Meeeeerlin was it good to be back. Most might not understand the sentiment of returning to a castle less fancy and....certainly in need of some fixer upping but if they’d had the year he had in France, they’d have taken heaps and rubbles readily. Certainly, Beauxbatons hadn’t been all bad, but....yknow...

A few days surveying the castle to see what needed attention had given him a list to work with, one he mentally went over as he made his way to the dais.

Oh to sit in his own seat again—to have his office back, upstairs. His arena. His classrooms. Was there ever a more relieved Headmaster? Probably not. There was an audible sigh of relief as he sank into the centre seat and he allowed himself to just sink down into in somewhat slumped fashion and relaaaaax.

The students would be here soon and they may bring chaos with them so he’d take what he could get.

It had been sixteen years since his youngest child had graduated from Hogwarts, and a significant amount more since the man now walking through the doors of the Great Hall had graduated himself. Taking a second, just a slight hesitation of a step, he looked around as he walked along the Ravenclaw table. His mind bursting with not only his own history but the stories of his children and grand-children.

As he got closer to the dias, the older man bowed his head slightly in the direction of the Headmaster and gave him a kind, gentle smile. ”Headmaster.” He acknowledged, as he stepped up and moved along to the appropriate chair.

”I hope your day hasn’t been too hectic.” Carwyn knew that it had been busy, but he hoped the man had been able to at least take a minute to appreciate being back at Hogwarts. From what his grandchildren had told him over the Summer, being at Beauxbatons had been … interesting.

Today Finneas was dressed in navy. A nice, subtle ensemble that his girlfriend had picked out for him. She was much better at this errrrr fashion thing. He did, however, get his way with one piece of his ~fit~ and though his waffle socks were not visible, they were very much on his feet. It was waffle Wednesday! He couldn’t not wear them.

Another big improvement from last term?

Seating. Finneas knew his place now and it was ALLLLL the way at one end of the table. Though he still fumbled about as he made his way through the long tables of the Great Hall. And then he went towards the correct side of the table this time around. Ah, to be older and wiser.

He gave the Headmaster an awkward wave and a bob of the head, ”Good evening.” Finneas had more to say, but Malachi made him nervous (more than usual). The nerves made him forget some of the important things, you know? So instead, he took his seat and turned to the new face next to him. New people also made him nervous. He bobbed his head and blinked exactly four times. ”Hello,” with an emphasis on the ‘HEH’.

Was it hot in here or was he just sweatier than usual?

Despite everything (and that was a long list), Piers was glad to be back at Hogwarts. Despite his early French upbringing, the Charms Professor was never more glad to leave that country and fancy, delicate castle and return to this dark, damp one that currently had more dust bunnies than the entire country of France itself. Because, despite everything, it felt like home. And it was theirs and they didn't have to share space with a bunch of other people or sleep in a broom closet.

As he made his way up to the staff table, Piers could tell Trent felt the same way. In fact, it was probably the most content he had ever seen the man.

"Welcome back, eh?" Piers muttered as he passed behind the Headmaster's chair, clapping him on the shoulder a bit as a friendly gesture.

His eyes wandered down the table as he took his seat at the table. He almost didn't recognize Schmoe due to the fact that he was wearing something almost... normal. "Schmoe," he called out, slightly stunned. "You look........... alright." It was almost a question - definitely a surprised statement. That man usually had quite the odd fashion sense. Piers didn't even know "navy" was in the man's vocabulary.

Gabriela felt a wave of nostalgia as she stepped into the Great Hall and headed towards the staff table. Her initial instinct, of course, was to head towards the Slytherin table - but she had returned as a professor, and it was hard to believe that she had her own assigned seat at the head table this time. Flipping her blonde hair over her shoulder, she smiled at the staff members who had already arrived, particularly Trent, and ascended up the steps. "Hello everyone!" she called out happily. There would be time for introductions once she was seated, she was sure.

Oh, look - her seat was almost near the middle of the table! How appropriate. She settled in to her chair and finally exhaled as she looked out at the tables. She was well aware of the troubles the school had faced in previous years - just because she had moved out of England didn't mean word didn't travel far and wide. Additionally, she lived in France permanently, so she'd learned all about the rough troubles they'd faced at Beauxbatons last term. It had only soured her opinion of the French school more - she had been less than impressed when Tucker had attended and was very relived that Emilie had chosen to study at Durmstrang instead.

She took her napkin and daintily folded it over her lap, placing her hands on top as she waited patiently for things to get going. Was the food as good as she had remembered? Oh, she hoped so!

