Was she really the first person to be here at the Staff table yet again? Kay had hoped someone else would have beaten her since she would get company the moment she arrived. Since this wasn't the case, she made her way to her seat where she sat down. She was excited for the new school year and about everything that came with it- the new students, the new staffers, planning her lessons and those sort of things.

Her eyes swept the Hall. The students should be arriving shortly as well as her colleagues. In the meanwhile, what would she do? Besides waiting, she was mentally going through all the plans she had made for her very first lesson. Maybe it was a boring thing to do but the woman could not help it. She always looked forward even more to first lessons of the year.

Somebody please tell Viktor he was not dreaming because he was early for once or no time. No difference. It just meant he was not late. Oh well time to get to his seat. He walked up and saw Kay was here. Oh well at least he was not first. Just sitting there waiting for people to show up was tiring and not enjoyable at all.

"Kay, you do know that the early bird does not get the worm. Also love the hair"

Viktor said smiling.

Meh he was ready for the year to start. The last couple days where more boring than usual. His office was back to being pristine and touching and Loki was settling back. Which was good since she hated change. Even though she was here all of last term. Viktor took his seat and got comfortable he was going to enjoy himself tonight. Watching the sorting and of course talking to his co workers.

Since that is all they did is talk.

Art was, of course, sad that he said goodbye to his children and grand-daughter. But Hogwarts was here, and Art always felt like the castle welcomed him back.

"Hello Kay," he said to the wonderful woman who sat at his right on the Staff Dais. "Good evening Viktor," he added to the young man who sat right at the other end. "How are you both this evening?"

Madame Curie was perched on her favourite spot atop Art's shoulder. She recognised Kay, and she gave a friendly sniff towards her, but she didn't have much experience with Viktor. He, nevertheless, got a sniff of greeting in his direction.

Not a stranger to early arrivals, was Justin. Discounting his students years, this would be his fifth year as an established staff member at Hogwarts. Groundskeeper, Head of Slytherin House and Flying Instructor. What else more could he want? Aside the super comfy headmaster chair he sat right next to. He supposed he could settle with his current seating arrangement. After all, his colleagues weren't so bad.

Only seeing three by the time he arrived, Justin knew this small crowd would be temporarily. Along with his attire. He felt like dressing up more professional than usual this evening. "Good evening, Kay. Viktor. Arty. Rest of your summers went alright?" Being newly married 'alright' was the worst adjective one could use to describe his own summer.

For now though, he could plop his rump down in his chair and await the others. Oh happy feast, bring on the students.

It was the start of the new term, and as much as she had enjoyed the summer, Rosalyn was ready to get back to work. She had missed her students!

Entering the Great Hall, she was happy to see that she wasn't the first to arrive. Wonderful. She wouldn't be sitting by herself for a time. Now she got to catch up with her colleagues... even though she had seen a couple of them regularly over the summer holidays.

"Good evening everyone. You are all looking wonderful." Smiling, she took her seat two spots away from Kay. "So how are you all doing? Ready to get started?" Rosalyn sure was. She had already planned out some of her lessons. Of course she wouldn't go walking into a new term without working those details out in advance!

Looking around the room, she waited for the others to arrive.

Paul entered the Great Hall sporting a very colorful poncho for the wonderful occasion! No students had arrived yet, which meant that Paul was here early! That was quite the accomplishment.

And only a few of his colleagues had arrived? Interesting. At least ole' Justin was here! And, Paul might add, HE LOOKED ABSOLUTELY SMASHING in his outfit tonight. O+ for him!

The new Deputy Headmaster was anxious for his colleagues to learn of his new title. It would attract praise, and attention, and while he normally liked both, he didn't much like the idea of it in front of SO many people and...in front of his colleagues the most. Hence why he hadn't told anyone--not even Justin--yet. It would all...come to light tonight, and of course, he was nervous. He had never thought himself a humble man, either, not until...recently.

Regardless, he was excited to see newly sorted Hufflepuffs, and just his house in general. And he gave everyone a wave as he went to take his seat. His seat!buddy #2 wasn't here yet, but he was sure River'd be by shortly! "Rosalyn! You look wonderful! Wow!" he beamed at her. "Red...is your color!"

"Hello, Art!" he leaaaaned over the table to say hi to his friend. "You look great tonight!" he smiled. "And Justin--" he smirked as he turned to face the handsome younger man. "You.....cleaned up nicely for the feast, eh?" he wiggled his eyebrows. "Your husband is a lucky man." Indeed.

