Jack leaned over and whispered something in the ear of Ethan, who laughed somewhat self-consciously.  Megan gave him a curious look before speaking.  "Looks like you've got a date if you can play well enough, Ethan.  I never would have thought of dating a teammate for good play.  Not a bad idea though, Lily.  "I am serious, though.  If she were Ravenclaw I'd be giving her a serious lookover.  Not like<em>that</em>Jack."  Jack had collapsed onto the table, laughing even harder under Megan's reproachful look.  Ethan attempted to remain calm, but even he was giggling.<br/><br/>"No dueling until Hufflepuff?!" Ethan immediately looked over to Megan, who shrugged apologetically.  "It's not a bad idea, and it's only the second game of the season."  Jack, having recovered from his laughter due to the new order, was quickly distracted by Leah's whisper.  He smiled broadly and patted her knee under the table.<br/><br/>"Glad to help.  I can't say I was a big fan of it either.  Labeling potions is about as much paperwork as I am interested in, and even that is more than I am interested in doing tonight, especially when compared to a pleasant conversation."  He smiled at the two.  "Can't say I will be completely heartbroken if Slytherin never catches up, though I suppose I may have a touch more attachment to my House than I should.  I happened to hear about the chance to teach shortly before last year began.  We<em>were</em>open last year, though we did not have nearly the number of staff or students as this year.  From what I overheard, getting the school open at all was rather difficult, and last year was more a test than anything.  Professor McGonagall taught Transfigurations on top of duties as Headmistress.  Poor Aurora had to teach Astronomy and Defense Against the Dark Arts, and Arithmancy and Ancient Runes were both taught by Professor Vector.  And on top of normal classes we also had to schedule the extra exams for students wishing to skip years."<br/><br/>***Outside the Great Hall***<br/><br/>"Hey" Thomas said again needlessly.  "It wasn't too bad, though I didn't get to practice as much as I'd hoped.  I spent a lot of it with family, and none of them are into Quidditch.  I'm actually hoping to get some practice in tonight, just going to head out to the pitch.  Shouldn't be anyone out there."