What? Why couldn't she tell him? Was it a super secret illegal underground thing? Or just a super secret place...? "Wait, really?!" Lance twisted in his seat to face her more. This girl made perfume! He was all for taking trips down to Madame Primpernelles for a bottle, but that took time and money and letters to his grandparents if he ran out that was never really taken seriously and he had to ask Sha and then just... effort.

The perfume gods had granted him a miracle! Glancing to Olivia as she passed by, a grin spread across his face. Hello, yes, hello, but more importantly, had she met this new girl?!!

"Do you have more? How many have you made?" And could he totally test them all out??

Even given the attention she was getting from the other girls, Stasya was startled by the entirely over-jubilant greeting from the boy who had a badge. Moreso because, even though she remembered that they had announced her full first name when she’d been Sorted, she wasn’t actually used to people calling her that. She was even tempted to correct him, even though he wasn’t wrong. Not really. “You can call me Stasya,” she still ended up saying, rather softly, as he had finished up his speech about what they should expect after the feast.

That statement went for the others too, aside from Emmeline who already knew her name. She’d given her fellow first year a slightly more genuine smile at her words, though. They definitely needed a rescue mission for Dobby after what had happened with the Sorting, even if she knew she’d return the squirrel to the barn in the morning.

The tall girl who had sat next to her hadn’t left, nor had the one who had poked her which actually did make her feel a bit better. Just the fact that people were trying to cheer her up helped, although she had blinked when the Slytherin girl had suddenly spoken up, acting like they were related. “Um…” As far as she remembered, the only cousins she had were on her papa’s side and she didn’t think any of them were going to Hogwarts. It was entirely too confusing for the blonde, even if she did sort of agree with the comment that she was there for a reason. The dilemma was that at least part of her reason had been shattered by her ending up not in Derf’s house. She still felt a b it of adventure in going somewhere her parents hadn’t gone to though.

As the girl who had first poked her had spoken again, answering her question, she had nodded. That was exactly why she was sad, and she knew Emmeline understood that. They shared in that crushing loss, at least a little. But the words did sink in. “Okay.” The girl was older, so that meant she had to know what was what. If she said she’d still get to see all her Puff friends, she was going to believe it.

Except she wasn’t entirely sure what to think about being newly christened Nugget. “I’m Stasya.” It was only polite since she had introduced herself, even if she wasn’t sure what to think about being sort of used like a hand puppet.

Oh, and… “Thank you Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington.” The ghost’s name was almost more complicated than her own.

Emmeline jumped a little as the older boy with the badge (Ace) hand-clasped her seemingly out of nowhere, but she smiled as he welcomed her to Gryffindor. "Thanks, Mr. Prefect!" At least, she thought his badge said "prefect." She listened attentively to what he said about a Gryffindor meeting after the feast and nodded. She'd talk to Stasya and Derf right after the feast, so that they could figure out the best way to rescue Dobby; Emmeline felt sure that Derf's and Dobby's presences would be the best way to cheer Stasya up, and she herself wanted to see Derf badly after the Sorting. He was Emmeline's first wizard friend, and she was trying hard not to be too devastated that they weren't in the same House. But she was sure they'd find ways around that; they had to.

When another older girl (Sam) started speaking to her about after the feast, Emmeline immediately assumed an innocent expression. "Just meeting a Hufflepuff friend," she replied in a perfectly normal, nothing-to-see-here tone of voice. "That's okay, right?" She noticed the girl's raised eyebrow and suspicious expression, but it had to be okay to talk to friends from other Houses. Besides, Emmeline wasn't sure the rescue Dobby mission was against the rules at all, especially if the rescue was short-lived. She thought Dobby would have to go back to the barn at some point soon, but surely it would be okay to rescue him from Merlin-knows-what for one night? Emmeline was positive that it was in both Stasya's and Dobby's best interests, and therefore couldn't really be against the rules. Smiling at the older girl with the suspicious expression, Emmeline decided the best thing to do was to continue normal conversation. "I'm Emmeline, what's your name? Did you say a paint fight?!" Because that would be fun.

