Originally Posted by Wilber Winterbottom

What a majestic evening, quite one for the records as Wilber greeted more of his colleagues Marcus, Aurora, Jasmine, Vashti, Marrion, and Bleu completing the table earlier. Ahem. He couldn't resist the chuckling from the hedges Marion referenced. Goodness, he for certain wasn't expecting to be part of a little rugged competition. "Perhaps we shall invest in some Sleekeazy's Beard Tonic to match the length of Kraetos?" Speaking of goodness gracious, it was high time for the speech to commence. As the last student completed their sorting, with the hat and seat was collected to be stowed away.

Headmaster Winterbottom rose from his seat at the center of the High Table, arms spreading wide as his voice, warm as ever, carried across the Great Hall when he reached the podium. "Welcome, welcome, to another year at Hogwarts! It does my heart good to see this Hall once more filled with bright, familiar, and perhaps some furry faces. Along with those who have just begun their Hogwarts journey. May this term bring you knowledge, laughter, and friendships that last a lifetime."

He paused, eyes crinkling as he glanced along the staff table. "As always, the turning of the year brings with it a few changes. Joining our esteemed faculty, Professor Cox, joins us as the new Ancient Runes Professor and Potions Master. Professor Jasmine Springer, who joined us last year, will now be dedicating her passion within the skies as our Flying Instructor. In her stead, we welcome Professor Ravi Prasad to the post of Arithmancy." His gaze shifted toward Kraetos Menon, the faintest of smiles playing on his lips. "Professor Kraetos Menon takes up the mantle of Care of Magical Creatures, while Professor Bleu Berry shall guide you all in the wonders of Muggle Studies." He folded his hands behind his back. "In addition, I am pleased to announce your esteemed Professor Dhruv Khanna as the new Head of Slytherin House, while I myself shall have the honor of serving as your Head for Hufflepuff. I know each of you will do your utmost to ensure your House is a place of belonging and pride. Contrary to the belief, Quidditch and Gobstones has not been cancelled for the year, so be sure to check your notice boards for tryouts and naturally take part in our wonderful extracuriculars."

The starry skies above flickered gently, catching in the polish of his bald head as he inclined it toward the students. "This year, I trust, will be one of peace and tranquility, the kind of steady waters in which diligent study may flourish. But Hogwarts being Hogwarts, surprises do have a way of finding us. On that note, I must remind each of you that the Forbidden Forest is and shall remain firmly out-of-bounds. I do mean firmly; it is not the sort of place one can simply leaf without consequence." Pausing to allow a ripple of good-natured chuckling should it follow, and Wilber’s eyes twinkled as he added, "And while last term’s… creative attempt at a castle-wide slumber party was spirited, perhaps such enterprises are best discussed with your Heads of House before you bring blankets to the corridors again. For this is the year of creativity and unity."

He raised his goblet, his tone softening back into gentle strength. "So let us meet this year with diligence, kindness, and a touch of patience.. though I suspect even patience will not hold out long against the delights about to appear. May this feast, and the year ahead, be every bit as nourishing as we hope. And remember.... don’t let your studies turn into a pumpkin past midnight; keep on top of them."

With a clap, the empty tables in the Great Hall were filled with many delicious dishes. Dig it, students and staff!