Start of Year Feast

[Professor Albus Dumbledore]

ooc:

I know many of you still have threads going on on the Hogwarts Express and so on, you can still keep these all going, but after the feast, you will be allowed to start making roleplays all around the school. You are allowed to roleplay back in time (within the year), but not too far forward.
Classes will begin shortly, arrangements will be announced very soon.

I'm sorry this is two days overdue!! (I've been isanely busy!)

ic: Albus Dumbledore fastened the last of his buttons and cufflinks, and stood tall in front of the mirror. He had just arrived at Hogwarts the day before, feeling thouroughly relaxed after his long holiday in the Bahamas. Moving closer, he winced as his eyes traced the lines and wrinkles that zig-zagged and skated all over his face. He didn't feel any different now than he did at 21 - well, maybe that wasn't so true. But still, Albus was in every way 'young-at-heart', even though he had seen things that were enough to age anyone.

"Not bad for 131!" he proclaimed light-heartedly, his blue eyes crinkling with self-induced chuckles. "Now, I believe I have a feast to be getting to!" Dumbledore clapped and rubbed his hands enthusiastically. His eyes then scanned the room for a hint of Fawkes' presence, but the beautiful pheonix was elsewhere. Dumbledore's smile faltered, he had been rather hoping to talk to him - more for comfort than anything. "Oh well," Albus muttered to himself, almost reassuringly. "It's his burning day anyway."

Taking one last glance at his office, Albus Dumbledore proceeded to stride through the open door and stand on the spiral staircase outside. He reached out and touched the hard stone that made up the cylindrical walls. It was icily cold, and reminded Albus strongly of the texture of elephant skin. His hand withdrew, fingers wet with ancient damp. As the staircase brought him downwards, he pondered on how old the rock must be. He knew the school had been around for millenia , but the rock had existed for so much longer. And 'how much longer?' was the question constantly on his mind. Could Hogwarts brave the rising storm when it reached its peak? He dismounted the staircase, and the gargoyles outside gave an unnoticed bow to their master. Dumbledore simply strided on, worried by his troubled thoughts.

Making his way down to the Entrance Hall, Dumbledore couldn't seem to get the image of Hogwarts - as a pile of crumbled stone - out of his mind. A couple of times, he forget where he was going, and ended up having to undo trick doors with a fiddly piece of magic just to allow him to escape them. But finally, he reached the front of the school and the great Entrance Hall. He spared a glance at its beautifully marbled ceiling, as he took the passage to his left. This led him right up to the teachers' table itself.

Hardly anyone was in the hall yet; students least of all. But, this was good - the Headmaster was supposed to arrive first. Albus stared longingly at his empty plate, and wished the rest of the school would hurry up. Besides, the Hogwarts Express must
have arrived by now. [/size]

[david]

His face looked fairly paled in comparison to what it had looked like when he had last left the school to go on vacation. Exhaustion filled his vivid blue eyes as he stepped from the carriage that had delivered him to the very steps of Hogwarts castle. He looked up and gazed at it with eyes that shown a certain amount of happiness, and sadness. Happiness for the fact that he was back after a relatively boring summer, and a even greater sadness that this would be the last time he stepped from the carriage in this fashion as a student.

It was the last year for not only him, but for the other Marauders as well. Where did they get to?’ Remus wondered as he walked up to the great doors that hung in front of him. He had seen them on the train, but he had been busy with prefect duties and a meeting that they had, had on the train. Glancing back towards the carriages, he looked up. A glowing silvery orb was hanging suspended in the silent, darkened night. It may have made for a pretty sight to most people with it’s quiet and mysterious dignity and ethereal looking beauty. But not to Remus Lupin. What Remus saw was something much more sinister and alarming. The moon was large, round and almost full in its appearance. He winced at the sight of it and quickly turned his head away from it.

