Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

Ghalaghor looked at the many students who filled the hall slowly. He saw so many new faces since it was his first year at Hogwarts as a teacher. He couldn't wait to teach them about divination and hoped that he wouldn't demonstrate his talent in front of a class full of teenagers. Zack prefered to keep his "gift" a secret. It had put him into enough trouble when he was younger, but now he was able to sorta control it and keep his prophecies for himself.

Lyz got out of the boat and held her breath when she nearly fell into the lake. Cold sweat ran down her sback and made her robe cling to her body like a second skin. She followed the others after she had calmed down and hoped that nobody would find out about her missing underwear. The air felt kinda good on her bare genitals and made her kinda like it. Maybe she would never wear any underwear again while she was in Hogwarts? Sure, that could cause her to get in trouble with the teachers, but that wasn't such a big problem as long as no rumors spread around the school.

Archon carefully averted his eyes from the shivering girl whose robes clung too tightly and obviously to her body. "Lumos." he muttered, drawing his wand from the leather sheath at his hip, and a brilliant light lit the path. The stone steps carved in the side of the hill up to the great doors were steep, but he was careful, and paused at the top to make sure all the student made it up safely. then he tapped his wand lightly on the huge, metal and wood doors, the portal swinging open silently.

The tall, handsome man stormed in, gesturing to an open door to the side of the entry hall. "Have a seat in this classroom. The Sorting will begin in the next fifteen minutes, when the rest of the school is seated and ready." he informed them with a small smile. "Don't make trouble." He added, and then shut the door behind him, the bolt sliding shut and locking the door. One of the other teachers would gather the students and bring them for the Sorting in the Great Hall. then he directed his step upstairs at his quick, break-neck pace, moving to his personal rooms near the Slytherin common room.

There he changed out of the plain black robes and into something more sleek, a full length black cloak and dark green tunic, with black leggings. The black cord belt he wore went around his waist, his pendant hanging from it, as well as the wand sheath. The black cloak clasped at his throat with an emerald. His sleeves had long trailing fabrics that flowed behind him like a shadow. Finished changing, he stormed downstairs once more, entering the Great Hall (loud with chatter and conversation) with a bang, the doors flying open with a flick of his wand, then closing behind him. he always had a flair for the dramatic. As he swept in, cloak billowing behind him as he stalked up the center aisle to the staff table, the Slytherin table roared with cheers and applause at his entry, which he attempted to quiet with a hand.

To little avail.

Siobhan closed her eyes and drew in a single, deep breath as Hogwarts mighty gates creaked and thudded open in order for the First Years and their chaperone to enter the school proper. Although she'd never admit it, she always got a thrill at this moment, this true beginning for so many young wizards... Well not a /thrill/ /thrill/ ... Not like... And she blushed deep crimson again as her mind took her back to the time she'd just spent with Auntie N... ~Stop that!~ she admonished herself but her body betrayed her. Her nipples hardened again and she felt a hot flush come over her, deep at her core, as she thought, ~Auntie 'ohhhhh'~ and giggled as she hid her face under her hair.

After another breath, Siobhan pushed off the wall she'd been leaning on and brushed a hand over her skirt to right its pleats. She shivered a bit as her palm played over herself and she found herself wishing it was Nilsa's hands playing over her body.... ~STOP... THAT ... NOW!!!~ she commanded herself as she heard voices approaching and DIDN'T want to be caught by any of them playing with herself in the front hall of Hogwart's not when she was House Prefect and a leader of House Slytherin. She began counting backwards from a million in Ancient Greek as she tried to force composure on herself before she was in the company of anyone else.

"No, I don't think you can bewitch the Sorting Hat. If you could, I'm pretty sure that it would get you expelled."

"Gah! There were just so many first years that looked like they might make a decent team, if not this year then maybe next. We need better players." Desiree's drawl was obvious next to the practiced perfection of the other Slytherins she walked with. "Screw it, I guess we'll just...cheat." The other's laughed as they came around a corner and ahead, Desiree saw her friend Siobhan.

"Siobhan! Siobhan, my darlin' dear," Desiree cried as she walked forward purposefully. She held her arms wide. "Siobhan, these meanies are telling me I can't put a hex on the Sortin' hat so that I can pick where the students go! Make 'em stop, and make 'em tell me that I can!"

The other three students slowed their walk a bit, unsure whether they were safe or were about to be turned into slugs.

Siobhan heard familiar voices approaching, including the unmistakable drawl that could only be coming from a certain 'sweet Slytherin sister from across the Pond'. The warm, friendly greeting, both exuberant and plaintive, made Siobhan chuckle softly and then school her features into the Porcelain Mask of Perfect Propriety she was known to wear. She stepped into Desiree's welcoming embrace and hugged her affectionately as she said softly, "it's good to see you, Sweet Dee... Next summer I'm stealing you away from your frightful family and sharing my adventures with you."
Being so close to Siobhan, both physically and as a long time friend, it's quite possible that Desiree might catch signs of the carnal excitement still coursing through the Prefect's body and mind. Siobhan's rose colored eyes had a certain alluringly hypnotic glow to themselves, her breathing was deliberately measures and her alabaster skin had an unaccustomed blush to it visible when the setting sunlight hit her just right. Also though there was nothing overtly sexual in the way Siobhan embraced Desiree there was a subtle charge to it, like a static charge picked up when crossing a bear skin rug in front of a fireplace but... Somehow...better...

