Art Newton, dressed in an old suit of his, was dipping a glass of butterbeer. It wasn't as good as tea, but it was a delightful drink. Madame Curie was at home for the night, she was being looked after by his daughter. There were a few new staffers on this year, and Art was looking forward to meeting them all, as well as seeing his colleagues again.

PAUL WAS HERE WAS HE LATE OH DEAR HE HOPED NOT-----

He breathed a little easier when he saw only Art was here. He smiled warmly as he old friend (old in many ways). He ordered a butterbeer as well and went to join the Potions Master. "Art!" he said as he slid next to the man. "We're the first ones! Why do old people always arrive early?" he asked with a chuckle.

"I almost brought Milton."

Camilla was here and a tad bit early it seemed. Maybe she should've taken a little bit longer to get herself ready or at least come along with her cousin Kay. It was a strange meeting people you didn't know in a group setting or well in her case re-meeting people. Some of her colleagues had been former school mates or hers back when she had attended Hogwarts if only for a short time, they had all been young children and teens then. Now they were all adults, people she hadn't seen in many years or only if by chance on occasion.

Entering the place Cami looked around for someone she knew which turned out to be no one just yet. Going and getting herself a nice cold drink (some blend of fruit or something lol) she then made her way towards the two older men, drink in hand. "Hello gentlemen," she greeted warmly giving them both a smile.

It was time to get to know the people she would be working with for an entire year or possibly longer!

The thing about going back to old places such as Diagon Alley was the unsolicited bout of nostalgia. If he were the highly sensitive kind of man, he already would’ve had a tear rolling down his face. Though he is capable of emotions, unnecessary and uncalled for feelings were easily disposed, simply because of his profession. In the world of Healers, attachments were a no-no. He had patients that didn’t make it, and he would already have lost his head and heart if he were attached to those people.

River let out a sigh, and in a heartbeat, he had a happy grin on his face and headed for the function room that the school reserved for them. He wasn’t exactly there to reminisce his student years, but some memories resurfaced successfully. The Healer popped his head in, squinted at the two elder men inside whose backs were toward him, and double checked the piece of parchment that was sent to his residence. Huh. Was he too early today?

The 6’2” man entered the function room, and approached his new colleagues. “Hello.” He said, looking from one salt & pepper haired man to another, and a younger good-lookingwoman. “I’m River Reed, Hogwart’s new Healer. You must be…three of the teaching staff?” he asked, offering his hand to shake. He wasn’t sure if the Board of Governor’s would be there, so he assumed the most obvious.

And other people had arrived! Wonderful! Paul smiled and waved at them both, snorting and chuckling at the healer's words. "Why yes, we are the teaching staff...how ever did you figure that one out--' he nudged the man in the chest playfully and CHORTLED to himself. A little healthy, friendly sarcasm was never to much, eh?

"I'm Paul Myers, Herbology professor....also Hufflepuff head of house," he nodded. "Which is interesting considering I was a Ravenclaw back at school. However, in my immensely OLD age, I always say that I've grown into quite the badger in my years." Paul was only....Merlin, he was blanking on his age at the moment. Was he 67 this year? Or 68? GOSH GOLLY. Milton would know. "And you are, m'dear?" he asked the woman. And where was everyone else? There were a lot of new guys this term! And Paul wanted to meet them!

Including the new headmistress!

Also, why did Hogwarts keep employing man candy?! LOOKING AT YOU, RIVER. Paul found it increasingly distracting.

Well, isn’t this man precious? Look at him getting all touchy-feely with him, totally ignoring his outstretched hand. Alright, maybe that isn’t the custom anymore to greet...uh...strangers? Well, technically they are no longer strangers to him given that he will be working alongside these men, and woman for the rest of the term...and more. The joke wasn’t missed, and River returned it with a chuckle of his own. “I was told that the students could be a handful, hence the salt & pepper hair. However, I would rather associate it with years of knowledge and expertise than stress, Professor Myers.” He retorted with an air of humour and wit. Merlin, were his former professors like this man? Even Castelobruxo lacked this kind of fun.

Head of Hufflepuff House, eh? Well, that explains the carefree and friendly disposition of this man. Also Jace did mention him, along with other professors that he was bound to meet. “Oh you were a Ravenclaw? I was an Eagle too, though I finished my secondary school in Castelobruxo. You would’ve enjoyed your time there given its lush flora and fauna.” Paul did mention he was the Herbology Professor too, right? He would’ve definitely been in paradise. “If you need anything Herbology related Professor, I would be happy to contact my friends there for you.” River added with a nod and a grin.

And yes, where were the others? River was more than ready to put faces in names since his nephew Jace made a hasty list for him. It was quite the shock too for that kid when he received news about him taking the Healer position. Who would’ve thought, yes?