Running his delicate looking fingers through his graying hair he felt an unpleasant shiver that had decided to travel down his back. Quickly he then forced his eyes back onto the doors that loomed before him. They were open to the students in a sort of welcome. The interior in all its regal and splendid glory shown from within. Remus smiled and stepped within its welcoming glow and started to walk towards The Great Hall. It’s doors too where open and welcoming to him and those others that would follow. Stepping into the hall he noticed Albus Dumbledore, the Headmaster of the school, and a man that Remus Lupin held in high regard and with much respect and if truth be known loyalty. Because if not for this man and his trust, understanding, and his ability to see past ones uncontrollable faults. Then Remus would not be here.

He stepped into The Great Hall and looked at Albus with a smile upon his face, before turning his attention to the ceiling. With its magical floating candles and the nigh sky that graced its high vaulted ceiling. He couldn’t see the moon from this vantage point and for that he was exceptionally grateful as he walked to the Gryffindor table and had a seat, waiting for The Sorting and the feast to begin.

[bella]

Isabella Swan came walking up the front steps, once again amazed at the beauty of the castle and how much at home it made her feel. From birth she had never truly been wanted, and the only family she thought that had wanted her ended up sending her to the mental ward. Quickly Bella let go of her negative feelings, determined to keep her spirits up. It wasn’t much of a challenge; Hogwarts always made her feel happy.

Having lost track of those who’d accompanied her on the train, Bella entered into the Great Hall alone and headed for Hufflepuff’s table. Few students were here yet and out of them, she was pretty sure she only knew one of them – if her memory proved correct, he went by Remus.

Unconcerned with his presence, she took her place at Hufflepuff. There were thus far only a few of Hufflepuff’s though Bella was pretty sure they were all Second and Third Years. They always came early, so eager to come back. Bella gave a small smile as she realized that same longing had never left her and hoped it would never leave those younger either.

She redirected her attention up to the staff table where so far only the Headmaster sat: Albus Dumbledore, the greatest wizard to ever set foot on earth (as far as she and many others were concerned). She admired her Headmaster in so many ways and had a small incentive to go up to him and let him know just how much happy she was to be back. However, even though she was in her Sixth Year now, Bella felt that addressing the Headmaster so forwardly was not in her place. Why would she, a mere student amongst many, have the right to approach someone so great? Bella laughed to herself quietly, shaking her head.

As she waited, her attention once again shifted now to the empty golden plates. She couldn’t wait for the feast to start. The same anticipation that came over her every year once again set in. Bella waited in comfortable silence, thoughts drifting here and there.

[Andromeda Black]

Annie entered the Great Hall softly, it's 'greatness' never cease to amaze her. She wandered softly through the tables coming to a stop at the Ravenclaw. She smiled at a couple of younger students. Second or Third Years probably- they were always so eager to be back. The first ones here. She grinned, remembering when that had been her. She ganced down the table but not many others were here. She didn't see Durena anywhere- probably her best friend in Ravenclaw. She leaned back and glanced over at the Hufflepuff table. Smiling as she saw Isabella Swann, she waved at her friend. Many people called Isabella 'Bella' but never Annie. For her, Bella was Bellatrix -even if she never calle dher that anymore- and the two were complete opposites.

Annie sighed and looked up to the Head table. She felt nervous when she saw Professor Dumbledore. That was unusual. Usually she felt so calm around him. Maybe she was just hungry. She glanced over at the Gryffindor table and saw Remus. One of Sirius' good friends. She swivelled her head back to the main entrance but there was still no sign of Sirius. Or James. As she thought of Sirius' best friend a flurry of butterflies seemed to go off in her stomach. That wasn't so unusual. She grinned and leaned back into her sea. The Sorting's probably gonna start soon. Whenever everyone else gets here... she thought to herself. She hoped they got here soon, she was hungry.

Annie found herself mulling over the train ride. Long. Boring. Interesting. What had she been thinking? Sitting with her sisters? She sighed, thinking of the fun she might have had if she had only sat with friends instead. She rolled her eyes. Anyway, that was done and past. She couldn't change anythign now and maybe some good would come of it later. Doubtful, Annie turned back to facing the Headmaster.