A few moments later, after a quick peck on each of Desiree's cheeks, Siobhan leaned back from her friend and publicly sided with Desiree's detractors. "No, Captain Dee, you can't hex the Sorting Hat, that's what we dare dumb G'dores when we get bored..." she reminded Desiree in a tone that include the rest of those in their House in earahot. She dropped her tone and instead offered, "... But... Nothing's to stop someone from hexing the First Years into hearing a different House NAMED by the Hat then it speaks to them..." She giggled a bit at imagining the Chaos that would cause if done right.

Siobhan released Desiree from her embrace and gave her a quick smack on the rump. "Innovation, subtlety and effectiveness are our watchwords, m'lovelee. Never forget it," she admonished her dear Housemate. She offered Desiree her hand as she asked, "shall we sit together at dinner? Or are you off to your rooms first?"

Desiree takes Siobhan's hand after the butt smack. She smiled at the older girl, happy to even be invited to stay with Siobhan for a summer. Talk about "Double, Double, Toil and Trouble". Besides, anything would be better than staying at home, stuck with her mother in that house, with nothing to do during the day except dream of Hogwarts and magic. Nothing to do at night except beg for a couple of hours of flying time on that ridiculously slow broom her mother had. To spend a summer somewhere and not have to put her wand away in a box for three months...that would be enough of a reward in and of itself. Hanging out with Siobhan would just be, like, really sweet icing on a really delicious cake.

"Oh, dear. A summer here, with you? Just us? Bless your sweet, lovely lil' heart! I would love to spend the summer with you, but my mama, bein' the witch she is, will prob'ly disapprove. I'd have to send her a letter by muggle mail, and that, my sweet, can take weeks to reach our home." There was a slight pause, and she spoke again. "I know! How 'bout you ask your parents if you can stay with me! Oh, it's so delightful down at the river. As soon as summer hits, there's that nice hot, sultry air. Your clothes just...stick to ya. Drives the boys wild, 'specially the pool guys. They're cute enough, as muggles go, coarse as rough sawn lumber. Why, my dear Siobahn, one of 'em even said, plain as a beak on an owl's face, that he wants to make me a woman on my eighteenth birthday. Talk like that's hot as the neighbor lady's jambalaya, but it's probably just talk."

"And I would LOVE to sit together at the table for dinner. My trunk's downstairs waitin' to be taken to my room. Hopefully inspections are light this year. Shall we, my sister? Even with our Head of House making his overly dramatic entrance, surely the party is being held up until we arrive?"

Pleasure rippled over Holiday’s skin at the acknowledgement, and with a small laugh and an equally small smile, she gave a nod. “Don’t worry, Professor Archon… I’m continuing Potions this year!” she called back, rather pleased that she managed to get a smile out of the somewhat temperamental man. It seems to be a rare sight...one he didn’t share with others very often. “Besides… why won’t I continue one of my favorite classes?” That said, she continued on down the path towards the carriages...watching while Slytherins climbed into one before her. A familiar rivalry swelling within her chest, she grinned at the thoughts of what is to come this year. This year… Gryffindor is winning that Quidditch Cup! she determined, a grin replacing the small smile she was wearing earlier.

The carriage jerked to a start, carrying the silly Slytherins away. Holiday tapped a rhythm out against her hip, waiting -albeit, a little impatiently- for the next one to roll forward. After a minute or so, she was finally stepping into the dark cavern within...and closing the door behind her. Most students were already in Hogwarts, she warranted...and in greeting Professor Archon, she lagged behind just a bit. Not that it matters. I don't have to be Sorted, and I don't have anyone of interest to watch being Sorted into Gryffindor, or Hufflepuff...or Ravenclaw or Slytherin...

It wasn’t long before the carriage pulled to a stop in front of Hogwarts. Conversations, laughter and the like perfumed the air...breaking through the silence rather nicely. Holiday climbed out, a wave of fiery red falling over her shoulder while she did so. In her peripheral vision, she could see a number of Gryffindors, chatting amongst themselves while heading inside...but didn’t bother joining in.

Holiday was in the Entrance Hall soon enough...and with enough first-years to make a person’s head spin, perhaps a few other things, too. Her lips curved into an amused smile, dark forest green eyes sparkling with the same emotion while she made her way past the small crowd. While she expected the furtive glances in her direction, the whispers hidden behind their hands...and perhaps even a few pointed fingers, what she didn’t expect was to run into Professor Archon again so soon...and in such a manner. Her body colliding with another body, this one much more...firm, not to mention muscular...Holiday stumbled back, falling onto the floor with as much grace as a wounded elephant.

Quite a bit of skin was revealed because of the fall… Holiday’s long, nicely toned legs… and it didn’t help that the shoulder of her robes had...shifted...exposing the curve of her shoulder and throat. “Ow…” the young woman murmured, running a hand over her face. After that was said and done...her eyes lifted, only to widen seconds later. Oh...Wow… It was really...really hard not to stare, what with Professor Archon in a full length black cloak, dark green tunic...and black leggings that don’t leave much to the imagination. In all honesty… he could very well have been a dark knight, straight out of a fairy tale. Of course...she never did care for the knight in shining armor, riding a white stallion smack. “I...I’m sorry…” Holiday said quite breathlessly, giving a sheepish smile.