Since everyone was having their drinks, River got himself a glass of water nearby, and waited for the rest to arrive.

Coolly, he sat himself in one of the chairs ready to engage anyone in a pleasant conversation.

Summer holiday had almost over, meant that it's time to go back to the Great Britain area and fulfill his duty to teach the students at the greatest wizarding school in the world. As much as Jordan enjoyed his holiday by hiking and camping with his brother, he missed the creatures at school too. Hopefully they were okay when he's gone. He had asked some elves to look after them when he's on holiday.

There was a specific event for the staffs that he had to attend before going back to the castle and officially start a new school term. Maybe they're gonna meet the new Headmaster (or headmistress) along with the other new professors too. He wasn't really fancy wearing a suit since this was just a casual meet-and-greet so hopefully a certain woman wouldn't be fussed about what he's wearing today. Yes, he meant you, Laurel Vance. As he got himself a cup of coffee, he walked in to the room and saw his co-workers.

"Oh hello, everyone." Jordan greeted them all. There were two new faces that he saw in this meeting. "Ah, welcome to the team! Jordan Hernandez, Care of Magical Creatures professor." He introduced himself to the new lady (Cami) and the other newbie (River).

The summer holidays were quickly drawing to a close and with the start of term coming nearer Laurel moved back home to her flat in London. Spending time with friends and relatives she loved and enjoyed, but she also had to make some last minute preparations for teaching the young witches and wizards of Britain.

Today's staff mixer was something she had scryed about and looked forward to ever since she had gotten the invitation in the mail. Dressed up for the event in a summer yellow one piece dress, complete with necklace and glittering heels the blond seer entered the Leaky Cauldron.

With the use of some helpful directions from the barman Laurel soon entered the Function Room that Hogwarts had rented for the mixer. Putting on a smile as sunny as her dress the diviner moved toward the group where both old and new colleagues mingled. "Hello everyone! Having good summers so far?"

Eyes flashing between the newcomers Laurel smiled as she extended her hand for a shake toward first the woman and then the man while she introduced herself. "Welcome to the staff team! I'm Laurel Vance and I teach the noble art of Divination at Hogwarts."

The blonde woman made her way towards the Leaky Cauldron with her clutch, cream colored purse in hand. Honestly she wished that she could say that she was very nervous but that wasn't the case, she had been a professor for nearly twenty years now. This was just something that would happen from time to time, though she did stop attending the Beauxbatons meetings during the summer months after she had been there for ten years.

Caroleena Salvatore opened the door to the Leaky Cauldron and walked in. She gracefully walked around the building until she saw the bunch of professors, professors to her weren't that hard to point out. School or no school. She wasn't very sure who she would know what she had a gut feeling that she would know at least on person here. Lena walked up towards the bunch with a smile on her face. "Hello everyone. I'm Caroleena Salvatore the new Astronomy Professor." she said with her French-Irish accent. Her accent was interesting. Though she was taught how to speak French by the French adults in her life, she had spent a lot of her time in Ireland.

Summer was coming to an end, and that meant it was time to start getting geared towards going back to school. Rosalyn thought that there wasn't a more perfect way to do that than a staff mixer!

It had taken a little while for her to figure out what she wanted to wear and get ready, but she felt that she had managed to make it well in time! Entering the Leaky Cauldron, she made her way to where the others had assembled. It was nice to see some familiar faces as well as some new ones. "Hello, everyone! You are all looking nice." It was good to see River and Camilla because it had been a while! "Welcome to the Staff! We are a wonderful team!" she said to them and the woman who she hadn't met before. "Hello, I am Rosalyn. I teach History of Magic," she added to her. Introductions were important.

Now the others just needed to arrive! Where was Gaston?

The only reason Viktor was here is he had nothing better planned. He had business to conduct in Knockturn before and well he was here anyway. He walked in and well at least it was not as awkward as he imagined it. He would deal with the unfamiliar people later. Introductions could wait or you know just not happen. They still had time and the whole school year.

Still he would be sure to talk to two of them.

Smirk.

Also was he late he had no idea since it seemed like most were already here. Just a few missing. But they probably had better things to do.

Having landed in London some two weeks prior to this gathering, the man had spent much of that time growing accustomed to the city. It hadn't taken him long to do just that, just like it hadn't taken long for him to miss his mum's cooking or the look his baby niece gave him every time she saw him. He had enough pictures to annoy people with prove this, with his favourite one being tucked away in his wallet as a 'just in case'.

So, sporting a bit of a healthy tan, Hirsch headed into the Leaky and made his way towards the room that had been booked out. The bar would've been his main destination on many visits to this place but if there were going to be drinks provided, why would he pay extra for his own?

Whoever selected the drinks was going to be judged for any bad choices. Just saying.

