It didn’t take many moment’s before he heard give off another shriek and then say his name with emphasize on his last in a very angry tone. Joshua had a moment there when he observed to himself that Kay actually looked quite beautiful when she was worked up over something, in this case his plant. Joshua opened his mouth to reply to Kay when Foster deposited old Albert, his fanged geranium back onto his plate with a very meaningful advice about apologizing to Kay. And before Josh could do more than gently stroke his now upset fanged geranium, avoiding the fanged teeth with experienced hand the Headmistress Hawthorne also decided to voice her strong dislike about his antics which he labeled as childish.

Looking down at his fanged geranium he sighed and mumbled under his breath as he stroked the geranium on it’s head with affection. "I'm sorry Albert. This was a though crowd to play with. You have to take a nap in my suit pocket. You’ll get something tasty to eat later, I promise." And with that Joshua deposited his potted plant down into his left suit pocket.

Standing up he turned to Kaysha and apologized. "I'm very sorry Kaysha, truely. I hope you can give forgive me, I had completely forgotten that you are terrified of geraniums." Which was an outright lie, but he didn’t need to voice that to all his colleagues including the Headmistress.

Extracting his wand Joshua produced a bouquet of yellow roses which he levitated towards Kay saying "I hope you can accept these yellow roses as peace offering?” Turning around to face Headmistress Hawthorne he bowed his head and put his hands behind his back as Joshua apologized to her. "I’m sorry headmistress Hawthorne for my antics. I promise it won’t happen again and I will act more like what’s expected of the teaching faculty." Sitting down in his seat again he thought better of suggesting that they named the whomping willow the Hogwarts school tree, since there was no plant.

Turning to look up the table at Foster at the end Joshua said "I followed your sage advice Foster from earlier. I can’t sing or play an instrument myself. I wouldn’t call myself a gifted prankster at all either. I just like pulling an occasional prank now and then." And Kay was someone that he liked to irritate, and he knew it was mutual. In any case he looked forward getting to know Foster better.



Joshua poured up some water into his goblet and took a sip before he turned his attention to Tristan making big eyes at his response. "Wow 5 years, that’s a long time. But I agree it’s fantastic to be back and to teach full time for the first time." His teaching at the plant school had been on a substitute basis. Tristan’s grimace didn’t go unnoticed. Joshua would inquire more about the fire later, it was clear that there was more to learn than what the Daily Prophet had written. Smiling Joshua said "Great, I’ll await you after three tomorrow then in my office."



"Good evening Gaston!" Joshua greeted the charms professor and deputy head as he came up on the dais with a small smile. The man didn’t look exactly chipper for the moment.



The groundskeepers entrance was quite eye-catching Joshua had to admit to himself. Riding up to the staff table on a broom was hardly custom but considering that none of the senior staffers seemed to care much he figured that it was something that had happened before this night. As the older man sat down next to him Joshua greeted with a smile. "Good evening Haraldur, did the first years arrive all right?"



Joshua had at least made one of his colleagues chuckle. A start of term feast goal that he could check off. Listening to Alice's explaination of what a Gym Instructor did in the Muggleworld he thought it a weird occupation but everyone needed to exercise in some way he reasoned. Shaking his head responded slightly thoughtful. "No, I'm sorry Alice. I haven't met many squib's in my life and I don't know if there are many here at Hogwarts either since this is my first year to teach here."

"Oh, if you're not from Romania, where are you from? Wales?" Joshua wondered. It was plausible at least since Alice had gone to Hogwarts.

It might seem stupid really, to anyone else but Kay always had a terrible fear of Fanged Geraniums ever since she was eleven years old. An unfortunate experience in the Greenhouses was to blame. She visibly shuddered at the memory but as her gaze shifted to Foster, her smile couldn’t stop from forming even if it was a small one. She nodded in reply to his question, grateful for his intervention. “Thank you,’’ she said softly, hoping to put her gratitude into the words. She met Gaston’s eyes and tried to reassure him. His concerned look too had not gone unnoticed but... was he not okay? He looked... off.

The Muggle Studies professor sank into her seat, filled with relief that the plant was gone. From her plate at least. She nodded in Regina’s direction, glad she had not shrieked the second time around when the Headmistress was there. Inferi and monsters from another dimension were things she could handle but a geranium? No. She would get you back, Joshua, when you least expected it.

Albert? Joshua had actually named that THING? Kay resisted a snort. Sleep in his pocket. Honestly. She resorted to glaring at him, truly believing that he had not forgotten. There was no way he had. Still glaring and refusing to say a word to him, she accepted the roses. How could she not? They were rather beautiful and she DID love flowers, hence her flower garden at home. This did not mean she forgave Joshua though.

