Chad's attention was finally drawn in by the sound of Max's rather excited voice. Oh yeah, that boat. He'd seen it sitting there. He had stayed away from it too. Well, that was only because his work had taken him to places no where near it. Sure, it was an excuse, but he was going to use it.

Well. Tate gave the woman a sideways glance. "Self defense. Defense of children, even. But I'm going to count them coming out of the greenhouses for a while."

Kidding. Mostly. She was a bit too familiar with Lafay.


"Too much a mooncalf to do it yourself? Sure... make a while party out of it. The ship is safe for students and professors alike." If Max wanted to make a social event out of his little adventure, the man probably could use the distraction.

Brisk small steps carried Ivory from the Ravenclaw house table to the Staff table just in time to hear the end of a certain ship related conversation. Was she maybe/possibly eavesdropping as she walked up to the table...most likely.

Excitement shining in her eyes, the Ravenclaw prefect spoke before thinking, inadvertently replying to her head of house. "Count me in."

It was about the end of the last syllabel that she realized she'd pretty much just barged into a conversation. Appalled at her manners for a moment, she continued hurriedly. "That is to say, Professor V, I wouldn't mind..." She so totally wouldn't."If it was alright...of course." Unless it was a question reserved towards just the other Professors, in which case-

Giving a small cough, she gave a small laugh. "But-forgive my intrusion. What I meant to say was," Her voice a little less awkward now, the Ravenclaw prefect turned to smile a friendly greeting to the seated Staff. "Good evening, from all us Ravenclaws." Her slim hand waved backwards to encompass all those seated at their house table because she was sure they'd all want to send their greetings.

Addressing the returning Professors, she gave them a genuine grateful smile."And welcome back to all our returning Professors." It was really great when professors stayed on. "And of course," she continued with a bight one dimpled smile to those she didn't know. "To welcome the new staff. On behalf of the Ravenclaw house, I can honestly say we're all very looking forward to classes this term."

Oh, no he didn'!

Vindictus whipped his head around and looked directly at Tate. "You had to go that far, didn't you! Tell you what - I'll go by myself. Maximus Orion Vindictus has no fear of the unknown - he thrives on it!"

Leave it to Max to suddenly refer to himself in the third person.


He felt bad about rescinding his offer of leading an adventure just as soon as he offered it and turned to Renée. But before he could speak, Ivory appeared at the Staff table and volunteered to go.

"Sorry Renée and Ivory, but it looks like this is the solo job of a brave man - me!"

Yes, he was brave . . . fearless . . . and too adventurous (this last bit was a fact his parents and siblings would all agree on).

Walking up towards the staff table with a sheepish grin upon his face, Jayce glanced around. The staff shouldn't find out that he had lost his dog already. No, it really wouldn't look good for him. With a quick, hopefully non-suspicious super!fast glance under the table, Jayce saw no glimpse of the orange-red fur he knew to belong to Woody. With a frown, he took a few steps closer, hoping for a better look.

SHOES! Looots of them too! The puppy's mouth dropped open lazily as his tongue stuck out. Bounding forward, he walked over many of them sniffing them all as he went trying to find the right one to start chewing on. Because obviously Woody couldn't just chew on ANY shoe. It had to be the BEST one! Stopping short, the puppy almost tripped over his own ears. The Vizsla's eyes widened in anticipation. WOOF. He found what he thought to be the best shoes. He collapsed, placing his little paws on top of them as he opened his snout wide and used his little white teeth to begin chomping away at the delicious material.

Well, not he just felt BAD about needling Max. When did the man's skin get so darned thin? Tate propped his chin to his hand and gave Vindictus a measured look.

"Perhaps a small group. It can be a learning experience. You can even wear an impressive hat." There. That should assuage the man's ego.

Somewhat lost in her own thoughts for a few moments it seemed, Josephina mostly sat and listened to some of the chatter around her, keeping a watchful eye on her former house as well. They seemed oddly well behaved and the brunette wondered for a split second if perhaps there was some sort of sleeping gas emitted in the train compartments or something. Snapping out of her reverie, she turned back toward the slightly younger woman and smiled. "Traveling is always enjoyable, alone or with friends and family." It was definitely one of her favorite pastimes in the least.