His first point of action was to make a swift glance over at the surrounding area before heading into the room everyone was in. The smile that had been missing at the End of Term feast seemed to have returned to his face, displaying those cheeky dimples clearly. "Hello, everyone. Had a good summer?" Green eyes swept over the room, immediately taking in everyone there, including the newcomers to the Staffing team. The three of them got a special little welcome message of their own from Hirsch: "Hello and welcome to the team. I'm Roderik Hirsch, Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor and Ravenclaw Head of House."

And where was everyone else? Hm?

She was late, wasn't she?

Or maybe just fashionably late. Her colleagues could take her lateness whichever way they wanted to. As long she was present before the new Head, Kay was quite fine with her situation. "Hello, everyone!'' Beams for all of them! Especially those she hadn't seen over the earlier parts of the summer.

There were the new ones. Were anyone of them the Head? "Hello. Kaysha Stewart, Muggle Studies,'' the woman said to the the two (Caroleena and River). Obviously she did not recognise River... but she did recognise Cami. "Cami! I'm so happy you were hired to be on staff.'' This was her cousin after all.

First impression? The group was pretty diverse, and so far it seemed that he would be working well with these people. They all looked fit to him, professional even, so he thought, he wouldn’t have a hard time coaxing these people to get out and sweat off the unwanted pounds. If there was something he’d never forget in Hogwarts, it would be the elves’ cooking. Merlin knows the amount of calories they all consume every meal, not counting the goodies they provide during teatime.

River had a pleasant, boyish grin on his face as he once again stood up to give the newcomers a wave, a nod, and the very rare handshake. “Professor Hernandez, it’s a pleasure to meet you. River Reed, your new school healer. I’ve heard from my nephew, Jace, that you have a dog?” he asked genuinely curious because he would love to meet this man’s pet. He’d be bringing two of his Newfoundland, and it would be really nice for his fur babies to have a furry friend too in school while he worked. He then shifted his attention to the next person who arrived and greeted them. “Professor Vance, it’s nice to meet you.” He said as he gladly took her hand and shook it gently. She did look familiar too by the way. In fact, most people looked familiar to him. They were perhaps first years when he was a fifth year Ravenclaw and transferred to Castelobruxo? Most probably, yes.

More came and River made it a point to meet his fellow new recruits. “Professor Salvatore. Hello. I’m River Reed, the new school healer.” River was a bit distracted with her accent because he couldn’t quite pinpoint its…provenance. It was pretty unique, and it gave the mysterious vibe around this woman.

And speaking of another familiar face…”Rosalyn…” River trailed off and tried to remember where he saw that face…and River momentarily glanced at Jordan. “Hold on…you two were in Ravenclaw, yes?” he asked looking from the woman to the man a few steps away. “You were second years when I left Hogwarts if I’m not mistaken…” he said trailing off again when another woman came in to greet them. “Kaysha Stewart. Yes, you were in Ravenclaw too…with Jordan and Rosalyn, correct?” Merlin’s beard. Who would’ve thought that this would be a reunion of sorts for Ravenclaw?

Two gentlemen then came and his attention were on them. The first was a quiet one, and River was quick to assume that he was a former Slytherin. All of them snakes bore that very same smirk. It was like a trademark thing for them. If you can’t do one properly, then you’re probably a fake. Heh. River gave this man a polite nod and smile and moved on to...oh look who's finally here.

Roderick Hirsch. Ah yes, the man that Jace has come to love and adore more than his own uncle. He must be a really good teacher since Jace could not stop talking about how great this sensei is. Ryden, his older brother also filled him in during his quick visit to his Newcastle home. Apparently, Professor Hirsch and Ryden had the talk last term…and for the record, it went well. He wondered what this fellow would think of him once he introduced himself. A spy for Ryden perhaps? Haha! “Jace told me so much about his Head of House.” River started, and offered his hand for a firm handshake. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Professor Hirsch. River Reed, your new School Healer.” …who has your medical records, and more. Hello, hello!

Art was just observing his shoes when his fellow Silver friend rocked up. "Ahh Paul, good evening," he said with a warm smile. He laughed at Paul's greeting. "Probably because they expect us to be in bed in a few hours." HAH. It would be at least 8pm by the time Art went to bed. "Why didn't he come?" Art would have liked to see Milton.

It wasn't long until someone else (Cami) joined them, someone Art had never met before. One of the new staff, obviously. Not long after, another new face arrived. The new healer! "Ahh a fellow healer. Hello there, I'm Art Newton, Potions and Gryffindor Head of House," Art said, introducing himself to the two new faces with an offer of his hand to shake. He smiled at Paul. Art knew his Ravenclaw friend embodied many of the great qualities of the Hufflepuff house. "My whole family were Ravenclaws. I was the only Gryffindor. Still am." Art had been wanting to take a stroll along the corridors on a wheely chair.

