Laurel made her laugh and she was happy to have set her goblet back down moments earlier. "Well at least I believe my lesson plans are wonderful but who's to really say the students will feel the same way." Each and every student was different, all their reactions to the same thing were very different. This much she had learned last term when one of her lessons was received very well by at least a handful of the class. "Perhaps we can meet up one morning for coffee and discuss our lesson plans? I could really use different perspectives on what I've come up with."

Camilla sighed softly. While the cousin's reply had been what she had hoped to hear the simple way it had been said sounded wrong. Over the last few weeks she had come to notice that Kay didn't seem quite as perky and she was wondering if it were just herself noticing this. Was there something more going on with her uncle, Kaysha's father that she didn't know about? "That's good. Are we still meeting for tea this weekend?" She had mentioned it last time they had been able to sit and talk.

Had she said something wrong or was River purposely not looking at her? It was slightly unnerving really but it wasn't something she would bring attention to at the moment. Perhaps it was the topic at hand? "I'm sure they just don't want you worrying when you have a job here to focus on. Did they at least agree to owl you should anything happen?" Receiving regular owls from them should help ease some of that worry. She herself owled her own parents weekly just to check in on them and her uncle as well. Reaching for her goblet of water and lifting it to her lips, Cami took a sip hiding the small grin on her face. "I might be able to do that." Setting her goblet down and casting a sideways glance his way she replied with a simple, "It's working... however casual works as well." The smirk on her face still remained.

The doors to The Great Hall opened just than. Sitting up and turning the smirk on her face into a bright smile, brown eyes roaming over all the new faces and returning ones.

Aaah, there he was.

Rosalyn had been wondering where Paul had been, but it looked like there was a full house now and someone else for her to chat to. Though he was looking a bit disheveled. Evening, Paul. How are you doing? How is Milton?" Judging by the dirt on his pants, she was assuming that he had been talking to someone using floo powder, and her best bet was that it had been his husband. She smiled at the wink. "Oh, I am. It really IS wonderful to be back. I can't wait to see what term has in store - just so long as it's no monsters. What about you? Excited to meet your new Badgers?" SO many First Years coming in every term and it was amazing.

Cami was always so sweet. "Why thank you. I found this at a new store that I had decided to try out here in Scotland." There had been quite a few lovely outfits, and she had managed to take some home with her though of course she hadn't gone TOO crazy. Rosalyn nodded. "I am very ready to be back. Looking forward to my lessons, both history and the extra curriculars." They should all be a lot of fun. "I am sure that the students are going to love what you have for them this year; Transfiguration was one of my favourite subjects." Haraldur caught her attention, and she sent him a friendly wave and smile. Even though Rosalyn didn't know him very well, he seemed nice enough though of course eccentric. "How are you doing, Haraldur? Ready to teach Flying?" That seemed like a fun subject to work with!

It was hard to keep herself from laughing at the mention of the Sorting Hat talking the Headmistress' ears off, but somehow Rosalyn managed to keep herself composed. Just was a funny image in her head was all, and she had managed to see some of the reality as well. "Well, thank you, Regina." That really was a sweet thing for her to say, and a lot of people had commented that both to her and Gaston. "Did you do anything fun this summer?" For some reason she ALWAYS pictured her boss spending those two months in exotic places working on runes and what not. Now that would be thrilling work even if it wasn't for her. There came the students, and it looked like Kalen had been woken up from whatever he had been daydreaming about. "Well, that's great to hear! Have you been looking at the stars much yet?" One of her favourite things to do while a student at Hogwarts had been stargazing. It always made her feel calm for some reason. It was amazing to think about all the stars and planets that were out there...

Oh! It was nice to hear that Laurel was doing well, though having reoccurring dreams could be strange and bothersome. "Does that happen to you often?" Seemed like a valid question given her friend's gift of sight. "Do you think it could mean something? Or is it just a coincidence?" Divination was NOT Rosalyn's forte. In fact she had done terrible on her exams for that subject. "I've been great! Mostly unpacked, but just putting off doing the last bit. You know how it is? What about you? All settled in and ready for more Snakes coming in?" She could just imagine how happy and proud all of the Heads of Houses were about seeing their students again; Gaston's excitement had been obvious to her for some time.

