Oh the things he’d do for a friend. Well, if he was going to be really honest, he wanted to see River’s face again. He looked mighty fine that one time he passed by his humble salon to get a haircut, and that glorious hair! Ugh. That man had been such a daaaaaaaaahling! How could he resist his favour this one time, yes? Anything to see that handsome face of his!

But what about this apple? He was aware of his seminar, but he’d been really shady about it. Look, he even poofed without saying a word!

Levi wasn't necessarily interested on saving lives so much as he was interested on what made life. It was a realization he'd reached a while ago, one that he thought ought to have made him feel a little bad but mostly, it just what it was. Which was not to say he didn't see the thrill on holding the power of being able to save lives--he very much could--but his interests lay elsewhere. The essence of life itself was infinitely more interesting; how intrinsically connected brain and heart were, how human beings could persevere even when all the odds pointed to the opposite.

That sort of thing.

He walked to the grounds with the usual spring to his step that came with attending classes--or seminars, in this case--that deeply interested him. There were some interesting artifacts on the table that quickly drew his attention and he thought he saw his name in one of the bottles; but what was more interesting was that... that did not look like Healer Reed at all.

The boy tried not to frown. He arranged his face into polite interest. "Hello, sir." He approached the man, made his mouth curl into an equally polite smile and nodded. "You're not Healer Reed. Unless a polyjuice potion is at play, here." Levi tilted his head to one side.

Curls out, Lucy tugged her cloak tighter around her body as she walked down to the lake. She might be biting off more than she can chew by attending this seminar, but she figured the experience that came with it would make it worth it. Maybe with the more exposure to healing, the more interested in it she would become. Maybe that would be her career path. And careers were very much on the young girl's mind this year.

She stopped once she came beside Levi and smiled up at him.

The Healer's Challenge seemed to be a hit or miss thing for Henry. He was always so eager for athletic type of activities like the Yeti Run they did last year, but although he did like working with the murtlap, the second challenge last term was way too much like a potions class, which was a class Henry really struggled in and didn't always enjoy.

Still, he was eager to see what Healer Reed had in store today, hoping beyond hope that they'd endure another stimulating physical activity. Having the seminar out on the grounds hinted that it might be that type of lesson, but the stuff on the table? Not so much.

The sixteen year old gave Lucy a grin and little wave before going to stand on the other side of Levi. "Oh! Hello.." Henry greeted the man who clearly was not Healer Reed, somewhat in surprise as his eyes fell on the man, but he soon had a welcoming smile for him. "Hey.." he whispered to Levi. "Who's that?" Did he miss something? New staff? Guest speaker?

A healer's challenge, what is the world was that! Sully had never hard of it. But it sounded like something she wanted to do. When she first heard about it, she was really excited. So she made her way there with a smile.

When looking around tough she noticed that there was no healer present. Just a table with different bags sitting on it. Maybe they were going to practice on each other. Like bandage each other legs and stuff, that's would be fun... thought Sully didn't think that the students would be allowed to do more advanced stuff on one another.

Healer seminar! Honestly, Skylar was having mixed feelings about coming down the healing seminar today, because it would be one of the first occasions she'd seen Heeler Reed since the feast. And while he didn't seem upset about her confessions, she couldn't deny she might have been avoiding him purposefully for the last few weeks. On the other hand, healing seminars were ALWAYS quite interesting.

Though upon approaching the place on the grounds for the seminar and examining the supplies set up - were they going to be drawing blood from each other? - the fourth year frowned when there was no Healer Reed present. Instead a strange man, whom she thought she might have recognized, but couldn't exactly place where she'd seen him before. Ah well, at least she had more time to think before she saw the healer again, because a few more minutes to tack onto the weeks wouldn't hurt anything.

Another seminar with the students and River?

Why not?

Since Kay was very certain Cami would be there, she decided that she would be there too. What kind of cousin would she be if she did not continue to torment the Transfiguration professor? Aside from that, she was genuinely interested in the challenge. Hence, this is why Kay made her way to the Lake.

But where was River? The man there certainly was not him. Kay reasoned River must have invited him for some reason. "Good afternoon, everyone!'' she greeted loudly enough for all who gathered there so far to hear.

Camilla had attended the Healer Seminars last term so why not continue the trend and attend this terms seminars as well. She was here to support River as well as help out the students should they need any help...and well it didn't hurt to learn more about healing as well. With all the traveling and adventuring she got herself into during the holiday breaks keeping herself trained in all types of healing methods might very well come in handy.