A few strands of red fell against a flushed cheek...bringing out the pink color that was slowly spreading. Holiday lifted one hand in order to deal with it...and brushed it aside, tucking it behind an ear moments later. “I, um… I really should have been paying closer attention…” she confessed at last, chuckling softly under her breath.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Synclair let his thoughts wander, go in all sorts of directions...fragment, and lead into other thoughts. While it may annoy some, he found a certain...peace, in being so absent-minded. It was difficult for him to focus on one thing, or on a single strand of thought for any period of time... Besides, he's gotten new ideas because of those wandering thoughts. His dark blue eyes taking on a glassy look, the man was barely aware of Miss Katya casting the spell...or of his robes flipping around until the front was where it should be. Dark brown fell over the pair, giving him a rather boyish look about him...and bringing his mind back to the present. With slight annoyance written all over his features, he brushed the strands aside, and let out a long, exasperated sigh.

“You are right… It is a malfunction, it simply has to be,” Synclair replied, encouraged by the cute little giggle she let out. “Too bad there is no way to fix it, for these happen to be my favorite robes...when they are worn the right way, that is…” His large, capable hands on his hips, he gave a grin, this one bringing out the dimple in his right cheek...not to mention adding a certain twinkle to his eyes. “Maybe we should just have it where everyone wears their robes backwards… It would certainly make it easier on me!” he thought out, rather liking the idea.

Visitor? Synclair began scratching the back of his head, causing several hairs to stick up while he lifted his eyes to the sky. “Ah, it looks like I have a message…” Extending a hand out towards the paper crane, it began unfolding so that he could read the message inside. His eyes followed the words...and he gave a nod to no one in particular. “It seems like I no longer need to escort the first-years to Hogwarts… Professor Archon did that,” he finally spoke up, indicating the note he just received. “All we need to do is arrive at Entrance Hall, basically make an appearance.” His lips curved into yet another smile...however, this one could do dangerous things to a female heart. “Should I escort you there myself, Miss Katya?” he asked, offering his arm.

It couldn't be said that Archon expected to meet Holiday again in such a manner. She might have collided with him and fallen to the floor, but she hit him and he merely stopped, her motion simply hampering his. No doubt she felt as if she had run into a wall. "Miss Bell." Archon said softly, that little sarcastic smirk playing across his face. He had to admit that the fall did expose her... rather teasingly in fact. he mentally chided himself. He couldn't go and be getting himself involved with a student, much less one of the Gryffindors. His students would have a field day with that.

Yet he couldn't resist. "Do you need assistance?" he offered quietly, extending a pale hand, face expressionless. "It's quite all right." He assured her. "The question remains, however, are you?" He asked her, helping her to her feet as he adjusted his tunic and robes slightly. "If you are, we both should get to the Great Hall. Synclair is supposed to be here soon enough to usher the first-years in for sorting... And I'm going to have to keep an eye on my House for any mischief. I'm sure Siobhan in particular has some tricky plan." He muttered, and his eyes locked on hers. "Shall we?"

"Professor," Holiday replied to him softly calling her name, and felt a little...quiver go throughout her body at the sight of that little sarcastic smirk which tends to play across his face at times. Her legs shifted...the black robes hiding, and yet revealing more of her slender thighs, her calves...not to mention the clothes she was wearing underneath. "Ah... Yes... I could use the assistance... That is, if you don't mind giving it..." Her lips curving into a smirk similar to his, she extended a hand towards the pale hand offered...and, well...she couldn't possibly ignore the electricity that sang over her skin with the contact. Her cheeks taking on a light pink color, she rose onto her feet...quickly fixing her robes, so that she was no longer exposed. I can't believe I ran into him again... quite literally, too... she thought, resisting the urge to laugh at the irony. Normally, she wouldn't see him outside the classroom...but it looks like that is changing this year.

Holiday cleared her throat, and lifted that dark green gaze of hers up to meet his. "I'm alright, thank you. I think my pride is hurt more than anything else." With a soft laugh, which sounded like music, only without any harmony behind the lovely sound, she gave a nod to his next words. "We both should get to the Great Hall. My fellow Gryffindors are probably anxious to get things started... And I really must agree with you on that one. Siobhan seems to love trouble...and to drag me along for the ride..." It was right at that moment she noticed his eyes were locked onto hers...and her breath hitched. Her red hair was wild about her face, much like fire without bounds, the light picking out the highlights that normally hide within the bright mane. Her eyes were much like emeralds...only, with gold dust sprinkled over each one.

Archon's eyes uncontrollably flickered once more to the exposed flesh of Holiday's beautiful legs and the hidden shadows of undergarments. Then, wrestling control over himself, he mastered his expression once more and forced his attention to her eyes. "Slytherin or Gryffindor, it doesn't matter- both of our Houses are proud ones." He mused with a little smile. "It's no wonder they don't get along well"

But his expression shifted uncontrollably after her next few words. For some reason, the idea of Siobhan toying with this girl put him on edge, made him irritated. He wrestled with the emotion, mastering his facial expression once more. "The Headmistress and I don't always see eye to eye about Siobhan. She's a brilliantly dangerous character. And proud." He added with a smirk. His eyes played over hers again, then lit yp with a strange, mischievious intensity. "Come, let us to the Great hall, little lion." He said, and took her by the hand as he swept through the great doors. With a little playful flourish, he directed her to her table before moving to the head table.

Why had he done that?

