Ground Floor: Great Hall

[Wilber Winterbottom]

Rain or shine, the Great Hall continues to be the hub of the school. Four long tables, one for each House as defined by the banners floating above them, are stationed in the enormous room facing the raised table reserved for the school staff. Already placed on the tables are silver plates with accompanying cutlery and goblets. Mountains of food and pitchers containing your favourite beverages are at your fingertips.

Whether you arrived for breakfast, lunch, or dinner on time or late, feel free to dig in as the headmaster has no speech to give. Keep yourself preoccupied by catching up with your fellow housemates or those who are visiting from the other tables while sink your teeth into the hearty and delicious meal prepared by the house-elves. Just remember to display proper eating etiquette and don't get any funny ideas. Food is to be eaten, not thrown across the dining room. Wasting food will come at a price that you will not like to pay.

[siriusblackliveson]

Jax glanced at the other student who saddled up beside him and greeted the sphinx. His brow pulled closer he was trying to remember where she had been previously... Was he forgetting something. Or maybe he had missed everything. "Terribly Sorry I didn't recognize you. I'd be restless too, though suppose I'm always restless anyways..." He trailed off realizing he was doing that thing that he often did with his twin who was always around to give him some thoughts and bounce off his sentences to complete the thought, but Zeke wasn't here.

Glancing at the younger student who wished she could help finding her kids he felt his heart tug a bit. How much he missed his parents now that he thought about it. They were off somewhere doing something... One never was too sure where they would bound off to next. He should write them a letter, then make Charlie send him some snacks. He missed her too, didn't think he would but here he was.

[Chelliephone]

When Rora linked her arm through hers, Ve smiled down at the younger Ravenclaw and gave her arm a small squeeze. Her own heart strings definitely pulled at the sad tone of the Sphinx. And after all of her own feelings this term, she could certainly appreciate missing being with one's own people. Even if for her that had just meant missing her parents, the one at home and the other long past. But the Sphinx? As far as Ve knew, she was the only one in the Forest. Which sounded really lonesome the more she thought about it... It was just like Papa's situation too now that the kids were all here, wasn't it? Pushing that away for the moment, she first smiled when the Spinx commented about being pleased Vera remembered. "You're a hard one to forget!" It had also been so early in her own Hogwarts career. Was that first year? She could hardly remember. She did know she and Logan had tried to sneak into the Forest often since in hopes of finding her again.

At Jacoby's contribution, Ve turned a bit to smile at him and gave a nod in agreement. "That's why I guessed as much. I certainly would be restless too if I were in your, er, paws." Were they paws? She loved Aurora's idea of finding the Sphinxes family, but she also worried that maybe she was here because something was unsafe out THERE. Why else would Headmaster Kazmi have relocated her here? She distinctly remembered he'd given some explanation at the time as well but... she certainly couldn't remember a word of it. "Do you know why you were brought here? Was your family as well?" If they were in the Forest, absolutely they could help her hunt down her other people. But if they were... wouldn't she have been able to find them? If they WEREN'T well... maybe they could petition Winterbottom try to find her a reserve or a habitat that had another of her kind? There HAD been someone there for the job fair, wasn't there?

[Sphinx of the Forest]

Sphinxes did not eat Pygymy Puffs. This particular young Sphinx could not help but feel sadder than she already was at the mention of ‘best friend’. The happy flick of her tail died and the tail came to a rest as she tucked it around her side and let the tip come to a rest at her front paws. “I must be nice to have friends,’’ the Sphinx said solemnly. “You are lucky to have a best one.” The Sphinx thought for a moment. “Sphinxes are native to Egypt.”

“That’s quite alright,’’ she told the unfrozen human kindly. “Restlessness is quite frustrating. It was why I damaged the pear painting at the kitchen and a booth at your Job Fair. I apologise for that.” Having experienced it herself, the Sphinx could sympathize with the boy. Quite unlike herself, she giggled at the compliment even if the giggling was half hearted. “Thank you. I’m pleased to have made such an impression on you wonderful humans.”

