There was laughing and not from the students at the student tables. It was coming from the staff table. Minerva chanced a glance and noticed Professor Elwood, she couldn’t help but smile at the woman. See one of them appreciated her being up here or was she thinking it was funny that Min was probably going to get her head handed to her. This really probably should have been thought through better by the prefect, but she was up there to prove a point. She wasn’t going to run scared anymore, they should appreciate the boldness, right or complete stupidity whichever way you saw it.


It only took seconds for all the color in her face to drain. If there was a white sheet around she probably would have blended in when she heard the hiss of that voice. Biting down on her lower lip not to scream as she jumped hearing Lafay’s voice she went towards the grounds keeper, but stayed in Tillstorms seat. A few more inches and she would have been on the Grounds Keepers lap. She glanced up at him in an apologetic yet please protect me from that woman look. NO she was not going to fear her anymore this was ridiculous. She was with all the other staff members and the entire school.

O_o

Blue eyes snapped up at the woman when she heard her say that she went easy on her. EASY… easy.. Did this one not know of her stay at St. Mungos over the summer. She was just now able to hug people without screaming, but Minerva tried to calm her breathing. She was about to say something such as no ma’am I don’t need another one of your detentions, but you have inspired me to write an article to the prophet about how much the professors help their students find their career paths. Being sarcastic and all because she did want to be a healer and they did help her end up in a place full of them this summer, but as she opened her mouth Professor Hadley was talking. She looked at the woman and her face fell.

The disappointment in Minerva was ringing through her words. She was already disappointed. Minerva already failed her as prefect. Could she just leave her badge on the table now. Disappointing people especially ones she looked up to as much as Hadley was something Minerva couldn’t handle well. Eyes shifted to the table as she tried not to cry right there. She did hear her say she would go with Min to see the healer, well at least if she had to see the healer she wouldn’t do it alone. “I’M sorry ma…” but again she didn’t get any words in because she was about to get torn a new one by.. WAIT.. WHAT?

Eyes looked up at Healer Tillstorm. Did she get hit in the head over the summer? Who was this woman in front of her. She was actually sticking up for Minerva. Saying it was alright she was sitting there, actually playing along with her needing to tell her about summer. Min quickly shut her mouth so it wouldn’t look like she was as confused and shocked as everyone else at the moment. I.. well.. I.. oh.. ummm” she kept stumbling through her words. How did she get side swiped like this. Not that this healer was a bad thing, but it was still awkward. She had to get her focus back. Where did the confident I’m here for a reason Minerva go, oh that’s right out the window when Lafay showed up. “I’m sorry ma’am I miss understood.” She gave the healer a sort of smile in her confusion. She was interested in her summer? Of course she was.. the healers at St. Mungos probably said she was there. This nice tactic had to be a game and Min was going to be a dead girl walking when she met with her next. Oh but Hadley said she would.. oh well.. that was just thrown out the window when Tillstorm said she wasn’t needed, but she couldn’t help but give the Healer a thank you thank you look when she said no detention was necessary. Honestly if Lafay thought she was easy by burning a student’s hair off she didn’t want to see hard.

Then… then there was a hand on her shoulder and she jumped at the touch. With the small squeeze from the healer Minerva got up and motioned for her to sit down. “Thank you for your time and I hope you enjoy the rest of the feast.” Her eyes still on the healer waiting for her to give a sinister grin or pull her wand or something, but no she was actually being.. nice. Minerva felt more confused and scared than ever. She backed away a bit before giving another glance at the headmistress, “Enjoy the rest of the feast, it’s good to be back.” or for the little time she would be back before Tillstorm or Lafay did something to her.

Not letting her eyes go back to Hadley, no she had disappointed the woman and she couldn’t stand to see that on her face, she gave Healer Tillstorm another look, “I will talk to you soon.” She nodded politely to all and hurried in the opposite direction from Lafay no way was she going to that side of the table and risk being quickly set on fire, or tripped, or whatever else the woman could dream up in a split second.

WHAT WAS HADLEY DOING BESIDE HER?!?!

But before she could complain to the headmistress, Hecate's head turned very slowly hearing the healer talk to the Hufflepuff prefect...

Who was this woman and why was she polyjuicing herself as a school healer?

Hecate bent further to see the new Groundskeeper at the table... could that be why she was acting this way? To show off in front of a man? Mehhh...