"Kay, you look well!" a shout in the other direction.

And then turning to face the OTHER end of the table, again, "Viktor! You look handsome too!"

Merlin. All they needed were ponchos, and Paul would call it a NIGHT OF HANDSOMENESS AND FASHION.

It was the start of term, exciting, no? Nerve wracking, no one why she never accepted the offers to teach at other wizarding schools. She never liked this feeling when she had started teaching at Beauxbatons. It really shouldn't be all that bad. The French woman did know someone here, a former student of hers. She didn't know whether to be proud of Gaston for making it this far and wanting to be a professor or to feels very old. Age is just a number, Caroleena, age is just a number, breathe. Caroleena made her way into the Great Hall, no students were here at the moment so that was very nice. She remembered what it felt like when she stepped out of this very room and castle for the last time when she graduated from Hogwarts nearly thirty years ago. Time goes by way to fast.

The blonde woman walked up towards the staff table. It was very strange to be coming back to Hogwarts as a professor. This to her was her highest achievement. "Hello." The woman with her Irish-French the strange accent greeted everyone with a smile. Lena looked around at the table and made her way towards her seat. "How is everyone?" she asked as she sat down in her seat.

After unpacking in her tower, giving her bengal cat Max a snack, and making sure she looked presentable, Laurel headed down to the Great Hall for the feast. Upon entering through the double doors a sweeping blue glance up at the staff dais informed her that she was not the first staffer to arrive. 7 of her colleagues were already seated. It suited her perfectly. Laurel hadn't wanted to arrive first or last so her timing was impeccable.

Approaching the dais with a warm cherry smile playing at her lips Laurel greeted as her blue eyed gaze swept over her colleagues faces. "Good evening everyone! It's good to be back, isn't it?" She had missed all her students.

Going up on the dais she went the short route around Viktors seat dousing him, and his seatmate Caroleena in a cloud of strong rosey insence, on her way to her assigned seat. Slipping into her seat, one seat away from her cousin Justin, she said turning to look at him. "Justin, did you have a lovely rest of the summer?"

Who would’ve thought that he’d be back in Hogwarts to sit at the Staff Table? River Reed never imagined in his life that he was bound to return to his roots where he first learned to control his magic. Although he did not graduate as a Hogwartian, he was still one at heart and a Ravenclaw through and through. After a quick Hospital Wing inspection, River took the time to get ready for the Feast, as he had wanted to leave a good first impression both to the students, and to his colleagues. His first meeting with them had been a casual one, allowing him to relax a bit and just enjoy their company. The Feast however, was going to be very different. Curious eyes will be upon them, and he had the feeling that the crowd would be an unforgiving one if he showed up with a creased shirt, or a slightly unkempt hair.

The moment he arrived at the Staff Dais, River took a moment to take in what he saw. He then realized that he’d never been in that spot overlooking the students because it had always been the other way around! Quashing the nerves that dared to resurface, River buttoned his jacket and took steady steps towards his designated seat. And as he did so, he gave everyone a warm grin. “Hello everyone, a good evening to all of you.” He said looking to his left then to his right making sure that his general greeting was heard. Soon after, he found himself sat between Justin and Paul, and he was more than thankful that he dressed up for the occasion. “Gentlemen.” He said with a boyish grin, while his attention lingered longer on Paul. “Nice poncho, Professor Myers. Is it made from organic fibre?”

Easing a bit, River allowed himself to sit back and relax. He missed the elves’ cooking and Hogwartian food in general, although a tiny voice at the back of his mind tells him that it’s going to be doused in excess calories. It’s bad for the body, but what the heck. It’s the Opening Feast after all.

This was it. The start of a new term and a nice change for Camilla. It had been such a long time since she'd stepped foot in Hogwarts, when she had graduated years earlier this was the last place she'd thought she'd end up. As it was she was here and rather excited about it all as she checked out the Transfiguration room and got her cat Bonsai settled in. Some time was then spent on getting herself ready for the feast before making her way to the Great Hall.

With a relaxed smile on her face Cami made her way straight towards the Staff Dais. Her brown eyes first found that of her cousin and she relaxed all the more at seeing Kay already there. "Good evening everyone. I hope the remainder of everyone's summer was alright?," she greeted sending a warm smile towards each of the staff already there.