Holiday could have sworn Professor Archon’s eyes had flickered to her legs...but, that isn’t possible...right? It must be her overactive imagination, playing tricks. That half-smile, half-smirk still playing along the girl’s lips...making the pair look rather...well, tempting… she laughed again while agreeing. “Slytherin and Gryffindor are proud Houses...Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw are just basically trying to keep up. Not that they can…” Her hand lifted to twirl a strand of hair around her finger...the red flashing and crackling under the light’s influence. A strange...expression had taken over his features, and for a moment, Holiday wondered what sort of thoughts were going through the man’s head. It wasn’t long until they were revealed, luckily.

“Ah… Um, well… I’m not really sure what to think on that one. I have to say, Siobhan is a wicked Quidditch player...but she does have a penchant for trouble… and loves to drag me along for the ride, like I said earlier. We’re both very proud...and when we get started, it’s hard to tell when we’ll stop.” A sheepish smile replacing the smirk, Holiday found herself surprised when her hand was taken into the Professor’s...and with a cute endearment. Little lion? I rather like the sound of that… Bursting through the Great Doors, every student turned to stare… or at least, that is what it seemed like, making her skin itch. Professor Archon directed her towards the Gryffindor table with a playful flourish, causing a delighted laugh to escape her lips. Her cheeks taking on another blush, one to rival the bright intensity of her hair, the girl glanced over her shoulder at him before smiling.

I wonder what that was all about… Holiday joined her friends, ignoring the questions being thrown her way.

Frogger said:

Synclair let his thoughts wander, go in all sorts of directions...fragment, and lead into other thoughts. While it may annoy some, he found a certain...peace, in being so absent-minded. It was difficult for him to focus on one thing, or on a single strand of thought for any period of time... Besides, he's gotten new ideas because of those wandering thoughts. His dark blue eyes taking on a glassy look, the man was barely aware of Miss Katya casting the spell...or of his robes flipping around until the front was where it should be. Dark brown fell over the pair, giving him a rather boyish look about him...and bringing his mind back to the present. With slight annoyance written all over his features, he brushed the strands aside, and let out a long, exasperated sigh.

“You are right… It is a malfunction, it simply has to be,” Synclair replied, encouraged by the cute little giggle she let out. “Too bad there is no way to fix it, for these happen to be my favorite robes...when they are worn the right way, that is…” His large, capable hands on his hips, he gave a grin, this one bringing out the dimple in his right cheek...not to mention adding a certain twinkle to his eyes. “Maybe we should just have it where everyone wears their robes backwards… It would certainly make it easier on me!” he thought out, rather liking the idea.

Visitor? Synclair began scratching the back of his head, causing several hairs to stick up while he lifted his eyes to the sky. “Ah, it looks like I have a message…” Extending a hand out towards the paper crane, it began unfolding so that he could read the message inside. His eyes followed the words...and he gave a nod to no one in particular. “It seems like I no longer need to escort the first-years to Hogwarts… Professor Archon did that,” he finally spoke up, indicating the note he just received. “All we need to do is arrive at Entrance Hall, basically make an appearance.” His lips curved into yet another smile...however, this one could do dangerous things to a female heart. “Should I escort you there myself, Miss Katya?” he asked, offering his arm.

Click to expand...

Her hand pulled out of her robes as she put the wand away. "We could start a new trend, it'll be all over the school, and Nilsa can make it our policy," she said with a chuckle. Imagining that made the laugh continue, all of the students and professors walking the halls in backwards robes. "Of course, once it's said and done and everyone wears their robes backwards, yours will probably decide that's the time they want to be the right way, and so we'll be right back here. A vicious cycle," she added. The crane came down, fluttering to Synclair's outstretched hand.

Katya returned the nod as he read the note. "Well, no need to hurry across the lake then. Good of Archon to help out," she said. They could just head to the hall and join the others to prepare for the feast. At his smile, Katya couldn't help but return a lightly devious smirk, extending her arm through his as he offered it. "Certainly, that sounds lovely," she said, lighter blue eyes gazing into his own before looking ahead to the castle. "Shall we?" This was looking to be a rather good year.

As Siobhan and Desiree entered the Great Hall for the sorting ceremony, Desiree broke away from her friend and walked up the opposite side of the Slytherin table. She spoke to a few of her friends as she made her way to the head of the table, where she would join with Siobhan and sit while the ceremony was under way. The head of the table was generally reserved for prefects and head boy/girl, but Desiree had pressed for Quidditch captains to be included in the list, and while initially the privilege was denied, she just sat there anyway until everyone got tired of telling her that she wasn't allowed to sit there anymore.

Desiree spoke with the members of her house, focusing mostly on the Quidditch team. Everyone wanted to know her strategy for the year. Her answer was "Cheat 'till we win or get kicked off of the field". The other members of the team didn't mind the cheating, and definitely preferred winning to losing, but hitting bludgers at their opponents or throwing the quaffle at someone's face had its own charm. God awful thing about the Snitch, though. She hadn't figured out how to injure someone with it, yet. Not that she cared. She wasn't a Seeker, she was a Chaser, which led to a few jokes about how she liked the "big balls". Desiree hadn't played Quidditch in months though, and she was only captain of the team for one reason. She could see things unfolding on the field and guide the other members of the team into an attack or defense.

Desiree played "social butterfly" until she reached the head of the Slytherin table. Satisfied that everyone had seen her, she sat, crossed her legs, and smoothed her skirt. She was a picture of grace, charm, and etiquette, but only a fool would believe it. She had more than enough mischief up her sleeve to go around.

