Before anyone arrived in the hall, a medium-sized cat with large ears casually made its way between the tables before pausing at the top of the dais. Its tail swayed excitedly as it looked back at the empty tables soon to be filled with students. If someone had been present and noticed the mammal, they would have been very perplexed for two reasons: firstly, this was no creature native to Britain, and, secondly, it seemed to be reciting something. Four quiet meows escaped its mouth before it looked away, quite satisfied with itself.

With it having long legs, it didn't take long for the wild cat to make its way beneath the staff table and jump onto the middle seat with purpose. Dark brown eyes fixated on the empty tables as the cat's tail swiftly moved back and forth as it patiently waited.

Beginning term feast, Julien couldn't help but think about last terms start. It wasn't what he could say as a great impression. As he finished up his office and the classroom his thoughts were on that feast. How he was ready to step down before the night was even over. The students hadn't given him the greatest impression, but they soon changed his mind as the year progressed, yes Julien Primeaux had a very positive outlook for this term. He had some interesting things he hoped the students would enjoy.


After getting his things ready he decided it was time to go to the feast. Yes it was that time already. So checking to make sure his suit looked good he made his way to the great hall. Only stopping a moment as he came to the staff table to see the cat in the Headmasters Seat.

Whelp

Not the first time he had seen crazy at this place, there was a hag last year so why not hire a cat. Julien was just going to find a seat and hope the thing didn't eat any children on his watch.

Kaysha, dressed in a brand new dress with her robes over it, was not one bit nervous to be meeting her new colleagues nor getting the first sight of her soon- to- be- students. She had been teaching all her life so that once shy girl had grown into a confident, strong woman. She approached the familiar staff table, pausing for a bit as blue eyes roving around the Great Hall. Nothing had changed in the years since she had graduated. Her eyes found the Ravenclaw table, her old House. She could still picture her younger self sitting there.

Onwards she continued to the staff table, thinking that she would see a few familiar faces at least Ansley for sure who had been her friend since the days she started Hogwarts. He had also assisted, on occasions, her in teaching the group of students she gave extra lessons to. Kay suddenly paused yet again but this time to blink at the strange sight before her. Hello, were her eyes deceiving her? Was that really a cat there?

"Is it really safe to sit?'' the newbie asked the man (Primeaux) sitting at the table already with great uncertainty.

The cat made her nervous.

Art was most excited to be back at Hogwarts. And up from the dungeons he walked, right through the doors into the Great Hall.

He was looking up at the ceiling, with Madame Curie cupped in his hands, against his chest, when he sensed her panic. He stopped and ducked his head down to her.

"What is it?" he asked her, then looked up.

A CAT. In the Headmaster's spot! He was puzzled. He scratched the top of his head and put Madame Curie safely into the pocket of his old man cardigan. She'd be safe in there, although he wasn't worried. Just confused... why was a CAT in the headmaster's spot? Looking around, he saw two of his colleagues. Well, he assumed the younger woman was a new colleague. He walked up and smiled.

"Professor Julien Primeaux!" he announced happily. "Jolly good to see you again." And he looked over to the younger woman. "Err y-you must be... Professor of... of..." he scratched his head. "AH! Muggle Studies, of course!" He held his wrinkled hand out for her. "I am Arthur. Newton. Er... Arthur Newton, but uh... p-people call me Art." He grinned and looked around.

It wasn't long until he wasn't the only one sitting at the table, seeing a woman come over and looking rather nervous he gave her a small smile and looked back at the cat. He really felt like he had seen it all last term with the Hag so what was the probably with a cat. Yes a big cat, but didn't they have wands? He could do a few charms if needed.

"I think you'll be fine, he's not looking too hungry from this spot." Really this could be to their benefit. Food fight this term Gryffindors? Try it, maybe the cat would want to play catch and jump for a few lions pieces of flying food.

"Have you settled in alright?" Meeting briefly at the staff meeting he figured the woman was well aware of who he was, but thought it polite to ask if she was settling in. Looking to see Arthur he grinned, "It's a cat my dear man. Potions aren't getting the best of you are they?" He grinned, Julien seemed to be in a good mood this evening ready to tolerate anything.