As Sir Nicholas addressed her and the other first years, Emmeline beamed at him. She'd never talked to a ghost before and thought it was pretty cool that one had taken up residence at their table. "Thank you, Sir Nicholas! I'm Emmeline Sparkes. Nice to meet you!"

Daniel was in shock, he had got Gryffindor! seriously he got Gryffindor. "I got Gryffindor! Did you see? Did you see?" Daniel was jumping up and down now like a loony. He was totally excited.

"That means I won't be forgotten!" Daniel had been afraid of getting Hufflepuff or Ravenclaw because whilst they all might be cool, he didn't know that many who went on to become famous. He had searched through books and totally Gryffindor or Slytherin was the best house to be remembered by.

"Did you see! I got Gryffindor! I got Gryffindor!" Yeah he was excited, in case anyone didn't realize it.

Him in straight hair? He had to laugh out loud on Ava's statement "My cousin actually tried doing that-- straightening my hair with that flat iron thing, when I was asleep. Horrifying image to wake up to believe me." Like yikes! And as for the OWLs…. Well he had to give pause about that because-- "Actually I am taking all twelve OWLs." he winced. He really doesn’t know what he's gonna be in for is he? "But yeah, just gonna try my best on those exams, if I get O's then that’s great! If not…..well so long as I don’t fail yeah?" he laughed.

Indeed he knew about Leona's name-- well every name of all their newly sorted Lions-- from the Sorting Hat. He pay's attention like that. Like calling him melon cakes. For that she gets the Tenacius-ly charming smile "Oh you mix perfumes? Like customize them to people?"

And wouldjalookitdat, their House Ghost as graced them with his presence "Hey there Sir Nicholas! So happy to see you again Sir!" Now if he could only figure out where the other Grey Haired Man of Gryffindor went….

Of course a Slytherin (Zarina) would notice the badge as his most distinguishing feature. He hoped it was his smile or his winning personality but hey, baby steps. She's new. Besides he still needs to remember what her name was and it sure wasn’t Catwoman "Cool! My dad was a Slytherin too. And yeah he also wore a badge." Something for her to research in the Common Room the who's who of ex-Slytherins yeah?

Speaking of Slytherins, more sprinkling of greens their way. He noted that Skylar seemed….sad? Well at least she's found Noelle

"Hey try being a Dad to six adopted pets-- its not as easy as you think!" he laughed at Sammy's statement. Why does he keep bringing them? "Well this is kinda their home too, they came from here, its familiar environment. Besides in case we need a specific creature for classes I would already have one." beams.

Ok good a nickname "Alright, Stasya, good, the other one was a bit of a mouthful." he smiled. He hesitated for a second before adding "Well my name is Tenacius but you can call me Ace if it’s a bit much for you." Personally he was hoping to keep his family nickname to besties and family but for some reason his nickname got out and was being used by fellow students. So yeah might as well right?

Mr Prefect. Little cubbie Emmeline was adorable like that "Uh… just call me Tenacius. Or Ace." he smiled. He took his duty of care seriously, but he didn’t enjoy pulling ranks.

Oh they have a new Lion cubbie? "Welcome to Gryffindor!" he greeted this young one named Daniel. "I'm Tenacius, and that over there is Noelle. We're your House Prefects." and yes explaining to this little one about the new Lions orientation for later. He got that right? Right.

The Headmistress stood-- very easy to take notice of that given her arresting presences-- and the Curly Top settled into his seat. That speech though was a rollercoaster. No wonder he couldn’t find Professor Newton. He was gone. Tenacius gave a long quivering sigh. He was close to the former Potions Master that’s true, but this was also the second time he's losing a Gryffindor Head of House. It’s a bit wearying yknow? But his mood did pick up just a bit when he heard that the Charms Man was their new Head. Good. Tenacius liked him a lot.

