Watching as students step off the train Phoebe Helit stands ready out on the platform dressed in a warm black fur coat over a navy blue formal dress. Beside her at her feet staring with great yellow eyes is her ever faithful cat with fur matching its human’s dress. After all the students are off the train Phoebe takes another quick check over the crowd and places her hands together in front of her, she calls out to address the students. “Hello everyone! Welcome to Hogwarts! First years please stay together and come with me, returning students are to board the carriages,” “Your luggage and pets will be taken to your dormitories to wait for you.” With that Phoebe takes another quick look over the students as the crowd begins separating. She gives a glance to the blue cat beside her who mews once as if understanding and immediately sets off into one of the carriages with a couple of seventh years. A smile stretches over her face and she calls again “Right this way first years!” With that the Professor begins leading the way.

Heading off of the train quickly, Seraphina glances around the crowd, trying to latch onto someone familiar with whom to ride in the carriages. Finding nobody close enough to go with her, she instead steps into the closest one that she can find, ending up with three seventh years, all of whom seem quite familiar and friendly with one another.

Stepping off of the train, Chester quickly makes his way down the platform, intent on the closest carriage he can find. He quickly steps into one, hailing another fourth year Hufflepuff boy to join him as he does so.

(Hufflepuff) Strolling into the Great Hall with Verity on one side and Alice on the other, Constance seems happy and cheerful to be back at school with her comrades. “Ali!” she calls to the now very tall girl, waving as the three of them make their way to the table, sitting in a bit of a clump on either side. “How was your summer, Ali?” she asks, beaming as she ‘absent-mindedly’ fiddles with her shiny Prefect badge.

(Hufflepuff) “Hullo, Constance,” Chester greets the girl casually, perhaps blushing a little bit as he takes a seat sort of nearby. His eyes fall on Verity for perhaps a moment longer than absolutely necessary. Rather than dwelling on the decided reddening of his cheeks, he turns to one of the boys nearby to make a loud and raucous joke, hoping to distract everyone nearby from his moment of slight embarrassment.

(Hufflepuff) Standing tall and proud this year rather than scuffling around with a slouch as in prior years, Ali swiftly makes her way over to the Hufflepuff table after waving to Dara. Laughing brightly she takes a seat at the table and readjusts the pin on her own robes. “Oh boring for the most part except I got this odd little package this summer.” “I guess I’m Mister Ali Chamberlain at long last.” “Old Helit still thinks I’m a male and who am I to complain?”

(Hufflepuff) “He did what?” Constance asks incredulously. “How on earth could he manage that? Didn’t someone notice that we’re both, um… girls?” Constance stares at Ali for a moment, then to the girls around her, a shocked look on her face. “So, he thinks you’re a boy?” She lets out a melodious laugh at this. “I wonder if Professor Prichard will let you keep it. I mean, it’s not your fault our house head is apparently… dim.”

(Hufflepuff) “Well I don’t care one way or the other. I find it hilarious and it threw grandpapa into apoplectic fits. Just seeing his face as I read “Dear Mister Chamberlain” was payment enough.” “It’s not like I look much like a girl anyway, but you’d think a professor who’s had me in his class for two years would know my full name because of the roster sheet.” Laughing, Ali grins with wicked delight.”If it’s taken I’ll have had my laugh and if not then I’ll milk it for all it’s worth with my grandfather.”

(Hufflepuff) Leaning her chin in her hand, Constance leans forward with an amused expression. “Now, come our seventh year, would that mean you’d be up for head girl, or would you be up for head boy? I mean, I doubt this has ever actually happened before.” She pauses. “No, surely we haven’t had teachers that dumb in the past.” She lets out another laugh, and this time Verity and Alice join in. “At least your grandfather got amusement out of it… if nothing else, it was worth the laugh, right.” She pauses and glances around. “Say, is that Dara Quincy with a prefect badge, too? I would have thought that Victoria would have gotten it. I don’t know why.” She waves her hand as if to wave away the thought. “OWLs this year. Are you worried? I’m not yet except for Ancient Runes. It’s so difficult to get good marks in that class!”

(Hufflepuff) “I can help you with Runes if you like! It’s one of the few classes I’m actually good at.” Ali‘s grin flashes into the quickest of smiles before she looks over at Dara. “Yep, saw her on the train with it. It’s kind of weird to think we all made it, but here we are.” Tapping the side of her head in thought the girl thinks on something and finally shrugs. “So long as I get an ‘O’ in Runes and Arithmancy I’m okay but I’d like to get an ‘O’ in Care of Magical Creatures just because of my pride. If I can get those grades then I don’t care about much else. I’ve known that I want to work as either an interpreter or with animals. I do wish they taught languages here.”

(Hufflepuff) “I plan to get a French tutor, and perhaps an Italian one as soon as I leave Hogwarts. After all, if I’m to be a successful painter, I’ll have to travel to France and Italy to study the works of the great artists of time past.” She pauses and grins happily. “Someday, my paintings will be on the walls of every well-to-do home in England, maybe in the world! I only really need a good mark in Magical Art, but I’d like to get good scores in all of my classes. After all, it will look better if I’m well-rounded. People will take me more seriously.” She nods solemnly at this and glances down at the group of raucous boys. “Ugh, so loud. So, will you tutor me for Runes, Ali? I need all the help I can get in that class.” A pause. “I’m sure you’ll do great in those classes. You never seem to have any trouble with the homework like the other students do.”

(Hufflepuff) “When I actually bother with my homework.” Smirking and then fighting a fit of giggles that somehow doesn’t look very dignified on her, Ali smiles. “Granted I do actually work for Runes and the classes I like but yes, of course, I’d be happy to help you!” Glancing at the boys before outright dismissing them, “They’re okay to be with but most of them just have no tact.” “I’m studying Gobbledygook on my own but it’s not the same as with a tutor. I just can’t get the accents down for anything and I know I mess up my pronunciations something fierce. Ah well, maybe in the summer. I’ve been getting French lessons for several years now and I plan on picking up as many others as I possibly can.” “I’d love to be an Ambassador someday or maybe sit on the International Confederation of Wizards like grandpapa did.”

(Hufflepuff) “That’s a very prestigious goal. You’ll let me paint you, of course, if you get that position?” Constance grins. Posturing for notoriety even now – Constance is showing signs that she does resemble her mother and older brother in some ways. “They’re just stupid boys,” she mentions off-hand, rolling her eyes. “Gobbledygook seems really hard to learn. So many nuances to it. I’d much rather learn French and Italian. I’ve asked mum if I could take lessons on summers, but she said I’d best wait until later. I suppose she’s right; it would be better to focus on my courses here.” She sighs a bit. “At any rate, being an ambassador would be so interesting. Think of all of the places that you would get to see! All over the world…”

(Hufflepuff) “That’s why I want to go! I want to travel so badly and see so much. There are so many cultures to learn about and so many languages to consume! I’d love to see how people work magic in Arabia or maybe India or somewhere. Oh, being able to learn Arabic! Now there would be a challenge!” Rarely does Ali get worked up about any sort of learning, but this is apparently her Achilles heel along with whatever weakness she has for animals. “And of course you could paint me if I get that far. Besides, I’ll have to hire someone to do family portraits once I graduate. Grandpapa says I’m to inherit once I’m done with school since he’s so dreadfully old.” It’s a subject she clearly doesn’t want to linger over and so she passes over it lightly. “And once I get married, well I plan on having a huge family! Lots of paintings!” Giggling with delight she grins merrily at Constance.

(Hufflepuff) “India’s not that exciting,” Chester mutters at the chatty girls sitting next to him as he ignores the boys nearby and their bawdy conversation. “It’s just hot and flat, that’s all.” He shrugs vaguely and glances across to the tables that he can see further on. The other tables seem to be as raucous as the Hufflepuff table, which is only slightly reassuring to the boy who keeps attempting not to too obviously make glances at Verity Caldwell.

(Hufflepuff) “As long as you pay me for each one!” Constance tells her with a bit of a wink. “Do you really plan to have a large family? It seems like that would make it difficult to travel. Unless you plan to do that after, of course.” She pauses. “I mean, my mother has managed to maintain her post as Minister for Magic, but that doesn’t involve as much travel as an ambassador would have.” She shrugs a bit. “I wouldn’t know, though. I don’t plan to have family for a good long time. Not until I can get settled into a beautiful home and work primarily from that home. It might take a little while, after all, to get my name known.”

(Hufflepuff) “You can think that if you like, but I’d rather see the jungles and the magic and hear the language. Besides, I heard there are cursed cities there or at least one where if you go after dark all sorts of bad things happen. And there are lots of mountains in India, I’ve seen the maps!” “I just wish I could do more than see maps.” Ali rolls her eyes at the boy but turns back to conversing with Constance. “Besides, they have wonderful food and exotic animals.” “Their clothes are pretty too at least for the girls. I don’t think I’d look very good in a sari though.” Listening she chuckles. “I’m not going to have the kids, oh heck no. I don’t have time for that. I’ll get some nice wife and settle into the estate. If she wants to travel with me that’d be wonderful but I’d still like someone who is more domestic than myself. I’m just not good at being a girl.” Well, if there was any questions last year they’re certainly settled now.

(Hufflepuff) “India sounds very exotic to me. Personally, I would like lusher environs, but I certainly plan to visit. Maybe I could visit you after you go, and then you can show me the lay of the land. I could get in some good painting, too.” Constance grins. She glances only momentarily to Chester, offering him a vague shrug, then turns her attention back to Ali. “Do you suppose people will find it odd, you having, erm, a wife at home? It could make for a small bit of controversy among the old sticks-in-the-mud, after all. Personally, I don’t care either way of course, but people can be so cruel and I would hate to see your career suffer for it!” Constance emphasizes this in the most sincere way she can, using her most sympathetic voice.

(Hufflepuff) “I don’t think anyone would care, we’ve had many people in high positions throughout the centuries who have lead eccentric lives in one form or another. I’ll just be another batty old witch or wizard or whatever and if anyone has an issue they’ll take it up or not.” “I really don’t see it hurting my career at all. It’s not like I want to be a high ranking politician. Besides,” and here Ali grins, “if they do have an issue with it I plan on being so good at what I do that I’ll be indispensable. If that doesn’t work, which I don’t see why it shouldn’t, I can always go about translating old and ancient texts. There’s always work for translators of lore and commissions aren’t so bad in that field.” Chuckling mildly, “Besides, we aren’t muggles. As long as I work hard, I don’t see much issue and those who do have issue will be laughed at by everyone else for being sticks in the mud. Grandpapa’s even come around to the idea and I never thought he would.”

Watching as students step off the train Phoebe Helit stands ready out on the platform dressed in a warm black fur coat over a navy blue formal dress. Beside her at her feet staring with great yellow eyes is her ever faithful cat with fur matching it’s human’s dress. After all the students are off the train Phoebe takes another quick check over the crowd and places her hands together in front of her, she calls out to address the students. “Hello everyone! Welcome to Hogwarts! First years please stay together and come with me, returning students are to board the carriages,” “Your luggage and pets will be taken to your dormitorys to wait for you.” With that Phoebe takes another quick look over the students as the crowd begins separating. She gives a glance to the blue cat beside her who mews once as if understanding and immediatly sets off into one of the carriages with a couple of seventh years. A smile stretches over her face and she calls again “Right this way first years!” With that the Professor begins leading the way.

Heading off of the train quickly, Seraphina glances around the crowd, trying to latch onto someone familiar with whom to ride in the carriages. Finding nobody close enough to go with her, she instead steps into the closest one that she can find, ending up with three seventh years, all of whom seem quite familiar and friendly with one another.

Stepping off of the train, Chester quickly makes his way down the platform, intent on the closest carriage he can find. He quickly steps into one, hailing another fourth year Hufflepuff boy to join him as he does so.

(Hufflepuff) Strolling into the Great Hall with Verity on one side and Alice on the other, Constance seems happy and cheerful to be back at school with her comrades. “Ali!” she calls to the now very tall girl, waving as the three of them make their way to the table, sitting in a bit of a clump on either side. “How was your summer, Ali?” she asks, beaming as she ‘absent-mindedly’ fiddles with her shiny Prefect badge.

(Hufflepuff) “Hullo, Constance,” Chester greets the girl casually, perhaps blushing a little bit as he takes a seat sort of nearby. His eyes fall on Verity for perhaps a moment longer than absolutely necessary. Rather than dwelling on the decided reddening of his cheeks, he turns to one of the boys nearby to make a loud and raucous joke, hoping to distract everyone nearby from his moment of slight embarrassment.

(Hufflepuff) Standing tall and proud this year rather than scuffling around with a slouch as in prior years, Ali swiftly makes her way over to the Hufflepuff table after waving to Dara. Laughing brightly she takes a seat at the table and readjusts the pin on her own robes. “Oh boring for the most part except I got this odd little package this summer.” “I guess I’m Mister Ali Chamberlain at long last.” “Old Helit still thinks I’m a male and who am I to complain?”

(Hufflepuff) “He did what?” Constance asks incredulously. “How on earth could he manage that? Didn’t someone notice that we’re both, um… girls?” Constance stares at Ali for a moment, then to the girls around her, a shocked look on her face. “So, he thinks you’re a boy?” She lets out a melodious laugh at this. “I wonder if Professor Prichard will let you keep it. I mean, it’s not your fault our house head is apparently… dim.”

(Hufflepuff) “Well I don’t care one way or the other. I find it hilarious and it threw grandpapa into apoplectic fits. Just seeing his face as I read “Dear Mister Chamberlain” was payment enough.” “It’s not like I look much like a girl anyway, but you’d think a professor who’s had me in his class for two years would know my full name because of the roster sheet.” Laughing, Ali grins with wicked delight.”If it’s taken I’ll have had my laugh and if not then I’ll milk it for all it’s worth with my grandfather.”

(Hufflepuff) Leaning her chin in her hand, Constance leans forward with an amused expression. “Now, come our seventh year, would that mean you’d be up for head girl, or would you be up for head boy? I mean, I doubt this has ever actually happened before.” She pauses. “No, surely we haven’t had teachers that dumb in the past.” She lets out another laugh, and this time Verity and Alice join in. “At least your grandfather got amusement out of it… if nothing else, it was worth the laugh, right.” She pauses and glances around. “Say, is that Dara Quincy with a prefect badge, too? I would have thought that Victoria would have gotten it. I don’t know why.” She waves her hand as if to wave away the thought. “OWLs this year. Are you worried? I’m not yet except for Ancient Runes. It’s so difficult to get good marks in that class!”

(Hufflepuff) “I can help you with Runes if you like! It’s one of the few classes I’m actually good at.” Ali‘s grin flashes into the quickest of smiles before she looks over at Dara. “Yep, saw her on the train with it. It’s kind of weird to think we all made it, but here we are.” Tapping the side of her head in thought the girl thinks on something and finally shrugs. “So long as I get an ‘O’ in Runes and Arithmancy I’m okay but I’d like to get an ‘O’ in Care of Magical Creatures just because of my pride. If I can get those grades then I don’t care about much else. I’ve known that I want to work as either an interpreter or with animals. I do wish they taught languages here.”

(Hufflepuff) “I plan to get a French tutor, and perhaps an Italian one as soon as I leave Hogwarts. After all, if I’m to be a successful painter, I’ll have to travel to France and Italy to study the works of the great artists of time past.” She pauses and grins happily. “Someday, my paintings will be on the walls of every well-to-do home in England, maybe in the world! I only really need a good mark in Magical Art, but I’d like to get good scores in all of my classes. After all, it will look better if I’m well-rounded. People will take me more seriously.” She nods solemnly at this and glances down at the group of raucous boys. “Ugh, so loud. So, will you tutor me for Runes, Ali? I need all the help I can get in that class.” A pause. “I’m sure you’ll do great in those classes. You never seem to have any trouble with the homework like the other students do.”

(Hufflepuff) “When I actually bother with my homework.” Smirking and then fighting a fit of giggles that somehow doesn’t look very dignified on her, Ali smiles. “Granted I do actually work for Runes and the classes I like but yes, of course, I’d be happy to help you!” Glancing at the boys before outright dismissing them, “They’re okay to be with but most of them just have no tact.” “I’m studying Gobbledygook on my own but it’s not the same as with a tutor. I just can’t get the accents down for anything and I know I mess up my pronunciations something fierce. Ah well, maybe in the summer. I’ve been getting French lessons for several years now and I plan on picking up as many others as I possibly can.” “I’d love to be an Ambassador someday or maybe sit on the International Confederation of Wizards like grandpapa did.”

(Hufflepuff) “That’s a very prestigious goal. You’ll let me paint you, of course, if you get that position?” Constance grins. Posturing for notoriety even now – Constance is showing signs that she does resemble her mother and older brother in some ways. “They’re just stupid boys,” she mentions off-hand, rolling her eyes. “Gobbledygook seems really hard to learn. So many nuances to it. I’d much rather learn French and Italian. I’ve asked mum if I could take lessons on summers, but she said I’d best wait until later. I suppose she’s right; it would be better to focus on my courses here.” She sighs a bit. “At any rate, being an ambassador would be so interesting. Think of all of the places that you would get to see! All over the world…”

(Hufflepuff) “That’s why I want to go! I want to travel so badly and see so much. There are so many cultures to learn about and so many languages to consume! I’d love to see how people work magic in Arabia or maybe India or somewhere. Oh, being able to learn Arabic! Now there would be a challenge!” Rarely does Ali get worked up about any sort of learning, but this is apparently her Achilles heel along with whatever weakness she has for animals. “And of course you could paint me if I get that far. Besides, I’ll have to hire someone to do family portraits once I graduate. Grandpapa says I’m to inherit once I’m done with school since he’s so dreadfully old.” It’s a subject she clearly doesn’t want to linger over and so she passes over it lightly. “And once I get married, well I plan on having a huge family! Lots of paintings!” Giggling with delight she grins merrily at Constance.

(Hufflepuff) “India’s not that exciting,” Chester mutters at the chatty girls sitting next to him as he ignores the boys nearby and their bawdy conversation. “It’s just hot and flat, that’s all.” He shrugs vaguely and glances across to the tables that he can see further on. The other tables seem to be as raucous as the Hufflepuff table, which is only slightly reassuring to the boy who keeps attempting not to too obviously make glances at Verity Caldwell.

(Hufflepuff) “As long as you pay me for each one!” Constance tells her with a bit of a wink. “Do you really plan to have a large family? It seems like that would make it difficult to travel. Unless you plan to do that after, of course.” She pauses. “I mean, my mother has managed to maintain her post as Minister for Magic, but that doesn’t involve as much travel as an ambassador would have.” She shrugs a bit. “I wouldn’t know, though. I don’t plan to have family for a good long time. Not until I can get settled into a beautiful home and work primarily from that home. It might take a little while, after all, to get my name known.”

(Hufflepuff) “You can think that if you like, but I’d rather see the jungles and the magic and hear the language. Besides, I heard there are cursed cities there or at least one where if you go after dark all sorts of bad things happen. And there are lots of mountains in India, I’ve seen the maps!” “I just wish I could do more than see maps.” Ali rolls her eyes at the boy but turns back to conversing with Constance. “Besides, they have wonderful food and exotic animals.” “Their clothes are pretty too at least for the girls. I don’t think I’d look very good in a sari though.” Listening she chuckles. “I’m not going to have the kids, oh heck no. I don’t have time for that. I’ll get some nice wife and settle into the estate. If she wants to travel with me that’d be wonderful but I’d still like someone who is more domestic than myself. I’m just not good at being a girl.” Well, if there was any questions last year they’re certainly settled now.

