"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?"<br/><br/>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br/><br/>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.<br/><br/>“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.”<br/><br/>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...<br/><br/><i>“Oh you may not think I'm pretty,<br/>
But don't judge on what you see,<br/>
I'll eat myself if you can find<br/>
A smarter hat than me.<br/>
<br/>
You can keep your bowlers black,<br/>
Your top hats sleek and tall,<br/>
For I'm the Hogwarts Sorting Hat<br/>
And I can cap them all.<br/>
<br/>
There's nothing hidden in your head<br/>
The Sorting Hat can't see,<br/>
So try me on and I will tell you<br/>
Where you ought to be.<br/>
<br/>
You might belong in Gryffindor,<br/>
Where dwell the brave at heart,<br/>
Their daring, nerve, and chivalry<br/>
Set Gryffindors apart;<br/>
<br/>
You might belong in Hufflepuff,<br/>
Where they are just and loyal,<br/>
Those patient Hufflepuffs are true<br/>
And unafraid of toil;<br/>
<br/>
Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw,<br/>
if you've a ready mind,<br/>
Where those of wit and learning,<br/>
Will always find their kind;<br/>
<br/>
Or perhaps in Slytherin<br/>
You'll make your real friends,<br/>
Those cunning folks use any means<br/>
To achieve their ends.<br/>
<br/>
So put me on! Don't be afraid!<br/>
And don't get in a flap!<br/>
You're in safe hands (though I have none)<br/>
For I'm a Thinking Cap!”</i><br/><br/>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!”<br/><br/>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.<br/><br/>((Just to let everyone know, my characters are open for interaction from this point.))