It certainly had been quite an eventful summer, an eventful one in the best ways possible, of course. A life changing decision had been made during that course of time, one which Dhruv had never seen themself saying ‘yes’ to. Yet, here they were… and they had no regrets about said decision.

They arrived at the Staff Table a step or two behind Ean and took their assigned seat with an air of someone ready to get to work immediately. Well, not at the moment since this was time for the Sorting Ceremony and the Feast. In any case, they had already been busy in recent days ensuring the Grounds were in excellent shape for all to enjoy. For now, Dhruv would relax.



Sarika had never thought that she would be back at Hogwarts teaching her utmost favourite subject. All that time in India had been quite beneficial to her, all the relationships - professional and of the friendly nature - that she had formed were missed but she had needed the change. And after one year of sabbatical, Hogwarts was exactly what she needed.

“Good evening, one and all!” Sari announced in her husky voice. Her richly golden saree with silver embroidery glittered under her robes. In her wake, her colleagues were bound to catch the light cardamom scent; the perfume she favoured was tinged with it. She now sat gracefully, though with her 5 feet 4 inches frame, she may appear vastly dwarfed in her chair.

This was it. The Start-of-Term feast. Was it weird that the energy and atmosphere in the Great Hall didn’t seem to have changed much since the times she had been sitting at the Hufflepuff Table awaiting a new year? Granted Hogwarts itself had seen some…evolutions that Aurora had noticed in the weeks getting herself settled into the castle, and not just those scars from not-to-distant battle. But the only difference she was feeling tonight was the door she came into the hall and steps she was taking to get up to the staff dais that was now her table.

“Good evening,” she greeted her new colleagues already there with a polite smile, her gold trimmed black robes flowing as she moved. Defense and divination if she wasn’t mistaken. Oh, and charms. At least going by the seats along the table and the alphabetical nature of the subjects. Her own seat completely on the opposite end for transfiguration, the side beginning with Sarika and would now balance with the other with her own additional presence. “An exciting night, hmm…”

Ean was quite content on his arrival back in the Great Hall. His complexion was gradually returning to its natural shade from his fun summer time with the entire family. "Hello, what a splendid evening it is." He smiled and returned the greetings along the way to his seat. He couldn't help but think about how time was flowing as his kids were aging up.

With the sorting ceremony taking place, Ean relaxed in his seat as his eyes watched along with the house table. Perhaps their luck would continue this term?

Surreal didn't begin to describe how it felt to be back at Hogwarts. There were so many memories tied to this place, great and horrific and everything in between. Time had a way of bringing healing and making peace with past tragedies. Spending the last few weeks getting settled and making sure everything was ready for her first year as a professor here had been helpful as well.

And so it was with a smile that Vashti arrived at the table for the Start of Term Feast. "Good evening," she greeted each of her colleagues who had arrived ahead of her. She took her seat and spared a quick glance at the Ravenclaw table to see if she could spot her grandson sitting amongst his housemates, before she turned her focus to the Sorting Ceremony.

If anyone was ready to take on another year of teaching, it was Hady. Her usual warm friendly smile was in place as she made her way across the Great Hall and up onto the Staff Dais. "Good evening everyone, how are you all tonight?" The greeting was meant for those already sat at the long staff table.

"How was everyone's summer?" Surely they all spent time with family and friends enjoying the sunshine. That's what she had done. As much time with her husband and children as possible. Speaking of children... Hadleigh cast a glance once more at the house tables below as she took her own seat. So far no sign on her youngest daughter.



Well this was certainly something new for Casen. Being back here had never once crossed his mind. Especially as a Professor. Until recently. Teaching students the art of Potion brewing wasn't an easy task. Yet here he was, ready to take on the job.

Sure and steady feet led the way directly to the Staff Dias. "Hello everyone, good evening to you all." Case let his gaze travel over some of the familiar faces of the other professors and those he didn't know at all beyond their initial meeting recently. It was nice to know he wasn't the only one just starting off as a Professor this term.

