Kay, dressed in a pretty new dress and with her robes over it, would be spending at least another year at Hogwarts. She was rather looking forward to it despite the numerous staff changes but she would make the best of it. She noted she was the first to arrive at the staff table when she got there. Her eyes drifted to Ansley's usual seat before they moved to Leo's and Julien's. She already missed the three men she had been close to last term, especially her best friend but she wished nothing but the best for Ansley. At least Art was still there. Not to mention she had reconnected with four of her old friends which had now joined the staff.

The Muggle Studies professor, determined to be in even better spirits for the Feast, took a seat at her assigned spot with a smile on her face. Her blue eyes turned in the direction of the Entrance. The others should be joining her shortly. She couldn't wait for the students to flood the Hall and for the Sorting to begin.

Well Well Well how many years has it been since he was last at this feast. When he graduated? Viktor wasn't going to do the math. That was Rafael’s job. Dressed in a nice suit underneath the robes. He was feeling pretty good tonight. Since the school year was finally starting. But Rafael was not here and neither were almost all the ladies on staff he wanted to talk to. Shame he even had a gift to give Laurel since it has been ages since they last talked. Or did they talk. Viktor could not remember. Oh well, he figured this would happen. He placed the gift right at her spot with a note ‘Bet you didn’t see this coming. From Viktor’. She will love some licorice snaps.

Smirk

The only one here so far was Kay. Also who’s great idea was to put him at the end of the table next to the Arithmancy Professor and a ghost.

Almost all the people he wanted to talk to where at the complete opposite end of the table.

“Kay, you look as lovely as ever”

The last time when he was here, Jordan Hernandez was just a nerd fat student with acne and thick glasses and also bad haircut. Thankfully he had past that stage because it happened like fourteen years ago and now he's back as a one of the staff. Merlin, who knows that now he became the new Care of Magical Creatures professor in Hogwarts? It had been such an honor. Was he nervous? Not really, he had experience being a teaching assistant at his former university so this wasn't a new thing for him.

Entering the great hall, he looked around as he headed to the staff table. Yeah, it feels strange not to wear Hogwarts robes with Ravenclaw tie and sit at the Ravenclaw table with the other fellow eagles. As he arrived at the table, Jordan spotted someone familiar sitting at the muggle studies post. "Kay!" The new professor greeted that woman. And also, he recognized the man at the Ancient Runes seat but Jordan just didn't remember his name. That's fine. "Good evening."

Another year which meant another return for this staffer. Fourth year as one. Merlin knew Justin had quite a pleasant summer. He already missed his little princess and mate, but he had this important feast to be at. Making sure his snakes behaved and all that good stuff. Oh and food. Free food.

It was a shame his two former students were so far on the other side of the table. Eyes were on you Rafael and Roderik. The most they could get from him was the finger waggling wave and smile over at the two men currently sitting far away. Didn't one of them just drop something at his cousin's seat? "Hello.." He nearly felt bad for them being opposite of the pretty ladies. He grinned more. Shame he wasn't single, oh well. "Had a nice summer Kay?" Justin then asked before sitting down.

Where were the rest of his buddies at?

Paul thought he was dressed spiffier than usual, all right? He was very proud of this outfit. Weren't bowties fancy? Paul felt fancy. Milton had rolled his eyes, as usual, when Paul had shown him the feast outfit before packing it away in his trunk. But since when did Milton EVER like his outfits? He rather liked his BIG RED BOWTIE.

So who was strutting towards the staff table?

WHO?

PAUL MYERS WAS.

He gave a wave to all his colleagues, new and old. Kay looked adorable, Viktor looked attractive HANDSOME, and Jordan looked snazzy as heck as well. WHAT A GOOD LOOKING STAFF. Paul felt like the cherry on top of this delicious...staff...sundae???? [s]a very old, shriveled cherry, perhaps, but he didn't need to say this aloud. To anyone. He supposed Art could be the other...old cherry.

Ahem.

If he kept thinking about ice cream he'd surely want some, so he just took his seat. "HELLLLLLO everyone! Wonderful night! Brilliant night! Stars are shining! Life is kicking!" Cheerful cheerful.

Now where was Justin? THERE WAS JUSTIN. He waved at his friend, wondering if Healer Joy would mind him sitting in her seat for a few minutes? Surely not!

For the first time in what felt like forever, Rosalyn had stepped inside Hogwarts.

Memories. So many memories. It was slightly overwhelming, but she wasn't going to let herself get carried away; nope, she was excited to be here. Didn't hurt that not only was she working with her uncle, but some of her former classmates. Kaysha in particular had been her friend ever since school. Hopefully she would do a good job filling in the former History of Magic Professor's shoes. Rosalyn know that he was Kaysha's best friend as the woman talked about him at times.

Entering the Great Hall, she made a beeline towards the staff table. Uncle Art hadn't arrived yet, but there were a few familiar faces. She smiled as she took her seat at the table. "Good evening everyone. I hope you all had a good summer." She smiled at Paul, who seemed to be in a very good mood. "Hello, Paul. You seem really well." It was nice to be seated by someone cheerful.

