Despite being glad to be back at Hogwarts the Hufflepuff was not in the mood for the feast. Which was why he decided to stay in the entrance hall as his classmates entered the Great Hall. One of the main reasons why he wasn't in the mood for a feast was because he didn't want to see his housemates. More specifically some of his year mates.

Whether he was allowed to be here or not during the feast was none of his concern so as he hoisted his backpack over his left shoulder, he walked over to the staircase nearby and as he sat down near the bottom, he placed the bag on the step below him.

He leaned forward and after opening the bag he pulled out a book. This was not the book that Dahlia had given to him over the summer though. As much as he would have loved to read it he figured it wasn't the wisest. But rather this book was a normal novel. One that he had been reading at home but had not been able to finish during the train ride and he had to know what happened in the next chapter.

As he flipped to the page he had last dog eared, Daniel pulled up his knees to support the book on top of them and began to read.

Simon had been on his way into the Great Hall when he spotted a student hanging behind. Why was he doing this? What caused this? He wondered as he made his way over. Perhaps there was a disagreement on the train with friends or housemates that caused him to distance himself. Then again maybe the boy preferred the company of books which Simon thought was perfectly fine. Though to be out in the Entrance Hall by yourself right before the Start of the Term feast was a curiosity indeed.

Naturally Simon, a part-time sleuthing detective, had to investigate. Thus he made his way slowly over to the young Hufflepuff student who had pulled out a book. “What are you reading, young Master ?” he began, opting for a safe young Master as he did not know the student’s last name just yet. He then took a seat on the stair but a fair distance away as to not crowd the young boy.

Daniel had noticed an individual taking a seat on the stairs but he paid no mind to them. Engrossed in his book as it were the last few chapters and things were being revealed, the Hufflepuff let out a sigh and placed his finger on the sentence he was reading when he was asked a question. He could have ignored him, pretend he was deep in the book but that would likely get him in trouble and he didn't want to be on his first evening back.

Without a word, the second year lifted his head and he gazed at the man as if assessing him. New professor. He wondered which subject Trent had hired him for... Then he lifted the book to show him the cover.

"It's about a detective who has to solve a murder that happened a day before there was an orchestra recital. I'm suspecting it's the pianist..." he placed the book back on his lap and looked back down again. "I'll enter the Great Hall once Tre-- Headmaster Trent begins his speech" he said "That's not against the rules, is it?" he raised his eyebrows before adding a "Professor" at the end to sound less rude.

Simon took a quick glance at the book and instantly knew which one it was. He was an avid fan of detective stories and mysteries so much so that he was inspired to write a few after Ethan and his days of adventuring around Hogwarts. Research into strange phenomena, theorizing, hypothesizing, naturally debating, and detective stories were right up Simon’s alley. “The pianist did it? What makes them suspicious?” he asked curiously, wondering to hear what theories the boy had come up with. He would have to keep a straight face as he had read that book too. He was a fan.

It took him a moment to refocus on the boy’s question because stories like that always got his mind moving quickly. Mr. Yoon’s response had brought an amused smile to his lips about entering the Great Hall right before the Headmaster began his speech. “It is not..” he chuckled, folding his arms across his chest for a moment. Merlin. This child was cheeky. Simon thought it was wise of the young Hufflepuff to add a Professor to the end of his phrase. “I simply wondered why you would be out here by yourself and not in there with your friends... I figured you may have been avoiding someone which... I have done before myself on this staircase.” Simon paused. “I hope that’s not the case. But...”

He shrugged his shoulders and paused again. “I understand why now. A good book like that is hard to put down. Besides you’ve got the rest of the year for friends, Mr.....” He paused once more realizing that he did not know the student’s name. “I’m afraid I don’t know your name... I suppose introductions must be in order. I’m Si— Professor Holden. And you are?”

Daniel studied the man's face and he saw recognition in his expression the moment he saw the title of the book. So he had read it. The Hufflepuff shrugged once before he flipped to the last page and pulled a piece of paper. On it were scribbles with notes he had taken during his reading. He did not take notes every time he read a book but occasionally when a story interested him he would. "Because, in chapter...." he scanned his notes for a second "six the pianist said during an police questioning that he was at a store the moment the murder took place but then in chapter eleven it was revealed that the security camera in that store had been tampered with" he said, looking at the man again. "But of course the writer could have been making him a suspect on purpose"

As he had expected, the new professor started questioning the reason why he was out here in the Entrance hall instead of inside the Great hall. "You know, just because someone sits alone instead of in a crowded hall does not suggest that something is wrong".........."Sir" he added. He was not going to talk about how he had find out during the train ride that Jasper had hosted a party during the summer and had invited every year mate....except for him. Although, he wouldn't have come if he were invited but there was a big difference between being invited and not going and not being invited at all. He didn't want to pretend to small talk with people who obviously did not like him.

"Daniel Yoon" he said before the man introduced himself as professor Holden. The temptation to say that he was Batman was great but he resisted "Which subject did Tre-- Headmaster Trent hire you for?"

For a mili-second, he thought that the Hufflepuff was just going to skip to the last chapter to find out the ending but he was RELIEVED when he saw the boy fish out a paper. Simon was frankly impressed that Daniel had his own set of scribbles and heard the boy out on his theory. He kept his facial expression neutral and nodded. “Perhaps it could be a red herring but then again perhaps you’ll have to read more. Do you like detective stories?” he asked. “If you need more suggestions on books, stop by my office.”

He offered the Hufflepuff boy a smile. “That is true. It certainly doesn’t suggest that something is wrong but... just wanted to check,” he nodded before he stood up. Merlin, he was starting to age. He could feel it in his knees every time he stood up. Age was coming for him... unfortunately.

“Nice to meet you, Mr. Yoon.” He extended his hand out towards the boy in a handshake. After the gesture, he took a step back and nodded to his question. “History of Magic.” He didn’t know what else to add on and decided to wait to see the boy’s reaction. Hopefully he’d find the subject exciting. He knew that perhaps it wasn’t as exciting as other subjects but still - nevertheless- an important subject.

He cleared his throat and squared his shoulders. “Well Mr. Yoon, I best be heading in to report for duty. Do stop by if you need more recommendations on detective stories. I hope to see you in the Great Hall,” he smiled.

And with that, Professor Holden headed to the Staff Dais.

Daniel tucked the piece of paper in the back of the book before turning his head to the side to look at the newly appointed Professor. "I do...." he answered when asked if he liked detective stories. "I like a lot of genres though...except for romance. That is dull"

The last time he had been invited to a professors office he had been in trouble for arguing with V in class. For the most part, the Hufflepuff tended to avoid the offices but if he had some book recommendations he might knock on his door one day. "Ok sure, why not"

When the professor stood up, the second year looked hopeful for the first time. Was he leaving? Could he finally read this chapter?! What was it with people always coming over to chat when he had a book with him? His joy was short-lived though for a hand was extended out towards him and Daniel eyed it for a before glancing up at the man. Leaving him hanging, the Hufflepuff gave a nod of his head instead.

History of Magic was not his preferred subject but it was necessary for the profession he wanted to learn later in life. "Ok" he said simply because what else was he supposed to say to that?

Ah, he was leaving? for real this time? perfect. "I'll enter soon" judging by the sounds coming from inside the Great Hall, people were still locating their seats and conversing so he still had some time to finish this chapter. "Promise" he added and watched the new professor leave.

FINALLY.