Start of another school term... Ansley had managed to survive last year without too much drama, and he was looking forward to another year of educating young minds and all that jazz. He had put the last few finishing touches on his office, hoping to keep it a little less cluttered this year and headed into the great hall before the students were due to arrive.

Noting just a few at the table, he nodded his greeting as he found his seat. "Julien.. hope you had a nice summer." He gave a smile to one of the newer staff. "Kaysha.. good to see you. Are you going to sit?" Was she unsure which seat was hers? He had that uncertainty last year when he was new.

And there was also a rather large cat sat in the middle. Not much surprised him about this place, having been a student for seven years and now being a teacher here, so he simply nodded at the creature once he took him in with his eyes sufficiently. "And a good evening to you too." Ansley took a sip of his water, still keeping the cat in his peripheral vision and hoping that he wasn't about to pounce. He did have his wand very close just in case. "Wonder if he's got a name," he murmured.

He also sent a casual wave over to the Potions Master as well. "Hello, Art. Glad to be back?" He looked awfully distraught. Perhaps it was fear that the cat would eat his pet? Hopefully none of that would be happening at the feast. Though he supposed that would be something of a feast for the cat now wouldn't it? He stifled a chuckle as he took another sip of water.

"Hmm," he said to Julien, "Yes... well you're right about that. What is a cat doing at the table? One of James' animals?" Art walked over to the cat and looked at it. He didn't want to pat the thing. For one, he had a quivering Madame Curie in his pocket, and for another... he wasn't accustomed to petting animals he didn't know. "Magnificent animal though," he marvelled. He chuckled. "Potions always get the better of me," he admitted.

"Ah, H-hello Ansley," Art said with a grin to the young man. "Very glad, yes, yes. I got a lot of things done this summer, but it's always good to be back. Eh? H-how about you?" he asked.

What could be louder than Airey Flamsteed? His shoes. That's what.

Especially juxtaposed with the golden color of his robes.

It has been easy for him to leave home - despite what extended family insisted upon - and the astronomer was ready to tackle the term with a renewed gusto. After all the student angst and first world hardships he had endured last term, the man was due for a break.

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

Or not.

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

Foregoing the ceremonious gift giving that had become novelty mugs, the Gryffindor Head of House had opted for something even BETTER this term as a welcome present for their visiting Headmster: THEIR VERY OWN PET ROCK! The man was just about to deposit the box (which also contained an owners guide and the pet rock itself) on the table in front of the Headmaster's chair when he saw IT.

SWEET SOLSTICE WHY? WHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHY?!

Tensing up as though struck with Petrificus Totalus, Airey gave the feline a cursory look over and quickly deducted a few things. One being that it was NOT in fact Maddox come back to prank him. Another that it was neither Cassiopeia's beasts back to hunt him. Also that it was some elaborate scheme by Medea to get back at him for changing zero diapers over the summer - she would have put the cat in HIS chair.

NOPE. BIG OL' NOPE!

This suit had JUST been dry cleaned and freshly pressed by magical and mysterious muggle methods yesterday.

AND HE HAD NEGLECTED TO REFILL HIS LINT ROLLER.

Animagus or real, the astronut did NOT care and he dropped the box with a dull thud on top of the empty plate and then BOLTED from the staff dais towards the Gryffindor table with Pebbles clutched to his chest before fear caused him to spring a leak.

LIVE LONG AND PROSPER, COLLEAGUES. SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST!

Take that little curse, one would imagine to be the Groundskeeper's thoughts. The consecutive two-term curse was over at last. But that was not entirely on the man's mind once he entered after guiding the first years to the castle.

Justin made his way in to his usual seat. He was considering warming up that lovely throne only to see it occupied.. by a cat. "Well, hello there." He greeted, in his usual nature offering a finger out to gently rub the top of the cat's head. He was reminded of his own cat Jerry, who was back at home with the rest of his family.

