The Slytherin table was a show of Leadership, good looks, new and old faces and one dead one - hello Baron- and right in the midst of it was Julie Bellaire looking as prim, pretty and prime as ever. From her glossy curls and dew covered cheeks to her black italian heels and just a tinge under dress code skirt she felt, and looked every bit the Slytherin Princess she believed herself to be.

None of her earlier displeasure showed in the slightest on her pretty face- but if you looked carefully, very carefully into her blue-green eyes you would see something close to cool displeasure.

She hadn't wanted the year to start off with a skirmish with some idiotic, immature, privileged blonde younger girl, but it had and there was no changing that. Julie was just gonna brush it off, settle into place and figure out what her fellow Slytherins had been up to during their much too short summer break.

except.

There was Zita again, making another spectacle and behaving- once more- like a spoiled brat with her bum on the table people ate on and her lips all over poor unsuspecting Derfael. Julie rolled her light eyes, turning her attention away. There were people here she needed and wanted to acknowledge. Skylar for instance- although Julie had been quite testy with the older girl last year Julie found it remarkably easy now to send a smile her way. "Diggory, congratulations on Captain. I suspect the team'll be in good hands?" Yes, of course this was all just for fun, certainly, but that didn't mean they ought to let the other Houses have even a chance at the Quidditch cup. A first year win would be a fitting cap in Slytherin's hat.

and there was Abe- abra, she reminded herself. She'd grown as used to seeing his face here, he practically belonged at the Slytherin Table as much as Mairwen ( who Julie was quite naturally sitting beside) and herself. "What's good, Ay-bruh?" Julie said, enunciating his new moniker with her lips curved in a playful smile. It sounded suspiciously like the language Mateo was always speaking- like 'merican slang and Julie couldn't help enjoying herself as she greeted him.

And Junia, though the two she-snakes had never been close there was a level of respect and a care for the older girl that Julie had- feelings that had only heightened after last term's awfulness and Junia's bravery in returning for her final year. Julie gave the older woman a warm smile and a nod in greeting. Right then she decided that she and Junia Botros would become proper friends.

Flynn.... Julie still wasn't sure how to feel about his presence or his attitude but she had congratulated him on his new position nontheless and engaged in a quick tete-a-tete earlier which somewhat cemented that they were, in fact on friendly terms. She offered him a nod and a smile, though this one, unlike the one she'd sent to Junia was somewhat.. Challenging almost.

Merlin, the table was packed to the gills now and blessedly so- Julie was never happier to be surrounded by others than when she needed distraction and this onslaught of familiar Slytherin face was just what the Healer had ordered. A breeze gathered and lifted her sun-lightened curls and before Julie could even properly articulate her confusion her eyes fell on Katherine Toussaint's magnificent entrance. Julie smirked with pride, her heart rising as the seventh year sat not far from her.

Here was slytherin's legacy, not that blind haired idiot and her wandering lips. Here at this table was strength, bravery, beauty and guile. Here was cunning and wit. Zta could remain with the Hufflepuffs or hopefully leave, it hardly mattered to Julie Bellaire and it would not matter to Slytherin house.

"Evening, Katy. Brought the last of the summer wind along with you?" Julie greeted, running her fingers through her curls to manage them. cheered beyond measure, Julie allowed her eyes finally to grace the staff table- noting the new and the old very briefly. She supposed the big announcement was coming sooner rather than later and then it would be on to the rest.

Perhaps this year would be the break they all needed.

Okay, it was very hard to be mysterious and queenly when there was a very sweet-faced Callum there needing her attention. His big eyes were all beseeching and kind of sad, and Katy immediately put both hands over his and gave them a squeeze. It wasn't hard to figure out what was going on with him, even without communicating. She'd had six terms at a different school from her brother, and never the responsibility for her sister, and Callum was doing this for the first time.

He was without his sister, and he was responsible for Chloe. Who, based on the pretty fourth years she was running with, was going to be a handful very soon. If not already.

"You're fine," she told him quietly. "And so am I." Even though she was without all her security blankets. Every year, a new blanket stripped away. She was sort of mostly kind of fine.

She held on to Callum when Julie spoke to her, but Katy gave the girl a twinkle. "Wind charms are just the thing for that, Miss Julie. And you look very pretty. I think everyone should put in effort at least twice a term... the first sight and the last. And if there's a ball..." Well, she thought people should put in effort every day actually. She wanted people to understand that she was invested in herself and cared about herself, and they ought to do the same.

Callum Kettleburn looked... Down. about the most down Julie had ever seen the older boy in her five terms as his underclassman. Had she known the reason she would have had nothing but sympathy for likewise, Julie was doing this new term alone. The only Bellaire in the building-Heath was here of course and he counted but he didn't.... He didn't and couldn't fill the hole left behind by Blaise and Bentley's absence.

Yes they could be thunderheads and, yes they'd treated her like a child at times in the past but that was nothing compared to the love, warmth and loyalty they'd given her time and time again. Her brothers, it wouldn't be the same without ether of them.