Once the entire situation had blown over and her composure fully returned, Kaysha was able to register that Ignatius and Haraldur had joined them. “Hello, Haraldur.’’ The smile was returned. “Good evening, Ignatius,’’ she muttered, still not looking to annoy the man with her presence more than she could. She was still wary of his and Celestia’s behaviour towards her. Oh! He was looking at the cricket news! “I know a certain young Magizoologist who wouldn’t like this news,’’ she said without thinking. “India is his team.’’ Yes, Aditya Rehman would be disappointed. “I’m planning to do a lesson on cricket. If you would like to give the kiddos some tips, you’re more than welcome to join me.’’ And Kay left it at that because she wasn’t sure if the man would like her invitation.

Instead, she resumed her conversation with Alice, whom she was finding to be a very friendly and pleasant woman. Also, a wonderful person to converse with. “Wow. That’s sad that they didn’t have the resources but I trust the students do have a great time there. Bilingual! That’s wonderful. You must miss Romania already.’’ Kay nodded slowly. “This is true but we overcome them and always work to make the School safer.’’ Why was it always Hogwarts?

“I’m sorry, Alice,’’ the woman said sincerely. “It’s just... he’s been annoying me since we were students here. Eventually, I grew tired of him and began to prank him back. I tried ignoring him too but as you saw...’’ She gestured to Joshua and the plant. “That worked neither. My action plan for the term is to avoid him as much as possible.’’

Kalen was thoroughly unaware of all the thoughts about his jacket and his new look of course, and he thought he was pulling them off remarkably well. But his clothing was the last thought in his mind at the moment, as just as soon as his green eyed monster came, it left the instant Tristan put a hand on his forearm.

The touch was simple but it was all that was needed to pull him back to reality, that and the man stealing another sip of his beloved tea! For Merlin’s sake, it seemed like he would have to bring a spare with him from now on.

“Good I hope?” He asked as he raised an eyebrow.

He acknowledged all who gave him notice, Haraldur, Noble, Gaston but since none of them said anything they got waves and smiles and he turned back to the man next to him.

“Hmmm. Questions?” Kalen said as he took his teacup and took a sip himself this time, he was going to need a refill soon.

“Ohhh, my summer was perfect as well.” He said with a grin, before shaking his head. “Chai tea? Who drinks that? ” He said teasingly. “But I suppose I could make an exception.. for you. ”

Tristan answered her beaming smile with one of his own. He was so glad she was doing good, especially after the wounds she had received during the attack. "I think so too!" He said with a grin. "Not that I can...oh, wait! We will have a special creature coming in from Australia. Bel Macindoe asked if there was anyway I could bring a creature to study as a side project from her homeland. I approved, so that creature should be here in a week I believe." It was actually a surprise for him as well as Bel. He had no clue what creature was coming...just that it was magical and indigenous to Australia.



Tristan wasn't really sure how to react after that performance, but he smiled nonetheless. "Great I'll see you then, Foster. As do I." He said with a small nod, hoping that someone else had fully calmed down now.



"Evening, Ignatius. Hope you are well." Tristan said with a small smile and a nod. He seemed to be much better now. The older gentleman had been pretty badly injured last term, but he seemed to have healed up pretty well over summer. Hopefully nothing else would befall them that would cause injury this year. But it was Hogwarts after all.



As soon as Gaston walked in the door, a look of concern crossed Tristan's face. He knew he had been dealing with a lot, but this was a drastic change from the man he knew. He would have to have a talk with the Frenchman in the next few days. For now, though, he would let him be.

As Gaston sat down, Tristan gave him a smile, patting him on the shoulder. "Evening, Gaston." He wouldn't ask how he was...he knew it would be too much to think about tonight.



"Evening, Haraldur." Tristan said with a grin as the older gentleman patted his and Kalen's shoulder. Haraldur was an interesting character, and a very good man. Tristan was glad to see him in good spirits tonight. It was definitely going to be a great term.



Tristan nodded, returning her smile as he listened. "That's wonderful, Alice. I hope you have a successful term. We can always learn from our predecessors." He gave her a wink and a nod. She seemed like a very kind woman and he hoped to get to know her this term.



Tristan nodded, "It is but I still feel like I have so much more to do here. It really is wonderful to be here, and I am sure you will have a great first year." He said with a smile. Though Joshua and Kaysha didn't get along, he had always gotten along with the other man. "Sounds like a plan. I'll see you there." Tristan said with a small smile.



Tristan watched as the tension slipped calmly away from Kalen. He smiled immediately at that comment, knowing this pun was going to do him in. "Not my cup of tea, but it will do for now." He said pursing his lips, trying to hide a grin.

Tristan sat back and waited as the other man greeted their colleagues as well. Watching how he was responding. He was definitely calmer now.

