was not that weak) and made his way between the neat house tables towards the staff dais. Nobody was here yet, so he took his time climbing the few stairs and walking up to his chair in the middle of the table, the one dear Annie formerly occupied. Botros sat down on the extra comfy cushion, "Oh," he wiggled a little, testing just how comfortable it felt. His previous seat wasn't that nice, was it?? The perks were starting to materialize finally, starting with his butt support.

Jessiqua · 08-30-2015, 01:35 AM

Beatrice had come down from the Sixth floor, where she had been setting up her new office. She had paused at the entrance of the Great Hall, filled with a nervous excitement, before walking through the doors and heading towards the staff table. The last time she had been in that hall, she was walking towards the Hufflepuff tables. She was sure she would get used to the direction.

She saw ahead that there was only one Abraham Botros, current Headmaster of Hogwarts sitting at the staff table. Beatrice's face smoothed into a smile as she headed towards him. "Hello Abe," she said warmly, in her strong Scottish accent.

kayquilz · 08-30-2015, 02:43 AM

Paul had not taken Milton's advice and worn the poncho.

Very recently, he had grown quite fond of the poncho. He felt like it was a mixture between a shirt and a robe. It was warm when it needed to be, but he could also keep cool because the poncho was just SO flow-y. Milton hated them...but Paul found them comfortable and prettily patterned.

This particular poncho was made of alpaca. HUMANELY procured from alpaca, mind you, but yes, very cozy. He wasn't sure what the temperature would be like in the Great Hall tonight...and his nerves always made him chilly and cold with goosebumps.

...Merlin, it'd been YEARS since he'd see the ceiling-less room, with the floating candles and delicious smell of dinner coming from beneath them. Fabulous. Simply, fabulous. His backpack was swung over his shoulder...his bags would be brought to the appropriate place, he had been told, but he carried his backpack everywhere. His JOURNAL was in there. Paul had taken to jotting down significant, interesting, and unforgettable moments in his journal whenever they happened. Tonight, the feast would be documented thoroughly.

The white-haired man was beaming with excitement as he made his way to the front. Not too many students here yet...nor staff. Just the headmaster and some young lass of a thing, with hair almost as white as his! Heh. He waved cheerfully and found his spot...well...did he have a spot? He had a spot. Surely, he had a spot.

"I...um..." he stuttered as he approached. "I have a spot, don't I? Care to direct me to it?" he asked Headmaster Botros with a quiet, respectful tone.

PAUL WAS SHAKING BECAUSE HE WAS SO NERVOUS. MERLIN. ~~He wished Milton was here.~~

Bazinga · 08-30-2015, 03:39 AM

Internal struggles, yes that had been Cassie's summer. She had been sad to see Annie leaving and then Javy, but when Nessa said she wasn't coming back Cassie didn't think there was anything sadder. That was until the owl with staff changes and promotions. After that owl her and Leo spent many evenings talking about things and options in the living room. The final decision was obvious as she walked into the great hall. She wasn't in her usual bright colors, no she decided that some things needed to change. She was a happy go lucky person, but even Cassiopeia could be hurt and upset.

The minute she opened the doors to the Great Hall she wished she hadn't. There wasn't really anyone there yet but new staff and Abraham. She thought she had been on the seventh floor long enough that the rest of staff would be here. Well there was no turning back now and she was not one to show her feelings so she pulled a slightly smaller smile then she usually wore and walked to her seat.

Pulling her chair out she set her purse on the floor next to her. Checking that Aries and Gemini were cozy inside before she sat and pulled her chair in. Picking up her goblet she sipped her water and took a little breath. Turning in her seat she nodded at the other end of the table to the newbies and then to Ab, "Good Evening"

sweetpinkpixie · 08-30-2015, 09:29 AM

The evening was NOT going the way the astronomer had planned it, starting and ending with his suit. To keep a long story short, Medea had happened. Payback, he imagined, for the whole bread bowl fiasco. And naturally, being how crafty she was, he lacked the skill with a wand to...er...fix it. Thus, the Gryffindor Head of House strolled towards the staff dais looking like a glorified disco ball with legs all the while mumbling about how much he despised glitter. Just hang him from the ceiling and call it a party.

And no one look directly at him for too long. The way the light from the candles reflected off his sequined suit could cause retinal damage.

Ahem.

Pebbles held gingerly in one hand and two small poorly wrapped gifts with lopsided white ribbons in the other, he swung by the other end of the table first to drop off the latter.

"Evening, Headmis----master," Airey croaked, his words going on autopilot and not catching up with his brain fast enough to fully save himself from embarrassment. "Found this over the summer while at a conference in the United States," he added, setting one of the gifts in front of Botros. In true Flamsteed fashion, it was another little novelty mug. And while the Astronomy professor knew about as much about Ancient Runes as he did about caring for kneazles, he thought his little find was rather clever. Outside of the mug always stays cool to the touch thanks to those runic engraving thingies on it while its contents stayed warm. It was no torquetum, but still pretty nifty.

Overhearing the new Herbology professor whispering something about...spots? "Cecelia sits beside you, school Healer. She'll be able to identify any spots," he offered. Fellow hadn't brought dragon pox or something into the school, had he? The astronomer instinctively pulled Pebbles a little closer to his person as he sidestepped away from the man and over towards Meri-berry.

Grinning from ear to ear, he set the final poorly wrapped gift in front of her. "So you don't forget your roots while you go off gallivanting with the yellow and black," he said with a cheeky grin and salute. Which was also his awkward way of saying congratulations to his colleague.

And since Cassiopeia was down there with her felines - yeah, he had SEEN those peeking out of her purse there...or imagined he had - he was going to hide down here for juuuuuuuust a little bit longer. Offer the new Transfiguration professor an awkward wave or two while he was at it.

Magical Soul · 08-30-2015, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jessiqua

Beatrice had come down from the Sixth floor, where she had been setting up her new office. She had paused at the entrance of the Great Hall, filled with a nervous excitement, before walking through the doors and heading towards the staff table. The last time she had been in that hall, she was walking towards the Hufflepuff tables. She was sure she would get used to the direction.

She saw ahead that there was only one Abraham Botros, current Headmaster of Hogwarts sitting at the staff table. Beatrice's face smoothed into a smile as she headed towards him. "Hello Abe," she said warmly, in her strong Scottish accent.

Botros was fixing his belt when professor York's footsteps were heard. He patted his ~~big~~ stomach willing the belt to be nice, and directed his warm smile to the young woman. "It's Ab," he corrected quickly. "Good evening, professor. I see you're quite punctual. How's everything going? Do you need anyextra help?" He had time before the students arrived from the station.

