[img align=left]https://sapi.subeta.net/shared/354623.png[/img]Zoe blinked when Millie congratulated her. “Er thanks,” she said shyly. Was it the new post that made everyone notice her? “I’m sure ye’ll do a good job if ye get it next term,” the girl replied.

Zoe shook her head at Marcia. “My cat Tales is wearing a tuxedo and top hat,” Zoe replied.

“Nice to meet ye too Fade.” Zoe shook her head. “No, I just make it and then shrink them. I’m trying to make her some hair bows but not quite sure how to attach them… “Yeah Mum and Dad took me to a farm that specialized in magically miniaturizing animals. I’ve always liked bison. Is four that many? I loose count of Magnus’ pets. Mum and Dad don’t count Bebe as a pet, actually…” She beamed he got her pun. “Thank ye. Ooh so did ye bring yer raven?”

[img align=right]https://sapi.subeta.net/shared/331783.png[/img] River heard her name and then jumped in excitement hugging Rain. “Oh my hippogriffs, I didn’t know you were moving here! And we are both in Gryffindor, ooh roomies. I’m so getting a bed away from the window. So cold. I brought my humming birds with me, they are in the dorms. How you been? What made you move?”

Zoe smiled hesitatingly at Marcia. She saw the gaze. “Isn’t she sweet?” Zoe asked. “Ye can pet her if ye like. She likes music too.”

[img align=left]https://i.imgur.com/6nplr75.png[/img]While she eats her soup, Lily giggles at the cats antics. She wondered where her own cat was, before seeing Burr slowly stalking Cleo's tail, and pouncing on her (him) as soon as (s)he tries to drink her (his) milk. "Burr be nice." she says sternly to her cat. His emerald eyes stare back at her and he turns his tail and walks away, as if he was insulted. Lily shakes her head. "Cats are so stubborn..." she says out loud.

She looks to the cats owner (), "Sorry about that, Burr's not used to having so many other cats around. He really likes to play."

"Thanks," Keet smiled kindly. "Aww, I know how you feel, I can be rather awkward myself. I'm not very naturally outgoing, I think it's because I'm an introvert.." she paused, frowning slightly. "In fact, before I moved here, I was so shy that I barely spoke to anyone. I am trying to be better at it though, like you." "I think it will be fine, Zoe is a bit quirky, but I think all Ravenclaws are, in their own way. It's part of what makes us interesting," she smiled. "Did you do anything fun over the break?" she asked, hoping the shift in conversation might make Keliora feel more relaxed.

Rain smiled, "Hi Millie, thanks for the welcome!" She giggled a bit as Millie chastised her cat. Fade looked affronted, and Rain stroked her head to calm her down. "It's alright, I understand, it's just instinct for them. This is Fade, my augurey, by the way. What is your cat's name?" she asked.

Rain happily returned her friend River's hug, "I'm so happy that we are in the same house!" she beamed. "Oh I know, I may have grown up in New England, but I can't say that I've ever liked the cold very much," she chuckled. "Oh that's wonderful, how are the hummingbirds doing? I've been alright, thanks, things have been a bit hectic with the move. My mom got engaged to a nice man from the UK, so they decided to move here to be closer to his family. My mom doesn't have any close living relatives left in the states, and since I met some Hogwarts students through the tournament, they felt like now would be a good time to move. What about you? How did you end up at Hogwarts?" she asked.

Zoe watched as the cats were having some issues. Not the type to butt in, she glanced off to see if she could spot her cat. Tales was nowhere to be seen however. So the girl grabbed herself some pudding. (())

"Me too! I'm glad I know someone. I hadn't really gotten used to your Ilvermorny weather and now this. They are doing well thanks. I have an enchanted flower pot that always has blooming flowers and I have the nectar in case they want just from the feeder. They also have like a repelling spell on them so animals don't bother them. Oh that's so sweet. I'm happy for you." River frowned a little. "Well...er, see my dad's never around, so he moved me here to be with my guardian Gabriel. Gabe owns a dragon sanctuary. He's awesome."

