Was it just him, or did these summers get shorter and shorter. He could've sworn he'd just gotten home and was grounding his son and scolding his daughter's behaviour in public and the next...he was back at Hogwarts sitting at the dais and waiting for the students to arrive. In fact, he'd been here all week, getting last minute things done, doing a few staff meetings. All the usual stuff that made him realize summer was truly at its end.

Malachi drummed his fingers lightly against the table, going over in his head all the things he might need to address the students with. Little things here and there mostly. Housekeeping matters.

Nervous he was about to have a second child here? What? Him? Only a lot. Kale was enough. Seeing Mavis in action this summer left him overly tired and she wasn't even here yet. Unfortunately, the talk of Beauxbatons was no more accepted now than it had been with Kale so there was little he could do but worry and fuss over how to approach her here. That first night with Kale had been....a disaster.

Maybe he'd just leave her alone. Yeah, maybe that would work--unless she decided that meant he was abandoning her. It was difficult to explain school dad to children so used to being indulged.

It was going to be WEIRD sitting at this table without Gus at her side. It was also going to be weird being here without Noble - this was her third term teaching, which meant she was actually getting to KNOW and LIKE these people she worked with. That made each absence a little bit harder to stomach. She hoped these newcomers knew what they were signing up for - although she couldn't imagine anything worse than last term. They were lucky.

"Hello Malachi," Gabi grinned and greeted the Headmaster as she took her usual seat a few chairs down from him. She glanced over at the Slytherin table, which was still empty at the moment, but felt herself grinning softly to herself as she looked at her former house table. It truly was HER house now. She was Head of House - and while she would have taken ANY of the houses, the Slytherin house had been her top pick for obvious reasons. She couldn't wait to see all the new snakes!

Finneas Schmoe reporting for duty!! It was always nice to take a break from Hogwarts and spend the summer with Alina, but there was always a part of him that craved to be back at work. It was far easier to indulge in research endeavors within the castle. The distractions were still present (maybe even more so), but it set the mood. AnYwAy. He was here and in good spirits.

This would be a good, quiet term where nothing would possibly go wrong. He could feel it in the air. That's why he wore his special traffic-cone orange robes today.

"Hulloooo, Headmaster," Finneas bobbed his head in greeting as he bumbled his way over to his seat. "Professor Recard!" Shame that Noble wouldn't be here this year to judge him chat with him throughout the feast. It had grown to be a favorite past time.

"Errr... Good to be back, isn't it?" He asked as he settled into his chair. It could use another cushioning charm.

Carwyn smoothed down his beard as he stepped up to the dias, smiling at his colleagues. "Malachi, Gabi, Finneas." The Welshman greeted with a smile as he slipped into his seat between his friends - the empty chair between him and Gabi Gus' seat made him frown slightly, but he knew that their new colleague, Professor Flamsteed, would do great things. He just had a feeling.

"Did you all enjoy your holiday?" He asked them, easing his chair backwards slightly so that everyone could still communicate without getting in the way. "Was far too quick as always..." He added under his breath with a sigh. As much as he missed Derek and their family when he was here - he missed his colleagues and the students when he wasn't here. He felt at home here, though he was glad about that considering how much of the year he spent here.

Shuffling around in his chair to get more comfortable, he waited for the noise to edge its way closer to the hall, as it did every year as the students made their way from the carriages and boats up through the school to join them. He was always shocked with the amount of noise they could make ... y'know for 0.0001 seconds before he remembered last year... and the year before. Students being loud certainly wasn't a new thing.

SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIGHHHHHH.

Summer was too short, as always. Time spent with his husband felt WAY too short. He had spent the entire summer with his family after having months and months of no way to talk to them (except for Curtis, of course). It was almost sad, leaving them at home while he returned for another year at Hogwarts. But somebody had to keep an eye on Curtis. The kid was a walking disaster as it was, but what if Piers wasn't even there? He surely would have been expelled by now.

Stepping down from Slytherin head of house had been a relief though. At least now he was only partially responsible for the shenanigans that Curtis got into. Speaking of, Curtis passed Gabriela on the way to his seat and patted her shoulder as he passed. "Gonna be a fun year for you," he said, completely humorously. Did she KNOW what she was in for with those Snakes? Bless her heart.

"Evening Trent," Piers greeted as he passed to his seat. He couldn't wait for Cassie to arrive and drive him insane. At least Williamson would help keep him sane.

June was not nervous, she was just simply floored at the realization that she would in fact be sitting at the staff table and not at the Gryffindor table. It was a thing she had not thought of until this very moment, and to say it was leaving her feeling rather old was an understatement.

....especially considering the last time she had been in this great hall, she had talked about spending the rest of her life in Barbados.