[dylena]

Dylena step quickly out of the carriage that had brought her up to the castle. She stood for a moment gazing at Hogwarts, as other students swarmed around her, she was certainly glad to be back. After another second or two, she started walking again. She was soon through the doors and inside the Great Hall. As was her habit upon arriving back at the school, she looked up at the ceiling breifly before continuing on to the Ravenclaw table.

She noticed that several of the younger students were already starting to fill the spots at their respective tables. She used to be like that, one of the first ones to her seat, the last year or two, she'd started taking a little longer to get to her seat. However she also saw some older students, one of whom she'd sat with on the train ride.

Reaching the Ravenclaw table at last, the first person Dylena happened to notice was one of her closest friends. Annie Black. She dropped into the seat next to Annie before someone else had the chance to take the spot. "Hey," she said with a smile. "So, how do long do you think it'll be before we get to eat? I'm starved."

[bella]

Bella gave a small yawn, her eyes ever wandering about her surroundings. Once or twice she found herself staring back up at the staff table, sometimes across at the other house tables, and sometimes at the people themselves. She noticed Andromeda waving to her and Bella smiled and waved back; she'd have to catch up with her later.

It was a daunting task waiting around for the Feast to start as she felt her anticipation growing. Plus, she was hungry.

Her gaze drifted back over to the Gryffindor table where still Remus sat by himself. She began trying to picture where she’d seen him before and became annoyed when she couldn’t. She mulled over it for some time and finally recalled that she’d seen him about with Sirius and the rest. Her smile lifted…and then lowered.

Sirius always got underneath her skin. The first time she’d seen him he’d been having a grand old time laughing it up with his buddies and unsure why, Bella had though of him as amazing. There was something about him that made her want to learn more. However, since then her awkward feelings for him had died some. She wasn’t as fazed anymore, though sometimes her stomach still did small flips around him.

Pushing those thoughts far, far from her mind, Bella looked back up to the staff table. No teachers had yet presented themselves, making Bella wonder just how early she’d been coming to the Great Hall. Heaving a sigh, she began twirling a strand of her long straightened hair. The Feast had to start eventually, right?

[Andromeda Black]

Annie smiled as she saw Dylena approaching and waved. She scooched over to make room for her friend. "Ha! I was just thinking the exact same thing. I hope they hurry. Alot of people are here but I guess there are still plenty more to come. Like Sirius and James and them. And I don't see my sisters either." She rolled her eyes jokingfully and smiled. This is much better. Now I'm not sitting her all alone and I can actually talk. She sat up a little straighter. "So how was your summer?" She grinned.

Catching up with friends was definately one of her favorite parts of starting the year. After a long summer of nothing but her eccentric parents and sisters who hated her she was with her friends once more. Hopefully Dylena's summer had been better than hers. Annie frowned, it would be pretty hard for it not to have been.

Hmm, let me see. What did I do this summer? While, I snuck around the house an awful lot, trying to avoid Bella. She tried to hex me about forty-seven times total. So why did I try and sit with her on the trian again? Cissy wasn't at bad- she just keptgiving me those snobby looks of hers, like she was so superior. The sad thing is that if I wasn't there sister they wouldn't care so much about being mean to me. I wouldn't be a traitor, just an ordinary Ravenclaw they couldn't care less about. Annie ran her fingers through her shrot hair. Frustrating, wasn't it?

[haileyswan]

Hailey wandered into the great Hall and glanced up at the ceiling. Dang! Everytime she entered the hall for the first time she looked up and she had been trying since third year not to but she always forgot. Well I still have next year... The thought chilled her. One more year. Only one more year to be at Hogwarts then she was off. And she still had no clue what she wanted to be. She didn't want to work! Hailey rolled her eyes. She'd figure something out.