As for the lovely colleagues and the new ones as that finger of his turned into a waggling wave. "Evening all, great evening isn't it?" So far so good. Justin could now bask in it while watching the sorting.. as soon as his eyes tore away from the rapid departure of Mr. Airey. He fought the urge to laugh, forgive him. Another secret chalked down as he recognised the number of cat phobics.

James Draper, returning for another year of this madness. Were there regrets? Many. Any that he were willing to voice out loud? Not yet.

Without wasting a single moment, James made his way across the dais given nodding respectably at his fellow colleagues as he walked by. He didn't bother to stop and converse, not even with the new face. There'd be plenty of time to converse later or not. Honestly, James was happy with his small nonexistent circle of friends he had on staff. Friends weren't necessary anyways, this was a job. Not a party.

Continuing down the length of the table--as for some wretched reason his seat was at the other end--he only paused briefly to look at the cat sat at center table.

Interesting.

But James liked him or her already. Anyone that could make Aireyhead disappear like that was in James' good books.

Well done, cat. So far, the cat was his favorite member of staff. Everyone else had some serious work to do here. Most of them already had the term advantage and still they were lagging behind a house pet.

And finally reaching his seat (and NOT complaining about the empty seat that normally belonged to his spacey colleague), James took his seat and turned towards the other man sat near. "Evening, Julien," now.... Where the hell was Nana? He hadn't scared her off with his charming good looks after only one term, yeah?

Oh look more staff members come to play with the kitty, yes? He was surprised that the students hadn't flocked the table as soon as they marched in to see the pet on display. Leaning back in his chair Julien crossed a leg over his knee, "Evening Ansley. I brought you back some artifacts I had collected from Egypt this summer. Like I said I would." He had them back in his office though so he'd have to get them later.

"Maybe a present from the other school where the new Headmaster was from? We could name him if we really felt he needed one." He watched as Arthur looked to be getting a little close, "You might want to keep your limbs close there Arthur, I don't think your students will learn how to mix ingredients if you only one hand to show them."

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

........................and then there was that one.

Julien never understood that one. He was sure he was dropped at least a dozen times on his head as a baby. How the man could ever survive one school year was beyond him. Just shaking his head he turned towards the others, "Maybe we could bribe the cat to pay Airey a visit in his office this term?" It was just a thought, though Julien wasn't a fan of chaos and pranks he might make the exception.

Seeing Justin, Julien nodded, "Evening, the forest isn't missing a cat that you noticed, are they?" Oh and there was James, Julien turned his head to greet the COMC Professor, "Evening James, did you find a new study for class this term?" Maybe it was his or maybe he could use it for a lesson if it wasn't.

There was no hiding the shirt. Not that she even really wanted to. Still being out of uniform thanks to her Mom and sister not packing her school uniforms in her trunk wasn't exactly the plan for tonight. And there was a far cry between keeping her head down, and wandering up to the staff table and drawing attention to herself directly... but it was unavoidable.

Plus, not all the staff members were there yet. And she could maybe get away with Kitridge not catching it. She wasn't too worried about those that were at the staff table so far. As she approached, Hadley gave a nod to Mr. McLeod, which was enough, given the only real interaction they had was him stopping her and Rachel from sneaking into the Forbidden Forest. She smiled and waved at Airey as he rushed past her, "Hi, Professor Flamsteed." Did he like her shirt? Haddie shrugged and continued on. Flamsteed's behavior didn't really phase her much anymore. "Hey, Professor Newton, how's Madame Curie? Professor Primeaux." She gave the Charms professor a nod. Very proper that man was.

Hadley stopped as she passed Moxxy's seat, and backed up. Was that a wildcat? Nevermind, don't want to know. She shook her head and continued on. "Um, hi, lady I've never seen before..." New professor? And finally Hadley Denaker reached her target. The seat of James Draper... This is why she wanted to get up here as soon as she could. So she could slip a sign-up sheet for auditions for a Swan Lake ballet on the table in front of his chair. Only what would you know? He picks this term to be on time. And showed up just as she was dropping the paper on the table. Well, no sense hiding it now. "Drapes." She gave her nemesis a polite nod and turned away, making her way casually back to the Ravenclaw table, all the while singing, "♫You can dance, you can jive, having the time of your life. See that girl, watch that scene, diggin' the Dancing Queen♫"

So this is the famous Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The former New Yorker had ever heard about this school before, but she'd never had a thought that she would be here as a Professor. Heck, she'd never had a thought about leaving New York either.