Oh to be young, and seventeen, and full of acne -- thankfully, she was all clear of that now as she stepped up the dias and smiled brightly at the lot already present there, and greeted them, "hello, hello, hello"

And then her eyes fell on the the brightly lit and orange Finneas Schmoe. Ohmygod. "Lovely robes," she grinned at the former hufflepuff. Suffice to say, she was very glad Carwyn was in between them as she took her seat, lest she felt tempted to pet Schmoe's head.

"Strum, Garrett, Cravit," Williamson nodded to the Ancient Runes, Arithmancy, and Astronomy professors as he made his way down the table and toward his own seat. He didn't normally bother greeting these three, but he was still pleased as a ripe pumpkin to be able to remember names and faces and places and things. So he was still in the habit of stretching his mind and practicing his recall. One never knew when the next crisis was going to strike at Hogwarts and steal time or energy or memories from them all. Surely it wouldn't happen on the first night though, right? Williamson's eyes drifted toward Piers, Trent, Gabi... and then the rest of the table as he took in who else had arrived....

!

.....oh no. Oh Merlin, no no no. No. Why? Skies, why?!??!?! Why did they insist on doing this to him every year? Why did they have to keep hiring his former students????!?? Didn't they realize how old this made him look and also how embarrasing it was for him when they grew up to be fine-looking ADULTS?!? ADULT COWORKERS????!

"June........" What was her last name? Flamingsteed? Steampunk? Sternburgess???! Was he forgetting things again already?!?!? Heavens, why (and when, and how) had she grown up?! She was at least the same age as Finneas now. Probably. Probably married too? He didn't know. All these former students of his were old and married and popping out grandkids already. Williamson cursed as he stumbled over his own feet and he slid into his seat.

Annnd time to look down or around or anywhere but at the rest of the table. "It's so good to see another former student." Not. He picked up his goblet and glanced in it. Did it have water in it yet or was that still not a thing here? He really needed a drink.

Had someone missed a small blonde at the table?

Well she might have been running a tad bit late, but not to worry her entrance was as vibrant as her bright yellow robes she was wearing for the feast. As soon as she entered Cassie Kitridge was snapping and waving at everyone! She had walked down past the puffs to say hello and greet them before making her way towards the staff table. She even took a moment to fuss over the Kitridge children, embarrassing your children was a bonus of the job.

"Hellllllllllllo everyone! Such a lovely evening isn't it?" She snapped her way towards her seat and gave all the other adults a welcoming hello. "I do hope I haven't missed too much. I got stuck up in the divination tower trying to free an owl that got a little confused and decided he was going to take a nap near the crystal balls. Poor thing woke turned towards the wall and couldn't figure out which way to go."

Taking her seat she grinned looking at all the students, 'It's always so good to be back."

Ah and there was the rest of his staff rolling in. Not a moment too soon as he assumed the students would be there any minute. Piers arriving was confirmation enough of that. Malachi nodded his response to Gabi and Finneas's greetings, his eyes fixed on the Gryffindor table.

"Oh yes, brilliant summer." He replied to Eris. "Thoroughly enjoyed grounding my son for being an eager teenager. I look forward to what will come this term." Did he sound less than enthused? It was because he was.

"What're we looking at this year with the First Years?" He asked as Piers fell into his seat. "Any we already need to hide the sugar from? Any we need to clear a permanent cell in the dungeons for?" He liked to be prepared. It helped. "Dungeons I expect you to try using this term, Finneas." It certainly couldn't hurt. Malachi looked over to Gabi, the newly minted head of Slytherin House. "He's not wrong...some...special students down there in the dungeons." Some he was on the verge of asking not to come back but there was no need to dampen the excitement on the first night back.

The man's lips quirked upward in a half smile at William's comment. "The younger we get them, the more running around we can leave to them." And with that, he leaned over to give June a small wave. She'd be fine. This was fine.

Ah and THERE was Cassie. He'd been wondering why the table was so quiet. The Headmaster was about to nod his agreement to her latter comment of it always being good to be back...until his eyes fell again to Gryffindor table where he found someone already testing his patience. "It was." He grumbled instead, reaching for his wand and casting sonorus. He would not walk all the way down there because a child decided they were above the law. "If you all would excuse the intrusion." Ahem. ""Charlotte Rivers, you have 10 minutes to get changed into uniform or you will remain in your dorm and spend the night cleaning Professor Williamson's stables. Why you decided you needed to be the first rule breaker of the term is beyond me. Be quick before I make a proper example of you."

There. Now where was he?

Ah, yes. Malachi looked to his staff again. "I don't mean to start us off on ominious terms but have any of you noticed anything strange? Anyone sneaking around who shouldn't be?"