As she came closer to the area where the seminar was to be held she noticed two things...one being several students were already there and two being that the man in charge wasn't, At least not that she could tell right now. However another man was there to whom which she gave a warm smile and a nod in greeting. Her brown eyes shifted and easily zoned on another adult, her cousin. Cami laughed softly to herself knowing exactly why the other women was there.

"Kaysha," she greeted softly stepping up beside the Muggle Studies professor and lightly nudging her arm. "Come to see which of us is better at these challenges?" she teased lightly.

Olivia was psyched that she could finally attend the Healer's Seminar. Unfortunately she had been preoccupied with injuring herself last term so when she heard about this one, she had made a BEE line to get here. Healing was something she found fascinating and Healer Reed was awesome. Who didn't like Healer Reed?

When she got to the Lake, she was slightly disappointed not to see Healer Reed and frowned but soon the frown disappeared when she realized that she recognized a fair amount of these people. "Hello!" she said to the group and gave a smile for the two Professor Stewarts. What would they be doing in this challenge, hmm?

With a bottle of Sleekeasy's help Aslan had managed to calm her mane into a simple, singular side plait for ease. Her white sleeves were rolled up and for the most part she had left herself alone. No feathers, no horns, but her eyes. They were horizontally slitted and a vivid gold. The effect was not subtle, but the magic had been complex - more so than the spell work that went into her literally feathered hair.

She had been expecting Healer Reed, her new eyes told her that the man before her most certainly not him. Curiosity pushing her forward, Aslan raised a dark brow but did not speak her question, Levi Kenning had done that for her. the Gryffindor glanced to the bottles and the bandages and as she awaited the answer to her unspoken question she allowed her mind to theorize on what these objects meant- The likelihood, considering the name of the challenge and the objects assembled felt obvious to her. They would be trying their hands at healing techniques. The real question? On whom were they to be practicing, for as far as Aslan's enchanted eyes could see there were no dummies or cadavers.

She pursed her lips and remained thoughtfully silent.

Even though her father and sister were healer, Ava didn't really want to follow their footsteps and wanted to be... Well, at this time she still had no idea what was she going to do after Hogwarts. But it didn't mean that she should miss the healer's challenge thing, right? Besides, she had nothing to do this afternoon and it would be nice to make herself... productive.

She doubted that it would be a physical challenge since Healer Reed did not mention of wearing any kind of sports attire. Ah okay, let's keep it as surprise. The Gryffindor headed to the grounds and saw some people were already there but the healer himself. There was a stranger, some students like Levi, Henry, Skylar, Olivia, and Aslan that she gave them a small wave, two Hufflepuffs that she didn't recognize and the Stewartesses. "Hello, Professors." Ava said to those two women.

Daisy didn't really have any interest in Healing except for possibly learning how to mend broken bones in case she broke any while playing Quidditch and no one was around. Well, in case. When should really be more appropriate, considering last summer's broken arm and hand. But despite being pretty sure that Healer Reed wasn't about to teach them how to do that, she couldn't really miss this -- even if she was skipping her daily workout sessions. Challenge. The word challenge had been on the announcement and Daisy's mind had obviously remembered last year's challenge and the Yeti. Of course that this year is was Healer's Challenge but maybe they would run away from Healer Reed himself?

Didn't matter, she was here anyway.

And Healer Reed -- and his dogs -- weren't.

The Slytherin paused and curiously glanced back at the castle. Had she missed it? Or read the date wrong, perhaps? Doubtful, considering the number of people already there, two of which staff members. And ... some other adult she didn't recognise. She still made her way over to him, however, because she definitely recognised the people standing near him. "I'm not late, am I?" She whispered as soon as she got close enough to Levi, Henry, and Lucy, one hand quickly squeezing Levi's side in greeting before moving to stand next to Henry. Uhm. Nope, that man was completely unfamiliar. "Good afternoon, Sir. Do you know if Healer Reed is bringing his dogs?" Priorities.

Olly wasn't sure how he felt about the healer's challenge. The last one he'd been to had not been his favorite, and he had not done so well with it. This one looked better so far. Bandages and stuff on the table. It looked like they would be learning simple healing techniques. How to tend to wounds and whatnot. That was useful information that it was probably best for him to learn. He was still a bit wary, though, and did not have any greetings for anyone right now, especially not the stranger where he might have expected Healer Reed to be. Instead he made his way over to Ava quietly and stood, awaiting instructions.