And then whats this? They have Ilvermorny visitors whuuuut? The sads melted away to this excitement that was building up into a crescendo as Headmistress Hawthorne rolled out the details. Ilvermorny! He had family going to Ilvermorny! Ohhh time to harass the hair-straightening cousin in the dead of the night to see if he's coming over eh? Payback is sweeeet….

Okay, Noelle had waved or said hey to most, if not all of the Gryffindors that were coming to and from the table. She was settled in the middle of the giant table so she can welcome and introduce whoever to whoever if needed be. But lets be real, Gryffindors were social. Look at all the conversations going on. It was good to see everyone mixing together really well.

With all the conversations going on, Noelle got lost in them easily. She tried keeping up. She was watching the new lions (cubs) intermingling and was proud of the way everyone seemed to be interacting. She didn't venture into conversations that people were having. She was seated near Shay, Ava, Mel, Levi, Bentley, and Ace so she tried keeping up with all them but conversations were everywhere. She leaned into Ava's side a bit. She was still smiling and trying to hold conversations with everyone. There was even a little firstie (Stasya)that just looked sad about being a Gryffindor. Since the young girl had sat beside her, Noelle nudged her and offered a big smile. "Being a Gryffindor is the best." You want reasons? Just look around. All the talking and laughing and smiling. They included you and welcomed you. It was a great house. Not saying the other houses weren't great, Noelle was just partial to this one. Proud lion. Also, Noelle was thankful to Liv who was talking to the young lion.

Also, another side of Noelle had been wiggled into as her little sister... uh.. if she could still call her that.. Sky was crying beside her. What?? "You're an idiot? what? no. That's impossible. What happened?" She asked, sliding her arm around Sky and giving her a little hug.

Her thoughts were wrenched when a loud voice came through. The Headmistress. The speech had begun.

Noelle was expecting the same. Her eyes trailed over the staff table as the new professors were mentioned. She nodded. And whoa, the Headmistress was taking over Ancient Runes? Merlin, Noelle had needed to get help in Ancient Runes too. She'd have to ask her about that.

But then..... words struck Noelle's ears. Extracurricular sports activities were not going to be happening this year? WHAT??? BLINK, But training.. dueling.. did that count??

More news from the Headmistress came out. Noelle's mouth dropped a bit. Students were being chosen? Older than 15? .......... Her heart fluttered a bit. What? When was this happening?


..............
All the questions were going on in Noelle's mind right now. The main, was about dueling and training. She needed those to happen.

And Hirsch... Well, she could not imagine if Hirsch left the school. Pretty sure all his fangirls (and fanboys too, perhaps) were brokenhearted. Speaking of the DADA professor, Ava might need to speak with him some other time. Leaving the conversation about the staff, she turned to the perfume girl who just said that she was sweet. Awww... "I'm Ava, by the way. Sixth year." She introduced herself. This girl seemed fun and she was curious about that perfume. "So... Do you sell that perfume?"

Ava noticed Skylar came to their table looked not so happy and snuggled Noelle. She didn't know what was going on but she'd rather to mind her own business and shifted her bum to gave the Slytherin girl some space to sit. "Merlin, you're a sixth year? So am I!" She said to Shay beaming. New dormmates alert! Hopefully this new girl was cool and not that annoying. For now, Ava decided not to ask her the reason why she moved from the States., it must be a personal reason, she thought.

Tenacius was a victim of hair-straightener? HAHAHAHAHA! That was funny. She couldn't imagine if that Gryffindor prefect looked shocked in his new hair style. "Ah well, I really wished you a good luck for... them." Sometimes Ava didn't understand why so many people wanted torture themselves by taking all lessons for the exam, let alone trying to achieve outstanding results in all subjects. But alas, she was nobody to judge them. Perhaps they were just... born that way or whatever.

And finally the Headmistress had spoken.