What was this school coming to?

Well it was about that time. Now that the 'second Healer' was gone from the table, Anastasia stood up to give her traditional start-of-term feast.

"Good evening, boys and girls, ladies and gentlemen, staff and students." She spoke loudly and crisply, her magically amplified voice echoing across the impressive Hall. "Welcome back to another year at Hogwarts. I am pleased to inform you that we have had many of the repossessed items returned to us from Gringotts bank, including the majority of our furniture and supplies from the Hospital Wing, and we have also bought back our quality Hogwarts dinnerware. You'll also be pleased to hear that you no longer need to wash your own laundry and dishes, as our House Elves have also been returned to us."

She paused to give the four House tables an encouraging wolfish smile. "As you have doubtless noticed by now, we have some new staffers joining us this year, including our Groundskeeper, Mr. Cantwell; our History of Magic professor, Mr. Dursley; our Flying Instructor, Ms. Tyner; our Charms professor, Mr. Fuller; our visiting Care of Magical Creatures professor, Ms. Roman; and our visiting Arithmancy instructor, Mr. French, who couldn't make it to the feast this evening. Ms. Hadley has also moved subjects, from Arithmancy to Muggle Studies, and Ms. Elwood has stepped up as our Ravenclaw Head of House. Congratulations to all... Please give them a warm Hogwarts welcome and a round of applause." She paused again to allow for the applause.

"Now this year, we are going to place a renewed focus on academics, as that IS the reason we are all here today and the reason Hogwarts has stood strong for over 1,000 years. I expect you all to work hard and play hard and fair, and to be good examples and leaders for everyone you might encounter this year." Take that as they would. "With that, please enjoy the feast our OWN house elves have lovingly prepared, and good luck in your classes starting tomorrow."

Annie sat down with a sigh of contentment and watched as the steaming hot plates and bowls of food appeared all at once. Ah, now this was what a feast was supposed to be like.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bazinga

Minerva couldn't help but chuckle at him. She had her ups and downs with Professor Flamsteed in the last year, but all in all she respected the man. He was nice and he did seem to care about the students and their learning. Plus before the ice cream he really did help her in his office that day. "Of course professor, and" She leaned over the table a bit, "Can we just forget that ice cream constellation issue ever happened? Maybe you can keep the drawing just as a laugh, but let's just forget it alright?" Because that's what she was doing with the entire term forgetting it. Well most of it at least.

Taking the small stack of posters she smiled, "These will be up around the puff common room and dorms tonight sir. Hopefully you will find pebbles." Once she had helped the first years she would make it priority to get those up next. Looking at the picture Minerva half wondered if she couldn't just get another rock and decorate it to look like pebbles. He could be happy if she pulled it off and no one else would have to know it was a fake pebbles, right? Nah she could never live, she was a horrible liar. Better just try to find the real one.

The stellar smile that had been on the Astronomy professor's face was gone the moment the Hufflepuff prefect turned fake!Healer mentioned ice cream. He didn't have the heart to tell her that what she had seen with her own imagination wasn't a constellation but an asterism, but he was lost in his own thoughts of guilt and regret. "I would appreciate if we just forgot about ice cream entirely," he whispered back. Like, please? Let's just not talk about the dairy dessert anymore, okay?

His smile returned temporarily when she mentioned the posters again. "Thank you, Miss Wheatborn," he smiled, giving up the Healer prefix for now since it seemed like the teen was getting her earful about it. Hopefully someday he would be able to call her by that name, though. Not that he wanted Cece to leave - he had sort of a sort spot for the hard exterior woman - but more he wanted his students to achieve their dreams.

He sort of just say back as the girl was dismissed, giving her a small wave as she left the dais. He would be seeing her in lessons soon if she did not stop by to visit his office beforehand.

SPOILER!!: Callie & Medea

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanialRadFAN01

What was that sound? Callie looked quickly over at her best friend after the sharp bang on the table and her dropping of the utensil. Was she still being bothered by the dementor attack and ice cream fiasco from last term like Airey was?

"Medea, are you alright?" The Divination professor leaned in closer and whispered. "Airey told me how he felt, and I let him know it was okay. It's not your all's fault you know." The ice cream and stuff. She didn't like seeing her best girlfriend like this.