Text Cut: Myers

The next new professor made an appearance.... in a... tent? No, a poncho. Botros grinned brightly at the white-haired young man (everyone was young in his eyes, alright?). "Hello professor Myers, welcome once again," Ab noticed the man shivering? Why?? Aw. "Yes, you can sit over there, two seats from me," he indicated the Herbology seat.

"I hope your journey--" because the poncho. "--wasn't too exhausting?"

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bazinga

Pulling her chair out she set her purse on the floor next to her. Checking that Aries and Gemini were cozy inside before she sat and pulled her chair in. Picking up her goblet she sipped her water and took a little breath. Turning in her seat she nodded at the other end of the table to the newbies and then to Ab, "Good Evening"

Finally one of his old colleagues. Botros smiled at Cassie, who looked under-the-weather for sure, as she came in and took her seat next to him. He knew the Divination professor was usually bubbly and bright (literally and figuratively) but tonight it seemed that she had a tough time. "Evening, professor," he replied smiling still and moving his cane so it wouldn't bother the suitcase and the felines residing in there. "You look down, are you alright? Do you need to retire to your quarters early?"

Text Cut: Flamsteed

Well well well... if they didn't have quite the fashion show tonight here on the staff dais exclusively.

Botros grinned widely at the glimmering red jacket (not too much because ouch? Did Airey want to divert people's eyes off him purposefully?). "Evening, professor," Botros kept trying to look at him directly but his eyes squinted behind his small spectacles and eventually he had to use his hand to fend off some of the shininess. "Nice suit this year, maybe easy on the glitter next time?" Oh a new mug, aww. Ab tried to blink away the white spots from his eyes and grabbed the gift close to his face to see it properly. "Thank you, professor, I appreciate it." Just.... let's try... and BLINK BLINK BLINK see what kind of mug was this BLINK BLINK BLINK.

*Nordic Witch* · 08-30-2015, 02:44 PM

Summer had been as Leo pictured and planned for but not in all respects. Cassie had been through an emotional roller coaster that had led to many late night discussions. It'd be odd coming back to Hogwarts without so many of their colleagues but he was going to miss Javy and Nessa the most. Leo had played the supportive boyfriend card and hoped that Cassie would become happier as term went on. Hopefully the student's would get her happy snappyness back in full swing.

After unpacking in his office Leo took a tour of the library to see that everything was in order before he changed into his feast attire. Tonight he chose a dark navy blue suit and white shirt to go under his robes. Entering the great hall several minutes later Leo noted with a glance that Airey, Ab, Cassie and two new colleagues had already claimed their seats on the dais. Walking up on the left end he shot Airey a smile. "Hi Airey, nice glittery suit." It was a little extreme for Leo's taste but it was Airey in a nutshell. To the newcomer sitting in what used to be Maddox seat he flashed off a smile. "Welcome to Hogwarts, Ms Baxter!"

Rounding the table he stopped by Cassie's seat and gave her right shoulder a squeeze as he mumbled in her ear. "You look beautiful darling, try and cheer up!" Straightening up Leo passed by Ab's in his new chair and said "Hello Ab, I hope you had a great summer?" After making his way past two so far empty chairs Leo came up behind the new herbology professor that wore something very tent like. It wasn't until he reached his seat that he remembered that the attire was called a poncho. Flashing the man a big smile he said "Welcome to Hogwarts, Mr Myers was it?"

The1HBIC · 08-30-2015, 06:42 PM

The start of term meant another feast Cece had to attend. If it wasn't for her being the Slytherin Head of House she would skip the feast all together. Then again if she did that there would probably be some idiot puffer kid who would choke on his food and need her help.

She walked up to the staff table just in time to hear ~~old man~~ Botros tell the new guy where his seat was. "Unless I'm mistaken, which I'm not, your seat is right there. Three seats away from the headmaster," she said as she sat in HER seat. The one that was two seats away from the man who apparently needed a lesson on counting.

And then there was Flamsteed.What the hell was he trying to do here, blind everone? "How about you take that jacket off and ~~burn it~~ turn it inside out Flamsteed. We don't need anyone going blind on the first night back."

Now, where was Justin? They had things to discuss. Like does he know his position is a cursed one?

Charely Potter · 08-30-2015, 07:29 PM

Justin had made it in, yes. Students were in on the way to get themselves sorted or whatever eventually.

So he just needed to find his spot to sit at. Luckily it was right in between the Headmaster and the Slytherin Head of House from what he was told. Perfect seating if he didn't say so himself. Now who else was here as his eyes glanced over before -TOO MUCH SHINY AND RED SPARKLES -

"MY EYESS. OH MErlin, MY EYEEEES!" Quick! Shield them with your hat! So Justin did. It was like his eyes were bleeding in pain from all the glitter and sparkles before- "Just kidding." He grinned cheekily, "Airey, right?" Unless he wanted to be called something else. Anywhoo, he was taking his eyes from the sparkles in the opposite direction where he saw Leo whose arms were around his girl, yeah? He mentioned having one who was- heeeeeeeey. He seen this lady not so many years ago at that Concert. "Hey there Leo.. and Cassie, right? Feeling okay?" She looked like she could use some cheering up.

Before he sat his rump down though he gave a little cheerful grin toward his boss, "Hello Headmaster, that throne looks miiiiighty comfy." And a little wave-salute towards the gentleman who looked a little lost and another lady nearby. Oh, were they new too? "Your first year working here too, eh? I'm Justin." Glad to have gotten that out of the way since now he could finally sit with his fellow Slytherin companion,

"CeCe. Nice to see you again." Besides when they met recently, it had been ages since they were students together. Not that he was going to remind her, he he. Oh how much fun that would've been. Nah, he was going to be as good he could be. "Doing alright?" Naturally he bet, since she was the Healer.

StarShine · 08-30-2015, 11:24 PM

Cosgrach entered the Hall in his usual attire: simple but fashionable black robe... with a Hufflepuff scarf over his shoulders. Had to show some house spirit, y'know? Yeah. He didn't sit in his usual seat right away, but observed his colleagues for a moment. He was grateful to Abraham once again for sparing him the wrath of Cece (refer to how the woman addressed Airey) and made him workwith Moxley instead. Who... wasn't here yet, but she would come.

"Looking nice," he told Airey in case the man was let down with the previous comments, and after greeting everyone briefly (no Annie, Maddox, Javy--the people he felt closest to) he sat down on his usual seat.

No Bellaire, too. There were quite a few changes this term.

Tazenhani · 08-31-2015, 02:00 AM

It wasn't that he didn't want to be at Hogwarts, or at the feast. And he was trying. Trying to find his smile, his chipper nature. Trying to think of ways not to think. Trying to push the past few days to the back of his mind. At least until this was over and he could retreat to his office.