Her face lit up again. “Do you think you three can assist me in getting to Egypt? Your professors can help if they can to set up transporting me there.” She trailed off hopefully. “I’m sure there are Reserves there that I can stay at. Where I can make friends. Where I can find my kind.”

[Kolyander]

Professor Paton had spent the better part of her day teaching lessons and when she wasn't doing that, grading the students assignments and tending to the creatures under her charge. Therefore it goes without much saying that her days were typically very busy. So much so that on the rare occasion she sometimes missed a meal or ate in her 'office' to maximize her time.

Today was one of those days. She had been so busy trying to get everything done, that by the time she had even looked at the clock lunch was long past. A small snack from the Great Hall was what she needed and exactly where she went for a change of scenery and perhaps it was nearing dinnertime anyhow.

Nearing the Great Hall, Hady pushed the doors wide open and stepped inside. Not sure exactly what she was expecting to see, the scene before her was more certainly not it! There was a Sphinx sat upon the Headmasters seat up on the dais. The woman was sure it wasn't just any Sphinx sitting there but that wasn't at all the point. Why she was in here at all was!

"Hello, everyone. Is everything alright here?" Hady asked the group of students and Sphinx as she walked over to join them. Could anyone tell her what was going on in here?

[Chelliephone]

The entire countenance of the Sphinx and the way she seemed so sad made Vera a bit sad for her as well. Especially when she commented so sadly about it being nice to have a friend. "I'll be your friend!" She found herself blurting (and meaning) though the 15 year old knew of course that wouldn't be the same. At her apology, Vera gave a wave of her hand and a small smile. The Professors might have appreciated apology but as for them? "It's okay. We've probably done worse damage." Well, she probably had at least. And maybe Aurora too. They HAD turned the 5th year Slytherin boys clothes pink.

It was hard to not want to immediately promise to get her home when the Spinx lit up as she did. But Vera didn't want to make a promise they couldn't keep. So instead of giving an enthusiastic YES like she wanted to, she cautiously said, "We can certainly ask for you." Professor Paton was probably the best option. Maybe one of them should go and find her?

Except apparently they didn't need to, as the Gryffindor head of house walked in all on her own. All Professor Paton wanted to do was help creatures and relocation seemed like it'd be beneficial for this particular one. "Hi, Professor! The Sphinx" she paused here, looking back at the creature, "Do you have a name you prefer to be called or is Sphinx okay?" That's what they'd been referring to her as but perhaps she'd like to be called something else. "Well, she was just telling us she'd like to be with other Sphinxes. Do you know if there is a reserve or somewhere in Egypt that a relocation could be facilitated?" Maybe it wasn't nice to put the Professor on the spot but... She could always also stall if needed by saying she had to check in with Headmaster Winterbottom. Vera knew she'd WANT to help, it was just if she logistically COULD.

[MadMadamMalfoy]

Norman had just finished grading his latest round of homework and had some free time on his hands. He thought he’d head to the grounds for a quick stroll, but at the last minute, he decided to head for the Great Hall instead. He didn’t know why… subconscious hunger pangs, maybe?

His bluish-green eyes blinked confusedly, taking in the scene in the hall. The sphinx at the headmaster’s chair was a surprising sight, but he wasn’t too concerned… yet. The sphinx had never behaved aggressively toward the students, and he remembered how she’d helped them when they needed to undo Peeves’s magical “gifts” a few terms ago. The real question was what was she doing in the Great Hall? A question he would’ve voiced out loud had he not heard the tail end of Thanatos’s question.

Putting two and two together, he guessed that this had to do with the sphinx wanting to go to Egypt. He glanced at Hadleigh, waiting to hear her answer to the question before offering his two knuts. If she didn’t know of an Egyptian reserve, he was sure they could find one. “Hello, all,” he greeted, nodding politely in acknowledgement. “How can I help?”