She sat down at the Gryffindor table beside Remus and smiled. "Hey, Remus." She grinned. Remus was one of James and Sirius' pals so she knew him pretty well. "Have James or Sirius got here yet?" She smiled sweetly, suddnely noticing that he looked a little pale and exhausted. "Are you ok? You look tired. Me, personally, I'm starved." She laughed and as she did so she glanced quickly toward the main entrance. Nope, no sign of them. Darn again.

She rolled her eyes. God, she being weird...even for herself. She grinned but it was a small grin. She had changed this summer. She felt so different, it was weird. But she was doing a good job acting normal. I mean, she was normal, right? Her feelings about...stuff...had just changed. But she was still Hailey, no matter what. She turned back to Dumbledore, grinning, her mind already on Quidditch. I can't wait till season starts!

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[bellatrix]

Bellatrix swung around the corner, walking into the great hall without a second glance at anyone else. She stopped once she had reached the beginning of the long stretch of tables. Looking at her own house table she pulled a face. Trix was one of the first Slytherins to arrive in the room. Not cool. Sniffing she headed towards the table anyways, no turning back now.

She saw several people she knew, her sister for one. Bella didn't say or look at her as she past by, she'd already spent a very long train ride with her. There were a few Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs here and there, and then the occasionally worthless Gryffindor. It nearly burned her eyes just to see them. Something she would never miss about this school. Expect for the tormenting of them.

Bellatrix stopped in front of Remus to give him a sneer before continuing. She always paid special attention to the two best friends of Sirius......it was the least she could do. Finally reaching her table she pulled her robes underneath her legs and sat down in the middle. Her robe was rather revealing; Bella had cut it purposefully and probably wasn't "appropriate" for school. This was her, and she'd always be breaking some rule. There was a slit up the side and the robe was obviously too short for her.

She stared up at the Headmaster. Headmaster Dumbledore. Her eyes burned into him, once she began to stare you could feel it even if you were across the room. A small smile played on her face, not friendly in the slighest. She had a definite feeling that the old man wouldn't be there forever. Most people loved him. Bellatrix didn't really care either way. It was interesting though, to know the possible future for someone.

[haileyswan]

Hailey looked up as a shadow walked bye. Bellatrix Black. Hailer rolled her eys as she watched a perfectly painted sneer appearing on the Slytherin's face. "All I can say, is there's one girl I'll be glad to see leave at the end of the year." She snorted. Hailey and Bellatrix weren't on an 'extreme hate' basis but the feelings weren't exactly friendly either. "God, I hate her!" Hailey rolled her eyes again as watched Bellatrix sitting down. "S-l-u-t!" she coughed. She grinned and turned back to Remus.

Hailey felt a pang of sadness as she realized that most of her friends would be leaving after this year. James & Sirius and them. Lily. She sighed. Next year, she'd just have to make new friends. That was alright though, she was good at making new friends. At makign friends in general. It was one of the things she could always count on to be good at when the rest of her life was a mess.

Hailey watched the other kids exchanging stories about their summers, feeling a pang of regret. Why do I feel like this? My summer was great. Amazing. I got to do whatever I wanted whenever I wanted to. I hung out at the beaches and with a couple muggle friends, even some from Hogwarts. Why can't I just admit that my summer was great instead of feeling sorry for myself when there's no reason? Hailey ran her fingers through her hair. Maybe she did have a reason though. Her parents...she groaned quietly. Today as her frist day back, it was supposed to be fun and exciting. She didn't need to worry and complain to herself about them.

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[Lily Evans]

Stifling a yawn, Lily stepped off the train to stand right outside the gates of Hogwarts. The train ride had been long and rather boring as usual, especially since she had to stay in a carriage especially for the Prefects and Head Boy and Girl, for nearly half the journey. And the fact that James Potter, the last person she wanted to be teamed up with in any sense, was Head Boy, didn't make it any easier. Although darkness had nearly fallen over the Hogwarts grounds, the air was warm on her face, and the hint of summer still lingered. After a short carriage ride, all the older students were dropped off right at the front gates of the castle, while the first years went on their traditional boat ride across the lake for their first view of Hogwarts.