Tristan's hidden grin became a full smile at that revelation. "I am glad it was perfect." He tapped his index finger against the table in front of him. Tristan gave Kalen an exasperated smile. "It's better than that stuff." He poked Kalen's cup. He chuckled at that last remark. "You'd better, or you'll run out of tea before the night's over." He said with a smirk, rubbing his chin with his hand.

At the sight of the History of Magic professor rising to her feet, Regina found herself a bit perplexed. That wasn't a thing that happened every day. Truth be told, it made her feel a bit ... strange? Surely it must have been a cultural thing. "Good evening, Alice," she said to the woman. "And you can sit down. There's no need to stand whenever I enter a room." Yes, she was the headmistress. But, really, she was just like the rest of them and they were all here for one reason: the students.

Speaking of students, the first had slipped through the doorway ... and then a second and third and the rest followed suit. Her face remained facing the door, her eyes watching as each one of them trickled in. There were plenty of familiar faced with a few new faces mixed in.

Her gazed shifted momentarily back to Joshua, who was apologising for his actions. The woman gave him a stiff nod of her head and left it at that. The man had better follow through on his word, otherwise he would have to explain himself to her.

On a happier thought, her eyes returned to the students. The second through seventh years were taking their seats, and the first years, along with some transfer students, were living up to be sorted. The headmistress watched with great interest as each went up one by one and the Hat shouted the name of one of the four Houses. It was always humorous to see how they reacted; they were either incredibly ecstatic or highly distraught...

With only a few students remaining up at the front and the ceremony steadily coming to an end, Regina's mind quickly went over what she had prepared for a speech. It was only a matter of moments before she would be rising from her seat to address the entire Great Hall.

An amused smile curled in the corner of Noble's lips as Haraldur's voice broke through his reading of the match play so far. "It does indeed," he replied, glad the Icelandic man was willing to talk muggle sports with him in addition to quidditch. "And the forecast is cloudy to start tomorrow, which should help our spinners finish off the tail end." That was...with any luck, England should have them all bowled out by teatime.

He glanced over to the Hufflepuff table, where a new student was getting welcomed, and looked at Kay a little confused. Perhaps it was because he'd just been looking at the Puff table, but only one aspiring Magizoologist came to mind. "Derfael is a cricket fan?" Well, that was a bit of surprise. Although, his Dad was Australian, was he not? It'd make sense he mind support anyone who was facing England. As for tips? Well, perhaps he could...but he could do one better. "I could ask Abigail if she could pop in, if you wanted." It would give his daughter a good reason to come north and visit him here; it certainly wasn't to do a favour for Kay.

Thinking about Abigail reminded him of the other father on staff, Gaston. Noble gave the man a friendly nod. He should go see Gaston before the end of the week, see if he could be of service in any way. He could take an extra patrol or two so the man could go down to Hogsmeade and spend the extra time with his daughter. He knew the man had been having a hard time of it since the end of last term, and he hoped to Merlin no-one at the table was idiotic enough to ask how his summer had been. Who knew though, given the Herbology professor apparently only had half a brain cell trying to pull a 'prank' like that at the opening feast right under the Headmistress's nose. Joshua earned himself an eye roll and grumble at the grandiose and insincere apology. Even the students knew better than to try something like that so soon in the term.

And as he watched Gaston head the other side of the Headmistress, Tristan caught his attention. "Not so bad." He was as healed up as he was ever going to be, and had enjoyed his summer off with good food and better company. "Yourself?

Scrimgeour ignored that red-headed hag who had the nerve to berate him mere moments ago. By the time he was halfway to the staff table, she was long forgotten and he had managed to pull out a sealed envelope from his pocket. He paid no attention to the students he was bypassing. In fact, he didn't even cast one look at them — there was bound to be a tie that was improperly done or an untucked shirt or a student out of place. No, his focus was set on someone else for the time being: the person who would be receiving the letter he bore.

"Good evening," he gruffly addressed the adults when he arrived at their table. His face remained rather blank, expressionless, cold even.

Without saying anything else, he pointed a finger at the vacant seat right next to the golden throne, indicating that was where Fletcher was to make himself at home. As for where he would be sitting, the man gave his white beard a tug with his left hand while simultaneously permitting his prosthesis to hand over the sealed envelope to Regina Hawthorne.

The old man made eye contact with the woman and then murmured, "This is for you." Scrimgeour was already counting how long it was taking for her to move.

Text Cut: Letter

Dear Regina Hawthorne,

After much deliberation, the Hogwarts Board of Governors, with support from the Minister for Magic, request your dismissal from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Taking the events of the past few terms under your supervision and numerous concerns from parents pertaining to the term prior into consideration, we feel that this is the best decision for the overall safety and wellbeing of the school and its students.