[Lottiepot]

Well wasn’t that just dreadfully tragic?! Aurora truly didn’t understand the concept of not having friends, even if people didn’t like her she would talk their ear off in order to gain their company and trust and hopefully eventually they’d give up in trying to get rid of her and just put up with her being there. There was something about being alone that the Ravenclaw absolutely hated, it was why when on those occasions that she found herself on lonesome she would scour the castle in an attempt to find a companion. Her little face pouted at the thought of not having a single friend, let alone a best one. “We can be your friends!” she piped up clinging to Vera’s arm even more and adding onto the Gryffindors statement. It made sense that the Sphinx had caused the damage across the castle and left the riddles which Aurora had interpreted as being some sort of treasure hunt. In which case that meant that the Sphinx was the prize at the end of it.

The arrival of the two Professors resulted in a grin from the second year which despite not being at all, made Aurora look guilty of doing something wrong. Her Ma had always mentioned that Rora was a terrible liar and would never be able to get away with mischief for the fact that her face always gave it away. Only this time she really was not complicit to the situation. She glanced quickly between Professor Paton and Professor Carton. “We three all arrived here and the Sphinx was sat in the Headmasters chair and she looked sad so we asked her what was wrong and she admitted that she was lonely and wanted to be with her own kind so we said that we could help her but obviously WE can’t because we are children but YOU could!” she explained all in one breath.

However if there was an opportunity to give with them to take her back to Egypt then Aurora wanted to be in. She’d just have to get her parents permission first..

[MadAlice]

Tapio had come quietly up behind the group at the head table, which was not easy for such a big man to do, but he could do it. He was surprised to see the Sphinx there. He'd quite forgotten about her, which he guessed must be part of the problem--they all had. And of course she didn't like being out in the Forest all alone.

He listened to the conversation and turned to his colleague, Professor Paton, and said, "How about it, Hadleigh--do you know of a place in Egypt? If not, I could send a message to my wife and see if she does. Or, perhaps one of the creature specialists from our job fair might have some information?" Turning to the Sphinx, he added, "Don't worry, madam, we have a lot of expertise at our disposal here at Hogwarts. I'm sure someone will know of a place with other sphinxes that you would be happy."

[Kolyander]

As it was very quickly explained to her by both young ladies (Vera and Aurora), what was going on, Hadleigh couldn't help but look back and forth between the students and the Sphinx. So she was lonely all by herself in the forest. It made sense given her age and that she was the only one of her kind living here. "Well, that's quite terrible now, isn't it? I'm very sorry to hear that you're no longer enjoying your stay here." This was directed to the Sphinx herself. Which also got her to thinking, had she had something to do with all the strange things that had taken place around the castle and grounds this term? It all seemed to fit now that she thought it over.

"Hello, Norman. Hello, Tapio." Hady greeted both of her colleagues warmly, glad to see she wasn't alone here in figuring out what might be best to do. "I know of a reserve in Egypt, yes.. however the last time I had been there quite some years ago I don't recall any of her kind living there. Now that doesn't mean that there aren't any or that there isn't another reserve or some place else that you can go." A brief pause was taken to think for a moment on what Tapio had said, the brunette giving a nod of her head. "I can reach out to Jonah Scamander and see if he knows of anywhere. It won't take very long to to do that." Knows the man well and is sure that he could be of some help to them. "I'll also contact the reserve that I know of too and see what if they can help at all." Perhaps they could name some reserves that would be happy to take her if they couldn't.

[Sphinx of the Forest]

The Sphinx’s heart soared about those words. “Hello, friends. It’s lovely to meet you all officially.” Her tail even regained a little of the oomph it had by sailing side to side. She was also grateful to be forgiven. Being destructive was not her thing. Frustration and loneliness had both gotten the best of her. “You lot have made me very happy.” Did they see that beam on her face?