Wind charm. Julie grinned, amusement dancing across her face as she considered just how ingenious Katy's idea had been. She would have to remember that, not for now but later- maybe the next time she was meant to be meeting Jessa Cambridge for a... meetup. "I'll keep that in mind." The fifth year said, playing with her pinky finger in a demurely distracted manner to ease away the glowing warmth in her chest. Compliments from girls always sent her ego soaring into the atmosphere and a compliment from the fashionable slightly crazed Katy was worth about twenty. "Thank you." The Slytherin silently preened, showing her agreement immediately with a nod as Katy spoke. "I couldn't agree more." There was a lot of enthusiasm there in those words. "A ball... " She had mixed feelings- the last ball had been equal parts wonderful and equal parts awful but that was two years ago and it would be different now- no punch spiking.

"Do you think they'd have another? you know, without it being the IMPs and all." and like that she found herself thinking of Levi Kenning and his exit last term. As empty and sad as it made Julie she was sure it must have been much more painful for Althea and, well... Katy.

Some of the Slytherins didn't seem to mind Abra's presence, and others probably did mind but ignored him, but he thought he preferred being unwelcome and ignored over being unwelcome and confronted about it, so he was content enough with that. Then again, some even greeted him, like Junia's dorm-mates Vivian and (though he hadn't quite caught her smile) Skylar, and so naturally he gave 'hello's and smiles and the occasional hand-raise of a wave whenever there was one directed at him.

Especially Julie, actually, because she was actually his friend and not just someone who didn't mind him (or... er.............. he thought so, anyway). Abra grinned over at her, and maybe around fifty percent of said grin WAS down to her use of his newly preferred nickname. What of it? "Hi Julie. Uhhh..." Was that meant to be like 'how are you?' Would he be stupid for responding to it, or would he be rude for ignoring it? UHHHH... "... I'm good. What's good with you?" Nice..... save? Also, Mairwen, sat beside Julie, naturally got a warm greeting from Abra too.

But, naturally, his attention was mostly on Junia, because that was who he had come here to sit with, after all. As her arm went around his shoulder, he instinctively leaned into the hug. At her words, his own features fell naturally into a smile.

"Mhm. Always here." More or less. Except for when he wasn't. But, like, in spirit, at the very least. Listen, it wasn't a phrase that held up under any sort of scrutiny. "I'm starving. And I sort of missed Hogwarts food, actually. Just a bit." Maybe more than a bit. There was nothing like the food back in the family home of course, the food Abra had grown up with and therefore was quite used to and very attached to, but the elf-cooked food at Hogwarts always held a place in his heart.

Especially after a long train-ride with only sweets to tide him over, which always seemed like a brilliant novelty at the start of the day but soon lost its charm once the sugar-induced stomach aches started kicking in about two hours in.

A hand on his shoulder caught his attention, as did the familiar voice that came with it. Abra turned to look at Zita, whose pool party he had, of course, attended over the summer, and returned her smile with a polite one of his own. "Hello. Yeah, really glad." This was a lie, but it was the sort of lie that was okay to tell, given the context.

He was about to say something else, but something about Zita had distracted him. What did she keep looking it? Abra tried to follow her gaze and find out, but there were so many people in the Hall that it was difficult to know for sure. Barely a moment later, she had left, rather abruptly.

Abra watched Zita as she headed over to the Hufflepuff table and to... to Derf!

His heart soared as he finally clapped eyes on his Hufflepuff, as it always tended to do but especially after so long not seeing him. He was just thinking about how he needed to try and catch Derf after the feast, so that he could hug him and congratulate him properly in person for the badge he had received (even though, naturally, he had felt more than just a tiny stab of jealousy over the matter), when it happened.

Zita... her lips were on Derf's. She was kissing him, right there, in the middle of the hall, in front of everyone. Abey's heart abruptly stopped soaring, and instead crash-landed, exploding into a mess of emotions that quickly overwhelmed him and blasted him directly in the chest.

It didn't really make sense, mainly because Abra was sure that if something had been going on with Zita, Derf was likely to have told him. Or, at least, he would have been sure of it, if he wasn't so instantly overcome with emotion that all logic and rational thought went clean out of his head. Immediately, he looked down again, staring intently at his plate once more as all the unpleasant feelings struck him and made it so he wanted to simultaneously burst into tears and smash the nearest breakable object. His eyes were already stinging, preparing for tears, and his body had started trembling in the suddenly heightened emotion.

He couldn't look up. He couldn't bear to see what was happening, in case the kiss was still happening and Derf was returning it rather than pushing Zita away and declaring that his person was actually Abra actually. He couldn't look, but some cruel part of his brain was telling him to do so anyway, even though the thought made him feel, frankly, quite sick.

Until, of course, Junia's hand edged into his vision, and her voice reached his ears. Abra did look up then, but at his cousin, not at Derf and Zita. He had already gathered, even before approaching the Slytherin table, that things were likely to be particularly difficult for Junia at this feast (something he'd confirmed for himself upon hearing all the congratulations Skylar had been getting and the fact he'd seen her badge for himself) and so understood at once the reason for words.

Abra nodded at once and took hold of Junia's hand, in an attempt at being a source of comfort, though it would have been a lie to say that it was not also for his own benefit as well.

It was comforting, the way Katy could always read him like a book. He had never once vocalized his dismay over Char graduating - because it had never bothered him until now - but she seemed to understand, wordlessly, and the somber Gryffindor found the corners of his lips turning upward in a small smile to her gesture.

