Open Y42 Start of Year Feast

Caleb was glad to be back at school. Things at home were surprisingly getting better over the past year or so but he wasn't really sure how to handle his mom trying to spend more time with him. It wasn't bad but it was just different and it was a hard feeling to shake as he took a seat for the sorting ceremony and feast. The sorting ceremony was always fun to watch and he tried not to laugh at the kids who nearly missed their names being called. He shot a glance at Lila when he heard some one called that had their last name. He wondered if his sister knew anything but she looked as confused as he felt and he shrugged. He would have to ask her about that later. When the food arrived he was ready to dig in. While his mom had tried to be better with him at home she still wasn't a very good cook and he was glad to be back.
 
Felix had considered wearing a hat to the feast. He wasn't sure why he was so embarrassed by it now that he had gotten to school. He had gotten used to the green hair over the break but now that he had to face his friends and the whole school his confidence was crumbling. But they were in this together and a hat would only delay the inevitable. So he let his hair speak for itself and he took a seat at the Hufflepuff table and acted like nothing was different. When the first years entered and sorting began, he screamed when Thistle's name was called but felt a pang of disappointment when she was sorted into Ravenclaw. Deep down he knew it made sense but he still felt a knot in his chest as the feast began. He put some food on his plate but he wasn't very hungry anymore.
 
Margo always hated feasts when she couldn't get away with sitting with Isadora or Cameron. But she took a seat at the Hufflepuff table and waited for the feast to begin. She was pleased to see they had a new headmaster finally. She didn't know much about the professor but he seemed nice and less scary to talk to than their last one. The sorting ceremony was always fun to watch and she felt a pang of sympathy for the kids that looked extra nervous as they waited for their turn. It felt like a million years agon instead of just two that it had been her up there. But she did her best to cheer for all the new students sorted into Hufflepuff to welcome them to the house. She still hated to being away from her friends but it was times like this when she felt a little more at home here. That and she would rather be expelled than have to live in the dungeons. Finally the last student was sorted and the feast began. Margo poured herself some pumpkin juice and eyed the food as she decided what to eat.
 
Ethan tried not to let his bad mood from break linger. He had accepted his fate. He would be at Hogwarts for at least a few more years and he knew he should grin and bear it, but it was hard to shake off his disappointment completely. The familiarity of the Ravenclaw table and the stary ceiling were at least a small comfort as he took a seat. He didn't pay much attention to the head master's speech but he did realize he was new. He shrugged it off as the sorting ceremony began and was counting down the minutes until they could eat and go up to their room. He knew it would be pointless to write his mom but he felt the urge anyways. He also hated that Cosmo had to stay up in the owlery and not in his room. It hardly seemed fair when other people's pets could stay in the dorms. When the food was finally served it did lift his spirits slightly. He had been rather hungry but he was tired too. It would be a long semester and he needed a nap already.
 
Max couldn't help but think of what the Hat had said to him while the other first year students were being sorted into their houses. He didn't know what it meant and couldn't for the life of him think of a reason why it would say that he was pushing his intelligence away. He quietly laughed at it, thinking that the Hat must have hit its leathery head before going over to the sorting ceremony. But then again, the hat stated in its song that it knew what it was doing and that it did so with care. It confused the new Gryffindor greatly but as soon as the Headmaster spoke up, all thoughts of sorting disappeared from his mind. It was a boring speech and he'd much rather eat than listen to it, but he found himself quickly distracted from it when he noticed a familiar face over at the staff table. Why hadn't his cousin told him that he was a teacher at Hogwarts?! He'd have to stop by the man's office whenever he had the time for it. And then the Headmaster finished talking and food appeared on the table in front of him. Quickly, Max filled his plate with all kinds of meats and potatoes, and even some vegetables after a glance from his cousin.
 
Aine was somewhat pleasantly surprised to see the upper years History teacher as the new headmaster. It had been an odd year last year without one. It was a shame he wouldn't be teaching History anymore, as he'd seemed nice in their brief interaction, but at least they had someone in charge now. She cheered for all the new Hufflepuffs with the rest of the table, watching who joined with mild interest.