The young creature was delighted that a few Hogwarts professors were appearing in the Hall for their meals too. “Hello, professors.” She sat there hoping to appear sophisticated. Her head nodded vigorously in agreement with the students as they explained her plight. “Oh you may call me Jasmine. A friendly centaur gave me that name.” To the three professors, she said “They’ve explained my predicament properly. I do love Hogwarts and the Forest but I feel out of place. If there’s any way you can help it would be appreciated.” Already she was feeling quite unburdened by the reassurances the Herbology professor had given.

The hope swelling in the Sphinx’s chest almost deflated her entirely when the lady professor could not remember having met other sphinxes in Egypt. “Is this Jonah Scamander of the Scamander Zoo?” She had certainly heard of the Zoo. “That would be wonderful. Many thanks.” It certainly seemed that there was a forever home on the horizon for her soon thanks to the help of these humans. She trusted the lady professor would get back to her as soon as possible with updates. “Thank you all for listening and trying to help. I have one question. Do you think the Headmaster will mind if I camp out on his throne for a little longer? I am famished now that there seems to be a solution to my problem.”

[MadMadamMalfoy]

Norman noticed Tapio’s arrival, greeting his colleague with a nod in lieu of a verbal greeting so as not to interrupt anyone. He gave Ackerly his undivided attention as she explained the situation, and the Sphinx - or Jasmine, as he now knew her name was - confirmed that explanation. He could sort of relate to her plight. Despite living in the UK for many years, there were times when he felt out of place. Not that he’d ever admit it! “That’s understandable,” he said to the Sphinx. “We’ll do whatever it takes to help you be with your own kind.”

He listened to his colleagues’ suggestions, his mind going a mile a minute. So Hadleigh knew of a reserve and a contact, and Tapio had offered to contact his wife and the creature specialists from the job fair. What could he offer? He thought for a moment before adding, “It’s a longshot, but I can contact some old colleagues and see if they know of anywhere we can send her.” By colleagues, he meant people from WU Edinburgh and MACUSA. “I’ll see if my daughter knows any creature specialists too.” Between the three of them, they were bound to come up with something!

Turning his attention to the Sphinx again, he shook his head at her question. “Not at all. I’m sure he’ll understand the situation," he replied. Headmaster Winterbottom was a kind man, possibly too kind for his own good, and the Sphinx would have at least one Head of House to vouch for her.

[Wilber Winterbottom]

The headmaster's arrival to the Great Hall likely went unseen for several moments as it seemed there was the distraction of an unusual sight. There were a couple of his professors handling the situation, including the Creatures expert and alas he stood quietly in the background.

It was when he heard the Sphinx there mentioning about camping out on his throne a little while longer that he maybe ought to declare his presence. Clearing his throat to step forward, he smiled politely at Norman taking the reigns before addressing the Sphinx. "Might I say, I think that seat suits you well. But are you prepared to make the traditional end of year speech that comes with the role?" He could do with a small sabbatical.

[Sphinx of the Forest]

The humans here had always been absolutely lovely to her. Most notably was professor Kazmi, bless him. The former Headmaster had made her so comfortable and at home in the Forest. She felt with all her heart that it was time for her to move on. The Sphinx inclined her head in Norman’s direction. “You have no idea of the worry those words release from my shoulders.” It wasn’t necessarily a figure of speech since her posture improved now and her shoulders were laid back in ease.

Another reply was just about to be made to the Herbology professor when another voice made her point her attention at the Headmaster himself. How had she not noticed his approach? Sneaky, sneaky, Headmaster. “Why thank you, Headmaster Winterbottom! I think I can accept that challenge. Would you not think I’d make an excellent substitute for the Mr. Winterbottom, friends?” The question was directed to the three students.

[Chelliephone]

Suddenly there was a whole lot of Professor's that had joined them in the hall, and Vera felt a little more assured this would be rightfully taken care of for their new Sphinx friend now that the people who could actually make promises to be kept had arrived.