But well, this is her life now.

Walking gracefully entering the great hall, Professor Sora Yoon headed to the staff table. So these people would be her new colleagues, interesting. "Uh.. Good evening, everyone. I'm the new divination Professor, Sora Yoon." She introduced herself to them, who it seemed like they're were distracted by a cat on headmaster's seat (the center seat was for the headmaster, right? She had no idea though). And not to mention one of them (the suited man) ran to the Gryffindor table. She tried not to crack a laugh even though it was very amusing.

Her brown eyes spotted a young student greeting the staffs but NOT wearing a uniform. "Aren't you supposed to wear a uniform, miss?" The new Professor asked her. And teasing a Professor? Merlin, such a very well-behaved student. It wasn't her business though so she's just gonna ignore it.

Paul had forgotten to unpack his luggage from his trip to Hawaii and was awaiting proper clothes to be sent from home. It had been entirely his own fault. Planning a two week trip to the tropical island...for the last two weeks of summer? Paul had completely blanked on the fact that...he had not, indeed, packed for the term like he usually did. And Milton hadn't caught the blunder.

Milton was quite displeased with his partner.

Meanwhile, though, the Herbology professor had his sunglasses on, sandals OUT, and his Hawaiian shirt in all its glory READY. He could have wasted time feeling silly...he could have. But he didn't. He STRUT down the Great Hall, waving and greeting students as he passed....

Sigh. At least the clothes were comfortable.

And the hat was unnecessary but at this point, he thought WHY NOT GO ALL OUT, eh? He was sure Airey would hate his outfit---but wait---the Astronomer was...running out? What was wrong?! "Airey--" but the man was BOOKING IT. Well then. Paul continued on to the staff table.

He sent waves to Julien, Art, Ansley...all familiar faces. Where was Justin? Ohhhhh JUUUUUSTIN? Paul adored his young colleague, and loved that he sat near the fellow. He also spotted James. Oh, good ole' James. "Where is your tutu, eh?" he winked, as if he thought James would enjoy this joke. Paul knew he would not. But HE still thought it was funny.

There was a new face...Paul smiled at the young woman [Kaysha] as he approached. "Hello!" he slipped his sunglasses atop his head. "Hello, m'dear!" He held out his hand for the woman to shake. "I am Paul Myers, professor of Herbology," he smirked and leaned against the table. "it is LOVELY to meet you! I assume you..." he looked at her chair. "Are the new Muggle Studies professor?" Which...gave him a little stab. He would miss Meredith greatly. TIP, great woman. (Teach in Peace).

Paul hadn't even noticed the cat yet.

He finger waved at the other new professor [Sora] he saw...he would get to her in JUUUUUUST a minute. And was that Miss Denaker singing? Paul swayed to the song. Dancing Queen. It described him perfectly, minus the dancing...and the queen part?

Haddie stopped mid-step, her voice trailing of on the word "Dancing." She winced noticeably. Busted. "It's a long story," she started to explain as she turned around. Wait, who was this now? "Um...Hi. My school clothes are being sent by owl overnight... They'll be here by morning." She assured the new person.

There wasn't much she could do about the fact that her school uniforms hadn't been packed. Especially since she herself couldn't pack them without her Dad catching her and putting an end to the whole Mom sneaking her out to Platform 9 3/4. "Soooo, yeah, no worries there. Okay." And now it was time to turn around and keep walking before anyone else could stop her. A shoddy plan, but the best she had right now.

Only those close enough to the cat would have been able to observe its eyes scan the length of the hall and glance to the side whenever a professor arrived to the dais. For the most part, it appeared to be rather amused with everything that was happening in the hall – especially when the astronomer dropped a box in front of it and made a mad dash for one of the tables. Besides its wandering eyes and the occasional ear twitch, the cat (even when the groundskeeper rubbed the top of its head with his finger) remained quite still.

