Lexi nodded her head in understanding. The common reaction was OMG WHAT HAPPENED?! and she did not want to discuss it in mixed company and all that. "I know." Twas all she could really say.

"I am glad you like them, Madame. I picked them up in this little street fair in Santorini. I wasn't sure if you wear gold, but they are Grecian so if not, they would be nice decoration or something..." she rambled a bit.

Nodding her head and wiping angrily at her stupid eyes she said, "Yes, Madame Donovan. There are things that I need to talk to you about anyway. Now I will head back to my table... I see you are busy. I will see you in the morning for sure."

With that she dropped her eyes and began her way down from the dais and back to her table. Sadface Lion she was. Indeed.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Liisa

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.

"You should definitely consider one, then," Chad grinned and nodding his head. "Not that kind, though. Perhaps one that is more fluffier. Furrier."

Chad then nudged Tate. "Do you agree? Madame Donovan would be good with a dog, yes? I mean," his gaze then looked back towards Kimber. "No pressure or anything, mon amie, but just simply making an observation. If not puppies, then maybe bunnies? The sky is the limit."

Frowning, Jayce watched the scene before him fold out. It looked like his new dog was more of a trouble maker than he was himself. Clearing his throat, the boy stepped closer as little Woody had pounced on the muggle studies professor's shoe again and barely managed to disguise a small snicker behind his own hand.

With big, sad, brown eyes, the puppy watched as HIS shoe was again taken from him. Whimper. But what was this man shoving at him? Some sort of... thing he had been previously sitting on. Wittle Woody was SCARED. Whimpering, the puppy backed up, head low brown eyes staring up at the man who he had previously been playing with. But it would be okay. There were plenty of OTHER shoes around for him to eat. HE WANTED MORE SHOOES. Spotting yet another worthy shoe to shred, little Woody again dropped into his pouncing position, tail waving happily, yet mischievously, in the air when, just as he was about to hop, someone pulled him off of the ground and into soft arms. Nawwwhhh. No more shoes.

Uh-oh. Jayce's frown deepened as Woody seemed to have given up with professor muggle studies and seemed to be going for another pair of shoes. Headdesk. Deciding it was best to pipe up, Jayce spoke. "He's a new pup and i haven't been able to teach him manners or obedience. And he's.. not exactly my dog. Well what i mean is.. i.. didn't pick him out. I didn't even want another dog." Jayce sniffled quietly. Nope, he would not cry here. He didn't need to cry in front of the professors. None of them needed to know that his dog had died just after last term had ended. It was.. smart to explain himself, wasn't it? It surely couldn't hurt.

Approaching the table even more so, he bent down to retrieve the pup before any of the professors could do him harm, but Woody had already found comfort in the arms of the Librarian. To say the least, Jayce Cannon was relieved. At least this professor seemed to actually like animals.

Big brown eyes flickering this way and that, the puppy tilted his head this way and that until he could finally peer up at the mean person who took him away from his shoe. It was a lady. Perdy lady! His tail wagged, as he wore a loopy puppy!grin. He had just decided to lick the arms he was in when- his ears were scratched. Whining, the puppy licked the hand anyway, enjoying the little scratches here and there. OHHH YEEAAH. That's the spooot. He melted in her arms.

Scratching made puppy tired. Yawwwnn.

Jeremy averted his eyes from the puppy for a moment to raise his eyebrows at Kimber. She promised? But he it probably had looked pretty funny. He was a grown-up man after all and it was only a puppy. Still, he couldn't help but still feel anxious at the fact that it was still rather close to him.

"Don't." Was all he said before dropping his gaze on the puppy again, slowly very slowly approaching the table again with his chair. Still, he was trying to stay as far away as possible from the dog in Kimber's arms. No need to take any risks, after all.



Hearing somebody call down the table about the dog in Kimber's arms, Jeremy briefly glanced up to find Chad had decided to get involved. Was he trying to get Kimber to get a dog?! Throwing him an 'You crazy?!'-sort of look before he could stop himself, he quickly turned his attention back to the owner of the dog, a small frown flashing across his face.

Not that it was any of his business...



So this was the owner. Jayce. A Gryffindor. And he hadn't been able to teach the dog manners yet? Well, OBVIOUSLY! Hopefully it wouldn't take that long to do that though. He wouldn't dare leave his office anymore. Only if he absolutely couldn't help it. Paranoia, here I come.

"Yeah, you better do that soon before-" Jeremy stopped mid-sentence however when Jayce's face fell and he seemed to be on the verge of tears. His frown immediately dissolved into a worried expression as he leaned forward in his seat slightly. "What's wrong, Jayce?" Apart from the 'losing your puppy' part.

Somehow, MacFusty had failed to notice the presence of what appeared to be a dog causing some mild chaos down the table among some of his colleagues. Some of the reactions were amusing enough for him to bit down his bottom lip to prevent chuckles from slipping out of him. The Divination Professor was talking, however, and Lachlan gave her a brief curious look before politely smiling. Did she have the Sight? Those folk could be not only peculiar but quite unpredictable, too. Asking her, though, could be impertinent and as such, he kept his speculations to himself. "Lachlan MacFusty, yes, and thank you. Pleasure to make your acquaintance,"

Was this one of those moments in which he was expected to start small talk? "Divination Professor, you said? That's quite a broad area, though it's more like a science, is it not?" A very imprecise science, but pointing that out was unnecessary; chances were, Renee knew that already.

