SNAKE WELCOME TO SCHOOL GATHERING!

Professor Vance stepped into the quiet Slytherin Common Room her arms full of refreshments after the feast. Behind her trailed by the use of magic a number of trays laden with all sorts of candy, marshmellows and smore's sticks to roast over the fire in the fireplace. She hoped that she had timed it so that Oliver and Vivian would be leading the snake students both new and returning down to the dungeons in just a few minutes, that was at least what she had ordered them to do in the letter they got with their Prefect and School information before term.

Pulling out her wand Laurel uttered a few spells and watched how the food and beverages and goblets organized itself to her satisfaction around the common room. Fixing the lightning and putting on some pop music she thought the kids were into Laurel headed over to the candy bowl. Taking up a random bertie bott she started to chew on it as she waited for the students to arrive.

OOC: Welcome all snake students to a welcome back to Hogwarts gathering planned by me your head of house and the prefects Kimothy and Littledhampir! Come play with us, the more the merrier! Eat candy, roast smores, drink pumpkin juice, dance and who knows what else might happen.. The party is set after the students come back to the Common Room after the opening feast is over just like how Harry had it in the first book...

She still got this, of course. Vivian fought to keep her aching legs moving so she could remain enthusiastic as she continued leading the horde of Slytherins to their common room. The returning students obviously knew the way here, so Vivian kept close attention to the firsties and the transfers in case they made a wrong turn. It wasn't just the thought of finally getting to bed that excited her tonight, but because she had secret stuff planned too. Olly knew that, and Professor Vance as well.

After making sure everyone got inside the common room (eyes on those who might have wanted to sneak off), Vivian walked inside and beamed. Look at that! Now, this was definitely a great way to start the term! In all due fairness, Vivian had to give it up for Professor Vance. She'd done a splendid job in this place. It still looked like home, but it had a more party vibe and aura.

But first, priorities.

"Marshmallows for everyone!" Vivian had made extra effort to make sure they had enough marshmallows for tonight. Of course.

Skylar was close behind Vivian; even though she had slowly begun to be slightly more trusting that no one was going to jump out to attack her best friend, she still wanted to keep a close watch. Between Vivian's prefect duties and herself with her millions of extra studies, the two were bound to have some sort of breakdowns and some point and being there for each other was super important. Just hopefully not SMOTHERING, right? They did need some space, just enough for Sky to keep a close watch, but also time to walk with the boyfriend and enjoy his presence.

Grinning at the sight of the familiar common room, Skylar had to admit she was pleasantly surprised with the way it was all decked out. Thank goodness for her large appetite, because despite having just consumed a feast, these snacks and beverages were definitely welcomed. Just hopefully it wouldn't go TOO late, the welcoming festivities, considering her extensive first day of activities and classes. But she supposed that was the sacrifice to having elected to put so much on her plate this year - sleep.

Taking a handful of marshmallows, she grinned at her bestie. "Thanks!" And shoved a few in her mouth, "Chhhiii, chprchoffessor," she greeted through a mouthful of marshmallows, and swallowed, "I mean... hi, How was your summer?"

Patrick followed Vivian into the common room, he was also behind Skylar as he walked further into the common room. He was in awe of the space, for being in the dungeons of the castle it felt homey, even though a bit cold. He saw the candy laid out on the table and walked over, inspecting the contents. He saw some Bertie Botts, some marshmallows, and some other candy. But, none of it really sounded yummy to Patrick until he saw a brownie of some sorts further on down the table.

He moved to grab the brownie and take a bite. It was sugary goodness and he was so glad he hadn't had dessert at the opening feast. He watched Skylar, it looked like she was talking to someone who was a professor, maybe even the head of house. Patrick nearly couldn't contain his excitement to be at his new home... nearly.

Following Skylar into the Common Room, Felicity immediately zeroed in on the treats and away from the Professor. It wasn't that she didn't like her - no, Professor Vance got a big smile, but teachers reminded her of school and the fact that she started OWL lessons tomorrow and.... Nope. That was a big fat nope right about now.

Instead, she leaned against the table and watched one of the first years grab a brownie. "Patrick, right? Where about are you from?" Yes, kiddo, she'd heard that accent at the feast and she was curious as anything.

Fluffing her hair, Julie tried to ignore just how stuffed she was and how tired she was in favor of being social and enjoying one of the best parts of being proper back to school. The First Night House Party. Parties (like a secret handshakes, taking over corporations and fashion), were done best by Slytherins. It was just a fact. They had the best taste, the best people and naturally, the wittiest conversations (sorry, not sorry Ravenclaw).