Hearing that Professor Marchand would replace the old Grandpa Newton as their Head of House, Ava was a little bit... skeptical. Don't get her wrong, that man was a good professor but seemed a little bit too emotional. But well, let's see if he could survive handling those Gryffindors at least until she graduated. Having the head of house being replaced twice for her entire years at Hogwarts was just too much. And no extra-curricular activities for this term, if this meant duelling club also didn't happen, she would not be happy. But the competition with Ilvermorny seemed pretty excited though. Could Ava be selected as Gryffindor representative? Well, let's just not put her hopes high for that.

Gaston's heart was pounding as he approached the Gryffindor table. He took a deep breath and mentally shook himself. Honestly, Gaston! They're only students, not angry dragons! "Hello, everyone!" he greeted all who were at the table. "Did all of you have a nice summer?" Mr. Kenning, Miss Burton, Mr. Montmorency, Miss Swynford, Miss Evans, Miss Cambridge, Mr. McWhitty, Miss Sorin-Ward, Miss Phillips, Mr. Salander, Miss Summers and Mr. Bellaire-Moore each got a polite smile and a nod in their direction from the new Head of House. Miss Umbridge also got a smile and nod, though his smile was slightly sad this time. Somehow he doubted the girl had forgiven him for what happened last term, nor likely ever would. As he looked out at the table, he couldn't help but feel a swell of fatherly pride, but soon his doubts returned. Don't get too attached, he warned himself. They'll never think as highly of you as you do them.

Oh, and Sir Nicholas was here too! Gaston smiled, bowing his head politely toward the Gryffindor ghost. "Good evening, Sir Nicholas," he greeted him.

He noticed Miss Diggory and gave the girl a sympathetic look. Despite his fears, he couldn't turn off his xompassion. While the incident at the staff table had annoyed him a bit at the time, he knew she hadn't meant any harm and quite frankly thought Headmistress Hawthorne had reacted much too harshly. He overheard Miss Summers's words and nodded in agreement. "She's right; you're not," he said, trying to keep his voice down so the other wouldn't hear. "You're a very smart, talented girl, Miss Diggory." But he didn't want to embarass her further, so he said nothing about it. Besides, it looked like Miss Summers was doing a good job comforting her. He beamed at the girl prefect, giving her a very appreciative smile. Mr. Salander also earned a beam as Gaston overheard him introducing himself and explaining things to the new students. Really these two were doing an amazing job as prefects!

Then his bright blue eyes fell to the new faces at the table (Shay, Leona, Emmeline, Stasya, Jason, and Daniel). "Hello, welcome to Gryffindor!" he said, smiling at them all in turn. "I'm Professor Marchand, your head of house. I hope all of you will come to like Hogwarts. If you have any questions about anything, don't hesitate to ask me or either of your two prefects." He jerked his head toward Miss Summers and Mr. Salander. Then he noticed one of the new students (Zarina) was not a Gryffindor. "Hello, there. Welcome to Hogwarts!" he greeted her. She hadn't gotten lost on the way to the Slytherin table, had she?

He saw one of the first years (Daniel) jumping up and down and couldn't help but laugh; he liked this boy's enthusiasm. "I'm so glad you like being a Gryffindor, but please do sit down,"he said gently. He hadn't the heart to dock points on t he boy's first night, but he knew some staff wouldn't be so forgiving if they saw a student jumping around like that.

Then the Gryffindor head spotted another new student (Stasya) who looked anything but glad to be here, and his heart went out to her. The poor thing... what was wrong? Did she not get the house she wanted? Was she homesick?Then another, much worse thought occurred to him. No one had been bulling her, had they? He cautiously approached the girl and bent so that his eyes were level with hers, so he wouldn't seem quite so tall and scary to her. "Is everything okay?" he asked. She didn't have to tell him, but he was there to listen if she did. He looked up and beamed at Miss Phillips; he was very grateful to her for befriending this girl! He had a mind to award some house points for her kindness, but he worried that might come across as favoritism. He weighed the situation for a moment before deciding against it. He hated the idea of letting an act of kindness go unrewarded, but this time the risk of backlash was just too great.