"Of course you would be invited, River." She had known him for YEARS. Besides, all staff had been invited. "You and Roderik did quite the job with the stag party from what I heard." Men and their craziness. It had been rather funny to hear about. Gaston had had the night of his life and then some. Aah, of course the whole creature parts in potions thing. "Yes, that is QUITE the issue to deal with. Of course on the most part said ingredients are gathered humanely to my knowledge, so it shouldn't be too much of a problem." Then again, she had no idea how many times in a term a student had problems with that kind of thing. Of course Rosalyn completely understood and was actually pleased about it; it was wonderful for people to want to strive for things like equality and creature rights. Nod. Tristan would definitely be helpful to River.

Rosalyn's eyes widened slightly at Kaysha's question as it had been rather unexpected. "No, I am perfectly okay." She was sorry if she had worried her best friend. "I'm just always happy to see you. I thought we could have a bit of a girls day soon. When we aren't busy. You know chatting and everything" Of course Laurel and Cami were more than welcome to join in if they wanted to. With everything that was going on with Kay and her not being her usual self, Rosalyn was REALLY starting to worry about her. Had something happened over the summer? Some heartbreak?

These thoughts in her head, she nodded at what her husband said. Gaston had been excited about his new Lions for some time now. And the returning ones as well, obviously. "Looks like you have a new one to cheer up," she noted. Poor kid seemed to be rather displeased with being placed in Gryffindor. Sadly that happened sometimes, but in the end students usually grew to accept where they had been sorted - more than that in some cases; they grew to LOVE their House and feel a lot of loyalty for it.

Everyone tonight seemed to be in a decent mood, even Regina, which was a miracle in itself. He waved back at Camilla and had a momentary lapse of memory and forgot what subject she taught. Right. TRANSFIGURATION. Duh, Myers.

Harald was his usual jolly self. Jolly wasn't the right word for it, but Paul would have to settle for it as a descriptor. He couldn't think of the perfect word because Haraldur was just that unique, wasn't he? "My summer was...I wouldn't say eventful, but it was fairly busy. Went by too quickly, granted I'm ready to come back." Milton said he was ready for Paul to come back, like, last night because Paul apparently DROVE HIM UP A WALL, but he'd be taking it shortly. "I had one student intern with me in my private greenhouses. Lucy Potts." Did he know her? She was a badger, a fifth year---" Wait, no. "Sixth year." Mhmm. "And then I let another student work for me and my husband's vineyard over the summer. Our slytherin prefect, Oliver." Paul smiled. Two of his favorites. Favorites weren't allowed, though, shush. "How about yours?"

Paul caught the wave Regina sent him and leaaaaaned over Haraldurs spot. "PSSSSST, Regina---" he said quietly, but loud enough to interrupt whatever she was doing. "I need to SPEAK with you--" ahem. "As soon as you can pencil me in," he winked.

Yes yes, hellllllo to you, Kalen. Paul nodded at the man. He remembered his name, finally, which was a feat. He sent a two-fingered wave at Laurel, too, and smiled. River was two seats over, now, and he was feeling much more himself this September evening, Healer Reed. He sent the man a cheerful wave.

STUDENTS WERE COMING. STUDENTS. WERE. COMING. YAS.

ahem.

Kaysha got a wave (he was a waving machine tonight!), and laughed in Gaston's direction. "Oh---I am feeling FINE!" he yelled over to him, since Gaston had asked as Paul had walked by.

Rosalyn looked so happy. Paul smiled. "Congratulations, my dear, on your wedding," he took her hand in both of his. "You look so happy and glowing. I am so happy for you and Gaston." He thought the Charms professor looked quite glowing himself, too. "I am excited to meet my new badgers, of course. I am MORE excited to hear about your summer. I'm sure it was much more exciting than mine." Weddings. Such happy times for the couple. And he couldn't help but wonder if kids were in their future...hmmmm.

Regina was always someone who could be spotted in a crowd but given how deep into his thoughts he was, the man hardly noticed her entering the Great Hall until she had sat down next to him and greeted him. And despite how momentary it was, he felt that slight pressure on his arm and had nothing to say against it. No complaints here. "Regina," he said, shooting her an easy smile, "I guess you could say that. New term means a fresh new start." Was this a positive outlook? "What about you?"

The moment she mentioned the students, Hirsch's eyes, reluctantly, left her face and flew towards the door, instead. "Not all of them look thrilled to be back, do they?" Which was probably normal, given the fact that they were coming back to school and homework, but it was still slightly amusing to see.