SPOILER!!: FINALLY Airey and Tiberius

I DON'T HAVE ANYTHING YOU TWO RPED TOO MUCH

Airey had given her a strange welcome and had left nothing but feathers and a poster of his pet rock behind. Some welcome but at least Callie was for sure that she wasn't the only one to have malted on this dias--she would have to write and inform William.

But beside that, Callie had decided to chance a glance at the Astronomy Professor and found with slight shock but also a tad relieved that he was already looking her way...but WHAT? Who was that man and why was he pointing at her?

Realization dawned on the blonde as she realized that it may be Airey's friend he mentioned in the Alley, but what was he doing sitting in the Arithmancy chair, he said the man would be teaching History of Magic? Regardless, Calista waved over at them with a bright smile.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roselyn

"Oh?

Eyebrows raised a little as she nodded and smiled, a simple and routine answer. Though she was not expecting that. That...confession...that made her heart stop in fear and body tense like a rock. Airey told her how he felt. What did that mean? That didn't mean...the thing. The thing that the blonde woman couldn't possibly know about...UNLESS AIREY TOLD HER.

"Vot?" she squeaked, hands gripping her empty plate. What what?

If it hadn't been for Tiberius asked about Calista, Airey would still be avoiding looking in her direction. Medea's too. Only he was going to have to speak to Medea soon to plan out their first yearbook meeting. He really needed to speak to BOTH of them because the feelings that were transfusing inside him made him feel as though he were going to go supernova at any moment. And many turn into a black hole of self doubt.

Yep. Sounded about right.

But, his best mate had asked about the Divination professor, so there he was. Looking her direction and feeling like he had just moved several thousand light years closer to the sun because of it. And it was because he was already looking that he noticed the....strange behavior that Medea exhibited next. After whatever it was that that Calista had said to her.

OH NO! DID SHE KNOW?! HAD SHE SEEN?! OVERHEARD?! WHAT WAS GOING ON!?

He palms began to sweat and he fidgeted in his seat.

SPOILER!!: Hadley & Tibby

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhoenixRising

Sayyyyyyyy whattt?!? This man WAS her replacement?! OH for the love of Pythagoras, what HAS Anastasia come to?! There was NO way that this man could be taking over her office. Her classroom. She wouldn't have it. And there was certainly no way she would be giving up HER seat for HIM.

"Yes, I know I'm there..." she glanced towards there, and momentarily cringed as she realized who her new seating partner would be. "And I don't mind it, really, I don't, but I need my seat. See, the thing is I've always used that seat, for 10 years. Every meal. So, well, all I want to do is just... switch the chairs." Mmhm. He could totally sit in that spot, just, the seat was hers. Attachment issues? Definitely.

"So like... just a quick switch? It won't take more than a moment."

Taking the paper from Airey about the pet rock, she nodded about its contents and folded it neatly in half, before placing it in her bag.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJ ExpelliarMOOSE

Flamsters seemed a tad preoccupied with his thoughts, after responding to him. Using this time to venture looks down the table Tiberius took notice of two others grabbing his attention.
Tiberius gave the man a big ol' grin and waved his arm back at the guy who gave him a small wave. Seems like a cool guy, taking time to acknowledge his existence all the way down there. He'll have to speak with him later. Cool locks on top of his head too. Red Head in the center, not hard to miss. She was clearly the Head Mistress of course. "My pleasure to be here. Had an okay nap on the way up. Nice and crowded in that back car, like the last train I rode." What was she doing now, was there something wrong with her neck, clearly she should have that really young Healer take a look at it for her. GAH! No stop quit looking that way!She saw him pointing in her direction and was now looking at the two of them! Merlin, he felt so dumb! Tiberius lowered his head and gave Flams a nod for his responses to his question. He didn't ask about Ms. Fork Fumble Fingers, though it was good to know who she was just in case.

SPOILER!!: The Arithmahggle Professor, and Flamsters again

Whaa!?!? What was Flams doing, putting him on the spot like that! This one looked kind of intimidating in a secretly using niceties kind of way! Tiberius gave Flamsteed a angry look then turned his attention back to the Arithmahggle Professor. "I-uh-yeah I'm the new History of Mag..Errrithmancy Professor." Oh! Oh, Okay she just wanted the chair...."Uh umm sure." Tiberius stood up from his seat so that the Lady could take it. "Tiberius Dursley, by the way. Pleasure to meet you."