Turning toward her peculiar neighbor, Fina nodded when he agreed about the vanishing part. She would admit to be slightly curious about the disappearance, but also knew that if Risu wanted to discuss it than he would have and she wasn't really one to pry.

And then he spoke again, thanking her it seemed for covering some of Astronomy last term. "Oh," Fina said, startled slightly. She hadn't been expecting that. "I don't think I really did them justice compared to what you would have done, but well... you're welcome."

And then another student. Smiling at the young First year in a comforting manner, "Nice to meet you Elle. I'm Professor Hadley and if you happen to be taken Arithmancy this term, then I shall be seeing you." And if not, then oh well, maybe sometime in the future the girl would change her mind about the subject and she would still get to know her.



Apparently Josephina was far too late with telling Max about the ship on the black lake, as Tate had already filled the Quidditch Professor in and even suggested Max go first in exploring it. A prospect that Fina doubted the man would refuse, because even she knew that though he was one of the older staff members he was by far one of the most adventurous. As if him still being able to fly a broom was enough proof of that.

"I wouldn't object to a little touring of actually being on board..." She said with a smile. "But well perhaps it might be better if I just stay on the lookout." You know, just in case the experts lied.

Before she had time to give anymore thought to the schooner, Fina heard a rather familiar voice that seemed RATHER close than just being on the other side of the table. Turning slowly in her chair, she swallowed hard upon seeing a certain Seventh Year Lion had decided to make himself comfortable in a chair right behind where she and Risu and Lachlan were sitting (despite him only addressing herself and the new guy, Lachlan).

"Evening Mister Chosen," She said contemplating her word choice. "While I do appreciate your consideration in wanting to sit with us at the staff table, please return to the other side at once." Or risk being the first point loss of the term, she mentally added, as she glared at him.

"Hello, Professor! And I think I will, everyone is so nice!" replied Elle. So this was the Herbology teacher. This was awesome! She had claimed that she was most excited about Charms, because that obviously had to do with your wand, but she had forgotten about this class! Oh, now she thrilled!

"Herbology seems like it would be loads of fun! Well, I should go now. I don't want to interrupt your dinner. Thank you for your time! I'll see you in class." said the new Gryffie. This will be a good year.

"Let's discuss this after the feast," suggested Max and his stomach growled. "Speaking of which, when are you giving the speech so that we can eat?"

Signs of Vindictus' age were beginning to show; not only had he mistaken him and the other woman, Seren, and mentioned a food fight, but also changed his mind at least two times over visiting the infamous ship. Though significantly older than Maximus Vindictus, MacFusty's own father was senile from time to time--it happened, Lachlan supposed, and it was natural, but that didn't mean he could hold back the chuckle that escaped from him.

How dreadfully rude of him. Still funny, though.

Clearing his throat, the man caught some brunette and the Seren woman smiling at him. He smiled back at them, and nodded respectfully whilst uttering a "Hello," he did not expect them to say anything in return; after all, one was all the way down to the table and given all the chattering around them, the one closer to him would probably not be able to hear either.

Introductions, flowers, cookies and apples. Some of them weren't for him, but Lachlan offered each of the students a small smile all the same. There was a scar on the boy's face, and after shooting it a curious look at the student while he chatted with another professor down the table, he turned to the girls, "Thank you for the cookies, the apples, and the warm welcome, Misses...?" Their names. Obviously, being new, Lachlan wasn't familiar with them; and Josephina hadn't been kind enough to mention them when thanking the young girls.

The Slytherin cookie and apple he had taken, though, were not eaten. Lachlan conjured a cookie-sized plastic container to store it in, and simply put the apple near his plate. It wasn't that he didn't trust them... except he totally didn't. They could have spiked those with anything, for all he knew, because the truth was that teenagers weren't meant to be trusted--he'd know. He had been one, too.

Oh, another Gryffindor. And quite the young one at that. "Professor MacFusty," Supplied the Care of Magical Creatures teacher. Children. Not unlike baby unicorns, they were little, excited and endearing. Unlike baby unicorns, though, children grew up, and then mother nature had puberty slap them across the face.

Horrible.

Lachlan smiled at the girl. "Pleasure to meet you. I hope you have a lovely first term."