Divination may have been an imprecise science, but the subject the man next to him taught, Astronomy wasn't. Or so Lachlan thought; truth was, it had taken him longer than it should have to notice but it seemed they were seated in alphabetical order.

It'd also helped that Josephina Hadley had mentioned Astronomy to Risu earlier, but why would Lachlan ever admit having done such an improper thing as eavesdropping? "Likewise," Said the man automatically, nodding his brunette head. "Lachlan MacFusty, Care of Magical Creatures. You teach Astronomy, I assume?"

Had the the bold Gryffindor--how redundant of him--not spoken up again, MacFusty would have forgotten his presence altogether. He was giving his excuses to Josephina, and Lachlan bit the inside of his cheek to make himself not chortle. "I am one hundred percent sure I don't want you to call me that to my face, Mister Chosen, but if I change my mind you will be the first one to know."

Professor New Guy wasn't too terrible for a nickname, and it could be worse, he knew. But he was new, and it would do him no good to publicly allow a student to give him a nickname of sorts. Especially since the Chosen Boy seemed the sort to become easily comfortable around professors--or at least, comfortable enough to mention that they were often wrong. He shot Hadley a small side-ways look, and said, "I'm not sure you may be the best one to judge whether Professor Hadley was good or bad at teaching Astrology, Mister Chosen." His dark brows rose, but then he made a sound that sounded very much like a snicker. "After all, the subject taught at Hogwarts is Astronomy, not Astrology."

The reason why the boy was keen on staying where he was were beyond Lachlan's understanding. Had he no friends waiting for him back at the Gryffindor table? Was he not aware that some students were giving him off looks already? Perhaps he didn't care, which, once again, was quite the popular trait amongst the members of the Gryffindor house. "Now, mister Chosen," He began, his tone perfectly pleasant and even almost friendly, "As delightful as this small chat has been, it is time for you to send that chair back where you summoned it from, return to the Gryffindor table and wait for the Headmaster's speech." Which, Lachlan thought, would probable be soon.

"I think now? Now is as good a time as any," Tate stretched and made a big show of preparing to stand for the speech. It wasn't as if anyone listened aside from a few staff members, and at least Max and Lily would have something sarcastic to add as an aside when it was through.

Why rush that?

Implied nothing... she'd out and out SAID she thought all Slytherins were nasty wasties. But Tate could occasionally be gracious, so he nodded his head at her and offered a sideways smile. "My high horse. Abraxan. Whatever. We're never merely one thing or another."

"And you, young man..." Tate glanced a few seats down to where Mr. Chosen was being enormously badly behaved. "Your Head of House can deal with you personally. Perhaps you'd like to spend time in the dungeons during Quidditch tryouts too? That I'll leave up to her, but for blatant disrespect to two of my staff members, as well as disrespecting all of us by sitting at the staff table, I'm taking fifteen points from Gryffindor. And if you do not apologize immediately to Professor Hadley, I'll take more. She is not your buddy or your amigo, and you do not get to speak dismissively of her credentials. As a fact, if you speak to your own friends that way, I'd be surprised to find you had any at all. Now apologize and remove yourself from this table at once."

Legend nodded. Ah. Professor New Guy would have been a better name. But he didn't exactly reject the name, so Legend knew that he would probably warm up to it soon enough. If he kept calling him that.

The blonde shrugged. "She was probably good. I just wasn't paying attention." So she didn't capture his attention. Therefore she was bad. Yeah? His eyes widened slightly. "Astronomy? Are you sure? No wonder I did so bad in that class before." He was getting the name wrong all along! Someone could have told him!

Legend was about to say something else when Tate- Headmaster Tate came and began enforcing rules that technically weren't written down.


Nod. Nod. Agree. Look sorry. His head of house? Was this that serious. Legend just continued to nod, as the speech went on. FIFTEEN POINTS? For sitting! It was crazy! Mad! Oh well. "Amigo...but Sir..I don't speak Spanish." He said weakly as he continued to now. Standing up the seventh year flicked his wand and put it back in the corner where it had gotten it from. "Sorry Headmaster." Another nod. He turned to Hadley before giving her a apologetic look even though he really didn't see what he did wrong with sitting there. "Sorry for disrespecting you and not listening Professor Hadley." He gave her a nod. "Sorry Professor...MacFusty for....yeah...sorry." Did he have to apologize to MacFusty? He wasn't sure. Legend turned back to Tate and gave him another nod of his head, before he quickly made his way around the Staff table and back down to the Gryffindor table.

Tate waited for the boy to depart before finally standing. Time to deliver the speech and let the poor kiddos have their dinner. He waited a long moment for the room to fall as silent as could be expected before speaking.

"Students! Welcome back to Hogwarts for yet another exciting term. As I'm sure you've seen from the empty seats at this table and the sprinkling of new faces, we have undergone many changes in the staffing for this term. I would like to take a moment to welcome our new staff members, and to let you know that those empty chairs will be filled by Ministry provided staff members who were hand selected by Lord Berty Borr." Lord indeed... the man was meddling in his school, and Tate wasn't sure how he felt about that.

No, he was sure... he didn't like it.