Rafael wasn’t nervous he was actually a little nervous about the start of term feast…there would be kids and with all of the kids came the drama. Still as he made his way over to the staff dias he couldn’t help but smirk as he eyed everyone there. Oh look at that it seemed like his dinner mate was giving gifts to Laurel already. “Sokolov,” he tipped his head in greeting to the Ancient Runes Professor. “that’s rather nice of you getting Miss Vance a gift…” or was he simply testing her abilities? Rafael was going to obviously give the Divinations Professor a warm welcome when she arrived but that didn’t mean he had to give her a gift right?

Glancing down the table he sent Professor Stewart a grin, “Hello Kay,” he smiled over to the Muggle Studies Professor. “You seem very ready to welcome the new Ravenclaws” she looked nice really nice. It as then as he glanced down the table that he paused to give Professor Hernandez a nod. He had almost worn something exactly like the magical creatures Professor to the feast himself and chuckled. “Nice Jacket Hernandez, I almost wore mine tonight” he admitted with a small laugh instead he had gone with the discheveled math Professor look…it hadn’t been on purpose he had spent some time exploring the school and setting up his classroom and had simply forgotten to pack his jacket in his trunk.

Really, he was just lucky that he could owl Sabina in the morning and get his cousin to send the jacket to him. Glancing around the table he paused for a moment to give Justin a grin. It had been so long since he had been a student of his and it had been fun. Oh looooook there….Raf grinned as he looked over to Rosalyn Newton as she made her way over to the table….he wasn’t the only one who looked well, were the words that immediately coursed through his mind as she strained to hear what the young Newton was saying…it was strange to think that a ghost wasn’t at the table yet. Really, was Burbage even going to show up?

There was one thing that Raf was sure of, this school was not lacking in young and beautiful Professors...he glanced around once more before sitting down in his spot...really, why was he next to the Ancient Runes Professor?

Needless to say, Mohamed was quite excited for another year at Hogwarts. Even though his reign as headmaster of the school was only meant to be temporary, he couldn't say no to the position once Meredith Moxley announced that she would be staying at Ilvermorny. The tall African certainly missed Uagadou, but there was much he still wanted to do at the British school. He had spent many years leaving his mark at the school atop the Mountains of the Moon, and now he had another term in the Scottish Highlands to continue his work.

Part of his work, with the collaboration of the Board members, was hiring some new faces. As the man casually strode closer toward the dais, he couldn't help but beam up at those that were already there. Though the staff dynamic had changed quite a bit over the warm summer months, he was confident that they all would be doing great things this term.

"Habari ya jioni! Good evening, everyone!" Sahnoun greeted them with that ever-calming deep voice of his as he took his seat at the centre of the table. "Are you all ready for da students to finally arrive?" If everything went as planned, they would be entering the hall any minute now.

Art and Madame Curie were glad to be back. Art walked down the Great Hall towards the Staff Dais in his usual clothing, bar one small, very old, difference. He had rummaged at home to find his old, very very VERY old, Gryffindor school robes. The black was now a rather patchy grey, and the scarlet lining and Gryffindor logo were rather... worn, but it was fine. Absolutely fine. Madame Curie, perched happily on Art's shoulder, was also in something new. A little Gryffindor bow.

Approaching the table, he saw there were already a few of his colleagues there. He smiled at them all. "Kay, hello there, how are you this evening? Good evening Viktor, Jordan, Rafael... is it good to be back?" he asked, putting his hands in his pockets. "Justin! Paul!" he greeted old friends. "How are you this evening? N-nice bow tie there, Paul," Art complimented.

And of course his niece was there too. Yes, Art had been VERY proud of her when he heard she was offered the post of History of Magic Professor. "Good ev-evening Rosie, n-nice to be back?"

And of course, Art couldn't forget the Headmaster. He gave the man a smile "Good evening Headmaster, h-how are y-you?" He was of course VERY excited for the students to get there. PLUS... he and Madame Curie were rather hungry.

OH HO HO HO HOOOOOOOOOOO!

Well this CERTAINLY was a delightfully surreal experience indeed?! Although the position the same, the LAST time Marion Burbage had had a seat at the staff dais she had been ALIVE.

While she felt a twinge in her transparent heart over taking over daaaaaaaaaarling Airey's subject, she was CERTAINLY not going to lament it for long given how she was to be sandwiched between studmuffins during the entirety of aaaaaaaaaaaaaaall meals this term. This entire end of the table, really. HOHOHOHO.

One just siiiiiiiiiimply needed to ignore the fact that meals served no purpose for her anymore.

"Gooooooood evening DARLINGS," she clucked at one and all as she floated DOWN from the ceiling to take her seat and, nosy as she was, made absooooooooolutely sure to take a peek at the note Viktor had left for Laurel. Loud robust laughter soon following as she batted her eyelashes at the man and finally came to a stop hovering over her seat.