One of the two empty seats at his sides were occupied; the man looked quite tired, though content and MacFusty gave the him a respectful nod of his brunette head. "Good evening."

Offense? Lachlan wouldn't have thought his previous comment could have been taken as an offense, but women were, sometimes, not unlike the riddles centaurs could sprout after observing the stars. MacFusty used to find it mildly irritating, but he was used to it by now. Only meant for Josephina's ears--and obviously for the Astronomy Professor, seeing that he was sitting in between them--, Lachlan inquired, "Are students usually this friendly and excited over the new term?"

Even without his school robes Lachlan would have recognized this particular student as a member of the house of Godric Gryffindor; his current overly-confident demeanor marked him at once. The gift and curse of being a Gryffindor, he supposed. "Lovely wand work there, kid," Lachlan allowed, with an easy grin, because it was true. Summoning charms, especially when they involved big objects, weren't as easy as most made them out to be. "Professor New Guy's name is Lachlan MacFusty and he thinks you should listen to Professor Hadley and go back to the other side." The Other Side. That sounded ominous, did it not? He tilted his head to one side. "Unless there's a perfectly good reason for you to be sitting on this side, then I'm all ears, and I'm sure Professor Hadley is, too."

"Kurumi, sir. Kurumi Hollingberry. I am a third year this term," she explained bowing once more. Kurumi eyed the man and began to wonder what subject he taught. He certainly had a sort of wild and rugged appearance that implied that he could be the new Care of Magical Creatures professor, but if she had learned anything during her first two terms it was that nothing at Hogwarts was ever as it seemed. "Um..." Kurumi began tugging on the sleeves of her robes nervously. "I suppose I should say welcome to Hogwarts..." she trailed off a bit. If the man had been a student before, then she supposed that a welcome wasn't really in demand.
"You are very welcome, Professor Hadley," Kurumi chirped bowing once more. "I am looking forward to your lessons this term." Kurumi did have a fascination with Arithmancy after all.
"Thank you, Professor Lafay," Kurumi smiled as her eyes grew in shock for just a brief moment as she realized that she hadn't stuttered in front of the woman. She felt almost honored that the Potions Mistress had chosen to keep her cookie as a memento. Perhaps this warranted a visit to her office? Then again...maybe not.

Then, Kurumi couldn't help but over hear the woman mention that the apples may be useful in a potion she was brewing. Kurumi may not have been the best at potions, but she did know a thing or do about fruit due to her various cookie baking experiments. "Professor Lafay, if I may," she said a little nervously and biting her lower lip to prevent any stutter from coming out. "What sort of potion are you brewing? I understand that apples may be used as an anti-inflammatory agent in healing potions." You know, the whole apple a day keeps the doctor away story.
Bowing once more to the Divination professor, Kurumi smiled brightly at her. "Thank you for last term as well, Professor Bishop," she said as her cheeks flushed a bit. She would rather like to go and visit her office again and perhaps learn a bit more about her phoenix.
"Thank you for the confidence, Professor," Kurumi half giggled half cried with a tone that sounded as if she wanted to crawl under the table and hide. "Selina tried to teach me a bit over the summer, but I am afraid I haven't improved much. I can take off now without running into anything...but landing is an entirely different story." She began to tug on her hair and looked down at her shoes. You know, just as long as there were no giant cupcakes floating around. "I'll do my best, but it will be a while before I can start throwing a Waffle around on a broom."
Then Kurumi's attention was drawn to a sun-kissed looking woman who she had not seen before. "Thank you," she squeaked perhaps a little too loudly. "May I ask what subject you teach?" Kurumi supposed that introductions had been done around the table, but she had been in too sullen a mood to have been listening.

If anyone had asked Renée for true honesty, she probably would have admitted that the likelihood of Max actually taking her up on her offer to join him in investigating the ship was slim. That didn't mean she still didn't want to investigate it, or that she wouldn't. She just knew enough that the odds of something not getting him to backtrack were slim. Even before the Ravenclaw prefect had seemed to hear their conversation and try to join in as well. "Good evening to you as well, Ivory. And I can say I'm looking forward to teaching you once again this term," she replied to the girl with a smile. The courage was commendable.