(Hufflepuff) “India sounds very exotic to me. Personality, I would like lusher environs, but I certainly plan to visit. Maybe I could visit you after you go, and then you can show me the lay of the land. I could get in some good painting, too.” Constance grins. She glances only momentarily to Chester, offering him a vague shrug, then turns her attention back to Ali. “Do you suppose people will find it odd, you having, erm, a wife at home? It could make for a small bit of controversy among the old sticks-in-the-mud, after all. Personally, I don’t care either way of course, but people can be so cruel and I would hate to see your career suffer for it!” Constance emphasizes this in the most sincere way she can, using her most sympathetic voice.

(Hufflepuff) “I don’t think anyone would care, we’ve had many people in high positions throughout the centuries who have lead eccentric lives in one form or another. I’ll just be another batty old witch or wizard or whatever and if anyone has an issue they’ll take it up or not.” “I really don’t see it hurting my career at all. It’s not like I want to be a high ranking politician. Besides,” and here Ali grins, “if they do have an issue with it I plan on being so good at what I do that I’ll be indispensable. If that doesn’t work, which I don’t see why it shouldn’t, I can always go about translating old and ancient texts. There’s always work for translators of lore and commissions aren’t so bad in that field.” Chuckling mildly, “Besides, we aren’t muggles. As long as I work hard, I don’t see much issue and those who do have issue will be laughed at by everyone else for being sticks in the mud. Grandpapa’s even come around to the idea and I never thought he would.”

(Hufflepuff) “I couldn’t see Alice’s dad being okay with something like that. He’s such a humbug, though. You’ve met him, haven’t you? Forever worrying about one trivial thing or another. It’s a wonder how Alice and Alden ended up so normal.” Constance shakes her head and rolls her eyes a bit. “At any rate, whether you’re a translator or an ambassador, you had better commission paintings.” She winks at this. “Make sure you find someone really pretty so it will be fun to paint her.” Constance laughs at this and leans back a little, tucking one of her legs under the other. “Where are those first years? I’m getting really hungry! Alice and I haven’t eaten since lunch – I didn’t want to spoil my appetite for the feast.”

Gerald Rathe stalks into the room, his great fae-silk cloak billowing behind him and almost into the faces of the nearest students. He does not shorten his pace for the shorter-legged children, but keeps his eyes focused on the faculty table ahead, until he reaches it, only then spinning about and clasping his hands behind his back to wait for the students to catch up, watching carefully to prod them into order in front of the Hall.

Once the students are lined up in front of the Hall in some semblance of order, Professor Gerald Rathe ducks out the back door by the faculty table, returning moments later with a stool in one hand, and an old tattered, wide-brimmed hat in the other. The stool he places in front of the gathered students, and the hat is set deftly on top of the stool. Turning to face the first years, he pulls a scroll from his cloak, and addresses them: “First year students, when I call your name, you will step up to the stool, take the Hat, sit on the stool and place the Hat on your head to be sorted.”

At the Professor’s voice, the Hat shivers, splits at the seam, and a mouth forms and begins to sing!

Unfurling his scroll, Gerald reveals that his right hand is swathed in a thick bandage. He glances at the students, and then to scroll, calling out the first name, “Adenlthwaite, Cloisonne!” The girl mentioned moves carefully up to the stool, taking the hat as told and sitting. There is a moment’s silence, and then the Hat calls out, “Gryffindor!” The girl jumps up from the stool, moving quickly to the mentioned table.

Several more names are called in turn, and soon Gerald calls one out, “Garner, Tobias!”

moves on through the list, calling out names in turn, as the students are sorted into their various Houses. Among them, Luella Grey is sorted into Ravenclaw, and Rory Tam is sorted into Gryffindor. When the last student has been sorted, Gerald quickly and neatly packs up the Hat and stool, carring them out from the room without a backward glance. A moment later, he has returned to the Great Hall, and without fanfare takes his place at the faculty table.

Melvina Prichard rises from the faculty table purposefully, lifting her nimble, long-fingered hands in a suggestive way as she beckons the student audience for silence. “Thank you, Gerald. Excuse me, quiet please — yes, that includes you, Miss Smythe.” Her voice is thick and strong but laced with a hint of amusement. A half-grin touches her lips as Melvina looks over her school.

“Greetings, everyone,” Melvina calls, her voice effortlessly stretching across the Great Hall at a comfortable volume. “Welcome to your term nineteen hundred and thirty two! As I’m sure most you of you are now aware, my name is Melvina Prichard and I am the Headmistress of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Though I hope each of you had a wonderful summer, I equally hope you’re prepared to clear away whatever fluff might have grown between your ears and properly further your magical education. That in mind, I’ll press on so we may all fill our bellies and get to a good nights rest. I’ve some beginning of term announcements to make.” Clearing her throat, the Headmistress pulls a pair of spectacles from the breast pocket of her emerald robe and places them neatly on the brige of her nose. With a cassual motion, the Headmistress draws a long, thin wand from her sleeve and gives it a vague flick,

conjuring a tightly-bound scroll in to the air in front of her with a small violet flash.

“All the usual suspects, of course. Our caretaker has asked me to remind you check the updated list of prohibited items and punishable offenses that have been thoughtfully posted in each of your common rooms–” Drawing in a deep breath, the Headmistress takes the floating parchment from the air and begins to unroll it. “Spellwork outside of the classroom, rough play, pranks, hijinxs, dungbombs, Whipple’s Pimple Powder..” Demonstratively, she allows one end of the scroll to slip from her fingers; it clatters to the table, spills over the edge, and rolls across the floor Great Hall between the Gryffindor and Hufflepuff tables until it exhausts itself somewhere near the door of the waiting room across the entrance foyer. Wearing an expression of mock seriousness, Melvina sets her end of the very long list down and vanishes it with a flick of her wand. “As you can see, the list goes on. Be sure to check it.”

After a moment Melvina conjures a smaller sheet of parchment. “Hogwarts tradition demands that I remind each that the Forbidden Forest is out of bounds for all students. As seems to happen every year since antiquity, some of you will most certainly forget that pesky little rule. It just slips out, squeezed away most certainly by the building pressure of knowledge our fine professors work so hard to fill your heads with over the term.” The elderly woman chuckles as she shares a knowing look with a few select members of the student body. “Know then that detention is the minimum punishment for entering the Forbidden Forest without a member of staff or faculty to escort you, and that such acts will usually will result in a substantial loss of house points as well.”

With a small, meaningful glance around and a pause to clear her throat and savor a sip of pumpkin juice, Melvina continues. “Naturally, we ask that you respect and defer to your Prefects. At this time, I’d like to congratulate our new prefects; for Ravenclaw house, Miss Dara Quincy and Mister Edward Innarsal, for Slytherin house, Miss Odaira Wallace and Mister Augustine Malloy, for Gryffindor house Miss Allison Ardua and Mister Luke Marcus, and for Hufflepuff house, Miss Constance Geroff and Mist… Miss Ali Chamberlain. Remember, prefects are selected by their respective Heads of House,” Melvina places a curiously strong emphisis on those last three words. “For exceptional dedication, scholastic merit, and integrity, as well as exemplifying the values their respective houses treasure. Respect and defer to them, as they chose not to bear the weight of responsibility handed to them, but will most assuredly carry out their new-found duties with aplomb.” The Headmistress pauses, looking over the hall for a moment as if to convey a silent message to the crowd before continuing on. “Leading our prefects will be our new Head Boy and Head Girl, Marten Augustine and Helen McPhereson. Mister Augustine and Miss McPhereson, please stand.” She applauds once the two have risen, leading those who care to join her in a round of congratulations.

“Well done, Head Boy, Head Girl,” the Headmistress says, sincerly. “On to faculty. Sadly, I must inform you that Professor Hathaway of our Transfiguration department has choosen to resign, and will be replaced this term by Professor Edward Marconia. I hope you will all join me in welcoming Professor Marconia in to the Hogwarts family.” Again, Melvina applauds, turning toward the new instructor and inclining her head toward him in a respectful manner.

Following a relieved sigh and Melvina finally sets down the parchment and removes her glasses, tucking them back in to her breast pocket. “That said, I have only one more announcement to mention before we start in on the delicious feast I know you’re all patiently waiting to savor. To those of you returning, my love of tradition should be no surprise; thus, I announce once again to you my personal favorite of our many Hogwarts traditions, the annual Barefoot Social. A celebration of the new term, greeting those whom are just joining us, and welcoming home the rest. This dance will semi-formal, open to all years, and include an… outdoor feast.” The too-clever look on her face almost seems to gloat, briefly, as she looks out at her young crowd. Following the precident set by events of year’s past — the ladies will need ask the gentlemen for the honor of an afternoon’s courtship. Naturally, I will be resuming the Student Events Committee, made up of students from all years to help me prepare for the Barefoot Social, Governor’s Ball, and a handful of other special events the faculty has planned for the school year; if you’d like to be on said committee, you may contact me through any of the usual means. Exact details regarding date and time of the Barefoot Social shall follow shortly. Tuck in.” And with small nod and a sly, lingering grin, she slips casually back in to her seat.

(Hufflepuff) “I couldn’t see Alice’s dad being okay with something like that. He’s such a humbug, though. You’ve met him, haven’t you? Forever worrying about one trivial thing or another. It’s a wonder how Alice and Alden ended up so normal.” Constance shakes her head and rolls her eyes a bit. “At any rate, whether you’re a translator or an ambassador, you had better commission paintings.” She winks at this. “Make sure you find someone really pretty so it will be fun to paint her.” Constance laughs at this and leans back a little, tucking one of her legs under the other. “Where are those first years? I’m getting really hungry! Alice and I haven’t eaten since lunch – I didn’t want to spoil my appetite for the feast.”

Gerald Rathe stalks into the room, his great fae-silk cloak billowing behind him and almost into the faces of the nearest students. He does not shorten his pace for the shorter-legged children, but keeps his eyes focused on the faculty table ahead, until he reaches it, only then spinning about and clasping his hands behind his back to wait for the students to catch up, watching carefully to prod them into order in front of the Hall.

Once the students are lined up in front of the Hall in some semblance of order, Professor Gerald Rathe ducks out the back door by the faculty table, returning moments later with a stool in one hand, and an old tattered, wide-brimmed hat in the other. The stool he places in front of the gathered students, and the hat is set deftly on top of the stool. Turning to face the first years, he pulls a scroll from his cloak, and addresses them: “First year students, when I call your name, you will step up to the stool, take the Hat, sit on the stool and place the Hat on your head to be sorted.”

At the Professor’s voice, the Hat shivers, splits at the seam, and a mouth forms and begins to sing!

Unfurling his scroll, Gerald reveals that his right hand is swathed in a thick bandage. He glances at the students, and then to scroll, calling out the first name, “Adenlthwaite, Cloisonne!” The girl mentioned moves carefully up to the stool, taking the hat as told and sitting. There is a moment’s silence, and then the Hat calls out, “Gryffindor!” The girl jumps up from the stool, moving quickly to the mentioned table.

Several more names are called in turn, and soon Gerald calls one out, “Garner, Tobias!”

moves on through the list, calling out names in turn, as the students are sorted into their various Houses. Among them, Luella Grey is sorted into Ravenclaw, and Rory Tam is sorted into Gryffindor. When the last student has been sorted, Gerald quickly and neatly packs up the Hat and stool, carring them out from the room without a backward glance. A moment later, he has returned to the Great Hall, and without fanfare takes his place at the faculty table.

Melvina Prichard rises from the faculty table purposefully, lifting her nimble, long-fingered hands in a suggestive way as she beckons the student audience for silence. “Thank you, Gerald. Excuse me, quiet please — yes, that includes you, Miss Smythe.” Her voice is thick and strong but laced with a hint of amusement. A half-grin touches her lips as Melvina looks over her school.

“Greetings, everyone,” Melvina calls, her voice effortlessly stretching across the Great Hall at a comfortable volume. “Welcome to your term nineteen hundred and thirty two! As I’m sure most you of you are now aware, my name is Melvina Prichard and I am the Headmistress of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Though I hope each of you had a wonderful summer, I equally hope you’re prepared to clear away whatever fluff might have grown between your ears and properly further your magical education. That in mind, I’ll press on so we may all fill our bellies and get to a good nights rest. I’ve some beginning of term announcements to make.” Clearing her throat, the Headmistress pulls a pair of spectacles from the breast pocket of her emerald robe and places them neatly on the brige of her nose. With a cassual motion, the Headmistress draws a long, thin wand from her sleeve and gives it a vague flick, conjuring a tightly-bound scroll in to the air in front of her with a small violet flash.

“All the usual suspects, of course. Our caretaker has asked me to remind you check the updated list of prohibited items and punishable offenses that have been thoughtfully posted in each of your common rooms–” Drawing in a deep breath, the Headmistress takes the floating parchment from the air and begins to unroll it. “Spellwork outside of the classroom, rough play, pranks, hijinxs, dungbombs, Whipple’s Pimple Powder..” Demonstratively, she allows one end of the scroll to slip from her fingers; it clatters to the table, spills over the edge, and rolls across the floor Great Hall between the Gryffindor and Hufflepuff tables until it exhausts itself somewhere near the door of the waiting room across the entrance foyer. Wearing an expression of mock seriousness, Melvina sets her end of the very long list down and vanishes it with a flick of her wand. “As you can see, the list goes on. Be sure to check it.”

After a moment Melvina conjures a smaller sheet of parchment. “Hogwarts tradition demands that I remind each that the Forbidden Forest is out of bounds for all students. As seems to happen every year since antiquity, some of you will most certainly forget that pesky little rule. It just slips out, squeezed away most certainly by the building pressure of knowledge our fine professors work so hard to fill your heads with over the term.” The elderly woman chuckles as she shares a knowing look with a few select members of the student body. “Know then that detention is the minimum punishment for entering the Forbidden Forest without a member of staff or faculty to escort you, and that such acts will usually will result in a substantial loss of house points as well.”

With a small, meaningful glance around and a pause to clear her throat and savor a sip of pumpkin juice, Melvina continues. “Naturally, we ask that you respect and defer to your Prefects. At this time, I’d like to congratulate our new prefects; for Ravenclaw house, Miss Dara Quincy and Mister Edward Innarsal, for Slytherin house, Miss Odaira Wallace and Mister Augustine Malloy, for Gryffindor house Miss Allison Ardua and Mister Luke Marcus, and for Hufflepuff house, Miss Constance Geroff and Mist… Miss Ali Chamberlain. Remember, prefects are selected by their respective Heads of House,” Melvina places a curiously strong emphisis on those last three words. “For exceptional dedication, scholastic merit, and integrity, as well as exemplifying the values their respective houses treasure. Respect and defer to them, as they chose not to bear the weight of responsibility handed to them, but will most assuredly carry out their new-found duties with aplomb.” The Headmistress pauses, looking over the hall for a moment as if to convey a silent message to the crowd before continuing on. “Leading our prefects will be our new Head Boy and Head Girl, Marten Augustine and Helen McPhereson. Mister Augustine and Miss McPhereson, please stand.” She applauds once the two have risen, leading those who care to join her in a round of congratulations.

“Well done, Head Boy, Head Girl,” the Headmistress says, sincerly. “On to faculty. Sadly, I must inform you that Professor Hathaway of our Transfiguration department has choosen to resign, and will be replaced this term by Professor Edward Marconia. I hope you will all join me in welcoming Professor Marconia in to the Hogwarts family.” Again, Melvina applauds, turning toward the new instructor and inclining her head toward him in a respectful manner.

Following a relieved sigh and Melvina finally sets down the parchment and removes her glasses, tucking them back in to her breast pocket. “That said, I have only one more announcement to mention before we start in on the delicious feast I know you’re all patiently waiting to savor. To those of you returning, my love of tradition should be no surprise; thus, I announce once again to you my personal favorite of our many Hogwarts traditions, the annual Barefoot Social. A celebration of the new term, greeting those whom are just joining us, and welcoming home the rest. This dance will semi-formal, open to all years, and include an… outdoor feast.” The too-clever look on her face almost seems to gloat, briefly, as she looks out at her young crowd. Following the precident set by events of year’s past — the ladies will need ask the gentlemen for the honor of an afternoon’s courtship. Naturally, I will be resuming the Student Events Committee, made up of students from all years to help me prepare for the Barefoot Social, Governor’s Ball, and a handful of other special events the faculty has planned for the school year; if you’d like to be on said committee, you may contact me through any of the usual means. Exact details regarding date and time of the Barefoot Social shall follow shortly. Tuck in.” And with small nod and a sly, lingering grin, she slips casually back in to her seat.

Making his way in slowly, Chester finds the first empty compartment that he can manage. He has no idea where his friends have ended up, and he apparently has been unable to find them at all, given the emptiness of the compartment. After getting his trunk sorted out, Chester sits down next to the window, leaning against it lazily. He looks out the window aimlessly as he awaits the inevitable: people joining him.

It had been some time since Alden had last needed to ride the train. A working visit to help a relative build a nursery had taken a bit more of holiday than he’d expected, and riding the train back to Hogsmeade seemed about as expedient a method of getting home as any other. Taking a bit of time to find a relatively quiet, unoccupied compartment he offers Chester a small nod after stepping in and begins the process of hoisting his trunk up in to the racks; a task not made especially easy for his lack of height.

Dolly Faeden drags her trunk along, walking backwards and tugging on the handle. “Hafta talk to Da about getting it lighter next year too, not just bigger on the inside,” she mutters to herself in a thick-as-mud Scottish accent. Now that the trunk is in a compartment, though, she isn’t about to move, no matter who is within. Standing and wiping her brow, she turns to survey who it is that has the pleasure of her company. Something like that. “‘ey, Blake. Any better at that beetle to button business?” inquiries the slightly taller and older teenager(!), as though she hadn’t seen him in class countless times after that incident.

“I think I figured it out,” Chester answers almost sullenly, nodding a hello to Alden as he makes his way in. “It’s not important now anyway because I’m sure we’ll have something harder to do this term that I’ll have to work on for hours. How was your summer D- erm. Dolly.” Chester glances to Alden as he works on getting his trunk up above the seats, but does not offer help. Chester wouldn’t be much help anyhow.

It takes Alden several moments to accomplish the task, and not a little bit of stretching and straining; he manages, however, in due time and takes a seat across from Chester. His gaze turns out the window as he dabs his forehead briefly with the sleeve of his shirt, clearing himself of the evidence of his exertion.

Dolly Faeden forgets about hoisting her trunk anywhere and just slides in in front of an empty seat, leaving barely enough room for her to slide in and keep her legs from knocking everything. “I hope we learn something better this term. D’ya see the Prophet? A new Transfiguration professor, an’ she’s a bird.” Well, sometimes. “Hope we’re set to learn all kinds of things.” She looks over at Alden while she speaks, but doesn’t otherwise prompt him to join in the conversation she’s starting. “Are you gonna go out for Quidditch at’all? Heard Hufflepuff got a new Captain, and all.”