So this was Hogwarts, huh? It was... well, it wasn't dreadful and there was something to be said that his colleagues seemed at ease being here. And it did feel like it had a homely feel. Strangely. It wasn't home, but he could tell that it probably was for many of the students that would be joining them here for the year. Some faces he knew already (a handful of faces amongst he masses, of course) and many completely new. That was semi exciting. Wholly nervewracking. But semi exciting. He was going to miss seeing his kids every other day, but every other weekend during the school year and during school holidays was a perfect agreement to balance out his career path. You know... the teaching path. The actual teaching path that actually meant he was going to be called Professor Rainwater on a daily basis.

Professor Rainwater.

Not Gus. Absolutely not Gurgustius.

Professor. Rainwater.

Shuffling past, and definitely bumping a few seats and people in the process, Gus found his way to his seat and plopped himself down in it. "This is cute. And homely. And cute. My kids would love it." Definitely speaking to himself. Maybe. Or maybe not. He wasn't talking to himself. But if no one answered him or asked to see pictures of his babies then he was talking to himself.

So this was Hogwarts.

Mathys had not known what to expect of the castle and its ground, the accounts of students and the press painting quite starkly different images, but upon his arrival a few days ago had decided that it was not entirely unfortunate. The area that was to be his classroom and accommodations and required a fair bit of effort to get back up to standard and the signs of neglect due to the necessary evacuation were obvious. But, by some grace of the British Ministry's Department for the Control and Regulation of Magical Creatures, all the creatures to have been previously housed at Hogwarts had returned and were well settled in by now.

The Forbidden Forest, however, he was uncertain of and had not yet ventured in to inspect. It was a task he intended to speak to the Groundskeeper about. Thankfully, that man was one of the few among the Hogwarts staff that he, Mathys de Nostredame, tolerated. With a specific topic to discuss, Mathys was pleased that he could be spared a majority of the forced pleasantries of inquiries about how summers went and what there was to be looked forward to during the term.

Stepping into the vacant Great Hall (save for his new colleagues), the man strut forward in his sleek suit that was meant to be a polite homage to Beauxbatons without being disrespectful. He was firm in his decision, but it was not without some reservations. The first to be that somehow himself and that Muggle Studies professor were both donning the same shade of navy blazer.

"Professor Schmoe," he greeted with an almost nod of approval (the man did resemble, to some degree, a roast in the oven from what Mathys would ignore as part of the professor's nervous ticks. "Professors Eris, Rainwater, Recard," he greeted the trio of new staff while walking passed and paused only to offer Headmaster Trent a polite bow from the waist and then ascended the dais to move around the long table and finally took his appropriate seat. His gaze lingered a moment at the great doors, questioning how and when Hogwarts students would make their disheveled entrances, and then turned to the Charms professor. "Professor Fuller-Thompson." Professor FT in his head. "I was wandering eef we could, perhaps, deescuss ze nature of ze Forbidden Forest sometime once ze shenanigans of ze first night have settled and ze House of Slytherin ordair?"

Wearing tailored charcoal grey robes with a fine gold pinstripe, there was a sense of confident ease about Noble as he reached the staff table. "Good evening all," he greeted those already assembled, though his nose wrinkled slightly as he turned to move along the table and take his seat.

...his seat which was now at the end.

In some ways, this was an improvement; there was only one person at his side with which he'd be expected to make small side talk over dinner, and it gave him more space in which he could lay down the newspaper whilst he caught up on the day's sporting events. However, and it was a big however, the person that remained on his right was Schmoe, whose bumbling ways had Beauxbatons had left less than a good impression.

Except...well, things seemed off to a better start this term. For one, the man was in the right seat. And two, he was wearing an outfit that didn't make Noble's eyes immediately want to bleed. A modest navy outfit...who knew such a thing existed in Schmoe's wardrobe?! It was a definite improvement. Suspect, but an improvement.

"Schmoe," Noble said with a nod as he took his seat. And though he had no real desire to see pictures of Gus' children, his words did remind Noble of something. "Gus...might you have some time to chat tomorrow?" He had a project he needed some thoughts on.

The excitement had began to bubble in his stomach and Gus was trying to keep his cool in front of his colleagues and obviously, most importantly, his new boss. BUT that was not to say that the grin on his face didn't get bigger and his feet weren't bouncing excitedly under the table. Truly, truly, his kids would love it here. And now Gus had to start the long process that would be convincing their mother to let them attend school at Hogwarts when they were of the right ages. In time. Because they were all babies right now.