But then, there was the headmaster's good-natured needling, and Max's response. Both of which amused Renée quite a bit, but she turned a pleasant expression to the man as he turned to her again, although there was a bit of an eyebrow raise added. "Of course," she said, managing to hide most of the amusement in her voice. She'd contemplated making some sort of comment to the extent that a true brave man wouldn't be adverse to having beautiful ladies around. So he could save them if necessary, that sort of thing. However, she kept those thoughts to herself, still feeling a bit odd about attempting to tease him.

"My offer still stands, if you ever change your mind," she concluded, before turnign back to the others at the table. Or, it seemed, things crawling underneath.

Curling her feet carefully underneath her, in her seat, Renée looked over as Jayce Cannon walked up to the table, looking sheepish. "Did you lose something, Jayce?," she asked the Gryffindor with a welcoming smile, before discreetly checking under the table to see a puppy contentedly making a meal of one of the other professors' shoes. Yep. Definitely was a good idea to hide her own shoes. They may not have cost a lot, but she was still female. Her shoes were precious. Although she wondered what would happen when the puppy was found out. She'd wait to double check that the puppy in fact belonged to Jayce before she said anything. Keeping her feet out of reach.

As she waited for that answer, she heard Fina finally respond to her earlier comment about travel, and she turned to the other woman with another smile. "Indeed. It can be quite relaxing, as well. And educational." In many ways, stretching from her travels years ago to advance her knowledge of Divination, to whatever had happened in France this summer. She hadn't missed the fact that Fina had seemed distracted by watching the student tables, and she smiled a bit to herself. That also seemed to be a common occurrence, as they all had their own little biases. Anyone who had attended Hogwarts had to have them, and want their old house to perform better than the others.

Before she turned back to look ahead at the tables herself, she noticed that it seemed the other new professor that was actually on her end of the table had noticed her again. She flashed him another smile, only having it grow more geniune as he spoke. "Hello," she responded, half knowing he hadn't really expected a response. It did seem to be growing louder in the room, but she wasn't about to not return a greeting. "Lachlan, right?," she continued. "I'm assuming you must be the new Care of Magical Creatures professor, so welcome." He was in the seat opposite Jared's, which had contained Maya last term, at least. "I'm Renée Bishop. Divination." She might as well introduce herself. On the odd chance a conversation ever happened.

Turning back in her seat, still with her legs curled underneath her like a child, as she heard Kurumi still speaking to the other professors, she smiled yet again as she received a bow from the young Gryffindor. They'd advanced quite a bit from the beginning of last term, when Kurumi had thought she was Jake's mother. "You're very welcome, and I'm sure Anastasia would welcome another visit," she replied, reading into the girl's flush. Of course, that wasn't difficult, as she remembered pretty much every student who had visited her office last term had admired her phoenix. Everyone except for Ellie, but something told her it had taken the little Ravenclaw a lot to pretend she hadn't noticed either the phoenix or Bowie.

Jeremy had watched Kurumi as she had made her way up to the Staff Table. He had definitely missed her and her cookies over the summer months. And of course - as always - she came bearing gifts. Yummy gifts.

When she finally made her way over to their side of the table and stood before him - and Kimber - Jeremy grinned at her and gave a small nod. "Thank you, Kurumi. And yes, I have." Sort of. Yes. "I'm very happy to hear that. I just want you to know that I'm here for you if you need somebody to talk to again." He offered with a smile, obviously genuinely glad she was feeling better.

And what beautiful cookies she had made! His smile faltered slightly at the mention of Walnut, however. "Oh, lovely." Not really but he had absolutely no clue what else to say.

And more presents. This time even healthy ones. Good girl. "I hope they're not poisoned." Jeremy joked with a grin for Cass as he mimicked Hecate's actions by summoning one of the apples too. "Thank you." He added, holding the apple up to let her know what he was talking about.

Aww, and there was the first firstie introducing herself to them. That was one of his favorite parts of the Start of Term Feast and the few days after it. New people. And this one even curtsied. How adorable was that?!

"Hello Elle. Nice to meet you. My name's Professor Zookara." Or Professor Zoo, or Professor Z, or Professor Jeremy, or whatever she wanted to call him really. "I teach Muggle Studies." He added with a smile for the girl, hoping she had taken the subject.