Upon your reading of this letter, we ask that a prompt and quiet departure is made so that the newly appointed Headmaster, Julian Scrimgeour, can assume immediate leadership of the school.

We sincerely apologise for the short notice of this message and any inconvenience that it may bring.

Signed:

Alanna Marsh
Hogwarts Board of Governors

The woman’s words did nothing to soften the man’s demeanour, if anything it made him all the more unimpressed with the girl. Head Girl. Head Girl and blatantly disregarding rules. Was this how things were done around here? He supposed it didn’t matter anymore. Hogwarts was in for some serious changes.

Calvin moved behind Scrimgeour, looking neither to the left nor the right. His gaze was set on what he assumed would be his seat.

He too gave a gruff sort of greeting, his own drifting closer to the curt side of life as he took the seat his colleague pointed to. He nodded to his neighbour on his right but engaged no further. Instead, his attention was turned toward the letter being offered and the woman next to him who was now sitting in the wrong seat.

She had packing to do, did she not?

By now the sorting ceremony had ended, which meant that the floor was now hers. Regina had everything already outlined in her mind: a cheerful welcome, an update that their Inferi infestation problem was no more as a number of Ministry employees removed them permanently, that Quidditch tryouts would be starting in no time at all, introduce the new staff members and changes, and then bid everyone a good first night at the castle and a great school term. But, of course, things at Hogwarts rarely ever went as planned.

Though her outward appearance may have fooled anyone into thinking she was not surprised, the sight of the two men making their way up to the staff dais was raising numerous questions in her mind. The biggest one had to do with what they were doing here. She certainly wasn't expecting any visitors to be attending the feast.

And she certainly wasn't expecting the older of the two to act like he owned the place. Why was he pointing at the empty seat beside her? That was meant for the Divination professor, who was a bit preoccupied at the moment in the forest taking care of centaur matters with his kind.

But then a letter was handed over to her. A blank stare was directed at the man standing before her as she took hold of the envelope. Her eyes then flicked down, taking in the Board of Governors seal, and then returned to the man. The headmistress took in a deep breath and broke the seal.

She read the letter's contents not once but twice. The first read was met with utter shock, but the message managed to sink in after the second. Truth be told, Regina wasn't sure how to react. She wanted to rip up the letter and throw it in the man's face. This was her school, these were her staff, these were her students -- Hogwarts had become her home. But, at the same time, she knew better. She had no choice but to comply with the request that was made in the letter.

Without saying a single word, the woman gradually rose from her seat and walked out of the Great Hall, somehow managing to keep her composure until she was out of sight.

Katrina's thoughts were definitely all over the place as she observed her colleagues and their antics. Like, what in the name of Merlin were those childish antics and dramatics between Kaysha and Joshua? Honestly, they were not teenagers anymore. She didn't leave Egypt to be working alongside teenagers, but she thought she was meant to be teaching them.

But then before she knew it, her meal neighbor and fellow new professor after complimenting her beverage, he was rising from his seat and playing his guitar? UH.... Written request? She blinked rapidly at him wondering if she was meant to be up there too? With a flair for dramatics and her own Gryffindor chivalry, Katrina, of course was willing to improve something on the whim. But then the headmistress spoke in quiet response about not requesting it and the moment past.

Instead, she turned her attention back towards Tristan and Foster, the latter of whom was now back seated beside her. "Why thank you, Tristan. I wasn't sure how proper the evening needed to be." They say a first impression is everything... or something to that effect anyway.

"You're looking great, yourself, Kaysha," she nodded at the woman.

She wanted to laugh at the question Foster posed, except well, they only just met a few weeks ago. "Only the last twenty years," Katrina mused instead. "How about you? You ever live elsewhere?" She thought she might have detected a hint of an American accent, but who knew? Everyone seemed to be a hint of a mutt these days.

While the sorting ceremony was drawing to a close, Katrina found her dark eyes wondering towards the Gryffindor table in particular. Which one was Aurelia Maeve Walsh? Perhaps she ought to nudge Kalen or Tristan for that information, as they were closest to her and had been teaching for a few terms now. Or Gaston ought to know, as her head of house?

But before she could ponder too much about her niece, her attention was drawn to two men taking up residence at the table. Passing a letter to Regina. And Regina was now leaving? Uh......... Okay, so she had been aware of the dangers Hogwarts had the past few terms when she accepted the role, but wasn't that all sorting itself out now? Wasn't that part of why she'd been sought out as an experienced cursebreaker? Wait, was she sought after or did she seek the position to try to reconnect with the niece? Who knew anymore? What she did know was that change was in the wind.

One ... two ... three ... four ... Why was this woman taking so long to get out of HIS seat? Did he need to read the letter out loud for her?