Kalen was excited? "You certainly look excited." He didn't miss that small grin on the man's face. "I didn't know you had a background in Astronomy as well." It looked like there was more than one staff member here who was full of surprises. But before he could think about that too much, the Astronomy Professor was now asking him if everything was alright and Hirsch..... paused. It would probably be a good idea to mention something but this wasn't the time or the place. And besides, this was a matter of feelings and that wasn't a topic he delved into a lot. "Everything's okay. Start of term stress, you know?" Lies. "Everything okay with you?"

A smile and a nod was directed towards Kaysha but before he could say much more than, "Good evening", his attention was directed towards another colleague who...... looked happy. A little too happy. Theories flew around his head but, considering the fact that this was a feast, this might not be an appropriate place to confirm his theories. "Good evening, Tristan."

River had the uncanny ability to be able to earn himself a look just by saying a single sentence. "I would still wear the leather jacket even if she gave me a lecture about it." Which was something she did try to do but that wasn't something River needed to know. Not when he knew far too much already, most of which was embarrassing enough as it is. "Why? Have you been talking to her again?" Frankly, he wouldn't be surprised if the man was still trying to find out embarrassing stories about him.

Oh, there was Gaston, who was sitting all the way over there and not beside him. This seating mixup was..... confusing, to say the least. "Hey, Gaston. Congratulations on the wedding, once again." And he was welcome for the amazing stag do that they had thrown for him. "How was the honeymoon? Did you have..... fun?"

The fact that Rosalyn liked the gift that was given to her came as both a surprise and a huge relief, even though she had said this previously. It had just taken a simple trip in Prague to get the gift together but, well, Rosalyn didn't need to know that, did she? "You're welcome. It was nothing, really." Giving something sentimental sounded like a much better idea than some of the other ideas that were thrown around. "Yet?" The man couldn't help but let out a chuckle at that very word. "If you have any complaints, let us know and we'll sort him out." Though, all things considered, Gaston was probably the more sensible one between them.

how was the rest of his holiday? Hirsch..... paused. "It was nice. River and I went to Germany, where he was unfortunate enough to meet my mother, and i had the chance to see my family again. Nice is a good word for it." The news he'd gotten from a distressed family wasn't going to be mentioned. Not yet, anyways. "How was the rest of your holiday?"

Was it just him or did Paul Myers seem a lot..... dustier today? Eyebrows furrowed, he just watched the Hufflepuff Head of House enter and take his usual seat, silently wondering whether this was an accident or another weird fashion statement from the man. "Looking a little dusty there, Paul. Are you okay?"

As eventful as her previous ones? Hirsch wasn't sure what to make of that. Either Camilla had had a great summer, which was becoming a - cough - trend between her and the man she was sitting next to, or it was starting to get a little boring. But, then again, the woman did seem rather happy so.... "Oh really? Well, I'm glad you enjoyed it all the same. Eventful is a good word to describe my holidays as well. There was the stag do," Details were not going to be given, sorry Camilla. "And I stole River for a trip to Germany - sorry about that - but I guess I'm more than ready to start off the new term."

Satisfying.

Haraldur's summer was satisfying. And, what was more, he was flicking one of those feathers that he usually wore.

Er.

"What made it so satisfying?" While he did need to cover his tracks and not reveal anything if the man didn't know, he also really needed to find out exactly how much the man knew. Which, from the sounds of his next question, was an awful lot. The Defence Professor looked even more startled, if possible, and made great work of fiddling with and adjusting his glasses. Just to, you know, stall himself from answering the question that Haraldur was now laughing about.

Merlin.

"Of course! We had to send Gaston off in style, didn't we?" What kind of friends would they be if they hadn't?

Laurel looked happy as well, didn't she? Though, she was usually the cheerful type but it was still nice to see. "Of course it was. But, then again, I bet you knew that before i did." He gave her a knowing look and a wider, slightly cheeky smile before saying, "Are you excited to be back?"

She had tucked in the back of her mind that she needed to make the climb up the Astronomy Tower to see what Kalen had done with the place. She was curious, to see what all he had done that was different than there two former Astronomy professors. Of course, Regina had a good idea of what the man had done, considering the marvelous state the library had been last term. Already she was impressed with him for quickly transporting his entire office up there.