His attention still mainly on Elle, Jeremy unfortunately failed to hear the Woof! from under the table. Or maybe he had subconsciously heard it but by the time it took his brain to put two and two together - meaning that Woof! normally meant Dog nearby! - it was already too late. He could feel pressure on his shoes. Which was rather weird because who or what would be sitting on his shoes?!

Shifting one of his feet slightly, the pressure still wouldn't go away. What was that?! With a small confused furrow of his brow, Jeremy slowly moved back in his seat slightly to be able to look under the table. And what he saw made him get up and jump away from the table, taking his chair with him. A DOG! Holding his chair in a way that it was between him and the dog under the table, Jeremy just stared at it, completely oblivious to how embarrassing the whole situation probably was. "Whose is that?!" And how long would it take them to get rid of it?!

Risu laughed politely. "I'm sure no one expected you to do exactly what I had planned," he said. "Just keeping an eye on them while they were up in the Tower was more than enough, I'm sure." He glanced into the Great Hall again, losing his track of thought. It was a few seconds before he seemed to remember that he was in a conversation.

"And I would never dream offer myself as a substitute in your subject," he added, and for a moment the familiar old smile came back. "I never scraped more than an Acceptable in Arithmancy. Dropped it when I went into NEWT levels."

While Josephina was busy talking to more students (most of them did nothing more than glance at Risu), the man on his other side turned to him. As Risu had suspected, he was a new colleague. He suddenly realised his seat had, a year ago, belonged to Maya. So this was the new Care of Magical Creatures professor.

Risu drummed on the table for a moment. Then he stretched out his hand and managed a tired - but genuine - smile. "Risu Antares, it's a pleasure," he said. "And you are?"

Realising the new professor lady's pretty smile, Josh looked at her and smiled back happily. Hmm this woman seemed to be nice so maybe her classes was not going to be so boring after all. He had no idea what she was going to teach yet if the lasy was nice, the class was going to be nice too. Except History of Magic of course. There was no way this class would be enjoyable no matter what.

''Josh, professor'' he replied quickly checking his Gryffindor robe some. Hmm. Well...since when he cared about how his school uniform looked? Weird. ''Joshua Carter.'' then he completed combining it with a slight nod. Hmmm.

And he moved to the next lady when he heard the voice that belonged to Professor Hadley whose classes he kinda enjoyed. Well, no, not kinda. He enjoyed them. They were fun, no doubt for certain reasons. Bahahahahaha. Of only she had not sent people to detention for kissing. Hopefully it was not going to be the same for this term. Hehe.

Nodding at her thanks with a warm smile, Josh stopped before her and tapped on the table some. Hmmm his summer? To be honest it had not been really enjoyable with those stupid...dark wizards and their...actions. However the rest that he could talk about. ''It was fine, and avarage summer, Professor Hadley. Thank you. I hope you have enjoyed your summer, as well.''

Umm...well?

What was she going to do? Burn it into ashes again? Hmm. To figure what the woman was going to do with the new rose that was given to her, the Gryffindor boy watched her carefully with his dark brown eyes and his gaze got all fixed on her as she picked up the rose. Eh...whatever was going to happen, he was going to see it now...yet...

Now...Josh definitely was not expecting that. He could never think of that a professor would ask about the scar, especially not Lafay or maybe....whatever. He had no idea so this was surprising...kinda. What was more difficult than facing it was to decide what he was going to say about that. He definitely did not want to lie to his favourite professor yet on the other hand the boy did not want to mention anything about the incident and sound like a whining baby.

So... ''No one...'' he began looking away from her for Josh was not much of a great liar to lie to people with enough ease to look at their faces. He did not know if this would give him away but that was the best he could. ''It was an accident.'' Of course, this might have considered that way unless she happened to see the one on his tongue. Pffft.

Aaaaand there was the pretty Professor Bishop of Divination. Hopefully she had already forgotten about the tea reading list and the fire symbol. Hehehe. Because he still did not want anyone to mention any of it to Evelyn...though they were now closer to each other than the relationship they had at that time. Oooor hopefully he was not going to get similar symbols or stuff in classes this term. Heheheh. *ehem*

''You are welcome, Professor Bishop.'' the Gryffindor said with a little, kind smile. Perhaps she might get more soon. Yea, she might if she's not going to mention fire...at all.