Now where exactly was his seat again? It was down this way, yes? If he recalled things correctly he was meant to sit right... Here. Case settled himself down into his chair, blue eyes scanning over the house tables briefly.

Marion did not JUUUUUUUST float into the Great Hall—goodness gracious HEAVENS, no—she wafted, trailing the usual ghostly silver mist and perhaps even the faint scent of old tea leaves and pressed flowers, as though she’d floated straight out of a certain somewhere and forgotten to close the door behind her. She positively YEARNED for the days of dusting her skin with her favorite fragrances, so all must forgive her and siiiiiiiiiimply accept her wishful thinking on this matter

"Oh, how perfectly sparkly the ceiling is tonight," she murmured to no one in particular as she drifted through the table with an airy 'pardon me, stud muffin ,' as she passed Jordan. She paused her glide, still very much mid-table, with all the poise of someone who used to have a spine and still conducted herself as if she hadn’t noticed it had gone missing. "Good evening, my esteemed and well-pickled colleagues," she said with a sweeping nod to the table, eyeing Ean's lingering tan. "I trust we’ve all recovered from the dreadful plague of dusty classrooms and ungrateful garden gnomes?"

Taking her seat with a flutter of translucent robes and a theatrical sigh, she clasped her hands like a Victorian matron preparing to scold or serenade—difficult to tell which. Turned out to be neither of these things as Marion gave a slightly scandalized gasp in Hady's direction. "Oh dearest, again with the summer chatter? I should hope you’ve thoroughly interrogated everyone during the in-service meetings. Any more pleasantries and we’ll all start sprouting daisies from our ears—which, I assure you, I’d find delightful, as I am sure Marcus would as well." She sighed, dramatically, and reconciled to accepting she was being just a taaaaaaad touchy this evening. "BUT, in case anyone doooooooes need the reminder," Marion continued with a breezy flick of her translucent fingers, "my own summer was—as ever—a touch dreadful. Just me, the drafty corridors of this dear old castle, and a particularly unrelenting Peeves for company." She paused, then brightened visibly. Well, as visibly as much as a ghost could. "Thaaaaaaaaaaaaaankfully, I spent plenty more time with the house-elves in preparation for the exciting changes ahead this term. Hooooooooooonestly, I couldn’t have managed any of it without their brilliance. Tireless, clever little darlings—I DOOOOOO hope you've all thanked them amply this evening for everything they do. If not, there is simply no time like the present!"

A pause. A perfectly placed glance. A modest curtsy of the head to Sarika, a hand flutter of greeting for Aurora and Casen at the opposite end of the table, and a murmur of approval as her gaze passed by Dhruv. Vashti was given a gentle but scrutinizing glance before following the woman's gaze towards the Ravenclaw table. "Your grandson is clearly the tallest one at that table, yes? I’m dreadfully bad with faces at the moment." She would remember them all eventually, of course.

Marion shifted her attention to the Hall at large and eventually her gaze landing on the Hufflepuff table like a parent watching their children try not to stick forks into the candle flames. All so marvelously alive and so achingly familiar. Like watching her own children again, back when their biggest worries were bent spoons and bedtime. Back when, well, NEVER MIND all THAT. She lingered on that feeling—of small hands in hers, of scraped knees and dandelion crowns—and though the ache of loss never truly dulled, it was edged now with a radiant kind of gratitude. To have been given the chance to guide another generation, to shepherd them through their triumphs and tumbles.

"I simply must admit, I’m only miiiiiiiiildly concerned something will catch fire," she said cheerfully, almost proudly. "Let’s make it a night—and a year!—to remember, shall we? Preferably for reasons that don’t require any owls home."

A jovial Wilber strode into the feasting area humming a merry little tune that had literally popped into his head on his way over to the Great Hall. He couldn’t quite place it or indeed, recall where he heard it before yet it didn’t matter. The idea of introducing it at the first orchestral practice of the school year had already come to mind. Surely one of his learned students would recognise it.