"Thank you," he said quietly. "I'm glad." Glad she was fine, too, and glad she was here with him. Although she hadn't been at Hogwarts with him from the very start, he felt the same powerful connection with his cousin as he felt with his older sister, and her strength was encouraging.

He was grateful, though, when someone else stole away Katy's attention - Julie Bellaire, as fate had it, and Callum offered her a smile in greeting as the two girls chatted about something or another... he wasn't really following; he kept glancing at Katy and Julie, half-invested in their conversation, while the other half of his attention took his gaze to the Ravenclaw table first, to Chloe, then to the Hufflepuff table, to Jae. Just checking on them. Making sure they looked okay, and looked happy, and tried not to stare over at them too long as to not be rude to the two Slytherins chatting beside him. He wasn't trying to be rude by not fully investing in their conversation, but he also didn't want Julie to feel like he was listening in and eavesdropping either. That wasn't his style. But he was here and present, if his input was desired.

Aghhhh! This was glorious! So many people were talking to Aaron, it was hard for the boy to keep up with all the conversations happening! SO many people greeting him, and they all get their own individual smile, head nod, and possibly even a wave if they were lucky enough. The only one individual that got a slight tilted head was the male prefect who didn't introduce himself (Flynn), but even with the look that was given to the first year, he just smiled and said "Hi! I'm Aaron. I don't think we've met before. What's your name?"

Attention being reverted back to the Quidditch Captain, Skylar, he replied to her response with "Yep! You will certainly be seeing me at the tryouts for the team." Then she had mentioned about selling her one broom and then inquired if the boy has ever flown before. "I would take you up on the offer, but I already have two brooms at home. And yes, back at my family's estate, we have a small Quidditch field." It wasn't big. But...it was there and it was decent sized. And now was the part of shock and awe about his family having a Quidditch field at the estate. The boy had gotten used to a lot of those types of questions growing up. 'Whoa! You're house is that big?' 'Doesn't it get lonely?' 'You're really that rich, how do you have that much money?' Etc, etc, etc.

A huge smile was given in the direction of the female Prefect, Vivian. She seemed really nice at least (unlike her male counter part, buuuuuuutttttt). "Yes! Aaron, that's meeeeeee!!!!" Laughing with a lot of energy, the boy was really excited to meet so many new people. And that's when...he got the sudden urge to do something bold. Something grand. He wanted the whole house to know who he was, no. The whole school for that fact!

Standing triumphantly on the bench in which he had been previously seated, Aaron placed his fists on his hips like that really cool super hero pose that is shown in basically every super hero movie in the history of man. Proudly and courageously, he stated with great exultation "Hello fellow Slytherins! And those who are not Slytherins-" A brief look was given in the one person's general vicinity. "-I am the great, wonderful, magnificent, friendly, adventurous, and noble, Aaron Ambrose Lyn-Valentino!" This is where the stereotypical sparks would shoot out of nowhere, but that didn't happen...this time at least. "This year we will go on many adventures and explore many things! And we shall also win the House Cup!!!" Insert applause from at least one person, please? He did all that work on a motivational speech, hopefully at least one person would give him that.

The redhead was just about to sit down when the Bloody Baron told her to do so. "I was about to. But thanks." She gave the Baron a nod. She turned her attention to Skylar. Maybe she should call her Captain Diggory from now on? "Oh! That's nice. Congratulation on the badge. And Happy Belated Birthday." Maybe she should ask her parents about getting her a broom her upcoming birthday? Hmmm....That's definitely worth to try.

"It's nice to meet you again, Aaron." Especially now that he's a Slytherin. Aaawww...Look at him so much excitement. He'll do just fine. Then she heard Skylar told Aaron that she's selling her firebolt. "You're selling your broom?" How much? Is she going to do an auction? Because this one is very interested to buy it.

Alyce was eyeing Skylar's firebolt when she heard someone joined them "Hi, Junia." She gave the older girl a small wave and a smile. The fifth year gave a brief smile to Abey who's sitting next to Junia. "I certainly did have a great summer. How about you?" Hopefully she had a great summer too.

And then she saw her house Prefect. Miss Vivian and Flynn. The fifth year gave a friendly wave towards Vivian.

Oh look, finally the person she's looking for. Nathan Hale. "Nathan, over here." She patted the seat next to her. He did say he want to sit next to her during feast, right? Well, she saved him a seat.

Callum looked less harassed, but he never really looked less worried. She saw him watching people all over the room. Probably being their dad from afar, because that's what Callums were for. Katy gave him a poke to bring him back into the fold.

"Tell Julie how pretty she looks, and then listen to me brag about my wind charms. I need a proper audience." And also she hated for him to spend too much time in his own head. Katy cast a quick grin at Julie, mostly for including him but also because the girl was just one of the least objectionable housemates she had.

"And no, I doubt there will be a ball, but it was worth mentioning that you have to put in effort for one. Even if that effort is 'pajamas and pizza and refusing to attend', it's still you being you." And that was the point of this lecture, no signatures were being given, kthanks. "We could have a Slytherin fancy dress. All sorts of costumes and things."

Slytherin.