Thinking back to that time six years ago, Lily could clearly remember that magical moment when she'd gotten her first glimpse of the castle, silhouetted against the night sky. She had never seen anything like it, especially since she was Muggle-born. It had probably been one of the most memorable moments of her life. Lily ended her reminiscing as walked through the Entrance Hall with the crowd of other students. Many of them were quite annoying, but she understand that they were all very excited to be back at Hogwarts. Or at least, most of them were. She understood the feeling. Even though she had completed six full years at Hogwarts, Lily never got bored of the castle, and she always loved coming back.

Lily was one of the first people into the Great Hall. People were filtering in slowly from outside, and there were always those who just had to dash up to their dormitories before the feast and make sure they looked absolutely perfect. Lily wasn't one of those people who was obsessive about her appearance. In fact, she didn't really care what people thought about her looks. If they didn't like her for who she was, then she didn't need to be their friend. Heading over to the Gryffindor table, Lily saw that Bellatrix Black, the ice queen of the school, was just sitting down at her table.

If the Slytherin girl had turned around, Lily would have most definitely glared at her, but she saw no point in doing it behind her back. Lily and Bellatrix had been enemies since... well, pretty much since the moment they met. It was the same with her younger sister, Narcissa. But Andromeda Black was a different case. She was in Ravenclaw, and Lily was actually very good friends with her. Seeing that she was already sitting at the Ravenclaw table, Lily lifted her hand and gave her friend a small wave and a smile. Hopefully they would have some classes together this year.

Lily made her way over to the Gryffindor table, her eyes glancing around for somebody she wouldn't mind sitting with. She was just about to sit down by herself, when she saw one of her good friends, Hailey Swan, sitting at the Gryffindor table. Just as she was taking the seat next to her, Lily heard her friend attempting to hide a most inappropriate word with a cough, and it did not work too well. And she probably wasn't trying too hard to cover it up, either way. But Lily knew who it was directed at, and it only made her grin. "Hailey Swan, you're asking for a detention," she teased her friend with a laugh. It was strange to know that she actually almost had as much power as a teacher. She honestly couldn't believe she was Head Girl. Pushing the thought from her mind, Lily glanced up at the staff table to see if Dumbledore was starting his opening speech yet.



[Ick... Sorry for that being extremely long and boring. ]

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[Anette Baker]

Staring up with a dazed expression at the castle in front of her, Anette Baker stumbled out of the plain black carriage which had brought her to her new school. Struggling to keep her balance, her face flushed as she gazed in awe at Hogwarts. It was at least double the size of her old school... Maybe even larger than that.

Wow, you don't look like a bimbo at all, Anette thought to herself sarcastically, shaking her head as if to clear it. Just calm down... Calm down. Everything's going to be fine, won't it?

The trek up and into the castle was uneventful, but Anette's hands had started to shake nonetheless. There were a few people on either side of her, though it did little good to calm her nerves since she recognized no one. Not that she would or expected to, but there was still that part in her mind that prayed that one of her old friends would just appear out of the mist, proclaiming that they had moved here too and what a great time they would have at their new school.

I am such a dork...

Upon entering the Great Hall, Anette had to keep reminding herself not to gawk. She had never seen anything like this before! The enchanted ceiling was particularly fascinating, but she had bigger worried right now than what the school's ceiling was up to. Anette had been previously sorted into Hufflepuff, but she still didn't know anybody. Spotting the only table with students wearing yellow, she dashed forward to look for a seat, finding a vacant one and sitting down. Anette took a deep breath and allowed herself a whispered sigh before silently tracing the wooden grooves of the table with her index finger...