SPOILER!!: Herbo Prof and Flamsy again again

Now without a seat, Tiberius crouched down and rested his arms on the table for good balance. Even without a chair no way would he leave his Best Mate in such a time of need. Must of looked ridiculous, but then again, when did he not?

Losing a pet was devastating. Not that he would know, never had one himself but he was sure it was a sad feeling. He's lost plenty of books. "Seren?... Baby?" A Head of House had a baby with them? Where!?!? Tiberius loved little snots errr...tots! He looked down across the table once more to spot the woman looking down at them as well, there was no baby with her! He glared at Flams for this too. She looked sort of familiar? Did she attend Hogwarts around the same year as Flamsy, and him?...where had he seen her before. THE QUESTIONS!
Who was that giving him that look on the opposite end of the Head Mistress, and next to the Gryffindor Head?... Guy was HUGE! Tiberius tried to imagine wrapping himself in a hug around the buff guy, but even then in his imagination his arms would not touch around the mans back.

...wait, WAIT! Oh He recognized him now! "Sticks!" Tiberius yelped across the table leaning forward and waving at the guy! Tiberius was proud of his nickname for the huge former Housemate. He took Airey's fun one from that Potions incident while they were in school, and ironically gave Nick there the nick name. Get it?!?! Sticks, THE GUY WAS ANYTHING BUT ONE!

...and was thankful for the interaction between Josephina and Tiberius because it was a distraction from the way his insides were squirming.

Someone was a little possessive over a chair. Airey found it rather ridiculous to be that attached to an inanimate object (rocks didn't count!) like the women seemed to be. It was a chair. You sat in it. "Are you going to have your office switched around as well?" he asked, half mocking half genuinely curious as to how far the woman's obsession had gone. She was in there much longer than the three ish hours a day she sat in that chair.

"No no, Captain, stay," he said, grabbing his friend and pulling him back down on the chair again. In fact... Airey quickly pulled out his wand and gave it a quick flick towards the seat. Ha! There. Now he was glued to the seat. Take THAT!

*************SPEECH HAPPENED*************

Drumming his fingers on the table softly, Airey waited for the Headmistress to be done with her speech. He was eager to get some nutrition into his body despite the slightly nauseous feeling he had whenever he caught certain people out of the corner of his eye. Yes, that did also slightly include you Sticky Nicky. Heh.

His insides knotted for another reason, something the Headmistress said. Sweet solstice he hoped he had prepared his students for what was ahead. He would hate to let them down. Again. Only this time he could not blame it on the ice cream.

Applauding at all the appropriate places, he FROWNED when she did not include looking for his lost pet in her speech. Pebbles was a vital part of Hogwarts too, you know. He dared another glance at Calista when she was mentioned, a nervous smile playing on his lips before his face was back out at the sea of students now all sorted into their houses. He threw two thumbs way WAY up at the Gryffindor table and then grabbed his fork and knife. Time to eat!

Lex hadn't been listening to the speech, not really. It was a habit to ignore everything until something in particular jumped out at her. In this particular speech she heard stuff that she liked, expected with all the good news and she would have been bouncing were it not for certain things.

She would have been content to sit at her seat, wait for the feast to be over then go up to her Common Room and sleep until the term ended but then she heard THAT! The renewed focus on academics and believe it or not, she'd hopped out of her seat clapping like a maniac. Was no one with her? No? That was fine. The Fourth Year marched up to the staff dais and stopped directly infront of the Headmistress, giving everyone around her a polite 'good evening' before BEAMING at the woman who probably hadn't even started eating. Whoops? Sorry not sorry.

"That was a FANTASTIC speech Headmistress! You had me with every word." Okay, no, not really, but shhh. "The focus on academics, I couldn't agree MORE! Priorities, we need them and magic should be at the forefront!" Alongside candy but saying that would make her sound less legit. "I think we can get in a lot more learning this year. The thing is, we spend FAR too much time on trivial things," that end up blowing up in your face in the luggage compartment of trains, "and lost sight of the REALLY important things." Learning! Magic! Books! CANDY! No crushes.

Best thing she'd heard all evening. Perfectly in line with her's and Lottie's PRIORITIES, which they had you know, the priorities, they were legit and the Headmistress just cemented them. Could she shake her hand????