Kyle arrived and looked around. He didn't know what Healer Reed looked like, so he wasn't sure which of the adults he should be greeting. The two women were out, of course, as he knew Healer Reed was a man. What about the man who was standing over by the lake? He started to approach, then stopped, a little unsure of himself. He tended to be shy with adults until he got to know them, and the professors weren't any different. He hadn't greeted any of the professors from his classes so far. Instead he turned his attention to the table. There were many things there he was already familiar with, as his father often took care of them instead of taking them to a healer for their wounds. He hadn't dealt with murtlap sap before, however, so it would be interesting to see it at work if they were using it this session.

AHEM....ahem, ahem, ahem.

Instead of just willy-nilly showing up with no preparation, Olivia had deemed today special enough to take extra care with her appearance and ponytail. Oh, it wasn't anything too excessive, considering the physical activity they were probably about to be subjected to (which was MORE than fine), but she'd felt Healer Reed was worth the extra effort. He was, after all, an exceptional man. Brilliant and capable. The Gryffindor had found herself to be quite taken with his...skill. Yes. His Healing skills had left a profound impression on her. Such profound. Very wow....

So, imagine her surprise (and disappointment, sorry Hogsmeade employee) at not seeing him already gathered with Roscoe and Bumi. This was a Healer's Challenge, right? By definition, that would mean their esteemed Healer would be involved in some way... Or it would've simply been a regular challenge with no added connotations necessary. Anyway, despite the initial letdown, the blonde still moved further into the already gathered students; noting the small colorful sacks. And the murtlap essence! Yes, indeed, she DID see her name scrawled across one of the bottles. It ALSO made her happy that so many people were showing up for his event. Healer Reed deserved all the recognition, all the participation, all the adoration....

....Remember the time he'd carried her in his arms to the infirmary???? Olivia didn't (really), she'd been unconscious...but it had probably been so wonderful. Actually... it made her consider faking an injury. So that he'd need to carry her again...

Perhaps, perhaps...

Also, it seemed even their resident professors weren't immune to the charms or these little challenges. Offering a wave to both older women (Kaysha, Camilla), she eventually pushed herself to the very front of the crowd; grinning at thoughts and feelings she'd rather keep to herself for now. Her amusements would've seemed downright cruel to the wrong individuals. So, best to keep that on the down-low.

Hm, and who was this casually chilling over there by the lake? Very curious and mysterious... The plot thickens!

She wasn't sure if she was interested in healing itself, but any chance to learn something that had an effect on the human--or any other--body was always welcome. In light of the...shift in focus of half her experiments, Jessa was beginning to think these Healer Seminars were going to come in extra handy. Her new plan of action would inevitably see her getting hurt a time or two and she didn't think she'd have the best year if she had to keep heading to the Healer to fix her after. No. He'd have questions after a while then before she knew it THAT would be a lost avenue of experimentation too.

Couldn't have that.

The supplies on the table were curious. Even more curious? The absence of Healer Reed and the presence of a man with oddly well styled hair. Good for him.

Jessa waved at Olivia as she walked by her to take a spot by Aslan and Levi. Much like the two (because even if Aslan never spoke, the 13 year old was sure she had questions too), Jessa was interested to know more. The girl had gotten there in time to hear the end of the Gryffindor's question and found she had one of her own. "Will we be operating on you today?" Was that why they had the bandages? Was he prepared to get hurt so they could make him better? Merlin, what a trooper. She couldn't wait.

Twisting just a bit on the spot, Jessa took notice of both the Transfiguration and Muggle Studies Professors. Having no reason to interrupt their little banter, the Ravenclaw simply turned to their test subject again, already mentally cutting him open and stitching him up good as new.

So Théodore was here but just a little confused because he did not see Healer Reed and wasn't this his thing. Not a class but something else. He forgot the word. There was just a weird guy here.

Also why was both Stewart Professor's here. Was this hard enough to need two more Professor's and the weird guy with the hair.

Too many questions for Théo's head.

Healer Man Reed was good people. The best people, actually. One of Abey's favourite people. And because Abey didn't much like hanging around inside the castle walls without being near a proper adult with proper magic that he properly trusted, he had maybe been sort of actually lingering in or near the Hospital Wing during a lot of his free time in the term so far. Professor Hirsch sort of got the same treatment, except he tended to be a little harder to find because he was so often IN his office, which was no good.

So ANYWAY, now that there was an actual technically proper class with Healer Man Reed, of course Abey was going to be there. And the best part about it, other than Reed? It was in the GROUNDS, not the castle.

Except that when Abey GOT there, to where everyone was gathered, he couldn't see the Healer anyway. Just kids, two professors, and a strange man he didn't recognise.