On her way back to her seat, she was temporarily stopped by Laurel. This time the American acknowledged the woman, forgiving her and Haraldur slightly for not sitting in the right seat considering how everything turned out with Roderik being seated on her left side now. A smile was returned to the Divination professor before she replied, "Hello, Laurel. Yes, I did have a good summer. I spent a fair amount of my summer in Cairo again, doing some low-key curse-breaking business and catching up with old friends." Rosalyn heard that too, right? Regina had quickly left to go have a quick chat with Kalen earlier after all.

And she carried on to her own seat the moment the woman mentioned to Rose that she was having a reoccurring dream. Already the headmistress could see where that conversation was going. Dire times were ahead, hmm? All Seers were the same one way or another...

She didn’t expect him to react in any way to her placing a hand on his arm. Regina liked Roderik for that, how he so nonchalant about everything. But the woman could tell that something was off about him tonight. Hopefully the conversation was helping, even just a little for the moment until it was time to leave the hall. "This is true. And I'm looking forward to it. Hopefully it'll be a lot quieter and not as dramatic with certain guests not being here this term." He undoubtedly knew which ones she meant by that.

Then there was Paul Myers trying to capture her attention, which he was, in the end, successful in doing since it was just Roderik’s body, in Haraldur's seat, between them. Normally one of her eyebrows would have rose at the fact that he needed to speak with her, but this time she wasn't caught off by the request. She had gotten used to him and his frequent visits. And he wasn’t wearing his poncho, which meant that he was on her good side so far this term. "Will tomorrow after classes work for you, Paul? My office?" Though they were phrased as questions, the time was really nonnegotiable.

Following the completion of the ceremony, with the last first year to take their seat at one of the four House tables, Regina rose from her chair and made her way around the table for the golden owl podium. This term she wasn't going to waste any time getting that speech of hers out of the way. Not to mention this year's opening speech was going to be short and sweet.

"Welcome to those of you who are brand new to Hogwarts," she began, looking more so toward the front of the tables at the recently sorted. Her gaze then shifted back toward the rest of the students that filled up the rest of the space at each of the four tables. "And welcome back to those of you who are returning for another year. If you all will allow me, I have just a few announcements to give before we enjoy our marvelous feast.

"First, you will notice just a few staff changes this term. Over the summer, our former Astronomy professor, Keiyona Berkovich, and former Potions professor, Ciara Canterbury, resigned, leaving their spots to be filled in. I am pleased to announce that two already familiar faces, for those of you who have returned to us, will be taking their place. Please join me in a round of applause to welcome Professor Kalen Kennedy to Astronomy and Professor River Reed to Potions as they add teaching onto their previous responsibilities at the school."

Regina first gestured toward Kalen at the end of the table to her left and then made a gesture toward River at the other end before joining the crowd in applause.

"Lastly, with Hogwarts not playing host to an inter-school competition this term," -- that was all she was going to say on that matter and deliberately forgot to mention how the Governors were going to be paying numerous visits over the term so they could 'help improve the current state of things' -- "the school's previously scheduled extra-curricular gaming and sporting activities will be coming back full swing this term. So put your game-faces on and get ready for some healthy inter-school competition." Except for Quidditch obviously, considering things there were still under investigation.

"With all of that said, here is to the start of a new term. May it be filled with much learning and growing as well as great memories. Dig in!" she concluded with a clap of her hands Within a matter of seconds, the food and drinks appeared and the headmistress was making her way back to her seat.

Tristin grinned hugely, giving a wink and a wave back to River as he took his seat. Had he moved up? Was he Potions professor now? HOW WAS HE OUT OF THE LOOP? Well...those creatures did keep him pretty busy so it wasn't surprising that he didn't know a lot of things.



Giving her his best smile, he turned to Rose, talking over all the other heads, "Thank you, Rose. You are looking rather lovely tonight as well." He chuckled at that last comment. Straightening his jacket, "I know that's why I wore this. Brings out my eyes." He said with a rather flirty wink and chuckled. Completely normal. Yep. Not dying inside at all....nope.



Tristan grinned as the older gentleman jogged in to the great hall with crazy hair and dusty knees. He must have been talking to his husband. "Evening, Paul." Tristan said with a grin.



Tristan grinned and winked at Cami. She was looking particularly lovely tonight, as were all of the professors. Though it was a special evening. The opening feast was always more important than the closing, at least to him it was; new students arriving and all.