Other friends Art already knew started to arrive. "Good evening Jordan." Art had told his daughter about Jordan, the Care of Magical Creatures Professor. "I uhh... d-don't suppose I'd be able to ask you to meet with my daughter sometime this year? She's writing her thesis for Magical creatures and I don't really have the knowledge to help her." She was far too knowledgable for Creatures, beyond Art's NEWTs knowledge.

"Good evening Laurel, how has your summer been?" Art asked the young Divination teacher.

The next new face to join introduced herself as the new Astronomer. "Caroleena Salvatore, hello, I'm Art Newton, Potions." He offered his hand to the newcomer.

"Hello there Rosie love," Art greeted his niece with a hug. "Did Gaston come with you?" Art had noticed how happy Rosie was this Summer. Not that she wasn't a happy person, but there was just a new spark there.

Next, the Runes Professor joined them. "Viktor, good evening there," Art said. "Having a nice summer?"

"Good evening Roderik, how are you? My summer has been lovely. Lots of time with the kids and granddaughter. How about yours?" Art was going to be spending the remainder of holidays at home with his son and daughter-in-law to babysit his dear little Liesel.

"Kay, hello there. How has your summer been?" Art asked, giving his young friend a greeting by a one armed hug.

Gaston really didn't like parties. Being around big crowds of people made him uncomfortable, but thankfully he wasn't as nervous as he'd been at the start of last term. At least now he knew his colleagues (with one or two exceptions) didn't openly despise him, but there were a few newcomers this term. What if they disliked him? He suddenly had to hold his hands behind his back to stop them from shaking. Get a hold of yourself. Gaston! he told himself sternly. You haven't given them reason to dislike you...

He took a deep breath as he entered the room, his bright blue eyes scanning for familiar faces. It looked like almost everyone was already here. Oh no, he wasn't late, was he? He hoped the new headmaster or headmistress wasn't among the new faces he saw. Merlin, what a horrible first impression that would make! He worried that the new head would dislike him or - Merlin forbid! - fire him, and he suddenly missed Headmaster Sahnoun. But he couldn't allow himself to think about that now. It was too early for him to start getting emotional; he just got here!

"Hello, everyone. I hope you all had a wonderful summer," Gaston said timidly, but his voice was so quiet, he was sure at least half the people here hadn't heard him. He noticed two of the newcomers (River and Cami) and gave each of them a smile and a polite nod. He remembered how intimidating it had been to be the new guy last year, so he was going to make an extra effort to be welcoming to the new staff. "I'm Gaston Marchand, Charms professor."

He made a beeline for the refreshment table and poured two glasses of butterbeer before sidling over to Rosalyn. "So sorry I'm late!" he exclaimed as he handed her one of the glasses he was holding. He hadn't worried her, had he?"I hope this makes it up to you..." He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a rose like the one he gave her at the end-of-term feast, except this one was deep red. Thankfully it hadn't been damaged by travelling in his pocket! The thought crossed his mind to give her a quick kiss on the cheek, but he decided against it and held her hand instead.

His eyes darted frantically. He still had no idea if one of these people was his new boss, and he didn't want to get himself or worse, Rosalyn in trouble for acting unprofessionally. Hold on a minute... that wasn't who he thought it was, was it? He thought he recognized one of the newcomers (Caroleena). "Professor Salvatore?"

Arriving when she had certainly had it's perks. Having only two men to introduce herself to wasn't at all that bad. The two older men introducing themselves as the Herbology and Potions professors earned a smile from her. Both seemed like such sweet men. "Oh my, please forgive me," Cami laughed softly. "I forgot for just a moment that I didn't give my name." Silly her. "Camilla Steward the new Transfiguration professor," she told both Art and Paul as well as the newcomer whom had said his name was River. Yes, she was related to Kay hopefully that didn't confuse anyone especially the students.

Another gentleman joined the small but quickly growing group. Ah, the CoMC professor. "Thank you, Jordan! I've heard wonderful things about you all from my cousin. I'm Camilla Stewart, the new Transfiguration professor."

"Hello, hello!," the brunette greeted the first women to join them with a bright smile reaching out her hand to shake the women's offered one. She finally wasn't the only female here now. Divination, huh? That hadn't been one of her favorite lessons back in the day when she attended school but that was because she hadn't been that good at it. "It's a pleasure meeting you Laurel, I'm Camilla Stewart the new Transfiguration professor."

Taking a sip of her fruit drink Cami smiled warmly towards Caroleena. She was new to the staff as well from what she just said. And that accent of hers was lovely! "Hello, I'm Camilla Stewart the new transfiguration professor." So many introductions were happening!

