Pumped. That had been the word he'd been looking for. He was pumped for today's shenanigans. And it looked like Mary was going to set them off!

He clapped excitedly as he watched the first year retrieve the card, glad to see she was settling in. Sometimes the youngest ones struggled at first, but Mary looked eager and ready to go. "You're looking nice and cosy there, Farah," he commented as the blanket-clad seventh year joined him. Oh, to be able to snuggle up under a blanket by the fireplace once more. Alas, no such luck for him...but seeing his dear Hufflepuffs achieve and grow warmed his heart instead. "Of course you can, m'dear. We're having a house adventure to welcome everyone back, and the first clue as to where we're headi-"

He drifted off as he watched the first year start walking off. Had she solved the riddle already? "Want to share what you read with everyone, Mary?"

This wasn't a competition, no need to rush. Well, okay...maybe best to not dally too much knowing their Head of House, but they had pleeeeenty of time. All afternoon, in fact.