It was waiting for something. But what?

James acknowledged the other new person with a quiet nod. Honestly she was far away enough that he could get away without an introduction for now. There'd be plenty of time to get to know each other. He never liked these feasts anyways. Much too obnoxious to enjoy a proper meal and not a great time for getting to know people, not that he was sure he wanted to get to know people in the first place... But even if he did, the feast probably wasn't the first place he'd go to do it. Hopefully these new people would understand. And if they didn't, whatever. They could join the list of people James' didn't get along with. No harm, no foul.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bazinga

Oh and there was James, Julien turned his head to greet the COMC Professor, "Evening James, did you find a new study for class this term?" Maybe it was his or maybe he could use it for a lesson if it wasn't.

Turning back towards Julien, James caught just enough to hear of the man's idea for a prank against their dear friend Mr Airhead Flamsteed. He didn't let his facial expression change to express his liking to the idea. But.... It was noted. James had to pay the man back for blowing a hole into his door, after all.

As for the man's question... James silently considered the man for a second before answering, "Of course..." His voice stained with *??* and very slightly of annoyance. What kind of question was that? He couldn't just teach them the same material over and over again? What kind of Professor did Primeaux think James was? "And yourself?" Julien wasn't planning on stuffing the kids into a classroom and giving them another exam the first day, was he? That's right. James could play this game too.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Callie

Hadley stopped as she passed Moxxy's seat, and backed up. Was that a wildcat? Nevermind, don't want to know. She shook her head and continued on. "Um, hi, lady I've never seen before..." New professor? And finally Hadley Denaker reached her target. The seat of James Draper... This is why she wanted to get up here as soon as she could. So she could slip a sign-up sheet for auditions for a Swan Lake ballet on the table in front of his chair. Only what would you know? He picks this term to be on time. And showed up just as she was dropping the paper on the table. Well, no sense hiding it now. "Drapes." She gave her nemesis a polite nod and turned away, making her way casually back to the Ravenclaw table, all the while singing, "♫You can dance, you can jive, having the time of your life. See that girl, watch that scene, diggin' the Dancing Queen♫"

Maybe this is what had brought on the onset mood of his. Knowing that after what had been such a peaceful summer, he'd have to return to some of his least favorite students. This one included. Seeing her making her way over to the table, with a look of determination and mission at mind, James braced himself. Wasn't there a rule about not disturbing the Professors during feast times?

And though he hadn't known the caster of that well placed dancing hex from last term, all bets were on this one. "Professor Draper," he corrected her calmly. This nickname had to S T O P. He wasn't pleased with it at all, though he was good at keeping his cool. As she dropped her "flyer" on his desk, he made a quick glance down at it... "Watch who you cast at, Denaker. I'll be watching closely." And that's all he had to say on this matter. So she best be careful. Though he had no way to prove that she was the one that had hexed him last term, he wouldn't let a similar act go unpunished this year.

He practically already had a detention cell reserved for her. Sorry not sorry. Guilty until proven innocent.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kayquilz

He sent waves to Julien, Art, Ansley...all familiar faces. Where was Justin? Ohhhhh JUUUUUSTIN? Paul adored his young colleague, and loved that he sat near the fellow. He also spotted James. Oh, good ole' James. "Where is your tutu, eh?" he winked, as if he thought James would enjoy this joke. Paul knew he would not. But HE still thought it was funny.

................... No, he didn't find it funny.

"Hilarious," his voice drenched in sarcasm and teeth gritted. He wasn't looking forward to this particular arrival. "Left the poncho at home this time, have you? I much preferred that getup, believe it or not." Had the man forgotten that his lazy island days were over? Did someone have to pinch the man back into reality because James wouldn't mind being the one to slap the man with a hard, cold dose of reality.

In other words, Paul looked ridiculous. James was not happy. And he hadn't forgotten about the man's addition to the incident last term.

He was in a terrible mood already.

So much for starting off the term on a good note.