Rosalyn! Finally someone Cami knew even if it was simply through her cousin. "Rosa, hello. How're you this evening?" It had been quite some time since she had seen her.

Catching a quick glimpse of the man that entered the room next (Viktor) Cami sent him a warm friendly smile even though he said nothing. Silent type it seemed. That was alright with her they would be on the same team for a year at least. More then long enough to have a chance or two to speak with him.

"Hello Roderik, I'm Camillia Stewart, new Transfiguration professor." She gave the a warm smile just as she had everyone else. Really, she should have just waited a few moments and introduced herself to everyone at the same time. This seemed nicer though, more friendly.

That voice. Cami smiled brightly knowing the voice long before she even set her brown eyes on the women it belonged to. "There you are! I was beginning you to think you didn't want to see me and weren't coming," she teased her younger cousin with a soft laugh. She knew Kay was thrilled that she was part of the staff, she had been the one to tell her about the position to begin with.

The rush of people arriving seemed to slow down and finally come to an end with one final person walking in. Cami turned her light brown eyes onto him and smiled warmly at his greeting. Gaston. "Hello, Gaston. I'm Camilla Stewart, the new Transfiguration professor."

Maybe they all should just wear name tags. It would make the introductions go faster but that would be rather childish and silly. Interesting though. Camilla took another sip of her drink running over the names in her head as she looked around once again trying to place names with faces.

Paul chortled at the newcomer. What was his name--River? Heh! "You can call me Paul," he said in a cheerful tone. "And ahh..another Ravenclaw!" he clapped the man on the back. "It's nice to have some around." He grinned. His heart was with the Hufflepuffs, currently, though, and he couldn't deny it. They were his baby!Badgers.

"Oooh, of course! I'll let you. I have my own contacts, of course, but different groups of people might have...different branches of plants, eh?" Paul never got tired of his awful...puns, if one could call them that.

Jordan and Laurel arrived, how nice! Paul gave them a wave. "Enjoying your summers?" he asked the pair. "Jordan, I might need a bit of advice on a particular worm problem I'm having at the vineyard--" he sighed and ruffled his white, fluffy hair. "They won't leave the grapes alone!" and he had NEVER in all of his years in Italy had this problem before. It was very odd.

A newbie arrived, one Caroleena, who had an accent Paul had to squint to hear (EYES WERE IMPORTANT TO HEARING DIDN'T YOU KNOW?) and then little Rosalyn had come, how lovely she looked! His eyes flickered around instinctively to search for Gaston. Did the couple think they had been secretive this past term? Pffft.

Ah, Viktor, the grumpy and not nearly as fun to mess with replacement to GrumpMaster Draper. Man, he missed the Creatures fellow. His life didn't feel quite complete when he wasn't irritating James Draper. He'd HAVE to send a glitter infested postcard PRONTO.

"Ahhh Hello, Roderik!" he smiled at the DA man. "I have had a FABULOUS summer, thank you. I hope you have, too?" And there was Kaysha, looking as lovely as ever!

He did turn to Art, though, to continue their conversation. "Ah, Milton would have been bored out of his mind. And this was a STAFF meeting. Milton isn't staff, thanks to Merlin." Milton would probably mURDER THE CHILDREN honestly. "And I don't know about you, but I can party until at LEAST 10 PM." He was fibbing. When given the right...circumstances, Paul could pull an all nighter. Other times he fell asleep right as 9:30 slipped by. It all depended on the circumstances and...beverages consumed, of course.

"AHHH hello Gaston!" he waved at Rosalyn's boyfriend the charm's professor. "Hope your summer was a fine one!"

"Camilla Steward? Are you Kay's sister?" he asked suddenly, and he whipped around in his stool to squint at Kay. They didn't look very much alike. "Or coincidental?" And he was laughing at her....multiple times of introducing herself. "Oh, who are you again?" he asked after hearing it for the 27485TH TIME. "The Trasnfiguration professor?" Paul stood up and cupped his hands around his mouth.

"EVERYONE THIS IS CAMILLA STEWARD, THE NEW TRANSFIGURATION PROFESSOR." He announced, and he put a friendly arm around CAMILLA STEWARD, NEW TRANSFIGURATION PROFESSOR. "There. I've covered your introductions for the night for you," he teased. All in good fun. She seemed like a nice woman! And related to Kay, possibly, so...yeah. Those were all good signs.

There were more arrivals, and Rosalyn smiled at Roderik, Kaysha and Viktor as they joined the party. Now she just needed Gaston, but since he hated parties she was not surprised that he hadn't arrived yet. "Evening! How did you all enjoy your summers?" she asked the three of them. "I had a lovely summer!" she added in reply to Roderik's question. It had been perfect, but she was getting herself geared towards the upcoming term; it would be great to see her students again.