"... Where's Healer Man Reed?" he asked nobody in particular, his expression and his tone quite clearly betraying how heartbroken he suddenly felt. He stayed back, quite a fair distance, looking unsure. Because if Healer Man Reed wasn't going to be here, he wasn't sure he wanted to bother, especially if a stranger would be taking the class instead.

... Panic suddenly gripped Abey, almost physically actually. He could feel it, like a big clawed monster's hand squeezing his heart. And his lungs, even. Because OH NO WHAT IF. "Is he sick?!" Dying? DEAD?!

Is that why the professors were there? To break the news?! OH MERLIN IT WAS, WASN'T IT? THAT WAS WHAT WAS HAPPENING.

"I'm sure he's okay, Abey." Unless they were meant to be rescuing Healer Reed today, in which case she was slightly worried her younger cousin would be in for a panic attack of sorts. If that could be avoided, she'd be happy. Just saying.

"Hello everyone." The brunette smiled some and looked around, considering the supplies that were set out and the rather interesting man who stood out among the current crowd. Hm...

Kalen wouldn't ever hear the end of it if he missed this seminar to be honest! Chase was keen to remind him that he knew River and would indeed be checking to make sure he was there..

Having a healer in the family was both lovely and a nightmare.. but here he was. Besides, he thought it would be good to support his colleagues.

He had his hands in his pockets as he walked down to the grounds, and he nodded as he saw Kaysha and Camilla already there! He headed over to them and smiled warmly, "Hello Ladies. " He said as he stood casually by them..

He eyed the man down by the edge of the Lake but stayed back, letting the kids talk and interact with him.

Somehow, Hirsch found himself disregarding his daily workout to come here instead.

And who was to blame?

Healer River Reed himself.

With his hands tucked deep into his pockets, the Defence Professor found himself strolling down towards the lake after Kalen himself. It wasn't surprising to see a number of students lined up there already. Rumour had it that these sessions or was it something else? were very popular, after all. What was surprising, however, was seeing the number of staff present for this little challenge. Huh.

And don't even get him started on the man near the edge of the lake

"Hello, everyone!" he said, once he was close enough to the group. The man let a small smile cross his face, mostly for the sake of one Abey Botros. His eyes, however, glanced around at the surrounding area and then up towards the castle and the path he'd just come from. No sign of Reed? They weren't going to have to take the lesson, did they? That hadn't been part of the plan.

And, more importantly, where was the Healer?

Derf wasn't sure what to make of these 'challenges' yet and was quite torn as to whether or not he found it neat or WEIRD that so many professors always showed up to these. But the Healer Man had DOGS...so that was reason enough for Derf to be here. They had helped him out last term with the yeti challenge so he was keen to see them again.

Only instead of dogs there was a terrifying man. The one shopkeeper from Hogsmeade with the TEETH that always gave the Hufflepuff the heebie jeebies. Like...what BIG teeth he had kind of TEETH.

The better to eat you with, m'dear?!

"Uuuuuuuuuuuuuuh..." he stammered, side stepping his way towards the general direction of Professor Hirsch. "Isheavampire?" he asked the Defense professor point blank. "We...goingtolearnaboutourbloodtypes?"

Also HI ABEY! We see you there with your sister, yes. Derf gave waves to both of them.

Etta made her way down to the grounds, wondering what the healer had in store for them today. Something good, hopefully. But-- as she reached her destination, the healer was nowhere to be seen. Instead, Professor Hirsch and the Librarian--? Both the professor Stewart's?! What was happening? And who was the man standing by the lake?

She smiled and waved at all the known faces, her eyes still drifting towards that man. Who WAS he, though? Why hadn't he introduced himself yet? She had so many questions but she distracted herself by studying all the supplies on the table.. it looked like the lesson was going to be quite interesting. Hm.

This was not a man you forgot.

His features were distinct enough to be easily recognizable but what stood out the most to Aslan were the clothes. He was impeccably dressed in a style that screamed for attention and begged to never be forgotten. Aslan decided the man was out to make a lasting impression and that in itself, irked her.

Aslan scoffed with amusement as Jessa spoke up, she gave the Ravenclaw an arch look. "We're partnering up." She said, certain there would be a moment when they would be split off into groups and although Derf's comments were.... Interesting she did not want to be teamed up with him or anyone of a similar mentality.

Ava was greeted silently, a simple nod and the same nod was offered to Olivia.

Ah, there was Professor Hirsch. One of the remaining relics of her third year and a welcomed figure no matter what. "Hello Professor... " She said, offering the man a nod along with her greeting. Aslan paused, glancing with her enchanted eyes to the new man and then back to Hirsch. Yeah, no. She had nothing to add here.