Gunnar still was slightly surprised that the sorting hat had declared that Slytherin would be his house. He hadn't been sure what to expect really, though he did think that it would be more likely to have been placed in the house of one of his parents - Hufflepuff or Ravenclaw. But hadn't his father mentioned some of his family having been in Slytherin? He could quite remember now and supposed it didn't really matter at this point.

He was still rather in awe of everything about the castle and slightly overwhelmed by how many people were here - most of whom were taller than him and very unfamiliar. But he eventually made his way over to his new table and squeezed into an empty spot. Not knowing anyone here and not being exceptionally outgoing, Gunnar for the most part remained silent. He looked around discreetly at the faces, absorbing some of the conversation, and looking for someone perhaps about his age figuring they'd be in the same boat as he was anyway. Plus, he was growing rather hungry. Why were the plates still empty?

Ah, yes the recruiter side of Sky had emerged quickly! What with the lack of Quidditch in previous years, Kye couldn't really say she had been practicing outside of Flying class, but she wasn't terrible.

She had to admit, she had a slight interest when it had been announced that Quidditch was returning.

"I'll be there!" Kye smiled, internally debating between Beater and Chaser. Okay, maybe she was a little excited, but she was just going for fun! At least that's what she'd tell anyone in case she didn't make it.

Kye had completely stopped paying attention to the Sorting by this point and was looking up and down the table as everyone reunited.

It was great. So far, there didn't seem to be any first-day-back troubles. Some were glad to be back, some were evidently not, and that's normal. Vivian was relieved to say that their first night at Hogwarts for this term didn't seem to be disastrous. Hopefully that didn't have a jinx on it.

Vivian observed as more and more students took her places in the Great Hall. "Good evening, guys," the blond greeted her house mates who had decided to join them. There were some whom Vivian was sure were not Slytherins, but the sixth year didn't mind one bit if they wanted to catch up with friends. She, too, had a few she wanted to visit from other tables but maybe not tonight. They had a whole year to do that catching up, and this was her sixth year. No major exams, just survive NEWT-level lessons. How bad could that be?

And no, she did not ignore the presence of one Nathan Hale. Sure, they weren't on the friendly zone at the moment, never had been since that disastrous date ever, but Vivian knew better than to be bitter on her first night back. There was nothing that could spoil her mood, so she managed a polite nod of acknowledgement towards the fifth year. That expression towards Flynn and his badge though... well, same.

Ah, there was her other dormie! Vivian grinned as she watched Kye approach and moved a bit to the side so she could sit beside her if she wanted. But the compliment about the badge definitely worked in her favour. "Thank you. I make sure to polish it regularly," she shared. Besides, she'd have known that too since Vivian had pretty much shined it on schedule since last term. Owning a badge also meant responsibility in keeping it in good condition too. But clearly, the winner for the night was Sky. Vivian was a tad bit jealous, but really... a normal person wouldn't have the opportunity to receive a letter and a gift from someone as famous as West Odessa. It felt like a whole new level of VIP, if she thought of it that way. "Found any Quidditch hopefuls from the feast yet?" Because, if the prefect could remember well, Sky was practically on a mission to scout people for their house team. "A hand hug for now. You'll get your real hug later," she said, lightly squeezing her bestie's hand. Her boy person wouldn't be jealous, right?

Junia got another encouraging smile from the blond. "No worries, but the offer is still available whenever necessary." Just in case, and pretty much all of her dorm mates would know that by now. There will be no starving Slytherin while she was at Hogwarts, just saying. But the firstie of there was something else, as the prefect's attention was directly drawn back to ickle Aaron who looked just so hyped tonight. Not a problem, though. Vivian could handle enthusiasm. But then WHOA. He was definitely another level of liveliness today. Taken aback, Vivian blinked at the sight of the first year pretty much declaring his existence to the entire Great Hall. Good Merlin... was he done now? "Alright. Thanks for that lovely introduction and words of inspiration, Aaron," the prefect smiled and winked at him. "They'll be sure to remember your name." As the ridiculous firstie who took a very interesting route to make himself known for some, but nevertheless still gaining attention for himself.

Oh, another firstie! They weren't falling short of interesting first years this term, weren't they? "Hey, there!" The prefect called out to the newly-sorted kid (Gunnar). "My name's Vivian. Welcome to Slytherin." She would have announced that she was prefect, but the badge would surely speak for itself. No need to be redundant. This kid was quite though, as compared to dramatic Aaron over there, and Vivian respected his choice to remain silent if he wanted. Her eyes wandered around as she made sure her baby snakes were around, and she watched as that particular one--Zita, wasn't it?--made her way to another house table. Which wasn't a big deal at all, definitely, until...

...

What.

On the first night? The prefect was in a bit of a shock there. And DERF. Merlin's beard. Were her prefect sense tingling? Yes. Did she feel the need to do something? Yes. Their house cup was at stake. "Nobody sits here. Excuse me..." Vivian said to nobody in particular, moving out of her place and rubbing forehead as she made her way to the Hufflepuff table.

Faster before a professor catches all that. Please.

Kye noticed Vivian scoot over, and she happily took the seat. Kye wedged her way in, and listened to the ongoing conversations with a small smile. She was much happier here than her grandmother's weird parties, that's for sure. It wasn't long though, before Vivi was leaving the table. Kye had no idea why, but she assumed the popular prefect had plenty of people to say hi to!