Lyz followed the other first years to the room and waited with them until they got led into the great hall. She was kinda nervous and didn't know in which house she would get. Lyz looked around nervously and hoped that she'd find some friends sooner or later. She didn't know that she'd end getting in trouble by being caught. Siobhan and the headmistress would both have their fun with her, depending on who'd encounter her first.

Holly was sitting next to her brother Holden at the end of the table of the Ravenclaws where they were alone. Nobody else was sitting near the twins which meant that they had some piece. "I'm glad that we're back at Hogwarts. Last year was so much fun..." It was the second year at the School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for the twins. Holly had spent a lot of time together with her brother in private. They even got nearly caught by the headmistress, but Holly could convince her that they were just practicing some spells without getting disturbed by other students.

Ghalaghor sat on his chair while he looked around. He saw the two similar looking twins sitting at the Ravenclaw table far away from the other members of their house. He didn't like that they were so distant to other students, but he didn't know why they were so shy. Ghalaghor just hoped that they would warm up someday and find at least one or two friends at Hogwarts. He didn't know anything about the twins psychic connection nor why they were sitting so far away from the other Ravenclaws. Ghalaghor looked forward to teaching at Hogwarts. He was a little bit nervous since it was his first year as the teacher for divination, but he somehow knew that it would be a very interesting time at this school.

Archon leaded back in his staff chair, placed directly in front of the Slytherin table at the staff table, so he could keep an eye on his students as he ate. He watched as the students in his House whispered and pointed and made comments about the other Houses, probably planning things as well. They always were planning things. He couldn't exactly claim he was without blame- he didn't exactly teach them not to. His rule on the Quidditch field was simply "If I didn't see it, it didn't happen." But thank god none of them had noticed the interaction between him and Holiday. He would never have lived that down.

He shot a quick glance down the staff table, touching the silver flask in his cloak pocket. A week before school started, the Headmistress had come to him and requested that he brew a special tonic, one designed for vampires, to allow them to feed from unintelligent species and resist the urge to sink their fangs into wizards or Muggles. He could only presume that one of the new staff was a vampire... Fascinating. The potion, of course, would leave him or her lethargic and not at the top of his or her game, but it would lessen the danger of a vampiric mentor getting loose in the building and drinking from students.

"Mm... Perhaps you're right." Synclair adopted that cute, sheepish grin yet again. "My robes are very unpredictable, as you can see... I never know whether they are going to be on the right way, or on backwards... It is such a nuisance..." With a long, exaggerated sigh, he lifted one hand, patting her arm whenever it linked through his. "Though I must agree with you on one account...and that is...I see no particular reason why we should hurry across the lake, when the first years have already been taken care of. I say we take our time. Besides...how often do you see such a beautiful sunset, when occupied by schoolwork and students?"

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It was not long before all the students, all the teachers were gathered within the Great Hall, their murmurings and conversations filling it with noise for the first time in months. Nilsa cast her gaze over the bent heads...and couldn’t help the pride she felt. These were her students… her pride and joy, despite the fun she had...punishing each individual one. A hush began to fall over everyone...and it wasn’t but a few heartbeats later that every pair of eyes were upon the Slytherin Headmistress...quite a number having a hungry look. Her lips curved, eyes dancing in the floating candlelight. Wave upon wave of gold fell about the woman’s form, the strands catching the light as well, and shining under its influence.

“Welcome to a new year at Hogwarts!” Nilsa’s voice rang out, clear as music. Silvery-green robes flowed with every move she made...drawing the eye, and not just to the color. “It’s good to see so many new faces this year...as well as familiar ones.” Her hands resting on the podium, her bright blue eyes flecked from one face to another...before focusing on an all-too-familiar pair of red. Her lips curved into a smile yet again...this one much more mischievous than before. “I know all of you must be...starving, after your journey here, so I will make this short. For every achievement made, your House will receive points… for every bad thing, be docked points. Students are forbidden to go into the Forbidden Forest… or say I look like a mess at any time in the morning.”

A laugh erupting the seriousness, Nilsa brought forth a ratty-looking hat...and set it down upon a stool. “When your name gets called, come forward, take a seat, and place the hat on your head. Whatever House is named, you go to that table… Understood?” The hat’s wide brim broke after a minute or so, wrinkles forming in the fabric, and the hat itself moving as though it had limbs. All of a sudden...it began to sing...

“Oh you may not think I'm pretty,
But don't judge on what you see,
I'll eat myself if you can find
A smarter hat than me.

You can keep your bowlers black,
Your top hats sleek and tall,
For I'm the Hogwarts Sorting Hat
And I can cap them all.

There's nothing hidden in your head
The Sorting Hat can't see,
So try me on and I will tell you
Where you ought to be.

You might belong in Gryffindor,
Where dwell the brave at heart,
Their daring, nerve, and chivalry
Set Gryffindors apart;

You might belong in Hufflepuff,
Where they are just and loyal,
Those patient Hufflepuffs are true
And unafraid of toil;

Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw,
if you've a ready mind,
Where those of wit and learning,
Will always find their kind;

Or perhaps in Slytherin
You'll make your real friends,
Those cunning folks use any means
To achieve their ends.

So put me on! Don't be afraid!
And don't get in a flap!
You're in safe hands (though I have none)
For I'm a Thinking Cap!”