Uncle Art got a big hug. "It's so good to see you." Even though they spent time together since they were family. "No, he's been staying here for the summer." So really that hadn't even been possible in the first place. No matter because she knew that he was going to show up when he was ready to.

It was nice that River had some recollection of her. Rosalyn had been a few years behind him in school, but she had been blessed with a good memory. Even though she hadn't known him super well, she still had been able to recognize him. "Yes, Ravenclaw! I think a lot of us were in Ravenclaw." That, and Slytherin. No Hufflepuffs on staff as far as she knew. It had been a close one for her though; Rosalyn saw herself as a Hufflepuff after a Ravenclaw. "So how have you been, River? I think you are going to love it on Staff!" What wasn't there to love? Interacting with students was amazing; she saw the students as her own children.

Her attention turned to Camilla. It was nice to see her again. Even though they had only been at school together for a VERY short time, Rosalyn knew her a bit through Kay. "I am doing wonderful! How are you? Excited to start teaching?" Lots of people got nervous about that kind of thing, but her nerves hadn't been that bad last term. Of course she had her moments of self-doubt, but then who didn't?

Before she could think about that any further, someone had sidled over and handed her a butterbeer. Well, she didn't need to guess who it had been. "I was wondering when you would show." Now that Gaston was here the night was perfect! She beamed as he handed her the red rose. "Thank you! It's wonderful!" She really did love roses! After smelling the pretty flower, she placed it in her hair like the other one had been. It just went perfectly there! "You really didn't need to make it up to me though." She knew how much he disliked this kind of thing. Squeezing his hand, she said, "The new Head isn't here yet." At least no one struck her as being in charge. It was a little surprising that he seemed to know one of the new staff members, but then she thought that she had probably been at Beauxbatons.

...

O_____O

"Speak up, Paul. I don't think everyone heard that." Rosalyn shook her head in amusement. At least he was in a good mood.

Laurel had just picked up a pink coloured drink from a nearby table when she heard an unfamiliar yet familiar voice behind her. Turning to face a blond woman that was her elder Lau smiled broadly as she extended a hand for a shake. "It's a pleasure to meet you Caroleena! Welcome to the Hogwarts teaching staff team! I'm Laurel Vance, I teach Divination." Raising her glass to sip at the pink liquid she thought yummy raspberry. Focusing on the woman that taken over Airey's job she asked "Were you perchance a fellow snake in your youth?" She knew the answer of course, but she wanted it confirmed by her new colleague.



Laurel was scanning around for something to nibble on with her drink when Rose arrived in a glittery getup. Smiling at her friend she said gesturing to her dress "Hello Rose, you look pretty! Was that one of the dresses you bought when we were on our girl's day shopping trip to Madam Malkins earlier in the summer?" The dress didn't look familiar but it could still be new.



The interesting thing with Viktor Sokolov was that he never did what was expected of him, and it seemed to apply to this social even too. Laurel smoothed out a wrinkle on her summery yellow dress. Inclining her head towards him over her drink Laurel murmured. "Hello Viktor," was he looking for cursed objects again? She still didn't fanthom his apparent fascination with something that most likely would cause pain.



Laurel had just found a bowl of salted peanuts when Roderick made his entrance sporting a healthy tan and contagious smile. The sorrow that had been present in his eyes at the last feast was gone. Nodding, a cherry smile pursing her lips Laurel greeted. "Hello Roderick, yes i've had a lovely summer so far thank you. You look well too. It's good to see that the sorrow that was present in your eyes at the last feast is gone. Did you vacation somewhere warmer?" She knew obviously, but she didn't want to spoil Rodericks good mood.



Next person to arrive was Kayasha. Waving to her friend Laurel said "Hello Kay, have you had a good summer after our girl's outing?" She had actually layed off scrying for her friends immediate future for just a few weeks so she was genuinly curious. Lau would take it up again when the school year started.



Gladly turning her blue eyes to River as he shook her hand gently she said "It's nice to meet you too Healer Reed. What is it with peppermint that you love so much?" It was the first thing she had gotten a sense of when their hands had been interlocked. Regarding him she asked trying to place him. "Did you go to Hogwarts at the same time as me?" It was the conclusion she drew since he looked way too familiar or had she read his palms?



Sipping on her pink drink Laurel moved to stand closer to her grey haired senior colleague as Art spoke to her. Smiling gladly at him she said "Good evening Art! My summer has been filled with lots of joyful moments. It was good to relax and enjoy some sun in sunny gran canaria for 2 weeks for instance." And then there was Justins wedding and the girls day and such. Taking another sip from her drink she asked "How has your summer been Art? Lots of family time?"