Millie's face turned slightly red and she could tell she made Zoe () uncomfortable. she gave a small smile. "Sorry, I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. I'm an empath, so my mood changes with those around me. I'm terrible at receiving attention as well." she decided to leave Zoe be

"Oh that's okay Lily (). Cleo likes to play as well. She's very curious and wanders the castle all the time, looking for someone or something to play with. In fact, I think she get's into other common rooms because she always brings things back to me, like once she brought a Slytherin scarf back the Hufflepuff dorms. I have no idea where she got it from or whom it belonged to" she said with a laugh. She turned at watched Cleo trot away from the bowl and follow Burr from a distance. "She's on the prowl"

"You're welcome, Rain. Her name is Cleo, after the Greek Muse of History. History is my favorite subject." She turned her attention to the bird. "Hello Fade. It's lovely to meet you"

Zoe shook her head. "I'm nee bothered... surprised and confused tis all." The teen shrugged. "I am nee used to people actually talking to me. I rather thought even the staff did nee know who I was."

Fade quickly reached and was able to catch his drink, only splashing the sketchbook cover slightly. Groaning he lifted the book from the table and shook the cider off of it. “That’s the thing about cats, they do whatever they want and never listen to reason.” Chase hastily leapt from the table onto the floor and disappeared into the crowd. “Although there’s nothing too important in here.” He lied. “My homework is safe and sound back in the dorms.” ()

Wiping his hands on his pant leg he shook his head at Zoe’s question. () “Nah, he isn’t mine really. Just a friendly wild bird. Don’t think he would put up with a cage very well. Lives in one of my favorite parks.” Feeling like he was rambling Fade bit his tongue and took a sip of what remained of his cider drink.

A number of people were standing around chatting, Fade did his best not to stair at the Centaur girl across the room. ( )

"Oh, that's a perfect name!" Rain smiled. Fade lowered her head and closed her eyes, "I think she wants you to pet her head," Rain explained. "She likes to pretend to be all stuffy, but she really likes attention," Rain giggled.

"Yeah, the climate here is sort of similar to what I was used to at home. It sounds like you are taking great care of them!" Rain smiled. "We certainly had an interesting time moving all of the birds in our aviary here," she giggled. "Thanks! Gabriel does sound pretty awesome, what kind of dragons does he have?" she asked, trying to keep things light so that River wouldn't get too depressed. She knew it must be hard for River with her dad being so busy all of the time. It made her sad too, since she knew what it was like to grow up without a father.

"I know what you mean, Zoe (). I spent my first two years hidden away in the Hufflepuff common room. L never left except for classes, meals, or to study in the library. I started becoming more social my third year and more people know me now. I'm still an introvert though."

"Thanks, Rain ( ), I think so too. My boyfriend has mentioned about getting an owl for us so we don't need to keep using the school's owls. If he does, he says I can name it Ibid, after the Greek goddess Athena's pet owl." She made eye contact with Fade, Rain's augurey. She slowly reached and began stroking the bird's head. "You're a beauty" she praised it.

Robes fluttering slightly as he half-ran, Drew made his way into the Great Hall for the welcoming feast hoping against hope that he wasn't too terribly late. He arrived just as the Headmistress was introducing the new staff members and rather than interrupt by going to a table, he lingered near the door at the back of the hall and listened.

A new Care of Magical Creatures professor? Drew studied the woman, wondering what she would be like. He'd have a chance to find out for sure as it was one of his favorite subjects. Then there was Professor Torres. Now Drew had never really cared for Ancient Ruins, but one look at the new professor had the boy deciding he might just have to give it another try. She was lovely! When Professor Persnickety introduced the new Arithmancy professor, Drew frowned slightly. There was something vaguely familiar about the man's disheveled look. It reminded him of...Magnus. He wondered if perhaps... then Drew shrugged. Well it wouldn't be the first time a werewolf had been a Hogwarts professor. The dark haired Slytherin eyed the new librarian. Hmm, Drew thought to himself. He'd have to get acquainted with the man soon. and darn it all, he'd vetoed the idea of having no restricted section. The young bookworm sighed in resignation.