Although, she did have some suggestions for the music and ambiance and lack of party flavors for Professor Vance, but that was it. Honest. She'd said her Hullo to Vivian but that was then and this was now and she was soon by the older girl's side, taking up a licorice wand and chewing. "Did i congratulate you on your badge? I meant to, Sorry." Julie apologized, sometimes her tact got carried away. "Hey Skylar," Julie chuckled, unable to help herself as the pale brunette spoke through a mouth of marshmellow fluff. "Good summer?" was that an assumption? just a teeny one, though, considering Diggory's cheer.

"Is there butterbeer?" She asked no one in particular, peeping her greenish blue eyes into a few goblets of... yeah, that was pumpkin juice. Hm. "Good evening Professor Vance, glad to be back?" Julie asked out of custom, honestly, it wasn't like the Professor could answer that question otherwise. How hilarious if she did, though. Julie would have laughed herself into next term.

The feast had been magical, the walk to the common room had been ever so exciting, and now Philippa von Brandt was completely ready to enjoy being a proper Slytherin, she just really needed the bathroom first. Too much water was obviously not a thing because water kept her skin clear and her energy levels smooth, or so Papa always said, but it also really made her need to pee and there was no time for a bathroom break on the way here.

But where was the bathroom?! Looking around helplessly, Philippa twisted this way and that to get her bladder under control. Hair now braided into neat pigtails, said plaits smacked her right in the face as she sharply turned all the corners of the common room, upset that her first time was being ruined because of peeing issues. And she was missing a party too! How awful.

"Excuse me," she walked up to where Prefect Vivian and Skylar were, and another girl with amazing hair (Julie). She tried to get their attention looking every bit the sad kitten, with wide eyes and bowed head. "I can't find the bathroom.. could someone show me where it is? Please?"

Please please please. So she could stop being embarrassed and sad and start being proud and excited about being a Slytherin!

The first night back at Hogwarts was definitely Xavieria's favorite and something she looked forward to. There was something even more magical about coming back after being away all summer to find that Hogwarts was always just as amazing as it was when they left. Also, she always appreciated the first glimpse of the common room and the party that was held to welcome everyone back. Xavvie always missed her family, of course, but Hogwarts was her second home.

Therefore she was in quite a good mood when she reached the common room. Already she had spotted a fellow dormmate, Julie. She waved to the girl and headed over in her direction (and the direction of the food) when she noticed a girl she had seen at the sorting, a lost first year in desperate need for the bathroom. "I can take you there, it's pretty easy to find, once you get the hang of things." Merlin knew Xavvie had greatly appreciated when there was an older student to help her figure out the way around this crazy big place.

Patrick turned with brownie crumbs falling down his face onto his white shirt. Well crud, his new shirt was now going to have possible brownie stains on it. He heard a girl say his name, it was the girl who had an oddly familiar American accent in the great hall. He swallowed the bite of brownie he had just finished. Brushing off the crumbs sitting on his hands onto his pants he stuck out his hand, "Yes, I'm Patrick. I didn't catch your name at the feast."

He was about to wait for a response from the girl when he remembered that she had asked him where he was from. Kentucky accents, or even a southern one were a dime a dozen where he grew up, although neither of his parents had an accent. "I'm from Kentucky. But my dad was transferred to a job in London a year ago. What about you?" he wondered.

Flynn would be lying if he said that he didn't miss that dungeon smell, and when he entered into the common room, it was like he had never left. Except that loud, annoying music playing was enough to make him want to turn around and walk out. How could he possibly reminisce over all the first years he took advantage of last year and make his new plans for this year when there was loud music drowning out his thoughts?

He wasn't really hungry, meaning he did not want to risk any of the food having wheat in it. No allergic reactions for him on his first day back.

Instead, he greeted the Professor with a nod before walking over to the couch where he made himself comfortable.

After being surrounded by crowds of people squished into the Great Hall, Maxton had been looking forward to having some time relaxing with a comic before bed. As he followed the group of Slytherins into the Common Room however, he quickly realised that probably wasn't going to happen.

Professor Vance was here and she'd decked the place out with sugary treats and music. Maxton wasn't one to turn down sweet treats but even he was smart enough to know that if he consumed too much sugar now he'd never get any sleep! None of these kids were going to sleep!! He needed a good night sleep before the first proper day of school tomorrow!!