Oops. She hadn't even seen Seren slip in; but she heard her, and it definitely brought a smile to the brunette's face. "Thank you, Seren," She felt welcome already. Except by a certain person she was to be sitting next to. Though she missed the other side. And her chair. "It's ... different, definitely. But I'll let you know." You know, like when she actually properly sat down, instead of hovering behind the chairs and waiting for Mister new person to stand up so she can switch the chairs.

Taking the new Flying Professor's hand, she decided she liked her already. Polite and to the point. "You're forgiven if you forget. The first two times at least." She winked, you know letting her know that more than two times of forgetting was okay too. "So you're newly in charge of Quidditch, eh? Good luck then. Wait till you meet my captain, Miss Bishop. You'll love her." Because who didn't really?


... Before the new creatures professor turned around, she heard her telling someone she was a Hufflepuff, which made Fina smile. Cause well, Hufflepuffs were awesome, really.

"Nice to meet you, Melanie. And did I hear you were a Hufflepuff?" Cause that gave the woman extra brownie points, for sure. "Congrats. We're practically family!"

"Pleasure, Pierson. Be seeing you around," Josephina nodded, shaking his hand in return, as she then turned her attention back to Airey and his sidekick and her chair business.



Well at least Airey's FRIEND was a gentleman. She wasn't sure the same could be said for Airey. But which was he teaching ..... History or Arithmancy? Did he get confused, like she did? BUT it wasn't like he taught a subject for ten years...... or did he?! STARE.

Stunned by the confusion of which subject Titanic.... err... Tito ... Titani? Tibari? Whatever his name was ... she waited a second too long to pull her chair away, it seemed. BECAUSE it seemed Airey was set on his friend sitting next to him.

"My office is on the first floor now, BUT I did move all my belongings down from my old office to the new one. AND I don't care if he sits next to you. I just wanted to switch the chairs." Fina crossed her arms, huffing at the Astronomy professor. So RUDE, really. "I wasn't going to leave him without a chair. I was just going to bring that one over here, and this one over there." REALLY.



Her attention on the healer now, Fina frowned shen she saw Cecelia's expression soften and change. SO she wasn't upset with Minerva sitting in her seat? BUT .... She was so confused right now. About everything. From Cecelia to Minerva to Dursley to Airey. Nothing seemed to be making sense and it was making Josephina just want to run out of the Great Hall that second and just hide away from it all. It wasn't as if she was interested in eating the feast food anymore. No, she was cooking her own meals from now on, thank you very much. But she had to wait. Speech and all.

"Of course, Cecelia. Carry on then." Yup, she just was offering to be there, she didn't think she had to be present, but figured you know, since she was the house head, that it would be nice to be there?

Oops. She upset Minerva. Giving her a light smile before turning her attention back on Airey and company as she awaited the outcome over her chair situation, she nodded at her prefect briefly. "It's okay, Minerva. I'll speak with you soon, yes?" Because that was a hope and a wish, more than anything. Not that she didn't doubt the seventh year would find her way to her office, but yea. "Enjoy the feast, dear." Hadley said, as she watched Min head back to the Puff table, as the girl didn't even give her a second glance....




And it was speechtime. Crouching down slightly behind Airey and Dursley's seats, because it wasn't over yet, but she didn't want to be standing during the Headmistress' speech. She listened as Annie started off by saying that Hogwarts was off to a significantly better start financially than last year. Repossessions returned - most of them.

New staff. OH. So he was History of Magic. Well then, that settled that.

And time to enjoy the feast. Or not, because even though it DID smell delicious, she wasn't trusting it. Last time she ate something from an elf, it ended up that it was tampered with and she went into a year-long mania of extreme giddiness. So no more. She had a pudding cup in her bag ... for now.

First things first though. Chair. So that Space!nerd better find a way to unstick his friend....

So, after the speech was over, Wade felt now was the perfect time to get his gift ready. So afterward, he got his box of gifts, holding it to his side while walking over to the Staff Table. Well, this is different. Since well, he never before had to address the whole staff at once, especially at the beginning of the year. This wasn't stopping him though, as he now stood before them. Oh, and hello there Lexi Pexi. He grinned and nodded a little at her while waiting as she had her say.