Tristan gave Haraldur a small smile and curt wave, "Evening, Haraldur. Hope your summer was good!" When the older man wasn't looking, he stared at the man's feathers. Wondering........nah! Couldn't be. Honestly he couldn't remember much from the night with the guys. Maybe he did need more nights like that after all. To forget.



What was that look? DID BLOODY EVERYONE KNOW EXCEPT HIM? He sighed a little. All it took was a little walk across the school...or an Owl if he had been too busy. Anyway, "Thank you, Regina. You too! Have a nice evening!" Tristan said with a smile.



Tristan turned to Kalen, raising his left eyebrow, pursing his lips, and crossing his arms. He sighed listening to his best friend. Of course, he was probably extremely busy now that he was not only Librarian but Astronomy Professor as well. That was a lot to take on. "You know...there are these creatures called Owls....," He shook his head and grinned. "It's alright, Karen." He said with an evil grin. Pay back for not telling him. Tristan looked down at his suit. What? Was it too much? Impress....? "Of course not. Just....wanted to wear something new. That's all." Right? At least that was what he thought....then again....she did love him in blue. He sighed hugely, rubbing his face with his hands. "I need a date or something." He said quietly to Kalen.

Speaking of dates...."How did your date with Isley go? or have you not had it yet?" He asked, hoping Kalen had made real plans with her.



Tristan felt eyes boring into him and then heard Laurel's voice. Now he was starting to regret his outfit choice. At least he looked good. He smiled, "Hey Laurel, nah it's not new. Just felt like dressing up a little." He said with a wink. "I had a great summer. Spent time with my family in Wales, then the Wedding of course. I was here the rest of the time, taking care of the animals." He grinned, "How about you?"



Suddenly, Tristan heard his name from the other end of the table, her turned to see River looking at him. "Did you need something, River? Congratulations on the new position, by the way." He said with a grin.



Kay was rather quiet this evening. She seemed...different. Oh, well. It was probably nothing. He gave her a wink and a grin in greeting and went about his business.



Was Gaston ignoring him? He sat down right next to him and hadn't said a word at all. Had he done something? Maybe he was just busy talking to everyone else. Tristan put his best smile on, and patted Gaston on the shoulder. "How are you tonight, Gaston?" He seemed beyond happy, which made Tristan happy not only for Gaston, but more so for Rose.



Tristan grinned over at Roderik. They had had a great time celebrating with Gaston before the wedding. He was really starting to like his colleagues. They were a great bunch. "Evening, Roderik. Hope you're doing well." He said with a grin, noticing the headmistress was standing at the podium. He turned to listen to the lovely woman speak.



Tristan listened to Regina's speech, clapping when appropriate. He was excited for the extra-curricular classes and sports that would be going on this term and couldn't wait for it to get started.

Finally, there was food in front of him, and he couldn't wait to dig in. There was nothing like a Hogwarts opening feast!

Raising her own goblet of cold pumpkin juice to toast with River she smiled. "You're welcome River, you can come by my tower any day after classes are over. We can discuss teaching methods over some tea and food." Or coffee if he preferred. Laurel wasn't against drinking coffee, not at all. She liked it and drank plenty of it, but she liked tea more. She hadn't been teaching for all her adult life, but she enjoyed doing it and prided herself with having some skill for it.



Attention shifting to the muggle studies professor that also was her very, very dear friend Laurel beamed warmly. "Of course Kay, unwinding after the first day of classes in your company, sounds like heaven." It could be her lifeline if things got crazy busy and her snakes tried her patience and temper. Kay's company was something Laurel never tired of and was certain that she never would. They'd be friends for as long as they both lived.



By that time the students had started to pour more and more in to the hall so Laurel's attention shifted between the sorting hat ceremony and what went on down by the Slytherin table. She noted with satisfaction that it seemed like both Vivian and Oliver were doing their prefects duties and the Baron was there too, no doubt scaring some ickles and sulking in general.

It was then that Gaston's voice interrupted her silent observations. Turning her head to the charms professor Laurel nodded "I really did. The wedding reception was lovely and the food was delicious, especially the cake." Taking a sip from her goblet she asked "Did you have a lovely rest of the summer after the wedding was over?"



