Cassie bounced her way into the staff room. She wanted to put the last minute touches on the room. Having a Christmas tree brought in, her and Nessa had placed colorful lights all around the room. It was looking very festive. Though she didn't know all her fellow coworkers so she didn't want to leave anyone out.

The girls made sure to place a a menorah and a Kinara in the room just in case. Smiling at all the wonderful winter and Christmas decorations the blonde made her way towards the table of foods. "The House Elves always do such a wonderful job!" She beamed and look a vegetarian piece like she had asked. The elves got happy snaps over this. Setting her gift down on the gift table she fluffed up the bow.

Looking around and talking to her self she checked off her list. "Food.. Check, Gift bags for all filled with candy and a holiday scented candle..check, decorations.. check, desert table.. check, music.." She stopped, well there was no music. That would have to change. With a wave of her wand Christmas tunes started ringing through the room. The muggle band Mannheim Steamroller was always perfect for parties.

Well this was different. The Christmas Party being planned by their new co-workers. Perhaps it was a new ritual being started? Nonetheless, Josephina made her way into the staff room, looking forward to the party for two reasons: one, get to know her co-workers more and two, it meant she was that much closer to going home for the break. Home with her precious boy.

And it seemed she was early ?

"Hey Cassie! The place looks and smells amazing!" Really, holiday scents were awesome. Perhaps one of her favorite parts about the holidays.

It was decided, red was the best and easiest colour to wear... ever. Her Gryffindor-ish wardrobe was paying off in dividends, because not only was she embracing the House spirit, but she was also conveniently coordinated with festive holidays and special events. Christmases, Valentines, Anniversaries... it was simply, purrrrfect. So dressed in red for the occasion, Seren stepped into the warmth of the staff room after trekking it across the grounds.

"Oh wow... look at this," she thought out load as she was confronted with not just a tree but lights too. Very festive indeed.

"And how are we all?" she asked as she placed the gift she had brought along for the party.

Unfortunately she had come empty handed, standard gift aside. Bringing a desert had not been feasible and between them all she figured it wouldn't be an issue. If for some reason it was a problem then she could send for the house elves to whip something up. They were grand like that.

The spring in her step as she made her way to the staff room would show anyone just how excited Nessa was for the holiday party. Not only did she and Cassie love parties and everything that went with them - planning, hosting, eating, etc.. but what better way to get to know their new coworkers? This was going to be so amazing and perfect!

She had helped Cassie with some of the decorations earlier, then left to make sure she was perfect as well. Maybe she had gone shopping for a new outfit, but what better excuse? She felt her Santa hat slipping a bit, but her hands were full - gift in one, plate of brownies in the other. Adjusting it would have to wait, but she was sure she still looked spectacular and festive anyway.

Headed into the room, Nessa beamed as she saw a few early-birds already there. She had expected to see Cassie of course, to put the finishing touches on the room, but what a delightful surprise to see a couple others anxious to get started! "Hello, Seren!" she grinned with enthusiasm at the Herbology professor as she set her gift bag under the tree. And.. she didn't recognize the other woman.. OH! "You must be Josephina," Nessa remarked to the other woman, happy grin still in place. She did know there had been someone on maternity leave. "Congratulations!" She had a baby, right?

"Everything looks perf!" she beamed at Cassie as she set the plate of brownies down on the table. "A student left these for me in my office.. wasn't that just so sweet and thoughtful?" Nessa certainly thought so, but she hadn't had a chance to try any. She thought taking them here would be a great idea.. besides, she couldn't bake so she'd otherwise come empty-handed. Or get something at the store. And what a lovely song was playing. She hummed along to Carol of the Bells as it played.

Christmas party time! For once, Bunz was oddly excited about socializing with her peers. She had found an excuse to go shopping, not just for herself, but for someone else's Christmas present tooooo. And she KNEW this gift was going to be perfect for her person.

So, the redhead glided into the staff room and neatly dropped her light little present (part one) under the tree. Then she click-clacked over to the refreshments table, where it seemed some of the other women were gathering.

"Everything simply looks lovely," she announced. The Headmistress gave both Cassie and Nessa brilliant, encouraging smiles. "And you all look lovely, Seren and Josephina, Cassie and Nessa," Look at that, the boss was NOT BEING A SCROOGE tonight! So far!