Sabel supposed he could do so now, but what would that look like? Missing from the table at the opening feast. No. He couldn't do that, and wouldn't do it. He would take one step and put it in front of the next, like nothing was wrong. Like nothing had changed.

Of course, his appearance said different. His shirt was still slightly wrinkled from the flight he had been on, and his face bore the fatigue of too many sleepless nights in a row. Even as he entered the great hall, Sabel tried to smooth the shirt it out with his hands as he forced the smile onto his expression.

There were quite a few Professors here already, a few marking distinct changes in the staff. The first that caught his attention was the white-haired Headmaster where the spit-fire red-head had once sat. It brought a twinge of regret, along with seeing the seat beside his own empty. Maddox too. And Javy. And others.

And it seemed a few people were wearing the effects of the change on their sleeves. Cassie hardly looked pleased, especially with her notable change in attire, and Cece was seemingly crisper than usual. Airey, however, was a relieving constant. A bright beacon of interesting character all wrapped up in one unique suit.

Making his way up to the dias, Sabel clapped the Astronomy professor on the shoulder. "Evening Flamsteed," and of course "Pebbles." And moved to his seat, offering nods of acknowledgement to the new herbology and transfiguration professors, Leo, Culloden and the groundskeeper. Bubbly fellow, wasn't he?

Botros got a small salute before Sabel plopped himself down beside the less than energetic Cassie. His fingers instantly took to fiddling with the silverware on the table as he glanced at her from the corner of his eyes. "Do you happen to like brussel sprouts?"

Bazinga · 08-31-2015, 02:12 AM

SPOILER!!: Botros

Quote:

Originally Posted by Magical Soul

Botros was fixing his belt when professor York's footsteps were heard. He patted his ~~big~~ stomach willing the belt to be nice, and directed his warm smile to the young woman. "It's Ab," he corrected quickly. "Good evening, professor. I see you're quite punctual. How's everything going? Do you need anyextra help?" He had time before the students arrived from the station.

The next new professor made an appearance.... in a... tent? No, a poncho. Botros grinned brightly at the white-haired young man (everyone was young in his eyes, alright?). "Hello professor Myers, welcome once again," Ab noticed the man shivering? Why?? Aw. "Yes, you can sit over there, two seats from me," he indicated the Herbology seat.

"I hope your journey--" because the poncho. "--wasn't too exhausting?"

Finally one of his old colleagues. Botros smiled at Cassie, who looked under-the-weather for sure, as she came in and took her seat next to him. He knew the Divination professor was usually bubbly and bright (literally and figuratively) but tonight it seemed that she had a tough time. "Evening, professor," he replied smiling still and moving his cane so it wouldn't bother the suitcase and the felines residing in there. "You look down, are you alright? Do you need to retire to your quarters early?"

Well well well... if they didn't have quite the fashion show tonight here on the staff dais exclusively.

Botros grinned widely at the glimmering red jacket (not too much because ouch? Did Airey want to divert people's eyes off him purposefully?). "Evening, professor," Botros kept trying to look at him directly but his eyes squinted behind his small spectacles and eventually he had to use his hand to fend off some of the shininess. "Nice suit this year, maybe easy on the glitter next time?" Oh a new mug, aww. Ab tried to blink away the white spots from his eyes and grabbed the gift close to his face to see it properly. "Thank you, professor, I appreciate it." Just.... let's try... and BLINK BLINK BLINK see what kind of mug was this BLINK BLINK BLINK.

Cassie glanced down at her nails, Oh not did they just look awful. She had been biting at them in her anxious state of coming into the feast. This was not her style at all. Did she have time to pull out her wand and fix them?

Her thoughts interrupted by the man at her side she glanced over to Ab for a second and then got her smile to grow, she could be chipper on the outside, yes? "Oh no, I'm fine. Just getting back into the swing of things is all. Busy busy." She gave a forced giggle before closing her lips tightly and glancing away a moment, "How was your summer Headmaster." It was odd calling him that, but she felt like she had to be fully professional now.

Her eyes moved to someone that had just entered the room. Watching Leo walk towards the table was certainly a welcoming distraction. "No need to retire early, I promise you." An after thought to his question from before, but she wouldn't leave the feast early even though she wanted to hide away at the moment.

SPOILER!!: Leo

His hand on her shoulder Cassie lifted hers to place over his for only a second. "Why thank you, you look very handsome yourself." After last term she assumed it was pretty obvious for any that weren't sure to be sure they were a couple now. They were still very good about keeping their relationship private no need for anything less. His words sweet she gave him a encouraging smile. "I'm fine, promise." She would be, it wasn't as if she hadn't felt disappointment in her life before. She was a big girl and would get over it like she did other things. She just needed some time.

SPOILER!!: Justin

Was it that obvious? UGH she didn't feel she was being that down, but maybe she needed more acting lessons from Nessa soon. "Oh yes, everything is fabtastic. How are you? Getting along alright on the grounds?" She had been there a few terms and she noticed that the Groundskeeper spot was always changing. Part of her wondered if he knew this and the other part told the first one to shut up. There was no need to worry him on the first night at the school.

"Are you excited to be here?"

SPOILER!!: Sabel

She watched as Sabel came in and he seemed to be thinking about the changes as she watched him glance at empty seats. Her eyes going towards the History of Magic seat and a little sniffle was forced to stay hidden. She would owl her bestie as soon as this was over. Maybe they could have a weekend girls dinner. She couldn't wait to hear about all the fantastic things going on a WADA.

The interesting question caught her attention and she turned. "Why yes I do actually. May I ask why you are asking?" It wasn't something she heard often, but being a vegetarian she had a list of things that she enjoyed the house elves to make her and brussel sprouts were on that list. "How was your summer Sabel? Joyful I hope." She had to admit she was surprised that he wasn't leading the lions with Airey this year, but that was none of her business so she wouldn't ask.

Jessiqua · 08-31-2015, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Magical Soul

Botros was fixing his belt when professor York's footsteps were heard. He patted his ~~big~~ stomach willing the belt to be nice, and directed his warm smile to the young woman. "It's Ab," he corrected quickly. "Good evening, professor. I see you're quite punctual. How's everything going? Do you need anyextra help?" He had time before the students arrived from the station.

Beatrice smiled warmly at her new boss as he corrected her, biting her tongue. "Of course it is Headmaster, I don't know what I'm saying." He was CLEARLY an Ab, but the flutters of nerves muddled her up sometimes.