Wilber stepped up onto the raised dias. In the process his knees made loud snapping, crackling and popping sounds. “Oh my dears,’’ the old man exclaimed. “I am terribly sorry about that! Time waits for no one when it comes to natural aging. Wouldn’t you agree, Ean? Dhruv?” Whether he was implying that the men were soon to experience such a nuisance in the form of noisy joints, he didn’t let on. It was with a hearty chuckle that Wilber allowed his gaze to travel along the rest of the Table.

“Good evening, my dears! How simply marvelous to have all of you here.” This was an old man’s way of welcoming particularly Aurora, Vashti and Casen. “Hello, Hady! It was quite delightful, thank you for asking. I spent some time taking a few baking lessons. I must say, pastries from Luxembourg are quite delightful.” No, Wilber hadn’t left the country but rather had various countries come to him, so to speak. “I do hope you had an enjoyable summer.” Wilber slipped into his throne-like seat but not after casting Marion a mournful gaze. “I am dearly sorry you summer was somewhat dreadful, Marion.” His eyes twinkled now. “I daresay you had a wonderful time in comparison with the elves, bless their helpful little hearts!’’

What was this about fires? No, no. Marion must be overthinking.

He hadn’t been able to help it.

Entrusted with his new head-of-house responsibilities which had come as a surprise to the man, Marcus was being extra meticulous to do things right. Norman left big shoes to fill in his eyes which had left the herbologist double and triple checking that everything he had wanted in place before the start of the term was ready. As a result, it wasn’t a big surprise to see he was one of the last staffers to arrive at the dais, even Wilber had made it just before him.

“Good evening,” he greeted as he climbed up the couple of stairs to make his way to his seat. His preferred blue robes now deemed entirely fitting as they fluttered with his quick but graceful movements. “Hopefully it hasn’t been too eventful so far,” he absently mused. It wouldn’t do for him to miss keeping an eye on his new charges because he was running later than planned. “Yes…no letters,” he added catching Marion’s remark as he sat down.

--------------------------------------------------

Oh look, more of her colleagues were filling in. “Evening” she greeted both Vashti and Hady with a smile as the younger women joined the table, one on each side. “I am well, though curiously a touch nervous.” Which was odd as it certainly wasn’t her first time teaching of any sort. Just a change in venue. As for the summer…”Busy…” mainly setting up her classroom and making sure both she and Ethan were prepared for the new situation. At least they didn’t live too far away from Hogwarts.

“Good evening,” she said, echoing the greeting of the man who would be her neighbor for the course of the year. The potions master whose seat at the table was next to hers by the placing of P and T in the alphabet. And then there was their ghostly companion which would take getting used to. Granted the house ghosts and other spirits of the castle were ones that she had come across in her schooling, Marion acted like she was just another professor with an extra unique part of her personality. Though Aurora couldn’t help chuckling at some of the remarks being made. “Good evening Marion,” she said, returning the wave.

And there was the esteemed boss. The one fellow staffer that was the closest in age to here. They had actually went to school together in the very same house so it was a blast from the past when she had been hired. Puffs unite. "Thank you Headmaster," Aurora greeted with a smile and nod. "It is quite wonderful to be here."

Jeorge had taken his usual seat at the staff table well before the first boat touched the shore. He wasn’t one for the chatter—especially not tonight. His summer had been spent buried under coils of rubber tubing, a box Playbills that had sorely been requiring reorganizing ever since the Hilarie incident, and several Muggle washing machines that now stood proudly (and questionably) wired into castle plumbing. One had already gone missing for a few hours on the other day, but its placement had been restored swiftly enough. He suspected Peeves had a hand in the theatrics―the poltergeist really could not help itself sometimes.

Now, with students filing in like theatre patrons before a matinee, Jeorge sat mostly still, a notebook open in front of him but unmarked, one knee bouncing under the table in restless rhythm and the conversations around him going in one ear and swiftly out the other without much retention. That is until there was the mention fires—likely in jest, but you never could be sure in this place. "No fires," he said evenly, eyes flicking toward the Slytherin table while he twirled his fountain pen between his fingers. "Not unless you count whatever’s kicking off down there." He scribbled one dry note in the corner of his pad: Slytherin – combustion pending. Strong vocal capabilities. He capped his pen with a faint snap and leaned back in his chair, perfectly content to weather the chaos from a safe, staff-sanctioned distance—though not without casting a sidelong glance toward his Care of Magical Creatures colleague.