"Siiiiiiiiiiiiimply divine to see you." She BEAMED at the two slices of her studmuffin sandwich. "Oh I would offer to shake your hand, Rafael dear...you as well Jordan darling, but I fear I would do nothing but cause you both a shiver."

Oh were she younger and solid...

WHICH REMINDED HER!

"PAUL! YOOOHOO! PAUL, DARLING!" she shouted across the table at the silver fox of a Herbologist. "I DOOOOOOOO WISH TO DISCUSS SOME HOUSEKEEPING MATTERS WITH YOU REGARDING THE TOWER PATCH AND MY INABILITY TO CARE FOR IT MYSELF!"

Just because SHE had died there did not mean she could permit the plants there to perish as well.

Cynthia's heels clicked as she made her way up to the staff table. She nodded in greeting to her fellow staff members. She wondered if they noticed how echoy the hall was without students.

Once she reached the table, she didn't quite take her seat yet. She opted, instead, to watch the deceased being the life of the party. She wore an amused smile. This was certainly not an everyday experience. She was at Hogwarts again, this time working with a ghost. Not only that, she had access to the extensive knowledge base that was the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry Library.

When she finally made her way to her assigned seat, she offered a smile and a "Hello." to Kay, who was sitting next to her. She then checked her watch. The students would be here soon, correct?

Gaston took a deep breath as he entered the Great Hall... a bit later than he would've liked. He was still getting used to Hogwarts and had a little trouble finding the place. This place was at least twice the size of Beaubatons! Well, he was doing a lot better than when he arrived... at least he didn't get lost on the way to his office anymore!

This was his first official day as Charms professor, and let's just say he was more than a little nervous. What if the students didn't like him? What if the other staff didn't like him? What if he was so horrible at teaching that the headmaster fired him in the middle of the term? Merlin's beard! Get it together, Gaston! he told himself sternly as he started to imagine more things that could go wrong. They're people, not a horde of angry dragons!

Gaston fidgeted with the many bracelets on his right arm as he cautiously approached the staff dais to find several of his colleagues had already arrived. Oh dear, he wasn't late, was he? "Good evening, everyone," he said with a friendly smile, hoping they wouldn't have a hard time understanding his accent. There... short, sweet, and to-the-point. Surely no one could fault him for saying the wrong thing!

His bright blue eyes fell to the gift at the Divination professor's spot. Were they supposed to buy gifts for each other? Nobody told him about that! Before he could panic too much about it, he remembered the boxes and boxes of Honeydukes candy he had in his office. He'd intended to share it with the students, but he supposed he could give it to his colleagues when/if they started exchanging gifts. Did he have enough boxes for everyone? He quickly did the math in his head... Yes, there was enough to go around.

"Good evening, Headmaster," Gaston greeted the man seated at the center of the table, politely inclining his head. "Yes, I think so," he quickly added in reply to the headmaster's question.

Ah yes, the students. He looked to the doors in anticipation, nervously tugging at his left sleeve so it covered the burn on his arm. It never failed... there was always one who asked him about the burn and another one (or ten) who treated him to a performance of the Disney song that shared his name. Merlin, why did Maman think it was a good idea to name him Gaston?!

Gaston made his way to his assigned seat, giving Jordan a polite nod in acknowledgment. He decided it was better to wait for him to say something than try to strike up a conversation and end up saying the wrong thing and making a fool of himself. As he waited for the feast to begin, he started drumming on the table, as he often did when he was nervous or bored. After a few minutes, he suddenly realized what he was doing and stopped, glancing around the table. He wasn't annoying anyone, was he?

She knew that this day was going to come. She had seen it in her beloved crystal ball. She was back at Hogwarts again. It awakened school memories Laurel hadn't considered in years. Putting on an extra layer of bright red lipstick, complete with her dress under her staff robes the blond woman was set for a night of festivities and hopefully pleasant conversation. Clicking her way up onto the staff dais Laurel passed by the right side of the table first giving Kay's left shoulder a clap as she past her in a cloud of rose perfume and the other ladies present on that end. "Good evening Kay, Cynthia and Rosalyn, you all look absolutley exquisite tonight."

Passing by Paul she stopped by his ear to comment engulfing him too in rose perfume hopefully he wasn't allergic? "Very nice bowtie Paul. Not many men can wear those with elegance."

Coming to her cousin Justin's seat Laurel couldn't help but give off a little cry before she tackled him for a cousinly warm side-along hug since he was sitting down. "Hi Justin. How was the boat ride with the first years?"

Rounding the headmaster Laurel slipped into her designated seat beside him before she turned to her boss a touch of nervousness could be heard in her tone of voice. "Good evening headmaster Sahnoun, everyone is coming to the feast tonight right? Nobody is skipping out?"