Giggling Laurel said amused to Cami. "You sound like me every morning when I'm about to start my first Divination lesson of the day. I think my plan for the lessons ahead are wonderful with exciting and interesting future readings, but if the students get on the same train is another story." In that case Transfiguration was probably easier to get jazzed about for the students since transfiguration didn't involve as much guesswork and interpretations. Nodding Laurel said "Sure, I'd like that. Fresh eyes and perspectives on my lesson plans are always welcomed. Let me know which morning would suit best for you."



Letting her eyes wander over to stop on her friend Rose she sighed out and nodded in response "Sometimes, they come and go. It depends on the dreams and what or who they are about. Some dreams can be strange, bothersome or even scary." And not to mention that they deprived Laurel from needed sleep sometimes and also caused her to worry and mull on them. Shrugging she said frustration ebbing into her voice "That's the thing. This time I don't know if it has any real meaning or if it's just a coincidence, but a red hawk has popped up in my recent dreams and I don't like it."

Gladly changing the subject from dreams Laurel beamed "I've been great too! I'm mostly unpacked and settled in. I'm excited, ready and eager to meet the new Snakes coming in and joining the house ranks. I look forward to meeting both returning and new students when I make my visit in the snake den after the feast." She hoped that the snakes would like her surprise.



Blushing Laurel let her arms fall to her sides as she confessed. "Yes, I knew that. Sorry Roderick, but I can't help looking into people's futures. Especially for those I work with and are close to. I shall try and not look into yours if it makes you uneasy?" She wanted them all to be safe and happy. Beaming from ear to ear she said "Yes, I'm very excited to be back. I will be so fun to get to know all the new ickles and see how the returning students summers have been. Are you excited to be back too Roderick?"



Feeling Tristan's eyes on her Laurel turned just in time to hear his voice. "You should dress up more often. You look good in a suit." Not that he didn't look good in whatever he wore just like many of the other men on staff. "I had a wonderful summer too. I was at the wedding, went to Rome for an international Seer Convention, spent time with my family in England, went to a muggle spa with Imogen and had girl's day in DA with Kay, Cami and Rose." All in all a perfect summer. And then she had deliberately left out Alexander.



It felt like she had gotten off the hook when Regina returned her smile and answered her question. It made the small stone lift from her shoulder which Laurel hadn't known was there. "Cairo, I've never visited it. Is Cairo worthy of a visit would you say?" As a tourist obviously. Not for work.

Regina then rose to address the hall and Laurel swallowed any other comment or question she had as she listened in attentive silence to the speech. When the speech was over and the feast had appeared she quickly helped herself to plate of a little of everything before digging into the food.

Gaston laughed a little along with Paul. The yelling caught him off guard a little, though he didn't know why. It looked like he'd be used to the herbology professor's dramatics after three years! "Good to know!" he replied at a considerably quieter volume. He was glad Paul was alright; he'd been a little worried, given his appearance.

Then Laurel was talking about the wedding, and he smiled when she mentioned the food. "Thank you," he said. "I'll be sure to pass your compliments along to the caterer." He knew Mme. Chevallier would be pleased to know her hard work had been appreciated "Oh yes, one of the best summers of my life, as a matter of fact," he answered her question. "I almost didn't want it to end..."

Hirsch's voice caused Gaston's head to whip around, and he peered farther down the table. Well, this was different!
"Thank you... again," he said, smiling, but that smile turned into a laugh when Hirsch asked almost the exact same question Laurel had. "I did. We had a wonderful honeymoon!" That was the only answer he was going to give right now. If he wanted more detail, it would have to wait for a time when they weren't separated by three people at the feast!

Gaston smiled and looked in the other direction as Tristan patted his shoulder. He hadn't wanted to interrupt him while he was talking to Kalen, but now it seemed he was available for conversation. "I'm great, thank you for asking," he replied. "How about you? Everything okay?" He gave him a sympathetic look that was meant to imply that he'd guessed his secret, but he wasn't going to bring it up unless Tristan did.

He nodded at Rose's words, his eyes momentarily straying to the Gryffindor table and yet another disgruntled-looking Lion cub (Thomas). Actually, it looked as if he had more than one to cheer up, but before he could reply, Hawthorne's speech started. He listened politely, applauding in all the right places.
Then the food appeared. Finally! He was starving! But he couldn't dig in just yet. He politely excused himself and made a beeline for the Gryffindor table.
Comfort the ickles now, eat later.