Laughter following on the song’s heels, names were called, Houses announced...until every student was where they belong. Nilsa stepped up to the podium once more, placing both hands upon the owl’s extended wings. “This year, we have a new Astronomy teacher, after our own Professor Starr fell ill...so please, welcome Professor Royal.” A tall, handsome man rose from his seat about halfway down the table...lifting his golden gaze, and giving a curt nod. Not many knew of it yet, but...he was a transitioning vampire...one who was fighting the urges, and doing whatever he can to not fall prey to the hunger. Professor Royal sat back down, prompting Nilsa to clap her hands together. “Also!”

Nilsa’s eyes still bright, the young woman leaned forward...resting her elbows on the podium while continuing to speak. “This year, we will be having a ball of sorts… sometime here in a few months. It will be to unify the Houses, and let us have a night of fun, without rivalry or trouble-making...so make sure that you packed something nice to wear! Now… let the feast begin!” With another clap, food appeared on the plates of every student and teacher.

((Just to let everyone know, my characters are open for interaction from this point.))

John Weaver sneaked into the Hall at the very last second, his falcon on his shoulder and, his hair still damp from the shower he had powered through. Anyone that knew him would know his work out session for the day had ran longer then he had expected and he was rushing a little. Just as he sat down, the food appeared and he looked slightly saddened by the fact he didn't get to watch the sorting. He had been hoping to see his new house tenants and look for new members to train for Quidditch. "Well damn, should have been a little more attentive." John says, not loud but anyone around would have heard. He starts to eat a little half heartedly then remembers something.

Looking around the room he finds Holiday and writes up a small note only saying "When you have a moment, I have a question for you." John ties it the leg of Trix and sends her to the girl, knowing he didn't need a name for her to know who sent it, he was the only one who had a Falcon after all.

Once the sorting ceremony was complete and the food appeared in front of the students, Desiree immediately began to eat. She'd been on a plane for a long time, with very little to sustain herself except airline food (which she really didn't eat much of) and pretzels (which she enjoyed, but had eaten enough on the flight to satisfy her cravings for them for the rest of the school year). She felt like such a ravenous little pig as she ate without really socializing with the other students.

A new Astronomy teacher? Did Desiree even have Astronomy class this year? Meh, who knows, plenty of time to sort that out once classes start tomorrow. Come to think of it, what classes did she have? She absolutely had to have Charms. She would jump off of the, ironically, Astronomy tower if she didn't. Maybe she should check her schedule. Of course, that could wait until after dinner. Everything could wait until after dinner. That being said, some things never waited. One was Quidditch. Some of the first and second year students were dared by other members of the team to interrupt Desiree's meal, asking some ridiculous question. She would smile and say something along the lines of, "Well, darlin', I do admire your enthusiasm but do me a kindness, sweetie...tell my team that if they keep botherin' me, I'll replace 'em all with dyslexic Boggarts." And so it went.

Ooh, and a ball this year. Might be fun. Dancing, hanging out with...wait, did she say "unify the houses"? What. The. Hell. She could barely stand to be around a bunch of nerdy do-gooders in her classes, now she was going to have to hang out with them on her own time? Great. Not only that, she had classes, homework, Quidditch practice, and Quidditch games. And it was improper for a lady to ask a man to a dance. Oh my god...what if nobody asked her? Her life would be over! Think about it...due to her social standing in her own house, there probably wouldn't be a Slytherin that would ask her. Ditto for the other houses, no Ravenclaw (gross), no Hufflepuff (grosser), and certainly no Gryphonwing (absolutely the most grossest). The pedestal that she stood on had to be an intimidating one. Not going to a ball would be social destruction, and going to the ball with just anyone would be social suicide! No, no. There had to be someone worthy of her status and her, as she was always ready to admit, beauty, that would ask her. Desiree felt her skin get hot, and she downed her water before loosening her tie and unbuttoning the top button of her blouse. The person next to her had their water stolen and drank as well.

"No, no, no. This is not good. This is not good at all," she said, fanning her face with both of her hands.

Archon raised an eyebrow slightly. A ball? That would be... interesting. His eyes wandered briefly, unconsciously, to Holiday, hovering on her for a moment before he caught himself, head snapping back to the platter of food before him. For that brief second he had wondered how out of place it would be if he asked her to accompany him... Those thoughts shouldn't even wander his mind- she was a student, and a Gryffindor at that. Nonetheless, she was one of his favorite and most successful students, as well as very attractive...

Stop it, Archon. he snapped mentally, and stood carefully, quietly, amid the hubbub of the room, and slipped up next to the Headmistress's chair silently. Pulling the silver flask from his robes, he passed it to her. "I suspect that I know who this is for, but I'll deliver it to you to avoid suspicion. It's the potion you asked for, allowing vampires to drink blood of non-humans." he whispered quietly to her, bent over with his back to the students, his lips hidden if any students might try to read his lips. He looked vaguely like a raven, stooped by the Headmistress's side.

His potion delivered, he returned to his own chair, finishing his food while keeping a careful eye on his students. Desiree seemed to be stressing over something or another, stealing water from those around her. Siobhan at the head of the table, looking ever mischievous and ever tricky. Much like her aunt.

Why is my heart pounding...and feeling so light, like it has grown wings...?