A hint of a smile played on his lips the moment Hawthorne rose from her seat. His icy blue eyes watched as she made her way around the table. Shifting his body ever so slightly, he watched as she made her departure down between two of the tables and out of sight. At this time, his eyes fell on the throng of students in the room. He was certain those that had been paying attention to their surroundings wondering what had just taken place.

Leaving his throne empty for the moment, he stepped forward to the owl-shaped podium and loudly cleared his throat. "As a sign of respect, stand." There was no need for him to say 'please' — it was an order, a command that he expected them all to follow without question or complaint. Scrimgeour waited for every single student and even the staff members to so before continuing.

"The Hogwarts Board of Governors, upon evaluating the events that have taken place at this school under her reign and the concerns of many parents regarding the incident that took place last term, have requested that your former headmistress be dismissed. I, Headmaster Scrimgeour, will be taking her place. This decision has been carefully made by the Board with support from the Ministry, and I am happy to come out of years of retirement as an ex-Auror to assume this position and restore Hogwarts back to its former glory."

He then made a gesture with his metal prosthesis toward Fletcher. "With me tonight, I have brought a new staff member who will be teaching Divination: Professor Fletcher. A worthy candidate who is far more qualified than my predecessor's selection."

As for the other new staff, they went unintroduced. The old man didn't know who was new or who was not. Quite frankly, he didn't care. All that mattered to him was that they did their job the right way.

"This term is going to be one of improvement," he carried on. "It has become evident that there has been a severe lack of safety protocol as well as regard for school rules. This year we will be returning to the basics and adopting a new school initiative. Change is on the way for Hogwarts. Because of this, total compliance is asked for while these necessary changes progressively take place. There will be no need to question or go against the changes that this initiative will bring for they are for your own benefit and safety."

There was a brief pause after this, which allowed for the information to sink in to those that were paying attention. As he stood there, Scrimgeour considered elaborating but in the end decided against it. They would know soon enough.

"I could go into more detail about what is to come, but that would be a lot to process for one night. For now, enjoy the feast and make sure you get plenty of rest for your first day of classes." They would be needing it...

The old man then walked away from the lectern and around the staff table, but there was no food or beverages appeared on any of the tables as he did so. When Scrimgeour made it to his throne, he then snapped two metal fingers together, causing plates of food and pitchers of drink to appear. He sat down and then grunted, "You may be seated."

There was a new creature, after all! “What creature?” Kay asked Tristan with even more interest. “The billywig?’’ A guess was all she had because her colleague wasn’t giving her much to go on. “Unless you’re keeping this a secret for now then I’ll have to head over there tomorrow to check it out.’’ Because you, Tristan, has spiked her interest.

“Oh, not Derf.’’ The Claw Head of House didn’t elaborate more; she wasn’t pushing Ignatius to have a conversation with her if he didn’t want to. “If she’ not too busy at the time I have scheduled the lesson, then she is most welcome. She is a talented lady and I’d love having her there.’’

* * * * * * *

Her mood somewhat now improved because of the pretty roses she now had in her possession, Kaysha couldn’t help but smile. She had conjured up a vase, filled it with water and was now arranging it to suit her; a few of them were in a cattywampus in the thing but a few more moments of shifting and rearranging solved that little problem. It was only then that the vase looked organised. And not a moment too soon! The kiddos had begun to arrive. Kay watched them file in, taking their places at their respective House tables. Emmalyn, her little human, was spotted among the crowd.

Two persons stuck out though. Two strangers. Kay’s smile turned into a frown as she watched them ascend the Staff table, one of them handing a slip of paper to Regina. As for the greetings, she was so surprised by the appearances that she forgot her manners. Momentarily forgetting about them, Kaysha looked to Regina. Her frown only deepened at the lengthy silence that followed. Then... Regina was leaving? What on Earth?

Kay’s eyes followed the Headmistress until she was out of sight then went back to the stranger now speaking at the podium? Stand? Really? What respect did he exactly deserve? He had come butting in unceremoniously. She for one remained firmly sitting on her chair though she did listen to his words with slightly narrowed eyes. Under no circumstances she did not trust him. How right she was not to.

New Headmaster... new Divination professor...

Gracious!

Whatever was next?

Telling Joshua she was a Squib was technically the same thing as lying to Joshua, because Sneaky Alice most definitely was NOT a Squib. She was ALMOST a Squib, if such a thing was possible - her magic was very poor. Sometimes she undersold herself to surprise people later on. "I do live in Wales, sir, you are most perceptive," she purred, and this part was true.

And the Headmistress was asking her not to stand in her presence. Very well. When in Hogwarts, do as the Hogwartsians do. Alice dipped her head graciously to her boss and sat back down. There was not the slightest hint of embarrassment on her features.