She was abandoned!
Not really, but extroversion was hard without an extrovert's lead!

Kye brought her attention back to the table to the new faces who, now that they had been sorted, looked just as hungry as she was!


Her eyes scanned the Great Hall looking for... well nothing, but she wanted to see what everyone else was doing to pass the time. She saw where Viv had gotten off to, and laughed out loud. As if they hadn't just had a whole train ride to get this out of their system, people were making out right there in the Hall! She didn't agree with the attention seeking aspect of this, but she did kinda wish she had some kind of fling this year. She was 16 and hadn't even held a guy's hand!

Well now she was starting to get grumpy.

"They better save the announcements for after!" Kye pouted. Blaming her sudden boy-craze on her growing hunger.

It wasn't the hunger.

At least Aaron didn't like many other first years scream at the sight of him. The Baron approved slightly. Leaning closer he grumbled, black eyes fixed on the first year. "I see. What might your parents have told you about me?"

Had that quidditch badge already inflated the girl's ego? Shifting his eyes to Skylar he grumbled back in response. "Flying a broom into the hall is against the school rules and proper feast decorum Miss Diggory no matter how gorgeous you think those brooms of yours are." If Professor Vance or another staffer got wind of it she'd be in trouble.

The Baron watched the sorting for some time before he turned his attention back to his snakes. The red robes of one Abraham Botros stood out like a black thorn in a sea of green roses, where he was seated next to Junia again. Letting his eyes drift from one to the other he said his black staring eyes stopping on the snakette. "Good evening Ms. Botros, your cousin Abraham here can stay with us since he always seems to sit here anyway. Just keep him out of trouble." The Baron let his eyes linger some time on Abraham before he averted his gaze.

Flynn Kowalski was now a badged prefect of his house and the Baron had to say that he had his doubts about this appointment. But he respected Professor Vance so he'd keep his thoughts to himself for now. Floating closer to the boy he grumpily responded. "Good evening Prefect Kowalski! Congrats to your appointment! Do you feel up to leading the house?"

Prefect Fairfield arrived when the sorting had gotten started. The Baron drew his gaze away from the hat to the blond sixth year. "Good evening Prefect Fairfield! My summer was like many other summers, Peeves caused a bunch of racket and trouble." And Lady Helena kept saying that she didn't love him.

Miss Valla's finger wiggling in his bloodiness direction didn't go unnoticed. "Good evening Ms Valla." Before he could say anything more the fourth year excused herself from the table and left to go over to the hufflepuff one for some reason. Following her with his gaze the Baron watched how she went over and snogged one of the boys which made him turn around fuming with disapproval and anger. "Prefect Fairfield, go fetch Ms Valla before she get's herself a detention and Slytherin docked points on the first night! Quickly now!" Vivian had luckily already seen the danger and was going over to the badger table.

His Bloodiness mood had grown grumpier because of Zita's actions so when he floated up towards the head of the table to sulk and stew he accidentally floated through one of the newly sorted first year boy's. Stopping some meters away he could hear how the boy's stomach growled. Floating backwards to hover in front of the boy the Baron's greeted gruffly. "Welcome to Slytherin Mr McCarthy!"

Kei enjoys people watching, he realizes, as he settles himself further into his seat, cheek resting in his hand, watching the activity in the Great Hall. He finds it fun! Watching the houses interact, and the ghosts - it's captivating.

He eyes the Baron at his own table, watching in case he's addressed; if not, it's no skin off his back, but he definitely wants to make up for his nervousness the year before. He has more confidence now.

Nathan’s befuddled look at the sight of Flynn’s badge did not last long however before his attention goes back to the other prefect. Yes...he recalled their disastrous date one time...but that was before he realised that she was canoodling with another guy in his dorm too. Huh. Maybe he should put his name in that stupid dating app thing just for fun.

He pulled his gaze away and turned towards Alyce’s familiar voice. Ah yes, he told her that he would be sitting next to her. He moved quietly and did exactly that. “Yo.”

Nathan Hale just want some food in his belly. Come on speech already.

Hmm, something going on at the Hufflepuff table? Ooh nice, there was some lip action between Zita and Derf. He couldn’t help but to whistle at the both of them.

Zarina made herself comfortable and was hoping the food was going to be served soon. As she was waiting patiently, she saw familiar faces and not so familiar faces. One she turned her head towards the long table where the staff members are, she saw the male slytherin prefect (Flynn). She gave him a nod and a half smile. He seemed to be in a rush and he seemed also like over pompous. Once his attention was off her, she rolled her eyes. Yeah they weren't gonna get along. Oh wait the Bloody Baron was here? She beamed and saw the ghost and gave him a semi friendly smile. "Hello Mr. Baron so tell me what does a ghost like you do for summer plans?" She couldn't wait to hear his answer.

Now the female prefect (Vivian) was making her rounds. Zae eyed the badge and she looked up at her and she seemed cool. She nodded and gave her a half wave. "Oh it was alright, nothing special." she responded to her kindly. "How was your summer?" Zae wanted to treat the prefects with some respect. I mean they were in charge of you. Now the Quidditch captain had her attention on Zarina. Zarina smiled warmly, "Hey Skylar!" She hoped she could try out this year. She wasn't going to ask because she didn't want to sound too eager. "Yeah my summer was nothing special. Didn't really do much. My highlight is always going to Diagon Alley.." As lame as that sounds, its the truth. "Congrats on the badge.." It did look mighty shiny.