Since being back, the man couldn't shake the feeling that he was being watched and it left the hairs on the back of his neck permanently raised. Creepy.

Ah, Carwyn! Finneas greeted him with a big awkward grin. Did he enjoy his holiday? HECK YEAH he did. ”Err… Yes… Yes, very much,” he nodded. ”Did you?” Finneas was certain that Carwyn enjoyed most things. He was always a chipper man.

Pierson received a funny smile as well, as did Cassie. Though they were on the other end of the table, which he didn’t mind so much. Cassie made Finneas feel strange. And Finneas couldn’t relate very much to Pierson. So it was for the best. Not that he was thinking about this very much because his attention was currently elsewhere. Namely on trying not to turn as bright as his robes when June gave her compliments. ”Oh… Er… Thank you… Welcome back to the Great Hall.” He bobbed his head. Equally as grateful for the space that Carwyn occupied between them.

And Williamson. Yes. This was very awkward for them all.

Fortunately, he did not need to dwell for too long. ”Err… Yes, Headmaster. Hopefully we will not need to.” Fingers and toes crossed. Finneas never did enjoy handing out detentions. He avoided it as much as possible, actually. So long as each student just carried on with their great behavior as exemplified by the way they were right—

Ah. Spoke too soon.

With the warning for the Gryffindor table, Finneas glanced over to the Ravenclaw one. Just in case. They were usually a well behaved bunch. Hopefully this continued.

IT WAS PROFESSOR WILLIAMSON!

It was so good to see him too!! Did he know???

But even though June was ecstatic to see her former teacher, CLEARLY he was not feeling the same way about her. She immediately felt the need to leave her seat and go ask him why - - but this was a proper setting, and she was going to be a teacher and HE was a teacher - and everyone was watching, so this could wait. She could corner him later, and they could have some tea and he could tell her all about his awesome life.

So she simply smiled back at him, all the while feeling like a little kid again - a feeling that only increased when Headmaster Trent smiled at her, and called her young, "I assure you I am very good at running, sir" she responded with a small chuckle - only to then turn and instinctively snap her fingers back at the blonde who had just arrived at the table. Oh how lovely.

Before she could properly greet Cassie however, headmaster Trent's voice was booming in the great hall. Wow.

"......so this is how it feels to be on the other side" she added, a little amused - before shaking her head at Headmaster Trent's question, "I don't think so, though I think I need a little more time around here to know what is normal strange and what isn't"

Carwyn would love to say he was used to the brightness of Finneas' wardrobe, but let's face it. He never would be, and honestly - he appreciated that. Even if it sometimes made him wish he didn't have peripheral vision. Ah well. He smiled all the same at the younger man. "Fantastic. I hope you and Aline managed to get some relaxing done." He nodded.

"Yes, yes. Lots of family time and making up for Christmas... a late 50th wedding anniversary, but Derek is no longer mad for missing it." He chuckled, remembering the (very) literal bad mood Derek had been in when he had gotten home. Hogwarts. Heh. He loved being here and teaching, he couldn't help it!

He looked away from Finnease to smile at both Gabi and June. "I hope you are settling in fine, June." He bowed his head slightly, looking over as students were filing their way into the Hall now and kept an eye on the ones he knew liked to play up... it was their first night back, please behave? Ah. Sigh. There was always one.

He gave the ladies another smile as he leant forward to address Trent. "Not as of yet... but I will make sure to keep vigilent." It would never hurt.

Forever the optimist, wasn't Schmoe? Malachi was under no such false hopes where the students and detentions were concerned, especially not when his very son was the next to test the man's patience. Once again, the man amplified his voice, his tone no less amused than it had been when he addressed Rivers.

"Kale Trent, that will be 5 points from Gryffindor and you will remain within acceptable volume for the remainder of the evening if you don't want worse. You're back at school, act as you know you should lest I have to remind you."

Perhaps it was best to get this feast underway before any further disturbances could present themselves. "Running will come in handy around here." Malachi added as an aside to June, listening to Eris deny any strange observations. There was something, he was sure there was but the man couldn't put his fingers on it.

Trent began knocking at the side of his goblet as he always did then waited for the students to settle.

"Good evening, everyone. I see you're no less inclined to test the limits this term than you have been in previous terms. Let me start this speech by saying it's not a good look. Everyone who's sitting at a table that doesn't match your tie, you've got 30 seconds to find yourself at the right table before I begin handing out real detentions."

The Headmaster eased back in his chair, waiting out the seconds in his head and making note of any who did not move for later.

Now then.