Beatrice looked around and saw other staff members entering the hall. "Well, I was rather excited to take another glance at the hall. It's been a long time." She couldn't wait any longer up in her office, and had to come and take a glance around the hall. She had managed to hold off on coming down to the great hall for a few hours at least.

"It's all going smoothly, thank you. I'm just trying to figure out where everything looks best. I've tried my furniture in at least five different layouts and I'm still undecided."

Beatrice knew from seven terms of feasts and dinners that the Professors sat in order of subject, which would mean her seat was down the end, which was where she turned. It was quite strange sitting on this side of the hall. She sat there quietly observing her peers entering and interacting with each other. Her hands were just itching to get back to her office where she could play her Cello and listen to the acoustics. But she was also very excited to see the sorting of all the students, and to meet them all. Plus her stomach was starting to rumble with the anticipation of the delicious feast.

She wasn't sure if it was just her nerves playing at her, but she was sensing a bit of tension down the other end. She reached towards her goblet and took a few big mouthfuls. A marvelously dressed man walked in and Beatrice returned his wave.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charely Potter

And a little wave-salute towards the gentleman who looked a little lost and another lady nearby. Oh, were they new too? "Your first year working here too, eh? I'm Justin."

Beatrice returned another wave, and nodded. "Yes," she said happily. "Pleasure to meet you Justin. I'm Beatrice." Hopefully these introductions could happen as quick as that one so that she could get over the awkward meeting stage and get on with getting to know her colleagues. After the feast though, perhaps.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tazenhani

And moved to his seat, offering nods of acknowledgement to the new herbology and transfiguration professors, Leo, Culloden and the groundskeeper. Bubbly fellow, wasn't he?

And not quite a wave, but a nod was some sort of acknowledgement. Beatrice half smiled at the man. It seemed she would have to learn who they were by where they sat. But just why did it just feel so... Tense? The feast was usually a very high energy event, but it seemed a spark had been lost somewhere. Perhaps it was something to do with the events of the previous term, of which Beatrice heard all about, or the departure of numerous Professors and, of course, the Headmistress. She wouldn't hold the lack of welcome with a grudge.

Quote:

Originally Posted by StarShine

Cosgrach entered the Hall in his usual attire: simple but fashionable black robe... with a Hufflepuff scarf over his shoulders. Had to show some house spirit, y'know? Yeah. He didn't sit in his usual seat right away, but observed his colleagues for a moment. He was grateful to Abraham once again for sparing him the wrath of Cece (refer to how the woman addressed Airey) and made him workwith Moxley instead. Who... wasn't here yet, but she would come.

"Looking nice," he told Airey in case the man was let down with the previous comments, and after greeting everyone briefly (no Annie, Maddox, Javy--the people he felt closest to) he sat down on his usual seat.

No Bellaire, too. There were quite a few changes this term.

Just as Beatrice took another sip of her water, the seat next to her was occupied. "Hello," she said to him. "You must be Professor Culloden, Potionmaster? I'm Beatrice." She eyed his scarf and a bright smile came to her face. When it came to Hogwarts, show of the Hufflepuff colours were sure to make her feel at home.

Magical Soul · 08-31-2015, 02:32 PM

Botros blinked away the final spots from his eyes and spotted the runic mug. He felt an overwhelming friendly feeling towards Airey instantly and HAD to take the man into a big hug right here from where he sat on his seat and across the table. "You're a good friend, son, thank you." They DID share a spot (sort of) for five or six years here in the feast. So... patting his back a few times he finally released him, and continued to inspect the intricate work of runes on it. He was very pleased with this entertainment while the kids arrived and feasted!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nordic Witch

Rounding the table he stopped by Cassie's seat and gave her right shoulder a squeeze as he mumbled in her ear. "You look beautiful darling, try and cheer up!" Straightening up Leo passed by Ab's in his new chair and said "Hello Ab, I hope you had a great summer?"

Botros DID see that shoulder squeeze but sadly didn't hear the whisper because the Healer's voice was too loud and distracted him and he already had to have people speak in normal sound waves to hear them properly. Leo and Cassie did seem quite friendly, Botros thought if this was simply tight friendship or something else? "Hey. It was great, thank you." Botros replied with a warm smile.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charely Potter

Before he sat his rump down though he gave a little cheerful grin toward his boss, "Hello Headmaster, that throne looks miiiiighty comfy." And a little wave-salute towards the gentleman who looked a little lost and another lady nearby.

Botros laughed his santa-laugh where his belly wiggle. "It is, it is. I do prefer my spot at the edge of the table but this cushion makes up for it." And speaking of feast and cushions, "Are the kids okay? Any trouble from the station on your way here?" Botros was concerned, he didn't want anyone dying ~~already~~.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bazinga

Cassie glanced down at her nails, Oh not did they just look awful. She had been biting at them in her anxious state of coming into the feast. This was not her style at all. Did she have time to pull out her wand and fix them?

Her thoughts interrupted by the man at her side she glanced over to Ab for a second and then got her smile to grow, she could be chipper on the outside, yes? "Oh no, I'm fine. Just getting back into the swing of things is all. Busy busy." She gave a forced giggle before closing her lips tightly and glancing away a moment, "How was your summer Headmaster." It was odd calling him that, but she felt like she had to be fully professional now.

Her eyes moved to someone that had just entered the room. Watching Leo walk towards the table was certainly a welcoming distraction. "No need to retire early, I promise you." An after thought to his question from before, but she wouldn't leave the feast early even though she wanted to hide away at the moment.

Botros smiled contently at her answer and nodded encouragingly. First couple of weeks of school were very busy and sometimes too stressful for someone as chirpy as professor Morgan. "Ab is still okay," since they were having a normal conversation and she used to call him that. "It's been great, busy like you said with the transition and school work but I got to spend some time with my family in Alexandria. It was a blessing." The beam on his face was proof that he lived for his grandchildren and their summer antics. "Yours?" As in, her summer.

"Okay, I'm glad. I wouldn't miss dessert, I hear they made something special for us today." What, he was allowed to be excited for desserts, the Hufflepuff kid in him was still alive and kicking.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jessiqua

Beatrice smiled warmly at her new boss as he corrected her, biting her tongue. "Of course it is Headmaster, I don't know what I'm saying." He was CLEARLY an Ab, but the flutters of nerves muddled her up sometimes.

Beatrice looked around and saw other staff members entering the hall. "Well, I was rather excited to take another glance at the hall. It's been a long time." She couldn't wait any longer up in her office, and had to come and take a glance around the hall. She had managed to hold off on coming down to the great hall for a few hours at least.

"It's all going smoothly, thank you. I'm just trying to figure out where everything looks best. I've tried my furniture in at least five different layouts and I'm still undecided."