"Hello.. That was a lovely speech." Wade kept his best smile at them all, "Erm.. I first wanted to just say hello and a big congratulations to the new Professors and new positions happening." Hopefully that covered everyone, as he looked at them individually while speaking."and well, I really appreciate you Headmistress Truebridge and Professor Hadley for choosing me to serve as Head Boy this term. Thanks so much." Now was the time for the ahem, gift. The box of gifts was pretty large, so he had to bend down to open it revealing-"So, I got these delicious pickles as an extra thank you." Holding one of the many jars before setting it down on the table one by one passing them to everyone. "I hope you all like them, they're large, fresh, thick, juicy, and great for snacking and meal times. Oh, and very nutritious too!" Wade continued beaming. They were special to Wade, these pickles, having got them himself and he just loved sharing his pickles. He then waited their reaction. I hope they like it. Whether they decide to taste them now or save for later.

Quote:

Originally Posted by hpluvr037

"Yes, it is very exciting. I haven't been back here since graduation, so moving in over in Hogsmeade has been a real treat." Almost too literally. That Honeydukes shop was definitely going to be a weakness of hers.

But back to the new colleague. "Salem. So are you an American, then?" How many 'foreigners' were on the staff? "Oh really? Well if you ever want to go for a little joy ride just let me know. I'd love to start getting to know my fellow staff members." And this woman--oh, Calista!--seemed to be the relational sort. "Well it's a pleasure to meet you, Calista."

"That's nice, a bit of a blast from the past though I'm sure." Callie nodded thoughtfully as she took another drink from her water goblet.

American, yes, even though she'd lived in Great Britain for so long now. "Yes, I am. Upstate New York to be exact. I moved here after I graduated and went to Wizarding University in Edinburgh and have been here ever since." So she could be counted as an honorary Brit, right? She still had the New England accent though. "A fly every now and then might be nice, thanks for the offer." Callie pat the woman on the shoulder with another smile. She liked her, a good, kind lady to try and fill Erin's shoes.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roselyn

Oh?

Eyebrows raised a little as she nodded and smiled, a simple and routine answer. Though she was not expecting that. That...confession...that made her heart stop in fear and body tense like a rock. Airey told her how he felt. What did that mean? That didn't mean...the thing. The thing that the blonde woman couldn't possibly know about...UNLESS AIREY TOLD HER.

"Vot?" she squeaked, hands gripping her empty plate. What what?

Having barely pulled away after whispering into the brunette's ear, Callie was a tad shocked when the woman asked her what she had just said. Honestly she had JUST TOLD HER!

"I said, Airey told me about how you all have been feeling and I think you guys shouldn't feel bad. Things like this happen sometimes." The Divination professor squeezed her friends hand in her's and gave her a caring look. It was hard to see her friends all upset over their role in giving the ice cream to the students last term, but really they had eaten it too and weren't in their right minds either.

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhoenixRising

"Callie! I'll definitely miss this side, no doubt!" Fina gave the younger woman a sad smile. It was the truth, too. Considering her new meal partner. "But yes, we shall definitely have to catch up! It's been an exciting summer, for sure. Congrats on the new position, by the way!" Even though her badgers were more awesome, eagles weren't too bad....But then again, she was kinda in a relationship with one, so yea.

Speaking of that side of the table...

"Thanks so much! It shall be interesting really competing with you for the Cup this year." Callie giggled and waved to the Muggle Studies Professor as she headed off.

A nice get together was a must, of course. She would owl her about it in the morning. Yes, it was decided.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hera

Flashing a pearly-white smile at her good friend and esteemed colleague, yes, she was thrilled with her promotion. The Ravenclaw's were very lucky to have Callie's guidance, and she lucky to have a nest of bright and promising eagles. "Hey Callie!," she greeted across the table. "He's well, we're well... everything is... well," she nodded happily, "how was your summer?" she asked superficially knowing full well that conversing from opposite ends of the table would not do. There'd be time to catch up though, she'd see to it there was.

Well....that was all good news. She was so happy and a tad jealous of for Seren.

"It was good, thanks." The blonde returned a bright smile and allowed the Herbology Professor to continue talking with those closer to her.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Melanie Roman

Oh! Another professor nearby! Melanie politely shook her hand. "Nice to meet you, Callie." Divination, eh? A subject Melanie couldn't get the hang of while she was a student, much to her frustration back then.