"Those staff members will not be holding office hours at Hogwarts, so I suggest you form study groups if you need additional assistance in those subject areas. My training room from last term is still available for those who want to work on their Defense development, and we will do what is necessary in any areas you may feel necessary. Please be frank with us as the term goes onward." And he expected to hear plenty of complaints, but hey... he could only do so much.

"I'm sure many of you read the Daily Prophet over the summer, and you are probably well aware of the ship currently floating on Black Lake. After extensive magical investigation, I feel fairly confident the ship is free of traps and spells and sturdy enough to be explored. More information will come on that later, but I think we can expect an opportunity to go aboard later in the year." After Max got through with it, of course. Hehe.

"I know it's been a long day, and you're all quite hungry, so let me shut up and sit down and let you get around to stuffing your faces. I wish you all a good meal and a good night to follow, and I hope we have a good year." Free of deaths and all that. Tate clapped his hands and food appeared on each table.

"Eat!"

Gemma kept that blank smile on her face as the man spoke back to her. She could tell from his expression that she was not making a good first impression. She was really hoping for a 'she shots and she scores' but she knew right now it was more like a 'she shots and Airball!' She forced herself to not roll her eyes, not at him of course that would not be the solution to the situation, but more at her own shortcoming.

She let out a small breath that she hadn't realized she was holding as he smiled back at her, "I honestly like to think that we have a little bit of every house inside of us....it's just that some people are more willing to see all of the parts than others." she said in a very calm, yet soothing voice, "And only a few select of those embrace each of those parts as equals." yes that was deep thoughts by Gemma, but in her head it made sense.

She paused as she saw him stand up and head towards the podium and make the opening feast. She smiled out at the crowd as he mentioned the new staff...yes that was her and she was proud of that distinction. She turned back to the Headmaster and listened.

Yes he had mentioned the mysterious ship from day one. This made her History heart flutter with excitement and anticipation. She couldn't wait for them to be able to explore the ship. She was highly interested in the story behind it. As she thought about all of the wonderful stories and historical value of the ship, the food appeared on the table and it was only then that she heard her stomach growling and realized that she hadn't eaten all day.

"Pleasure to meet you," Kurumi chirped shyly forgetting the woman's hand for a moment and bowing first and noticing the professor's hand and rushing to take it. "I'm Kurumi. Kurumi Hollingberry," she said introducing herself. "I'm a third year in Gryffindor."

"You are most welcome," she smiled bowing once more to her Head of House. This was actually one of the few times Kurumi had spoken with the woman and that really was a shame - especially when Professor Zookara recommended that Kurumi speak with her about her family issues. Considering the amount of time Kurumi spent in the library, she really ought to speak more with her. Perhaps even receive some guidance on her research. "Madame Donovan, Lexi told me that you have really helped her a lot during her time here. Perhaps, I could stop by and chat with you sometime?" Kurumi aimlessly kicked at the air and looked down sheepishly.

"S-S-Sorry!" Kurumi squeaked bowing a few times deeply. "I didn't mean to offend you, Professor Lafay." She added a few more bows and made a mental note to look up potions using apples at a later date. At least she had been accurate in her analysis.

Smiling, Kurumi bowed once more to Professor Bishop. "I look forward to it. Thank you for your time."

"Thank you, Professor Zookara," she blushed looking down at her shoes for a moment and put her right hand into her pocket and began to rummage through it for a small box. "Oh, I found this for you when I went back to Japan during the last few weeks of the holidays."

Kurumi pushed a small box across the table. "I hope you like it," she said as her cheeks flushed a slightly deeper shade of pink.

The feast was well on it's way and Cassie figured that it was a bout time to make her way to the staff table. NO her visit was not about chit chatting with the professos and head master but actually to check out their outfits on the first night of school. It would be good stuff for the year book and all, who was hot and who was not, fashion auror and the work but of course she couldn't barge up to them and say hey I'm here to grade your dress, no she had to be shifty like.

She walked along the table waving to the returning professors and smiling at the new ones, while her camera clicked and flashed on catching pics of the professors seated. She paused snapping a pic of Kurumi in conversation with a professor and even managed to get a snap of the kid getting on Tate's bad side. First day and good stuff already. This was going to be one heck of a year, especially for the yearbookers.

Lily was just glad the kid wasn't hers this time around.

Wiggle. Twitch. Wiggle.

She was having serious problems sitting still. Lily managed to wait until Casey gave his speech, and everyone started eating, before she slipped out of her seat.

She passed Chad's chair and stopped at the next, patting Tate on the shoulder, "Good job, bossman."

HEHE? Twitch.

With that done, she slipped around the table, abandoning her seat at the dias, and heading towards the Hufflepuff table. She really was going to sit with the children.

The speech is done! This gave Nika the perfect opportunity to go and say a quick hello to her professors. She skipped over to the staff table whilst humming a cheerful little tune. She stopped in front of it and immediately went silent. She started from the far left of the table and moved her gaze towards the right. Wow. Lots of new professors this year! Nika shrugged and just smiled and waved at them all.

She sent a smile at the Arithmancy professor. Although Arithmancy was far from being one of her favorite subjects she liked the professor and that's what counts right? "Hello Professor Hadley!" Hopefully she would remember Nika. She was only a first year last term so it wasn't very likely. "I really like that color!" She pointed to the dress that Professor Hadley was wearing. Nika looked around and noticed a few gifts on their table. Oops. Maybe next term she should bring something as well?