Especially Doyle. He was a real baby.

Gus lifted two fingers to his forehead and saluted those that acknowledged him with a smile. If he engaged in conversation right now it would involve a high pitched voice and he'd probably have to stand and bounce. But he was TRYING to be professional. Professional enough for first impressions with the students, because he could hear the chit chat beginning and oh boy he was THRILLED.

With his attention grabbed by Ignatius, Gus nodded. "Course, course. Before morning classes or after dinner tomorrow?" Just so he could edit his agenda for the day.

To say that Trent was relaxed was a VAST understatement. If the man could melt entirely into his chair and disappear, he would--the fact it was out of some deep seated relief and not embarrassment made the feeling all the more satisfying. Hogwarts. The beautiful...dirty....dusty....grimy....BUT SO WONDERFUL castle.

"Not too hectic, no. Dusty, yes. I reckon you'll have a time and a half with that library." He replied to Eris. Books and dust, in his experience, did not go well together. Add a whole library of them and he was glad he wasn't the librarian.

The faintest satisfied smirk graced his lips at Piers's "welcome". "I've never been happier to be away from silk sheets and soft harp music." But hang on there. Trent eased back into a straighter posture in his seat to glance down the table at Schmoe. Y'know...the man infamous for his fashion choice. Him. "Who dressed you?" Serious question and did he need to hire them to permanently ensure Schmoe showed up places looking presentable?

So stunned was he that he missed Mathys's entrance and visibly jumped out of his skin when the man appeared and bowed. YES, they'd been at the castle a few days already preparing for the students. YES, he knew he hired him. But, in that moment of melting back into the castle he'd forgotten all about the French man and was suddenly accosted by images of Beauxbatons Castle. One look at the man had taken him all the way back and in the back of his mind he could see Desmarais. Good. Sweet. Merlin. To play this sudden fright off, the man cleared his throat and sat even straighter while offering an incline of his head in response. Right. Yes. He was here. He hired him. Yes.

Moooooving on. "Recard. Noble."

Rainwater's statement caught his attention, mostly because this was his son's second year here. "You think they'll like it, then they get here, and they think being from you loins means they're exempt from everything and you see their little adorable face and remember all the diaper changes and wanna give in, then you remember your incharge and not their dad at school which just makes THEM sadder and YOU sad and you spiral into a dark abyss of trying to keep your kid happy but not any happier than the other kids and no less happy." Ahem. "Or, yeah, they could like it." Oh look, the children were here.

"Headmaster," Noble returned Trent's greeting down the table, before turning back to Gus.

"After dinner tomorrow will be fine." Though he wouldn't mind a morning walk to the greenhouses for some fresh air before the first day of classes, he would inevitably get stuck in his office sorting other things. Students asking to switch into OWL or NEWT classes...Kodee Chosen over-enthusiastically coming to tell him about his summer just because...and at least one homesick Badger. Yes, it was best not to plan anything for tomorrow morning.

"Would half seven work for you?" That would still give him time for a post-first-day pint, if he so wished.

Getting comfortable in his chair took less time than Carwyn thought it would, and it took even less time to feel at home overlooking the Great Hall from said chair. Leaning back ever so slightly and linking his fingers in his lap, the Transfiguration Professor smiled at the next man who came to join them at the table, who also happened to sit next to him. “Dust.” He groaned slightly, nodding his head at the Headmaster. There was dust everywhere. He hadn’t even made it to the library yet. Dust-magnet that it was, he knew it was going to be an undertaking. ”I wouldn’t be surprised, but it’ll be clean in no time.

“Good evening, Professor Schmoe.” He didn’t know the man enough to realise how out of place he was in his outfit, but the ex-model could appreciate a good, well cut, put together outfit. “I like the navy.” He told Finneas with a smile.

The next few Professor’s to join them [Professor’s Fuller-Thompson and Suxton] were at the other side of the Headmaster and rather than yelling or being rude Carwyn simply gave them all a smile and a head nod in acknowledgement. He would speak to them after dinner if he had a chance or maybe after classes tomorrow, he was curious about each of the Professors; so far it had been a very busy but companionable few days.

Professor Recard was the next to arrive and since Professor Rainwater’s chair was currently empty, the man gave her an easy smile. “Have you had a productive day? His own had mostly been within the Transfiguration area, he would have a much more intensive job to complete and restore the library. He was more than up for the task however. He’d loved that library when he had been here as a boy, and there was no way it would stay dusty for long in his care.