"It's good to meet you too Melanie." Callie nodded to the woman. She seemed nice enough, perhaps she would be able to help with her Galileo and his mood swings during winter.

She would ask her about her tropical parrot knowledge later.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sarahlooo

Hearing a voice to the other side of him, Pierson turned his attention to the blonde who had spoken. Divination, Calista Elwood. Good to know. He committed that to memory and nodded to her as it would have been rude to reach across his coworkers to try and shake her hand. "Pleasure to meet you, Calista. Pierson Fuller. Charms." But she probably knew the title already, considering he was fairly certain they all had assigned seats here.

"Nice to meet you Peirson, Charms Professor." She smiled widely at him. He certainly was already better to have on as a colleague than Ivy. Kind (so far) and not bad to look at. But he must also be rather good at the subject since the Headmistress hired him. "Did you attend Hogwarts yourself?" She asked, genuinely interested.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJ ExpelliarMOOSE

GAH! No stop quit looking that way!She saw him pointing in her direction and was now looking at the two of them! Merlin, he felt so dumb! Tiberius lowered his head and gave Flams a nod for his responses to his question. He didn't ask about Ms. Fork Fumble Fingers, though it was good to know who she was just in case.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweetpinkpixie

If it hadn't been for Tiberius asked about Calista, Airey would still be avoiding looking in her direction. Medea's too. Only he was going to have to speak to Medea soon to plan out their first yearbook meeting. He really needed to speak to BOTH of them because the feelings that were transfusing inside him made him feel as though he were going to go supernova at any moment. And many turn into a black hole of self doubt.

Yep. Sounded about right.

But, his best mate had asked about the Divination professor, so there he was. Looking her direction and feeling like he had just moved several thousand light years closer to the sun because of it. And it was because he was already looking that he noticed the....strange behavior that Medea exhibited next. After whatever it was that that Calista had said to her.

OH NO! DID SHE KNOW?! HAD SHE SEEN?! OVERHEARD?! WHAT WAS GOING ON!?

He palms began to sweat and he fidgeted in his seat.

Callie wasn't the least bit worried that Airey was staring at her, or the other guy really to be honest. Publicity was a good thing, especially if Airey was telling him good things about her. She flicked her blue-grey eyes towards the two men once more and then turned back to her conversations with Medea and Tiara but was quickly quieted down by Annie starting the Speech.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BanaBatGirl

Well it was about that time. Now that the 'second Healer' was gone from the table, Anastasia stood up to give her traditional start-of-term feast.

"Good evening, boys and girls, ladies and gentlemen, staff and students." She spoke loudly and crisply, her magically amplified voice echoing across the impressive Hall. "Welcome back to another year at Hogwarts. I am pleased to inform you that we have had many of the repossessed items returned to us from Gringotts bank, including the majority of our furniture and supplies from the Hospital Wing, and we have also bought back our quality Hogwarts dinnerware. You'll also be pleased to hear that you no longer need to wash your own laundry and dishes, as our House Elves have also been returned to us."

She paused to give the four House tables an encouraging wolfish smile. "As you have doubtless noticed by now, we have some new staffers joining us this year, including our Groundskeeper, Mr. Cantwell; our History of Magic professor, Mr. Dursley; our Flying Instructor, Ms. Tyner; our Charms professor, Mr. Fuller; our visiting Care of Magical Creatures professor, Ms. Roman; and our visiting Arithmancy instructor, Mr. French, who couldn't make it to the feast this evening. Ms. Hadley has also moved subjects, from Arithmancy to Muggle Studies, and Ms. Elwood has stepped up as our Ravenclaw Head of House. Congratulations to all... Please give them a warm Hogwarts welcome and a round of applause." She paused again to allow for the applause.

"Now this year, we are going to place a renewed focus on academics, as that IS the reason we are all here today and the reason Hogwarts has stood strong for over 1,000 years. I expect you all to work hard and play hard and fair, and to be good examples and leaders for everyone you might encounter this year." Take that as they would. "With that, please enjoy the feast our OWN house elves have lovingly prepared, and good luck in your classes starting tomorrow."

Annie sat down with a sigh of contentment and watched as the steaming hot plates and bowls of food appeared all at once. Ah, now this was what a feast was supposed to be like.