She was just about to continue having a lovely conversation with Kaysha (who she was really starting to grow fond of) and Tristan, when the arrival of two new men caught her attention. They looked rather serious - a good thing, in Alice's opinion. She watched with curiosity as the old man presented the headmistress with a latter, and her eyes widened just a bit as the headmistress left. What in Merlin's beard was going on?

Her body stiffened as the old man introduced himself as her new boss and talked about changes. This was not what she was expecting. Yet then he demanded that they rise from their seats - like Alice had done before for Regina. Alice listened. She stood from her seat and stared solemnly forward, her features emotionless.

All hail the new boss?

Having finally regained his calm after the requested performance, dealing with the Joshua incident, and making plans for the next few days, Foster was thankful to see the students arriving. Students he was very much so looking forward to knowing better and teaching the fine art of Arithmancy. He’d always felt much more calm around students than other adults. Adults were far too unpredictable.

As if on cue, two individuals entered the Great Hall, not exactly looking as if they belonged. Foster glanced down the table, to try and sum up the reactions of the other professors to these unknown guests, but couldn’t get a good read from any of them. They looked as uninformed as he.

The next few things happened rather quickly. The woman that had hired him was being removed from her position and the rather stern looking gentleman was taking her place. She had seemed a bit off and he wondered if her mental capacities had caused the dismissal. She had told him he needed to serenade her and the staff, which was quite the odd request from a Headmistress.

Either way, he nodded along with Mr. Scrimgeour’s speech, loving the emphasis on order,respect, and former glory. He was happy to get on board with all of those. Once the speech was over and dinner appeared, he leaned slightly over to Katrina, “Well, this is going to be a fantastic year. How exciting that we are able to get in on such a monumental year for improving Hogwarts. Though, I do wonder what may be wrong with Regina and the full circumstances of her removal.”

It didn’t escape his attention that the woman down the table remained sitting, as it didn’t escape him that some of the students had also chosen to remain sitting. All in due time. Rome wasn’t built in a day and it had taken several years for Hogwarts to get to the dismal level it had sunk to. Restoring it would also take time and a firm hand.

To her credit, the Headmistress hadn’t put up a fuss. Surely she also understood the importance of a smooth transition.....as smooth as they would get it at this point.

Did he expect rebellion? From hooligan children, absolutely. Calvin was prepared. Scrimgeour had set the tone for the term. If they were wise they would fall in line and allow the reform to take over but if they didn’t, a little discipline and a firm hand didn’t hurt anyone.

Once seated again, he gave the Great Hall an even look over, already trying to make note of the trouble makers, like those sat at the wrong tables and those who had a look of deviance in their eyes. It would be a long year if they didn’t see it fit to shape up. For now, he would remain silent. They would learn soon enough what was expected. Calvin reached for his goblet and sipped at it, but continued paying no attention to his new colleagues.

Gaston stared blankly at the bewitched ceiling; the gloomy gray sky perfectly matched his mood. He learned to love rainy weather at a young age. Long walks in the rain were useful for hiding his tears from prying eyes. In fact, he wished he could be outside now, rather than stuck in here having to keep up a facade in front of all the students who were now filing in. He was so lost in thought that he didn't' even notice Haraldur arrive on his broom until he heard the other man's voice. The sympathetic nod came as a small comfort and was met with an appreciative look.

Alice's smile and nod were returned - well the nod anyway, not so much the smile, though he was slightly confused as she rose to greet the headmistress. Maybe that was the custom in Romania? Never mind, he didn't suppose it mattered... Ignatius also received a nod in reply. The thought crossed Gaston's mind to ask how his daughter was doing, but he was too far away to carry on a conversation without shouting. That, and he was afraid the conversation would turn to Desiree and remind him of her rejection.

An unexpected pat on his shoulder made Gaston jump slightly, and he turned to face Tristan with an apologetic look. Sorry, Tristan... lost in thought and blind on one side. He nodded in reply to the greeting but remained silent, too sad for much conversation. It was lucky he turned when he did, otherwise he never would've seen Kalen smiling and waving; he gave him a small wave in return. Blink, blink. Gaston was slightly taken aback when Foster didn't respond to the compliment about his song. Oh well, maybe he just didn't hear him. "I said, that was a very nice song, Foster," he repeated himself in an only slightly louder tone.

After a quick nod in Katrina's direction, his attention turned back to the other end of the table. Josh and Regina's greetings got a nod in reply. Nothing personal; he just wan't in much of a talkative mood tonight. The look from Kaysha was noted and returned with a quick look of gratitude before he went back to watching the fanged geranuim drama. He was going to vanish that thing if the shenanigans didn't stop! Luckily, it seemed Foster and Regina had gotten the point across, and he watched with confusion as Josh gave Kaysha a bouquet of roses, half-expecting the flowers to bite or - Merlin forbid - something worse.