Noting the gift on her plate Laurel read the note first before she looked over at Viktor and smiled kindly as she gestured to the candy gift. "Thank you Viktor. A very nice surprise. Is the candy from honeydukes?" She certainly hadn't expected him to remember that she liked liquorice after so many years. But then he had been a little sweet on her.

Turning to the other present men and spirit near her Laurel smiled cheerily "Good evening, Jordan, Gaston, Rafael and Marion."

Joy entered the Great Hall with a bright smile and the confidence of a women who had been doing this for a very long time. Truth had it that she had been only not here at Hogwarts but at Ilvermorny where she had been the Healer for several years. A hand instinctively smoothed down the front of her Healer robes under which she had on a nice comfortable light purple dress. Her black heels clicked softly against the floor as she walked towards the staff dias to join everyone whom was already there.

"Good evening everyone, you all look well," Joy greeted them all. Indeed it was true, everyone looked happy and very much in health. This was her job after all, knowing whether or not those around her were in need of medical care. Thankfully no one here needed her assistance for any medical purposes. That would have been downright sad if they had, what with the term hardly having begun yet.

Making her way around the table the red head came to a stop at what was her seat or the seat she had thought was hers. Furrowing her brow slightly she ran over all the staff in her mind mentally going over where each was supposed to be sat. Yes, yes this wasn't right. Someone was in the wrong seat. Hazel eyes fixed on Paul as she laid a friendly hand on the mans shoulder, "Aaww well aren't you a sweetheart Paul, keeping my seat warm for me until I arrived, yes?" Joy laughed softly to show she was only joking. It didn't bother her in the least that her colleague was in her spot but he would be moving onto his own seat before the students began to arrive, yes?

The man, who had been looking forward to this feast for a while now, was running late.

Typical.

But there were all kind of things to attend to and he had just finished adding some final preparations to the Ravenclaw Tower when a glance of his watch told him that he'd likely arrive with the first years if he lingered in the west side of the castle any longer. It wouldn't be his favourite method of arrival, and that was taking those boats into consideration as well. How Justin did that every year without fail was beyond him.

So, Hirsch finally descended into the Great Hall, taking note of the lack of students in the room. Good. Maybe he wasn't too late and this could easily be forgiven. He'd dressed sharply so there was no tardiness in attire, at least. The suit wasn't as blue as he'd have wished for this occasion but it was a nice offset, nonetheless. And it displayed the tiny Ravenclaw pin on his chest very well.

Reaching the staff dias, the Defence Professor acknowledged the Headmaster first, "Good evening, Headmaster. Apologies for my tardiness." Looking around, it was nice to notice some very familiar faces up here, wasn't it? And he wasn't talking about the ones who were back from the previous year, either, he meant familiar from his childhood days. Though, to be honest, it was nice to see that Paul had toned down on the poncho, a fact that made the man miss James all too much. And Art received an amusing look for the robes he was wearing. Did he want to blend in with the students?

And Justin? Justin got a small, playful smirk. That's all.

Nevertheless, smiles went around to all of them and addressed them all in one go, "Good evening, all. Everyone ready for a new school year?" Madness might have been a better word to use but let's not scare the new professors so early on in the term, shall we? The man swept up the dias in his usual demeanour and took his designated - and very familiar - seat. What wasn't familiar about this were his neighbours: both of whom were fairly new and, aside from names and small talk, he hardly knew them at all. He wasn't about to complain, though, considering. Instead, he shot the two of them some extra, dimpled smiles, taking note that one in particular smelt extra nice, if that perfume was anything to go by. Again, no complaints.

Now. Where were those students?

Raf leaned back in his seat and looked around as he watched as everyone seemed to be filing into the room to grab their seats for the feast. “Mohamed, I was born ready” Raf grinned over to the Headmaster…his boss right? Still, he had hired him and knew what he was like before he had gotten his post.

Did Paul really bring his Rat with him? Raf looked around in somewhat disbelief as the Gryffindor Head of House made his way to the feast. “I don’t know how anyone else feels but its nice to not be teaching toddlers anymore” Rafael grinned over to Paul. “Madame Curie’s look nice…” he left it at that as his attention as immediately taken by Marion Burbage. Darlings, she seemed like fun – she was probably the life of the party when she was still living…really, she could still be the life of the ghosty party…wait was she flirting with him?

That was a first. Looking up at the Astronomy Professor and ghost Rafael just grinned and sent her a little wink. “I don’t get cold easy darling,” he grinned before looking around and watching as Cynthia and Gaston made their own way to the tables. “Gaston,” he grinned over to the Charms Professor – really he was probably going to charm the hearts of all the little first years…well they all were. It was when he looked up next that he noticed the scent in the air, roses.

Sniffing the air he couldn’t help but grin over to Laurel Vance as she walked in…so she liked the candy? That was sweet…”Hello Laurel…your perfume is breathtaking” he said the compliment with a wink. He had meant every word of the compliment, it was a great scent…but at times it was overpoweringly floral…Floral Laurel….it fit her.