Sir Nicholas smiled as the Slytherin girl (Zarina) bowed back to him. Now here was a young lady with manners befitting the royal court! It appeared she had a little trouble with his name, however. No matter. "The pleasure is all mine, Miss Zarina Cararro," he said, "and just Sir Nicholas will do."

Another smile for the older girl (Shay), especially when she mentioned learning more about the most noble house of Gryffindor. Oh, the stories he could tell! "You are most welcome, Shay," the ghost replied. "That's the spirit! The house of Godric Gryffindor has a most illustrious history, if I do say so myself."

Sir Nicholas then turned his attention to the two little girls (Stasya and Emmeline) and bowed with a dramatic flourish. "Pleased to make your acquaintance, ladies."

He noticed another new girl who he hadn't yet greeted (Leona). How could he have missed her? Good heavens, that would never do! "Good evening and welcome to the noble house of Gryffindor!" he said, bowing to the girl.

Then one of the prefects (Tenacius) greeted him. "Hello, Tenacius. Lovely to see you as well!"

The new Head of House also received a bow. "Hello, Professor Marchand. I believe congratulations are in order. I trust you'll continue to uphold the proud traditions of Gryffindor."

Oddbodkins! Was that child (Daniel) jumping up and down? Sir Nicholas De Mimsy-Porpington refused to tolerate such a disgrace! "See here, young man! Cease this undignified display at once!"

There was a first year (Stasya) who looked somewhat deflated to being sorted into Gryffindor, which--Levi could understand, probably a little too well, having experienced a similar disappointed to not being sorted into Slytherin like his parents and brother before him. Not that the disappointment had lasted long; sooner rather than later he'd understood the sorting hat had not made a mistake, but the initial disappointment had been crushing. But Olivia and Sam and the rest seemed to be handling the girl's disappointment just fine, so; he mostly just waved. She'd be okay. Surely.

Hopefully? It looked like maybe she'd found a friend already (Emmeline)

"Oh, well," Levi tapped his index finger against his chin, considering Sam's question. "I think that's subjective. What might not be important to you might mean a great deal to me." He shrugged, then grinned. "But then all I can think right now is how hungry I mean, which might be a shared sentiment all over, so--"

Headmistress Hawthorne (and now Ancient Runes Professor) had taken pity on all of them and Levi found himself actually thinking about something other than his hunger. His stomach continued to grumble, make no mistake, but he paid close attention and was more or less unable to look away. It couldn't be denied that Hawthorne was the sort of woman who clearly knew how to command a room and he was, strangely enough, now suddenly excited about Ancient Runes this term.

Levi blinked once, twice, thrice.

That Hawthorne had decided to ditch sugar coating and called the stand off for the competition that it was instead of cultural exchange or whatever did not go unnoticed. Though he supposed some cultural exchange would be had, for sure, but Levi appreciated honesty; this would be a competition, probably a dangerous one, and one that'd require both brains and natural talent. Presumably.

But whatever thoughts he may or may not have had about the rules of the competition itself and how to get in vanished the second food made its appearance. Levi began piling food on his plate with mashed potatoes and chicken, and beef, and some salad because vegetables were important--

Oh, new head of the house. He looked up, stared at Professor Marchand in silence for a moment before allowing a halfway grin to make an appearance. He couldn't say the man would have been his first choice as Newton's replacement; Levi would have probably preferred Healer Reed. But he had enough self-awareness to know that this was really for purely selfish.