With his christmas gift safely pocketed in his robes Leo made the short walk down the staircases to the ground floor. Coming into the staff room the dark mop-haired man sent smiles all around "Hello everyone!" he greeted sunnily as he went over and put his small santa gift under the tree.

Now where was Cossy, Javy, Abraham, Piers, Orsino or even Airey?

Cossy was here! And with style too - he was wearing red shoes; green trousers; fancy, white shirt and red jacket. He had even tried to make his slightly white beard grow, but had to shave it as it didn't grow fast enough, and opted for a fake white beard instead. He was also wearing a christmas hat. He had put on an elegant muggle perfume, combed his hair handsomely and was ready to PARTAAAAY!

Entering the staff room, with his present in his hand, he smiled WIDELY at his fellow colleagues. "HELLO FOLKS!" he greeted them enthusiastically, and proceeded to place his present under the tree.

"Ladies looking pretty tonight." He didn't bother to personally say it, because there were so many of them and they ALL looked amazing.

"Josephina, welcome back." He smiled at the woman. "And congratulations." As he hadn't had the time to talk to her. Sorry!

Walking alongside Medea, Airey made his way to the staff room carrying a clumsily put together gift bag stuffed with white tissue paper and was so crumbled up it looked as though it had been taken out of the rubbish bin. He may be a meticulous man when it came to diagrams and calculations, but wrapping gifts was just not his forte. Nor was the whole gift giving and purchasing thing either (with a few obvious exceptions)...so the man was sweating bullets that he had selected the right sort of thing for the occasion. "I should of let you wrap this," he muttered to Medea as he nudged her gently with his shoulder.

Feeling like he was holding hot coals in his hand instead of the gift bag, he wasted no time zooming over to the Christmas tree and tossing setting it down beside the one placed there by the Headmistress.

Turning around just as brownies were being shown, the professor made wiggly fingers towards them and glanced towards the History of Magic professor. "Oooooooooooooooooooooh brownies! You know just who baked them?" he questioned. He was crossing his fingers for Miss Adams personally. She should leave brownies outside HIS office though. Then again, she had come to deliver them personally, so that was better. He enjoyed face time with students.

Oh, Merlin, excuse him and his manners. Brownies were distracting.

"Oh, Happy Christmas everyone," he greeted, offering everyone present a salute. "Josephina! Aren't you a sight for sore eyes." Cause, you know, it had been a while since he had seen her around the castle and spoken to her now that she sat all the way at the other end of the staff table during dinner time.

And...the Potions Master was clearly having some beard envy and making up for missing out last term since he was one of the few that didn't age and sprout one. How amusing.

Cassie was just checking on the eggnog and pouring herself a glass when she heard someone come in. Looking towards the door she noticed the rest of the staff were starting to join her. “Helllllooo” She beamed at Josephina, “Your dress is soooo lovely.” It was adorbs and she looked great for just having a baby. Looking around beaming, “It does” She was proud of what her and Nessa did as well as the house elves. They’d be getting some extra thanks from her soon.

Oh and someone else was there. This was just so perrrrfect. “Hello Seren.. Hello” She beamed at the woman. “I really hope you all have fun. Nessa and I just loved to do this sort of thing.” She sipped her eggnog a moment. “The elves out did themselves with the food.” There was so many things to choose from. “I’m wonderful and how are you?” This was just going to be an amazing chance to get to know her coworkers. How excited was she for some socializing and possibly dancing.

Speaking of dancing she smiled as her best friend walked through the door in a fun Santa Hat. “Your hat is sooooo cute, why didn’t I think of that?” Though she did have the cute little hats on Aires and Gemini. Glances went towards her kitty purse to make sure the little cuties were still where they were supposed to be. “It totes does! I love it, we did an a-mazing job as usual.” She giggled as her green eyes scanned the room one last time. “Oh they look wonderful, I will sooo have to try them in a bit.” The students were just so lovely here. “I ran to the bakery to get my desert.” She couldn’t cook or bake.