Rafael smirked over to Hirsch as he made his way to the table. “I don’t think you’re that late…the kids haven’t filed in yet” she chuckled over to his former classmate.

Likewise the face of the Creatures Professor looked familiar. But this time he did remember his name since well co workers and all. Viktor was usually horrible with names he did not care enough to remember. Lead to many embarrassing and sometimes painful moments for him. "Evening Jordan" Was that McLeod waving to him and Mr. Suspicious. Viktor gave him a nod back before watching Myers sit in the Nurse's seat.

Oh Joy, this should be good.

Now his eyes were on the the other Newton. The only one he really wanted to talk to. Well unless the old Potion Master has a story or two to share. Can he switch with the older Newton. He could pretended to be Potions Master for a night. "Wine and Dine, Carraro. Wine and Dine. Much Much smaller level i admit" Now the Headmaster has made his appearance. Interesting man he was. He was ready for the students to arrive. Since the students needed to arrive for the food to come. Easy conclusion. Speaking of the old Potions Master. Was it nice being back. Viktor hasn't decided.

"Its interesting being back as a Professor as oppose to visitor i would say."

At least someone appreciates the note. Viktor grinned and winked at Marion. He was glad he was not the one between the ghost. Have fun Rafael and Jordan. Even the librarian was good looking. This school was always something else. What was Sahnoun hiring process. Viktor wanted to look at it. Best ignore the nervous Gaston and focus on Laurel. "It is and we can share some later if you willing" innocent grin and then a smile back to Laurel. Nurse Joy was looking fine and was not even phased that Myers took her spot. Hirsch finally made his appearance. Though was he really late if no students were here yet.

"We are all here aren't we"

If they weren't ready why would they take the job of Professors.

Now who was the show off with compliments.

Seeing no one had appeared, Kay’s gaze turned to the four House tables. She didn’t like the empty look but was thankful they would be occupied with students and the usual ghosts soon. Back to the Entrance her gaze went in time to see Viktor appear. Her smile was still in place as she watched him leave some licorice snaps for Laurel. “Good evening, Viktor.’’ She smile sweetly at her friend. “Settled in well?’’ Oh, licorice snaps for her too? “Thank you for the snaps.’’ These would be perfect for her to snack on later.

One of the other newbies had arrived and it happened to be another friend of Kay’s. When she had first laid eyes on him when he arrived, she had hardly dared to believe her eyes. What had happened to the nerdy, bespectacled and overweight boy she had known years earlier? He had disappeared, that’s what and in his place stood… a hunk. “Hello, Jordan!’’ Kay greeted brightly. “Have you got your office all set up?’’ Also, why did both he and Viktor have to be sitting so far away from her?

“Justin! Hello!’’ Kay nodded. “I did. It was a quiet one but never the less a busy one. How was yours? How is your family?’’ The woman felt bad about not inquiring about Justin’s family when she knew he had one. Then that big, red bowtie caught her attention before Paul Myers actually did. Oh my! Didn’t the man look cute? “Good evening, Paul! You look wonderful.’’ She tried to hide the fact that she wanted to laugh at him strutting but a chuckle escaped her.

Averting her eyes from Paul should she actually start laughing, Kay saw Rosie. The newcomer received a smile and a hearty greeting then she watched her sit. The Muggle Studies professor decided she had better get used to seeing her occupying that chair. “Are you all prepped for your first lesson, Rosie?’’ Since the librarian wasn’t there as yet, they would easily be able to communicate.

“Hi, Rafael.’’ She automatically looked down at the dress below her robes. “Thank you. I hadn’t intended to,’’ she replied with a slight frown. “That’s Roderik’s job. I hope it doesn’t come off as though I’m intruding on that.’’ Then she realised how silly she was being. Ravenclaw was her old House, yes, but as a Professor she treated all four Houses equally. Smiling again, she added, “I hope you enjoy the Feast. They’re quite something.’’

“Hello, Art, Madam Curie! I’m doing quite well. You and Madam Curie look rather adorable wearing those ties.’’ She particularly admired the rat. “What a wonderful idea to let her wear one. Is she your co- Head of House?’’ Kay’s eyes twinkled as she raised her gaze to Art. Hearing the click-clacking of heels, she traced the source to the Librarian who seemed to have paused to observe them all. “Hi, Cynthia. Have you brought any new books?’’ It was a question Kay would constantly as Leo. As he was sadly no longer there and Cynthia had taken over, the question obviously now went to her.

The vast amount of rose scent that permeated the air almost made Kay gag. Reflexively, she moved a hand to rest below her nose to keep from inhaling too much. Merlin! Who- ah, Laurel. Kay should have known. “Lau-‘’ She was cut off from her greeting as she started to cough. Not violently but just enough to make her highly uncomfortable and embarrassed.