Lucky for her finding her seat wasn't at all a problem it being at the end of the table beside Art. Sitting herself down she allowed herself the brief moment to glance down the length of the table, thankfully she had dressed up a bit as it appeared everyone had as well.

Another year, another feast.

A quick check of the Ravenclaw Tower and the addition of some last minute touches had kept the man behind more than he'd have liked. It probably wasn't as bad as the previous Start of Term Feast but he didn't want to gain the reputation as the member of staff that arrived late. Fashionably late, maybe.

When the time came, Hirsch descended into the Great Hall. His hands were tucked into the pockets of his trousers and, if his stride was anything to go by, there was a general aura of cool about him. As always, a small blue Ravenclaw pin was attached to his chest, standing out amongst the silver-grey of his suit.

A smile filled the Defence Professor's face as he approached the table. "Good evening, everyone. Had a good rest of the summer?" His green eyes scanned the table as he walked, taking note of who was there and who wasn't. Walking past Justin, he gave the man a small, playful smirk before saying, "Married life seems to be suiting you well, Justin." Heh.

And it looked like Paul had found his poncho collection again.

Taking his designated seat between Gaston - who wasn't here yet - and Laurel, Hirsch's eyes then found Laurel and her choice in attire for the evening. It might have been simple enough but it did cause the man to raise his eyebrows slightly. "Looking great there, Laurel." Just saying. "Hello, by the way."

With the Sorting Hat in hand, the headmistress made her entrance into the Great Hall. As she loudly click-clacked her way along the House tables, Regina was mentally noting every minute detail of the room, from the floating candles to the enchanted night sky to the shiny silverware neatly laid out. It was very different from Ilvermorny. Nonetheless, it was a change she desperately needed.

After stepping onto the dais, she gingerly placed the old hat on the stool in the centre and carried onward. "Good evening, everyone," she stated as she moved a strand of her hair while she began her way around the table. Her blue eyes met with each pair that was present, which was an impressive amount. Their promptness did not go unnoticed.

Neither did the Deputy Head's attire...

A very quick look, one that easily could have gone unnoticed, was casted his way before she pulled out her chair and took her seat between Roderik, Laurel, Justin, and River. Immediately, she straightened out her blouse and adjusted her necklace before placing her her hands, folded, on the table and glanced at those near her. "Are we all ready for the year that is to come?" Regina knew that she was. Having no Defence lesson plans to write, there had been plenty of time to get everything in her office placed exactly where she wanted, read numerous files, and prepare her parchments for lesson auditing. All that was needed now was for those four tables in front of them to be filled.

Gaston was feeling unusually optimistic as he entered the Great Hall... unlike last term when he'd been too nervous to think straight. The second term was a lot easier; at least now he knew most of the students and staff didn't openly despise him. He hoped he'd make a good impression on the incoming students, but whatever happened, he knew there was at least one person here who cared for him. The past summer had been the best he'd ever had, but now he was glad to be back at Hogwarts with both of his loves.

"Good evening, everybody!" he greeted his colleagues with a cheery smile, but the smile faded slightly when he saw that almost everyone, including the headmistress, had arrived before him. Merlin's beard! He wasn't late, was he? Getting a reprimand for tardiness wasn't his idea of a good start! He nodded politely toward the headmistress as he overheard her ask if everyone was ready for the schoolyear. "Yes, Headmistress Hawthorne," he replied. He was still a little nervous around her.

Bright blue eyes lingered on Rosalyn for a moment as Gaston passed her chair on the way to his own. "Hello, Rose," he whispered. "You look beautiful tonight." Not that she didn't always, of course; just tonight she looked extra special. He wanted to kiss her hand or find something to transfigure into a flower for her, but he decided against it. Somehow he didn't think the headmistress would approve...

The dark-haired Frenchman pretended to cough to stifle a chuckle at the sight of Paul's poncho... not that he was laughing at the man - no, no, he'd never do that! It was just a somewhat unexpected outfit choice. "Hello, Paul. How was the rest of your summer?" he said with a friendly smile, choosing not to comment on the odd outfit choice.

Gaston nodded politely toward his neighbor as he took his seat. "Hello, Roderik," he said. "I trust the rest of your summer went well?"