“She’s a bird?” Chester asks, his eyes widening. He glances at Alden, as if to see if the boy knows what Dolly is on about. “I don’t play Quidditch,” he shares quietly. “Don’t like it.” He pauses and leans back, detatching his cheek from the wall finally and sinking back int he seat. “She’s a bird” he asks again, coming back to her first statement. “How can a bird teach us transfiguration?”

Alden‘s expression becomes almost as curious as Chester’s with Dolly’s proclimation that their new Transfiguration professor was somehow an avian. He shifts his gaze from the sliding scenery to the Ravenclaw with a slightly arched brow, but prudently offers not a question or statement that might otherwise announce his ignorance. Instead, he answers the question about Quidditch. “I’m not a strong flier.”

Dolly Faeden raises one eyebrow at Chester as though silently evaluating whether he may be a bit slow, and then says, “She’s not always a bird. Paper said she’s an animagus, and I asked Da’ and he said it means a witch or wizard who can turn into a certain animal at will, that there’s a registry of them, and looked her up and she’s a bird.” He either didn’t share with her any other information or she doesn’t consider it news. The boys both get a cluck at their answers to Quidditch inquiry, but all she replies is, “To each their own, I suppose. I love it, myself.”

“Huh. Oh, I see. Well, I guess that’s better than being taught by an actual bird. I thought animals weren’t allowed to do magic, no matter how sentient.” Chester pauses and shrugs. “We always played football when we were in India… I never really caught on to Quidditch. Seems a lot harder to me. So I’ll stay with football, even though it’s a muggle thingy.” Chester shrugs and trails off, sinking into his seat a bit. “I don’t usually read the newspaper,” he admits.

“Football?” Alden asks, satisfied enough by Dolly’s answer about their new, feathered teacher. “That’s a muggle sport, yes? Where you kick about a small ball and can’t use your hands?”

Dolly Faeden gives a small, “Oh! I’ve seen children in the village at football. Nothing wrong with a muggle sport. I’m taking Muggle Studies this year. Grandfather is right proud.” She passes some time, now, in actual silence. Yes, exciting.

“Yeah, it’s a black and white ball, and you toss it around. It’s fun… lots of running. No brooms.” Chester glances out the window. “Oh, I suppose we should be getting ready to get off the train. It looks like we’re nearly there.” He pauses. “I think I can see Hogwarts.” He stands up rather unceremoniously and without a glance to the other two starts straightening his robes. What is it that makes him uncomfortable about this line of conversation?

“My Ma an’ me live with my Auntie Ester in London. My Ma’s from there. Been here a while, I guess.” Jack answers, making a bit of a face. He wasn’t entirely sure what to think of his experience so far… may this being a wizard bit wasn’t all it was cracked up to be. With Vashti’s shout, Jack turns his gaze to her, arching a brow a bit. “It’s a chocolate frog… they move around. The lady at the store I my Ma bough ‘em at said they were really popular.”

“Shut up, it just surprised me,” snaps Vashti as she opens the box once more, extracting the chocolate and biting off the frog’s legs. That will take care of that.

Looking over the gaggle of students as each disembarks from the train Phoebe Helit straightens clearing her throat before speaking… perhaps a bit louder than is necessary. “All right everyone quiet! I am Professor Helit and it is a pleasure to make your acquaintances. For our new students, let me take this moment to say welcome to our school.” “For those of you returning to us let me say welcome back.” She gives the students a moment to get over there general excitement before moving on. “Now I want all second years and above to board the carriages.” She looks around amongst the crowd a moment before continuing. “All first years gather around me. No, don’t worry, your luggage will be taken to the castle for you.” Phoebe casts a glare at a particularly small student “And no pushing! I want everyone at hand, it wouldn’t do for me to lose any of you.” She stands patiently waiting to see that all the little first years are in order before continuing on.

Looking up, Adelaide hears the summons of the first years, and not wanting to be late, hurries to catch up with the others, her plait and robes gently blowing behind her with the movement as she heads towards the Professor.

Melissa hurries after her cousin after the first years are summoned.

Dolly Faeden tries to keep up a conversation with Chester as they disembark, but soon enough is lost in the crowd. Oh well.

“…isn’t it, then there’s something wrong with the train,” Gilroy concludes as he follows Mariska and Teddy outside, a few chocolate beans trailing after him. As soon as Professor Helit begins to speak, though, Gilroy presses two fingers against his lips, precaution against further unwanted speech. He leaves them in position as he bustles his way into the proper line.

Christopher Hobbs disembarks from the train and peers around into the darkness, gulping nervously at the ominous atmosphere of the platform. Toby, his pet owl, hoots quietly in his cage. As Professor Helit begins to talk, he gulps again and nods at her instructions, wide-eyed but excited for the Sorting ceremony.

Wonderingly glancing around, Adrian is amazed at the surroundings. The fall landscape is amazingly beautiful, colors are EVERYWHERE. Adrian bids goodbye to his former compartment mates, as they enter the carriages. As Professor Helit gives the announcement for the first years, he crowds close, hoping his owl and luggage get back safely. He finds Adelaide and edges closer to her, a bit intimidated by everything.

Mariska Moore bounds off the train, looking around to see where Gil is located. “C’mon,” she gives, again, before stopping to hear the Proffesors words. She quickly settles herself so that she can hear the professor better than before, waiting for further instruction.

Adelaide Adams emit Adelaide shoots her cousin and friend reassuring smiles, “No worries, we’re all in this together!”

Stepping off the train, Chester glances around at all the students, and this time he spots his friends. “Oy!” he calls as he trots up to the other third years and the group of them head into the carriages.

(Hufflepuff) Timothy Rowland waits paitently for something exciting to happen.

(Hufflepuff) Timothy Rowland leans over to talk to Seker while waiting for the first years. “So, is it true what I hear? That you’re a child of Professor Rathe’s?”

(Hufflepuff) Having come only from Hogsmeade, Constance seems a bit subdued in comparison to some of her other classmates, though this doesn’t last long. “Alice! Verity!” she cries happily as she is reunited with the latter, though it would be silly to consider it a reunion between the former and herself, since they both live in Hogsmeade. “I’m so excited for this year. It’s going to be the best year ever.” Which is exactly what Constance says at the start of every new term. “Hi, Alden,” she also greets, and then begins tossing greetings around to the others at the table.

(Hufflepuff) Glancing over to Timothy, Seker draws himself out of his book and is quite shocked indeed to notice that people have arrived. “Oh,” he says, putting down the novel. “Yes, she is my mother,” he confirms. “My sister is here too, over at the Slytherin table”. He motions non-specifically behind him.

(Hufflepuff) Timothy Rowland nods, glancing slightly in the direction that Seker indicated. “That’s neat. How is it having a mother here who is a professor? I couldn’t imagine either my mom or my dad being professors here while I’m a student. Well…not my mom, anyway. My dad would be alright, but not so much my mom.” He smiles.

(Hufflepuff) Shrugging, Seker explains, “It’s not a whole lot different. She isn’t any easier on us because we’re her kids. If anything she’s harder. But it doesn’t make a big difference to me. This is the last year I’ll be taking defence. I’ll be taking the Charms NEWT if all goes well, though, and my grandfather is teaching that. But actually, quite a few of the faculty have children attending here, so I’m not nearly the only one.”

(Hufflepuff) “I would hate to have my mum and dad at school with me, always looking over my shoulder…” Chester pipes in. “Do you think the OWLs are very hard?” he asks the fifth year cautiously. “I had to pick classes and I’m not sure if I should have picked easier ones… I don’t want to fail them or anything.”

(Hufflepuff) Alden nods as to Constance as he sips his pumpkin juice, unaware that he been watching the huge doors of the great hall awaiting her entrance or that the corner of his gaze followed her as she began issuing greetings. “Hello,” he replies to her simply.

(Hufflepuff) Timothy Rowland shrugs ever so slightly. “Really? Oh, I thought it might be really worse.” He frowns but then shakes his head. “My parents both work at the ministry, can’t see them teaching at all. My mom would be the worst too! She’d assign way more homework than any other teacher, I just know it!

(Hufflepuff) “You won’t fail,” Seker replies simply to Chester. “Just work hard.” He pauses, remembering his new authority this year. “Er… I could help you, if you need any… help.” He says this and looks down, back to the cover of his book. Glancing back up to Timothy, he replies incredulously, “More than my mother? I doubt it.”

(Hufflepuff) Timothy Rowland shrugs at Seker. “I’ve never had a class with Professor Rathe. I’m just in second year. She was the Headmistress last year. But I bet near close, if not more! She’s a stickler for study!”

(Hufflepuff) “How was your summer, Alden?” Constance asks congenially, despite that she likely saw him for much of the summer. “How did Briony like working in Diagon Alley? I saw her when my mum took me there to visit a couple of times. She looked like she was having fun, perhaps.” The girl grins to the slightly older boy, shrugging off the OWL discussion. It’s only the first day; she doesn’t need to worry about that surely!

(Hufflepuff) Smirking Seker shrugs once more. “Let’s just say, I’m glad this is my last year of Defence…” he says to Timothy with a wink. “Not that the remaining years at school will be easy… I’ve heard NEWTs are horrible sometimes.”

(Hufflepuff) Timothy Rowland giggles a little. “Well, I guess I’ll see for myself this year eh? I guess I shouldn’t be looking forward to it though.”

(Hufflepuff) “NEWTs are supposed to be the “Nastily Exhausting” ones, right? I’m really not looking forward to those… Maybe I really should see about changing my classes.” Chester seems genuinely concerned about this, seeming to want to do well on his exams, even if it means taking easier classes to do it.

(Hufflepuff) Interested, Seker asks Chester, “Why, which ones did you choose? Really, I’m sure as long as you keep up and stick with everything, you’ll be just fine.”

(Hufflepuff) “I’m taking Magical Art and Divination. I’ve heard some scary things about Professor Kensington’s homework assignments, though. Is it true she’ll assign three feet to write before the very next class? That’s an awful lot to write about such a load of rubbish…” Chester looks quite skeptical. “Which ones do you take?”

(Hufflepuff) “Why did you take divination if you think it’s rubbish?” Seker asks, rather surprised. “I’m taking Wizo-Music and Ancient Runes. So far I like them both quite a lot.”

(Hufflepuff) “It seemed like an easy course when I picked it. I mean, it’s really all guess-work, isn’t it? I’m not so sure now. I heard things about Professor Kensington in the carriage ride over, and now I think I chose wrong.” Chester looks a bit deflated over this. “Is Ancient Runes difficult?”

(Hufflepuff) “Mmm, it’s… not easy, I wouldn’t say… but I haven’t had an overly hard time of it. Just paying attention helps a lot of course. And knowing how you learn. That’s the key I think,” Seker says, looking to the younger student.

(Hufflepuff) “It was alright,” Alden says, taking another sip of his pumpkin juice. He doesn’t feel the need to point out that he’d seen Constance several times over the duration of it, and that it had really only be the last couple of weeks that while he’d been away that they hadn’t a chance to talk. “Productive,” he adds, almost as an afterthought, though a slight note of satisfaction emphisizes the word as he says it. “Yours?”

The southern doors to the Great Hall are flung wide open. They fly outward, ready to crash into the wall, only to stop suddenly just before impact. Through this opening strides Professor Gerald Rathe, with an untidy line of first-year students following behind. Although he travels at what is for him a casual saunter, him long legs still eat up the distance rapidly. Arriving at the front of the room, he is forced to pause for a moment to make sure that the first years catch up, and indicates to them that they should stand in a line behind him.

Christopher Hobbs blinks as he enters the large hall, wide eyes greedily taking in all of the details of the room. A broad but nervous grin stretches across his face as he walks in line after Professor Rathe.

Gilroy Hollister trails Professor Rathe into the Hall, grey eyes making a wide sweep of the faces assembled before being pulled in by the ceiling. He speaks a vague syllable before remembering to stay silent, and instead nudges Mariska and points upward at the artificial night sky.

The heat, light and sound almost bowls Adelaide over, thanks to the long train journey and dark boat ride. As the doors open, she shuffles along with her fellow first years, putting on a face of not a care in the world, even though she knows that everyone in the hall is going to be looking at them. It’s not at all what she expected, but her brother had warned her that the sorting is different for everyone, and as undescribable for each.

Silas follows Professor Rathe into the Great Hall and gapes at the sight. He didn’t know what to expect, but he sure hadn’t expected such an extravagant sight! This was even more impressive than the banquet hall at Vicaris Hall! So many people… watching them get sorted. Silas tries to steel his nerves, but finds such a task hard to do here.

Walking into the great hall with the rest of the unsorted students Tommy‘s eyes immediatly look up to the enchanted roof and the first words out of his mouth are “Wow! Look at that.” And then they move to take in the rest of the hall, wide with wonder and a grin scrawled over his face.

Mariska Moore enters the great hall with the other unsorted students. A quick look around reveals the rest of the student body. With a slight gulp she looks to either side, finding Gilroy to one she grins and remains silent. At Gil’s nuding Mariska looks up, and her eyes widen more than they were before, if that’s possible.

A dark skinned, curly-haired boy of eleven moves along after Gerald with his head held steady and his shoulders squared back. Theodore de Alquimia is nervous, but other than a paleness to his face, it does not show. He moves with the unconcious grace of someone subjected to many ettiquette lessons, and tries to control his urge to look around. Noticing others looking up, however, he chances a peek. And then stands, entranced. A good thing he is already where he needs to be, or he’d be left gawking at the doors while everyone else followed Gerald.

Her eyes widening as she enters the great hall, Seraphina seems to trail a bit momentarily in the entrance. She tugs on the sleeves of her robes, as if doing so will take the nervousness away and she pauses momentarily. Once she realizes that the group is leaving without her up to the front, she trots along, catching up and then stopping at the front once they get there.

(Hufflepuff) “I guess I’ll stay with what I have. I guess the worst that could happen is I don’t get really high marks, right?” Chester sighs and turns to elbow one of his comrades. “Shut up, George,” he mutters and shakes his head. The firsties come in and he watches with interest. It wasn’t very long ago that he was in their shoes. How very different it seemed now, though, sitting here rather than standing there.

Jack Wexler follows the group in, looking at the hall with slightly wide eyes. He’d quite suddenly wished he’d not given his last chocolate frog to Seraphina on the boats, as his hands were fidgeting in his pockets nervously for something to shove in to his mouth.

Following Gerald into the hall beside her cousin, Vashti looks around the room at the already sorted students. She isn’t really nervous per se, but does want desperately to be sorted. It will complete the experience. It will mean she really belongs and her invitation wasn’t sent to her by accident.

Hannah walks into the Great Hall, dazzled by the impressions that are overwhelming her immediately. All those new faces and the magic in the atmosphere. “What a nice place to be.” she thinks for herself. It’s so beautiful. Intimidating, but beautiful.

Gerald Rathe steps off to the back of the Hall briefly, returning with a shabby old hat in one hand, and a stool in the other. He carries the hat gingerly, as if it were very fragile, and places it softly on the stool at the front of the room. This done, he steps back from the hat the front of the first-year students, and watches. The hat sits still on the stool for a moment, and then with a little jerk, a tear across the brim opens wide like a mouth!

(Hufflepuff) “Productivity is healthy, my mum always says,” Constance pipes up, grinning to Alden cheerfully. “Hear the Divination teacher is a right bear, but then, I don’t take Divination. You’ll like Magical Art, though,” she advises. “The teacher is brilliant. I love every second of it.” She pauses as she spots the first years. “Aww, look at them,” she comments, then silences as the hat begins to sing.

Gilroy Hollister watches the Hat intently as it sings, corners of his lips twitching as he takes in each word as if the Hat were a professor in itself. When the words finish, he taps his fingers together in tentative applause, uncertain on whether or not such accolades are meant to follow the Hat’s recitation.

Leaning over to Hannah with her nose wrinkled, Vashti comments in a whisper, “That has to be the oddest thing I’ve ever seen. A singing hat? What’s next?”

“It talked!” Jack yelps in a thick New York accent, his green eyes wide as they dart to the stool where the old, patchy hat was placed. “That hat just talked! Is it supposed to do that?”

Christopher Hobbs blinks, eyes widened yet again with wonder and amusement. He whistles quietly in awe, but says nothing…yet.

Her heart was beating so fast, that Adelaide gripped her cousin’s hand, “Oh my gosh, oh my gosh…”

Adrian Skye blinks, and can do nothing but stare apprehensively at the talking Hat for a few seconds. “Ade…” he whispers. “They’re letting… a… hat… sort?”

Hannah‘s eyes widen as the hat begins to sing. Of course it’s only another magic thing she never heard of before, but that exactly is what impresses her so much right now. “That thing is going to decide in which house we’ll be in? Oh lordy…”

“Don’t your hats talk?” Tommy teases Jack with a grin before looking back over to the hat itself. The little boy looks quite pleased to even be at Hogwarts let alone to have heard the hat’s song.

“This is it, this is it!” Melissa squeezed Adelaide’s hand excitedly.

Gerald Rathe gives the first years a sharp unapproving glance in response to their chatter.

“Sure, why not?” Silas whispers to Jack, “your chocolate frogs jumped, didn’t they? Why shouldn’t enchanted hats talk?” Silas masks his surprise as well as he can, as it’s not every day one encounters a talking hat.

Stepping up, Gerald Rathe produces a long scroll from within his cloak, and unfurls it. Addressing the first years, he says, “After I read your name, you will put on the hat, sit on the stool to be sorted.” Glancing at the list, he absentmindedly cracks his knuckles in his left hand. “Adams, Adelaide!”

After a long, long wait, the big event was finally here, and Adelaide couldn’t have bee

Making his way in slowly, Chester finds the first empty compartment that he can manage. He has no idea where his friends have ended up, and he apparently has been unable to find them at all, given the emptiness of the compartment. After getting his trunk sorted out, Chester sits down next to the window, leaning against it lazily. He looks out the window aimlessly as he awaits the inevitable: people joining him.

It had been some time since Alden had last needed to ride the train. A working visit to help a relative build a nursery had taken a bit more of holiday than he’d expected, and riding the train back to Hogsmeade seemed about as expedient a method of getting home as any other. Taking a bit of time to find a relatively quiet, unoccupied compartment he offers Chester a small nod after stepping in and begins the process of hoisting his trunk up in to the racks; a task not made especially easy for his lack of height.

Dolly Faeden drags her trunk along, walking backwards and tugging on the handle. “Hafta talk to Da about getting it lighter next year too, not just bigger on the inside,” she mutters to herself in a thick-as-mud Scottish accent. Now that the trunk is in a compartment, though, she isn’t about to move, no matter who is within. Standing and wiping her brow, she turns to survey who it is that has the pleasure of her company. Something like that. “‘ey, Blake. Any better at that beetle to button business?” inquiries the slightly taller and older teenager(!), as though she hadn’t seen him in class countless times after that incident.

“I think I figured it out,” Chester answers almost sullenly, nodding a hello to Alden as he makes his way in. “It’s not important now anyway because I’m sure we’ll have something harder to do this term that I’ll have to work on for hours. How was your summer D- erm. Dolly.” Chester glances to Alden as he works on getting his trunk up above the seats, but does not offer help. Chester wouldn’t be much help anyhow.