''Well...yes'' Josh replied turning to face the big birdie man when he had apparenty adressed to him. Yep, he had adressed to him for he did not believe there was another Carter here right now. And...

Ha?

What was that now? Was that an open threat hmmm? Did that mean 'Your chances of playing for your team this term is scarce, boy' ? Or maybe not open but it was an implied threat. Eh, if that was the case Josh just had to show that he was not the only one who liked to imply things.

''Umm...yeah perhaps.'' he said with a smirk, coolly walking to stand in front of the deputy headmaster ''During the time i spent in muggle London this summer, i have been infrormed that they also could be used for something muggles call cosmetics and this includes those products that are used to cover approaching old age.''

BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHA! How was that, Vinny?

*whistle*

Blue eyes wandering up to the Divination professor, Jayce blinked. "Lose something?" he repeated her. "Why.." no professor, was what he wanted to say, but he couldn't bring himself to say it because he was trying a new thing out. Telling the truth. ".. Yes," he said with slight difficulty along with a sigh. Opal wouldn't have run away from him, but Woody on the other hand.. he was a trouble maker. No use in hiding it now. He bent over slightly and glanced under the table once again rather quickly. "Have you seen a-" But he was quickly cut off by the outburst of yet another professor. Whoops.

With a slight sheepish grin still upon his face, Jayce winced slightly as his eyes were directed at the Muggle Studies teacher, Mr. Zookara. The seventh year slowly raised his hand. "Err.. Mine, sir." he frowned. Was the professor AFRAID of little harmless Woody? Smirk.

CHOMP. CHOMP. Woody was HUNGRY. The puppy growled slightly at the moving foot and the loud noises coming from up above the table he was under. Why did people talk so much and so loudly? It made his ears hurt. So, momentarily he sat up and scratched his ears with his paws and let out a rather large yawn for such a small puppy.

Just as Woody was distracted, THE SHOE WAS DRAGGED AWAY! Puppy!frown. Now on all four paws, the puppy eyed the moving shoe. He bowed slightly, waving his little tail in the air before hopping forward and pouncing on the tasty shoe. MIIIINE!

CHOMP. CHOMP.

Gemma glanced at the lovely student with a smile. She glanced at the basket of apples and then glanced at the Headmaster. She wasn't sure what the rules were with taking gifts from students and after the Headmaster's comments earlier she was a little cautious at grabbing an apple. She could just see the old Muggle fairy tale with the poison apple playing in her head.
It would be her luck that she ate a poisoned apple on her first day at Hogwarts...That's not the way she would want to be remembered at all.

She studied the young lady with a smile and then decided that this student could be trusted and she reached for an apple while saying, "Thank you dear! What a sweet gesture." she held out her hand and leaned over the table slightly, "I'm Professor Cerulean, History of Magic. And you?" she asked with her sweet voice.



Gemma then focused on another young lady approaching the table. It was almost like they had been waiting for one to break the ice and then they all followed like ants going towards food.

She smiled at the pretty girl as she was handed the cookies. She glanced at the cookies and was amazed at the details, she softly said, "These are just lovely. I'm not sure if I can eat them because they are just amazing." she said looking up at the girl. She held out her right hand and introduced herself, "I'm Professor Cerulean, History of Magic." she said with her big smile.



The young professor cocked her head to the side as the first male student came towards the table. She wasn't sure about this one. He seemed pretty mischievous. She smiled at his introduction and then followed his gaze down the table towards the Potions Professor. She shook her head slightly and let out a little giggle at the boy's rose presentation. She could tell that this one was a hand full. She nodded her head up and down acknowledging his sweet comments but wasn't about to interrupt his intentions with the Potions Professor.



Gemma smiled at the professor whom looked a little familiar to her and had to be around her own age. She took her hand and smiled, "It's nice to meet you Seren, I'm Gemma Cerulean, the new History of Magic Professor." she said with a little shake and nod up and down. She glanced out at the students again..."It's a little overwhelming..isn't it?"



