Wilber had taken some extra time getting to the Feast thanks to his dear Demiguise companion, who had decided to take the feisty route after being told that he could not attend tonight’s festivities. Earl truly knows how to throw a fit - and not even the most skilled juggler could keep all those tantrum balls in the air at once. Needless to say, Earl hadn’t taken to the news calmly but with some extra placating that included the presentation of a tiny teddy bear to keep him occupied, he eventually dropped the attitude.

Fear not, colleagues and students! Wilber was here now.“Good evening, my dears, good evening,’’ Wilber remarked jovially, sweeping towards his seat as though he’d just completed a successful three-club cascade. “Are those the sweet kind, Kraetos? Earl loves those. You should stop by the office with some for him - he’s learned to juggle them before he eats them.” He chuckled at the memory. “Ean, Dhruv. I have no doubt you two have excellent plans for the next few months - just don’t drop any!” Wilber’s eyes twinkled knowingly. “Vashti, my dear. You look as lovely as always,’’ he added in his grandfatherly tone, balancing compliments like a pro.

“While we wait for this wonderful Great Hall of ours to fill, who can tell me what travels under Hogwarts’ occupants’ feet, but when it stops we can get off? And no, my dears, the answer is not ‘that professor who keeps juggling class schedules’!"