Then his eyes fell to the new astronomy professor, who just happened to be a former teacher and colleague from Beaubatons. "Professor Salvatore," he greeted the woman with another polite nod and a smile. Even though they were technically equals now, he still called her "professor"; old habits died hard. The thought crossed his mind to ask her about goings-on a Beaubatons after he left, but he worried that might be a bit rude. "What do you think of Hogwarts so far?" he asked instead. He hoped she would like it here!

Still he did not like being on the end of the table. Will he did like it so he was not surrounded by everyone talking. He still liked to be in the middle of things should anything happen. Oh well nothing he can do about unless he steals someone's seat. Ah so Art was here after him.

"Evening Art. Been Better, You?"

Still was going to ask him for some potions this term. When he felt like venturing down into the dungeons. Also it looked like to Viktor that he just woke up from a nap and threw some clothes on. The Runes Professor ignored Madam Curie like usual. Next was Justin and well Viktor already knew his summer was good with him learning he got married over the summer from Laurel. Good for him. "Good. How was the weddding and congrats" Viktor said smiling. Rose was looking good to even though you could ask the question when wasn't she. Didn't know about wonderful.

"If we weren't we would not be here"

Probably be off doing another job or something. Then there was Paul. Well.........he was wearing something not surprising so guess there is that. Not like he expected more from the man. If Viktor did not know the man he would have thought him as sharp as a bowling ball. "Paul. As eccentric as ever" Now that is an accent. Viktor nodded smirking to the greeting the new Astronomy Professor. Much Much better than a ghost. Though he could not say anything since Laurel had to smell like that. Yuck too much incense. It was disgusting. Viktor stared at her as she made her way to her seat. It will take the whole feast for him to unsmell this.

Juuussst Greeaaaaat.

Oh right they had a new healer. Viktor will have to meet him eventually not when surrounded by colleges. Guess sometime in the future will do. Was still looking forward to do that with the woman than him to be truthful. Viktor nodded to him. He had nothing to say to him he has not hear yet. Speaking of females he wanted to talk to later. New Transfig Professor was looking nice. Related to Kay or something did not deter him or anything. Same question as everyone. It was tiring and boring. There is only so much you can repeat. Politeness had it limit for Viktor as you can tell. Now the fun had arrived with Hirsch finally getting his behind to the feast.

"Hirsch you have to stop with answering all your love letters. Its making you almost tardy"


Viktor was pretty sure their was a fan club for the DADA Professor. Which is just funny to think about. Now the Boss shows up. Who was looking beautiful but not the point "Evening Hawthorne. Or is it just Headmistress now?". Oh there was Gaston and what was that between him and Rose. Well Well Well. Interesting. Viktor gave him one more look before looking at his glass. Probably should have snaked before this feast.

There is no such thing as 'fashionably late' in his dictionary because now 1) He's late (sort of because the headmistress was already there) and 2) He is not that fashionable, heh. But well, at least his attire was still better than those weirdo who was wearing a poncho. Wait a minute, was that Myers? How... surprising.

"Good evening, sorry that I am a little bit late." The CoMC Professor said to his fellow staffs. Before he headed into his table, Jordan walked to Kaysha's seat. "What happened to your hair?" Wait... That's not why he was coming to her. "Oh, whenever you have time, you should stop at my hut. I have something for you." And then he went back to the other side a.k.a his own seat. "Nice dress, Laurel. Have you predicted that Slytherin will win the house cup again this year?" Because her dress showed so. "And hello to you Professor Salvatore, it feels good that I don't have to sit besides an old giggly ghost anymore."

Just a few minutes after her River came up on the dais looking smart. A look in her old school yearbook had filled in the blank in Laurel's memory. River had been a Ravenclaw at Hogwarts before he had transferred out. Shooting him a warm smile when he had seated himself next to Justin she said "Good evening River, nice suit. Are you ready to treat your first patients?" Feasts were a hotspot for things that could go wary like food fights or just having taken a dip in the lake with the squid.

Laurel was letting her gaze wander around the Great Hall and up to the magnificent moving ceiling when Camilla arrived in an eye-catching blue dress. Smiling at Kay's cousin she greeted "Good evening Camilla, you are looking great. Is that dress colour turquoise?" Or just a light blue? It was hard to place as she left to sit down next to Art on the right end of the table.