And there was nothing wrong with Marchand anyway. He was probably a little too nice for Gryffindor, but--"My summer was monster and poltergeist free, sir. So, it was good. Very educational." He was being completely honest, too; St. Mungo's volunteering, Slug and Jiggers internship, after all. "As well as informative, I'd say." About a lot of things, so much that his half grin became a full one for reasons that had nothing to do with the Charms professor. Even if he liked the man just fine. "How was yours?" Then he remembered congratulations were in order. "Oh, and good lu--congratulations! For being head of the house! It's good to have you on our end." And stuff. "We're a generally well behaved, studious lot. The common room might not always make it look like we are, but--" He shrugged, still grinning.

Anyway, good save there, no doubt.

Sir Nicholas was around doing his thing with the extra house pride and socializing and scolding. Business as usual, so Levi waved.

Skylar sniffled into Noelle's sleeve, replaying the Headmistress' words as she had departed the staff dais moments ago. She hadn't meant any harm and she didn't know what came over her, but it just wasn't like her at all. Deep breaths, Sky told herself. She glanced up from Noelle's shoulder to see the other Gryffindor prefect had taken notice of her, and she sent a small smile ... if you could call it that ... towards him, and then another on her other side toward Ava who had scooted a bit to make room for her.

Of course Noelle would tell her that. But before she had the chance to explain, Professor Marchand, bless him, was at the table. And she couldn't help but smile at his kind sentiments.

"Thank you, Professor." she nodded, as she turned her attention back to Noelle who had comforted her with the embrace she had hoped. She then proceeded to talk quietly, "I just ... I did something so very stupid and I don't know what came over me." Pausing, because Noelle would want to probably know what this stupid thing was. "I just told Healer Reed he smells good." Well, basically not those words exactly, but it was close enough. Honestly, what had come over her? He did smell good, but like the headmistress had said, it was inappropriate. And goodness....

She had missed the speech, she hadn't​ been in the hall when that happened and was just a bit delayed in getting to the table, but Char bounced over and squeezed in next to Levi. Yup, people could make room for her.

"Hi Levi! Hi everyone!" Also look at all the first years! Char would be sure to befriend them, after the eating. Priorities, y'know?

So Professor Marchand was their new head of house? She smiled up at the man encouragingly, she was a bit unsure of this but didn't want to show it since she had noticed he always seemed jumpy and overly anxious about what the students thought of him, which probably wasn't the best thing for leading this particular house out of all of them!

And she would ask after people and their summer adventures after she had eaten, but for now the sixth year was aaaaaall about chowing down.

Ace was well tenacious, but he got an roll at his reasonings. "Doesn't your mom have like, a ton of creatures, plus you know, you and Roxy? Anyways I'm pretty sure, this if we needed a specific creature for some reason, the professor would have them for us." She gave him a grin "Plus, they'd probably let you keep it, and then you'd get another pet. Isn't that what you'd want anyways?"

Focusing her attention on her little Nugget, she gave her a fake frown. "What. Okay? All I get is an okay?" Something must really be bothering this girl, and she'd have to find out what it was. "Nugget Stasya," she said, with a mischievous grin. She wasn't going to get rid of her new nickname so easily. Oh good, even Noelle was trying to cheer the nugget up. Sam nodded in agreement. "She's right you know, the best. Unless," she looked at the girl seriously "You can be wonder woman. That, would be the best." Thank you cousin for being stupidly obsessed with her.

The fifth year gave the other small girl (Emmeline) a measured look, and pursed her lips thinking. "Um, I'd say probably not. The prefects here, Tencaiusand Noelle usually show the first years up to our common room after the feast. But, you should be free to head over the the Hufflepuff table after the speech" She glanced at their two student leaders, yeah she'd probably need to let them know about her. "Oh, uh, Sam, and yeah, it was awesome. Professor Newton is the best." She looked up at the staff table looking to point him out but realized he wasn't up there. Maybe he was late or something?

While she dealt with the two first years, Sam continued to carry on her conversation with Levi. He was an odd duck, did he know? "I think you are over analyzing things." she said as he continued only to be cut off when the headmistress walked to the podium. She was thinking about Levi and how he sooooo seemed the extra brainy type with that sort of talk that she almost missed the part about having a new Potions professor and head of house. WHAT. She frowned as she looked up front. Of all the worst things that could happen, this was the. worst. possible. thing. She didn't even care about the competition that was coming.