It takes Alden several moments to accomplish the task, and not a little bit of stretching and straining; he manages, however, in due time and takes a seat across from Chester. His gaze turns out the window as he dabs his forehead briefly with the sleeve of his shirt, clearing himself of the evidence of his exertion.

Dolly Faeden forgets about hoisting her trunk anywhere and just slides in in front of an empty seat, leaving barely enough room for her to slide in and keep her legs from knocking everything. “I hope we learn something better this term. D’ya see the Prophet? A new Transfiguration professor, an’ she’s a bird.” Well, sometimes. “Hope we’re set to learn all kinds of things.” She looks over at Alden while she speaks, but doesn’t otherwise prompt him to join in the conversation she’s starting. “Are you gonna go out for Quidditch at’all? Heard Hufflepuff got a new Captain, and all.”

“She’s a bird?” Chester asks, his eyes widening. He glances at Alden, as if to see if the boy knows what Dolly is on about. “I don’t play Quidditch,” he shares quietly. “Don’t like it.” He pauses and leans back, detatching his cheek from the wall finally and sinking back int he seat. “She’s a bird” he asks again, coming back to her first statement. “How can a bird teach us transfiguration?”

Alden‘s expression becomes almost as curious as Chester’s with Dolly’s proclimation that their new Transfiguration professor was somehow an avian. He shifts his gaze from the sliding scenery to the Ravenclaw with a slightly arched brow, but prudently offers not a question or statement that might otherwise announce his ignorance. Instead, he answers the question about Quidditch. “I’m not a strong flier.”

Dolly Faeden raises one eyebrow at Chester as though silently evaluating whether he may be a bit slow, and then says, “She’s not always a bird. Paper said she’s an animagus, and I asked Da’ and he said it means a witch or wizard who can turn into a certain animal at will, that there’s a registry of them, and looked her up and she’s a bird.” He either didn’t share with her any other information or she doesn’t consider it news. The boys both get a cluck at their answers to Quidditch inquiry, but all she replies is, “To each their own, I suppose. I love it, myself.”

“Huh. Oh, I see. Well, I guess that’s better than being taught by an actual bird. I thought animals weren’t allowed to do magic, no matter how sentient.” Chester pauses and shrugs. “We always played football when we were in India… I never really caught on to Quidditch. Seems a lot harder to me. So I’ll stay with football, even though it’s a muggle thingy.” Chester shrugs and trails off, sinking into his seat a bit. “I don’t usually read the newspaper,” he admits.

“Football?” Alden asks, satisfied enough by Dolly’s answer about their new, feathered teacher. “That’s a muggle sport, yes? Where you kick about a small ball and can’t use your hands?”

Dolly Faeden gives a small, “Oh! I’ve seen children in the village at football. Nothing wrong with a muggle sport. I’m taking Muggle Studies this year. Grandfather is right proud.” She passes some time, now, in actual silence. Yes, exciting.

“Yeah, it’s a black and white ball, and you toss it around. It’s fun… lots of running. No brooms.” Chester glances out the window. “Oh, I suppose we should be getting ready to get off the train. It looks like we’re nearly there.” He pauses. “I think I can see Hogwarts.” He stands up rather unceremoniously and without a glance to the other two starts straightening his robes. What is it that makes him uncomfortable about this line of conversation?

“My Ma an’ me live with my Auntie Ester in London. My Ma’s from there. Been here a while, I guess.” Jack answers, making a bit of a face. He wasn’t entirely sure what to think of his experience so far… may this being a wizard bit wasn’t all it was cracked up to be. With Vashti’s shout, Jack turns his gaze to her, arching a brow a bit. “It’s a chocolate frog… they move around. The lady at the store I my Ma bough ‘em at said they were really popular.”

“Shut up, it just surprised me,” snaps Vashti as she opens the box once more, extracting the chocolate and biting off the frog’s legs. That will take care of that.

Looking over the gaggle of students as each disembarks from the train Phoebe Helit straightens clearing her throat before speaking… perhaps a bit louder than is necessary. “All right everyone quiet! I am Professor Helit and it is a pleasure to make your acquaintances. For our new students, let me take this moment to say welcome to our school.” “For those of you returning to us let me say welcome back.” She gives the students a moment to get over there general excitement before moving on. “Now I want all second years and above to board the carriages.” She looks around amongst the crowd a moment before continuing. “All first years gather around me. No, don’t worry, your luggage will be taken to the castle for you.” Phoebe casts a glare at a particularly small student “And no pushing! I want everyone at hand, it wouldn’t do for me to lose any of you.” She stands patiently waiting to see that all the little first years are in order before continuing on.

Looking up, Adelaide hears the summons of the first years, and not wanting to be late, hurries to catch up with the others, her plait and robes gently blowing behind her with the movement as she heads towards the Professor.

Melissa hurries after her cousin after the first years are summoned.

Dolly Faeden tries to keep up a conversation with Chester as they disembark, but soon enough is lost in the crowd. Oh well.

“…isn’t it, then there’s something wrong with the train,” Gilroy concludes as he follows Mariska and Teddy outside, a few chocolate beans trailing after him. As soon as Professor Helit begins to speak, though, Gilroy presses two fingers against his lips, precaution against further unwanted speech. He leaves them in position as he bustles his way into the proper line.

Christopher Hobbs disembarks from the train and peers around into the darkness, gulping nervously at the ominous atmosphere of the platform. Toby, his pet owl, hoots quietly in his cage. As Professor Helit begins to talk, he gulps again and nods at her instructions, wide-eyed but excited for the Sorting ceremony.

Wonderingly glancing around, Adrian is amazed at the surroundings. The fall landscape is amazingly beautiful, colors are EVERYWHERE. Adrian bids goodbye to his former compartment mates, as they enter the carriages. As Professor Helit gives the announcement for the first years, he crowds close, hoping his owl and luggage get back safely. He finds Adelaide and edges closer to her, a bit intimidated by everything.

Mariska Moore bounds off the train, looking around to see where Gil is located. “C’mon,” she gives, again, before stopping to hear the Proffesors words. She quickly settles herself so that she can hear the professor better than before, waiting for further instruction.

Adelaide Adams emit Adelaide shoots her cousin and friend reassuring smiles, “No worries, we’re all in this together!”

Stepping off the train, Chester glances around at all the students, and this time he spots his friends. “Oy!” he calls as he trots up to the other third years and the group of them head into the carriages.

(Hufflepuff) Timothy Rowland waits paitently for something exciting to happen.

(Hufflepuff) Timothy Rowland leans over to talk to Seker while waiting for the first years. “So, is it true what I hear? That you’re a child of Professor Rathe’s?”

(Hufflepuff) Having come only from Hogsmeade, Constance seems a bit subdued in comparison to some of her other classmates, though this doesn’t last long. “Alice! Verity!” she cries happily as she is reunited with the latter, though it would be silly to consider it a reunion between the former and herself, since they both live in Hogsmeade. “I’m so excited for this year. It’s going to be the best year ever.” Which is exactly what Constance says at the start of every new term. “Hi, Alden,” she also greets, and then begins tossing greetings around to the others at the table.

(Hufflepuff) Glancing over to Timothy, Seker draws himself out of his book and is quite shocked indeed to notice that people have arrived. “Oh,” he says, putting down the novel. “Yes, she is my mother,” he confirms. “My sister is here too, over at the Slytherin table”. He motions non-specifically behind him.

(Hufflepuff) Timothy Rowland nods, glancing slightly in the direction that Seker indicated. “That’s neat. How is it having a mother here who is a professor? I couldn’t imagine either my mom or my dad being professors here while I’m a student. Well…not my mom, anyway. My dad would be alright, but not so much my mom.” He smiles.

(Hufflepuff) Shrugging, Seker explains, “It’s not a whole lot different. She isn’t any easier on us because we’re her kids. If anything she’s harder. But it doesn’t make a big difference to me. This is the last year I’ll be taking defence. I’ll be taking the Charms NEWT if all goes well, though, and my grandfather is teaching that. But actually, quite a few of the faculty have children attending here, so I’m not nearly the only one.”

(Hufflepuff) “I would hate to have my mum and dad at school with me, always looking over my shoulder…” Chester pipes in. “Do you think the OWLs are very hard?” he asks the fifth year cautiously. “I had to pick classes and I’m not sure if I should have picked easier ones… I don’t want to fail them or anything.”

(Hufflepuff) Alden nods as to Constance as he sips his pumpkin juice, unaware that he been watching the huge doors of the great hall awaiting her entrance or that the corner of his gaze followed her as she began issuing greetings. “Hello,” he replies to her simply.

(Hufflepuff) Timothy Rowland shrugs ever so slightly. “Really? Oh, I thought it might be really worse.” He frowns but then shakes his head. “My parents both work at the ministry, can’t see them teaching at all. My mom would be the worst too! She’d assign way more homework than any other teacher, I just know it!

(Hufflepuff) “You won’t fail,” Seker replies simply to Chester. “Just work hard.” He pauses, remembering his new authority this year. “Er… I could help you, if you need any… help.” He says this and looks down, back to the cover of his book. Glancing back up to Timothy, he replies incredulously, “More than my mother? I doubt it.”

(Hufflepuff) Timothy Rowland shrugs at Seker. “I’ve never had a class with Professor Rathe. I’m just in second year. She was the Headmistress last year. But I bet near close, if not more! She’s a stickler for study!”

(Hufflepuff) “How was your summer, Alden?” Constance asks congenially, despite that she likely saw him for much of the summer. “How did Briony like working in Diagon Alley? I saw her when my mum took me there to visit a couple of times. She looked like she was having fun, perhaps.” The girl grins to the slightly older boy, shrugging off the OWL discussion. It’s only the first day; she doesn’t need to worry about that surely!

(Hufflepuff) Smirking Seker shrugs once more. “Let’s just say, I’m glad this is my last year of Defence…” he says to Timothy with a wink. “Not that the remaining years at school will be easy… I’ve heard NEWTs are horrible sometimes.”

(Hufflepuff) Timothy Rowland giggles a little. “Well, I guess I’ll see for myself this year eh? I guess I shouldn’t be looking forward to it though.”

(Hufflepuff) “NEWTs are supposed to be the “Nastily Exhausting” ones, right? I’m really not looking forward to those… Maybe I really should see about changing my classes.” Chester seems genuinely concerned about this, seeming to want to do well on his exams, even if it means taking easier classes to do it.

(Hufflepuff) Interested, Seker asks Chester, “Why, which ones did you choose? Really, I’m sure as long as you keep up and stick with everything, you’ll be just fine.”

(Hufflepuff) “I’m taking Magical Art and Divination. I’ve heard some scary things about Professor Kensington’s homework assignments, though. Is it true she’ll assign three feet to write before the very next class? That’s an awful lot to write about such a load of rubbish…” Chester looks quite skeptical. “Which ones do you take?”

(Hufflepuff) “Why did you take divination if you think it’s rubbish?” Seker asks, rather surprised. “I’m taking Wizo-Music and Ancient Runes. So far I like them both quite a lot.”

(Hufflepuff) “It seemed like an easy course when I picked it. I mean, it’s really all guess-work, isn’t it? I’m not so sure now. I heard things about Professor Kensington in the carriage ride over, and now I think I chose wrong.” Chester looks a bit deflated over this. “Is Ancient Runes difficult?”

(Hufflepuff) “Mmm, it’s… not easy, I wouldn’t say… but I haven’t had an overly hard time of it. Just paying attention helps a lot of course. And knowing how you learn. That’s the key I think,” Seker says, looking to the younger student.

(Hufflepuff) “It was alright,” Alden says, taking another sip of his pumpkin juice. He doesn’t feel the need to point out that he’d seen Constance several times over the duration of it, and that it had really only be the last couple of weeks that while he’d been away that they hadn’t a chance to talk. “Productive,” he adds, almost as an afterthought, though a slight note of satisfaction emphisizes the word as he says it. “Yours?”

The southern doors to the Great Hall are flung wide open. They fly outward, ready to crash into the wall, only to stop suddenly just before impact. Through this opening strides Professor Gerald Rathe, with an untidy line of first-year students following behind. Although he travels at what is for him a casual saunter, him long legs still eat up the distance rapidly. Arriving at the front of the room, he is forced to pause for a moment to make sure that the first years catch up, and indicates to them that they should stand in a line behind him.

Christopher Hobbs blinks as he enters the large hall, wide eyes greedily taking in all of the details of the room. A broad but nervous grin stretches across his face as he walks in line after Professor Rathe.

Gilroy Hollister trails Professor Rathe into the Hall, grey eyes making a wide sweep of the faces assembled before being pulled in by the ceiling. He speaks a vague syllable before remembering to stay silent, and instead nudges Mariska and points upward at the artificial night sky.

The heat, light and sound almost bowls Adelaide over, thanks to the long train journey and dark boat ride. As the doors open, she shuffles along with her fellow first years, putting on a face of not a care in the world, even though she knows that everyone in the hall is going to be looking at them. It’s not at all what she expected, but her brother had warned her that the sorting is different for everyone, and as undescribable for each.

Silas follows Professor Rathe into the Great Hall and gapes at the sight. He didn’t know what to expect, but he sure hadn’t expected such an extravagant sight! This was even more impressive than the banquet hall at Vicaris Hall! So many people… watching them get sorted. Silas tries to steel his nerves, but finds such a task hard to do here.

Walking into the great hall with the rest of the unsorted students Tommy‘s eyes immediatly look up to the enchanted roof and the first words out of his mouth are “Wow! Look at that.” And then they move to take in the rest of the hall, wide with wonder and a grin scrawled over his face.

Mariska Moore enters the great hall with the other unsorted students. A quick look around reveals the rest of the student body. With a slight gulp she looks to either side, finding Gilroy to one she grins and remains silent. At Gil’s nuding Mariska looks up, and her eyes widen more than they were before, if that’s possible.

A dark skinned, curly-haired boy of eleven moves along after Gerald with his head held steady and his shoulders squared back. Theodore de Alquimia is nervous, but other than a paleness to his face, it does not show. He moves with the unconcious grace of someone subjected to many ettiquette lessons, and tries to control his urge to look around. Noticing others looking up, however, he chances a peek. And then stands, entranced. A good thing he is already where he needs to be, or he’d be left gawking at the doors while everyone else followed Gerald.

Her eyes widening as she enters the great hall, Seraphina seems to trail a bit momentarily in the entrance. She tugs on the sleeves of her robes, as if doing so will take the nervousness away and she pauses momentarily. Once she realizes that the group is leaving without her up to the front, she trots along, catching up and then stopping at the front once they get there.

(Hufflepuff) “I guess I’ll stay with what I have. I guess the worst that could happen is I don’t get really high marks, right?” Chester sighs and turns to elbow one of his comrades. “Shut up, George,” he mutters and shakes his head. The firsties come in and he watches with interest. It wasn’t very long ago that he was in their shoes. How very different it seemed now, though, sitting here rather than standing there.

Jack Wexler follows the group in, looking at the hall with slightly wide eyes. He’d quite suddenly wished he’d not given his last chocolate frog to Seraphina on the boats, as his hands were fidgeting in his pockets nervously for something to shove in to his mouth.

Following Gerald into the hall beside her cousin, Vashti looks around the room at the already sorted students. She isn’t really nervous per se, but does want desperately to be sorted. It will complete the experience. It will mean she really belongs and her invitation wasn’t sent to her by accident.

Hannah walks into the Great Hall, dazzled by the impressions that are overwhelming her immediately. All those new faces and the magic in the atmosphere. “What a nice place to be.” she thinks for herself. It’s so beautiful. Intimidating, but beautiful.

Gerald Rathe steps off to the back of the Hall briefly, returning with a shabby old hat in one hand, and a stool in the other. He carries the hat gingerly, as if it were very fragile, and places it softly on the stool at the front of the room. This done, he steps back from the hat the front of the first-year students, and watches. The hat sits still on the stool for a moment, and then with a little jerk, a tear across the brim opens wide like a mouth!

(Hufflepuff) “Productivity is healthy, my mum always says,” Constance pipes up, grinning to Alden cheerfully. “Hear the Divination teacher is a right bear, but then, I don’t take Divination. You’ll like Magical Art, though,” she advises. “The teacher is brilliant. I love every second of it.” She pauses as she spots the first years. “Aww, look at them,” she comments, then silences as the hat begins to sing.

Gilroy Hollister watches the Hat intently as it sings, corners of his lips twitching as he takes in each word as if the Hat were a professor in itself. When the words finish, he taps his fingers together in tentative applause, uncertain on whether or not such accolades are meant to follow the Hat’s recitation.

Leaning over to Hannah with her nose wrinkled, Vashti comments in a whisper, “That has to be the oddest thing I’ve ever seen. A singing hat? What’s next?”

“It talked!” Jack yelps in a thick New York accent, his green eyes wide as they dart to the stool where the old, patchy hat was placed. “That hat just talked! Is it supposed to do that?”

Christopher Hobbs blinks, eyes widened yet again with wonder and amusement. He whistles quietly in awe, but says nothing…yet.

Her heart was beating so fast, that Adelaide gripped her cousin’s hand, “Oh my gosh, oh my gosh…”

Adrian Skye blinks, and can do nothing but stare apprehensively at the talking Hat for a few seconds. “Ade…” he whispers. “They’re letting… a… hat… sort?”

Hannah‘s eyes widen as the hat begins to sing. Of course it’s only another magic thing she never heard of before, but that exactly is what impresses her so much right now. “That thing is going to decide in which house we’ll be in? Oh lordy…”

“Don’t your hats talk?” Tommy teases Jack with a grin before looking back over to the hat itself. The little boy looks quite pleased to even be at Hogwarts let alone to have heard the hat’s song.

“This is it, this is it!” Melissa squeezed Adelaide’s hand excitedly.

Gerald Rathe gives the first years a sharp unapproving glance in response to their chatter.

“Sure, why not?” Silas whispers to Jack, “your chocolate frogs jumped, didn’t they? Why shouldn’t enchanted hats talk?” Silas masks his surprise as well as he can, as it’s not every day one encounters a talking hat.

Stepping up, Gerald Rathe produces a long scroll from within his cloak, and unfurls it. Addressing the first years, he says, “After I read your name, you will put on the hat, sit on the stool to be sorted.” Glancing at the list, he absentmindedly cracks his knuckles in his left hand. “Adams, Adelaide!”

After a long, long wait, the big event was finally here, and Adelaide couldn’t have been more petrified if she tried. Not that she showed it. Inside she was sure her stomach was going to shake all the way down to her feet, and she could barely speak for fear of squeaking with excitement and looking ridiculous. Then, her heart shot up to her throat as she heard the unmistakeable call of her name. With a little mental nudge she walked up to the stool, sitting down on it, hat on head, and shooting everyone who was watching her one of the hugest smiles, because for the next seven years, Hogwarts would be her home.

That was fair point, actually, that Silas had made. Jack couldn’t deny it. Still, he’d have felt better about the whole thing if he could chew on something.