She was contemplating to pour herself something to drink when Roderick came and took his designated seat by her side, which also effectively blocked her from Viktor's stare. He hadn't appreciated the flowery incense that much was easy to conclude. Laurel was glad that Roderick was there, because that meant she'd have at least one person to converse with during the duration of the feast. Meeting Roderick's raised eyebrows with a happy smile, she accepted the dress compliment. "Good evening Roderick, and why thank you. You look great yourself. Are you looking forward to another year of teaching DADA? How many years is that you've been at Hogwarts now?"

Laurel watched in silence as Headmistress Hawthorne arrived and first seated the ancient sorting hat on its stool, before going around the table and taking her seat in the middle. Sorting new first years was always a special moment. Turning her blue eyes to her boss Laurel smiled warmly. "Good evening Headmistress Hawthorne," folding her hands in her lap, she chirped in response to her heads question. "I'm ready, anticipant and excited to get the school year underway. Where did you work before becoming our new headmistress?" Was she too curious? Laurel hoped not. She just wanted to get to know her new boss better.

Gaston chose this time to make his arrival. The charms man got a small smile and a greeting from her. "Good evening Gaston." and then Jordan arrived to steal her focus also complimenting her on her choice of dress. Smiling Laurel responded "Good evening Jordan, thank you. You look great too." Momentarily her gaze dropped to her black and green glittering dress before looking up. "It'd be nice if my alumni house did win the cup again this year, but I didn't choose this dress to showcase that prediction. I just liked its look. Shall I take it that you've changed your mind about my Inner Eye?"

The time had come and well…gone a little bit earlier but really it only mattered that she were in the room and seated before the students…right? Goodness why was it that getting ready for opening feasts took so long? Maybe it was the fact that this was her first ever…well, not her first but it was the first one that she would be seated at the staff dias like a real…professional like the Professor that she is. Walking into the great hall the tall blonde took a moment to look around at all of the tables before quickening her step and sweeping her eyes over the table.

Oh now that was definitely a treat Lau hadn’t mentioned just how gorgeous the staff looked in their feast ware. Really, it was like they had all walked out of an advertisement in Witch Weekly…or well, more like it was one form WHIM – now they had all the high fashion looks….and the faces. ”Headmistress Hawthorne, I absolutely love your necklace,” Imogen smiled as she approached the table. Best be polite as she was cutting it close herself.

Not to mention it was fabulous…really, green was obviously one of her favorite colors. ”Hey Lau, you look great…were you burning incense with lemongrass in it?” she asked as the scent seemed to be present or maybe it was something else entirely…still, it reminded her of the trek she had taken a few years back through Thailand and the food. Dear merlin the food. Looking over to her new coworkers all Imogen could do was grin. Finding her way to her seat she simply dropped herself into it only to lean over slightly and send Justin McLeod a wave. ”Congratulations Justin on the marriage…I will have to properly congratulate you later” and needle him about how to find a nice man. Those were harder and harder to come by.

River could swear that he can hear the sound of the ticking clock as the moment of the student’s arrival drew nearer. He had his eyes on the colossal door ahead of them, momentarily thinking about the year ahead. Castelobruxo had been very different...and though he did have an idea of how the Opening Feast went here in Hogwarts, he could not help but feel the pressure of his task as the new Healer of Hogwarts. With a steady hand, he reached out for his goblet and took on a few gulps of water. His colleagues must be well aware that they were literally basking in what they call the calm before the storm.

His silent reverie had been broken at the sound of a woman speaking. River placed his goblet down and looked around to see who it was. Ah...the new Transfiguration professor. “It wasn’t as eventful as I hoped it would be, but it had been pleasant.” He replied to her, as he followed Camilla with his eyes until she sat beside Professor Art Newton. She was the one with the cat...and concerned about his dogs, right? Right. Another person made his presence known, and River was pleased to see Roderick Hirsch join them for the night. He didn’t need to repeat himself this time, and just gave the man a pleasant grin. River wondered if he pointedly ignored him? Maybe, since by now he would’ve had an idea of who he was...and what might he be doing in Hogwarts working alongside him. River opted not to over think things and just shrugged the worry off. Besides, why should he mind when he’s got his medical records, correct? His eyes lingered on the Defense professor, and then to his seatmate number one. “You got married? Congratulations, Mr. McLeod.” He said with a pleasant tone. Great. Now everyone’s just marrying each other left and right.