She was never sure if she was happy to be back or not, but this year she was going to really try. Last year had been awful between fighting and the whole duelling debacle. So she was going to try to be a nicer person. Even to Cameron, even though when she saw him she got all short-circuity and stopped thinking. And Valerius, even if it was still a bit awkward around him after they'd spoken and he'd kissed her on the cheek. That just reenforced the whole problem, but she wouldn't avoid him as much. Just...maintain a professional and respectable distance so as to avoid giving the wrong impression. At least she also had every class under the sun to keep her distracted, plus the paper, plus the history club. She'd just have to try being more pleasant and engaging in conversation too, without screwing it up so badly. Easier said than done. And right now there was food to eat instead.
 
Leah could not find it within herself to sit still. She knew if her mother or grandmother were here they would be very disappointed in her table manners but she just didn't care. The rush of sorting hadn't faded even a little bit. Her name was close to the end but there were still a few more students for her to cheer for before it was done. She had barely slept the night before after been so excited and she doubted she'd sleep any better tonight now that she was finally here in the castle. There was so much going on. She did her best to pay attention to the headmaster's speech before the feast began but it was the last thing on her mind as she looked out at all the students in the hall instead. Suddenly the feast appeared and she dug in without hesitation. She was starving after the train ride and couldn't wait to see what the Gryffindor house would be like.
 
With a rather difficult, no educational background, Killian Borisyuk was still a little surprised to be hired as a professor. He had a gut feeling that he should go for it, and low and behold, he managed to snag a spot. History of Magic, upper years. So, dressed in robes (outer only), he sat at the staff table while watching the tiny first years get sorted into the 4 houses. He never knew much about Hogwarts to begin with, so this was his first hand experience. A talking hat, sitting on the heads of each student, and shouting their houses. It was pretty interesting. He could hardly wait to inform his girl about it. He folded his arms across his chest as his green eyes loomed over each student, trying to see who he might be teaching. Sort of hard to tell because they all were so little compared to him. The sorting was eventually done, and food was served. Killian really should have done some research on Hogwarts before coming here since he felt out of place not knowing the houses - at all.
 
As usual, Valencia didn't like the idea of coming back to school. She much rather be anywhere else at this point. However, the train ride to school had been an interesting one. She hadn't expected an apology, let alone a conversation out of it. She guessed it was nice. Valencia only paid half attention to the ceremony and the professor's speech but didn't notice that they had a new headmaster. It wasn't long before the food began and Valencia started to grab a few bits and pieces of food and placing them on her plate.
 
Molly was excited to be back at Hogwarts, though she was a little nervous, especially how sad Nolan was. She decided to sit next to her brother, hoping that keeping a close eye on him would do something. She was excited at the fact that her little brother, Conan was joining them this year. She cheered and clapped loudly when her brother's name was called out. She clapped loudly when he had been sorted into Ravenclaw. She was a little bit disappointed that he wasn't sorted into Hufflepuff. But she was happy at the fact that she was going to see Conan a little more at school. She listened intently to the new headmaster and it wasn't long before the food came up onto the table and Molly eagerly got some food. She frowned a little as she watched her brother was only halfway through his plate and playing with his food, he usually had finished his whole plate by now.
 
There was something more exciting at the Hufflepuff table than food. As soon as the silver plates were filled, Sera slipped off the bench in search of Ainmere. It had to be her. How many Ainmeres were there in the world? How many Ainmeres were there in the world with flame-red hair and freckles?

Maybe she'd recognise him. Seraphiel wasn't exactly a common name either. But to recognise him, she'd have to remember, and it was an awfully long time ago. Half a lifetime, for the two young first years. Even Sera, who liked to think he had a pretty good memory, only remembered the broader details - names, faces, sandpits, dinosaurs. There was every chance she wouldn't recall him at all, and that was if he'd even got the right person.

A gap opened up at the table to allow Sera back in. He'd been rehearsing this moment in his head since he'd heard the professor call Ainmere's name, but in the time it took to flash her a smile, all of his courage shrivelled up and died. What was he doing? Of course she wouldn't remember him! They were practically babies back then. And now Sera looked as if he'd squeezed into the space beside her for no reason other than to grab a chicken drumstick. Could he be any more rude?