“Good evening, Headmaster!’’ Kay beamed at the Head. She like the man and was certainly glad he had returned this year. “Hello, Marion!’’ She rather liked the ghost as well. Such a cheerful and happy one was. “Good evening, Gaston!’’ Was she imagining it or did he look nervous? “Hi, Joy, Roderick.’’ A friendly smile for each of them was given.

Well, hello there Rafael. Rosalyn gave her co-worker a smile and thought about how nice it was to be working with a bunch of attractive males. Not that she was shallow... Nothing wrong with appreciating beauty. "Ready for your first lesson?" she asked him curiously. Even though he was seated quite a ways away from him didn't mean that she couldn't engage in conversation. Not like she was YELLING over other people. Goodness that would not be good at all. Rosalyn was in a good mood and wanted to have fun but she could control herself. Good thing because the Headmaster had just arrived.

"Good evening, Headmaster. I am definitely ready for the students." BRING THEM ON. She was beyond excited to meet the people that she was going to be teaching.

Uncle Art's arrival caused her to smile. Rosalyn knew how pleased he was - and proud - that she had managed to get a teaching position at Hogwarts. It was going to be great working with family and maybe they could do a lesson together at some point. That would be fun. "Hello! I'm loving it. A little overwhelming when I first stepped in but I am super excited. How are you doing?" It was a shame that that couldn't sit closer together but it wasn't as if they were at total opposite ends of the table. Only two people were between them.

It wasn't every day that a ghost joined a dinner gathering but Rosalyn was content to watch her. The enthusiasm was definitely nice even if she was a bit loud. Also, wasn't it a little weird being at a dinner and not being able to eat??? Not going to ask that because it might be rude, but she was curious... "Good evening, Marion. I take it you're excited to be teaching Astronomy again." Must be super weird as well... Ghosts were interesting in her opinion.

There were more arrivals, and she greeted Cynthia, Gaston, Roderik, Joy, and Laurel in turn. "Hello. You all look nice tonight." She smiled at the compliment; it was always nice to be told that she looked exquisite. "How are you all doing tonight?" Hopefully well? Everyone must be happy to be here even if they didn't show Paul's exuberance. She turned her attention to Kaysha. "I think so, yes. Got everything sorted. Hopefully the students will enjoy my lessons." Too soon to tell, but she was trying to give them interesting topics and fun activities to engage them. "You're ready too I expect?" Muggle Studies was always a fun class. At least in Rosalyn's opinion. "You ready for classes too?" she asked Rafael, Gaston, Laurel, Viktor, and Jordan as well.

The new Care of Magical Creatures Professor just smiled as Kaysha greeted him. It looks like she didn't believe that he was the same guy who used to be her classmate due to his drastic transformation/makeover. "I have set my office up." Or the hut, specifically. "You should come for a visit someday and perhaps I can make you a cup of coffee." Jordan had his own coffee clinic set up in his hut with all coffee brewing gears.

"Good evening, Justin." He also said hello to the groundskeeper. He had no idea why Justin kind of eyeing Rafael and Roderik but maybe it was a personal problem that he shouldn't be involve or whatever. "Nice bow ties, Paul." He complimented the herbologist. "It matches very well with the pants, and the shirt." And why the hippogriffs he had to sit at the healer's seat?

The new Arithmancy professor was about to wear the same jacket as his too? Well, it would be really funny if he really wore that. They could be a leather jacket buddies together. HAHAHAHA NOPE. "What a fancy scarf, Rafael." This guy really broke the stereotypical of boring subject's professor with that facial hair and good-looking face. Bet that his class will full of giggly teenage girls who had no idea what he's gonna actually teach. Hopefully that it wouldn't happen.

"Good evening, Headmaster Sahnoun." Jordan politely greeted the headmaster man. "I'm so ready for the students being here." In fact that he's looking forward for this ever since he got notified that he could fill the position as a Professor here. "Good evening, Art. It feels good to be back here as a professor." Jordan said to the potion master. "I hope the students won't be confused with you wearing that Gryffindor robes and ties."

And..... Jordan suddenly felt a strange energy. Maybe because Marion Burbage had arrived. Brace yourself, people! Did she just call him darling? Oh, for the love of Abraxan. "Evening, Marion Burbage." Yeah, he wouldn't shake the ghost's hand thank you very much. As he spotted the librarian and the healer, Jordan just smiled and waved at them. "Evening, Gaston." He said hello the Charms professor. This guy looked nervous and he couldn't help but notice it.

He did notice that Viktor (yeah, that's his name! Finally he remembered it.) had left presents to Laurel and Kay. Such a nice gesture. "Evening, Laurel. You seemed very happy with that licorice wand." Cue eyebrow wiggled (although his brows weren't as thick as Rafael's). "Good evening, Roderik. Nice suit, at least you don't need to wear the school robes to show off your new position." Just like the potion master did.

"Hi, Rosalyn." Of course he didn't forget to greet the new History of Magic professor who was also his former classmate. "Yes, I am ready for the classes." And of course he's gonna have a class about the winged horse since he used to work as an Abraxan breeder.