His amusement just kept up with some of the reaction of what was going on. Yes, he was relaxed for the time being, because really it was a cat and they had wands. No need to get your pants all twisted over something like this. Julien was sipping his water and contemplating a few charms he could use when a new professor walked up. "Good Evening." Julien nodded to the woman before his eyes turned to a student and his amusement soon faded.

Order was something he was not going to just let slide because there was a cat at the table, but before he could say anything it seemed other professors were talking to her or rather letting her be, no that wasn't setting well for him. "Haddie, you knew that you needed your robes for school and are expected to be wearing them. Five point from Ravenclaw for not being prepared for the start of school. Also you should be more respectful to the staff. We all understand you are excited to be here, but there is order at the feast excitement. Now if you have something to say to a certain staff member please do so and then join the rest of your classmates to enjoy the feast. "

His focus back on the staff and looked at James a bit puzzled, "I was meaning the cat here. Did you bring it for the term?" He wasn't sure how the man didn't understand that, but it was alright, some couldn't be as bright as others. "I have a few exciting things up my sleeve."

Paul got a small wave, he'd make sure to help out with the compost this term.

Entering the Great Hall Hady did something she had never done before. Her hazel eyes sought of the Staff table first quickly scanning it for just one Professor. It didn't take all that long before her eyes to settle on the man she wanted to speak with for a brief moment before the feast began. Chances were if she waited to long she would either a) forget to go speak with him or b) get sidetracked by whatever was bond to happen during the feast.

So as it was Hadleigh walked right past her house table and straight up to the staff one. "Evening Professors, I hope you all have a pleasant summer," she offered to them all with a small smile. Rounding the table towards the one Professor whom she had come to speak with she paused in her tracks her eyes landing on that of a kitty. Sitting in the Headmasters seat. Um...well alright then. "Hello there kitty," she greeted warmly. Normally she would attempt to pet it but this time she didn't. Letting out a breath she made her way over to Professor Draper stopping beside his chair. "Hello Professor Draper...I just wanted to thank you for last term...I had a wonderful summer." Her voice was low almost near a whisper and her wording was rather vague but she knew he would understand what she was talking about.

Ansley glanced over at Art who still seemed to be trying to figure out what a large cat was doing sitting at the center seat. "Oh, that's good." It was always a good thing to get a bit accomplished over summer, especially when they got some time off. "I finished a portrait just last week and got a few things organized at home, but it's nice to be back." Hopefully this start of term feast would be less eventful than last year's though.

He nodded his hello to Justin and James as they arrived, simply watching as Airey turned tail and ran out of the Great Hall as quickly as he arrived. Well. At least he wasn't screaming. His ears thanked him for that small act of mercy.

Ansley took another sip of water before turning his attention back to Julien. "Oh you did? How kind. I look forward to seeing what you brought and hearing about your time there." Perhaps right now wasn't the right time to catch up with him about his Egyptian holiday but maybe an office visit later.

"Hello, Paul," he nodded to the man who sat on his right, then gave a smile to the new Muggle Studies teacher. "Good evening, Sora." His eyes soon followed the young Ravenclaw as she made her way down the table and greeted everyone but him. Rude. Probably good for her that she didn't though because as much as he could get behind creative self-expression through clothing, he also expected students to follow rules. And that included robes at the feast which had consequences such as points loss, detention, or laundry duty. But it seemed as though the newbie wanted to handle that one and Ansley turned his eyes to watch, amused. That might be a good test for her.

But it was Julien who decided to take charge, which didn't surprise him really. Haddie should probably consider herself lucky that he just took points and didn't face Ansley's consequences which might have been a little more... uh, creative. Either way. Oh and there was another Hadleigh. Ansley did want to speak to her, but it could wait till she was done with Draper and he simply gave her a nod in greeting for now.

After adjusting his navy blue coloured dress robes for the evening in the entrance hall, making sure that no baby spit was visible, missing the large and very visible dot on his tie, with his blue HoH pin stuck to his chest the dark curly haired librarian made his way past Airey and Nana into the Great Hall. Leo's eyes automatically turned to the Ravenclaw table where things seemed to be merry and quiet for the time being. Just how he liked it.