Botros immediately thought that professor York would be a great friend for Cassie. She was almost as energetic, he smiled widely at her and nodded his head as his nature was when he listened. "It's amazing, isn't it? And the ceiling's always beautiful, it doesn't get old at all," he agreed with a glance up at the starry night the hall's ceiling was imitating from outside. So beautiful.

"That's great to hear. You can always change your furnishing every other month to keep yourself happy and refreshed if that was what you wanted," he suggested brightly. "It would be something tricky for someone like me, I'd forget where everything goes if I kept changing arrangements." He chuckled and subtly moved his hand to make sure he didn't forget his tie. Nope, didn't forget it, here it was.

TakemetotheBurrow · 08-31-2015, 02:57 PM

Moxley had slipped into the room rather stealthily save for the fact that her heels-made wearable by a rather strong cushioning charm-were click clacking away as she made her way up onto the dais. She was practicing so she could sneak up on unsuspecting badgers because now that she was in charge of that lot, she was going to see to it that they behaved. Mostly behaved. Even Moxley never behaved all the time. Ahem.

"Looking good in that chair, Ab! Like it was made for you." The brunette greeted the headmaster first, noting that he looked at home in his place at the center of the table. Moxley couldn't help but think that the man was lucky. The grandfather card was an easy play and the students already respected him because of it, and the fact that he was an excellent educator, so he was going to transition into the new role with ease. She, on the other hand, might have some trouble. Especially since she wanted to squish the ickle baby badger faces every time she saw them. She was going to have to get that under control.

Taking up her seat, her attention then moved to Culloden, her new partner in crime. "Loving the scarf. Yellow suits you, Cosgrach! Now I've been thinking about it and if we ever need to play good-auror, bad-auror with the kiddos, I'll take bad-auror. We both know I'm the scarier of the two of us and I've been working a lot on my stern face." A face which she went on to demonstrate. All squinty-eyed and stony, the muggle studies professor staaaared down the potions professor before her features relaxed and her usual grin returned. "So, how was it?" Terrifying, yes?

WHOA! Somebody get Moxley some sunglasses because Rocketman's getup was doing some serious damage to her retinas right now. "On the wrong end of a glitter explosion, Airey?" She snorted and then picked up the gift he'd set down, unwrapping it hastily as if she was a kid on Christmas. Her smile was immediate, holding the mug up to her face and posing as if the same kid on Christmas was getting her picture taken with her favorite gift. "It's brilliant, thank you! I'll always be a lion!" And she roared at him. A big, hearty roar.

...."Wait, what the heck sound do badgers even make, anyway?"

Something she'd be pondering about for the rest of the feast now, surely.

As for the other staffers present, the Moxinator looked from one end of the table to the other offering waves and winks and smiles. "Hello, welcome, nice to see you all!" It was going to be an amazing term, she could just feel it!

*Nordic Witch* · 08-31-2015, 04:32 PM

SPOILER!!: Cece

"Good evening Cece." Leo greeted with a nod and a wave in her direction. "You had a lovely summer vacation I hope?" Said summer vacation hadn't done wonders for her mood which was as deadly and fiery as usual. He overheard how Cece adressed the new herbology professor and then Airey in turn. Hopefully the new plants expert had thick skin, Leo knew that Airey could hold his own against Cece he had done so many times.

SPOILER!!: Justin

Pouring up his goblet with pumpkin juice Leo had just taken a sip of the cold substance when Justin came up on the dais. Since he wasn't with the first years he assumed that the boat ride had gone without a hitch. Meeting the new groundskeeper's gaze Leo flashed a smile remembering their hair salon encounter earlier in the summer. "Hey Justin. Did you have a quiet boat ride? No students took an early dip in the lake i hope?"

SPOILER!!: Cossy

Turning to the man sitting a seat away from him Leo smiled. "Good evening Cossy. That yellow scarf looks good on you. Makes me wish I had something eagle inspired to wear." He had thought Cossy was going to team with Cece when Sophia left but apparently that honour had gone to Justin. "How is Helena? Did you get to spend a lot of father-daughter time with her during summer?"

SPOILER!!: Cassie

"All right." Leo said in response to Cassie's reassurance. She'd know where to find him if she needed to talk after the feast and all the students had gone to bed. Hopefully the company of those sitting around her would bring her mood up. He'd see if he couldn't find a copy of that Sibyl Trelawney biography for her that he knew was somewhere in the storage room.

SPOILER!!: Sabel

He received the nod of acknowledgement from Sabel from his seat and returned it with a smile and a wave. To Leo though the man looked awfully ghastly, tired looking and something he couldn't place. It wasn't his business and he wasn't one to pry but he wondered what the man had been doing all summer. It clearly looked like he hadn't gotten his beauty sleep that was for certain though.

SPOILER!!: Ab

Turning his gaze to Ab he said with a warm smile. "You're welcome. And if I might say so you look like you belong in that headmaster chair." Leo kept his next thought to himself but seeing Ab there in what used to be Annie's chair made him think that he looked comfortable almost at home in that position already. Maybe it had always been destined for Botros to take over the school reigns from Annie?

SPOILER!!: Meredith

Leo was quietly sipping on the pumpkin juice in his goblet when Meredith made her presence known on the dais. He bided his time as she roared over Airey's gift and chatted with Cossy about Hufflepuff things. When she turned in his direction eventually Leo smiled "Evening Meredith, congrats again to your Head of house appointment were in the same club now! The badgers I'm sure will be excited to have you in charge."

"Did you have a good summer vacation?" Leo wondered as he lifted his goblet up to his lips to take another sip of juice. He didn't know what sound badgers made so he wasn't going to try sounding like one.

kayquilz · 08-31-2015, 06:05 PM

The first person to speak to Paul was a man in a very sparkly....suit? Paul was delighted. Simply delighted. "Oh--well thank you--" so he was seated next to the Healer. Fabulous! They could discuss...healer-y things. Having a good ground in Herbology was good for being a Healer, yes? "Nice suit, by the way!" he loved it. "Do you bedazzle clothing often? My poncho could use some dazzle."

But the Headmaster was speaking to him, now--Paul had be be attentive. This was his BOSS after all. Two seats over, all right. "No--not too exhausting, no--I'm just a little excited to be here is all!" he grinned boyishly in delight as he headed over to his seat--but as it turned out? It wasn't his seat!