They were her snakes to charm, after all.

And great. Thanks, Headmaster Winterbottom. Now he wanted a quetschentaart and a midlife do-over.

Now a much as Hadleigh loves conversing with her fellow staff members, the growing commotion down at the Slytherin table couldn't go unnoticed. While her sight may not have zoned in on whatever it was that was the cause of the yelling and running about, her ears had heard it all. Just as she heard the replies from Marion, their Headmaster's arrival and the others closest to her. Including the words of Jeorge informing her of what she could also see happening.

"I'm so sorry everyone, if you could all please excuse me while I go see what is happening down there..." It was with those words that Hady rose to her feet at the same time as she pushed her chair back. Nothing more was said as she made her way down the steps of the dias and directly towards her young snakes. This was indeed a situation for her to handle.

Not too long after settling in, the colleagues started arriving. Naturally this brought Dhruv out of their thoughts, but it was no bother. It was good to socialise especially since they aimed to continue helping the new staff feel welcomed. “Good evening, Sarika,’’ they replied, chuckling at her enthusiasm and the fact that she was rather sparkly thanks to her wonderful attire. “Good evening, Aurora, Vashti, Casen. Hello, Marcus.”

At Hady’s arrival, Dhruv lifted a hand in greeting, also giving one of his closer friends and colleagues a warm smile. She already knew how well their summer had been so there was no need to regale her with all the excitement and adventures that they had experienced. In any case, he could see her already busily scanning the Slytherin Table for Bryony who seemed yet to arr- oh, never mind. There she was and there was a commotion at the table. But had the sixth year noticed Aurora placing her hands over Aryan’s eyes? Dhruv was slightly nervous for the fourth year’s safety and hoped Hady could, in addition to her mission at the Slytherin table, diffuse any brewing tension with Bry. There should be no figurative fire - or like Jeorge mentioned - whatever was going on there.

Something that did surprise them was the brash way in which Marion spoke to Hady. Perhaps she was still on edge because of her summer, something Dhruv could understand if one was unfortunately stuck with Peeves so often. As Marion’s gaze met his, they gave her a smile, silently conveying the hope that she will at least have a much better school year. “I beg your pardon?” Amused, they addressed the Headmaster. Yes, they had heard those knees popping, but Dhruv was quite sure they were nowhere close to the point of their own joints popping like glow sticks. “That much is true, however, I think I will continue to mark myself safe from being affected by my age for a little longer.” They chuckled to themself.



There was absolutely no denying it! Sarika was feeling very much at home. Yes, it almost felt as though her time as a Hufflepuff had only taken place just the year before. In fact, she was quite having flashbacks of her own Sorting Ceremony, when she had Hatstalled between Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw. Ironically, she had been the only Joshi family member to be placed in Hufflepuff; her brother had been an Eagle, and her niece and nephew were both Ravenclaws. Speaking of… she caught a glimpse of Krittika with her boyfriend’s siblings but Kartick was not yet in sight. Sari didn’t think much about that situation; she was not here to keep tabs on her brother’s children.

Instead, she observed her colleagues with interest. Dhruv and Ean continued to be wholesome as ever though the carried themselves rather professionally when together. Aurora… it was a pity she was all the way at the end of the Table. “It is,’’ Sari agreed. Maybe Casen would be a good conversationalist and keep the Transfiguration professor from being bored. “Hello, Vashti.” The greeting was so enthusiastic, one would think that the two were old friends. Hady received a huge smile before she found herself returning the polite incline of her head to Marion.