His attention then shifted from the Flying Instructor, to the woman who gracefully approached the dais. The very old and ancient Sorting Hat didn’t go unnoticed, and it only took River a few good seconds to figure out who this woman was. His boss. The man subtly sat up straighter in his chair, and waited for her to take a seat, his grin ever present as she did so. “A good evening to you as well, Headmistress.” He started giving her an approving nod. “The Hospital Wing is all set. Everything is in place and ready to take in patients.” He’d been busy checking and re-checking the school’s facility, wanting it to be at par with St. Mungo’s...maybe even better. The school need not crack its funds to make it better. It only needed a skilled Healer to make it hospital grade worthy.

After the headmistress came another male professor. Ah yes, Mr. Marchand. River did give him a pleasant grin as he walked past them. Interesting choice of necktie by the way, Mr. Charms Professor, sir. Viktor didn’t go unnoticed, and River returned the nod from the man who didn’t talk much. He did have a mysterious aura to him, and this made him more interesting to be honest. The way he looked at the new Transfiguration professor didn’t go unnoticed as well. Looks like...someone was interested one way or another. River took his goblet again, and grinned against its rim before taking another sip of his water. Merlin, the Feast hasn’t even started yet, but it seems that things were starting rather interesting.

River turned to the next person who showed up, and grinned at a fellow former Ravenclaw. “Jordan, a good evening to you as well.” That fellow must have been busy with his creatures for turning up after the Headmistress, yes? The Healer then turned his attention to the woman who sat a few seat away from him, and the Healer had to lean on the table to get a better look at her. “Thank you, Professor Vance.” He said modestly as he tried to tune out Ryden’s laughter in his head. His brother was more than accustomed to wearing suits, and is good at wearing one, making him feel like he’s doing something wrong here. River however blinked at what the Divination Professor said next. Was it a foreshadowing? Hopefully...not. For Merlin’s sake...and the sake of the students. “I am looking forward to this term...however, I would rather meet these students outside the confines of the Hospital Wing, and as non-patients.” He said with a chuckle. “A cold or fever is fine...but hopefully nothing worse than that.” Really, he would hate having to open up that room he has set up for St. Mungo’s worthy patients.

Hadley Denaker marched into the Great Hall, package in hand, with purpose. The last of her peeling skin from the sunburn she'd had the first couple weeks of August was finally gone, leaving her with a simple deep tan. Her newly short hair billowed behind her as she sped her way to the Staff dais, passing the Ravenclaw table. As she approached, she scanned the staff seated at the table. New faces. Headmaster McSexy-Voice was gone. Shame. He really did have an amazing voice.

And...where Professor Riveroll? An expression of annoyance flashed across Hadley's face. Another Transfig professor? She'd have to start the whole process of trying to get Animagus training over. Again. Was Hogwarts cursed where it couldn't keep a Transfiguration Professor, or something?

Hads nodded, smiling, to Professor Newton. The Potions Master was one of her favorite professors at the school, and she'd be visiting his office soon to arrange more tutoring. But, Newton wasn't the reason for her visiting the staff table. Hadley turned and made her way straight to her Head of House.

"Sir Knight." She curtsied to the DADA Professor, then, while trying to suppress a smirk, set the gift-wrapped present down in front of him. Inside he would find a thin, clear, plastic tube filled with about a dozen, small foam rubber balls and a note telling him to, Keep it on you, always. But she didn't wait for him to open it. He would have questions. Questions that she wouldn't be answering tonight. "I have one too."

Unable to hide the smirk any longer, Hads spun around without another word and started back down to the Ravenclaw table. This was gonna be a great year.

The first person to arrive was Viktor. Kay simply laughed in reply. “Maybe not for you, Victor, but certainly for me.’’ She loved being punctual and it was actually her favourite trait of all that she possessed. “Thank you! I thought I would try something new today.’’

“Good evening, Art.’’ Kay smiled happily upon seeing him. “I’m quite well, looking forward to another great year. What about you? And how are you, Madam Curie?’’ She had noticed the sniff in greeting. “Hello, Justin. I must say again, your marriage certainly agrees with you. You look great.’’ Him and his hubby made quite the cute couple. “It’s been quiet. And yours?’’

“Hello, Rose! You look wonderful as well! Red suits you a lot. More than purple.’’ Of course Kay had to tease her friend. She turned her head when she heard Paul shout her name. “You as well, Paul,’’ she called back with a laugh. Did he know just how amusing his outfits were?