Making his way with long strides up on the staff dais Leo sent big cheerful smiles and waves in every colleagues direction both new and old as he past their seats. "Good evening everyone, what a magnificent feast night. Cassie has predicted that it'll be a great year for all of us." He left out her worries. It was no use to jinx things or talk of the grim when the year hadn't even begun.

SPOILER!!: Haddie

Quote:

Originally Posted by Callie

Haddie stopped mid-step, her voice trailing of on the word "Dancing." She winced noticeably. Busted. "It's a long story," she started to explain as she turned around. Wait, who was this now? "Um...Hi. My school clothes are being sent by owl overnight... They'll be here by morning." She assured the new person.
There wasn't much she could do about the fact that her school uniforms hadn't been packed. Especially since she herself couldn't pack them without her Dad catching her and putting an end to the whole Mom sneaking her out to Platform 9 3/4. "Soooo, yeah, no worries there. Okay." And now it was time to turn around and keep walking before anyone else could stop her. A shoddy plan, but the best she had right now.

There were students on the dais and among them were Hadley Denaker, one of his own eagles who last year had give Leo some cause for headaches. Tonight Haddie was sporting a shirt in lion colours that was hard to miss and no robes. Before Haddie could leave the dais, Leo stepped out in front of her to stop her and greet her. "Good evening Hadley, is something amiss? Where are your school robes?"

SPOILER!!: the Cat

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Narrator

Only those close enough to the cat would have been able to observe its eyes scan the length of the hall and glance to the side whenever a professor arrived to the dais. For the most part, it appeared to be rather amused with everything that was happening in the hall – especially when the astronomer dropped a box in front of it and made a mad dash for one of the tables. Besides its wandering eyes and the occasional ear twitch, the cat (even when the groundskeeper rubbed the top of its head with his finger) remained quite still.
It was waiting for something. But what?

It was hard to take not notice of the leopard coloured cat sitting in what was usually known as the headmaster/mistress seat. Who owned it and why was it there? Regarding the magnificent cat specimen Leo asked no colleague in particular. "Who owns the cat? Is the cat's presence on the dais the reason why Airey isn't occupying his seat?"

;_____;

Was it true? Was Murdoch really not Head of House anymore?

These weren't tears of grief or sorrow, no. They were much more delightful, well they would be if someone could confirm all these damn rumours. And there was only one way to find out if the best news ever was actually true. . . go up to the Staff Dias and ask the Healer herself (or anyone else, cause Murdoch was actually really scary) And like any totally sane person would do, especially those who just LOVED authority, Mason made her way towards the Dias cause #YOLO

Wait. . . what? o___o

Role-call real quick here: Primeaux, (cute) Finch, Draper, (adorable) Paul, (hawt) McLeod, (suited) Flamsteed, (Animagi) Newton, and two women she didn't even fricken know. . .

Mason halted, her mission already forgotten, confusion written all over her face. Who were these new people??!! And why the hell was there a CAT in the Great Hall??? What the hell was going on here?

Was this seriously gonna be like last year? With all those freaky freaks freaking about? Mason really didn't hope so, that Hag almost ate some of her friends and that creepy Poltergal had watched her sleep, so noooooo thank youuuuu. Plus that doll was hella weird. . .

Wait. . . why was she here again? Oh Yeahhhhh! Mission, duh.

Kay's eyes were still transfixed on the cat which was sitting unusually still. Was this normal feline behaviour? She didn't know. she had never owned one nor paid much attention to them admittedly. She finally moved her eyes away back to the man she had posed the question earlier to. He was smiling and had a rather welcoming air about him. Hadn't she seen him before? "Professor Primeaux, if I recall correctly?'' They had met before the woman thought. "Yes, I am. Thank you for asking. I have already managed to pack most of my belongings away in the office.'' She smiled widely. ''I'll take your word for it.'' She was referring to the cat and moved even closer to the Table but... which was her seat?