Once this slytherin was done talking to the captain, she felt a presence. She turned and saw it was Cameron. She smirked and was surprised he sat with her in the first place. "Hey there. What brings you here? You never sit next to me." Well that sounded rude. She responded to his question to change topic. "Well it was alright. Nothing special." She mostly helped around the house with her mom. "How was yours? Probably more exciting than mine." Ain't that the truth. Then Zarina's eyes traveled over and she noticed Alyce. She gave her a warm smile and a wave.

He could see the colour rising in his pallid fingers as he turned a silver plate slightly, looking at his reflection: the warmth and magic in the great hall was taking over, and he didn't fight it. Little eaves of conversation tickled his ears and Wolfie found himself absently toying with the cutlery as he listened to his housemates chatter.

When another first year was sorted (into Gryffindor!) he turned in his seat, looking out at all the other first years at the other three house tables. Spotting the house ghosts, Wolfie turned back to his own table and found the Baron, the silvery blood lighter than the rest of his incorporeal body. He was familiar with the Baron's story and it saddened him a little.

Oliver looked around and waved at some of the others who'd said hello to him or everyone else at the table. Everyone seemed pretty friendly this term.. But maybe they were always friendly at the beginning of the year and just grumpy at the end? He could recall one of the feasts left him feeling annoyed

Then there was Katy.. Hmmm. He could see what she was doing, trying to make some sort of grand entrance. Maybe he wouldn't play into that..

He sipped his cup instead of looking at her as she made that antrance and when she acknowledged him he took a minute before looking at her. "Hmmm?" A grin on his face so as to show he was messing with her even though it was obvious.

"it was my birthday yesterday, what did you get me?" He asked jokingly yet again.

She was back at the Slytherin table in no time though she stopped and waved at a few people that needed waves and deserved the waves. "Did I miss anything while I was gone?" Of course she didn't, all eyes had been on her and no one really was doing anything exciting here. So she knew she hadn't missed a thing. Slipping into the seat next to Andi she grinned at her friend and then glanced around at the table looking for Liam .

Her eyes went to the staff table and quickly she moved back to her own table to see if there was anyone worthy to talk or flirt to, something had to pass the time while they were stuck waiting and now that she knew she was either meeting up with James or finding Derf she was ready to get this feast over with.

Pulling her little mirror out she checked the rest of her makeup and hair to make sure it was still just perfect and of course she found it better than perfect. Magic was just amazing, wasn't it?

Flynn did not even have to look at the person speaking to know who it was because who else called him that? Correction: who else had permission to call him that? Not that Vivian had permission to begin with, but it didn't bother him enough for issues to arise from it. He glanced at his co-prefect and greeted her, "Hey, Mayfield." He had used this nickname long enough that he had to think long and hard to remember her real last name, lol. "How about I take my nap whenever I want to?"

Let's be real, that sounded like a much better idea.

... "Luckily for YOU though, I'm not tired yet."

He felt eyes on him.

Flynn diverted his attention to his acquaintance that was not sitting too far away from him, and his eyebrow raised at the jaw-dropping. "I know you're my biggest fan, Hale, but try not to stare too much, okay? I don't like the attention it brings." Because the last thing he needed was to have all the snotty-nosed first years looking at him too, which would eventually lead to them asking questions. He was not the one with the answers, Mayfield was. He was here to....

.... what was he here to do? Hmmmm.

Oh PLS, Diggory. Join the comedy club because that was hilarious.

"Me? Jealous?" PFFT. "I have better tricks up my sleeve this term." Just you wait and see, Quidditch Captain. He was curious as to why she had TWO brooms though, and he considered for a brief moment to ask her why then he realized that he didn't care enough to know the answer. He didn't care to hear her talk about it either so on to the next person...

... and that next person was HER.

HM.

He didn't have a fresh bun to throw at her yet, so he would come back to Teddy.

Oh yes he did, Junia.

Fear the power.

He returned the nod, looked at her briefly (because she was pretty), then moved his attention elsewhere.

Flynn was unsure how he felt about Julie. Were they friends...? Acquaintances....? People who tolerated each other under certain circumstances...? Whatever they were, he could say that he did enjoy her company. For the most part, at least. He noticed that smile, taking note that there was something different about it, and he returned his own charming smile back to her.

"I look forward to that butterbeer," he said. The way he said that - was he flirting? The world may never know.

No, they haven't met.

Did he care to know him? Not really, if he was being honest.

Aaron would be labeled as "annoying firstie #1" in his mind, but since he was suppose to be a ROLE MODEL (or however it was put in his Prefect letter), he had to force himself to talk to the boy. Ugh, such a responsibility. Where was Vivian?! She could talk to the boy, and he could have a conversation with someone much more interesting.... like that fork.

"Flynn," he replied back. "You can call me Prefect Kowalski though."