“Thank you.” Adelaide murmurs as her house is called, and her small form darts off the stool, all but flying towards them all, with a cheerful little wave, having regained all of her energy and excitement. “Looks like you’re stuck with me.” She quips.

Gerald Rathe continues to read down the list, as the Sorting continues. Atwell, Otto gets sorted into Ravenclaw, and after that, Barclay, Kieran goes to Hufflepuff. Looking back to the line of students, Professor Rathe calls on “Brooke, Melissa!”

Upon hearing her name being called, Melissa steps out of the crowd of first years. A huge smile is displayed on her face as she looks around. She is aware of the people watching her, and this makes her slightly nervous. The nervousness is hidden by the excitement she feels. She walks forward to the stool in her usual frolic way, her hair flowing behind her, and she sits down and puts on the hat, excitedly. This is it. The moment.

Andrew Cartwright cheers loudly!

The sorting hat shouts her house and Melissa gets up, happily running to her table, nearly tripping as she hurries down the steps. She manages to keep her balance and simply grins as she sits down with her fellow housemates.

Gerald Rathe continues reading down the list of names, as Elladora Burke is sorted into Ravenclaw, and Ryskim Calborn becomes a Slytherin. Professor Rathe frowns and pauses momentarily before calling, “Darian, Tommy!”

When his name is called Tommy hurries to take the hat and sit himself upon the stool his face alight with pride that he’s finally made it to the school. Placing the hat on his head it sinks over his eyes and ears looking quite comical. His hands fold into his lap neatly and his body shakes in anticipation of what will come next as he waits patiently.

Hopping from the barstool and removing the hat Tommy excitedly runs to join the Slytherin table nearly tripping in the progress. He happily takes his seat amongst them cheering with the other first years he knew who made it there as well.

Gerald Rathe silently watches Tommy take his seat with the Slytherin, and then looks back to his list. He calls on, “de Alquimia, Teddy!”

Teddy de Alquimia has been paying attention to the names called out, but hearing his own is still a surprise. Practiced grace masks his nervousness as he moves up to the stool, and he places the hat upon his head with a tenative smile to the line of Professors at their table. Though the Sorting Hat does not engulf his head, the brim is wide, and those close enough can only see the boy’s mouth pressing together thoughtfully as his time with the Hat progresses.

Jack Wexler watches quietly as first year after first year approaches the stool and the brown, heavily patched felt hat that sits on top it. His initial shock has subsided, replaced by a certain curiousity as he notes that several of his would-be classmates have been subjected to the cap and come away safely.

Teddy de Alquimia looks more nervous than ever as he removes the Hat and returns it to the stool. With a slight bow–yes, really–at Gerald, he moves out of the way of the next person to be Sorted and toward the appropriate table. Well, here’s hoping it’s the appropriate table. What was that order again?

Shaking his head after Teddy, Gerald Rathe goes back to the task at hand. After the hat sorts Kaiah DeFuenta into Hufflepuff, Gerald continues down the list to call on “Forsyth, Hannah!”

Hannah Forsyth winces, as she gets taken by surprise hearing her name resounding in the vast hall and feeling all the school’s eyes fixed on her. Vashti was in her vicinity all the time during the trip, but now she has to take those last steps alone. What if she ends up alone in one of the four houses, apart from her cousins? “Think positive…” she mutters under her breath, clutching her left arm with her right hand and takes a first step towards the chair. Hesitating for a moment, she looks back to Vashti and Jezebel a last time before marching straight to the front and picking up the Sorting Hat. Hannah turns around, flops onto the stool and puts on the hat harshly, waiting for something to happen.

Hannah slowly gets up, putting the hat back to its original place on the stool, then leaps towards the Gryffindor table as relief overcomes her. “Hey, I made it!” she greets her new housemates and sits down. Now it’s only about her cousins following her to Gryffindor.

Gerald Rathe reads on, his voice becoming patterned and rhythmic with the repetitious nature of his task. He calls on “Greer, Sophie,” who is sorted into Gryffindor, and then comes to “Hobbs, Christopher!”

Christopher Hobbs jumps nervously as the odd hat ominously calls out his name, and nods reassuringly to himself as he walks slowly forward to the front of the room, his steps upon the slate floor echoing in the ensuing silence. His heart beats so strongly in his chest that he idly wonders if others can hear it themselves. Taking a deep breath to calm his nerves, he gingerly places the old hat upon his head and sits slowly down upon the stool. His eyes rotate to stare directly at the hat itself as if worried he might hurt it–or vice versa.

Next, Gerald Rathe recites “Hollister, Gilroy!”

For all his quivering excitement from the train ride through the current scene in the Great Hall, Gilroy Hollister grows briefly still at the call of his name. He squares his shoulders and stretches his arms out before him. Then, with slow deliberate steps and twitchy anxious fingers, Gilroy treads to the front of everyone’s attention, and after one wide eyed look back at everyone, he carefully sits on the stool, lifts the Hat, and looks inside before placing it on his head.

Christopher Hobbs exhales forcefully, surprising himself; he didn’t realize that he had been holding his breath the whole time. He stands up from the stool after removing the Sorting Hat, a wave of joy passing over him. He offers a wave to his fellow first-year friends with a huge grin spreading rapidly across his face once again. All of the anxiety he had felt is gone, replaced with giddy excitement. Christopher walks over to his new House table, offering a friendly wave to the others already seated there.

Gilroy Hollister visibly jolts as the hat shouts the name of his new house, though for the surprise of volume and decision in his eyes, he cannot help but grin as he removes the hat and makes his way to the Ravenclaw bench. “Guess mum was right about me being too much like dad sometimes,” he murmurs to himself as his eyes skim his new classmates.

The list continues, as Gerald Rathe reads on, and “Kana, Allgermein” goes into Hufflepuff, followed by “Kapoor, Rajindar” who is sorted into Ravenclaw, and then “Kemys, Jezebel” winds up in Gryffindor. Next, Gerald declares: “Kemys, Vashti!”

Vashti applauds, almost bored, as her cousin Jezebel is placed into Gryffindor. If she had to be honest, the hat’s song did little to explain exactly what being in Gryffindor really means. She shrugs. Knowing her name was coming, of course, Vashti Kemys stands up and makes her way over to the hat. She practiced this walk earlier this week, back home in her room. It’s a bit shakier now than it was then, but she finally arrives and takes a seat on the stool. As the hat is lowered onto her head, she listens carefully.

Glad inside that she’s with both her cousins in Gryffindor, her quarrel with Jezebel is forgotten as she scampers excitedly to the red-washed table. “See, I can make Gryffindor too!” she says in triumph before sitting down.

Glad inside that she’s with both her cousins in Gryffindor, her quarrel with Jezebel is forgotten as Vashti scampers excitedly to the red-washed table. “See, I can make Gryffindor too!” she says in triumph before sitting down.

Mores names come from the scroll in Gerald‘s hands. Aedan Llewellyn becomes a Hufflepuff, Raurin Macbeth is sorted into Slytherin, the Hat chooses to place Leith MacLeod in Hufflepuff and Brian Maloney is sent to Gryffindor. The next name called is “Moore, Mariska!”

Mariska Moore blinks slightly as her name is called and steps forward. Quietly, and nervously, she makes her way to the stool, wherein she promptly sits and settles the hat atop her head. Due to the size of her head, the hat successfully manages to cover most of it. Mariska, now settled, places her hands in her lap and awaits the hat’s decision.

Mariska Moore removes the Sorting Hat from her head and looks around. Quickly the girl spots her house table and makes her way towards it, promptly taking her seat once she reaches Slytherin table.

Reading on, Gerald Rathe comes to “O’Bannon, Albert,” “Perelli, Phoenix” and “Pheras, Kiyan,” all of whom are sorted, one after the other, into Hufflepuff. With an apprehensive glance at the swelling Hufflepuff table, Gerald calls on “Pryor, Seraphina!”

Seraphina has seen a group of people get sorted now, and it doesn’t seem so frightening to the girl. After all, nobody else appears to have been injured. She pauses, however, before stepping up to the hat, glancing backward at those around her, waiting yet to be sorted. It is moments like these that Sera realizes she’s a lonely child, but given that the hat is waiting for her, she doesn’t have the time to dawdle. Quickly she hops up to the stool and plunks the hat down on her head.

Hopping up quickly, Seraphina breathes in deeply. That wasn’t so painful! She quickly walks over to her designated table, joining her housemates quietly with merely a semblance of a nod toward them.

After the Hat sorts Haley Renalds into Ravenclaw, Gerald Rathe comes to the next name: “Skye, Adrian!”

Adrian Skye takes a last deep breath and mutters to himself, “I can do it.” Glancing one last time to his friends already sitting at their various tables, he starts. As Adrian is walking towards the Hat, his foot catches the edge of his robe, and he trips. Although he is able to regain his balance quickly, there are some sniggers amongst the crowd. Adrian, however, magnificently keeps a straight and stoic face, ignoring everything until he has finally arrived at the stool. With shaking fingers, Adrian removes the hat from the stool, sits, and puts the Hat on, feeling the stares of so many, too many eyes on him.

Adrian‘s face is still stoic, and he is unmoving for a second. Slowly and daintily, he removes the Hat, putting it back on the seat, face still a blank. As he stands up, a slow grin begins to dance across his face. He walks away from the stool silently, but the glowing look on his face tells all of his emotions. When he reaches the table of Gryffindor, his face absolutely explodes with joy as he gives an enormous hug to his best friend Adelaide, his Housemate for the next seven years to come.

The Sorting continues, with more and more of the scroll unfurling as the names are called. “Stufflebeam, Graham” goes into Ravenclaw, while “Torpenhow, Marius” and “Trumble, Aemele” end up in Slytherin. After “Vertigonte, Claude” is sorted into Hufflepuff, Gerald calls on, “Vicaris, Silas!”

At hearing his name called, Silas suddenly tenses up. His nerves start to fail him as he walks forward to the stool, his mind focused hard on not stumbling or tripping on the way there. Once there, he turns around and slowly climbs backwards onto the stool, staring with wide eyes at the population of the Great Hall. The Sorting Hat is placed upon his head, and he glances up at the brim as he waits for something to happen.

Somewhat gratified by the exclamation of the Sorting Hat, Silas pulls it roughly from his head and hops off the stool, depositing it on the vacant seat before walking quickly to his table. The grinning fool takes a seat at a vacant opening and looks at the few left in line to see where they get sorted.

Gerald Rathe intones, “Walker, Abe!” and the named student is sorted into Ravenclaw. Looking at the last name on the scroll, Gerald says, “Wexler, Jack!”

Jack takes a deep breath as his name is called; the curse of his surname and it’s place at the end of the alphabet an occassional boone, as well. He’d plenty of time to steel his resolve and gathering his wits, and now that his name had been called, he was ready… or at least he thought. His first step toward the stool on which sat the brown, talking hat is a wobbly one, and he very nearly loses his balance and collapses. It’s only with a fair amount of arm-flailing and a pinch of luck that he manages to fetch his footing and keep himself upright. His following steps are more careful as he pulls the flat-cap from his head and makes his way to the stool, clambering on to it and placing the Sorting Hat carefully on to his head as if he might hurt it somehow.

Blinking, Jack pulls the hat off slowly – again, careful, as if he might somehow hurt it – and sets it back on the stool before making his way to the Gryffindor table.

Looking a little deflated and relieved, at the same time, Gerald Rathe furls the scroll with the names of the first years on it, and returns it to his cloak. He picks up the hat with same care shown earlier, and the stool, returning them to their original place. Finally, with a somber expression, his takes his seat at the faculty table with a nod to his neighbours there.

Melvina Prichard rises with purpose from the faculty table once the ritual of Sorting has concluded, lifting a nimble, long-fingered hand in a suggestive to beckon silence from the students massed in the hall. “Thank you, Professor Rathe. Excuse me, quiet please — yes, that includes you, Mister Markham,” she says in a strong tone, ever-laced with a hint of amusement. The ghost of a grin touches her lips as she looks over the wealth of her school.

“Greetings and salutations, everyone,” Melvina says, her voice effortlessly floating across the Great Hall at a comfortable volume. “Welcome to your school year nineteen hundred and thirty one! I trust that all of you enjoyed your summer vacation. Some of you will of course remember me, while for others this will be our introduction; my name is Melvina Prichard and I am Headmistress of Hogwarts school. For intensely personal reasons I have spent the last few years on sabbatical away from our majestic island and have only recently been able to return to its fair shores. Toward both staff and students, I pray that my departure has not left a rift between us, nor that you find my return unsettling. I value the friendships I’ve made in this magical place and the opportunity to see each of you grow in to the dreams you have of yourselves. While I can not ask you to forgive me or my previous and hasty departure, I do ask that you believe it was both necessary and carefully thought out; that you accept that I left you in the very best of hands. With that said, I’d like you all to stand and applaud Professor Astra Rathe, who has been performing the role of Headmistress in my absence and has most graciously deigned to resume her previous duties as Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, head of Slytherin house and Deputy Headmistress, as well as Professor Keelan Walsh, and all other staff and faculty members of Hogwarts who pulled together to fill the holes and make the changes required by my egress and homecoming.” Melvina turns then to face the rest of the faculty table and leads the school in what she hopes will be a loud, rousing and heartfelt symphony of cheer for her most esteemed colleagues.

After a long few moments of leading the cheer, Melvina turns again to face the assembled student body and lifts her hand once more; beckoning for silence and motioning the students back in to their seats. “Thank you, everyone.”

“Pressing on, I’ve some beginning of term announcements to make.” Clearing her throat, the Headmistress pulls a pair of spectacles the waist pocket of her emerald robe and rests them on the bridge of her hooked nose. She then reaches with her right hand in to the cuff of her left sleeve and withdraws an aged cherry wand which she gives a casual flick and conjures a scroll of parchment which floats unassisted in the air several inches above her head. “All the usual suspects, of course,” she says simply as the scroll unrolls itself horizontally, expanding most of the length of the faculty table. “Our caretaker has asked me to remind you check the updated list of prohibited items and punishable offenses that have been thoughtfully posted in each of your common rooms–” As she begins to speak, delicately written, calligraphic letters glide across the floating parchment from the left to right like ticker tape – PROHIBITED ITEMS AND ACTIVITIES – and then begins to mirror her words as she continues, “Spellwork outside of the classroom, rough play, pranks, hijinxs, dungbombs, Whimple’s Pimple Powder..” With each item listed the speed on which the words dance across the parchment grows quicker and quicker still until they become little more than a seemingly endless blur of black cursive. “As you can see, the list quite extensive. Be certain to check it.”

Melvina gives another vague flick of her wand and the hovering scroll rolls itself up, tumbles twice and then vanishes in a small puff of mauve-colored smoke. “Of course, Hogwarts tradition demands that I remind you the Forbidden Forest is out of bounds for all students. As seems to happen every year since antiquity, some of you will certainly forget that pesky rule. It just slips out, squeezed away from the building pressure of all that knowledge our fine professors work so hard to fill your heads with.” A rueful chuckle escapes her as she shares a knowing smile with the hall. “Know then that detention is the minimum punishment for entering the Forbidden Forest without a member of staff or faculty beside you and that such acts will usually result in a substantial loss of house points as well.” Clearing her throat, Melvina pauses to take a sip of pumpkin juice before continuing. “Naturally, we ask that you respect and defer to your prefects. I’d also like to congratulate our new Head Boy and Head Girl, Oliver Cloverwood and Briony Wexler respectively. Mister Cloverwood and Miss Wexler, please stand.” She again leads the school in a round of applause.

Briony Wexler gasps as it’s announced that she is head girl, and she beams, waving enthusiastically to everyone in the room before she plops back down in her seat, beaming quite excitedly. Head Girl!

“Well done, Head Boy, Head Girl,” the Headmistress says, sincerely. “On to faculty. There are many exciting changes in Hogwarts faculty this year; as mentioned before Professor Astra Rathe will be returning to post as Defense Against the Dark Arts lead, head of Slytherin house and Deputy Headmistress. I’d personally like to thank Professor Walsh for heading up Slytherin house during Professor Rathe’s tenure as Headmistress, and Professor Gerald Rathe for stepping up to cover Defense.” She turns briefly to face Keelan and Gerald, offering then a modest but genuine applause before facing the Great Hall once again. “Professor Gerald Rathe will be taking over our Charms department. I’d like to introduce you all to our new Professor of Transfiguration, Selene Hathaway.” With her right hand she motions to Professor Hathaway, then begins another round of brief, polite round of applause. “And I would like to welcome back to the Hogwarts family Professor of Arithmancy, Isolde Morgan, and Potions Master, Professor Adalphous Fallon.” Again she applauds, nodding to each of the returning Professor in turn.

“That said, I have only one more announcement to mention before we start in on the delicious feast I know you’re all patiently waiting to savor. As some you know, I am a firm believer in tradition; both in the keeping of it, and the occasional breaking. Thus, I announce the return of what I hope will become one of many long-standing Hogwarts traditions; the third Barefoot Social.” An almost devilish grin dances over the lips of the Headmistress. “A celebration of the new term, greeting those whom are just joining us and welcoming home those returning for yet another year. This dance will semi-formal, open to all years, and include an… outdoor feast.” The too-clever look on her face almost seems to gloat as she looks out at her young crowd. She is clearly terribly proud of herself. “As this is the daughter of tradition, we shall follow the precedent set by events of year’s prior — the ladies will need ask the gentlemen for the honor of an afternoon’s courtship.” She waits, eagerly, for the reaction to that before at last finishing up. “I will be resuming the Student Events Committee, made up of students from all years to help me prepare for the Barefoot Social, Governor’s Ball, the Valentine’s Soiree, Career Day, and a handful of other special events the Deputy Headmistress and I have planned through out the school year; if you’d like to be on said Committee, you may contact me through any of the usual means. Exact details regarding date and time of the Barefoot Social shall follow shortly. Let’s eat.” And with small nod and a sly, lingering grin, she slips casually back in to her seat.

(Hufflepuff) “Finally!” Kieran exclaims to himself as he starts to fill his plate. This was the blessing and the curse of having a last name near the beginning of the alphabet. You’re among the first called, but then there’s a long wait for everyone else. Kieran gives a friendly nod and smile to the new housemates gathered around him.

(Hufflepuff) Having a last name near the beginning of the alphabet is both a blessing and a curse. One is among the first to be called upon, but then he has a long wait for everyone else to be called. With that in mind, Kieran fills his plate with everything within arm’s reach after having to wait. He gives a friendly nod and smile to his new housemates along the way.

(Hufflepuff) Alternately, having a name near the end of the alphabet can cause a bit of frustration. One of the last to be called, Claude had plenty of time to absorb the sights of the great hall. However, he soon became impatient, waiting for his name to be called. The upside, of course, is near immediate service. Claude gnaws happily on what he suspects to be a Turkey leg, his plate heaping with various kinds of food.

(Hufflepuff) Teddy de Alquimia has been very picky in choosing his foods, ignoring quite pointedly anything that looks like it may have been boiled in any part of the cooking process, as well as leafy, mashed up, or overly green vegetation. As he takes the food, however, he continues to regale a second year girl with a story involving no less than three cats, a girl named Izzy, and an iguana. Severl times laughter rings from that part of the table. “So in the end her mama got it out, but I still don’t think my hearing has recovered from the screams.” Delightful.