The professor smiled at the young girl as she approached the table and introduced herself. That took a lot of courage especially since it was obvious that the girl had to be a first year. She had that wide eyed glazed over look. Gemma nodded slightly at the girl and said, "Ms. Jackson, it is a pleasure to meet you! I'm Professor Cerulean, History of Magic Professor."



Gemma cocked her eyebrow again at the Headmaster. She couldn't tell if he was picking on her or if he truly thought she was going to be biased against different houses. Not really knowing what he meant, she smiled at him and shrugged her shoulders. "Sorry I had no intention to imply such a thing." What a great way to start the school year...trying to be funny and making the Headmaster mad...way to go Gemma. She took a deep breath and tried to think of something to salvage the conversation but decided that she had already screwed up and she just left a blank smile on her face.

Kimber had grown quite used to the 'staff-table-threesome' that was herself, Jeremy and Hecate. So naturally when Jeremy finally joined them, her smile broadened. "Good Evening," she repeated, softly.

Madam Donovan flinched visibly when she heard the very LOUD announcement coming from in front of the table. "For heaven's sake, Josh!" she chastised. "Would you PLEASE lower your voice?!"

She picked up her rose, smiling even if he drove her completely INSANE and sat it off to the side so that it wouldn't get damaged.

Ahhh. One thing was certain. Kurumi's gift-giving techniques were far superior to Mr. Carter's.

She shot her eyes towards Jeremy for a moment, wondering if the girl was addressing them BOTH about their holiday. But it was holidays actually now since they were no longer spending them together.

Avoiding the topic entirely, Kimber pulled her cookie box closer and said, "Thank you so much, Kurumi. That was so very thoughtful of you."

Although Kimber wouldn't be holding classes to look forward to, she smiled appreciatively at the young girl and nodded her head.

The first thing Kimber noticed when Lexi appeared wasn't the monkey or the pretty pink box... It was her FACE! "Lexi! Oh my God, what happened?!" she demanded. She sat rigidly in her chair, unsure of whether to run down and hug the bruised and battered girl OR make for the nearest exit and hunt down whomever was responsible.

As Jeremy leapt to his feet, Kimber was pushed back in her own chair just enough to pull her attention temporarily away from Lex. With wide eyes, she watched as Jeremy had a little FREAK OUT. She wanted to laugh. The way he was holding his chair, he looked just like a lion tamer. Aww!

Although Kimber wasn't all that fond animals, she HAD developed a special place in her heart for furry things over her summer break. "I'll get him," she said, bending over in her chair to scoop the lil fellow up in her arms. "You weren't going to eat that silly man, were you?" she said, scratching the puppy behind the ears.

"I think it's safe to sit down now, Jeremy," she teased, smiling up at him.

Lexi cringed and her face burned bright red as tears came to her eyes... "I had an accident, Madame... please... not here. I just wanted to bring you this. I can see that you are busy and all and I dun want to interrupt you," she said holding out the box with watery eyes.

Hecate raised an eyebrow, and sharply looked forward. She needed an apology for him leaving without saying goodbye.

"Max. Don't give the boy ideas." She said firmly. "Or I'll ask him to wax all your brooms in his next detention..." and she knew this boy would be in detention again this term... Take THAT, fly boy...

She leaned over Jeremy and into Kimber and said "I'm not sure Lucky would be the word I'd have used..."

"Thank you, now return to your seat so the Headmaster can make his speech." She said making a shooing motion with her hand.

"You may not." Hecate said decisively. She wasn't going to discuss this in front of the whole school. Especially not Tate. "But yes, that's why I need them. Now off you go. Back to your seat."

She may have been inclined to believe him... but not after he looked away as he told her no one did that to him. Rage filled her. She did not like being lied to. There was one way to get the information out of him. "You will come to my office first thing after the feast, Carter. And you will tell me about this little accident over a cup of tea..."

... yeah...

That's right... Tea...

His eyes still on the puppy - what if it decided to attack the moment he looked away after all! - Jeremy only heard somebody quietly admitting to being the owner of the dog. Good at least he was nearby. So why didn't he just go and get his dog before -

O___________o

ITATTACKED! Giving a surprised yelp Jeremy jumped backwards again and shoved the chair into the ATTACKING dog's direction. But of course it just went underneath it and ATTACKED him again. Or his shoe anyways. Still, it had ATTACKED! "Do something!" He called into the general direction of where he assumed the owner of the dog was.