As soon as the speech was over she turned towards where Ace was sitting and exclaimed loudly, and in a clearly disgusted tone "What the fizzing whizbees was that?" She failed to notice the look of excitement on his face, and honestly wasn't concerned with it. He'd understand right? how horrible this was.

Between the already terrible day, and the unwelcomed news from the feast, Samantha had pretty much lost her appetite. She did put a small portion of food on her plate, but mostly just ended up moving it around her plate. She was still doing this when the Charms Professor, or rather their new Head of House, made his way to the table. She did her best to keep the contempt she felt off of her face, and answered along with the others with a "Hello" of her own. She did however refrain from adding in a comment about her summer. That didn't need to be talked about. Siiiiigh, was it time for bed yet?

Gaston listened intently as Mr. Kenning talked about his summer. He laughed a little at the mention of monsters and poltergeists. "Sounds like the makings of a good summer indeed!" he said. "I'm glad you enjoyed yourself, Mr. Kenning." His expression changed a little when asked about his own summer, but he managed to keep a smile on his face. ["B]"My summer was fine, thank you for asking."[/B] No need to go into the argument with his father and resulting identity crisis, was there?

Blink, blink. Did Mr. Kenning almost say what Gaston thought he did? Oh well, never mind. "Thank you, Mr. Kenning," he replied. The boy's next words got a slight chuckle from him. "I'll keep that in mind."

Gaston was glad to see Miss Diggory smile. "You're very welcome, Miss Diggory," he said, though he didn't feel any thanks were necessary. He was only reminding her what everyone already knew about her.

He noticed Miss Kettleburn's smile and eagerly returned it with one of his own, but when he looked in Miss Swynford's direction, he somehow got the idea that something was off. Maybe she was having a bad day? He said nothing about it, though; he didn't want to pry.

The new Gryffindor head was about to leave the table when he suddenly remembered something and turned his attention to the new students. "First years and transfer students, please follow Mr. Salander and Miss Summers -" He indicated each of the prefects in turn. "-when the feast is over. They'll escort you to the common room and pass along any information you need to know."

Once the speech was done and Noelle had stuffed herself with food. (She was very happy with the elves' work). Noelle glanced over at Ace. She knew they had to lead the new faces to the common room.

Giving them some time to socialize and finish eating, Noelle said bye to all her friends before looking over to the Slytherin table to see how Olly was doing. He was their new prefect. Then she took a glance over at Etta and Henry. It was cute that it was Henrietta and Henry as the Hufflepuff prefects. All the H's.

Saying bye to all her friends, Noelle stood up. "If you are done and ready to head to the common room, if you'll please follow Ace and myself to the common room." She said giving them all a big smile. Her smile grew seeing her little brother, who was following in her footsteps as a lion as well.

She started leading the way to the common room.

[Hey guys! The Gryffindors have a CR party up in the Lions Den if anyone would like to play! Party in the CR]

Naturally there was a great many things happening at once, each feast was more or less the same with the exception of those most recent feasts which, with the unappreciated poltergeisting had been even worst to bear through. Perhaps it was this fact, coupled with her nostalgia that kept Aslan from being an entire grump.

Jessa Cambridge was helping too, even if she didn't realize it.



Very Important Questions. Aslan's lips tugged into an amused half-crescent at the words. There was something very like herself in Jessa. They had the same pull, the same search and thirst for more than just the base facts. It was a trait that had often led Aslan into messy waters but had just as often led her to understanding, not only the world they resided in, but within herself and she supposed Jessa would move along that same path.

The older witch nodded, tucking back a lock of her mid-length hair as the gears in her mind began to whir and turn. What kind of book would Jessa be eager to speak about, but not here? There didn't seem to be any embarrassment in the Ravenclaw's tone or any indication in her features of any other feelings aside from eager curiosity.