What was Professor Vance thinking!?

Deep breaths. Deeeeeeep breaths. She'd held in pee before, it wasn't that hard if she concentrated and she absolutely refused to pee in her knickers for the entire Slytherin house to see. She would never live it down. She'd have to bury her face in the ground and never ever ever return. Like, ever.

Oh, someone noticed her! Some girl with such pretty hair! And eyes! If Philippa didn't need to go to the bathroom so badly she would completely try and suck up to this girl. She wanted all her beauty secrets. All of them.

"Yes please!!" she nodded earnestly in response, brown braids bouncing as she wiggled this way and that to keep from allowing the pee to escape. Not today, pee! Not today. Not ever actually, but not today especially. Nope. But could they go, like, now? She was a little on the verge of dying.

Junia was distracted. The little one on the verge of having an accident was partly to blame, though only for making her think of her own siblings who were no doubt back in their own common room for the first time. Were they nervous? Were they making friends? Did they have anyone to show them where the bathrooms were?

UGH.

Rubbing her now throbbing forehead, she moved further into the room and got herself some pumpkin juice. Did she have to mingle for long or?

Xavvie could see that the girl needed to get to the bathroom now so she offered her hand to tug her through the ever growing crowd in the common room. Everyone had been at a moment when they really needed a pee and she didn't want to lose the firstie in the crowd and waste time. Precious time, in this case. "I'm Xavvie, by the way." Hello. They could chat more after the bathroom.

On the way past, she spotted another familiar face. "Hi Junia!" She waved but otherwise kept moving because they had a destination in mind. Aha! Bathroom. Goodbye, Common Room!

Vivian was very much glad they had this little Slytherin gathering party thing. At least it made her thoughts float away from overthinking about OWLs and fifth year in general. The term was bound to stress her out and, although she knew it was too early to even consider it, the blond thought this party was necessary for her sanity.

OMG, Sky. What are you doing? Vivian grinned at the bestie as she took marshmallows but then giggled when she stuffed them into her mouth. "Swallow those, Sky. We're not playing chubby bunny tonight," she said. Perhaaaaaps there were other stuff in the list, but not that game. The blond didn't want choking Slytherins on the first night back. She also offered the bowl of marshmallows to Liss. It was one of their official dorm food.

The prefect then took a moment to look around. Everyone was safe? Yes? Yes. Vivian went over to check them. First was firstie Patrick. "Hey!" She greeted with a smile, then offered a bowl of marshmallows to him. He could go ahead and get as much as he wanted. There were loads for smores-making! "Enjoying your first night so far?" Sounded like an important prefect question.

Then there was Julie. The younger she-snake received a smile from Vivian... and she was concerned she hadn't congratulated her? Aww! "You didn't, but it's okay. Thank you, though," the blonde replied with a beam. She even did a thumbs up, so no worries on that! "Marshmallow?" She thrusted the bowl closer to her. Still a lot for everyone to nom on.

... Wait, bathroom? Vivian turned around and saw the other cutie firstie -- Philippa, wasn't it? -- from the feast! "Hey there! Oh, there's a bathroom here nearby," the prefect replied, but before she could offer to walk with her, another she-snake had already grabbed the opportunity. Which Vivian didn't mind, of course. "Thank you," the blond said and smiled at the girl (Xavie). She knew the other blonde was younger than her, that's for sure.

But apparently, not everyone looked too happy about the party... which was understandable. As much as Vivian wanted to crash and sleep already, they had worked hard for this event to be made possible. "Looks like someone's not feeling the first day back to school," the blond said to Flynn with a tiny smile. Don't worry, she was hella tired too. "D'you want one?" Vivian offered a marshmallow to Flynn just in case. Did these Slytherins not appreciate marshmallows as much as she did?!

And there was that Carden boy, whom Vivian had a rather weird conversation with the Bloody Baron about. The prefect smiled at him and offered a marshmallow too, in case he wanted one. "Bet you were contented with your meal." Because he probably had two rounds of dinner tonight. Vivian wasn't one to ignore feast food even when she was full. The elves worked hard for them. Then when Junia passed by, Vivian couldn't help but feel a little concerned for her dorm mate. "You okay, dormie?"