Ahh, there he was. Carwyn sent another smile in the direction of his left-hand companion. Professor Rainwater. What a fabulous surname. Personally, Carwyn thought it suited him perfectly. At the statement he made as he sat down however, the Great-grandfather laughed softly. “I can’t argue with Professor Trent, though I haven’t had to be that person yet… I’m sure my Grandchildren will have something to say over the course of his term.” He gave anyone listening a chuckling grin.

He already knew that Alis thought this was the end of her Hogwarts career, and even he had to admit her temper tantrums over summer had made him chuckle. Carolina on the other hand, couldn’t seem to wait to be able to see him on a daily basis. Even hiis brother’s grandchildren Yelena and Xolani - who were both coming into their first year - were looking forward to having him within the Castle walls. “Good evening, Professor de Nostredame.” Carwyn said with a smile as the Frenchman walked passed them to his actual seat, before he noted Professor Noble taking his place on his right side. Turning slightly, he gave the Potions Master a smile and a nod. “Good evening, Professor Noble.”

He leant back in his seat as Professor Noble and Gus spoke to each other, happy to watch the students filing in and see how many of his grandchildren would or wouldn’t wave hello.

Yes, this was Hogwarts. In all her marvelous, stony, dark, Scottish glory. Very different compared to Beauxbatons. And so much better.

After chuckling at the Headmaster's words and getting settled in his seat, Piers looked around the hall as the other Professors got settled. The French one, Mathys, was going to be sitting next to him and that was... fine. You know, at least Piers could practice his French if he wanted to.

Piers nodded at the man as he took his seat. Notredame, he called him in his head. He looked up when he started talking to him and listened, nodding slowly. Okay, he wanted to talk about the Forbidden Forest...The nature of the forest, even. "Okay..." Piers said, kind of slowly. Yes, the grounds were his territory, but the forest was a whole 'nother story. Especially after a swarm of boggarts came out of it the last time he was here and terrorized the whole school. But sure yeah, they could talk about it. "You wanna meet me at the Hut tonight once the students are settled?" And once the common room was cleaned up. That was going to take a bit.

It was definitely hot in here because he was sweating. Actually come to think of it, Finneas was always sweating. All worries were absolved! This was NORMAL! Phew, amirightladies? Now that the sweat crisis was over, Finneas picked up his spoon because he had developed a sudden interest in it. Just as he examined its concave center, he heard none other than Mr. Fuller-Thompson.

Finneas gave the Charms Professor an awkward smile. ”Thank you,” this was the best compliment he had ever received from the man. ”You too.” He finger-pointed at him in that way that all the cool kids do. He also smiled at the newest History of Magic Professor AND the newest Herbology Professor. So many new kids on the block this year.

Someone not new? Professor Nostredame. Well he was new. Technically. But not that kind of new. ”Hello! Nice suit!” he called out to the man. They were MATCHING. Did he see? It was so exciting, Finneas was absolutely thrilled. Hello,” he smiled nervously as he looked over at Professor Noble. That man made him n e r v o u s. Someone else who made him nervous? The Headmaster. ”My girlfriend, Alina. She has such a way with style,” he bumbled in response to the man. The question had not bothered him at all, in fact, he was PROUD.

He smiled in thanks to Mr. Eris, deciding that maybe he ought to enlist Alina’s help more often. The blazer was a real hit, it seemed!

His girlfriend. Huh. He’d have to contact her the next time the school was having an event. Could prove useful.

Malachi nodded along as Eris expressed his confidence they would get the place cleaned but half his attention was on Chosen...down there...leaning across the table in a manner that left the man thinking he was up to no good. After the abysmal summer, the man could only hope the boy was simply happy to see his schoolmates and not, in fact, trying to give him more grey hairs so soon.

In any case, he couldn’t worry about the Gryffindor right this second because it was time to give the speech and get the feast under way.

As was his usual, Trent lifted his goblet and knocked at the side with his fork to gain their attention—amplified to be above the general clatter of the Great Hall. Once he was sure he had their attention, he lowered it back to the table.