:O

That must be...the Healer. Paul just blinked a lot at her....Merlin's pants. This woman scared him....ahem. But he was an adult and had no right to be afraid of some HEALER, right? RIGHT? Paul just cleared his throat and want around to sit in his...actual seat. Right. "Sorry about that--" he said to her, trying to smile at her cheerfully. "No big deal--I'm sure he just got mixed up." Poor man had a whole school to run, after all. Paul was bad with numbers, too...hmm. "I'm Paul Myers...new Herbology professor." He introduced himself--which was hardly needed since someone--

MR. MYERS!

Paul looked up at hearing his name--and he waved eagerly at the man(Leo). "Yes--yes, I am Paul Myers. New here. Very--excited." let's go with excited. He wouldn't admit to his nerves to these new people!

A young fellow wandered in, and apparently he was new, too, because...well, he said so! Paul smiled at Justin and nodded. "Well..new here. Not new to LIFE--" obviously! Hehhehehee. Paul just chuckled a lot to himself and wondered...was he the second oldest man here? Headmaster Botros was obviously older...but hmm. All these young ones! He'd had to do his best to keep up. Granted, he was in brilliant shape for fifty-five.

A handsome younger fellow(Sabel) was now offering his hellos to Paul. Merlin. O_O Well, now that he glanced up and down the table--all of these people were ATTRACTIVE. How Hogwarts had managed to procure a staff so immaculate--Paul had no idea. He felt like such an old fart O______O He waved at the fellow but...kept peering around in curiosity. He was trying to figure out who else was new...lots of them, this term, eh?

Incoming CHEERFUL LADY (Moxley) with a friendly face. Paul smiled and waved at her as well.

He was feeling so shy.

Oh dear.

Deezerz · 09-01-2015, 02:27 AM

How time flies!

Astrid vividly remembered her days here in the castle. As a matter of fact, she spoke Andrea's ear off last night telling her all about her adventures in the Great Hall and the situations she got herself on the moving staircases. The good old times.

Smoothing her hands down her dress and drawing a calming breath, the brunette made way toward the staff table. Her stomach was filled with nervous excitement. She was teaching at Hogwarts, who wouldn't be both nervous and excited?

Taking her seat, Astrid looked up at the mention of her name, a kind smile brightening up her features. "Thank you...Mister Kitridge." She remembered names, she did.

Oh, but look! There was a glittery man. Even though Astrid wasn't a big fan of glitter (it got everywhere and anywhere) she liked the touch. So festive. It didn't seem to only catch her eyes as it literally caught someone else's in a painful way. Or so she had thought but it was a joke apparently. Astrid couldn't help it, she gave a small laugh into her hand at Mister McLeod's joke. What a fun way to start the term!

Raking the table for more faces, she paused at the kind-looking man who had given her the honor and opportunity to teach at Hogwarts. "Hello, Headmaster." Then to the rest of her colleagues. She was excited to meet them all. "Nice evening, all."

sweetpinkpixie · 09-01-2015, 02:52 AM

Trust him, Old Man River Headmaster Sir, the suit was not by choice. "I'll be sure to relay the message to my..." he grumbled, eyes widening as he got to the whole labeling portion of that relationship again. A topic of conversation they tended to avoid for one reason or another and now had the astronomer tongue-tied once again. "...I mean Medea. Her doing."

But he could be calm about it. Sort of. If only to keep up an at least moderate level of sanity in front of his new colleagues.

Resisting the urge to compliment Leobald on his receding hairline, the Astronomy professor scrunched his nose, causing his eyes to become nothing more than squishy slits, and nodded his head in sarcastic appreciation.

And then Cecelia happened, sort of. He had expected more spit fire in her commentary and was actually a little disappointed. "Saying you would prefer black sequins then?" he asked, lifting up his jacked to reveal the sparkly lining. Medea was very thorough. Very. "Or perhaps we could transfigure your silverware into a pair of sophisticated sunglasses for you?"

He had the peeeeeeeeeerfect visual too. So go ahead, enable him. Go on. We dare you.

Or maybe the new Groundskeeper was doing all the enabling he needed? Airey was willing to take that cue. "That would be me," he nodded with a sheepish salute towards the man. "Sunglasses? I was just about to offer a freshly transfigured pair to Cecelia here to help with that eye strain."

Speaking of the Healer. Turning back to her briefly, he gave a small nod towards the new Herbology bloke. "Might want to give him a check up. Fellow was complaining about spots. Sounds like he is bringing a plaque of dragon pox to the school."

That was in your memory, Maddox. Miss you homeslice.

Candy Cauldron's arrival earned the man a small salute before the vein in his forehead began pulsating more than it should. IT WAS NOT A NICE SUIT! IT HAD BEEN TAMPERED WITH! Muttering his thanks, and that pesky vein in his forehead beginning to pulsate more than it should, the gangly man found Sabel's greeting rather refreshing and the little glimmer in his eyes indicated as much. Not only had the man greeted the Astronomy professor, but Pebbles as well.

"Evening, Sabel." He knew he had always liked the man.

Just ignore the toddler-esque internal tantrum he had thrown last term over it not being a certain raven haired professor gracing that particular seat. Change, and moving forward with those changes, did not always come easily to the man. Which was why he chose that very moment to look longingly at the still vacant Charms seat.

Woah.

Woah WOAH WOAH!

THERE WERE ARMS! ARMS AROUND HIS PERSON! ARMS AROUND HIS SUIT. BREACH BREACH THERE WAS A HULL BREACH! Or almost one.

Eeeeeeeeeeeer...

Anyway.

Body tensing and blue eyes bulging like one of those muggle novelty toys - the ones where you squeeze them and there eyes pop out of their heads and squeak - he somehow found the strength to move his eyes just enough to get visual confirmation on who was doing the hugging. But it wasn't JUST hugging. There was PATTING. BACK PATTING. HE HAD READ ABOUT THIS IN HIS BEHAVIORAL BOOKS! A person who gives you a pat on the back while they are hugging you is indicating that they are very uneasy or uncomfortable with what they're doing. The bigger the pat, the more discomfort they feel. WHICH WAS IRONIC SINCE HE COULD SAY WITH ABSOLUTELY CERTAINTY THAT IT WAS NOT THE HUGGER BUT THE HUGGEE THAT WAS FEELING UNEASY! AND THE HUGEE WAS INCAPACITATED AT THE MOMENT.

"I. Uh. You. Yes. Welcome," he mumbled upon release, the elderly man's words of friend and son registering just enough to turn the tips of the astronomer's ears an unnatural shade of red. Having been without a proper father figure for a good portion of his youth this was...uh...er...it was. "Live long and prosper," he muttered hurriedly along with the Vulcan salute before ~~escaping~~ dismissing himself a little bit further down the table.

Frazzled and bewildered, he would apologize later for the outburst that was about to occur.