@Ainmere Pendleton
 
Dahlia was thrilled to have been sorted into Gryffindor. The red and gold party hat she had in her starchy, itchy robes would be used after all. She didn't put it on quite yet, not looking to get in trouble on the very first night, but she had it ready regardless. Dahlia watched the proceedings carefully, taking note of the new Gryffindors as well as noticing where people she knew went. That rude "pureblood" boy went to Slytherin, so she was glad the hat had changed its mind, and she saw that Gregory went to Hufflepuff, which was an odd assortment but sounded like a nice place. And Leah had ended up in Gryffindor too, which was exciting - she was glad that not all her roommates would be total strangers, though she wondered if her family would be cool with it since they were mostly Slytherin. She listened to the headmaster, and then was tho thoroughly distracted by the sudden appearance of the food. It just appeared out of nowhere! "Wow..." she breathed, before piling her plate up with food. She didn't realize how hungry she was until now.
 
Nolan wasn't really sure if he wanted to come back to school this year. He wasn't really up to facing his friends or his classmates yet. But he had hoped that maybe seeing some familiar faces would help him forget about his mum for a bit. He clapped and cheered loudly when his brother had been called up when during the sorting ceremony. He wasn't gonna admit it, but he was glad that another one of his siblings was joining him this year. His youngest sister would be joining Hogwarts as soon as he leaves, which was a bit sad to think about. Nolan clapped and cheered for Conan as he had been sorted. He didn't pay attention to the rest of the ceremony or the headmaster's speech, busy with his own thoughts. It didn't take long for the food to appear on the table and Nolan slowly took a few things and placed them on his plate. He only managed to eat half of his plate, while the rest of the time, he was just staring at his plate with a frown and playing with his food with a fork. Nolan decided to leave his half-finished food and decided to leave, headlining towards his dorm room.
 
Xiyuing had been surprised when a Prefect badge had come in the mail. It hadn't been something she had expected. Her parents were happy that she received a prefect badge, despite her okay-ish grades. The girl was a little sad that her younger brother, Xinyi wasn't joining them this year and was transferring to another school for a year. She noticed that Jingyi wasn't doing so well about the whole news, so she knew she had to check up on her brother at some point. She tried her best to pay attention to the speeches and zoned in and out during the sorting ceremony, but she was glad when the food finally arrived.
 
Abby was a bit nervous and excited to be at Hogwarts. The Gryffindor was going to try and at least make a few friends. She was a little shy and she struggled a bit, but she was at least going to try this year. Abby clapped nervously and politely as each person got sorted into their respected houses. She tried her best to listen to the professor, but her rumbling stomach had other plans which distracted her. When the food arrived and appeared at the table Abby waited for the people around her to get their share of the food before grabbing the food she wanted.
 
Conan was super excited to be at Hogwarts, especially always hearing so many cool stories about the school from his older siblings. Even though he was a little sad that he wasn't in the same house as his older siblings, he knew he'd be able to get over it very quickly. The boy was excited about his shell hunting explorations and whatnot. Conan didn't pay attention to the headmaster's speech, mostly looking around the great hall with amazement. It was so much bigger than Molly had described. The New Ravenclaw gasped with amazement once the food appeared and quickly grabbed some food and placed them on his plate with eagerness. "Hi! I'm Conan, nice to meet you!" Conan said to the person next to him.
 
Josh was super hyped to be back at school. The whole idea of the magical world was just so cool to Josh and he was also excited to meet up and hang with his friends. He knew that this year he was going to try out for the Quidditch team. Even though it was highly unlikely he would be on the team, he was happy to at least tryout and get the experience. Josh clapped and cheered loudly at those who got sorted, a little louder when the firsties got sorted into Gryffindor. He didn't pay attention to the headmaster's speech, thinking it was absolutely boring. Josh smiled excitedly when he noticed the food appeared and eagerly took some food and placed it on his plate. He turned around, noticing a first year sitting next to him. "Welcome to Gryffindor! You're gonna have a fun time!" Josh says, his mouth slightly stuffed with food.
 
Ainmere was a little overwhelmed, she had to admit, with everything. From the houses to the halls, from food to the teachers. It was all a bit much and the ginger girl honestly wondered when bedtime was. She immediately thought about writing her sister - that would make her feel better. But then she caught sight of someone - neigh she caught wind of someone. A name that sounded familiar and any familiarity felt like home in this instance. Now she could be wrong and it could have ben someone else but who else named their children after angels.