Then Nika noticed two new teachers beside professor Hadley and waved to them cheerfully. "Hi! I'm Nika Adler. Second Year Gryffindor." Hopefully she would be able to start off with a good impression? Plus one of the new guys is the CoMC professor and that's Nika's second favorite subject.

As her eyes trailed more towards the right she saw her Charms professor. The last time she saw him was during her final when she was just about turning green. "Hello Professor. I'm promise I will practice and try to get better this term." Nika started to make a mental note to ask Emily for more extra help.

OH and then there's professor Bishop! "Hiya Professor Bishop! Hope you enjoyed your holiday!" Although Nika wasn't very good at the subject divination it is one of her favorites. Besides it is her best subject (which really goes to show how bad she is at the other ones}.

"I did indeed." She said to the woman. "I wish it lasted longer. And yourself?" She asked her colleague.

She raised her glass towards her and sipped.

Blah, blah, blah, and as always don't.... Eat?! Wait... that's not it... what happened to the don't die part? "Good speech..." She commented.

...

"Really?! The studder is back? Get back to your table before I really give you something to be scared of?" She said shaking her head.

He'd arrived in the Great Hall five or so minutes before Tate's speech, and the first thing Jared had noticed had been the vacant chairs. Those had been expected but, even so, one of his eyebrows rose for a brief moment. He'd nodded to the professors seated at the far side of the table - Hecate, Jeremy, Lilyan, Seren, the lot - before his green gaze had turned to his own chair, and he'd made his way towards said chair.

"Josephina, Risu." Risu, it seemed, had returned. Jared felt, he had to admit, a tad curious. "Renée." His lips tugged up into a faint smile as he greeted her.

Then there was the new Care of Magical Creatures professor, the only new face at his side of the table. Tate had risen to his feet before Jared could greet the man, so that introduction had had to wait until the end of the Headmaster's speech. "Jared Descoteaux," Jared said, by way of greeting, once Tate had sat down again, and the applause that the students had joined in turned into relative silence. He extended a hand. "Charms. You'll be taking over Care of Magical Creatures, if I'm not mistaken?"

"Oh, no. Of course not, Professor Hadley." Cass answered as she shook her head "I - I would never!"

This was the last time she was giving apples. Next year, she'll be giving oranges. Hmph.

"Of course Professor Lafay." She said politely as she watched the professor summon two apples towards her "There's more than enough for everyone."

Eeep. Three years of being in Slytherin and her head of house still manages to scare her.

Finally! a professor who wasn't scared of apples!! "Thank you Professor Bishop. I'm looking forward to be attending your classes too." Although, Divination wasn't her strongest subject...ok, she had barely passed last term and the term before that, but she was trying! Sort of...

Then she smiled brightly "You're welcome, Professor."

Cass mentally sighed. Another professor who was scared of apples. Really?! Apples were such nice , good fruits...

"Good evening Professor Vindictus." Cass said instead with a small smile "I'm looking forward to your flying classes this year." Hah! She had been practicing all summer! No more crashing into giant, delicious cupcakes for her!

"Prewett, ma'am." Cass answered with a smile "Cassandra Prewett."

Then she said "If you don't mind me asking Professor, what subject would you be teaching?" She wasn't very familiar with the seating arrangements of the staff, all she knew was that the headmaster sits at the middle.


"Cassandra Prewett, sir." She answered with a smile as he watched him set aside her apple and placed Kurumi's cookie in a container.

"I'm looking forward to your classes Professor...." She realized she didn't know what his last name was and what he was teaching. Uh-oh.

"Of course not, Professor Zookara." Cass answered with a smile. Ah, that was the reason why some of the Professors weren't touching the apples...that settles it, next time, she was giving out oranges. Yes. Oranges are harmless. Right? "Your welcome, Sir. I'm looking forward to muggle studies this year."

Oh, she was the one who took Professor Welton's place! "It's nice to meet you Professor Cerulean." Cass answered "Oh, and your welcome." Then she smiled brightly "I'm looking forward to History of Magic with you Professor. It has always been my favorite subject." Which was true. It was like...academic gossip. or something of that sort.

Not knowing what to say to Madam Donovan, Cass simply smiled and wished the Gryffindor head of house a good evening.

As she'd waited for Jayce to reply to her query about what she'd thought she'd seen underneath the table, Renée's attention went back to Josh. It seemed the other Gryffindor was slowly but surely taking his leave, after Hecate had surprisingly not done anything with the rose or anything else. In fact, it seemed the Potions professor had been more concerned over his appearance than his behavior for once. As he'd addressed her, though, she'd returned his words with another smile, staying quiet. She hadn't forgotten that incident in her office, but there were so many other things she could focus on there wasn't much point in bringing the tea leaf reading up again.

She glanced over again as it seemed Jayce couldn't quite decide how to answer her, and raised an eyebrow as he finally confessed. her expression quickly turned sympathetic at the sigh, though. "I might have," she replied, before the chaos started at the other end of the table. It seemed the creature had targeted jeremy, and the reaction, was, well, amusing to say the least. She had never pegged him for a fear of animals. Of course, she'd hid her own shoes from the puppy, but that was different. She just knew hyperactive canines, from owning Bowie. It seemed the explanation that had come out after the puppy's reveal had a lot behind it, however, and it was that which really concerned her. Students that were that unhappy always did. Well, anyone that unhappy always made her want to help.