Mess wasn't something Liss hated, and so the crumbs on Patrick's shirt went completely unnoticed - after all, the House Elves were practically life savers when it came to things like that. Aw, and here he was offering a hand. After shaking it rather dramatically, Liss took some marshmallows from the proffered bowl that Vivian was holding, mouthing a thank you to her, before waving with her 'mallow free hand at Junia & Sky. They'd catch up in the dorm, right? And soon, before she started to fall asleep.

"Felicity," she said, with a smile. "Ooh, nice, what does he do? I'm, like, two states over in North Carolina. Or, I was. My dad also transferred just over a year ago, so it's only my second year here."

He smiled, North Carolina was one of his favorite places to vacation with his family, or even take a weekend trip. Felicity made him miss the states a little less than he did when he first moved to London, or walked into Hogwarts. "Well my father was an architect for the American Ministry of Magic office. My father was transferred back to his home region last year."

After Vivian swung the marshmallows around Patrick grabbed one so that he wouldn't appear rude, but he had all the sweets he could handle with the brownie and marshmallow. "Thanks Vivian." Patrick mumbled. It still made patrick a bit sad because he loved Kentucky so much. His brothers had stayed and gotten jobs there, but because he was only a young kid he had to move with his parents. The only upside he supposed was that he was getting to know his grandparents better for the first time in his life.

Was she talking to him? Flynn tilted his head back when he heard blondie prefect's voice. Oh yes, yes she was. "Have I ever felt the first day back? Let's be real here," he replied along with a small smirk he added after he spoke.

He eyeballed the marshmallow blondie was offering him. "Are they gluten free?" He was not about to die in this common room tonight, and he would most certainly not be killed by blondie's marshmallows. Merlin, that would be the most embarrassing way to die here.

As more and more people came into the common room, the older Slytherin looked around. Some people he remembered from last year then there were some others he did not know at all. Was he interested in knowing them? Probably not. Especially not brownie-stained shirt guy over there (Patrick), but he nodded over at Felicity and Skylar. That was his way of giving the people he could tolerant a nice welcome.

Oliver was fashionably late. He'd wanted to make sure everyone, especially the firsties, had gotten from the Great Hall to the common room properly. Vivian had done a great job leading them, and he was simply picking up any stragglers. Luckily there weren't many and it really wasn't long before Oliver himself came into the common room to join the party.

To be honest he hadn't really been that hungry during the feast itself, but now that the food being offered was marshmallows and smores the story was a little different. He really wanted some smores. He made his way over to the fire, stuck a marshmallow on a stick, and got to toasting. Right, socializing, he should do some of that too. While his marshmallow was toasting, he glanced around him for his fellow slytherins.

Laurel was just in the process of lighting a fire in the big fireplace for warmth and grilling possibilities when the snake students both new and returning poured into the room. Vivian started right away to hand out marshmallows. She seemed to be on her prefect duties from the start and Laurel approved. With the fire lit Laurel walked over to Vivian to get her own marshmallow and to say a beam pursing her lips. "Hi Vivian, welcome back! How does it feel to have been chosen as house prefect? Do you have any questions? You look like your are already taking on your duties and that is very good!"



Laurel was debating whether to eat one more marshmallow or to save her appetite for the candy when Skylar poked for attention. Turning to the other fifth year girl she said when she understood what she had tried to say with her mouth full of food. Smiling warmly Laurel said "Hi Skylar, welcome back to school! My summer was wonderful. I got try something new that I've never tried before. How was your summer Skylar?" Was she still together with Brent?



Leaving Sky and Vivian to get some pieces of her favourite candy Laurel happened upon one of the newly sorted first years by the food trays. He had opted for a brownie instead of candy. Both held sugar so. Beaming broadly as she stopped next to him she said "Hi Patrick right? Most welcome to Slytherin! I'm Laurel Vance, Slytherin's Head of House and I also teach Divination. Are you excited to start classes tomorrow?"




Is there butterbeer? Laurel's head swiveled around as she tried to pinpoint who had asked the refreshments question when her eyes landed on Julie Bellaire. Walking over to the fourth year Laurel nodded and gestured to the butterbeer pitcher. "Good evening Julie! There is butterbeer in the green pitcher over there on the table, if you prefer that to pumpkin juice?" Taking a sip from her own goblet of pumpkin juice she smiled in response "Yes I am glad to be back. I have good vibes. I think we have a chance to beat Gryffindor this year. Are you glad to be back to Julie?"