Just when Gaston thought they'd seen all the weirdness this evening had in store, two men (Scrimgeour & Fletcher) barged in and approached the staff table. Blue eyes widened in shock. Who were they? What were they doing here? And why was one of them pointing at the vacant seat beside him? He was pretty sure Regina had picked a divination teacher, and neither of these men were it. Perhaps she changed her mind, and they were to be co-teachers? But if that was the case, why wasn't there another vacant seat? And what was with the letter that one was handing Regina?

He saw Regina leave, and now he was getting really worried! The thought crossed his mind to go after her and check on her, but before he could move, the strange old man was demanding everyone stand. Blink, blink. What gave him the right to start ordering everyone around like that?! Gaston stood because most everyone else in the hall was doing so, but whether or not he respected the man remained to be seen... and so far, he wasn't off to a good start. Wait, what the-? Regina Hawthorne fired? Had he heard that right? His heart dropped, and the color drained form his face; he had to grab hold of his cane to keep from collapsing in shock. Once the initial surprise wore off, anger took its place, and Gaston had to bite back a scoff. Of course the Board of Governors was behind it... all they ever did was nitpick and point fingers. Scapegoating the staff was their answer to everything! Then Scrimgeour mentioned the Minsitry's support; no surprises there either. Honestly, did the British wizarding world learn nothing from its past mistakes? Look what happened long ago when the Board of Governors dismissed Albus Dumbledore... and a few years after that when the Ministry supported Dolores Umbridge! He had a sinking feeling that history was about to repeat itself...

That feeling was reinforced as Gaston listened to the new headmaster's speech. He could understand the safety concerns, but where was this man getting a lack of regard for school rules? Certain students, yes, but the whole school... that was a bit much. The more he heard, the more he was overwhelmed with dread. Total compliance? No need to question or go against the changes? Just the fact that Scrimgeour felt the need to say such raised a huge red flag! He wasn't sure he wanted to know what changes were in store, but for now he would give the benefit of the doubt. Either way, he had to go along with it; he was afraid to find out what might happen if he didn't!

He kept his head bowed, hoping his graying hair falling into his face would hide the emotion in his eyes. He didn't want the newcomers to think his anger at the situation was directed at them personally. As far as he knew now, they were only acting on orders from the Board of Governors, and besides, they were going to be colleagues for Merlin knew how long. It seemed foolish to start off on their bad side. He returned Professor Fletcher's nod with one of his own but remained silent. This one didn't seem interested in conversation, and he wasn't really in the mood for it himself. He seated himself when permitted, trying to turn his attention to the food and drink that appeared on the table... but he didn't feel much like eating.

Periodically, his eyes darted to the house tables. If he was confused and scared, he could only imagine what the students were feeling right now! He'd planned to make his rounds to the tables to say hello and welcome the first years as their Deputy Headmaster, but now it seemed even more important to talk to them (especially given the fact that the new headmaster had neglected to inform them of the other staffing changes). But he didn't dare budge from his seat. Somehow he didn't think that would go over well, and he didn't even want to know what might happen if he got on Scrimgeour's bad side! He would be speaking to the Gryffindors after the feast anway; he could only hope the other three heads of house planned to do the same. A sudden realization hit him like a ton of bricks. With Regina gone, the kids would be looking to him to stay strong as their Deputy Headmaster... but right now, he felt like he was falling apart.

Joshua considered his seat mate; Alice’s statement, how likely was it that a Hogwarts professor was a squib? Not very, but the famous caretaker Filch had of course been one. He decided then and there to let it be. He didn’t know Alice well enough yet to know if she was being truthful with him or not. Tagging on to her Wales response though he said with a nod. "Yes I detected a little Walesish accent. I’m from Scotland myself."

The entrance of two dripping wet men that followed shortly after caught Joshua’s full attention and interest as they came up onto the dias. They older man looked battered and gruff and was that a metal arm that he had? The younger man took the vacant divination professor seat without uttering many words of greeting. But what had Joshua becoming slightly shocked and perplexed was the letter the elder chap presented to Regina that made her without so much as a word leave the hall. Why? What was going on? Was she just sacked?

Joshua’s mind buzzed with questions as the old man took Regina’s throne for himself without much preamble or explanations to the staff and then stood to face and speak to the students ordering them all to stand for his headmaster speech. Oh my, flaming flutterby bushes, what did this Scrimegour chap want and how could he just take over the running of Hogwarts, just like that? Was it the BOG that had decided this?

Joshua silently rose, his face expressionless with those around him on the dais looking out at the students as Scrimegour got into his speech. Hearing the words such as ’improvements’, ’change’, ’total compliance’ among others sounded right omnious to him. Joshua didn’t trust this Scrimegour guy at all for one second and why should he? Scrimegour was a complete stranger. But he got the instinct impression that it was best to wait and see what happened and not get on the guy’s bad side on the very first night.