"NOT AN EXPLOSION! SHE DEFILED IT! WITH DARK MAGIC!" he roared. Oh, hello. Were those crickets chirping just now? Ahem. Clearing his throat and forgetting Pebbles was in his hand, he smacked his forehead to knock some sense into himself. Which...one could argue he did. And had a lovely red lump to prove it. "I mean...my suits fell victim to a glitter curse. Of sorts. Should wear off in a day or two."

Ahem ahem.

Glitter explosions were the Dark arts of a different duo. A duo who, thanks to them, the man was still finding flecks of the blasted pink stuff in his sofa cushions.

"You're asking the wrong fellow about creature noises," he mused, eyes glancing down to the vacant Creatures seat now. A question that shall remain a mystery, it seemed.

He probably should really dismiss himself down towards his own seat now, yeah? Probably. Especially now with Professor Not Maddox arriving down on his end of the table - which was irrationally LONELY looking at the moment. She received a small salute before he turned back to Meri-berry. Kicked cruppy look was enough of an indication that he was sorry for the shouting, right?

Ahem.

**Grey Lady** · 09-01-2015, 05:04 PM

After spending some time down at the Ravenclaw table with the eagles Helena floated up towards the dais to claim her seat amongst the staff since she was part of the faculty now just like her mother had been once. Headmaster Botros had wanted her to be present for when he gave his annual speech. Floating behind the chairs from the top left where the Ancient Runes professor would have sat, Helena took her time.

Spotting what she thought was her seat she got so excited, and without thought, floated rapidly forward and straight through the new groundskeepers chair and body giving him a cold wet shower in the process. When Helena noticed what she had just done she put an ashamed yet elegant hand over her face as she met the gaze of the groundskeeper. "Ooops! You must forgive me sir. I got a little too excited. No harm done I hope?" Floating past the healer and herbology professor Helena finally claimed her seat next to the librarian.

kayquilz · 09-01-2015, 05:25 PM

Students were beginning to file in more and more, and Paul's chest was HEAVING with nervous excitement. CHILDREN! STUDENTS! PRECIOUS BRAINS! He had to smile at all the excited faces....he could remember being there, excited for term to start.

~~Not to mention the amazing food.~~

DRAGON POX?!?!!??!!? Paul widened his eyes at Airey (he'd heard the name, now, and knew his name) and just violently shook his head. "I don't have DRAGON pox! I swear--" he stood up and spun around, his poncho fanning out all around him. He certainly didn't have any SPOTS. Was this man barking mad?! He was sporting a SPARKLING suit..he must be! Paul often found, though, that the best sorts of people were mad! Maybe Airey Flamsteed would be an interesting sort of fellow, hmm.

THERE WAS A BLOODY GHOST SITTING NEXT TO HIM. His former house ghost! Paul just smiled and nodded at the Grey Lady. "How are you doing on this fine evening, Madam?" he asked politely. WOULD SHE REMEMBER HIM? He hoped so! It had been...years and years, though.

Another new staff member waltzed in. She was young, too, it seemed. Hmm. He waved her way and just smiled all around. His tummy began to rumble pleasantly, and he awaited his food...with great joy.

TODAY was a cause for great joy!

TakemetotheBurrow · 09-02-2015, 12:30 AM

LOUD NOISES.

Meredith FLAILED in her seat, not at all expecting the outburst from Airey. She nearly hit Cosgrach in the head with her Gryffindor mug because of it but luckily her arms weren't long enough to cause any mug-to-face contact. She highly doubted the potions professor-her new partner in crime-would appreciate that. The brunette took a minute to clutch her heart with her mug-free hand, letting the news of the rocketman's suit destruction story sink in. Then she laughed. LAUGHED. Oh goodness, what a great prank! Almost as good as sticking a bunch of kneazles in the man's closet would've been but not everyone was as skilled at pranking as Meredith Moxley was.

"Well I think you look spiffy, Airey! Like a disco ball threw up on you, yes, but definitely spiffy! You should come by my office later. I'll stick you to the ceiling and invite some people over for a dance party." She chuckled again, forever amused with herself.

Saddened that her former housemate couldn't help her with her badger inquiry, the muggle studies professor returned the salute and then turned her attention to the Herbology professor who was waving at her. "Brilliant poncho! Bet you could smuggle back a buncha biscuits after the feast in that thing!" She winked at him, as if that had been his plan all along. She'd have done the same if she had a poncho, just saying.

Turning her attention to Leo, Meredith smiled cheerfully. "Thank you! I'm quite excited about it. ...You don't happen to know what sound a badger makes, do you?" Perhaps he could be more help than Airey had been. At least she hoped so. She couldn't stop thinking about it now.

"Oh yes, my summer was wonderful! Lots of time spent with the family, which is all I could ask for!" Also, lots of antiquing, much to the horror of her husband. "How was yours?"

Seeing the children filing in, the Moxinator turned her attention to the sorting hat ceremony for a bit. She was mostly hoping for one of the ickles to freak out so she'd have an excuse to go and ~~squish 'em~~ comfort them, the bunch of little cuties.

Bazinga · 09-02-2015, 02:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Magical Soul

Botros smiled contently at her answer and nodded encouragingly. First couple of weeks of school were very busy and sometimes too stressful for someone as chirpy as professor Morgan. "Ab is still okay," since they were having a normal conversation and she used to call him that. "It's been great, busy like you said with the transition and school work but I got to spend some time with my family in Alexandria. It was a blessing." The beam on his face was proof that he lived for his grandchildren and their summer antics. "Yours?" As in, her summer.

"Okay, I'm glad. I wouldn't miss dessert, I hear they made something special for us today." What, he was allowed to be excited for desserts, the Hufflepuff kid in him was still alive and kicking.

Some of the other staff members caught her attention and some of their attire, yes well of course it would catch someone like Cassie's eye. She refocused on the headmaster as he said about calling him Ab, "Yes, alright." Though she was going to be nothing but professional this term, not that she wasn't every term. She just had different thoughts in her mind. It wasn't the happy go lucky as it once was. That seemed to be correct and her mind was off again in her own thoughts about things.

She didn't mean to miss part of what he said, but she finally came back out of her own head to hear transition.. transition to what? OH, right! "I have a feeling you didn't need much of a transition you seem like a natural. Knowing all aspects of everything and all." She gave a smile and took a sip of water glancing away. She truly adored the man, but was still hurt by the thought of not even being thought of. "It's always a blessing to be with family."

"My summer? Oh it was great, Leo and I went on a nice little trip to get away from things, I helped Nessa get settled in her new place as our old house is now being rented to someone new." She still felt a sad ping to that thought, she loved her days living with her bestie, though she was happy to be in her new home. "There is never anything better than dessert."