Laurel watched and listened from her place by the food and drink how ickle Philippa mounted some courage and went up to the fifth year girl's mainly Sky and Vivian to get directions to the girl's loo. But it was Xaviera Bole that took pity on the first year's predicament and said that she'd lead her there. Before the two dissapeared out of sight Laurel called after them "5 house points to you Xaviera for assisting Philippa with finding the loos!" And the year was already off to a point start on the first night.



Fixing herself a plate of sugary treats mainly candy Laurel walked over to sit down on the couch next to Flynn Kowalski. She had been on her feet for quite a few hours today already so it felt nice to sit down. She almost toed off her heels too but thought better of it. Offering her goodies plate to Flynn she said "Good evening Flynn, does it feel good to be back at school?"

Meeting Maxton Carden's gaze Laurel beckoned him closer, curiously wondering what was on his mind. "Welcome back to school Maxton? Did you really bring your own dinner to the feast?" Yes, she had heard. Word got around.



Laurel looked on as a distracted looking Junia helped herself to some pumpkin juice, but didn't speak to anyone. She figured she'd see if she could get the fifth year to talk. "Welcome back to school Junia! How did it feel to see your siblings get sorted at the feast?"



Oliver then entered the common room, uncharacteristically late for him, but Laurel assumed that the prefect had a good reason for his lateness. He went straight for a marshmallow stick to raost over the fire in the fireplace. "Good evening Oliver! Were there any problems on your way down to the dungeons?"

The Common Room was getting more crowded than usual and Maxton didn't much like it. Crowded rooms weren't really his thing and he was wondering if he could maybe get away with sneaking up to the boy's dormitory.

Before he could pull off his daring escape attempt however, he had the both the Slytherin Prefect and Head of House on his case. Oh dear.

He took the marshmallow he was being offered and nodded at the Prefect.

"Mmmhmm, it was a great feast." His own home-cooked portion hadn't been as tasty as the house-elves' creation of course but sometimes he believed in quantity over quality.

The third year edged closer to Professor Vance when she beckoned him over. Oh gosh, how did she know about his pre-feast feast. Had the Bloody Baron told on him? Was he going to get into trouble? Was that a suspendable offence!?

"Yes ma'am," Maxton muttered, feeling his cheeks flush a little. Maybe he should have lied. "I'm sorry if I broke any rules. Please don't send me home I promise I won't do it again."

"Oh, so he's originally from England?" Felicity couldn't help but grin, thinking about her own Father who'd moved around a lot. She often wondered how much Colin missed the States - probably even more than she did - but he was also loving it here, and his business was doing so well. "My dad works for the Internation Confederation of Wizards, so he travels a bit. He moved to America just after I was born, then met my other Dad over there, and then he transferred back here." Also, don't ask what exactly his job was, because she didn't really know. Something to do with organisation. And people.

Whatever. Flynn got a nod back, and Felicity forced herself not to roll her eyes. There was just something about the moody boy that grated on her. And she didn't care how nice his face was, even if every other girl in their year was probably swooning.

He quickly wiped his hands on his pants before stuffing his hands in his pockets of his pants. He turned to the Divination's professor who happened to be the Head of House. "Hello Ms. Vance." His southern upbringing shinning through with calling her Ms. until he knew otherwise. "Thank you, i'm very excited to start classes. Its nerve wracking not knowing what to expect but being in the castle."

Patrick turned back toward Felicity, "oh yeah, dad and mom went here. My mom decided that going the wizard route for a job just wasn't for her." He trailed off scratching the back of his neck. He enjoyed the fact that even though his parents were both wizards, they let him live a mix of both muggle and wizard life growing up. "My mom and dad wanted to transfer back partially because they missed home and because my grandparents are here." he shrugged thinking it wasn't that big of a deal other than he always sounded like a tourist.

Kyle was a little late to the party, having stopped at the loo on the way to the dungeons. Thankfully, being it was his second year, he knew the castle well enough now now to get lost, and certainly didn't need to be shown the way. But that meant the unexpected party was already underway and he MUST have missed out on some introductions, he was sure. Oh well. Nothing left to do but to see who was about and mingle a bit.

WAIT!!

Were... were those marshmallows? And sticks to roast them on? And other makings of smores? YES YES YES YES YES!! He ran over, grabbed a stick and a marshmallow, and took it over to the fireplace to start roasting it. He got so completely absorbed in making sure it toasted evenly he forgot to introduce himself to anyone. When he realized what he had done, he looked about between glances at his marshmallow to see if anyone else was joining in the smore-making.