"I didn't want to start this speech with stern words but once again, it's become necessary. Let me remind you all, the opening feast--like the end of term feast--is an official school function. You will show up in full, proper, uniform. You will sit where you are designated. You will keep the volume to a suitable level. This is not a party. This is not the average meal in the Great Hall. Let this be the last time I have to warn anyone. I won't be so lenient moving forward." So they'd best remember that.

Malachi cleared his throat and loosened his tie. "Now then, welcome back to school. To our first years and transfers, welcome to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I am your Headmaster, Malachi Trent. You'll learn soon enough that this school, much like every other, has rules and consequences for those who think themselves above those rules. We also have many clubs and societies you can become involved with, in fact, the drama club will be hosting auditions for our latest play for those who want to be involved." See? Not an entire doom and gloom greeting.

"This term, joining staff, we have Professor June Flamsteed in the role of Herbology Professor and Professor Dalton Jones taking over in the capacity of Potions. We'll also be having visiting Potions Seminars this term. You'll hear more on those as the year progresses." Those were still being arranged.

"And before I forget, many of you will notice a forest at the edge of the grounds. It happens to be named the "Forbidden Forest". As most of you may have guessed from the name, you're not allowed in there. Go in there anyway because rules don't apply to you and I'll do my best to show you otherwise." He'd had ENOUGH of students sneaking in there. "Classes begin tomorrow at 8 sharp. I suggest getting some good sleep before then. You'll have the whole year to catch with or make new friends. Let's have a good year? Yeah? Let's eat!?"

Right on cue, the food began to appear and not a moment too soon. He was starving!

Gabi smiled politely at Finneas as he joined the table - and thankfully didn't trip over his feet in the process. She couldn't help that she had come to expect that behavior from him at this point! "Yes, very good to be back - especially considering last term," she said with a nod at her colleague. No need to go over the details of how terrible that all was, yes? Fingers crossed nothing went downhill this term, although the chances of that happening were slim to none.

She smile and muttered a greeting at Carwyn as he came by and headed to his chair, and then smirked at Curtis as he passed by. Obviously he was referring to her new Head of House title. "Oh I'm sure they'll keep me on my toes," she replied with a grin. She was a former snake herself, so she knew how their devious little brains worked.

Ah...one of the new arrivals. Gabriela titled her head with a smile at the Herbology professor as she entered, watching her with interest as she took her seat next to her. "Gabriela Recard," she said simply, introducing herself with a smile. "Welcome," she added, hoping this new arrival knew what she was getting herself into. Then again, Gabi had thought for SURE she knew what to expect when she had taken her post as well...

Oh Merlin. Here was Cassie, snapping along as always. How was she always so annoyingly CHEERFUL? And the woman next to her joined in! Ugh. She missed Gus already. This Herbology professor was only encouraging Cassie, and Gabi was NOT amused, so she turned to the Headmaster instead to distract herself.

She grinned at Malachi and chuckled at his comment. Did these BOYS think she couldn't handle a few sassy Slytherins? They obviously hadn't visited her home in France to see first hand what a tight ship she ran in her household. "You forget you're talking to a former snake here...I know exactly what I'm dealing with," she joked with a grin. Joke would be on HER if any of them had the attitude SHE'D had at Hogwarts, though.

But her grin fell slightly at his next question. She arched a blonde eyebrow at him. "Strange? Erm...no, nothing seems off to me," she admitted before turning back to the house tables. Well, NOW she was certainly going to be keeping a closer watch on them...which was exactly what she did as Trent began his usual speech, her eyes lingering on the Slytherins for a few moments as she made sure everyone was paying attention and they weren't about to take after their peers at the Gryffindor table. At least she didn't have the added headache of having her children here - poor Malachi. They were a handful.

Oh, an owl? Cassie had been helping an owl? This was a distraction William could get behind. "How is it doing now? Did it fly off okay?" he inquired of her, setting down his empty water goblet with a small frown. He caught Malachi's smile and decided to save his grumbling for later, in the staff room, maybe over a cup of cider. Trent was indeed delivering his promise to make the younguns do the cleaning, already using the stables as a threat to some of his Lions. Alright, that one earned a smirk from this former Slytherin.

He settled back in his speech to watch the antics of the kids as they came in, noting especially that the Gryffindor table, Trent's own kids included, all seemed hellbent on giving him a stroke before the clock struck midnight. Why? Why were they always like this? Look at Williamson's former house by comparison, which was now going to be run by his OTHER Housemate from back in the day. Slytherin was full of angels, as far as Willy was concerned. Great kids. Brilliant. Wise enough not to cause trouble on the first night.

Speaking of... there was the speech, finally. He found himself nodding along in agreement with everything the Headmaster said, especially about the forest and the new people, and then there was food! So he had nothing to complain about, really, and was too busy loading up his plate and spearing potatoes and roast on a fork to talk much.