There is was folks, oh and she got a shout-out as well. BONUS! The blonde clapped at the mention of each new Staff member and for Fina's move to the Muggle side. She also had to suppress the feeling to WHOOP at the mention of the House Elves being back and was sure that the rest of the school felt the same way. A whole term of cooking for yourself or eating the horrible stuff Toddles came up with.

But speaking of food....it was here. Elwood's eyes scanned the few dishes placed in front of her chair and noticed the potatoes placed dead center of Medea's chair. "Excuuuuuuse me, there Medea." She said as she reached over and plopped a large portion of the buttery-spuds onto her silvery plate.

And let the good meals begin!

Once she loaded up the ole food tank she would head down to see her new Eagles.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charely Potter

So, after the speech was over, Wade felt now was the perfect time to get his gift ready. So afterward, he got his box of gifts, holding it to his side while walking over to the Staff Table. Well, this is different. Since well, he never before had to address the whole staff at once, especially at the beginning of the year. This wasn't stopping him though, as he now stood before them. Oh, and hello there Lexi Pexi. He grinned and nodded a little at her while waiting as she had her say.

"Hello.. That was a lovely speech." Wade kept his best smile at them all, "Erm.. I first wanted to just say hello and a big congratulations to the new Professors and new positions happening." Hopefully that covered everyone, as he looked at them individually while speaking."and well, I really appreciate you Professor Bunbury and Professor Hadley for choosing me to serve as Head Boy this term. Thanks so much." Now was the time for the ahem, gift. The box of gifts was pretty large, so he had to bend down to open it revealing-"So, I got these delicious pickles as an extra thank you." Holding one of the many jars before setting it down on the table one by one passing them to everyone. "I hope you all like them, they're large, fresh, thick, juicy, and great for snacking and meal times. Oh, and very nutritious too!" Wade continued beaming. They were special to Wade, these pickles, having got them himself and he just loved sharing his pickles. He then waited their reaction. I hope they like it. Whether they decide to taste them now or save for later.

The Ravenclaw Head of House was in mid-bite when a student, one who had just introduced himself as Head Boy came up to the Staff table. Oh and he had gifts?

Callie chewed her rather large bite as he talked and began to hand them their jars...of PICKLES! The blonde looked at him for a moment trying to read his body language. Was he serious or was this some kind of joke. Elwood loved pickles and wanted this to be for real. She quietly gave him her thanks with and tapped her wand onto her jar and sent it promptly to her office to have one for a snack later.

Hecate could hear Airey's fingers drumming on the table as the Headmistress was giving her speech. She was about to hex them off when Cambridge came ooozing honey all over the headmistress... Brown-noser... Ok... Speech was over, she could leave now... but the Hufflestud came to the table and offered the staff... pickles? Pickles. Mhmmm...

She never thought she'd miss Kurumi Hollingberry...

Professor Bunbury? It was Headmistress Truebridge now... She wanted to put him in detention for calling her that... but it wasn't her place. Though that would certainly be a fun detention...

Only two times? She was joking, right? Oh yes, a wink. Joking. "I will try not to use up my quota, Josephina." Maybe if she kept saying her name she wouldn't have to forget at all? Just in case that two times thing wasn't a joke.

"Yes indeed. Although I have been officiating for the European League quite awhile now, so only new in the sense that I've not done it for Hogwarts before." Just in case she was worried Tiara was incompetent. "But thank you, I may need that luck starting out here since I don't really know anyone yet. And for everyone's sake I hope that I love all of the Captains, not just Miss Bishop! But it's good to know at least one of the four isn't a stinker."


Ah, the Head Boy! She should probably at least make his acquaintance. Tiara inclined her head when he greeted the new staff members, but she was wondering what exactly was in that very large box. PICKLES? How odd! Perhaps the boy lived on a cucumber farm? Despite her complete incomprehension at the choice of gift, she still managed a polite "Thank you," when he set one in front of her. What an interesting lad.

Tiara nodded. Indeed, it had already made her recall several memories from her four years here. And what wonderful years they were! "I must confess I've never been to America, though I would love to go some time." It was such a vast place, and there was so much to see. "Ah yes, Edinburgh. A wonderful city! The perfect mix of heritage and modernity." Climbing up Calton Hill had yielded one of her favorite views of all time. A nice reward for the physical exertion.

She smiled. "Any time! And if I'm not in the office I'm probably at home in Hogsmeade, so it's no trouble to pop right over."