The colleague on staff that she found most peculiar was the one that arrived just shortly after Rose; Gaston. Why he was always so nervous and quiet she didn't get since he admittedly had found a life partner in Rose while she was still searching around for Mr right. "Hello Gaston," Laurel greeted the charms professors with a small smile. "Having a good summer?"



Interlocking hands with a new person always gave her a sense of foreboding of the person and their future. In this case she just got vague hints. Smiling brightly, her brows shot up in surprise at the surname. "You're Kay's sister no, cousin?" Transfiguration was one of the classes she had despised in her youth since she had been so bad at it.



Looking over at Paul with his fluffy white santa hair Laurel answered with a smile pursing her lips. "Yes, I am. I've gotten plenty of sun and family time. How has your summer been aside from the worm problem?"

Everybody seemed already arrived... Well, not really. Jordan hadn't spotted the man (or maybe woman) who's gonna take over Sahnoun's job. At first, he thought that the incoming blonde woman (Caroleena) with the funny mixed accent would be, but it turned that she's replacing Marion Burbage. At least he didn't need to sit next to the ghost again, thank Merlin. "Ah, it's nice to meet you." The CoMC Professor said to Lena. And then there was another perky blonde coming in wearing a very bright yellow dress. Heh, that must be the Divination professor. "Laurel," He nodded. "You look.... shining in that dress."

And it was all, yellow.

Heh.

Sipping his coffee, Jordan spotted the Ancient Runes professor coming in look all smirky (Well the question is, when did Viktor Sokolov not smirk at all?) Although he had no idea what makes him being all Smirky McSmirkickson and just threw him a casual greeting. "Viktor." And also. "Roderik." Since the DADA Professor also had joined them. "I did have a good summer, thank you for asking. How about you? Heading back to Germany?" That's where he came, right?

"Hey, Kaysha." He saw Kaysha and smiled at her. "Have you found the crup yet?" Jordan did remember that the muggle studies Professor wanted to get a crup, and he actually offered to help her to get one but since he just arrived in Great Britain a couple days ago, Jordan just hadn't contacted her anymore.

As the new healer introduced himself as River Reed, her wanted to ask if he's related to Jace Reed, the Ravenclaw kid. "Ah, you're Jace's uncle." Nod nod. "Yeah, I have a golden retriever with me and also a mundane horse." And.... yes, he was a Ravenclaw along with Rosalyn and Kaysha. It's not really surprising if he didn't remember River or vice versa because 1) He was a second year when he left and 2) Christopher Jordan Lee Hernandez used to be a fat chubby Asian boy with severe prepubescent acne. "Feels good to be back, huh?"

Ah yeah, he didn't really notice that Rosalyn didn't come with Gaston until the Charms professor announced his tardiness. Jordan did notice something between both of them. Hmmm... "Oh, so you two are together now? Well, it's surprising." Not really. "I think I'm gonna hear wedding bells ringing pretty soon." Dum dum dum dum... He couldn't really predict it. But maybe Laurel could? She's a seer, after all.

Speaking of Newton, the old one came approaching him and asked some advice about creatures or something like that. Oh! Certainly, I'll try to help your daughter." He nodded in agreement. "How old is your daughter?" Probably around their age too, right? Wait, he asked this NOT because he wanted to ask her out. It's just nice to meet another fellow creature enthusiast.

Another Stewart? Cousin? "Aaaah.... You're Kaysha's cousin." Cue a little nod to Camilla. "I hope she's mentioning something good about me." Eyes on you, Kaysha Alexandra Stewart.

Jordan couldn't help but squinted at Paul's question. A certain worms? "Well, I am afraid it's not my expertise. I'm a care of magical creature's professor, Myers. Not a pest control." Probably he should ask someone who has good knowledge about vineyard or plants in general.

And he seriously facepalmed when the Herbology professor shouted all around the world announcing about Camilla.

Hold on. River Reed knew her? Was that why his name was suddenly sounding familiar? "Good gracious! You're the same River that I knew during my first year and for a few years later after you graduated, aren't you? Yes, that would be me.'' Even though they had lost contact after a while, Kay was remembering the man now. "It's great to see you again, River! Welcome back to Hogwarts.''

Kay warmly hugged Art. Her father away from home, how she had missed him! But she had had at least one Newton over the summer. "I was wonderful, Art. Yours and Madam Curie's too I hope?'' She smiled at Rose and Laurel. "I think you know how most of my summer has been. I'm glad that you're getting the hang of horse riding, Rose. I definitely enjoyed every moment of it, Laurel! I think we should make this a thing every summer. What do you think, girls?'' Laurel, Rose and Kay were like the Three Musketeers! Not the chocolate

The woman refrained from rolling her eyes as she hugged her cousin. Cami was barely here at Hogwarts and she was teasing her already. It was like the good old days when they saw each other a lot. "I was contemplating on making you take on the other staffers by yourself, Cami.'' Kay hugged her, the woman who had always been like an older sister to her. Then there was Paul LOUDLY announcing Cami's name and staff position. "Goodness! You're loud, Paul,'' she said with a laugh.