Cynthia took mental notes as her fellow staff members entered the Great Hall. She quizzed herself just to insure she remembered all their names and positions. She'd hate to make an embarrassing mistake and mix people up.

There was the charms professor, Gaston, tugging on his clothing. Lauren, smelling heavily of roses. The professors of the male variety seemed to appreciate this. Cynthia, on the other hand, preferred the smell of a nice crackling fire and the smell of rain blowing through an empty window. She did however, return the compliment. "You as well, Lauren." There was Nurse Joy. She had a pretty fitting name. She also received a smile in greeting.

Defense Professor - Roderik. Arithmancy - Rafael.

She smiled at Kay. "Yes, I did bring in quite a few new books actually." Most of them were about career placement, which she probably wasn't interested in. "If you're interested in something in particular, I'd be happy to order more books on the topic." Her philosophy was if one person was interested in a topic, then there were probably multiple people interested.

Rosalyn (History of Magic) received a smile. "You look lovely as well." Everyone did, really. It was amusing how much effort everyone put in to the first day. It wasn't just students who took the time to pick out the perfect outfit to introduce themselves in.

Jordan, the History Professor, received a wave back. She then started at the far end of the table and mentally began quizzing herself again. She focused on that, not really aware that that may cause a distant look in her eyes.

Paul was delighted at everyone’s moods. It did make him miss James Draper a lot, though. The man’s grumpiness was so damn amusing. Sigh. He hoped his friend? Was doing all right. He should owl the man, really.

Rosalyn! Art’s little niece. Well she wasn’t REALLY that little. She was a professor and all. “Hello, Rosalyn! I am very well, thank you. And how about you, m’dear?” he asked, still enjoying the healer’s seat.

Rafael showed up looking as starry eyed as ever, ogling openly the female professors. Paul didn’t miss that look, bud. He merely chuckled to himself, happy to be in a stable relationship AND also old. Too old for all that nonsense. The headmaster was here, and Paul bowed his head at the man respectfully. He should probably try to get to know the man better this year. He could maybe join Art and Paul’s old man club once they started it up, of course.

Speaking of Art, there he was! Paul waved cheerfully. “Why, THANK YOU, Art.” He straightened the bowtie on his shirt. “It’s VERY spiffy, I know.” Smug smug smug. He felt SMUG about his bowtie.

LEAPING FLUTTERFLIES. WHAT IN MERLIN’S NAME. Paul’s head WHIPPED around at the voice very LOUDLY calling his name. Marion Burbage. Hmph. Paul smiled, though a little exasperatedly, at the ghost. He could yell back, too, you know. “MARION DARLING. DARLING. I ASSURE YOU, I WILL TAKE CARE OF THE TOWER PATCH FOR YOU, SWEET DEAR. I WILL FIND YOU TOMORROW TO DISCUSS IT.”

He supposed with Airey gone…….she kind of needed a hand, a living hand, to help out.

When Gaston arrived, Paul smirked with a…wicked glint in his eye. He had ideas. He had some greaaaaaaaat ideas. He just needed Rooney and little Olivia to help him, though. Bribes. He had money. He could also bribe with points. Was that a silly thing to…bribe students for? No matter—since when had Paul been NOT silly?

“THANK YOU, Laurel.” Bowties were cool, see? He could tell Milton that nearly EVERYONE had complimented him. “You’re looking mighty snazzy yourself tonight, m’dear.”

Paul saw Healer Joy enter the Great Hall, but he did not move just yet. He smiled as she approached..and….HA. “Very warm, I assure you, m’dear. I’ll move back to my seat—by all means, sit next to Justin if you wish. He’s just a terribly loud……” he lowered his voice but was still LOUD enough for Justin to hear, “Belcher.” He nodded woefully, as if this were a serious matter. “I’m afraid it’s true. Isn’t it Justin?” he winked before slipping back into his own seat.

Hirsch was here, cool. The man got a wave from Paul. And KAY saying he looked cute was quite the compliment. “It’s the bowtie, isn’t it?” It HAD to be. Maybe he should wear them more often. “Thank you, thank you, Jordan,” he smiled at him. SEE THE BOWTIE WAS A MAGIC MAKER APPARENTLY.

Ahh. All was well so far.

Yep, Justin had a gooood reason to be watching out for the other side. When Rafael caught his eye, he gave a soft wink. This term was going to be interesting to say the least. And Roderik got a wolf whistle out of him. Hey, someone's got to acknowledge when one has style. "Evening Gaston," As he went to join the other blokes including Jordan and Viktor.

"You know it." Smiling as their Headmaster joined in. The students were still getting settled outside so he had plenty of time to be as relaxed as ever.

"Paaaaaaul." Justin grinned over at his friendly neighbor. "No poncho tonight? Well, the tie suits you." Reaching over to give it a little wiggle before patting it back to its neat appearance. Just as "Arty! Good to see you again. I'm doing great, how about yourself?"