Seeing the headmistress walk in Cassie beamed again. “Hello Headmistress.” Wasn’t she so sweet saying how lovely they looked. “Thank you soooo much. You look just sooo adorbs as well.” It seemed that possibly the late saying didn’t go with the women at Hogwarts. Where were some of the men at? She just got done thinking it when Leo came in. Giving him one of her biggest smiles, “Leo! I’m sooo glad you could make it.” She hadn’t talked to him much since their little fishing trip gone wrong. She hoped she hadn’t scared him off.

She didn’t get much time to catch up with the librarian when she saw someone else walk in. Giving Nessa looks as she grinned towards Culloden. “Cosgrach aren’t you just the sweetest.” Though the women in the room did look very lovely if she could say so herself. “You look lovely yourself and the Santa beard is sooo fun.” Hmm they could have asked him to play the Santa, but Botros was going to be soooo good at it! Where was he now? Oh and look Airey and Medea, Cassie beamed yet again to them. “Hellllooooo” Greeting them both together. “Medea we should have tea again soon.” She just knew the woman and her could be great friends.

“The food is nice and ready so dig in and feel free to change the music to your favorite holiday tune. I just love this muggle group.” She hummed deck the halls as it played nicely through the room.

With the neat and simple wrapped package in hand, Medea made her way into the staff room, a light chuckle escaping her as the door closed behind her. "Oh hush. It looks perfect." she smiled in return, glancing to the gift he held. Or had held. Goodness, look at that magnificent tree...and the decorations in the room!

Hellooooo everyone.

"Veseli praznici, Cassie." Placing the gift she brought under the tree, she turned and beamed to the divination professor. "Ve shoooould. Goodness, the staff room looks marvelous! You guys haff really outdone yourself." With another glance around, she took the moment to see just who else was there and what exactly what was placed around for the event.

"Oh, Josephina, velcome back. Congratulations!" Did she have a picture? Because Medea wouldn't mind seeing!

So here was Javy, he had taken a little longer than expected to get himself situated thanks to certain distractions before he was able to select the right outfit for the holiday spirit. With a gift box held to his hip, he walked in smiling a little at those inside. "Happy Christmas, everyone." Whoa, check out the tree.. Practically sizing it up, "Not bad.." Casually mentioning it. Guess he ought to set the gift down there.

Javy first noticed by the door was Airey and Medea. Eh heh, shouldn't be too awkward. "Hello Space Man.. nice hat. Medea." He smiled at them. "Doing alright?" There, he still had his composure after all.

Eventually walking over to set his gift down he saw Leo doing the same. Setting his medium-sized gift box down, "Hello Leo, having a good day?" He asked. They hadn't gotten to hang around much lately, so this was a nice thing.

Couldn't say he was too surprised to see Cossy surrounding himself with the rest of the ladies. His getup wasn't bad at all... Hm.. Perfume? Javy was good with noticing the specific smell, but decided not to mention it. "Cosgrach, hello." Before also greeting "Hello Headmistress. Seren. Josephina. Nessa. Cassie.. How are you all?" Smiling a little at each one. If he had a top hat he would've tipped it for each of them, but well.. the jingling of the santa hat will have to do. "Everything looks wonderful here." There wasn't too many others left to join now.

When was this gathering supposed to start? Did it matter? She was of course dressed glamorously and apparently in the same colour palette as the Headmistress. Though is was clear which redhead pulled off the look better. Hmph, style stealer. Oh yes and she'd brought her little package along with her as well, though this British tradition mystified her a bit. She'd never heard of it during her years in South Africa.

"Hola colleagues" said the Latina woman as she made her fabulous entrance.

His rememberall for today was glowing red all morning. Botros found himself become less and less patient with those glass balls, and if it was up to him, he'd smash them all and be done with them. But his grandkids kept buying them for him and he didn't have the heart to do it, even if they weren't around to actually see it.

Other than that, he'd been feeling quite giddy today. He'd woken up early, wrapped two Christmas gifts, went down to the kitchens to check on the house-elves and the very special Christmas snack that he'd asked them to prepare for him, and lastly he'd worked on his Santa suit.

Placing the cookies on an elegant plate and setting Feo off to play with the remaining students in the castle, Botros was finally ready to attend the staff Christmas party.