Holiday ignored the silly chatter of the other Gryffindors, and instead focused on how her heart was continuing to race, even after her little...encounter with Professor Archon. One hand hesitantly rose, the palm pressing lightly between the girl's breasts. Her lips curved into a dreamy smile. 'Little lion', huh...? That is really...cute... Unable to keep herself from letting out a soft, almost inaudible laugh, she lifted her eyes...only for the green pair to meet numerous other pairs. Her eyes narrowed. "What do you lot want?" she snapped, a little annoyed by the obvious suspicion lurking within blue, green and brown. "Can't you see I'm...eating?" Realizing that she hasn't taken a single bite since the food appeared, she emphasized this by bringing a big scoop of mashed potatoes up to her mouth, and eating it.

"What the bloody hell is wrong with you?" Holiday managed to decipher through a mouthful of chicken. "You're gazing off into the distance, like you've been hit upside the head by a Bludger!"

"Nice imagery there," Holiday grumbled under her breath, only to shake her head, sending waves upon waves of fiery red cascading about her shoulders. "Nothing's wrong with me, you dolts. Just tired, is all." That seemed to satisfy their curiosity, for one by one, each person went back to their plates as their conversation began to revolve around Quidditch, and the upcoming year.

At least...I think there's nothing wrong with me... Holiday dared to sneak a glance over her shoulder, towards the Slytherin table. Professor Archon was sitting at its head, as was his right to, being the Head of Slytherin, proceeding over it with a critical eye. Something inside the girl trembled, or...more precisely, inside her chest...her heart skipping a beat or two. A sigh escaped her lips. I'm staring... she told herself... knowing that sooner or later, her mooning over him will be noticed, whether by him, by a Slytherin... or by one of her fellow Gryffindors. Tearing her gaze away, she was about to play around with her food, when a screech caught her attention.

Several heads lifted, and yet only Holiday extended an arm out towards the owl. “Hey there, Trix,” she greeted with a coo, giving the bird’s soft, downy feathers a rub before removing the message from her leg. “‘When you have a moment, I have a question for you’...” she read, offering Trix a bit of bread. Professor Weaver must have run late tonight...given how he was rushing in here. He probably just wants to ask me whether or not I noticed anyone who could be on our Quidditch team or not… Giving a little shrug, she glanced up and gave the Professor a nod. Trix lifted her wings...beating once, twice, before raising into the air, and returning to him.

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“Ah, yes. Thank you, Professor Archon,” Nilsa purred, discreetly accepting the silver flask. It passed between hands, and it wasn’t long before it was hidden amidst her robes, that way it would not draw any attention. “I really appreciate your help in this… as will he.” Not bothering to say any names, the two parted ways… with no one being suspicious or any the wiser. Those bright blue eyes, framed in long, dark gold lashes, glanced about to make sure of that. Archon returned to his seat, down to the lovely Slytherins...and for a heartbeat...she was tempted to join him. It’s been far too long, since she last enjoyed exchanging double-edged words with her Slytherins…

Nilsa cast her gaze about, waves of gold framing the woman’s delicate features. Her lips forming yet another smile, she lifted her goblet, and drank deeply from it. Pumpkin juice teased her senses...and yet, it only served to remind her of an entirely flavor… A forbidden taste, one she has already developed a taste for...or perhaps it was an addiction? Licking her lips, she found herself looking down onto one particular Slytherin...a raven-haired beauty, just begging to be punished. With heat crackling -burning- throughout every vein, every capillary that riddled her body, she tore her gaze away...or else, something entirely too inappropriate for student eyes would happen.

DIrty, naughty ideas floating around inside her head, Nilsa forced herself to take a bite of chicken… still musing over everything that transpired earlier. Ooh, if only she could pin Siobhan against the door again, maybe even going a bit farther than they did… Nilsa chuckled, her lips giving a clear indication as to what was running through her head. It wasn’t long before an opportunity presented itself to hand the silver flask over to the new Professor Kristopher Royal...and so, she took it. Kristopher didn’t give much of a response, but really… she didn’t expect one.

Blue eyes met gold, an unspoken comment passing from one person to the other. Nilsa traced her fingers along the details engraved on the goblet, just watching all her students talk to one another.

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Synclair picked through the meat dishes, preferring to keep to the vegetarian diet. It would be...well, it just made his stomach churn, to work with animals all day, and then eat another member just hours later. His blue eyes lifted, his lips curving into a smile when he noticed the silly antics of the Gryffindors. It brought back memories of back in the day, when he sat at that exact same table. Makes me rather nostalgic… he thought, sipping his pumpkin juice. His hair caught whatever light there was, making the dark brown appear more gold than anything. The companion he brought for the evening popped his head out from within the black folds of his robe, sniffing as it caught the smell of food. Synclair chuckled, rubbing the bunny’s head with a fond smile.

Holly had watched the sorting with curious eyes and remembered how she got sorted last year into Ravenclaw after Holden was sorted into it. The sorting hat had said that he felt a strong connection between the twins, a stronger one than other twins had, but he didn't say anything else except the word Ravenclaw. Holly didn't have a big appetite and ate only a soup and some bread. She could wait to be alone with her brother to spent some private time with him. She hoped that she could go with Holden to the ball. There were a few boys interested in her, but she didn't want to be seperated by her brother.