“Good evening, everyone. Welcome back! For our new students, welcome to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I imagine I speak for everyone when I say it’s good to be back. Just a few things before we enjoy the sumptuous feast the elves have prepared.” Because there were always things to be discussed. “The castle is...in a state. You’ll all more or less get a good eyeful by the time you get back to your common rooms for the night. It’s nothing to be alarmed over and is to be expected with the castle having been essentially abandoned for the year. What it means for us all is that we’ll be doing our fair share of cleaning to help the elves right this place once more. No groans, it’s not up for debate.” And honestly wasn’t worth it. It was just a bit of cleaning up. Not like sharing a castle with the French. Surely they would see it wasn’t as big a deal.

“We have a few new members joining staff. From right to left, Professor De Nostredame will be your Care of Magical Creatures Professor. He’s not entirely new to many of you, but new to Hogwarts so let’s make him feel welcomed. Professor Recard will be your History of Magic Professor and Healer. Should you find yourself in need of bandaging after an il advised stunt, you can find her in the Hospital Wing—let’s keep that to a minimum though, hmm?” Merlin knew there would be other things to contend with. It was Hogwarts, there was always something. Professor Rainwater will instruct you in Herbology and Professor Eris will double as Transfiguration Professor and Librarian.” He thought he was done with that portion of things until he remembered. “Oh! I’m not entirely sure how to say this but Professor Schmoe will take over the role of Ravenclaw Head of House. Good luck, Ravenclaw. Take good care of him.” The man wasn’t incompetent, just...unorthodox and in need of guidance sometimes on things that should’ve been obvious. He’d be fine. They’d be fine.

“Now before I end this speech, I have a few things to keep in mind. There’s a forest on the edge of the school grounds. Most of you know it, the new among you don’t. In our time away from this castle, the title and its implication has not changed. The Forbidden Forest is still quite forbidden. Find yourself in there and if you aren’t subsequently eaten, you will wish you were. Classes begin promptly tomorrow morning at 8. I don’t recommend any of you staying up too late, being tardy is not acceptable. Now then, let’s eat!”

With a clap of his hands, the tables became well stocked with the most succulent of meals; a true feast. Malachi sank back into his seat, ready to enjoy.

Carwyn would be lying if he said that he hadn’t been watching the main door as the second to seventh years filed into the Hall. He wasn’t doing a head count. Nope. Not at all. He smiled to Carolina as she specifically and pointedly sat closer to him than anywhere else on the Ravenclaw table. Chuckling slightly as he saw Dee roll her eyes, but sit down close to her cousin regardless. He gave them both a smile and a little finger wave. He spotted Derren, Aaron, Rhys and Alis at the Slytherin table but none of them were looking in his direction so he looked over to the Hufflepuff table spotting Eve and Ezra there. Behind her and a little further down at the Gryffindor table sat Blake; aww. Bless him, he was looking anxiously for the first years. Probably because his sister would be getting sorted soon.

Sitting back, relaxing slightly now that the only grandchild he hadn’t laid his eyes on was Arwen, he looked sideways to talk to Professor Rainwater. They didn’t have much time until the first years arrived, but he asked him about his children, while they waited.

As the sorting got underway, he clapped along with each and every sorting, trying not to grin all the more when anyone got sorted into Ravenclaw. Derek would tell him that their family was spread over every house and he should definitely not be biased as a Professor. Yes, love. He thought, a smile on his lips as he heard Derek’s voice in his head. A to G through L to T. Ahhhh. He say up slightly straighter as they got ever closer to Arwen’s sorting and he clapped happily as she took her own seat with her new house. Perfect.

His attention was soon pulled to the Headmaster as he made the start of term feast. It felt different, seeing the feast from the man’s side instead of watching it from his house table but he felt proud to be joining the team this year. Ha. A state. Yes. Even with a few days head-start, they would need all hands to help clean up the Castle, but they were all so proud of Hogwarts, he personally didn’t think it would be too big of an ask.

Professor Eris smiled to everyone as he was introduced, giving them a calm wave -- and yes. He saw you Alis. He saw that stoney look and lack of wave back. She was still annoyed with him then… Well, he didn’t know what he expected to happen within the train ride to have changed her opinion so quickly when she hadn’t been impressed all summer.

…. Good luck, Ravenclaw. Um. Carwyn kept the smile on his face, but he had to make himself not look round at Professor Schmoe. Why… did they need a good luck? The man seemed well put together, smartly dressed and had been nothing but polite since they had all sat down. Hmm. Was he missing something? Perhaps. He would make it a point to turn around and speak to him. He was sure the man was filled with many interesting facts. It was one of his favourite things about people; they all knew and liked different things.

OOh food! Grinning, the man took some bread onto his plate as he let the indescribable feeling of Hogwarts seep into his bones.