Oh lookie here, more fine looking ladies were rejoining. "Evening Rosealyn." Justin greeted her. She was Arty's neice right? He barely recalled but still... Oh wow. Marion was here. Quite lively for a... not so live one. Heh. Quite amusing to him as he finger waggle waved at her. Justin leaned over to Paul to lowly say, "Someone's lucked out on the seating." Not that he was jealous. He had to closest seat to the Headmaster one after all right smack in the middle of everyone, ahem.

Oh hello there cute new Librarian Cynthia and Healer Joy. His grin grew more over at them. Doh. Well, admiring wasn't a crime. How was his family Lady Kay asked? "Haha, it was splendid. And little Lucy's getting so big, she's walking and talking like a pro." There was lots more to tell, but, hey. He wasn't going to spill all the surprises at once in front of everyone. Not yet anyway, heh.

As for Healer Joy. Well, he would miss Cece but he wasn't sadden by her replacement. "Evening Joy." Was all he got out before Paul revealed a not-so-secret, making him turn his head at him. Then back to Joy. Belcher eh? "Well, better loud from the attic than the basement. Amiright, Paul?" Smooooth, yes? He chuckled lightly as he was certain she didn't believe them.. right? Oh well. Heeey.. wasn't that-

"LAUREY!" Justin grinned wide, laughing aloud as she wrapped around him into a nice hug before he returned it. Badgers take note. Snakes give the tighter hugs. "The ride was great, Barty gave them a bit of a surprise but nothing out of ordinary." Sailor of the Sea.. or at least the Black Lake. "How was the trip over here, good?" Nothing to fret over yeah? Big Cousin duties and all.

Laurel watched the red headed healer that was also new like herself make her way up on the dais and towards her seat that Paul had claimed on purpose or by accident. It was good to see though that Joy that she recalled her name to be took it with stride. She even joked. Smiling over to the redhead Laurel said "Good evening Joy, you look radiant tonight. Is the hospital wing stocked for influenza season?" She had seen it in her ball.



Turning her attention to the good looking man sitting on her left Laurel smiled brightly "Good evening Roderick." In response to his question she said quietly "I'm prepared for a regular school year at Hogwarts. I assume some level of chaos is to be expected?" Laurel had taken some safety measures for her prized crystal ball collection. She did not want to lose them.



Glancing past Roderick to look into the arithmancer Rafael's eyes down a few spots from her seat, she grinned back in acceptance of his compliment of her perfume. "Why, thank you Rafael. I like to try different scents. I'm currently in a floral phase. Do you wear perfume yourself?"




Focusing on Viktor down at the end of the table Laurel considered for a good seer minute before she suggested. "Can't we meet up after the feast is over in the staff room and drink tea and eat liquorice and catch up on what we've done since we both graduated from Slytherin up till this day?" It couldn't hurt to reacquaint herself with her former housemate again.



Raising a brow in Kay's coughing direction Laurel called over "You should drink something Kay. It helps stop the coughs." Her lovely perfume couldn't be the villain right? It smelled so nice. It was probably something else. "Did you enjoy teaching here last year?" Were the students eager to learn new things?



Could the students come? She was getting hungry. Hearing Rosalyn's voice cut into her thoughts Laurel switched her gaze to look down to the right. Smiling she said in response. "Thank you, You look quite radiant yourself tonight." Everyone seemed to have made an effort tonight. Feast nights were always special. Nodding Laurel said eyes glittering "Oh definitely! I'm eager to see if the students are in touch with their inner eyes. Aren't you excited too Rosalyn? To see what the students know of history?"




It was impolite to roll her thumbs so Laurel was relieved that Jordan said something to distract her from her hunger pangs. Matching Jordans wiggling eyebrows with a cheery smile she replied bouncing a question back. "Yes, of course why should I not be happy with my liquorice wand? It was a gift after all. I like gifts." Was Jordan trying to tell her something? Hmm?



Glancing over at Cynthia she said "Thank you," Laurel was going to turn to Roderick again but remembered something and turned her gaze back to the librarian. "Do you know if the library has any books in stock on different scrying methods?"



Beaming at the elder herbologist she said "Thank you Paul. My mimbulus mimbletonia is looking a bit down in the dumps. Do you think re-potting it might bring it back to life or some nutrients?" Paul was after all everyone's resident plant expert just as Laurel was everyone's seer.


First Paul had been yelling across the table to Marion about plant care and now Justin was loudly sharing with those around them his nickname for her that he had used since they were still little kids. Embarrassing. Hopefully not too many took note. Intrigued Laurel asked "Really? Did the squid make a first year boat topple over or just give them a mighty scare?" If he had then it wasn't the first time that Barty gave the first year his own Hogwarts welcome.

Still engulfed in the hug Laurel had to beam from ear to ear at the big brother cousin inquiry. "The trip over here was good, uneventful. Nicholas wanted to drive me to the gates but I declined. I took the buss."