The flash of disappointment didn't linger long however with the scents wafting his way. With a grin, Drew was about to head to a table and order his meal, but he paused and took a look around first, spotting a good number of familiar faces. He waved to a few of the people he knew like Paddy (), Millie (), Fade (Cheshire), and fellow Slytherin Lenore ().

Then he spotted one of the faces he knew and loved best. "Mags!" Drew called to Magnus, temporarily deserting his quest for food to go and hug his friend. () Seeing Merlin (), he added, "Hey again, Merls. And who's this lovely lady?" he smiled at River. Even though Drew leaned toward dark colors, he had to admit that the girl's hair was a thing of beauty.

Millie was still petting Fade's head when she saw Drew () enter the hall. She gave a wave and a smile with her free hand. "Hi Drew" she greeted him. "It's nice to see you. How was your break?"

"A tuxedo and top hat?" Marcia questioned the girl, cocking an eyebrow. "A cat of finer tastes, I see."

She chuckled quietly, her face flushing slightly. It was unlike her to make jokes, but somehow she felt comfortable enough, though still slightly unsure.

She turned to the boy (), "Homework already? The term's hardly just begun. You Ravenclaws really are too much."

"Anyway, I don't think I've yet introduced myself. My name is Marcia, but you are welcome to refer to me as Marcy, if you'd prefer." She curtsied slightly as she introduced herself, an old habit from her wealthy upbringing. "And the two of you?"

[img align=left]https://sapi.subeta.net/shared/354623.png[/img]“That’s a shame,” Zoe said. “Glad he befriended you. But owls don’t have to live in cages, just an observation.” She made a mental note to see about possibly getting him a raven. It could deliver mail just as good as an owl too.

[img align=right]https://sapi.subeta.net/shared/331783.png[/img] “I still hadn’t gotten used to there, and now it’s much colder,” River said. “Ooh how did you do it?” She was curious. “Gabe’s great. He and his girlfriend are kinda like my mum and dad. His girlfriend is named Tamsin and she adopted a boy named Niall. So he’s kinda like my little brother. He’s being home schooled. Oh he pretty much has some of every dragon. But none are in chains or anything. They fly around free. The village is spelled to keep them from entering. It’s amazing!”

“Really?” Zoe asked. It was nice to know that Millie hid too. “I like reading too.” The girl didn’t know how to keep the conversation going though.

[img align=left]https://sapi.subeta.net/shared/319500.png[/img]Magnus smiled at Drew. “Ey! Good to see you.” He looked very excited.

“Hello,” the girl replied blushing at being called lovely, “River Alcott transfer student from 4A and Merlin’s girlfriend.” She wrapped her hand around Merlin’s.

Zoe nodded. “Yes, he’s dapper with a tale to tell. Nice to meet you Marcia, Mary. Zoe’s my name. You can call me Zo or Zazzy.” She didn’t offer her nickname of Zozo, only her parents called her that. Maybe in time.

Mallowsweet’s tail swished nervously as River introduced herself and offered up the heavenly smelling box. She nearly forgot to introduce herself first in her eagerness to taste one of these “Jelly doughnuts”. “I’m Mallowsweet, formerly of the river herd, in what you call the forbidden forest.” She said, ignoring the pang that the memory of her herd caused.
Oh,” she exclaimed after tasting one. “These are sweeter than honeycakes” She smiled at the two girls who introduced themselves as Rain and Millie, and looked down at the feline creature that Millie had called a cat. "Is she related to a kneezle? I've never seen a wildcat so small or friendly before." [edit] (OOC my home computer died on me again, so I can only post from work in between customers. I'll try to keep up as best as I can. I really need to get some cash for a new system)

While listening to the headmistress's words, Elizabeth had her hands wrapped around a cup of hot tea. She took a sip of her drink when the students were introduced to the new professors and staff members before looking down the Slytherin table. There were many promising new students and they seemed to be eager to learn. Noticing how many other students had brought their pets with them, Elizabeth was reassured for bringing Muir with her. The greyish striped snake was resting around her shoulders under her robe and enjoying the spot, watching everything carefully though.