His colleagues chatter reached his old ears before he pushed open the door even. The decorations inside, the tree, the few gifts scattered here and there. Oh, everything was so cozy and warm. The new professor was here with them, too! Aw. "Evening everyone." Ab said in his gentle voice, naturally coming out louder than most of theirs. He went to set one of his gifts under the tree, but held on to the other. He looked for professor Morgiggles Morgan, "You have to excuse my lack of cuisine-making, my dear, I tried to help the elves as much as I could." He said offering the lady his plate of cookies so that she'd place them in the right place.

Now now, look at all the other hotter Santas in this room! Botros grinned at everyone, his grin invisible under his fake white beard.

Wow, everyone was here, weren't they? "Leo! Hii! And Cossy!!" Annie trilled as her librarian and favorite former schoolmate walked in. And didn't he just look so festive! "You look wonderful," she waved at him, shimmying over to the refreshments table. Were those BROWNIES she saw? Everyone who knew her knew how much she couldn't be trusted around loved chocolate.

Picking up a brownie, the redhead took a bite and savored the sweetness. Mmm. Yes. These were good, but not as good as the ones Adelaide Adams had made. THOSE brownies had been PERFECT. There was something a little off about these ones, though they were still scrumptious enough for her to continue eating.

"Airey, Medea," she greeted her coworkers in between bites. "You both look...." she flicked her eyes from Airey's pleather? pants? up to his face, "...lovely." Who else was here? Botros was hobbling around... "Hi Abraham," she greeted, and was that... ew, no it was. It was THAT FOREIGNER. And how DARE she wear the same color as Bunz! Anastasia deliberately turned her nose up as the woman walked by. She'd just keep eating her brownie over here, thanks, and talk to Cassie. Sooooo adorbs Cassie. "Thanks," she replied to the new professor. "These brownies are pretty good. Did the elves make them?" They were PRETTY good, but they weren't PERFECT. Bunz expected perfection out of her elves.

Finished with her brownie, the redhead dusted off her hands and sidled up to Javy, who was nearby. Mm. Brownie was good. "So," she winked at him, being careful to be all quiet, "where's your little boyfriend?" TEEHEHEHEE. "Isn't he coming to the party?"

He was fashionably late, okay? Only by like, ten minutes, so it wasn't even that bad. But he regrettably decided to leave his "Secret Santa" present to the last minute, so he was scrambling around his office the past 45 minutes trying to put the whole thing together. Regardless, Piers was at the party. Not really fashionable at all, because he was just wearing a fitted black t-shirt and his favorite jeans. Eh. He still looked good.

On the note of fashion, as Piers walked into the staff room, he immediately sought out his best mate who was now decked out in cranberry colored pants and a santa hat. Of course. He was on his way over there and nearing Javy and Annie when HEARD the Headmistress ask where his BOYFRIEND was.

......................

Um. Yeah. He was gonna go the other way.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lolita Domingo

When was this gathering supposed to start? Did it matter? She was of course dressed glamorously and apparently in the same colour palette as the Headmistress. Though is was clear which redhead pulled off the look better. Hmph, style stealer. Oh yes and she'd brought her little package along with her as well, though this British tradition mystified her a bit. She'd never heard of it during her years in South Africa.

"Hola colleagues" said the Latina woman as she made her fabulous entrance.

Only to find a random, strange, but lovely Latina woman in a very glamorous dress. She was, err... new? Nice to look at. "Err... Who are you?"

Now.. where was the eggnog? Oooh there it was, right over by Cassie.. Nessa sashayed over and got herself a glass beaming at her friend as she complimented her hat. "Thanks! I thought it added just a little festive touch to my ensemble. Oh I totes should have mentioned something, we could have coordinated!" She supposed it had been a last minute idea of hers to throw it on, but at least their dresses went well together and with the holiday theme. She gave a little wave and giggle to the kittens in their own little festivity before turning to notice more people coming in.

Oh fabulous! So many people were coming to enjoy the festivities! Everyone got beaming smiles and waves as they walked in. "Oh, Anastasia.. fabulous dress!" It was still weird calling her former professor by her first name.. that was allowed now, wasn't it? "Hello Leo and Cosgrach.. don't you both look charming?" So, so cute and festive! "Why thank you!" she said in return to the Potions Professor's compliment, taking it to mean her personally even though she knew everyone looked so wonderful.