Lyz was glad that the sorting was over. She was very nervous and just hoped that the hat would put her into a house where she could find some friends. Lyz was kinda glad that she got sorted into Hufflepuff and sat down at the table. She listened to the words of the headmistress and was amazed when the food appeared out of thin air. She was a little bit shy and waved her arm to let some of the food float to her plate instead of asking the other members of her house. The idea of the ball sounded great and she knew a spell to change her clothes into a nice dress. The problem was that she didn't know with who she should go to the ball. Maybe she could ask someone when nobody asked her. There was a beautiful Slytherin girl, but she was a little bit older and probably not interested into a first year. Not to mention that she wasn't sure if it was ok to go with a girl to the ball, but maybe she could disguise her as a handsome guy...and why was she tbinking about going to the ball with another girl? She didn't know much about Siobhan, but there was something fascinating about her.

Ghalaghor was now sitting at the head of the table of the Ravenclaws. He ate some chicken and listened to the members of the quidditch team. He felt kinda proud when the headmistress had asked him to be the head of the house of Ravenclaw. Of course he had accepted without thinking about it twice. Ghalaghor ate some chicken and a salat while he thought about the ball. He didn't know who he should ask to accompany him to this festival. Maybe he'd ask the headmistress herself...she had said that the houses should bond more and what would be a better example than the head of the house of Ravenclaw going with the headmistress, a Slytherin, to the ball? He knew that she meant trouble thanks to what he had seen in his vision, but he planned to ask her after the students where done eating and on their way to their houses.

John returned the nod as Trix landed his shoulder smoothly, and took on a very natural stance as John went about eating, periodically lifting up bits of meat to the bird. Unlike the other heads of house, he remained at the staff table, knowing some of the students would be intimidated by him and he didn't want to interrupt stories about summer break and the first bits of fun here. Tomorrow would be different, but for today he kept his distance.

As the feast turned to deserts, the Slytherin table became more and more rowdy, more and more mischief occurring down the table, with the first years already becoming acquainted with the House's antics. Archon raised an eyebrow, watching calmly as a third year cast several charms, sending truffles flying across the room and striking into some of the Gryffindor first years. A small smirk slithered across Archon's face, and he pulled his wand out subtly, flicking it toward the truffles without a word. Two truffles trembled, then shot up from the plate, colliding quickly with the boy's eyes. He cried out, and Archon slipped his wand away, unseen by the rest of the table. But the devious smirk remained. As the third year wiped the truffles' remains from his eyes, he, in a loud manner, began to demand his assailant come forward, so they might fight honorably.

Archon chuckled, standing. "Boy." He said shortly. "You have no honor. When you move above petty acts of mischief and on to plots of deviousness and cunning, then you will have honor." Archon said, but then smiled. "But then, I just threw food in your face, so I can't claim to be honorable either." He watched the boy's face shift from being appalled from Archon's negative attentions to being surprised and slightly embarrassed. Archon laughed quietly.

Standing, he swept his robes and cloak behind him, like the wings of a black raven. "Head Boy, Girl, Prefects. Show the first years to the common room and dorms once the feast concludes and the Headmistress dismisses you." He instructed, and swept away, crossing the hall and toward a side door. When he reached the portal, he glanced back, first down his table, from which students were slowly filtering off and moving away, more than likely to enjoy each other elsewhere... Then to the Gryffindor table, where his eyes lingered on Holiday for a moment, puzzling, wondering. He was at least ten years her elder, yet she was attractive in so many ways. Clever, witty, smart, beautiful. He was sure if not for her bravery and selflessness, she would have been a Slytherin.

After all, that was the only real difference between the Houses. Slytherins were proud, arrogant, and selfish, using their ideas for the good of themselves and power. Gryffindors were proud, arrogant, but selfless, using ideas and abilities for the good of all.

Or at least most.

With a last lingering glance at Holiday, he smiled to himself, and slipped off toward his chambers, not just down the hall and up the stairs.

"Blithering dolt. Can't the idiot be a little less obvious," Desiree thought to herself. "Now what? Go to bed early because of that freakin' idiot other third year? It was funny the first time, when she levitated the truffle from the boy's plate and sent it over, but nobody saw her do it. Then this moron takes out his wand, waving it like he's one of the Three Musketeers or something, and now look at all of us. Marched off to bed like we're four years old." She knew, knew the other houses were just laughing it up, even if they didn't show it. She lingered in her chair, a weak sign of rebellion as the other Slytherins began to file out of the Great Hall. She shook her head. "Archon. Damn it all," she thought. She would have to be extra cruel to the other houses' members now to try to recoup some respect around here.

"Let's go, Desiree," the Head Boy said. "We're leaving." He placed his hand on her shoulder.

"Do not touch me," she said, standing. "I will not be pawed at." She turned to walk away, her long blonde hair swishing across her back.

"I am Head Boy, Desiree! You will..."

"Whatever," she yelled, her voice louder than the din in the room. The Head Boy followed her, yelling back at her, chastising her for her disrespect. She didn't stop walking, just ignored Head Boy, who by now was red in the face as they reached the door of the Great Hall.

As John finished his food and was starting to relax back in his chair, he heard the loud, and defiant "What ever." He scans the room quickly, looking for the source of the voice. He had heard the voice before and knew who he was looking for. Once spotting the blonde headed girl, he quickly makes his towards the door. He considered sending Trix to stall them from leaving but decided against it. He reached them shortly after they head left the room and puts a hand on Desiree. "What seems to be the problem." He asks, voice stern as he already had an idea.