Her twinkling blue eyes didn't bother with a seat just then for she heard another warm voice though this one stuttered. "Correct! My name is Kaysha Stewart but practically all my friends call me Kay.'' She smiled again. "Delighted to meet you, Art.'' She heartily shook the hand offered to her. Kay liked this man already.

There was the familiar face she had been looking for but got sidetracked by that cat. Ansley didn't seem at at surprised about the situation though. "Ansley! It's great to see you again too but didn't you register there's a cat sitting there?'' She nodded in the general direction. Did her friend have other things on his mind? As for seating... "I have no idea which is mine,'' she told him. Could she just pick one? Were they assigned? If she could, she'd rather sit next to him or Art or Julien.

There was a thudding noise that made the woman shift her eyes towards the cat again. She was just in time to see a man (Airey) sprinting away from the table. Kay S-T-A-R-E-D after him, watching in shock and amusement as he dived under the Gryffindor table. "Is he alright?'' she asked no one in particular. What a peculiar man that was!

Was that a voice announcing that she was new too? The relief Kay felt knowing she was not alone! "Good evening, Sora. I'm Kaysha Stewart the new Muggle Studies Professor. It's nice to meet you.'' She left Sora to converse with a student who seemed to think that she belonged in Gryffindor House, according to her shirt.

Another staff member was approaching her. Good golly! Were all the older male staff members here such charmers? Kay was impressed already. She did have a soft spot of fellas with proper manners. "Hello to you too!'' Her eyes twinkled at Myers as she shook his hand. ''I am quite delighted to meet you, Professor Myers. Yes, I am! I do hope I am able to fill the place left by Professor Moxley.'' She had heard good things about the other woman.

Kaysha continued to look at the happenings around the Staff table smiling confidently at the other staff (Kitridge, McLeod and Draper) and two other students. "Hello, I'm Kaysha Stewart, the new Muggle Studies Professor,'' she told the men in case they were interested.

She really ought to have learned to keep her mouth shut by now. Especially with the summer she had. But she wouldn't be Hadley Denaker if she did. Suppressing a smirk, Hads turned slightly back to Drapes. "No, the casting would be for you. And we'd be the ones watching, see? But if Swan Lake isn't your thing, they'll have a production of The Nutcracker this winter. You'd make a good Mouse King..."

Yep.

But before she could turn back around and continue on her way to her seat, Professor Primeaux joined in. His words clearly sparked a flash of anger in the girl. Her jaw clenched, eyes narrowed. "It wasn't my..." she stopped. Just like that the anger deflated. What was the point? She could explain to them how her Dad refused to accept she was a witch, and kept her locked up inside under constant watch and how her Mom, sister and brother had to get her supplies and pack for her so they could sneak her out and away from the explosive arguments she and her Dad were constantly getting into. Give both of them space and all that.

But...they were professors, so all she'd get in return was, That's no excuse. The thing all teachers say when they there's actually a good reason but they don't want to be reasonable and actually change their rulings. "Yes, Professor Primeaux..." There, now she could get out of there and back to the Ravenclaw table. Or better yet, to the Gryffindor table.

Hadley turned just as the voice of her Head of House washed over her. Here we go...He was gonna lecture her about house pride and tell her how disappointed he was and...Oh, he wasn't doing any of that. The Californian girl noticeably relaxed a bit. This was a relief. "Hi, Mr. Kitridge. How's the family?" She let out a sigh. "My robes on their way, sir. They'll be here by the morning." So her sister said via their two way mirror, amidst ample apologizes for forgetting to pack them. At least Kitridge wasn't getting on her case about the message of the shirt. Even if it was true. She would rather be in Gryffindor.

Quote:

Originally Posted by FearlessLeader19

Kaysha continued to look at the happenings around the Staff table smiling confidently at the other staff (Kitridge, McLeod and Draper) and two other students. "Hello, I'm Kaysha Stewart, the new Muggle Studies Professor,'' she told the men in case they were interested.

She couldn't help but overhear that. Haddie's eyes flicked involuntarily to the Headmistress's chair. "New Muggle studies Professor? What happened to Moxxy?" She paused a moment. "Did someone turn Moxxy into a wildcat?"