"Airey and Medea.. Hiiii!" Nessa gave them finger waggles as they showed up. What an adorable couple they made! Oh, the brownies.. she had nearly forgotten. "No, I really don't," she said, picking one up. "They were left just outside my office door with a note on them from some well-wishing students welcoming me to Hogwarts, but no names.. It really is so sweet though," she added before taking a bite. All the adorable students she had met so far were just wonderful!

She glanced at the Headmistress as she started in on one as well. "No.. not elves, just the sweetest students. Aren't they delish?" She finished up her own brownie then washed it down with some eggnog. They were pretty good though there was some sort of funky aftertaste. But she wouldn't comment on that because she knew the students must have worked so hard!

And more of her colleagues! "Javy.. Piers.. helloooo!" Nessa beamed and gave them finger waggles as they entered, surprisingly not together. The brunette didn't have much time to think on that however, because the next person to enter made her the most excited of all. "Santa's here!!" He got approving claps.. she was so glad that Botros agreed and she made her way over to him, only to stop as she saw a new person (Lolita). Oooh, she must be the very newest professor on staff. Nessa made her way over to her as she spoke to Piers and she put on a friendly smile. "Hello! I don't believe we've met. I'm.." Um.. Huh. That was odd.

Ah, there was Fina. Excellent, someone to talk to. She didn't really know any of the other people here yet, although supposedly this should be a good opportunity to do so. Lolita cast her gaze around the room, perhaps hoping to catch a glimpse of of the groundskeeper, when her search for eye candy was rudely interrupted.

Was this man thick in the head? She had been here for several weeks already. Should she spare him the embarrassment? Not likely. How could any man miss this woman? "Señor Fuller, is it? Lolita Carmen Inocencia Domingo, your colleague for several weeks now. Arithmancy." And yes, you should feel like a fool.

Likewise for the History of Magic professor, except for a completely different reason. But could she be blamed? It was obvious she had spotted the fabulous outfit Lolita was wearing and been sidetracked. "Señorita Glendower, we have not crossed paths yet, no." Otherwise she would be used to the stunning fashion sense by now.

Finishing her eggnog Cassie beamed at Medea, “Oh thank you I’m so glad you like it! It was soooo much fun! I love organizing things like this. “ Party planning was really a hobby of hers. It was just such a joy to do it for her fellow coworkers and with her best friend planning with her it was just way to much fun to pass up. Plus the Defense professor wanted to have tea again, marvelous Cassie gave happy snaps over this. “Once all the holiday excitement dies down you will have to come by my office or we could have tea in the Room of Serenity.” She hadn’t used her special room yet it was about time. Maybe even a ladies tea sometime soon.

Hearing a very familiar voice Cassie turned her green eyes on Javy. “Javy Happy Christmas to you too.” He got an excited Cassie hug. “Your sense of style never seized to amaze me.” He always was a great dresser even when they were at school. “I’m doing just fabulous, how are you this evening?” How could anyone not be doing wonderful? They were at a holiday party, music, food, and fun with coworkers, really what could go wrong?

Seeing a woman she had seen only once before, the blonde went to greet her. [b] “Hello, hello, I’m soooo glad you got the invite. I didn’t get to introduce myself the morning I saw you at breakfast. “I’m Cassiopeia Morgan, but everyone calls me Cassie. “ She was the newest professor if Cassie understood what was going on at breakfast that morning. “So glad you made it.” It was great everyone was coming, but not everyone was there yet. The blonde frowned at this a moment, but quickly went back to her smile seeing a Santa walk through the door.

Her little shrill squeal accompanied her happy snapping. She could not be more excited to see Abraham in the Santa stuff. “SANTA” She beamed at him. “I’m soooo glad you came!!” Could she play it off like a little kid? She just might as she was way too excited. “You might be the most adorbs Santa I’ve ever seen!!” Did everyone see him, it was just amazing. She looked down at the cookies, “That are fabtastic Abraham.” Giving the man a quick hug, she placed the cookies with the other desserts. Checking out the brownies Nessa had brought, she probably should eat some dinner first, but they looked so good.