It seemed Jeremy was just as concerned, so after another gentle smile at the Gryffindor, Renée turned her attention, at least outwardly, to the other conversations she'd started. Hopefully Jayce would know she was still there for him, if he needed.

Renée hadn't missed the curious look she'd gotten from Lachlan, as she'd glanced back at the CoMC professor. She was fairly certain she knew what had brought it about, as well, even without certain things. "You're welcome, and same to yourself," she replied with a smile. "I'd heard your name mentioned," she went on to semi-explain. Just so he didn't continue to think she had the Sight, even if she was always amused by people who thought that. He couldn't have missed the interchange between himself, Max and Seren. Or at least she didn't think he could have. Even with the same odd recognition as she'd had between herself and the new Herbology professor, she couldn't truly say she knew either way.

He'd changed the subject, though, and she grinned at what had remained unsaid. "Yes, it is something of a science. Certainly a subject that research and practice can help sharpen your knowledge," she replied. "I'd imagine the same could be said about the study of magical creatures, in some ways." There, she'd turned the attention back to himself and his subject. Hopefully he'd be more comfortable with that.



It seemed the time for the speech had come, and while part of Renée was perfectly happy continuing to contemplate eating one of Kurumi's cookies, or the apple she'd gtten from Cass, she knew an actual meal would be better for her. Nobody could live on sweets and snacks alone, although she wasn't against trying. If the situation arose. She'd sent a smile toward both girls as they'd responded to herself, figuring she'd be seeing Kurumi, at least up at her office sooner or later. The Gryffindor had essentially said as much, and hadn't really needed to. She knew the temptation was too strong.

Everyone was shuffled back to their respective tables as Tate had stood, however, and Renée turned dark eyes to him as he spoke. It was nice to know that the empty chairs were there for a reason, if just a symbolic one. Ministry professors always unnerved her, however. But then, part of that could be left over from last term. Gevrik had been with the Ministry as well, and she hadn't trusted him. She'd agreed with most of the rest of his words, though, and had found the talk of the ship particularly intriguing. Not only because she still had her own plans to explore it, as she thought she remembered reading a story or two in the past that seemed relevant to the whole topic.

He'd gone straight to summoning the food without saying what she assumed to be his traditional wish for no deaths, however. Which was just as interesting, but there was the food now as well, and she made sure the cookies and everything were clear of her plate.

Before she could quite decide what to choose this time around, it seemed the table was destined to be visited by yet another Gryffindor, and Renée smiled at little Nika as the girl made her way down the row of professors. It had always seemed like she was one of her supporters, at least, last term when there had been people who were less than welcoming. She'd appreciated the zeal for Divination, as well, but it seemed other topics were on Nika's mind right now. She'd grinned at the greeting, though. "Hello Nika," she said, a bit amused. "I can assure you my summer was quite enjoyable. I hope yours was as well." And now it was time to focus on school. Or, food, rather, if one was concentrating on just the present time. Gryffindor didn't need to risk any more points lost, and she didn't want that to happen anyhow. Even with her own connection to Ravenclaw.

Nika's question about her summer had brought back other memories, though. They hadn't been far, but the fact Jared had arrived not long before Tate had made his speech hadn't slipped Renée's mind either. She hadn't asked yet, as to what had caused his late arrival, but that was still under consideration. She'd returned his slightly amused greeting upon his arrival, however, and that was apparently going to have to be enough for the time being. He was speaking to Lachlan, and she still needed to figure out what she was going to eat. There would be plenty of time to talk, once that had been decided.

Risu nodded curtly. "Indeed," he said. "We're all, er, ordered alphabetically by subject, so we will likely spend a lot of feasts together." He smiled his little smile again. "Of course, for most of the rest of the time, I'm up in the Tower. I know Muggle technology doesn't work here, but one of those ingenious elevators would not be the worst addition to the school."

With a sigh, he leaned back. "Of course, astronomy is not something for one who overly values their creature comforts. Neither is, I assume, Care of Magical Creatures," he added politely. "Before coming to Hogwarts I was a researcher at a large observatory. In the South African highlands. Months without a lot of contact apart from, you know, supply shipments. Absolutely the most beautiful night skies you could imagine, of course, and-..."

Risu was interrupted by the headmaster getting up and commencing with his little speech. His colleague likewise fell silent, and they listened to the short speech. At the end, the tables, as usual, filled with food. Risu filled his goblet with pumpkin juice. "So what did you do before getting this prestigious job, Professor?" he asked, letting his gaze wander over the food. "Hello, Jared," he added with a smile to the Charms teacher further down the table.

Wait. Had this new professor lady just giggled? His confident and warm smile still on his face, Josh eyed the woman than gave her a happy nod for...what reason he didn't know. Hehehe. It was not important anyway. A nod was a nod and it was not something bad. Could be regarded as a silent greeting though silent greetings were not for Josh Carter. Anyway, he had seen her giggling and when girls giggled at him, which he had seen so many times before, it never meant something negative.