Her own curiosity piqued Aslan found herself nodding again. "After the feast." She agreed, pausing thoughtfully. "Meet me in the library tomorrow." Aslan added, twirling the lock of hair between her fore and middle fingers. It seemed the best option, they would be able to pull books on the topic and lead on from there.

And once again she was nodding, absorbing the information but offering none back. Talk of summer and summer plans didn't seem to warrant more language, at least not in the Gryffindor's eyes.

--------

Although she didn't verbally respond to every hello and hi sent her way, Aslan did acknowledge her fellow Lions, whether with a nod or wave, although in some instances the seventeen-year-old offered a hint of a side-ways smile. It wasn't exhaustion, or dislike of talking which kept her quiet for Aslan could and often spoke volumes when so inclined, no, it was more about listening. Or rather, she supposed, eavesdropping. Though her eyes remained on the Dias, Aslan's interest was half based in the conversations of her housemates. Many of the topics were unfamiliar or simply uninteresting but as Professor Manchard arrived that all subtly changed.

The Seventh-Year Lion raised an eyebrow and turned her dark eyes from the Charms professor to Levi Kenning to Charlotte Kettleburn (the twinge in her chest upon seeing the blonde was ignored) and then back to the Charms Professor.

A well behaved and studious bunch.
Her brows went higher into her hair. While not untrue, the words were not at all a good representation of all the Lions could be. "Professor." She coolly said, chin resting in the palm of her hand, leveled by her elbow on the table. "I would suggest fire resistant robes." Aslan wasn't joking, if she had learned anything from Gryffindor house in her seven terms it was this; you had to expect the unexpected.

CONSTANT VIGILANCE.

Yes, she believed it was better to prepare the man for the worst.

Oh, there was Bentley Moore. Aslan leaned over without so much as a good bye to the Professor and turned her attention to the sixth year. "Will you be taxing us again? I can have another form of protest against it." She said conversationally, almost joking. Yes, she was capable of joking at time, when it suited her and the whole idea of Blaise and Ben taxing the common room was, to be quite honest, was one of the funnier things that had happened last term.

Multi-tasking became a second nature when hunger was at play. Levi piled food on his plate, and took some bites while people around him continued to talk and generally socialize around him and with him. He swallowed, took a sip of pumpkin juice. "Kettleburn, you're late," The boy said, candidly, by way of greeting. He grinned. "You missed some stuff; Professor Marchand--" shamelessly pointing at the man, "--is the new head of the house, no exra-curriculars this term--" he supposed that maybe meant dueling? Oops. "because there we'll be fi--competing with Ilvermorny students. They're coming over next month."

Or they'd be getting more information next month.

Same difference, really. "Sam," He said, turning to look at the girl, trying not to laugh because in one conversation she'd figured out the very gist of his personality. "That ought to be my middle name, actually. But yes, you're correct. I'm sorry?"

He wasn't really, though at some point he had been. Over-thinking, like multi-tasking at the moment, was also a second nature to him. To get rid off it would be like lifting his own skin, which--no. It was always just a matter of turning his brain off by focusing on things that required his undivided attention. Not that this always worked, completely, but it was an area of opportunity he continued to work on.

Noelle was leaving, probably with Tenacius, to lead the new people to the common room and he waved his friend and fellow prefect goodbye. Then his waved turned to the Ravenclaw girl Aslan was talking to. He raised his goblet, turned to look at Professor Marchand at the same time Aslan herself took a more direct approach to Gryffindor related behaviors.

Ha.

Levi hid his grin with his goblet, which made him want to laugh; his shoulders threatened to give him away, so he willed them to stay still. His ears turned pink. The boy cleared his throat, coughed, took another sip of pumpkin juice. "Aslan's idea is not a bad one, to be honest." Which he'd meant to keep to himself, but it wasn't like it could be taken back now.

There were worse things, anyway.