She went to pick one up, but got distracted as the headmistress spoke about them. “Oh no Nessa brought them in. She said one of the students had left them for her. Wasn’t that sooo sweet? They look yummy.” Then Nessa was explaining the brownies. Just adorbs these students were. She picked one up. “I should wait until I eat some of the great smelling food, but one brownie won’t hurt.” Taking a bit she grinned, they weren’t bad. Quite yummy actually. Turning her eyes on someone else coming in, “Piersie I was wondering when you would get here.” She beamed at the man. “Happy Christmas.” Very surprised he hadn’t come with Javy. She eyed them, maybe there was some gossip afoot that she needed in the know about. She would be watching them a bit more closely. She always had to be in the know. It’s what her Quibbler was for.

Her best friend was just so amazing wasn’t she? [b] “Coordinate, now why didn’t I think of that!” That would have been fabtastic if they would have been dressed in little Santa’s helpers outfits or something. “Maybe a party at our house will just have to happen soon so we can.” Renting the house in Hogsmeade had its pluses now didn’t it? Eating the rest of her browning the blonde stopped for a moment and looked around. What were all the decorations? They were soo pretty her green eyes widened a bit.

“What am I doing here again?” She looked towards the person next to her.

Quote:

Originally Posted by emjay

And more of her colleagues! "Javy.. Piers.. helloooo!" Nessa beamed and gave them finger waggles as they entered, surprisingly not together. The brunette didn't have much time to think on that however, because the next person to enter made her the most excited of all. "Santa's here!!" He got approving claps.. she was so glad that Botros agreed and she made her way over to him, only to stop as she saw a new person (Lolita). Oooh, she must be the very newest professor on staff. Nessa made her way over to her as she spoke to Piers and she put on a friendly smile. "Hello! I don't believe we've met. I'm.." Um.. Huh. That was odd.

Hearing his name, Piers looked around until he found the brunette giving him finger wiggles. She was nice, but not as insane as Cassie. That was good. He gave her a smile and a nod. He'd say hello to her later, properly.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lolita Domingo

Was this man thick in the head? She had been here for several weeks already. Should she spare him the embarrassment? Not likely. How could any man miss this woman? "Señor Fuller, is it? Lolita Carmen Inocencia Domingo, your colleague for several weeks now. Arithmancy." And yes, you should feel like a fool.

Oh. Errrrr....

"I've been busy." Or she wasn't as important as she thought she was. HAH. He didn't say that out loud though. He HAD been busy over the last couple weeks, you know, lesson planning and stuff, and he didn't always go down to the staff table for dinner. Piers simply shrugged. He didn't feel foolish or thick in the head. OH WELL, SENORITA SASS. "Arithmancy is boring," he noted before shoving a cookie into his face. He was so charming.

There was no denying that the atmosphere was festive, not only in style, but embodied in present company also. "Nessa, I love the hat," she greeted the Historian. It was a charming hat for sure.

Before too long it seemed as though the rest of the staff arrived too, "Annie, you look lovely as always," she replied to the Headmistresses greeting, "Leo... Cosgrach... Airey," she greeted as the gentleman made their presence known. My. Airey. Could always be counted on for festive dress. "Medea, so good to see you," she greeted the Defense Professor.

Of course it was one of the brighter personalities in the room that had her staring and grinning stupidly for a short moment, "Cassie, this is amazing, thank you," she greeted the new Divination Professor. The blonde had a .... zest... for these things it seemed. Party festive planning social butterfly thing... that she was. Mmhhmm, very fitting.

"Hello Javy," Seren greeted her fellow grounds-domain Professor. Did he feel as out of place in the castle walls as she usually did? She had been about to ask the CoMC Professor his thoughts on the chilly weather of late, it seemed a little out of character for her, even considering the bitter cold of Scotland at the best of times... but then, there were two entrances that could not be ignored.

The first, from the new staffer, Lolita? ... she wasn't even going to attempt the woman's surname purely because she wasn't familiar with it. The dress though, the glamourous dress... not a bit much? Seren looked down at her own attire, suddenly feeling a little under dressed - not that she was one for glamour anyway. "Hello there," she greeted with a smile and a small wave.

The second, was Ab.. the suit, was magnificent, truly, and in staring somewhat she missed whoever else had arrived.

...

Fascinating.

Cosgrach laughed at Nessa and Cassie. "Thank you, ladies." They were quite an addition to the team, weren't they? He had to congratulate Annie some time... he smirked to himself. Annie probably regretted her choice by now. Hehe.