Eeeeeeeeeeep! Donovan attack! Of course, the boy knew it well that it was never good to annoy and anger Madam Donovan. She could always lock him into the library and leave him there to death...among text books. O_O!! That was wild and brutal even to think about. Dying among books! Ewwww. As he never stepped into library since it was for those swots and Ravenclaws who were immune to its poison. Bleh.

So, he had to obey Madam Donovan! There was no other choice. ''Yes, Madam Donovan!'' therefore he replied quickly giving her a slight, obedient nod. ''Sorry about that'' Hehe. At least she had accepted the rose. That was good sign and it could mean she was not going to lock him into the library.

Eh?

Was she getting angry? Noooooooooo! He did not want her to get angry at him because it would be upsetting and...well...dangerous. Yet he was not sure she was angry or not since he could not read anything from her, kinda, cold expression. Then she started to speak and...

Huh? Yeaa...now that was all he needed. To visit Lafay's office in the dungeons place before he could even set his eyes on his warm, welcoming and comfortable common room. And talking about this over a cup of tea. Couldn't it be butterbeer? Butterbeer was always better.

Visibly sighing Josh nodded ''I will'' then turned away and moved to leave the staff table.

Seren smiled- mostly to herself. "Shall I hold you to your word?" asked Seren, she clearly found the idea amusing. She could just imagine him taking the roll as the students left her greenhouses... possibly not a bad idea.

"Well I hope it meets your expectations", she smiled- she had a feeling it would. First years weren't paticularly difficult to please. "Enjoy the feast", she called out as the student turned to leave. So very polite, not wanting to interupt the dinner proceedings.

Hhhmm food, yes.


"Oh where are my manners, I'm Professor Bentley I'll be your Herbology teacher this term", replied Seren, grinning down at the girl. She was looking forward to her first lesson and getting to know the students. They were after all the key to the future.
"I trust I'll be seeing you in my classes?" she asked.

"Well it's a pleasure to meet you Master Cater, and thank you for the flower, it's lovely."She twirled it bewteen her fingers, watching mesmorised as the white petals spun gently.

Seren looked out at the sea of students, then turnng back to her new colleague she grinned, "Just a little... but it should be good fun." Seren remembered what it was like being a student, she remembered all the exciting lessons... and the most boring lessons. She crossed her fingers beneath the table, hoping that hers would be memorable for a good reason.
"Is this your first teaching post?" she asked curiously... after all it was her first.

Moments before Tates opening speech Seren had looked up to see Jared join the staff table. He was running a bit late, she thought to herself. Still she returned his smile with a polite nod. It was such a shame they were seated at opposite ends of the table.

"Pleasure to meet you Miss Prewett", replied Seren, still smiling at the child. Oh she was definately going to enjoy teaching here. Such a positive and vibrant atmosphere.
"I'll be teaching Herbology." Yes, thats right dirt and dung... but most importantly the plants.

All personal like? What was Legend on about? And besides the fact that he totally just called Risu's subject, Astrology. But before she could speak up, it seemed that the Headmaster didn't miss anything - how could he? He knew who he hired and thus who was supposed to be sitting at the staff table. BUT Legend Chosen didn't learn because even before he apologized to the Headmaster and herself and even Lachlan, he was being obnoxious.

Hmm.. The Headmaster certainly had his way with words, Fina took note, as the boy listened with only that ONE small bit of brattiness. But as a seventh year she decided right there to limit her tolerance of the boy. She would stick him in detention and take off additional points if it took that much to sink into his thick skull. "Thank you, Mr Chosen." And Headmaster Tate, she added mentally, as she watched the boy go off on his way toward his appropriate table.

And there was the speech! Short, sweet, to the point. No 'do not die' message, but Josephina had the feeling that perhaps it just wasn't needed. After all, since she'd been here they did have a three year track record of no deaths, right? So perhaps it was simply the presence of the former International Task Force member who warded off those bad omens? Words did not need to be spoken, but merely thought, something Fina was confident the Headmaster was always thinking about. No wanted death at their school, after all.

Content with those thoughts, she proceeded to scoop some potatoes and Shepard's Pie onto her plate, along with a handful of tortilla chips, that she was certain was only there as a reminder of the former Mexican Magical Creature Professor.

Distracted, again, though it seemed Josephina almost missed the inquiry on behalf of the new professor. An inquiry which reminded her slightly that though she thanked the students for their gift bearings, Lachlan had no idea who the students were. Well at least most of them seemed inclined to introduce themselves. Shrugging, she nodded, "Every term I've been here, yes it does seem like there's a handful of excitable, hyper children. They've probably experienced an overdose of sugar on the train."

Well good then, at least Lachlan and her were on agreement with something; students didn't belong on this side of the staff table. She eyed the seventh year Lion as she waited for his excuse, which she didn't doubt would be something along the lines of him being king.


Turning her attention back to Kurumi, Hadley beamed when the third year (already?! My how time flies!) said she was looking forward to her lessons this term. Well as the girl was one of her best students, she did hope so. And then the girl departed from the staff table, so Fina just nodded and smiled at her direction.

"Not disagreeing about the educational bit. If nothing else, then you should at least pick up a few words in the spoken language of the country." She knew that from her own personal experience of course, before she had taught at the school in South Africa when she traveled for about four years studying curses and other numerology-related topics. And most recently when Maya visited her home in Italy and she got to teach her former colleague a little bit. "So have you seen anything in regards to the schooner?" Fina asked, conversationally. Naturally she was referring to readings Renee might have done in regards to it. If anyone at the staff table would have seen anything, it would have been Renee.