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nordic Witch

"All right." Leo said in response to Cassie's reassurance. She'd know where to find him if she needed to talk after the feast and all the students had gone to bed. Hopefully the company of those sitting around her would bring her mood up. He'd see if he couldn't find a copy of that Sibyl Trelawney biography for her that he knew was somewhere in the storage room.

She really didn't want to let go of his hand nor did she want him to walk all the way to his side of the table, but she knew the students would be coming at any moment. So she gave him a reassuring smile and let him head to his own side. She looked out to the empty tables when the doors began to open and students began to file in. She couldn't help but get a little bit of a smile seeing them. That is why she truly was sitting up at this table the students. She loved teaching them.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deezerz

How time flies!

Astrid vividly remembered her days here in the castle. As a matter of fact, she spoke Andrea's ear off last night telling her all about her adventures in the Great Hall and the situations she got herself on the moving staircases. The good old times.

Smoothing her hands down her dress and drawing a calming breath, the brunette made way toward the staff table. Her stomach was filled with nervous excitement. She was teaching at Hogwarts, who wouldn't be both nervous and excited?

Taking her seat, Astrid looked up at the mention of her name, a kind smile brightening up her features. "Thank you...Mister Kitridge." She remembered names, she did.

Oh, but look! There was a glittery man. Even though Astrid wasn't a big fan of glitter (it got everywhere and anywhere) she liked the touch. So festive. It didn't seem to only catch her eyes as it literally caught someone else's in a painful way. Or so she had thought but it was a joke apparently. Astrid couldn't help it, she gave a small laugh into her hand at Mister McLeod's joke. What a fun way to start the term!

Raking the table for more faces, she paused at the kind-looking man who had given her the honor and opportunity to teach at Hogwarts. "Hello, Headmaster." Then to the rest of her colleagues. She was excited to meet them all. "Nice evening, all."

As she watched them all walk in, she hadn't been listening to anything going on at the table. Usually one in all the talking and excitement, this year Cassie sat and just watched everyone. The excitement of the children was so fun to watch and the sorting hat was brilliant. The first years looked very eager to get to their new homes. Her green eyes finally noticed a new face on her end of the table so she didn't have to reach around Ab or scream for anyone to hear. "Good evening. Are you settling in and ready to start?"

Tazenhani · 09-02-2015, 04:16 AM

Merlin there was a lot going on at the staff table, wasn't there? In fact, he was willing to bet that their table could out-noise any of the house tables once they filled up. Airey was particularly helpful in that regard, what with his bold suit to match his bold personality.

And his rather witty retort back to Cece. It had Sabel snorting back a bit of unexpected laughter. Props to Starman.

Overall, it was, nice. He supposed. The mounting energy, the budding comradery. The moving on and moving forward with snowballing enthusiasm. Even if some of the Professors seemed a little more introspective than normal. It made for a good distraction, and he found himself returning the greetings with the faintest of smiles.

SPOILER!!: Paul

A smile, which became a confused distortion of a thing as one of the new Professor's seemed to get utterly confused. The man at first looked like he was trying to figure out who the greeting had been for. That, or he was looking for a hiding place from all the faces and eyes and curiosities. Couldn't really blame him, and Sabel was tempted to suggest that under the table was as good a place as any.

The jest was retained however, as the fellow managed a wave in his befuddled state. Curious man. He gave him a thin smile back, not sure what to make of the development, and not really wanting to think too hard on it. Being new to staff was intimidating. He could understand that. He would go with that.

SPOILER!!: Leo

Leo on the other hand, looked dangerously introspective. Sabel shifted in his chair and worked on making his smile more genuine. "Good summer, Leo?"

Redirect focus and attention, and try to be normal. Technically, everything was normal.

SPOILER!!: Helena

That was until he saw the ghost, and then all normal thoughts floated out of his head as easily as she floated through space. Had he looked on the shiny surface of his plate, he might have noticed that his complexion paled a bit more.

As it was, he quickly diverted his gaze to the doors, where the first students were starting to trickle in. All of a sudden, the thought of food was hardly appealing.

Except that he had just asked a question about food, hadn't he?

SPOILER!!: Cassie

"Oh...good." He flipped his fork over and then back right-side-up, swallowing and forcing his thoughts back on track and his voice a bit lighter. "Not quite a fan of them myself, so if we get any tonight, I am going to take the liberty of shuffling them over onto your plate." The grin that normally would have been easily good natured, required a bit more force to get out and settled on his lips properly.

"What do you say? Trade system of brussel sprouts for dessert?" Because according to the big-dog, it was supposed to be something special. "That, and admittedly it's a better topic for small talk than the weather."

Or how summers were. But apparently, that was a small topic on everyone's mind.

He had to make a conscience effort not to cringe, and succeeded. Thirteen hours on a plane had given him a good long time to figure out what he would say and how he could mask his mood. Nothing worse than a killjoy at a celebratory feast. So, instead of the cringe, he managed a smile and a shrug of his shoulder. "It was decent. A close friend from the ministry finally got his act together and got married, so that was indeed ... joyful."

And then there were the past few days. But he shrugged them off.

"What about your summer?" Best to reciprocate, no?

SPOILER!!: Meredith

Or, they could ask questions about badger sounds. It was an intriguing inquiry that grabbed his ear and turned his head. Probably the most energetic he'd managed to be all evening thus far. Wildlife. A topic he knew well and enjoyed. And badgers weren't really a stranger to him.

Sure the question wasn't directed at him, but it sounded like a fair-game inquiry. And his description surely could use any elaboration, or clarification, the others could offer.

"They make noises like.....like a cat wearing a sock over it's face." Yup. Best description he could come up with. And no, he wasn't going to try and imitate it. If the company thought Airey's sequins were bad, they would pale in comparison to mutilated sound effects. The description, was the best he could do.

Especially given the students were gathering in forces, and a few of them were catching his eye and offering him waves. Sabel recognized a sparse number, and the others he could only hazard a guess at. Still, he returned the small waves with a small smile.

SPOILER!!: Astrid

And especially given there was a newcomer to the seat beside him. It was a bit startling that it wasn't the one and only Quigley, with some quick jab or tall-tale plot of corruption within Hogwarts. A bit disappointing too, if he wanted to admit it.

Wasn't that the new Professor didn't look like a nice person or anything, just that she was a reminder of who had originally sat in that seat. He could now understand, a little how Flamsteed had felt when he had first arrived.

Dropping his fork, Sabel turned slightly to the young woman and held out a hand in greeting. He could exchange pleasantries here, without having to reach across the table. "Welcome to where the magic happens." Quite, literally.

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