Flynn was all fine and dandy until someone squeezed themselves right next to him, and not only that, it was one of those snotty-nosed first years! He blinked a few times as he looked down at the boy, head tilted, examining him. "You didn't want to sit next to someone your own age?" Or sit anywhere else that wasn't next to him?

Flynn did not expect such niceness from the ghost, and it did cause him to stare momentarily. ".... yeah, sure. I guess," he responded. "You're being rather nice today though." He paused, squinting his eyes some, before adding, "Can we go back to not liking each other? I don't like the kindness from you. It's weird."

Oh, it was whats-her-name!

Flynn never bothered remembering the names of the people he didn't care much more, but he did return the nod. Not the smile though. He wasn't that nice.

... and there was another first year!

Flynn stared at him for a moment then looked at the Bloody Baron, who the little boy seemed to be fascinated in. "Sup?"

SEE VIVIAN, he could be NICE! He could talk to those snotty-nosed first years.

Now was it nap-time? He talked to so many people, and it exhausted him.

Patrick looked around the table, everyone was chattering and catching up. It was like a family dinner at his place, it was hard to keep up with the conversations and what was going on. He knew it was because everyone was excited to be back around their friends and have people to talk magic about. He was trying to keep up with everything but felt as if he was only catching every third word that was coming out of his friends mouths. He noticed that Flynn had gotten an upgrade to his uniform, he was now a prefect. "Congrats on that Flynn."

He looked across the table and noticed that there was a quiet looking boy about his age. He knew the feeling, this time last year he was feeling the same way, trying to figure out the dynamic of the house. Now he was in the conversation and he'd say at least acquaintances with everyone or friends. "Hey Gunnar. Welcome to Slytherin!" He felt he should be there for him since he was the quiet one... although now that he had been at Hogwarts a year he felt as if he was getting bolder in his behavior. He still wanted to be a good student, get the most points you know, but he wasn't above causing a stir this year.

"How are you feeling this far Gunnar?" he was hoping he could put him at ease since he looked a little nervous. He tried to listen back in on Skylar and Vivan's conversation too but hope might be lost.

A voice, closer at hand, reigned in his attention. Wolfie's brown eyes shifted focus from the countless years of pointless penitence to the prefect's badge and then wandered up to hold Flynn's gaze.

"Tragic love stories make me sad", he nodded once in the Baron's direction. Wolfie sat up straight and was about to continue before catching himself, choosing to smile instead and raised his eyebrows slightly.

Ah there was Cameron with a congratulations of his own and honestly, Skylar just beamed at him hoping he would come tryout. Scouting on people who she knew played would definitely be in her favor, wouldn't it? "Thanks, Cam. I'll see you at tryouts?" But it really shouldn't have come out as a question, because again, she knew the younger snake played. Besides, her focus shifted back to Junia for the time-being, who seemed ... bitter?

Skylar blinked at her dormmate, whom rattled off her scores, which were respectable nonetheless and didn't ask about her own scores, but navigated instead to a change in topic and congratulated her on the badge. She wasn't going to gloat about it, because whatever was bothering Junia Botros, the last thing she wanted was to make things worse and to make tensions rise in the dorm. "Thanks. I do hope you'll consider trying out?" Because yes, she knew the girl played chaser for Alexandria and well, she didn't want things such as captaincy to get in the way of her playing quidditch.

Apparently her grand entrance via broom had nothing on Katy Toussaint and honestly, Skylar was a WEE bit jealous of the style the girl had, even if she had her own style, which she was content with. Perhaps it was the blond hair that all her close friends seemed blessed with, as opposed to her boring brown. "Looking good, Katy," she beamed at the seventh year, as she of course, seated herself near Oliver.

And speaking of good looking Slytherins the house was full of them. Or actually the school was, there was one pretty looking Julie, whom had acknowledged her captaincy and Skylar had to wonder if she was a quidditch player. She wasn't sure, but at least her perception was that Julie didn't look like a quidditch player. She did, however, place her hand on the playbook that had been sent to her moments ago, "Thanks Julie. And yes, I hope so." Ugh. She was actually super duper nervous, but while she wanted the quidditch cup, it was also the camaraderie that would come from the team too, right?

Attention back on Aaron when he declared about his family estate and having a small quidditch field. To be honest, Skylar wasn't all too surprised as she'd definitely interacted with many people, both well-off and not. So it was just an indifference to her. "Ah, well, you couldn't bring one to Hogwarts this year, unless you make the team." Because there were exceptions like that. Also, she was eager to see what he would bring to the pitch, given his obvious confidence air about him. Confident and loud, were definitely two characteristics she would use to describe this first year, which maybe he wouldn't be all talk when it came to flying. One could hope, at least.

The brunette glanced back at Alyce, when she congratulated her but also inquired about her broom sale. "Thanks for both. Uh, yea, I have no real need for two, and its served me well and is in great condition. I haven't exactly decided on a price yet." Was it worth more than someone buying it new because it was the former broom ridden by an Under-17 athlete? Would she have to sign it? Important logistics, she still hadn't quite figured out...

Which was when a small boy (Gunnar), whom just been sorted into Slytherin and seemed very ... lost in thought? Sending a warm smile his way, she waved, "Hey, welcome to Slytherin! I'm Skylar Diggory!" Also, did he play quidditch like his new dormmate? Because she was very interested in scouting for tryouts still.