HEWASGOINGTODIE!!!!

But somebody else came to his rescue: Kimber!

Jeremy watched closely as she simply scooped the puppy up into her arms. As if it were that easy. He just couldn't understand how people did that...or why they would want to do it. Well, not that he had ever tried it. But what was the use? It was an ANIMAL after all.

Slowly lowering the chair back onto the floor again, Jeremy sat on it but did not push it back to the staff table. Not as long as the puppy was still that close. "Don't laugh!" Catching Kimber's smile, he couldn't help but grin back slightly, running a hand through his hair to calm down again. He was going to poke her if she did. He totally would.

Chad looked down the length of the table and smiled as he saw Kimber with a puppy in her arms. Aaaw. "You should get a dog, Madame Donovan," he called down, grinning. "They suit you." And by 'you', he meant....well, she would understand what he meant.

Leaning back to glance at the woman, Lily returned the wave, not bothering to call across the table to talk to Fina. It was a shame and made her think of how much she missed having Lexi around.


Lily turned her attention to the other end of the table and smiled at the other woman, "Hello Hecate. Did you have a lovely summer?"

Hmm. Lily was kind of bored? A little bit fidgety too, like she belonged back at the Gryffindor table with the students, and not sitting with the adults. Or perhaps the Hufflepuff table, as it was now. With that thought, she glanced over the Hufflepuffs, who all seemed to be... fairly well behaved.

Legend actually enjoyed sitting behind the table with the Professors. He had a complete view of the hall and even could make out a small Ravenclaw spilling some water on some Slytherin. It was awesome! He turned back to Hadley as she once again addressed him by his last name.

He would have thought that she forgot his name. But of course Legend knew better, Hadley loved him. His brows rose slight as she began to speak all 'official like'. It was like she went away for one summer and the fun was sucked out of her. "Why?" He asked innocently enough. There was NO rule that said he could not be back here. "It's fun back here. Relaxing too. We can talk all personal like." He leaned back in the chair grinning. "Plus I'm not going over there so that Jayce's dog could bite me." Sure he was over there with professor Zoo but STILL. His excuses al made sense really.


"Thanks sir!" Only calling him sir of course because he didn't know the guy yet. He didn't want him to think he was some sort of brat or anything. "Sort of mastered summoning charms in fifth year." Been there, done that, so long ago, but he was sure the Professor with the hair would not care about that.

MacFusty. Huh. "Are you sure I can't call you Professor New Guy?" He still wanted to. He was new. He was a guy. It was a name Legend want to bestow upon him.

He AGREEED with Hadley. That was insane really. Legend rolled his eyes, still smiling."But Professor, Hadley is hardly ever right about things when it has nothing to do with Arithmancy. Trust me, she tried to teach Astrology last term-" He shook his head. "-Disaster really. Anyways, all this means that I should stay here." Or something like that. What had he just said? Legend wasn't sure anymore. It was hard to keep up with things you just said at the top of your head. He flashed the biggest smile he could to Hadley.

"Oh Lexi, I'm so sorry. It's just... when I saw you..." The Librarian chewed her bottom lip, trying to find the words. Still, she wanted answers. No one hurt her kids. Especially not Lexi Denver.

She took the box from the girl, managing only the smallest of smiles through her very concerned expression. When she opened the box, she looked down at her gifts with tears in her eyes. "Thank you, Lexi. They're beautiful," she whispered.

When she looked back up, she gave Lex a look full of mixed emotions. "Come straight to my office in the morning, dear. No excuses, okay?"
Kimber tilted her head towards Hecate - where Max couldn't see her - and smiled. It was good to see Hecate was back and the daydreaming gone.
Kimber continued petting the puppy as she watched Jeremy take his seat. "I'm not!" she said back, mocking his tone with a smile. Then, in a much more sincere, quieter voice, "I promise."
Hearing her name, Kimber turned towards Chad's voice. "Do you think so, Mr. Stryker?" she called back, holding the puppy closer and grinning back. "I've never considered a dog." Perhaps now she would. Or she could always just keep this one. Finders, keepers and whatnot.