Finally her cousin arrived. “Are you all set for your first Feast as a staff, Cami?’’ Kay was so excited for Cami! After Ansley left, she’d felt as though she were alone family-wise but now that Cami was here, things had changed.

Kay spied Jordan as he made his way towards the table. “Hi, Jordan. Um, don’t you like it?’’ She had thought just casually tying it higher than usual was a good idea. But she was intrigued at his next statement. “I will. Will early tomorrow morning be okay?’’ She would be on her morning run and knew Jordan would be up early to look after the creatures.

The woman returned greetings to Caroleena, Laurel, River, Imogen, Roderick, and Gaston then greeted the Headmistress. “Good evening, to you, Headmistress. I hope you enjoy the Feast.’’ Regina looked ready for the school year ahead.

Awww, wasn't Paul just the biggest sweetheart ever! Rosalyn smiled at her colleague, before glancing down at her outfit. It did look good on her if she said so herself, but then it had been the dress that she had purchased while shopping with Kay and Laurel. That had been so much fun. "Thank you. I am digging the poncho." QUITE the fashion statement, and one that not many people could pull off well, but he managed to. By now she was used to the fact that neither he or Uncle Art dressed up formally. Well, she had been used to it from Uncle Art for most of her life, but that was besides the point...

More people streamed into the Great Hall, and Rosalyn waved to Caroleena, Laurel, River, Camilla, Roderik, Viktor, and Imogen. "Good evening everyone! You are all looking wonderful tonight. Ready for term to start?" she asked each in turn. Were they as excited to get started as she was? Though, as much as she was looking forward to being back here, she was nervous about the poltergeists... What if they did something crazy??? Part of her wanted to ask Laurel if she could see anything, but she decided to leave it for the moment. Maybe later, after the feast.

The Headmistress got a smile. "Good evening, Headmistress Hawthorne. I really like your outfit." Seemed like the woman shared Rosalyn's taste in fashion down to necklace choice! "I am more than ready for term! Excited to be back with the students." Hopefully they would like what she had in store for them as far as lessons were concerned! Her smile only grew as Gaston arrived. "Hello. You are looking wonderful too." She wanted to talk more, but he needed to head over to his seat. They could talk more during the feast, though she would be seeing him more later.

Seeing Jordan arrive, Rosalyn thought suddenly of when she had met his sister while visiting the zoo with Josie. Uncle Art had been there too, but he spent the time with his granddaughter while they had visited the XXXXX area. That had been a lot of fun! "You know, I met your sister," she told him conversationally. "She asked if we used to date." Now wasn't that funny?? Not that there was anything WRONG with Jordan because he was great, but they had never seen each other in that way!

"Thanks! You look wonderful too, Kay, but you aren't going to get me to stop wearing purple." Good try though! All Rosalyn could do was give her A+ for effort. "Soooo when are you and Ansley going to have a baby? I want to be Aunt Rose." Hehe. Her friend wasn't the only one who could tease.

The French woman looked at her seatmate (Laurel), she have her an odd look. She wasn't really sure what Laurel was doing. Was this how Hogwarts was? Just complete confusion. Just at Lena had saw Laurel she was now covered in some kind of insence. "Oh...interesting." that was the other reaction that she could manage. Any other time there was a chance that she would just throw a fit but in her older age she really didn't do that anymore and also with the students that would be filing at any moment.Not that long after she had noticed the headmistress had made her way to the table. "Good evening Headmistress." She had greeted her with her strange Irish-French accent.

There was her former student, Gaston. It was still strange to see a former student in the same work place as her but she was sure that she would get used to it at some point. "Please call me Caroleena or Lena, please." She wasn't just say it either. She didn't like the feeling she got from being called 'Professor' by on of her co-wokers. "It's different from Beauxbatons but this isn't the first time that I've stepped foot in Hogwarts. How are you liking it?" It was however the first time as a professor but she had studied here for seven terms many, many years ago. Caroleena knew it wasn't a good idea to throw a fit.

There goes another co-worker (Jordan) calling her professor. "I'm sure it is. Please call me Caroleena, Carrie or Lena, please." She was still shocked that Hogwarts had hired a ghost as their Astronomy professor. "I'm probably more lively than a ghost." She said as she cracked a smile. Caroleena glanced at a student (Callie) that had showed up a few moments ago to greet some of the veteran professors. Interesting. She had a feeling this might happen next year for her. That was if she even lasted a year, but she had lasted almost twenty years at Beauxbatons so she had a lot of faith in herself.