Oh, would you look at that! She was seated right beside this grandfather of a Headmaster! “If you experience any pain with those knees, you know where to find me, Headmaster. I just may have the perfect blend of tea that can help with that.” And if that blend didn’t work, then Sarika could easily attempt to custom make another. Given her love for Herbology, Sarika was quite delighted to find herself seated next to the subject’s professor. Perhaps sometime she would pick his brain about plants she had come across in India but not tonight. It was an evening to focus on other happenings. Like the situation happening at the Slytherin table, whatever it was. So, instead she gave Marcus a friendly nod of acknowledgement as she had done with Jeorge earlier.

“I was beginning to think you would miss this evening’s feast, my dear Marcus,’’ Wilber continued conversing with the newest arrival jovially. This was merely a jest as Marcus was a responsible professor and wouldn’t miss any important occasion involving Hogwarts without a valid reason. “Oh, quite welcome, Aurora.” Wilber was so wrapped up with his good natured talks that he almost missed all the excitement down at the Slytherin table. He noticed all the fuss at the precise moment Jeorge mentioned the word ‘fires’. My, my. Whatever could be happening? He trusted that Hady would tell him all about it once she got back.

Jeorge wanted quetschentaart, hmm? That scrumptious fruit tart was actually one which Wilber had in mind to bake for his colleagues as a surprise. About the mid life do over, sadly he could offer no assistance with that. “Ah, Dhruv,’’ the old man said with a slight air of mournfulness. “Count yourself lucky. It certainly has to do with all those physical exercises you put yourself through.” A most remarkable commitment if you asked him. “Tea seems like a much better option for me over exercises. I’ll take you up on that offer, Sarika.”

As the evening steadily progressed, Wilber had had a marvelous time watching the Sorting Ceremony. He felt a great sense of pride each time a first year or transfer student was Sorted and this was not limited to when they were placed in his beloved Hufflepuff House. All too soon it was over which meant the speech was now to be delivered. “Excuse me,’’ he said to his colleagues. “I do believe the time has come for the speech lest we all want to keep our stomach empty for a while longer!’’

The Head moved to stand behind the lectern. “Good evening, young dears,’’ Wilber boomed in a commanding voice. He paused to allow the chatter to die away. “Welcome!” His arms spread wide as though he were about to embrace the entire student body. “Welcome to each of you! This year is bound to be another filled with excitement and lots of knowledge floating around to fill your heads to the brim!’’ Eyes twinkling, he gazed at each House Table then continued. “Please join me in welcoming a host of lovely new faces and personalities as part of our beloved faculty! Professor Jasmine Springer will be taking up the teaching position of Arithmancy and also as Flying Instructor, Professor Sarika Joshi for Divination, Professor Vashti Amstern for History of Magic, Professor Casen Carter will be at the helm of Potions, and Professor Aurora Stone takes over Transfiguration.” There was another pause at which he led the applause for the latest faculty members. “Professor Cole will be leading an exciting new club - Horticultural & Ecological Research Brigade or H. E. R. B. for all you green thumbers and non-green thumbers alike. In addition there are, quite naturally, some changes to the leaders of our extracurriculars so be sure to take a look at your respective notice boards for these exciting updates! A few more important announcements before we move on… this time to the Head of House lineup: Professor Cole will now lead the Eagles, while Professor Burbage, the Badgers.” There was another pause for another round of deserving applause.

“With the aim to promote Muggle inclusivity and hands-on learning, Professor Leroy, backed by the Ministry of Magic has generously donated vintage Muggle washing machines which have now been installed in the Laundry Room. Keep your eyes out for a few extra surprises, also in the form of Muggle creations, placed across the Castle. Do not hesitate to approach Professor Leroy or any of your professors if you need assistance in using these Muggle creations!

“Now for a few reminders before we sink our teeth into the delicious feast that was prepared by our culinary geniuses. Classes commence at 8 AM tomorrow morning. The Forbidden Forest is strictly off limits except under special circumstances and you are escorted by at least one professor. Information about Gobstones sign ups and Quidditch tryouts will be announced shortly by Professors Feirgrund and Springer respectively.”