"Javy," he greeted the man and his eyes searched for a Piers alongside. No? They didn't want more gossips? Ehehe. Cosgrach understood that. Hahaha.

Cosgrach took a brownie and stuffed it in his mouth when that definitely charming new arithmancy professor entered the room. His eyes followed her for a second, and he knew he had to speak to her properly at least once, though his heart ordered him to do it a few times. But first, he had to eat that brownie to look presentable. He quickly chewed and nodded at Mr. Botros in the meantime (wasn't he the most fashionable Santa ehehe), swallowed, turned towards...

Huh? Whowhatwherehow? Why?

He... didn't... know...

Another new person? Actually, this shouldn't be surprising. Who could stay away?

"Sí sí, I recognize you from the staff table. My name is Lolita Carmen Inocencia Domingo. And" she said, looking down, "may I say.. Your shoes are ¡muy fabulosos!" The dress she didn't much care for, but that was personal taste, not a fashion mistake.

Busy. No man was too busy to notice Lolita Domingo! Unless.. Well, that was a topic for another time. "¿En serio? Somehow your opinion fails to surprise me. Discúlpeme, por favor. Excuse me," she corrected herself. Too many Brits only knew their own language. Or French, like THAT is helpful. Yes, she was done with Señor Fuller.

Ah, their second-in-command. "Hola, Seren" she greeted back, returning the smile for good measure.

First one in after her was the ever lovely Herbology Professor, who really did look just as stunning as she remembered her last June. "Seren!" She beamed at her friend. "Good to see you again!"

Next to enter was a new face, but quite the energetic and dramatic one if first impressions were anything to go by. And ... ooh, she knew her?!? Well aww, that was sweet. Beaming at her and her enthusiasm (Fina could tell why Annie hired her), "Yes, that would be correct," she replied, leaning in to offer a friendly greeting!hug. "Thank you! And you ... must be Nessarose?" She researched who new staff members after returning. That and the fact that Nessa and Cassie planned this and well, she met Cassie, so ....

Ah there was their fearless leader.... "You look lovely, Annie," Fina returned the compliment. But then again, Annie ALWAYS had a knack for looking amazing, even when she was a student.

"Leo! Hi!" She beamed at the librarian. "Congratulations, by the way, on Head of House." Yup. She'd heard. She just hadn't gotten to see him yet.

Another welcome back, as to be expected. "Thank you, Cossy. Hope your left shoulder wasn't too cold at mealtimes without me there for two months." She smiled knowingly.

Now who was more dramatic; Nessarose or Airey? It seemed that the Astronomy Professor had some competition. She smiled though, nonetheless at his welcome back greeting. "Thank you, Airey. Medea. It's good to be back." You know, he probably totally missed her at mealtimes.

"Thank you, Cassie. You're looking quite lovely, yourself!" She was glad though to have lost most of the baby weight, or at least most of it to hide the rest under loose garments... Heh.

Well wasn't the Creatures Professor just looking lovely? Fina smiled only slightly when he greeted her, as she recalled that gossip rag a few weeks ago she came across. Surely that wasn't true, was it? Not that it mattered to her, as she was happily married, but she did feel for the single woman out there - such as Nessa and Cassie - they would be heartbroken. "Javy. Hello. Doing quite alright, and yourself?"

Aw good! Lolita had decided to come after all! Josephina wasn't sure her friend would, despite thinking she SHOULD because hello! meeting your colleagues was important, but she was glad she decided to come. "Loli!" Fina grinned, walking over to greet her, as she was introducing herself to a few others. "Glad you came!"

Ooh, of course! No Christmas party was complete without Santa Claus! Beaming at the colleague dressed as Santa, if he hadn't spoken, Fina would've taken longer to figure out who it was. "Abe! You look great as Santa!" She grinned at the Runes-Professor-in-disguise. Even if she could TOTALLY tell that the beard was fake.

Wonderful, an excuse for leaving the not-so-charming Charms man. "Fina, chica, you're looking muy buena today. Feeling alright?" She had never had children herself, but she could imagine how tiring it could be and that it may take several months to feel 100% again.

"So. What do the British do at Christmas festivities? I truly did not understand why I had to wrap up a small albino animal." Really. Where had that come from?