Apparently her scouting worked on Kye, as dormmate of hers exclaimed she would be there. "Great! You'll see details soon about when to show up and all that jazz. I'll try not to make it too early in the morning." Cause seven am quidditch pitch reservations would be for actual practices; she'd go nice on the tryouts front and start them at at least eight.

Eyes flittering back to Vivian, she was intrigued when she mentioned about polishing it regularly. HOW regularly, was what this sixth year wanted to know. But then there was the question, which of course Vivian would ask, because of course Skylar would be scouting pretty much the moment she boarded the Hogwarts Express. "Possibly," she said, eyes glittering. Yes, Vivi of all people knew about her missions. Which tended to flop horribly, but it was the thought that counted. Also, she really hoped she wouldn't flop on the scouting mission. Her eyes shifted up to see Baldvinsson, who didn't seem to bat an eye at her flying entrance. Of course he wouldn't; he was actually probably proud of that entrance and would defend it. "Definitely." And no, no jealousy from boy person, because she would need a boy person for that. Besides, Vivian was her number one....

And then Vivian was up and over at the Hufflepuff table, as she had followed one Zita leaving their table and apparently KISSED Derf. Right there. Okay, so Apollo had kissed her at the table, after receiving her parcel from West, but that was different. No, it was clear that Zita seemed to be ... actually, she had no idea what Zita was after, but Derf seemed stunned and so it was definitely different. But Vivian was handling it and so Skylar's gaze went back to the Baron who was not impressed by her fly-in.

Sighing, she just shook her head at the ghost. "Against the rules? I'm fairly certain that Professor Baldvinsson has flown into the hall before. No need for jealousy because you can't fly a broom anymore." It wasn't as if she was going to be EATING while flying, she at least managed to get off her broom to sit down at the table. Honestly. Ghosts could be so sensitive. Because if it was against the school rules, why would no one have said anything but a dead person?

Yea, sorry Baron, all respect for you and everything, but your point seems mute. But she did notice Kei down at the table, just watching and Skylar just sent a brief smile and wave at the younger snake, as Zarina finally decide to greet her instead of just catching her eye. "Thanks Zarina! Ah, Diagon Alley has its perks though." Although to be honest, so did Muggle London. Considering as someone under seventeen, she couldn't even use magic anyway. "Thanks, you play?" and would she be trying out? Pegging the quidditch players was difficult when the only flying that had taken place was in lessons.

And there was another first year (Wolfie) to get sorted into Slytherin. Sending a wave and warm smile down the table at him, "Hey, welcome to Slytherin! I'm Skylar!"

Just as her gaze was directed back to Flynn. Also, if he'd been awake in the Prefect's Compartment, he'd have known why she had two brooms, because she had informed Tenacius of that very thought. She did laugh though when he said he wasn't jealous. "Right," eye roll. "And what makes you think I don't." Given she had started off on a good front with her entrance.

Oh good.

Skylar was smiling and encouraging him to try out. Good. „Of course I will. I‘m already looking forward to it.“ Cameron grinned back at her but left it at that. There were already too many people surrounding her - a badge clearly brought on some form of fame as well - so he decided it was time to find a seat. She‘d addressed him by name so surely she‘d remember him for later. That was all that really mattered right now. Not that he doubted his talents. But it couldn‘t hurt to make himself known either.

The moment he‘d sat down, Julie happened to walk in. Looking radiant stunning beautiful great as always. He gave her a smile even though he wasn‘t entirely sure she‘d spotted him at the crowded table. He‘d catch up with her later. Or tomorrow. Preferably later but who knew. Everyone was always in a hurry to-

Oh. Right. Hi.

“Hey.“ Cam greeted her again, letting his eyes rest on Zarina next to him. Before he got a chance to say more he found himself a little...taken aback by her next words. Not offended really, just surprised. Not that her statement was false, he didn‘t usually sit with her no, but it was surprising that she felt the need to point it out. Huh. “I...don‘t.“ Did she want him to leave? Although the fact that she was asking him questions would insinuate otherwise. He was going to stay then. Unless she explicitly asked him to sit elsewhere. “Mine was great. Lots of fun. But it‘s nice to be back too.“ He paused to look around the table for a second, eyes briefly resting on Zita.

“What did you do?“

As for Zita, it turned out he wasn‘t the only one surprised by the kiss. Derf seemed, well, surprised was probably putting it mildly. SHOCKED seemed to be more accurate. Cameron couldn‘t quite hide an amused look when the Hufflepuff literally fell off his seat. Only because it didn‘t seem like he‘d been hurt of course. He didn‘t want him hurt. He had no reason to. But it had just looked funny, okay? Oh but Zita was coming back to their table now - WHAT a drama queen - and Cameron didn‘t hide the unimpressed look he was directing at her. Paired with a frown.

What had THAT been about anyway?

Wolfie's ear twitched ever so slightly at the sound of a new voice, and still smiling with eyebrows raised he turned from Flynn to Skylar. "Wolfric", he replied, tilting his head curtly and lazily waving back, elbow firmly grounded on the table next to a silver spoon.

Perhaps it was the colour of Skylar's eyes, but Wolfie found it slightly more difficult to avert his gaze.