“Well, all, I think I shall retire for the evening. You may all, of course, stay to enjoy the wonderful meal provided for us. First years will need to be escorted to their common rooms by their prefects, but with all the catching up being done I’m sure there will be plenty of time to fill your bellies further. Again, welcome to Hogwarts. Tomorrow, we learn.” Melvina says simply, her voice filling the hall at a comfortable volume despite the need to speak over everyone else. “Sweet dreams, all,” she says, stepping down from the faculty dias. “When they find you.”

The common room seems dimmer than usual due to the heavy rain falling outside, despite the fact that the room has absolutely no windows to it, though this seems to affect Constance Geroff very little as she sits quite comfortably perched in a cushiony chair, a rather large scroll of parchment spread out in her lap. The third year writes furiously down the parchment, pausing on occasion to offer a comment to Verity Caldwell, who seems to be a constant fixture at Constance‘s side. “It’s really time,” she murmurs quietly as she taps the end of her quill on a blotter at her left side.

Stepping off the staircase and into the common room, Paxton looks around quickly, her eyes landing on Constance. She stands motionless for a bit, and, despite the otherwise empty common room, she moves closer to Constance. Still, she doesn’t say anything, and just stands nearby, hands together in front of her.

It is a moment before Constance even realizes that someone else has approached Verity and herself, but tearing herself away from a rather lengthy sentence, she looks up. “Hullo,” she greets the younger girl placidly. “Are you lost?” A strange question, especially at this juncture of the year, but Constance seems unbothered by the unlikelihood that the girl might be lost, it being nearly December already. “I’m Constance, by the way. This is Verity. We’re third years. You must be a firstie.” If the girl turns out not to be a first year, Constance may find herself in a bit of hot water.

Giving a small smile, Paxton takes another step forward, closer to Constance and Verity. “Y-yes, I am a first year,” She says in a very small voice, nervously flattening her hair (not that it needs to be flattened any more than it already is). “And no, I’m not lost. Well, at least not…in the…” She trails off, clearing her throat, her eyes widening as if she’d been startled. “No, I’m not lost,” She repeats, her voice even quieter than before.

“Well, you should at least sit down. It is rather rude to just stand and stare. Might as well be sociable and all, right, Verity?” Verity nods mutely, obviously much used to her companion, and Constance barely even stops to see if the girl responds before continuing on. “It’s a right crummy day out there, isn’t it? Have you seen the rain? Cats and dogs, basically. I wanted to go for a stroll, but instead I’ve decided to write my brother a letter. He graduated last term. He was a Slytherin, and Head Boy. He got married during the first weekend of September. I got permission to go from the Headmistress – do you remember that, Verity? It was beautiful. I wish you could have come. Olivia is just fantastic in general. That’s why I’m writing to Evan, you see,” This is directed more toward Paxton. “I intend to be an aunt sooner rather than later, and so I think it’s about time that he and Olivia start thinking about a family. Don’t you think two months is plenty of time to get started? By this time next year, I expect they could have their first child, and it would be plenty of time to get ready for it. It will be a girl, of course, and I expect they would name it after my mum. It’s only right.” Constance pauses. “Don’t you think?”

Paxton stands frozen a few feet away, eyes growing wider and wider as Constance speaks. She doesn’t even seem to realize that she’s been asked a question, and stands in the silence for a while, mouth closely resembling that of a fish without air – opening and closing over and over. Somewhere distant in the castle over their heads, a loud thump can be heard suddenly, and it seems to snap her out of her shock. “Oh, of course.” She says quickly, not entirely sure what it is that she’s agreeing to. “Yes…obviously.” She takes another step forward, desperately trying to think of something witty to say that would interest a third-year, but instead only says lamely, “Everyone has siblings…I don’t.”

“Oh, how sad!” Constance cries. “I’ve got a few siblings. Only one sister, though – mostly brothers. Evan is older than me, Matthew, James and Brandon are younger, and of course so is Delaney. You should come visit my family some time. I’m sure my mum would love to have you. Then you could see what it’s like to have siblings. Why don’t you have any? Don’t your parents want more children? It’s lovely having so many people to talk to at home, of course. Don’t you think so, Verity? I hope Evan and Olivia have lots of children, too, so that I can be a good Auntie to them, and have fun with those children as well. I think it would be more difficult to have a family portrait done, though. I haven’t managed to get my family to stay still long enough for me to do it. That’s what I want to do, you see – I want to be a portraitist. What do you think you’re going to be when you leave school? What’s your name, anyhow? I’m sorry I don’t remember it. Too much studying, I’m afraid.” One has to wonder when Constance has time to study, in between all the talking.

That actually sounds rather nice… Paxton says slowly. “The part about visiting, I mean. I mean, the portraitist part sounds interesting, too, but having a whole big family like that must be nice.” She seems to open from her shell a bit, her curiosity overcoming her shyness for a bit. “Are your family all wizards? My mother was a muggle. My father was a wizard, but he wasn’t home very much…I can’t imagine coming from a big family that were all magic.” She frowns. “I wanted a little brother, but my parents couldn’t afford another one. They could barely afford me.” She looks a bit sad for a moment, finally taking a seat and nearly being swallowed into the cushion. After adjusting herself, she finally falls still again, eyes bright. “They’re wonderful, though. They really are.”

“Oh, well, mum’s family were mostly muggles, but she and my aunt Julie are witches. All of us kids are wizards, of course, because both aunt Julie and mum married wizards. Mum’s done well for herself, though, getting Minister for Magic and all that.” Constance beams proudly as she once again attempts to casually drop this fact. “I’m sorry to hear that about your parents. Perhaps you can just get in with some people here. You’re with them all year anyhow – it’s almost like having more siblings anyway. Don’t you think? Hogwarts is the best Wizarding school, too – personally, I wouldn’t want to go to any other one. Between you and me, I’ve heard that they’re all practically decrepit and give poorer education.” Whether Constance actually knows this as fact or not is debatable.

Nodding, Paxton seems to think for a few moments. “I’ve met a few people that have offered to be my family. Everyone here is so very pleasant…I have to admit, I was a bit afraid when I got my letter, as I’d never spent very much time with wizards before…most of the people in Spon End were muggles, and then when we were in Coventry-” Suddenly, as if the words had finally penetrated her brain, Paxton topples out of the chair, cushion and all, landing on the floor with a look of dazed surprise. She looks up at Constance, not bothering to stand or even move into a more comfortable position as she asks, “Your mother is the Minister for Magic?” Her eyes grow wider, taking up most of the room on her face as she stares in awe (mingled with a bit of fear).

Constance says, “Why, of course. There aren’t that many Geroffs, you see. She’s my mum.” Constance shrugs, though she is clearly quite proud of this fact. “She’s just a normal mum like everybody else has. Most people spent more time fawning over my brother, him being a Prefect and then Head Boy, and of course he was quite a catch, and I can say that since I’m his sister and all. “I knew from the start that Olivia was the only one for him, though, and those catty girls weren’t going to do anything to convince him otherwise.” Constance nods solemnly over this fact, despite the fact that the girl before her likely has no idea who either is, being as they both left Hogwarts before she got to the school. “It’s true,” Verity’s voice comes quietly, though she does not look up from her book. “Those sisters, the Baxtor twins… sourpuss girls, both of them. I’m right glad neither of them are Hufflepuffs. We don’t need that kind of behavior in our lovely house. Did you think you would get into Hufflepuff, Paxton? It’s a wonderful house, if I do say so myself. Of course, mum and Evan were in Slytherin, and I suppose I should have perhaps pushed a bit harder for it, but I like Hufflepuff. One can do just as well for herself from Hufflepuff as from Sltherin. It just requires a bit of work, that’s all.”"

“Why, of course. There aren’t that many Geroffs, you see. She’s my mum.” Constance shrugs, though she is clearly quite proud of this fact. “She’s just a normal mum like everybody else has. Most people spent more time fawning over my brother, him being a Prefect and then Head Boy, and of course he was quite a catch, and I can say that since I’m his sister and all. “I knew from the start that Olivia was the only one for him, though, and those catty girls weren’t going to do anything to convince him otherwise.” Constance nods solemnly over this fact, despite the fact that the girl before her likely has no idea who either is, being as they both left Hogwarts before she got to the school. “It’s true,” Verity’s voice comes quietly, though she does not look up from her book. “Those sisters, the Baxtor twins… sourpuss girls, both of them. I’m right glad neither of them are Hufflepuffs. We don’t need that kind of behavior in our lovely house. Did you think you would get into Hufflepuff, Paxton? It’s a wonderful house, if I do say so myself. Of course, mum and Evan were in Slytherin, and I suppose I should have perhaps pushed a bit harder for it, but I like Hufflepuff. One can do just as well for herself from Hufflepuff as from Sltherin. It just requires a bit of work, that’s all.”

As silence falls, Paxton finally picks herself and the cushion up and repositions herself back on the chair, face flushed slightly from what is quite possibly embarrassment. “I suppose I didn’t know your last name,” She says to Constance. “I don’t know very many peoples’ last names…only their first names. People don’t call each other by their last names, at least not most girls…” She trails off, as if suddenly aware that she’s been rambling. She turns her attention to Verity, looking thoughtful for a few moments before saying, “I had no idea which house I would be in, actually. My father was in Ravenclaw, and of course he wanted me to be in Ravenclaw as well, but seemed satisfied enough when I said I’d gotten into Hufflepuff…”

“It’s good that your dad was alright with it. I mean, if he weren’t, it isn’t as if you could change your house at this juncture or anything. That’s just not done. Besides, Hufflepuff is a wonderful house. The best one, if you ask me. We even won the house cup last term. I expect we could do it again this term. It would be excellent. Don’t you think?” Constance pauses, glancing down at her rather long scroll of parchment. “I suppose I had better get up to the Owlery to get this posted to Evan, else my poor owl won’t be able to carry the weight of it. Maybe I ought to have one of the big school owls take it. What do you think, Verity?” This elicits a vague ‘Mmm.’ from the other girl, who appears to have gotten engrossed in her book once again. “You’re welcome to accompany me, Paxton, though I suppose the owlery isn’t all that interesting. I’ve just got to get this mailed off to Evan so that he knows that he ought to work on making me an auntie.” Constance nods solemnly and rolls up the last bit of the parchment that she’s been scribbling on and stands up, neatly placing her inkwell into her bag. “I’m sure I’ll see you around!” she calls to the firstie without even pausing to see if Paxton is coming or not, and then the girl is gone out of the common room entrance.

Ion Garnent opened the door to the compartment excitedly, peering around and finding himself only a little disappointed it was empty. Nevertheless he continued in, dragging his heavy trunk and getting it settled with a sigh, before flopping down on the seat closest to the window, staring excitedly out as he waited for the train to start moving.

Filan Naril comes shuffling through the halls, dragging his own truck behind him. He’s passing the doors to the compartments slowly, peering inside each and every one before he continues on his trek to find a seat. Even though the youth seems calm at the moment, there’s an air of excitement hanging about him. He pauses at the door to the second compartment, peering curiously at the person inside, “Hullo.”

Having managed to shrug his brother off of his trail, Chester makes his way down the train corridor, peeking into the second one. “Hi,” he greets dully to Filan before making his way unceremoniously inside and sitting down as close to the window as he can get. “Are you new, too?” he asks quietly, seeming a bit subdued.

Angus Fallon grabs his trunk and hefts it to an overhead bin, then does the same for Venora and Edern. Then he turns and grins at the other two, “Dibs on a window seat,” then tears off down the isle till he finds an empty row and crowds near the window, Venora follows, but takes the time to smile at the other students as she does and squeezes in beside her brother, “Come on Edern. We’ll make room for you too!”

Edern Fallon nods and follows his sister to their seat.

Ion glanced at each of the new occupants and grinned, happy to see that the once empty compartment was quickly filling up. “Hey ‘Lan, don’t dally in the doorway, come sit with us.” He called to the only boy he knew, before turning to the others and answering the shy boy’s question. “Yeah, this is my first year here. The rest of you are new too? I’m Ion Garnent, by the way, nice to meet you all.”

Filan Naril blinks at the sound of his name, before the mild confusement fades and changes into an excited look. “Heya Ion! Didn’t think I’d bump into you here.” And in he strolls, putting up much a fight to get his trunk settled before helping himself to a seat. “I’m so excited, aren’t you? In a few hours we’ll be at hogwarts.” And as more people come in, he gives an excited wiggle of his fingers, “First time too?”

Chester says, “I’m Chester Blake,” said boy speaks up a bit louder now, glancing at the others pouring into the compartment. “Do you know what house you want to be?” Chester asks casually, looking about. “By the way, we shouldn’t let my brother in. I don’t want him in here with us.” The boy scoots back into his seat and slouches a bit as he leans on the window a bit.”

“I’m Chester Blake,” said boy speaks up a bit louder now, glancing at the others pouring into the compartment. “Do you know what house you want to be?” Chester asks casually, looking about. “By the way, we shouldn’t let my brother in. I don’t want him in here with us.” The boy scoots back into his seat and slouches a bit as he leans on the window a bit.

If anyone else had crowded three to a seat, Angus would have unceremoniously shoved them off. But Venora and Edern were always the exceptions. Besides, he couldn’t imagine a first day with Ven on one side, and Ed on the other. “Hey, look! See the smoke from the engine Vennie?” Venora grins as she follows her brother’s finger, “If only we hadn’t got caught climbing up there. Hey!” She stands and calls across the car, narrowing her eyes at Filan. “Haven’t I met you? Outside the sweet shop? I’m Venora Fallon. These are my brothers, Angus and Edern.”

The rather small lad looks up as he’s spoken to, offering a rather enthusiastic nod to Venora’s question, “I think I saw you in the ice cream shop, if I remember right…right? There was that other lad, too…I can’t remember who he was…” He drifts off at a thought, reaching up to scratch at the side of his head, “Oh, anyway, I’m Filan Naril, nice to meet you lot.”

“I know, I can’t wait! But the train ride should be fun; I’m so used to going by floo that I never get to travel like this.” Ion responded to Filan, fingers unconsciously playing with the key around his neck in excitement. “As for which House I want to be in.. My mum’s a Slytherin and my dad’s a Hufflepuff, so either of those would be my choice.” He spares a moment to smile at the new occupants.

“My parents were both Slytherins,” Chester mentions and shrugs. “I don’t know if I’ll be in Slytherin. I guess if the hat thinks I should be. I hear the other houses are nice, too.” Mild Chester seems to be almost apathetic about which house he will be sorted to. “Are you guys related or something?” he asks the triplets bluntly.

Venora Fallon nods, “Right. I had my first ice-cream. We tried one of each, didn’t we?” She grins smugly at her brothers, proud to have tasted this British ice-cream treat before they did. “I don’t know what House I want. I wanted Slytherin, like Auntie Kee. But I guess I don’t care what I get. Father was Ravenclaw, so was our sister. I don’t know what mother was. Edern? Do you remember?”

Edern Fallon nods ‘no’.

Filan Naril perks up from his seat where he squirms a bit at the excitement, “Um…my Da was in Gryffindor, my brother was in Ravenclaw…and my other brother’s on his last year–he’s a Gryffindor, and sis’s a hufflepuff.” He offers a sheepish look, squirming a bit more in his seat. “I wonder how long the ride is.”

“My parents told me that all the Houses are nice, so no matter what you won’t end up somewhere unhappy.” Ion responds encouragingly to Chester; the poor kid didn’t seem like he had much energy in him. “I’m Ion Garnent, by the way.” He introduces himself to the triplets. “You guys know ‘Lan, too? I guess the candy store is a regular hangout.” He teases lightly.

Angus pipes up, turning from the window, “That’s what our sister says. But our neighbor says only ruffians, deadbeats, and rotters go to Slytherin.” He grins at the others, “She’s sure I’ll end up there, Vennie and Eddie too.” Angus seems well pleased with Mrs. Elderberry’s prediction for the ‘Fallon miscreants’. She sighs, “You know she’s not right, Angus. Aunt Kee and Aunt Lizbeth and Aunt Julie were all Slytherins. And Emma was their best friend, even if she was Ravenclaw. I don’t care which House I get, really.”

Filan Naril chews on his bottom lip as he listens to the others talk, perking up to offer his own bit of insight. “My brother Will says that the houses are all okay, he’s got friends in every single on of ‘em, but you’re always gonna bump into someone you don’t like. So I think it’s pointless in worrying about which house you get. I think as long as there’s a nice warm bed waiting for me, I’ll be happy no matter what.”

Venora Fallon nods at Filan, “That’s what our Father says, too. He said so, right in front of our neighbor. Said she was proof that Ravenclaw gets it’s share of rotters, too. Didn’t he Edern?”

Edern Fallon nods again, this time a ‘yes’.

Ion Garnent frowns at Agnus, confused and a little taken aback by his words. “Your neighbor said that? It’s not very nice; my mum’s really smart and kind, so obviously there can’t be anything wrong with that House.” He counters, backing up Venora’s opinion. “I wouldn’t think Hogwarts would accept bad people, anyways.”

Venora Fallon grins at Ion, “Don’t worry. Angus doesn’t really believe Mrs. Elderberry. He knows lots of Slytherins that are delicious. Our Dad used to teach Slytherins. And Gryffindors. He loved them both.” She winks, “Mrs. E is just cross because we accidentally set her lawn on fire.”

Filan Naril pushes himself to his feet and stretches, “Will you watch my stuff? I’m gonna walk a bit before we get going, I wanna stretch a bit.” He offers a wave before he sneaks out of the compartment.

“Don’t worry about it, I got you covered, ‘Lan.” Ion waves as the other boy leaves before returning to his conversation, though he seems a little weary of Venora. What sort of girl describes other people as ‘delicious’? “How’d you set her lawn on fire? I guess I could understand why she’d be upset, but if it was an accident than there’s no reason for her to be a troll about it.”

Venora Fallon leans back against the seat, half standing, half kneeling to be able to see above the heads of other students. “Well. We threw a dung-bomb over there.” Angus interrupts with a grin, “So that part wasn’t an accident. But she was always threatening to hurt Spot and Rover, wasn’t she Ed?” Venora picks up again, “We didn’t think the dung-bomb would start a fire.” Her eyes twinkle a bit as she glances, slyly, at the quiet triplet, “Of course, we let Edern tinker with it a bit, first.”

Venora Fallon giggles as they roll into Hogsmead station. “Look everyone!” She points out the window at an old witch in mustard colored robes hurrying away from the tracks, “There’s our neighbor.”

Ion Garnent dashes to the window, looking out with wide blue eyes. “Wow, I can’t believe we’re here already! Come on, let’s hurry on out.” He quickly starts pulling his luggage out, before pausing for a moment as a problem occurs to him. “Hey guys, ‘Lan isn’t back yet. Think you guys can help me carry his stuff, too?” He asks sheepishly.

“I think we’re just supposed to leave it here,” Chester comments, standing up and looking out the compartment. “Hey, can you help me?” he calls to a prefect who is strutting down the corridor. “How are we supposed to get all of our stuff to the school?” The prefeect sighs. “Just leave it there. It will be brought to the school for you.” Chester nods and turns back in with a shrug, nearly falling over as the train stops with a lurch.