Sitting down in his seat as a wonderous buffet of food appeared Joshua helped himself to a little of everything before he turned his gaze to Haraldur. "So Haraldur, have you played Quidditch professionally?"

Foster blushed a bit at the complement from the Charms professor. He was just far enough down the table, that he was certain several others had overheard him. “Thank you, sir. I hope it pleased the Headmistress.” He was going to have to find the gentleman after the feast and chat with him more. It was too difficult to have any sort of real conversation with the way their seats were assigned.

The reactions from the students made him even more curious as to what exactly going on. As a whole, the students seemed quite attached to Headmistress Hawthorne. Leaning closer to Kalen and Tristan, he spoke in a low voice “Do either of you know what’s going on? I hadn't had the pleasure of getting to know former Headmistress Hawthorne very well. This seems to be rather disturbing to the students.”

Not wishing to appear impolite, Foster leaned forward just enough to catch sight of Professor Fletcher “Welcome, Professor Fletcher. I look forward to working with you this year. Divination is important for the students to be proficient in and I was rather concerned that the position would go unfilled.”

Tristan nodded with a smile, listening to the older gentleman. "That's good!" He was glad that Ignatius was doing better. That night he was so badly injured...but that was in the past and there was no reason to dwell on it now. "I am wonderful, thank you." He had a fantastic vacation and was still wishing it hadn't had to end.

Turning to his side of the table, Tristan nodded with a small smile at Katrina, "Not too proper," he said with a wink, "But it definitely works and looks lovely on you." It was great to see new professors from different cultures and wearing their traditional clothing for special occasions.

Turning back to Kaysha, Tristan shrugged, "Honestly, it is a surprise for me. I have no idea what creature it is. And it's definitely not a Billywig, they assured me of that, because Billywigs are too easy." He wanted Bel to have a challenge. Billywigs were tiny insects that weren't all that interesting. "I'll let you know when it gets here so you can check it out as well." He said with a grin.

When the two men walked into the Great Hall, Tristan's eyes turned to them in confusion. He watched as the made their way to the Headmistress, the worry crease between his eyebrows showing up instantly. Who were these gruff looking men and what were they doing here in the middle of the feast and why was the younger of the two sitting in the Divination seat? He definitely didn't look like a Centaur. Something was amuck.

Suddenly, Regina was leaving the table...and then the Great Hall. What in Merlin's Beard was happening here?

Anger welled up within him. His eyes became stony, and followed Kaysha's lead and remained seated. Who did this man think he was to demand respect in such a manner? Respect was earned not taken.

As he listened to the man's speech, he became more and more disgusted. Hogwarts wouldn't be standing had it not been for Regina's quick thinking. Besides, this was HOGWARTS! Something dangerous happened every year! The more he listened, the angrier he got, but his mouth remained closed, jaws clenching.

This was going to be a difficult term. He could feel it. As the students and his colleagues took their seats and the food arrived, he soon discovered he had lost his appetite. Hopefully, this was only temporary....

Tristan, hearing the new professors chatting at his end of the table, overheard what Foster said to Katrina. He shook his head and gave a look of derision to Kalen, while using his fork to play with his food. He knew Foster was new here and didn't have a clue about how the school was run so he was going to give the man the benefit of the doubt because he had been a very kind person so far. He wouldn't let that comment bother him.

Soon Foster was turning to him and Kalen asking questions that had no answer. "I have no idea what is going on, Foster, and I am certain the Headmistress didn't either. It's disturbing to the students because that woman is one of the best Headmistresses Hogwarts has ever had and they don't understand why she has been taken from them. And, frankly, neither do I." He wasn't going to say much more. The new Divination Professor and Scrimgeour were too close for him to say what he really wanted to.

This would be an interesting term, indeed.

Kalen’s attention was almost like instantly taken by the two men entering the hall and stomping down towards the Dais, he watched, his green eyes wide with horror as Regina was handed a letter, and after she read it. Left.

Kalen wanted to rise from the table and move after her! He wasn’t happy about the woman leaving. She had hired him after all and time after time given him more and more responsibility, who else would have taken a chance on librarian to take over Astronomy and take care of the library! Even if the students didn’t much care for him, he knew at least the headmistress had faith in him.

Watching her walk away was not easy for him and he most certainly did not stand when the new.. person stated they should.

Respect was earned, and this man had none of his.

He glanced over at Tristan as he heard Foster’s comment. That man was really not making a good impression on him at all and he refrained from answering as Tris seemed to answer him.

Kalen pushed back his plate and let his green eyes drift over to the student tables.