[dog8mihomwork]

She was taking too long, he reasoned, he nearly chuckled at his excuse. Besides, he helped her with her caravan of luggage, what more does she want? Potter licked his lips feeling the full ecstasy of ditching Trisha and Padfoot. His plans were slowly coming into play. James felt proud of his little arrangements. He had a confident stride, his mouth eased into one of a grin. And to put a cherry on top of his wonderful day, he was going to be on time (a rare thing indeed).

Stealthily he sped through the halls on the way to the opening feast. His hair was smoothly slicked back, though the gel he used began to prove slightly incompetent. The usual mess and disorder began to restore itself only after a few hours. He sported a tie, of pure red that for once fit snuggly around his neck. James Potter had gone to the trouble to button up his white shirt all the way to the top, and wear his shiny black dress shoes. And yes, his glasses were shined, and the fresh smell of cologne radiated from him. It was rather radical for the normally laid back slacker of a Gryffindor. And to be honest, James Potter couldn't feel more ridiculous, but he had one goal in mind and he wasn't going to stray.

As he entered the Great Hall, he quickly looked to the Gryffindor table in anticipation. His hazel eyes scanned the area for a girl with green eyes and flaming red hair. And there she was, next to Hailey and Remus. A sudden warmth dispersed within his being, a pair of butterflies fluttering in his gut. With an air of false confidence he started over towards the Gryffindor table. And with all the subtly the boy was capable of he sat across from Remus and stared for a longevity of time at Lily before his friends's greetings, "Why Remy don't you look lovely today." James teased before eyeing the other two girls, "Hailey, Lily," his tone of voice changed with the second name.

[bella]

Bella, out of pure boredum, now began to braid a bit of her hair, sighing has she watched the hairs intertwine. Where was everyone? She’d been about to give up hope and take a nap as it seemed to be taking so long (maybe it was just her hunger getting to her) when she heard a bench next to her being pulling out and the distinct sound of another sitting down.

Bella looked up and saw that at long last another Hufflepuff girl had sat down. Gratefully, she immediately went into a talking frenzy:

“Hey, I’m Isabella Swan. But call me Bella, if you call me Isabella I’ll hurt you. Although normally I’m not a very violent person, don’t worry.” She laughed to herself. “So, finally back at Hogwarts? I’m so happy. I hate summer, I prefer the school term much better. How about you? What do you like better?”

Bella finally closed her mouth after her nearly breathless speech and felt her cheeks blush slightly. She had that tendency to babble a lot, but she was just so happy to have someone to talk to. Since the train ride, she’d been solo.


EDIT: OOC: I'm going to repost this at the "Hufflepuff Table" thread so you - Anette - can answer it there.

[haileyswan]

Hailey grinned and hugged her friend as Lily sat down beside her. She pulled away grinning. "C'mon Lily, you wouldn't give me a detention, would you? I mean it's not like I'm spreading lies or anything. Anyone can see it's true." She grinned, eyes twinkling mischieviously and glanced up to the Head table. "I wonder when Dumbledore's gonna make his speech. I'm hungry...." As an afterthought she added: "though it's not from lack of sweets on the train ride here." She shook her blonde hair over her shoulders, still smiling.

Her attention was diverted as she heard a familiar voice. "Hey James," she grinned as she watched the Head Boy staring across the table at Lily. "Someone seems happy to see you," she teased as she leaned closer to her friend so she could talk quietly. Hailey knew James had liked Lily for a long time and in her mind they were perfect for each other. Sure, James used to be a real egoistic fool- she could see why Lily hadn't liked him then- but he was alright now. They would make such a cuuuute couple. She grinned and turned her attention back to James.

"So where's Sirius?" She wasn't asking as if she wanted to see Sirius particularly but merely out of curiousity. After all, James and Sirius usually went everywhere together so it was strange to see James walking into the Great Hall alone. Then again, James had had to sit in the Head Boy/Prefects compartment or whatever so it kinda made sense. Hailey yawned and began twisting a lock of hair around her finger. When was Dumbledore going to make his speech so the feast could begin?

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