Kay had noticed Jordan at almost the moment she had arrived and she wanted to childishly ignore him since he couldn't have been bothered to contact her over the summer. She did remember he had been away to the US and reasoned that he might have gotten busy to help her choose a crup. "Unfortunately not because the person who said they'd help me choose one was not around all summer.'' Kay was smiling. She couldn't be mad at her friend. She smiled even more when Jordan and Cami interacted. Her cousin was making friends already! Oh, really, Christopher Jordan Lee Hernandez? The woman casually arched an eyebrow, a small smirk playing her lips. "There aren't any good things to say about you. Stay away from him, Cami.'' JOKING. SHE WAS ONLY JOKING.

"Good evening Gaston. How are you?" Art asked the young man who had swept his niece off her feet.

"Camilla Stewart, it's lovely to meet you. Y-you're Kay's cousin, aren't you?" Art let out a chuckle. "Now there's two Professor Stewarts and two Professor Newtons. It's turning into a family team, I think."

Art nodded understandingly at Paul. "Y-yes yes... well perhaps we can catch up one day, anyway. How is he?" Art was trying to get better at asking these questions. He let out a laugh. "Not a teaching kind of man?" Art could understand that. Not everyone could teach. HE let out a loud belly laugh at Paul's next comment. "Well I might make it that late... we'll see." He wiped some laughing tears from his eyes.

"Always good to see you too, Rosie." It had been a lovely Summer full of family, and that included seeing all of his brothers and nieces and nephews. AND introducing them all to little Liesel. "Ahh, well you have all term to see him in any case."

"Gran Canaria? That sounds wonderful. I went there quite a few years ago and I went scuba-diving. Did you do that?" he asked Laurel. Art had loved the clear ocean and the undersea life he saw. It wasn't usually the case that Art enjoyed being at the beach, but he had gone with his younger children, before they even started Hogwarts, and when their mother was still alive. He lost himself for a brief moment, before pulling himself back to the present moment. He beamed. "Yes, lots and lots of family time. I've been staying with my son, and helping with Liesel. She's just turned one, and she loves animals. Just like her Aunt Josie." He was going to be soaking up all the time he could with Liesel before heading back to Hogwarts, but he would try to return home on weekends when he wasn't working, and Christmas.

"Well that's wonderful Jordan, thank you!" Art really was happy about this, and he knew Josie would be too. "She's 25. She's been at Oxford University studying the muggle creatures, but now she's wanting to branch off to study more of the Magical creatures. She wants to work with them, you see, not the muggle ones." She had always wanted to work with Elephants, but something had changed her mind.

Kay always remembered Art's beloved Madame Curie. "Yes, it was. It was just wonderful. I got to spend all of my summer with my granddaughter. She turned one, too! Time went so quick, but she's really starting to show her personality more each day." He missed her, even now. He'd been caring for her most of the summer, letting his son and daughter-in-law go on a Summer get-away just together, and caring for her whilst they worked. "She and Madame Curie love each other, too. It's precious. Only, I don't leave them alone together. Liesel doesn't quite understand how to be gentle with Madame Curie. You know, she pulled their cat's tail, and the cat almost scratched her." It had been a very scary moment. "So, I heard from Rosie that you've been spending time together?" Art had been very pleased to hear this. And Laurel, too, he thought. The three girls were wonderful people.

Everyone was literally so polite and most of the time it was kind of endearing. But not now when they all ask the same questions it was tiresome. But yeah it was all part of being on staff at this school. The only time you are alone is in your own office. Oh Art was talking to him. "Evening Art, Its been interesting you don't have any extra Felix Felicis to part with do you?" Viktor knew someone who was in the market for some and well could use some himself. It was always good to have on you. Though it looked like he was being noticed and well everyone else was here and apparently Paul was defintely here.

Apparently they had a new Transfiguration Professor. Was that Steward or Stewart. Not that it matter but good info to know. Though if she was Kay's sister. Than Stewart it was. He would find out later. Ah Rosalyn. Smirk. He has had a pretty interesting summer so far. "Not bad. Some cursed objects here. Some women there. Its been fun. What have you been up to Rosalyn?" Do Tell. He was somewhat interested.

Next was Laurel and well look at that yellow dress. Not bad. Not bad at all. "Hello, Laurel. Ready for the school year?" Then there was the cool and confident Creatures Professor. At least he was not smelling like animal whatever right now.

"Jordan, no injuries for any interesting animal?"

Shame if the answer was no.