Originally Posted by BanaBatGirl

Hecate. Of course she had to comment when Will had a lapful of PUMPKIN JUICE.

"Gee, thanks for the suggestion," he remarked sarcastically, rolling his eyes and everything. "I'll keep your advice in mind." NOT.[/color]

Originally Posted by FireboltAvis88

As Alyssa walked passed she noticed the engagement ring on Professor Lafay. She smiled because she remembered seeing her taking off her ring and hiding before their last of their Potions class started for the term. She was glad that the Professor was now proudly displaying it. She deserved to be happy.

"Excuse me, Professor Lafay. I'm sorry for interrupting you and I know it's none of my business, but I noticed that you are wearing your engagement ring, and I would like to say that it's a beautiful ring. Congratulations on your engagement." Alyssa quickly blurted out her best wishes before heading down the table.

Originally Posted by demented_death_eater

Enough was enough!

Vindictus straightened up in his seat and turned towards the students who continued bombard the Staff table with questions and greetings that could wait for later.

"Alyssa, could you please return to your table? You can visit each professor in their office after the feast ends, and perhaps you might want to wait for Headmaster Tate's speech," Vindictus said rather firmly.

He then nodded at Minerva and his attention was now focused on a Gryffindor. "Perhaps you should return to the Gryffindor Table and you can visit Professor Bentley in her office after the feast is over," he said and his stomach growled.

Will Tate ever stand up and get the speech delivered so that they could eat?

Originally Posted by Cassirin

"Give me a second." He leaned around and made eyes at his newest staff members: Williamson and Jenkins. They both got the extreme hairy eyeball.

"I will not hesitate to light your heads on fire if this childish behavior continues." EYEBALLS.

Originally Posted by demented_death_eater

"You didn't get a letter from your publisher demanding more be written in your autobiography," Max grumbled and he looked over at the two new staffers that Tate was staring at. Fire? Odd threat. Time to make Tatertot relax with a joke. "Quit sounding like Hecate - she's the only one around here who enjoys lighting people on fire."

Originally Posted by Hera

Giving Max a stern look, yes a stern look... nobody messes with her lions and gets away with it. "Honestly Max, was that really necessary? Wouldn't a simple 'perhaps wait until after the headmaster gives his speech to make yourself acquainted with your Head of House' sufficed?..." Personally she thought it would have. "I'd appreciate it if you didn't take that tone with my Lions in future." At least not the new ones, the last thing she needed was them owling their parents telling them they were scared of their flying instructor.

Frowning, and tapping a finger on the arm of her seat, Seren stared out at the house tables. Perhaps she'd go down after the speech and see if the girl was alright.

Originally Posted by Cassirin

"Be careful with him, Seren. We try not to push too hard, or else Max happens," Tate directed at the Gryffindor Head of House with a small smirk. His deputy was certainly rife for ribbing tonight. If he had more time, he'd probably continue in that general vein, but as it stood... his speech was all that stood between the students and their big meal.

He could be generous.

Tate stood. "Students. I'd like to welcome you once again to Hogwarts for another exciting term. For those who read the Daily Prophet, you may have seen that we are celebrating an exciting anniversary this term, and your staff has been hard at work with some events that will help us feel the true spirit of all that Hogwarts has to offer. If you'd like to help us celebrate or you have any additional idea, please feel free to share them with me via owl."

With a gesture, Tate pointed out the new staff members spread out along the table. "We would like to welcome some new faces to the staff table, as well as the new faces we are welcoming to each house table. Please do not inundate their office with greetings, but I hope you will make them very welcome in the coming weeks. Remember what it is like to be new and offer them all your support."

And now... almost time to eat? "I don't have much more to say this term, aside from the usual... don't die. Eat your vegetables. Write to your parents, because they miss you. And... be kind to each other. We're all in this together. As you begin your meal, I'd like to invite Nimma the house elf to speak to you briefly." He figured they could now eat AND listen.

Originally Posted by Mell

Oliver's eyebrows almost shot off his forehead, they rose so high. Who was this feisty piece of work? He grinned down at the woman. "But it's so much fun and it keeps you looking and feeling young." He looked her over before continuing. "Although I think it might be a little too late for you."

Originally Posted by sweetpinkpixie

Now reaching the end of the table, all three women with familiar faces, Kurumi set her wrapped sweets down and bowed once to each of them. "Professor Cerulean, Professor Lafay, Professor Magnus, I am looking forward to another term with you."