Venora Fallon stands, stretching, “I still think it’s funny, going all the way to London just to take a train back home.” Angus climbs over her, reaching for their trunks, “Yeah, but would you have missed the ride, and just settled for meeting everyone at the station, Ven?” Venora grasps her trunk, shifts a small wicker box deep into her robes, only to drop her trunk with a thud as the prefect tells them to leave everything. “Nice,” she comments, “I hadn’t wanted to lug all that all the way to the Castle.”

Nate Hunter bites his lip as Briony hits her head. Laughing would be bad. He clears his throat instead and follows the girl out of the compartment, continuing to bite his bottom lip.

Venora Fallon steps out onto the platform she knows as well as she knows her own hand. But somehow it all seems different, now that she’s a Hogwarts student, and not just a child of Hogsmeade.

The students begin to pour out of the train, and Bonnie stands at the end of the platform, waving her arms. “First years, gather around me. Other years, straight to the carriages please! In an orderly fashion, if you please!” she yells to a group of boisterous Slytherins passing by. “Alright, first years, join here! We’ll leave for the boats once you have all arrived!” She watches as the students excitedly mill around, a smile fixed on her face.

Disembarking, dragging her copious amounts of baggage behind, Saphia sticks with Briony, continuing to ask worried questions about her head and informing her that she should really see the nurse about it. But she can’t do it too much, given that lugging so much luggage is leaving her short of breath. “It’ll all be … good… once we reach the carriages…”

Ion Garnent stretches as he exits the train, glancing around at the nice scenery. “Wow, it’s beautiful here..” He comments, before Bonnie’s announcement cuts through the air. Excited, he quickly heads over to stand around her, looking to the other first years and trying not to grin too hard.

“Mum will just tell me I’ve bumped my head and that I shouldn’t be worried about it,” Briony tells the Ravenclaw with a roll of her eyes. It seems apparent that Briony is now used to bumping her head on things, though she clearly is not pleased about this fact. She hangs behind for a moment, waiting to see if she can’t find Gabe before boarding a carriage, but as she runs into Kalynn instead, she grins and the two girls get into a carriage.

Kara Raine exits the train, talking quite excitedly with a fellow Ravenclaw. “Didn’t expect it really, knew that they needed a new captain with Noemie graduating and all.” Attention is diverted at the announcement, before with a grin, the fourth year turns toward the carriages.

Orderly is not a fashion to which the Fallon triplets are accustomed. Oh, Edern may be able to manage it, but Venora and Angus are far to excited to do anything but stumble over one another as they race to stand before Bonnie. Halfway there, after nudging by several older students they recalled that particular aspect of the teacher’s orders and did try to slow down. They just didn’t manage quite well and skidded to a stop before the woman, Venora beaming up at her, before turning to Ion. “Tis beautiful here. Our house is just over that rise there. Come, stand by us Ion.”

Olivia is smiling cheerfully as she steps off of the train, waiting for Evan before she makes her way out to the carriages. “Should we wait for Constance?” she asks quietly, her voice getting lost as she makes her way toward the carriages quickly.

Andy Carver hops off the Hogwarts Express, his coat dangling from his arm and his trunk in hand. He takes a deep breath, excited for a new school year and silently follows the crowd towards one of the carriages.

Glad to be done the train ride, Nate hops off the train, glances at the first years and then scuttles towards the carriages, trunk in tow.

Evan Geroff follows Olivia off the train, stepping quickly out of the way of the rest of the departing passengers. He stays quiet for the familiar announcement, then; “It looks like she’s finding some of her friends. Let’s get a carriage.”

As the older students all filter away into the carriages toward the school, Bonnie grins at the first years. “Follow me, and be lively. If you get lost, there’s no telling when we’ll find you again, and then how will you explain to your parents why you missed your own sorting?” Bonnie lets out a little grin and turns. “Quickly, quickly!” she calls, heading down the path toward the shore of the lake.

The fleet pushes off from shore in near unison. As the boats progress silently through the water, they leave no wake behind. Drifting along, the boats travel in an unhurried fashion, moving over the darkened waters in a loose group, but always remaining together. The chilly night’s breeze is more apparent here upon the lake.

As the fleet continues forward, the southern shore recedes into the distance, and is lost in loose tendrils of smoky fog. The northern shore is not yet in view, concealed as it is by a thicker blanket of pale haze. The air is cooler over the lake, and as the boats drift further onto the water, there a more pronounced breeze that nips through robe and sweater alike.

“Please take care not to fall out! There’ll be no helping you if the squid gets you!” Bonnie warns the group ominously, then continuing to chatter on about all the wonderful things about Ravenclaw house.

The fleet has begun to move through the steadily increasing fog now, reducing visibility to a scant metre or two. Dim lights from the lanterns on the other boats of the fleet can be seen, flickering softly in the wind. The breeze is gentle, but consistent and quite cold out here upon the nearly still nighttime waters, where is there is no shelter and no warming fire. The only company is the steady rocking of the boats and the dim lights of boat lanterns.

The fleet has finally begun to leave the haze behind, although the mist tries vainly to cling to the boats and it still laps at those lingering in the rear. The Forbidden Forest encroaches upon the eastern shoreline, bordered by grey mist and shadow. The northern shore has come into view with the castle of Hogwarts silhouetted against the hills beyond; the immense towers rise up in stern defiance to the centuries they have weathered. Few windows break the even stone facade of the castle walls, preserving the mysteries within from prying eyes. However, those few windows are merrily lit from within those hallowed halls, revealing the welcoming warmth that can be found within, a homecoming to those who have made a long journey. Ivy and similar plants sprawl across the walls of the castle, their unruly density hinting at the senescence of the walls themselves. The breeze is still cold, nipping at the boats and rustling over the water.

“The squid?” Ion whispers nervously.

“Told you there was a squid.” Rowan whispers to nobody in particular, apparently regardless of whether he actually told them any such thing. “What do you think it eats, in this kind of lake, huh?”

“There’s a squid in the lake?” Chester replies, his eyes growing wide. He instinctively scoots in from the center.

The fleet has begun to pick up speed, accelerating rapidly towards the northern shore. Clear of fog, all that remains of the distant haze is what marks the barriers to the southern and eastern shores, the mist lapping on top of the water but the fleet has now broken free of its grasp. Remarkably, the boats still leave no wake to mark their passage across the water. The speed causes the brisk air to hurtle past, reducing the apparent temperature further and setting the lantern lights to flickering even more, though none of them have gone out.

The squid! She’d forgotten about the squid! Venora leans over a side of the boat, peering into the murky depths of the lake. “Come on little squiddy!” Venora whispers, “Let’s have a look.” Angus just sighs and grabs hold of Venora‘s cloak to keep her well in the boat, used to his sister’s reactions by now.

Rising suddenly as through from beneath the water, the looming bulk of Hogwarts Castle blots out the evening sky and casts a dense shadow over the shoreline, broken only by the steady glow of the lights from within a large section of the building. The boats have begun to decelerate now, but are still moving rapidly as they skim towards the darkness ahead. As it grows steadily darker, the night air takes on a crisper and ever more frigid bite.

The fleet has now passed into the shadow cast by the Castle and descended into absolute darkness, evading the dancing lights that reflected from the windows above. The lantern lights, which have remained so faithful during the journey, have abruptly faded away. Only the steady flow of cold night air moving past indicates that the boats are still moving; there is no other sensation of motion.

“I have to say, if anyone could take on the squid, it’s you Venora.” Ion laughs, relaxing a little more.

The fleet has halted at the lakeshore just below the castle, the transition from movement to rest having occurred smoothly, but without warning. Dim reflected light illuminates a stone stairway, worn smooth with age and use, with steps rising for two metres before disappearing over the cliff top. You can now DISEMBARK.

“I’m sure it’s a lovely thing. I’ve never heard of a Hogwarts student being eaten by it. Emmaline says they used to play with it’s tentacles. Or something.” She frowns, glancing at Edern, “Do you remember? Anyway…we’re here!”

For a moment, Rowan almost looks insulted. “I could, too!” He protests, almost hurt, adjusting his glasses and peering one last time into the murky depths before springing out of the boat, still glaring at Ion. A pause, and he grabs out for his brother. “Hey, Chesty, we’re almost real students now.”

“Look lively, look lively!” Bonnie calls to the students, waiting for a moment before they’ve all disembarked from the boats. None fell in this time. “Nice to see you’ve all survived!” she calls cheerfully, waving an arm as she begins up the hill toward the school.

“Don’t call me that,” Chester replies out of habit and sighs a bit. “I hope you’re not in my house Rowan. I’m tired of being asked if we’re twins.”

Chesty? Angus looks at the other boy, eyebrows raised. He hadn’t thought Chester would like that nickname. “Is your brother Rowie, then?” Venora glances up at the boys and grins.

“You can go ‘head and call him that,” Chester replies, grinning a bit. “But my name isn’t Chesty. It’s Chester.” The boy nods solemnly.

“I don’t doubt that you could.” Ion placates Rowan, surprised at the outburst before following closer to the triplets. “I wish we could have spent more time on the boats.. it was so cool, how they gliding across the water like that!” He chatters at them wistfully, too caught up in that trip to appreciate the castle.

An incredibly tall tan-skinned woman in jade robes stands before the fire, hands somewhat unconciously smoothing out the front of her robes. At the sound of the first years entering, she turns, already rigid posture improving with the squaring of her shoulders. The light of fire reflects off of her glasses, making her expression somewhat hard to read, but her mouth does turn upward ever so minutely at the corners. “Welcome to Hogwarts, where you will begin your magical education.” Her head tilts just a bit, changing the angle so that her eyes are visable, and considerably softening her countenance. “Shortly we will enter the Great Hall and begin the Sorting Ceremony. I expect you all to be on your very best behavior. This is your chance to make a good first impression.”

“Rowie, is it?” Venora grins at Rowan, “I’m sure you could take on the squid almost as well as me.” Angus snickers, but takes a step away. If his sister is going to start something just before they’re sorted, well she was on her own. Probably. Mostly. Maybe. Anyway, Angus grins as the teacher walks up, Venora forgotten for a moment. “Aunt Kee! I didn’t know you would be the one to take us inside! Brilliant!”

Rowan shrugs his shoulders vaguely, still not quite paying attention to everything – only the relevant portions, where by ‘relevant’, we mean… uh… hey, look, is that an ant on the floor? Would he get in trouble if he did a cartwheel? Finally, something wakes him up, and he looks up at Keelan admiringly, only further offering a hushed, “You shouldn’t have come this year, Chesty. Stealin’ my turn at school.” He doesn’t seem terribly annoyed, though perhaps a little miffed that his mother took so little time getting pregnant. Registering Keelan’s words finally, though, he straightens himself up a bit, adjusts his glasses, and flattens his hair.

“Is this the brother you were talking about, Chester?” Ion asks, looking between the two of them with an air of uncertaintly. They sure didn’t act very brotherly. He doesn’t bother trying to sort out his appearence like some of the others, unconcerned with how he looks. “It’s nice to meet you. I’m Ion Garnent.”

“Yeah,” Chester replies carefully, glancing over to Rowan. “We’re not twins.” He states this rather forcefully as he looks to Ion. Chester is about to speak more, but the weight of the present situation seems to impress itself on him, and he gulps a bit, looking at the ominous doors with pinkened cheeks.

For a moment, Rowan looks a touch miffed. After a moment, he grabs at Chester’s arm again, whispering, “How come you got all the friends? I don’t want to have to fight you for them.” This might seem perfectly logical to him, even if it seems like something of a leap to everyone else. After a moment, he adds, “I’m older. It’s my birthday soon.” Another pause. “You still owe me a present, Chesty, even if we’re at school now.”

Venora Fallon shakes her head. “Too bad. It’s great being multiple, isn’t it?” She glances for confirmation to Edern and Angus. Angus nods quickly, “Course it is. Pity, really, Chester. You’d like each other more if you were twins.”

Keelan Walsh continues. “I am Professor Keelan Walsh, and I will be teaching you the fine subject of Herbology, as well as acting as Head of House for those of you who are sorted into the prestigious house of Slytherin.” Her hands clasp, and then unclasp, and her expression threatens to dissolve into something of an amused smirk at Angus, but she manages not to look too, well… human about it. “I couldn’t miss the opportunity to introduce such a promising class of first years to the school.” At this the woman’s gaze meets not only the Fallon triplets but that of Batrius Lennox. Goodness, Keelan was getting old. “In any event, once we are in the Hall I’ll call you by name to be Sorted, at which point I expect you’ll all be very respectful of your fellow students and let them be Sorted without trying to call attention to yourselves.” She gestures then. “If you’ll follow me?”

“You never got me one!” Chester asserts loudly, then looking in Keelan’s direction uncertainly. “I’m not giving you any presents. As Keelan beckons, Chester walks forward with her, his eyes widening a bit, perhaps in fear, or likely in anticipation.

“Hey, no need to get upset. Everyone can be friends with each other, you know.” Ion looks at Chester, a concerned expression on his face, before following after the professor.

Venora Fallon holds tightly to her brothers’ hands as they slip into the hall, following their “Aunt” Keelan. For a moment, she’s as wide-eyed and awe-struck as any Firstie. A slow smile spreads across her face and she lets Angus and Edern’s hands fall. This was it. She was finally here. She finally understood all the stories Emmaline had told her about Hogwarts. Another glance at Keelan has the girl hoping, once again, to be sorted Slytherin. But whichever. It was school. It was going to be brilliant….

Keelan Walsh strides into the Great Hall looking very much like she does every year, just standing and moving rather than sitting and occasionally giving The Eye to the Ravenclaws. Oh, and there is a group of short (mostly) and Unsorted students following along behind her. The Professor comes to rest near a stool on which rests an incredibly old and patched hat, looking very much as though someone had simply forgotten to take it with them when they left. She turns to face the first years, clasping her hands in front of her and standing rather quietly. In fact, for a moment it seems as if she’s simply forgotten what to do next, if not for the fact that she looks exactly like she knows what she’s doing.

Ion Garnent lets his gaze roam around the room, suddenly a little intimidated by all the older students and professors, edging in a little close to the other unsorted students. He tries to keep his posture straight and not bounce on his heels like a child, as his mother taught him, but it’s so hard when he’s this close to being sorted and starting his first year at Hogwarts.

For a moment, Rowan looks – intimidated? Concerned? Frightened, perhaps? His eyes fix first on each of the tables in turn, taking in the number of students (and, for that matter, Professors) at each of them. He doesn’t speak this time, not even to jestingly tease his brother again. After a moment, however, in defiance of his pretence of good manners, he does twirl around a little, and seems tempted to try some sort of gymnastic tumble in front of the hall.

For the first time, Chester almost seems to seek out the comfort of being near his brother, stepping just slightly closer as he eyes the hat leerily. The boy does not say anything or even show any affection to Rowan, but he does look very nervous as he stands with the rest of the first years.

Keelan Walsh listens to this year’s song, eyes on the new first years, and pulls a roll of parchment out of presumably a pocket. When the Sorting Hat has finished, she smiles, briefly. Without particular flair, the woman reads off the first name, and a little redheaded girl steps up nervously to become the first “Slytherin!” of the night. The next goes to “Hufflepuff!”.

Next comes the younger “Blake, Chester!” as Keelan continues down the line.

Chester doesn’t expect to be before his older brother, and he looks a bit startled as he steps forward, looking around, sitting down on the seat and pulling the hat low on his head, his curls sticking out from under it, getting in his eyes.

Chester is sorted to Hufflepuff and he seems to breathe a sigh of relief, stepping down and putting the hat up where it belongs before he practically runs over to Hufflepuff table, sitting down as quickly as he can.

Keelan Walsh smiles politely at the newly Sorted student and calls out for his elder brother, “Blake, Rowan!”

(Hufflepuff) Charlie Linwood tries not to look too much like he might find the girls’ conversation ridiculous and that it might make him sick all over, and instead rather sullenly watches the first years. Although, to be honest, Charlie does not have the most stoic face, and an eyeroll or two escape him. Girls. At the appropriate time, Charlie applauds the new arrivals, but he doesn’t really appear to be overly excited, even as he bothers with a “Welcome to Hufflepuff.” Really. Welcome. Honest.

Rowan stares, wide-eyed at the hat. “It spoke.” He whispers, to whoever happens to be closest to him. “I mean, it sang. It sang, and it spoke. Hats aren’t supposed to do that.” A pause. “Oh, yeah, it’s magic, huh?” Good one, Rowan. As his name is called, he seems stunned, though he runs – or at least, walks very quickly and exhuberantly – to the hat, pulling it down onto his head, with more than a little bit of trepidation.

(Hufflepuff) “It might be better with more of an age difference,” Alice comments, head turning for a moment to look as another Hufflepuff is called. But her attention quickly goes back. “When is the wedding? Will you be in it?” That one, at least, must be directed to Constance; anyway, she has lowered her voice now.

(Hufflepuff) Chester looks about, a little uncertainly as he gets acquainted with the faces of his new housemates. “Hullo,” he greets them with a bit of a smile, looking up with interest to see where his brother is sorted.

(Hufflepuff) “Of COURSE I’m going to be in it!” Constance tells her friend with a grin. “I’m related, after all, how could she not put me in it?” Constance seems to be joking with this statement as she looks happy and cheerful, greeting the newcomer. “Your sister was away all summer, wasn’t she, Alice? Working with your Aunt?”

Keelan Walsh calls up three more children as the Hat calls out “Ravenclaw!” twice and then another “Slytherin!” is Sorted. Reading over the next name, a smile that the first years shouldn’t get too used to spreads across Keelan‘s face. “Fallon, Angus!” is thusly summoned, and the child goes to “Hufflepuff!”

“Well… I think you’re broken!” Rowan hisses almost spitefully to the hat, though he looks around uncertainly for what to do next. Is he supposed to remove the hat? Right, right. With that, he hurries off to the Gryffindor table.

Still looking for all intents and purposes warm and inviting, Keelan Walsh proceeds to “Fallon, Edern!”

Edern Fallon walks up to the Sorting Hat, a bit apprehensive, eyeing it wearily – he had heard a lot about it, but to actually meet it and place a thinking cap on his head? He hadn’t even had the chance to inspect it. Still, he takes a deep breath and sits down, pulling the hat down onto his head – though not too far down.

Smiling broadly and with great pride, Edern joins the long table on the side where a cheering House greets him. He is more than pleased to be placed with his Aunt Kee’s House, even if it means he isn’t with his brother.

(Hufflepuff) Alice Wexler nods, glances briefly at another new Hufflepuff, then nods again to Constance. “Yeah, she was. I didn’t see her much.” This thought pleases her briefly; Alice got more attention! “She’s back here now, of course.”

Keelan Walsh straightens a bit and nods at the boy approvingly before calling up “Fallon, Venora!”

Venora Fallon‘s smile morphs into a wide grin as she steps out from the protection of the gaggle of first years, shoulders straight and head high. Glancing to her brothers for a moment, she climbs the stairs and gives a little wave to Keelan Walsh. She sits neatly on the chair and dons the hat, not minding as it falls over her eyes. She sits, unmoving, but for her fingers crossing in her lap.