Turning back toward Risu when he answered her with a laugh, she smiled ruefully. "Oh you're too kind. But I suppose I should admit now that I did only get an acceptable in the subject on my OWLs and NEWTs." She added since he was commenting about his knowledge in her subject. "Haven't looked at the material since I finished sitting for my NEWT exam though, but with a few textbooks I didn't it find it too hard to at least get into the basics." Sure, if cleaning telescopes counted as rudimentary.

That was when, just after - or maybe before - the speech, Fina heard Risu talking for what it seemed the most she ever heard the man next to her speak. Perhaps he just wasn't accustomed to conversing with the female population, but having a male seated next to him, which was a first since his time at Hogwarts had brought out his talkative self.

Heh. Elevators. "Yes, I have to admit that is one of the perks of my subject. Being only on the second floor." Fina mused.

Hearing a student pipe up again, Josephina smiled when she saw it was just Josh, who seemed rather polite right now. Had the summer changed him and perhaps he grew up slightly? Whatever the case may be, she did not know.

"My summer was relaxing, yes," Fina nodded, as she watched him flitter back to the other side of the table in conversation with Hecate. Who seemed more than suspicious of the sixth year. Then again, Hecate was suspicious of everyone it seemed; no wonder the woman was Head of the Snakes.

Oh good, Lily caught the wave. Heh, perhaps they were onto something, starting a wave at the staff table like at sporting events. Was it just her though or did the Healer seem odd... Actually, no it wasn't just her, given directly after the Headmaster finished with his speech, the blond abandoned her chair to go sit with the Badger children? Yea, okay.

Just about to dig into her dinner, she smiled at the young miss who decided to interrupt right after the speech. "Hello Miss Adler and thank you," Fina said acknowledging the second year. She was sweet and with good intentions, which is why her next actions were rather direct and forward. "While I do appreciate your friendly greetings, perhaps you could save them for tomorrow and go enjoy remainder of the feast with your friends." After all, if she was hungry later, then she couldn't very well sneak out of her dormitory to get something.

Having been just about to bite into one of those tortilla chips, Josephina furrowed her brow as she heard her name yet again. Only this time it was simply her first name, which led her to believe it was a fellow staff member. Blinking, she turned to see Jared had taken his seat just two spots away, an action that she hadn't even noticed when it happened.

"Jared," she greeted in return. Can I get back to my chips now? she wanted to ask, but refrained and instead smiled gingerly at him. "Your summer was relaxing, I trust?"

Having forgotten momentarily that the Slytherin girl who brought them apples was still there, she smiled at her. "Okay, good, good. Well thank you then, for the gesture, Miss Prewett," Fina nodded at her, wondering if it was okay to eat a chip now.

Legend Chosen was a cheeky fellow, and for that he cost his house fifteen points they still didn't even have, courtesy of the headmaster. Lachlan gave the boy a small nod after his apology, and listened to the Headmaster's brief speech with a politely interested expression. Ministry approved professors, no office hours, and the ship Maximus Vindictus had been so interested in earlier.

Truth was, he'd been curious about it, too, before but hadn't dare to approach it too much; Lachlan MacFusty was no coward, but he valued his life enough to not get anywhere near a ship that hadn't been declared 'safe.' t was 'safe' now, though, so he figured that if there was an excursion later, he'd be joining. Maybe. "I beg your pardon?" Automatically said the man, when Josephina's voice reached him once more. Oh, right. He was supposed to be having a conversation with her. Hyperactive because of the sugar? "Seems like a plausible theory." He lowered his tone. "Better than, say, the students hovering around here and giving us gifts just to see if we cave in and award them points." Which was, of course, Lachlan's theory.

Kids thought they were so crafty.



Speaking of kids, MacFusty was surprised to see that even after Tate's speech, they were still around. Were they not at all hungry? Perhaps Josephina was right. Perhaps they filled themselves with candy during the train ride and thus had completely lost their appetite. Pity because judging by the food on the tables, the house elves seemed to have outdone themselves tonight. Then again, were they ever sloppy? Lachlan didn't think so. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Misses Hollingberry, Prewett and Adler." Hollingberry, Prewett and Adler. Now he could only hope to remember those names when they showed up for class. "I'm Lachlan MacFusty, your new Care of Magical Creatures Professor."

MacFusty failed to notice the moment the seat next to his was occupied, and it because of this that when the voice of an adult coming came from his left side, he was a tad surprised. Nevertheless, Lachlan offered him a polite nod and shook the extended hand of the Charms professor. "Pleasure to make your acquaintance." Releasing his hand, he nodded. Goodness, Jared Descoteaux was sitting down and still looked tall--then again, when you were almost but not quite five feet, nine inches tall, most people appeared tall. "Lachlan MacFusty." That was his name, yes. "And indeed, I'll be taking over Care of Magical Creatures."

"Oh!" Of course. "Yes, I suppose Pr--er, Maximus mentioned it. He smiled a little, still amazed that Maximus Vindictus could remember him. Then again, wasn't it a sign of senility to live in the past...? Something like that? Lachlan wouldn't know, he was no healer.