Ainmere didn't budge though, there were a lot of people and she wasn't sure she'd find him, or recognize him. However when he sat down right next to her in an almost empty spot (empty enough with some squeezing), a corny smile broke across her face. "Did you bring any dinosaurs?" She asked quietly, but loudly enough for just him to hear.

@Seraphiel Fletcher
 
Sera flapped a hand, chewing triple-speed until he'd finally swallowed his mouthful of chicken. "It is you!" he said. His hushed voice brimmed with excitement. "I knew your name, I knew I knew it. We were like best friends. I buried all your stuff in the sandpit once. And I stood on your grapes. And... you had a sister!" Memories of varying strangeness whipped past completely out of chronical order. Then, finally, a sensible realisation rose from the chaos. "You're a witch!"

@Ainmere Pendleton
 
Having transferred in this year, Monday Weeks smiled and clapped when his sisters were sorted into Hufflepuff and Gryffindor, but his fate remained within Ravenclaw. That was just how it was. Monday blinked a few times with some of the sortings, but did clap softly for Ravenclaw, but that was what they had to do. It was obligatory, wasn't it? He listened to the Headmaster's speech, and food was soon given. The third year debated on what he would say when people asked him his name, since that was his whole reason why he didn't want to be privately tutored. His name brought him hell, and wondered if he should have a nickname instead - since he didn't have a middle name. But for now, perhaps he should focus on helping his sisters when they needed it. He brushed his blonde hair from his face and picked at his food.
 
Slytherin? Was it truly anyone's surprise? And the hat recognized his surname too, so that meant that Cassius was the top banana. So to speak. But it wasn't him that was recognized, but his surname. He would have to keep that in mind when chatting with others, but that would be so hard to do! He looked over at the other tables, but focused on eating after ignoring the headmaster's speech. If it was important, then he would find out soon enough. Cass just needed something in his stomach, otherwise, he would be in a bad mood (more so than what he already was)!
 
Ravenclaw. Larissa Baros was a Ravenclaw like her mother. That was so hard to believe! But at the same time, it was almost obvious. She sat down with the other eagles and waited for sorting to be over. After all, she was among the first sorted! And before long, the headmaster gave his speech and they were greeted with an enormous amount of food. She just hoped that it was as good as her parents' cooking since both shared the kitchen responsibilities. She definitely remained picky. Anything she did not recognize, she did not touch. At all.
 
Ainmere gave a smile as the boy chewed quickly, before giggling at him. He spoke just as fast as he chewed before finishing off by saying she was a witch. She nodded. "Both my parents are magical and went to school here, that's how they met. My mom was a Slytherin and my dad was a Hufflepuff." She offered the information, taking a drink in between sentences. "What about you! I hadn't realized you'd be here, are you muggleborn or?" She asked with no malice, she didn't care about blood status.

@Seraphiel Fletcher
 
Tilly tried to sit with a mix of Hufflepuffs from different age groups this year. Even though she wasn't a prefect, she was a seventh year and Quidditch captain to boot, so she supposed that made her a role model. She was happy to chat with anyone, although the food arrived before she took the opportunity. Tilly loaded up her plate with chicken, potatoes, and some greens. It was strange to think that this was her last start-of-year feast. Not so long ago, she had been one of the first years, joining the Hufflepuff table with starry eyes.
 
Seventh year, Harper was quickly realising, was going to be an endless parade of lasts. The last train ride, the last sorting ceremony, the last start-of-year feast. It was strange to think she wouldn't experience these things again, but at the same time, she couldn't deny that she was reaching the point where she was ready to move on. As much as Harper loved Hogwarts, it had become a sort of way station — something that had become abundantly clear over the break. The three months at home had been deeply uncomfortable, but they had also been enlightening. She had started to piece herself back together and figure out what she wanted her future to look like. Would she be able to continue doing that at Hogwarts? Harper wasn't sure. After all, half her life existed outside these castle walls.

Still, Harper planned to make the most of the time she did have left at Hogwarts. She tried to pay close attention to the Sorting Ceremony, cheering for each new Gryffindor. And when Professor Alcott-Ward spoke, she listened attentively even though she had a pretty good idea of what kinds of reminders his speech would include. She had been surprised to hear that he would be the new headmaster, and she wondered who her new History of Magic professor would be. Hopefully they would be just as nice. The food appeared, and Harper started to fill her plate. Six years later, and she still found the feasts impressive.
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top