Eager for her new Care for Magical Creatures lessons, Lysandra eyballed Professor Pinto. The teacher looked a little bit old, she pondered. "Aged means experienced, too!" her black Norwegian Forestcat Frida pointed out. Verily, Lys thought. Normally, her pawed friend had a very good perception of features.

((OOC: Actually having plans all day Saturday means playing catch-up all day Sunday!))

Jona was amazed by the colorful girl from Egypt."Woaaaaaah!! That's so cool! Er- " He recognized another Hufflepuff () out of the corner of his eye, one that didn't seem to be an upperclassmen. He turned back to River and said, "'Scuse me." Not sure if it mattered much though, since she seemed to be very popular at the moment.

Jona rushed over, sending out social road flares to meet up with the younger Hufflepuff. "Hey! I'm so glad to see another Hufflepuff! I don't know anyone here - obviously, since I am new. Do you want to join me over with the others? Millie () is kinda introducing me to everyone and she is being so nice and welcoming." He sat down next to the girl. "Or we can just sit here for a while. It is also just, like, really overwhelming meeting so many new people at once. Especially when they are all such cool upperclassmen ( ). Oh! And some have even transferred here from America or from Egypt ( again lol). I hope I'm that cool when I'm an upperclassmen." Jona looked over at the group. They all knew each other and probably knew some secrets about the school as well. He wondered what he could learn from them, if they would let him learn anything from them, or if tonight was the night they play nice and tomorrow they all would act like they'd never met the new Hufflepuff boy. He seemed to be someone who was easily forgettable.

"Oh!" Jona broke from his reverie and turned back to the girl. "I'm Jona by the way. What's your name?"

[img align=left]https://i.imgur.com/6nplr75.png[/img] ((OOC: Same here, had a choir rehersal all day yesterday and today I haven't had much time to be online, I'll be on more during the week I hope!))

"I'll be sure to keep an eye on my things then, huh?" She giggles nervously. Everything was so new to her and having an upperclassman talk to her made her nervous.

She returns to her soup when Millie () turns to talk with her friends once again. She's mid-spoon when Jona () rushes over to her table, and she's so surprised she practically spills her soup all over her lap. While cleaning the mess, she manages to stumble out the words, "I, uh...my name is Lilith, but everyone calls me Lily. I'm new, too...uh obviously." she laughs at herself, "Sorry... I agree with you, everything is pretty overwhelming, I don't even know where to put my hands when I'm not eating. Silly to be so nervous especially when everyone seems so nice, huh? Wow! America, I've always wanted to visit. Where are you from?" She's happy to have some company and smiles kindly.

((OOC: Woops! my bad, I forgot to ping you on that last one - but you figured it out!))

Jona jumped up with his wand ready. "Ah! Sorry, sorry sorry! Here, let me help. " He pointed his wand at Lily's clothes and whispered one of the few spells he knew he could do: "Tergeo" It was a handy spell, to say the least. Any soup that spilled on Lily lifted from her clothes and was transferred to a nearby cloth napkin. It was one of only a few spells that Jona knew well, considering he is always making messes. Satisfied with this spell, he answered her question: "I don't think it's silly!" He grabbed her forearm and gave it a squeeze for reassurance. "This place is totally surreal. I'd be more concerned if you just walked in and felt completely unimpressed and lackluster about it al. And I am originally from that states - Washington State. But A little over a year ago, I moved in with my uncle in Glasgow. Where are you from?"

"No, cats are muggle pets but they were viewed at magical creatures in the Medieval times. Having them as pets dates back to Ancient Egypt. They were worshiped as gods and they haven't forgotten" she explained to Mallowsweet () "Oh, the haven't forgotten part was a joke but many still see themselves as royalty, including mine". ((ooc - no worries. I just started reading a new book and binging on The Punisher))

Millie smiled at Jona (), feeling he wanted to go back to the Hufflepuff table. "All right, let's go over there". She followed him over and saw Lily () sill some soup. Before she could pull her wand from her back pocket, Jona and taken care of the stains on Lily's clothes. She smiled and sat down next to Lily and reached for a roll, some butter and a goblet and said, "Aguamenti" and started drinking and eating the buttered roll.