(Hufflepuff) “Of course. I see her over at Gryffindor table. She got really tall! How odd.” Constance shakes her head and then brushes some hair out of her face. “Maybe mum will let you stay at our house next summer some if she’s at home. There aren’t less people, but it would be so much fun, don’t you think?” The girl beams at the idea, waving down the table at Chester cheerfully.

Ravenclaw! Emmaline would be pleased. Oh, Venora wished her brothers would have been sorted to the same House! It would be ever so much more fun with Edern and Angus at her side. Still…Ravenclaw was very good. And they were going to have fun, no matter what. They’d promised Father. She fumbles the hat off her head, placing it haphazardly back on the stool then turns to face her new housemates with a wide, crooked grin.

If Keelan‘s face falters at the Hat’s pronouncement, it is merely momentary, though perceptive students may note a bit of a twitch going in her left eyebrow even as she smiles at Venora. More parchment is unrolled, and “Garnent, Ion!” is asked to come forth.

Ions fingers reach up to unconsciously play with the key around his neck as his name is called, and boldly he steps up to the hat. His eyes flicker towards the already sorted first years with an overly serious expression on his face, before taking a seat on the stool and placing the hat on his head, waiting anxiously.

(Hufflepuff) “That would be so much fun!” Alice agrees. “You have even more people. Would there be room?” She pauses, but then another thought hits her, and she asks again, “Do you think our parents would let us? We are already living right near each other.”

Ion Garnent blinks in surprise, obviously sorted into a house he wasnt expecting, but still pleased over the choice. In his excitement to get to his table he nearly forgets to take the Hat off, and has to backtrack a few steps in order to return it. Any sense of etiquette is lost as he takes his seat at the table of his new House.

(Hufflepuff) “Of course there would be room! You could share my bed!” Constance seems to see no problem with this arrangement, even if there might be wedding-type festivities making the house more crowded. “Why would our parents have a problem with it? It’s different when you stay at someone else’s house, and wouldn’t your dad be glad at not having to keep track of you as well as all your siblings?” Constance shrugs at this and grins about. “Hey, Charlie, are we going to do better at Quidditch this year? I think we should win.”

Three more nervous eleven year olds take their turn. One spends upwards of five minutes to become a “Slytherin!”, and then in quick succession a pair of coustins is split between “Gryffindor!” and “Hufflepuff!” With no small amount of pride in her voice, Keelan calls “Lennox, Batrius!” A young boy steps up, gives a wide grin to the Professor, and then sits with the Hat. He fidgets after a moment, frowns briefly, but then something of a wicked smile surfaces as the Hat announces, “Ravenclaw!”. Quickly, Batrius Lennox actually tips the hat at Keelan, who looks very much like she just choked on a frog, sets it on the stool, and scampers off to join his new housemates.

With a strained voice, then, Keelan calls up an entire passel of students, three of which join “Slytherin!”, two more go to “Gryffindor!”, and one each for “Hufflepuff!” and “Ravenclaw!” As the amount of scroll Keelan has shrinks and the amount dangling toward the floor lengthens, she announces, “Taber, Nell!”

Nell Taber fairly skips up to the hat, all traces of nervousness hidden as she carefully pats her hair, then waves to the watching crowd before putting it on.

(Hufflepuff) Alice Wexler laughs quietly. “I suppose you’re right. If your parents won’t mind, I’ll ask.. maybe not quite yet, though.” It’s still a bit early in the school year to worry about summer again. As Constance asks about quidditch, Alice‘s attention wanders back to the sorting that seems to be occuring, finding the new first years at least a little more interesting.

Nell looks a bit startled, but she carefully places the hat down, then takes a small curtsy for the watching crowd, before running off to her new table.

Keelan Walsh calls two more students, both of whom end up in “Slytherin!”

(Hufflepuff) Angharad says, “Welcome to Hufflepuff, Nell!”

Keelan Walsh claps, briefly, as the last child is Sorted, but this seems to serve the purpose of re-rolling the scroll rather than as applause. This done, she hoists the stool, hat still perched on it, and sets it off to the side before finally taking her seat with the other faculty members.

(Hufflepuff) “I’m pleased to meet you,” Nell says politely, looking around the table.”Er, Hufflepuffs are really secretly special, aren’t they?”

As the Sorting itself concludes, Astra rises from her seat at the faculty table and stands to face the vast hall and its many occupants. There’s a beat between her standing up and her actual address of the students, but when she does speak it is clear and calm, using the natural acoustics of the room to make herself heard rather than magical spells. Turning to nod at Keelan, she smiles lightly to the other woman before repeating the gesture to Bonnie. “Thank you Professor Walsh for your help with the Sorting and my gratitude to Professor Kensington for your assistance with bringing the first years safely to the school, it’s always an exciting task.” Addressing the school again, the Headmistress draws herself up and continues. “I’m very glad to see you all back and hope that you’ve had a wonderful summer. For our new students, welcome to your new home. I’m sure that your fellow House mates will help you get settled in quickly and comfortably.” Pausing to look at the
many faces, some new and many familiar, she grins sharply and gives a moment before she launches on.

(Hufflepuff) “Of course they are,” Olivia mentions with a bit of dismay at the new girl, shaking her head a bit, quickly quieting down as she looks up toward the headmistress.

(Hufflepuff) “Oh, good!” Nell says, with a relieved smile. “I’m very special. My parents both say so. My brother said the Slytherins were the best, but I’m better then him, so if I’m here this must be better.”

(Hufflepuff) Charlie Linwood is sarcastic because he’s sulky(normally he’s got at least some pride), “Oh, yes, really special. We’ve got a lot of paintings of badgers and everything.” What an excellent Prefect he makes. “Now hush up and listen to Professor Rathe.” He leans back on the bench, crossing his arms and turning his face (which may as well be in a full on pout, honestly), toward the faculty table.

(Hufflepuff) Constance‘s eyebrows raise as she looks toward Alice after Nell’s statement, obviously a little puzzled at this girl. She chooses not to say anything at this moment, however, valuing the good opinion of the prefect who sits so near.

The mood of her tone sobers but she continues the speech with the same efficient crisp pace. “For our returning students who remember Headmistress Prichard, I bring sorry news. It was all of our hopes that she would be returning to us this year, but she will not be returning in the foreseeable future. Rest assured the moment I hear any word, I will share it with the entire school.” Clearing her throat, Astra reaches for a goblet and takes a sip from the liquid before continuing. “There have been only a few minor changes to our staff this year.” “We welcome back Professors Helit, Addison, Fallon, and Walsh as our Heads of Houses. It is our sincere hope that they will continue to fill these roles for many years.” “Professor Calwern will not be returning as Charms Professor and so Professor Austin will continue as our Charms Professor. Professor Rathe stepped down from Potions and has taken over teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts, good luck to him.” “Finally, please welcome Professor Orwell Gadds as our newest Potions instructor.” Finishing up with that, she takes no breather yet but picks up with a more pleasant manner and almost playful manner. “I’m sure the seventh years are excited to know who will become the Head Boy and Head Girl for this year.” Taking delight in this news, Astra purposely pauses to sip from the goblet in her hand and glance over the various tables. “Congratulations are in order to Slytherin Prefect, Evan Geroff who is Head Boy this year and no less congratulations are in order to Hufflepuff’s very own Olivia Baxtor.” Only now does the woman allow herself a brief respite to grin widely and watch any reactions that might take place.

(Hufflepuff) Nell starts clapping, pleased to see someone from her table recognized even if she isn’t clear what exactly is going on due to her chatting.

Olivia Baxtor is blatantly shocked as she is announced as the seventh year head girl, her eyes wide as she covers her mouth with her hand, looking around the Great Hall in utter shock. Her shocked expression changes from a shocked expression to a grin as she spots Evan across at the Slytherin table and she giggles a little, giving a bit of a curtsey and a little wave to everyone in the hall before sitting down again quickly, obviously still a little in shock.

(Hufflepuff) Angharad O‘Duibhleargain claps as well, smiling.

Evan Geroff truly was waiting for the announcement as to who would be chosen, for Head Boy at least, but his quick smile at the news is halted as soon as Olivia is named. He stands, looking toward her with a wide grin and a mouthed “Congratulations!”, before nodding to acknowledge the rest of the hall and resuming his seat.

Once things have settled back down, Astra clears her throat. “Of course, school wouldn’t be school without a list of rules and regulations now would it? Your parents have charged us with the task of taking care of you and so we do our best to imitate them.” “I know you’re all *thrilled* over that!” The dry humor comes slowly to her, but she finally seems to be getting into the good spirits of the Sorting feast. “With that said I’m charged with telling you all that a list of banned items is posted on the Caretaker’s office door and you’d do well to familiarize yourself with it. In addition, there is to be no running in the hallways.” “Use of magic in the hallways or on the outside grounds without supervision or explicit permission by a teacher is strictly prohibited and will be dealt with accordingly.” “As usual, the Forbidden Forest is exactly that – Forbidden and trespassers *will* be harshly dealt with.” “Third year students and above are reminded to have their
permission slips to Hogsmeade signed and ready for the first weekend. Anyone who doesn’t have this will not be allowed off school grounds.” Clearing her throat, she looks around the hall. “Returning students know how I deal with rule breakers, I trust none of you will want to come to my office?” “Don’t worry, you’ll get to eat soon, but I have a few more announcements to make.”

(Hufflepuff) Alice Wexler has turned back to look toward Olivia, and claps more enthusiastically than her demeanor usually leads her too, smiling at Olivia as she sits again.

(Hufflepuff) Olivia is still shocked as she drops back into her seat, looking about the table at the contragulatory expressions, and she blushes a deep red, grinning at those around her. “Thanks,” she replies quietly, with a grin still plastered sillily across her face.

(Hufflepuff) Constance Geroff‘s cheers come the loudest of anyone around as both her brother and his fiancee are announced as the head boy and girl positions. She cheers loud enough that it seems to echo back several times over, only stopping when she throws an exhuberant hug around Olivia’s middle as she sits down at the table again. “I just knew Evan would get it! I’m SO glad that you’ve got it, too, Olivia!”

(Hufflepuff) Charlie Linwood claps hardily despite the fact that he’s about as cheerful as a dementor with nobody to soul-suck. Or a boy with nobody to face-suck, which is what he is. “Congratulations” comes his monotone. It isn’t as if he’s ever made especial friends with Olivia. Or anyone off the Quidditch team. Or most of the people on. Or inanimate objects, even.

Waiting for about a minute to let students discuss among themselves, Astra finally holds up her hand for attention. “A few last minute notices.” “I want to again congratulate Slytherin on winning the House Cup last year and congratulations again to Ravenclaw for victory in attaining the Quidditch Cup.” “On the subject of Quidditch, the school will not be holding the traditional Quidditch tournament this year, but we promise Quidditch enthusiasts will not be disappointed.” “I am also to inform you that all greenhouses are off limits to students unless Professor Walsh is present and you have express permission to be there outside of class.” “Finally, there is to be absolutely no magical toys, candy, trinkets, or anything else of magical nature brought into Muggle Studies. If any of these items are found upon your person, Professor Helit will confiscate and dispose of them.” Letting the various warnings sink in, she finishes. “It looks to be an exciting and vibrant new term and I sincerely hope each of you finds as much fun as you do challenges.” “Now let’s eat.”

(Hufflepuff) Angharad O‘Duibhleargain shrugs her shoulders as the announcements end. Another year of being alone for her, probably. She hasn’t anything but casual acquaintances, and only a few of those – but it isn’t too bad.

(Hufflepuff) “No Quidditch?” Constance replies with a bit of a gasp. “Imagine! I wonder what we’ll be doing instead. She did say that enthusiasts wouldn’t be disappointed, and while I don’t count myself as a particular enthusiast, I do enjoy the matches.” The girl starts to help herself to some food, puzzled at this turn of events.

(Hufflepuff) “Badgers are cute!” Nell says happily. She apparently had been holding this in since she was told to listen to the announcements. “What’s the house cup? Why did Slytherin win last year instead of us?”

(Hufflepuff) Alice Wexler shrugs, not particularly concerned about this quidditch thing. Though it is strange that they wouldn’t have it. “I’m sure they’ve got something equally interesting planned, then,” she offers, reaching for plate of rolls nearby.

(Hufflepuff) “Because they must have worked harder last term or something,” Constance comments. “It was a very close cup,” she admits, pausing to take several bites of food, for she honestly is famished.

(Hufflepuff) Charlie Linwood‘s jaw fairly drops, shocked right out of his Intent to Sulk. He sits there for a moment even as the feast starts around him, and then finally, slumping a bit, he lets out a sigh that could very well be considered relieved and looks at Nell blankly. “Tell a badger it’s cute when you’re on the business end of its claws and then let us know how that went.” Mrff. He begins piling his plate in that obsessively neat and segregated way he has, leaving the explanation of the Cup to someone else.

(Hufflepuff) “I don’t like claws,” Nell said seriously. “Why did you let them work harder? I like winning things. It’s a lot of fun and people cheer for you.”

(Hufflepuff) Angharad O‘Duibhleargain fills her plate with food, letting the conversation wash over her without really paying attention.

(Hufflepuff) Constance glances at Nell for a moment, looking at her seriously. “Well, we were a bit preoccupied with our schoolwork. If you’d like to suck up to the teachers, though, you’re more than welcome.” This retort is a bit more biting than is usual for Constance, and it is clear that she doesn’t entirely trust the new girl.

(Hufflepuff) “Is that what we’re supposed to be doing?” Nell asked, looking confused.

(Hufflepuff) “Constance,” Olivia admonishes quietly. “No, we work hard to try to earn points, and whichever house earns the most at the end of the year gets the cup,” Olivia explains gently to Nell. “It just happened that Slytherin earned more than we did last year.”

(Hufflepuff) “Oh, all right,” Nell said, filling her plate. “So I have to work hard and earn points and then we can win.”

(Hufflepuff) “Is it hard to earn points?” Chester asks, cautiously. “I don’t want to do anything dangerous or anything to earn points. It wouldn’t be worth it.” Chester, for his own part has filled his plate up quite full, perhaps a bit more full than one his age and size ought. This seems irrelevant to him as he begins to eat messily.

(Hufflepuff) “I’m sure no one would let us get hurt,” Nell says, looking over Chester as if sizing him up.

(Hufflepuff) Angharad O‘Duibhleargain shakes her head and grins. “Dangerous stuff is more likely to get you losing points, I think,” she says.

Time passes and the night grows longer, but eventually Astra stands up from her chair again and holds up her hands. “We have an early and exciting day tomorrow. I hope you’ve all enjoyed yourselves, but now it’s about time to be preparing for our first day of school. Prefects please take charge of the first years and guide them back to the house commons.” “Have a good night to each and every one of you.” Trusting and confident of those left in charge, the Headmistress takes her leave of the feast without another word.

Standing abruptly from her seat, Kelly waves the youngest students from her table towards her. “Okay, first years, follow me!” She smiles a bit at this, if nothing else. She gets to boss people around! Legitimately! “First years, this way, please. Don’t get distracted or lost or I will not help you find your way later.”

Standing up uncertainly, Olivia looks to the other Hufflepuff prefects and then across the room, she spots Evan, and a smile spreads across her face. “You guys can handle it, right?” she asks them, making sure before she sneaks away, walking quickly so that Constance can’t follow and try to see where she’s headed. Quickly she makes her way toward the exit to the room, looking pointedly to Evan before slipping out of the room quickly.

Finishing the last cup of dessert, Andy nods over to Briony and Kelly. “See you in the commons, then.” Seeing that Kelly had drawn the firsties’ attention towards her, Andy thinks it’d be best to keep in the back of the small crowd of new students, not to lose one of them along the way to the Common Room.

Charlie Linwood rises from the table and tries not to look over at Gryffindor… or Slytherin for that matter. Ravenclaw is safe eyeball territory but now he’s got to cart about little people. “First years, if you follow me I’ll take you to our wonderful and glorious Common rooms, so that you can see our Illustrious Paintings and try to stake out a good chair.” Cheerful.

Briony doesn’t have any responsibility with the first years, so as she finishes her supper, she and Kalynn stand and chatting amiably, they make their way out of the great hall and up to the Gryffindor commonroom. Briony will just have to try to chat with Gabe later, after he’s finished with his prefectly duties.

Following Astra’s lead, Donovan gets up himself and heads out of the Great Hall to go crash for the night, knowing that the next day was the start of another busy year for the school.

Eleonora offers a fake smile at the first years. She hopes they will stay out of her hair this year. She starts for the doors, weaving in and out of throng of kids and heads out.

Standing up from his table along with his fellow prefects Louis does his best to not let the Quidditch news get in the way of his prefect duties. “Okay first years, this way behind me. In a neat line if you please and don’t dawdle.” He calls out motionign for a few stragglers to get in line. “That’s it, yes yes we know you can tie your shoe now get in line.” He tells another boy. With that Louis turns and motions for them all to follow him out of the great hall.

Chester Blake climbs through the hole in the wall behind the palm fronds.

“This is pretty!” Nell says, pleased, as she looks around.

Angharad O‘Duibhleargain smiles. “Yes, isn’t it?” she says. “It’s comfy, too.”

“I like it in here. I think the yellow is very cheerful,” Constance replies happily, sinking into a seat near to where Alden has gotten comfortable, grinning at the boy cheerfully, then turning her attention to the nearby girls. “I wonder what the quidditch enthusiasts will get instead of the Quidditch tournament. What do you reckon it is?” she asks the other girls.

Angharad says, “Probably some fancy competition.”

“It is cheerful!” Nell said, bouncing slightly in her chair. “Maybe we’ll do a play! That would be more fun then quidditch.”

Angharad O‘Duibhleargain dismisses the suggestion with a shake of her head. “No, that’s not enough excitement to compensate for no Quidditch,” she says.

“A play would be fun!” Constance agrees happily, seeming to come a bit out of her distrust for Nell. She pauses, considering. “Maybe we’ll get to go see some professional Quidditch matches!” The girl suggests, her eyes getting wide at the speculation.

Angharad O‘Duibhleargain grins. “That would be amazing!” she says excitedly.

Alice Wexler grabs a pillow from somewhere and stretches out on the floor near Constance’s chair, finally warming up a bit to the conversation and the crowd. “Maybe they’ll let us write the play,” she suggests, with a small smile for Nell.

“A play?” Chester considers, looking about as he chews his lip. “Well, maybe. It would be fun to help make the sets, don’t you think?” he suggests amiably. “I don’t know if I’ll care as much for Quidditch. I didn’t become very familiar with it in India, and we just didn’t get much into it when we moved back to England,” he mentions casually.

“Acting is more fun then writing, but that’s still good,” Neil said. “Watching Quidditch isn’t as fun as playing. What do they do in India?”

“Oh, they have Quidditch,” Chester answers quickly. “We just didn’t play it, really. I guess the Ministry folks who we lived around, didn’t really like it, so they didn’t play at all, so Rowan and I didn’t play as much then.” Chester shrugs as he adds this, smiling to the girls surronding him. He’s not used to be surrounded by pleasant girls.

“I’ve never played Quidditch,” Neil said, “But my mother let me practice riding her broom this summer. It was fun! I think I was good at it. I might be on the team when I’m older.”