Feeling Aurora tighten her grip down on her arm, Vera smiled down at the Ravenclaw and gave a nod as she emphasized they could both be her friend. She should have thought to say as much, knowing the little Ravenclaw was a sweet and social butterfly herself! The beam on the Sphinx's face truly had her own heart feeling quite pleased. It felt nice to make a being that happy. "Us too! It's nice to make new friends." She assured her, giving an equally bright smile. "And Jasmine is a lovely name. It's nice to make your acquaintance as well. I'm Vera. And this is Aurora!" And she'd let the Hufflepuff introduce himself, because she suddenly found she was not entirely sure of his name. And that was certainly something she wouldn't want to get incorrect.

As the Professor's all began to talk shop, she drifted a little out of the conversation, looking from each of them before settling on the Spinx to watch her reactions. There were moments she seemed a bit melancholic again, but for the most part Ve thought she saw hope. And that was a good thing - so she figured the professors must at least have provided some form of attack. Headmaster Winterbottom's arrival also got her attention for a moment - hearing something along the lines of Jasmine delivering the end of term speech. She assumed it was probably a joke but... wouldn't THAT be something? When Jasmine asked their opinion on if she'd be good at the Headmaster's job as well, Vera didn't stop to consider before nodding her head. "Absolutely. They'd probably pay more attention to you as well and what you said."

And then she realized what she'd said and her eyes widened a bit as she turned to look at Winterbottom. "Er... not that we don't listen to you, Sir!" Only a little bit. It was hard when there was supposed to be food coming!

[MadAlice]

Tapio heard the Sphinx's remark about being famished with sympathy. Feeling around in his pockets, he discovered an uneaten sausage roll from the luncheon buffet and, pulling it out, offered it to the Sphinx on a clean handkerchief. "I'm sure we can get the house elves to provide you with some sustenance, dear Sphinx. In the meantime, please feel free to curb your hunger with this small snack. And I think you would probably make a very striking head of the schoo--not that you aren't a very dignified one yourself, Wilbur, he added as an aside to his colleague and boss. "Though I hope you won't tax the students with any very difficult riddles during the feast--their minds get rather mushy after finals, you know." Tapio smiled at the Sphinx--things seemed to be working out rather well, and he felt quite confident they could find a solution to her problem, now that they were aware of it.

[Sphinx of the Forest]

“Absolutely charmed and delighted to meet you,Vera and Aurora. Perhaps you can visit me at my new home in the future.” Yes, this was the Sphinx giving the professors permission to let the students know of her new residence. “Many thanks. It’s a name as wonderful as the flower.” Had any of the humans ever sniffed jasmine flowers? What a mesmerizing scent they had.

The Sphinx let out an absolutely happy little giggle. “I’m sure Vera meant no harm, Headmaster, but I am flattered that she thinks that everyone would listen to me.” Her speech would probably comprise mostly of motivational words mixed with riddles.

The Herbology professor was just a dear! “Sausage rolls are a delight.’’ This was her way of showing gratitude for the snack. Quite daintily and in good lady like fashion, the Sphinx are the roll. A soft smacking of her lips in appreciation followed. “I would try my best not to present the students with too many riddles. Perhaps one or two would suffice.” Another giggle and the Sphinx descended from the throne. “Your throne, Headmaster. I won’t be a bother to you lot anymore but may I take you up on that offer of having the elves prepare me some food, professor? After that I’ll be on my merry way.”

[Kolyander]

Hadleigh was already proud of the ideas and thoughts being bounced back and forth between Norman, Tapio and herself. Each of them had different areas of work within the school and knew different people but together they would find Jasmine as she now knew the Sphinx's name to be, the perfect new home. And the more Hady was able to listen to them all, the more the gears in her head were already turning with ideas and places and who to call.

The new voice in the room could only be Headmaster, Winterbottom. When the older gentleman had joined them all, she really wasn't sure but it was nice to see that he had. It was also really a pleasure to hear that he was in agreement with all that was being said as well. "Hello, Sir." A warm smile was given in the man's direction.

This was going smoothly so far. Hady would have offered that Jasmine joined them but that wasn't her place to do so. Plus she had some contacts to get a hold of, sooner rather than later. The quicker they were able to secure a place for Jasmine to live, they happier she would be.