First years were fun, truly and the newest one (Mercer) seemed to have a whole bunch of energy. But then, er, he supposed he should have said the second to newest one? As there was another sort who made his way to the table and... sort of collapsed on the table in front of him (Milo). Evan eyed the boy, concerned. Others were already greeting him though, and lest his problem be similar to getting overwhelmed, the fifth year did not want to exacerbate that. So instead... he just observed.

At least, that was until Dahlia got his attention again by answering his query regarding her summer. New York, was it? That was an area he'd never actually made it to when they were in the States, but he certainly heard it was quite the sight. "Did you all have a good time? What'd you end up doing while you were there?" As for him... anything new? Not really, if truth were to be told. They did their normal summer camp and while his sister's went off to various camps, he stayed at home and studied and did more independent research. Outside of hanging out with a few people a couple of times, it had remained a fairly boring season for the boy. "Same old, same old in the Nam residence. Thanks for asking though."

Summer by a lake certainly sounded pleasant, Ig. "That sounds like a good time. Enjoy the visit with your grandparents?" He probably should have thought ahead on if there was anything exciting he actually did over summer, but as it was his answer remained the same for how utterly mundane it had been. "Went to the beach and some U17 quidditch games, but that's about it." But that was alright, he didn't regret the quiet - he just supposed he wished he had something a little more interesting -- in a positive light -- to report.

Attention shifted to Lisa as his eyes narrowed the slightest bit. Had she seen something? She was clearly fishing, and he couldn't tell if that's because she wished her older brother was slightly more interesting... or she just somehow KNEW things. Either way, he simply stared at her, not offering anything further on his train ride. But hers however... well that certainly got his attention. Why was it that all the people she just listed about hanging out with were BOYS? He could feel a headache coming on as he realized he was fast approaching the season in which his sister's were going to probably both starting having crushes, being on the receiving end of crushes and possible even... dating?? Being the most overbearing was not his style, but he was still protective. And perhaps a little disconcerted with the thought his sisters would have their first kisses before he did. Oof. "Sounds like it was really busy. Did you see Remy or V or Serena at all on the train too?"

The familiarity between the transfer student, Nerina, and Lisa surprised him momentarily. But then again, he remembered who he was dealing with and it was honestly not a shock his sister had already made friends with the new students. He wasn't sure what to do in response to a wink, so instead he just smiled a bit wider and gave another nod in her direction. "Where were you at before you transferred to Hogwarts?" He asked out of politeness and an effort to get to know new year mate but seeing Ignacio's sudden interest, Evan merely smiled a bit to himself and turned his attention away in order to let them chat. Suited him just fine, because that meant he did not miss any of Sam's reaction.

Evan did not usually find delight in surprising people, but truthfully Sammy's reaction WAS a little funny and the fifth year couldn't help but give a small chuckle. Truthfully, he probably was missing something to the story but so was Evan because he had no idea still what he had done to earn Jude's sister's ire. He'd wondered briefly if it had been that she liked him, but in light of other events he was fairly certain now that that was not the case. "If I knew more of the story behind the reasoning I'd be happy to share it but... I've got nothing. The same has happened to my older brother, so I think it might just be a Nam curse." Watch out, Maya. If it went in age order, she'd be next. "Anyways, I hope you're ready for study sessions this year!" Had already told Margaret he'd be hosting some and was well prepared for them already.

Even if this was literally only the opening feast.

Again, gaze settled back on the newest Eagle (Milo), catching his response. He... died? "Are you not feeling well?" It was the only thing the older boy could think to ask, because he was... clearly very much alive but maybe he was in pain and not just overwhelmed as he had previously thought.

Oh, but speech time. Hearing Professor - er.. . Headmaster Kazmi begin his introduction, Evan was feeling more and more hopeful as he spoke. Cursebreakers seemed a normal precaution following the ... well, curse of last term. But what really got his attention and a smile from the boy, was the fact that it was specifically stated the Board of Governor's would not be allowed on the school grounds. Good riddance, considering he was still displeased regarding their placement of Healer Poppy and their attempts at justification of her qualifications. They'd even tried to insinuate that she was better than Professor Peralta, whose presence was already missed at the head table. With the other usual warnings, food had arrived and he eagerly started to tuck in. He quite looked forward to the fill the belly and then good night sleep suggestion. Smart man their Headmaster was.