Wilber beamed once more. “Enough of this old man’s ramblings, it is time to dig into the delicious feast which our elves have prepared.’’ Having concluded his speech, Wilber returned to his seat. Mmm, stew and dumplings!

Seems the Slytherin House was getting super excited for whatever reason and Hady was on it. He would have told her she had nothing to be super sorry for, it didn’t seem too worrisome, but the snake head f house was already gone. His dark eyes flickered to the Ravenclaw table instead to make sure his own charges had become embroiled in the drama as well, relieved that it looked well enough. Catching the nod of acknowledgement Sarika was giving him from the seat beside him as he focused back on his fellow staff, he offered the woman a polite smile and nod of his own to her and Dhruv at the other end as his colleague returned his greeting.

Thankfully Marcus caught the teasing the tone of the headmaster before he feel bad about his lateness. “That would hardly be setting a good example,” he mused with slightly raised eyebrow to echo the older man’s jesting. Not that it wasn’t true. The house would be looking at him now and he needed to be that example. But for now he was settling back into his chair to catch his breath. Before long there was the speech and Marcus listened with attention, clapping when needed. He looked back over to the Ravenclaws as he was introduced as head, inwardly hoping he wasn’t a disappointment.

And then it was over and the feast arrived. Having poured himself a drink, he was about to add a bit of food to his plate before having a second thought. “Excuse me,” he spoke to his neighbors as he pushed back his chair and got to his feet. Time to welcome his new students before tucking into his dinner.

Jasmine Springer did not have the nostalgia that her other new colleagues felt - whether it'd been 15 years or closer to fifty decades. She did however have the excitement of seeing Hogwarts for the first time. Which although she'd been here at the feast on schedule, her brown eyes were gazing in wonder and amazement. She'd of course already met all her new colleagues a couple weeks before, so there was little need for introductions. She'd had a tour of the castle as well.

Large brown orbs followed the creatures professor down to what she knew to be the house of Slytherin, and she curiously wondered what was the fires to be putting out. Forbidden forest? Would students surely attempt to venture into something that had forbidden in the name. Actually judging from the audacity and curiosity of teenagers - perhaps just humans in general - that would be a yes.


"My oh my, this food... looks incredible. Guten appetit, my esteemed colleagues."

She would be back to quiet observations for now, until she warmed up and then they'd be wishing she was her initial quiet self again

"My summer was wonderful," Vashti said in response to Hady's question. She'd spent the majority of her time with her family, which was always ideal for her. There were some quiet moments too in between family get-togethers and setting up for the new term, but for the most part the summer had been quite a busy one.

Her smile was warm in response to Marion's comment. "Not quite, though I imagine Zephyr would like to be." He was presently an average height for a twelve-year-old, but who knew how tall he might grow to be? Perhaps he would be the tallest at the table one day.

Casen, Marcus, Aurora, Dhruv, Sarika, and Jasmine all received a smile from Vashti as they greeted everyone or returned greetings. To Wilbur's welcome, she replied warmly, "Happy to be here." And it was true. She was looking forward to working with all of them and with the students.

Jeorge, she noticed, was quiet and appeared lost in thought, and she was curious about the notebook he had in front of him. Perhaps she would ask him about it later. But then he commented on an incident occurring down at the Slytherin table, and Vashti turned to look as well, catching the sight of a student tripping and the sounds of shouting, though the din of conversations taking place throughout the hall made the words unclear. Hady would be able to take care of it though, she was sure.

Turning her attention again to the Sorting, she noted a few she recognized from St. Woboldo's, including Kayla Calrissian-Carter who had just been sorted into Gryffindor. She clapped, as she did for each announcement the hat made, and as her eyes followed the new Gryffindor to her house table, she caught the wave Kayla sent her way. Vashti smiled and returned the wave.

And soon enough, the Sorting Ceremony came to its conclusion with the final student, and Wilbur stepped up to give his speech. An excellent speech it was, and then the food appeared, looking delightful. With all the excitement of the feast, she'd almost forgotten how hungry she was. But now, she was ready to dig in.