He helped himself with a decent slice of kidney pie, and nodded along somewhat distractedly to what she was saying. "In many ways, actually," Replied Lachlan, giving her a small side-ways smile. "Both aren't truly for everyone because not everyone is made for them, you see? And I'd say both areas require endless amount of patience." Not many people had, that unfortunately. Or fortunately, seeing that if they did, he would probably not have a job. Hmm.

Muggles were, in Lachlan MacFusty's opinion, as endearing as baby Unicorns and newborn crups; or at least that was the impression they had left on them after the brief albeit interest encounters he'd had with the non-magical population. Their technology was a little bit frightening to him, however, and even somewhat alien. "Elevators?" Inquired the man, with a slight frown. It took him a moment to figure out what exactly those were, and when he did--"Oh, like the ones at the Ministry! Of course. I quite agree." Mostly because Risu had a point and because Lachlan wouldn't be the one using them; the few times he'd visited the Ministry of Magic he'd felt caged when employing the elevators thing. Horrible. "If you ask me, though, I'd say the students appreciate all that walking." Or at least the Gryffindors and Ravenclaws should? "They seem to have an awful lot of energy."

"Not really, no. To work in such fields isn't necessarily something that just anyone can enjoy." He agreed, gray eyes momentarily resting on the Slytherin table, in a somewhat distracted fashion. "Truthfully, my knowledge on Astronomy is quite slim. Mostly what I learned in School." And after receiving an Acceptable in his Ordinary Wizarding Level, Lachlan had dropped it. "And what I've learned from Centaurs other than they can be quite frustrating." Which, he supposed, belonged more in the areas of Astrology and Divination. "You mentioned Africa, though. Did you visit the East? No Nundu attacks happened, I trust?"

Lachlan MacFusty enjoyed Magical Creatures--truly, he did. But one thing was certain; he never, ever, hoped to come across a Nundu. He'd even prefer to die by the hands of a chimaera, regardless of how painful and slow that death would be; after all, chimaeras were extremely rare and much more difficult to kill and in Lachlan MacFusty's head, it was a perfectly honorable and even heroic way to go. "I taught Care of Magical Creatures at Beauxbatons for a couple of years. Although, they called it Magizoology." The French, always wanting to be and sound fancy. "And then served as Dragon Keeper, but to be honest with you, I was more like their veterinary."

"Pleasure to meet you, Professor Bentley," Kurumi smiled adding in another bow. Then, she felt a shiver shoot through her entire body at the mention of Herbology. Last term had been...interesting to say the least. She had made her first visit to the hospital wing after Hugo had turned purple after being attacked by a Venomous Tentacula. She had managed to get away with just a small bit and only mild discoloration...but it still had been one of the more frightening experiences of her still short Hogwarts career.

"You will, ma'am," Kurumi nodded enthusiastically secretly hoping that they would be studying things like daisies this term. "There is a man-eating plant in the greenhouses...at least so I hear..." her eyes flicked for a moment towards Professor Vindictus. "Please be careful." No sense in having another professor go missing early in the term.
Did the man just say that he was the new Care of Magical Creatures professor?! Kurumi's eyes lit up and she had to resist the urge to bounce up and down so as not to look like an utter fool. "I am very pleased to meet you, Professor MacFusty," Kurumi chirped bowing VERY deeply this time. "I hope you won't mind if I stop by your office later and bring my cat, Walnut, around. He really took a liking to the previous Care of Magical Creatures professor and has told me that he would like to meet whoever it is that took over the position. I have a few questions for you as well."

She really wanted to just bombard him with thousands of questions right now and leap across the table to hug the man who was teaching her favorite subject, but he didn't seem the type to appreciate such gestures.

Aaaaaaaaaand that was Kurumi's cue to go rushing back to the Gryffindor table as quickly as humanly possible. "Enjoytherestofthefeast," she said rather quickly bowing to the Potions Mistress and quick bows to the other professors before the turned on her heels and practically leaped across the Great Hall to her seat at the Gryffindor table.

Nika could tell that the professor really didn't want to talk now. She smiled and nodded. "Well I guess I should go. My food is probably getting cold." Nika turned her head towards the Gryffindor table and looked at her empty seat beside Emily. "See you in class professor! Bye."
Nika smiled and nodded her head understandingly. "Alright sounds good professor Hadley. Sorry for bothering you." Hmph. The professors were getting very grumpy hungry? Nika would have been extremely hungry as well, but she had taken a liking to chocolate frogs during the train ride. "See you soon!" And with that Nika started to skip in the other direction.

"Nice to meet you Professor MacFusty!" Oh! Care of Magical Creatures. Nika's, second favorite class. Mostly because it didn't really involve too much magic so she wasn't destined to fail at it. "Well I better head to my table. I look forward to having you as a professor." He did seem very nice.

Seren couldn't help but laugh a little as Kurumi glanced at Max. Oh yes, she was perfectly aware of the Snargalluf's existence... in fact she was more than pleased with its existence. Eyeing the nervous girl, Seren realised that Herbology could be... and was, for some students a traumatic subject. She only hoped that she could highlight the wonders and brilliance of each plant- magic or mundane, flesh-eating or otherwise.
"Oh I'm well aware of the contents of those greenhouses Miss Hollingberry, but thank you for your concern", she said sweetly, hoping that would reasure the girl. After all she didn't want to scare her off before the first lesson- it was going to be a good one.