Students were coming! Students were coming! Paul began to wave at them, but he realized they were too hungry/train-ride-grumpy to really care, so he stopped quite quickly. One of the new guys, A Caroleena, Paul thought he knew the name from the Herbology field...but he couldn't be sure. He'd have to ask her later! "Caroleena, you look lovely tonight, I must say!" She got a thumbs up from him.

"It is WONDERFUL to be back, Laurel, how about you?" he asked the Divination professor. Everyone looked wonderful tonight! Merlin's socks. Paul was so glad he broke out this very special and FANCY poncho for the occasion!

The healer was here, and Paul made a face at him..."Professor Myers--what are you, a student?! I am PAUL...I suppose you could call me Professor Myers, but the formality is not needed, my friend," and he took a big ole' swig of whatever was in his cup--turned out to be pumpkin juice!--and it went down the wrong tube. Which resulted in Paul coughing, wheezing, and keeling over his empty plate...HE WAS FINE. HE WAS FINE. He would answer River's question in due time...as soon as...his esophagus? Whatever the tube was that drink went down calmed down.

WHEEEEEZE

"I...am not....DYING....YET--" he gave one last COUGH and rubbed his forehead. "Merlin's pants!" he eyed the goblet holding the pumpkin juice as if it had done it ON PURPOSE. "River, I almost died and you did NOTHING!" he teased the healer...and he gave him an elbow nudge just so he would know. "And yes, everything I wear is organic, mind you," like, duh. You should know all of Paul Myers' clothing preferences, River Reed, how dare thee.

He gave Camilla a wave and smiled as she went to sit down at her side of the table. Pretty boy Hirsch was here, and Paul shot him a wave, too. Looking especially pretty tonight, too.

Ahh!

The lady of the hour! Paul stood up as she approached and bowed his head at her before she took her seat. He wasn't seated too far from her big, middle chair, either. "Hello, good evening, Headmistress! How are YOU tonight?" he smiled. He had business to discuss with her. Did she like his poncho? He saw her eyeing it up. Well, of course...she needed a welcome present.

He also did not realize Gaston was laughing at him. Or with him. But rather, thought the man was so incredibly happy to see Rosalyn again that he was just...being laugh-y! Ahh, young love. "My summer was great! How about.....yours?" he wiggled his eyebrows. Ahem.

PAH! "Eccentric is a word boring people like to use when they feel threatened by more interesting folk," he teased Viktor. "I have plenty of ponchos you could try, if you like, my friend." However, he didn't miss the pass made at Hirsch about love letters. PAHAHAHA. Viktor was so funny! Even if Paul thought him slightly......boring.

"Hello and good evening, Jordan, how are you tonight?" he asked the creatures man. "I still have that little worm problem...and they aren't NORMAL worms, mind you, but of the magical sort. I am normally decently good at identifying WORMS but...it seems to be out of my hands. Milton is close to calling an exterminator..." Even Paul did not condone that sort of behavior at all. It made him.....sad. And he knew a VERY charming woman from the ministry in pest control who would take care of the worms without exterminating them..

Imogen had arrived. "Wow...Imogen..that color looks so stunning on you!" he smiled as he passed her the compliment before she could sit down.

"MISS DENAKER!" he suddenly shouted, more...BOOMED. "How dare you come to this table and not tell me hello! Shame on you!" he joke!fussed, his tone doing its veeeeeery best to be fake!acerbic.

"Thaaaaaaank you Kay!" and that was enough shouting at her. Or shouting in general. Voice box was not happy! "Thank you, thank you, Rosalyn!" he smiled.

Anywho.

Paul's stomach gave a great big RUUUMBLEEEEE!

Hadley stopped mid-stride, cringing in mild embarrassment. Oops. She had been so focused on the gift she was giving Hirsch, she completely missed Professor Myers. Hads cleared her throat and spun on her heels back to the staff table. She hesitated slightly through, eying the herbology professor suspiciously. He couldn't tell that she killed one of her Dad's houseplants by over watering it last month, right?

No. He was herbology, not divination. She was good.

Grinning apologetically, Hadley approached Myers and rested her elbows on the table in front of him, propping her head up in her arms. She let the silence linger just long enough for it to start being a bit awkward, then she flashed a smile. "Sorry, Professor. Your poncho must have blinded me."