Hogwarts Opening Feast 2020-2021 (All Hogwarts Students and Staff Welcome)

Nathaniel looked at the time where was the headmistress? The students would he arriving soon he sighed slightly as he looked around the Great Hall everything was set and ready. Now he would have to take charge and welcome them on behalf of the staff and the Headmistress if she didn't show up soon. Nathaniel was dressed in a long black robe with blue and silver trim he had his shoulder length hair pulled back into a neat ponytail taking his seat he knew Hogwarts was ready to welcome the new and old students who will be attending this year's feast. Nathaniel was feeling nervous and excited about the year ahead. He was nervous because this was his first year in such a high position and he was so afraid that he would mess up and end up being fired though he was told countless times by his mother that he would do just fine. He could feel his heart in his chest and he just couldn't sit any more, so he stood up and paced the small walkway behind the staff table.

Cernunnos was sitting at his house’s table in the Great Hall; he wasn't really as upbeat as he usually was during the opening feast. He just felt lots of guilt. Guilt for knocking a former classmate up. Guilt for not being able to be by her side often to give emotional support. Guilt for having to be away due to school. What was he going to do with his life? He knew he needed to provide for the unborn child if Caroline were to keep it.

Where was alcohol when he needed it? He sighed getting out his phone to text the much older man he had been seeing lately to try to at least feel a bit more perky. Cernunnos didn't know where Narkissos was at the moment. He felt quite a need to talk to his housemate after feeling extremely bad for not really responding to his texts.

What was he going to do this school year? He needed to keep up good grades to try to get some opportunities money wise, but disappearing months at a time wouldn't help much when it comes to childcare. It was probably a good thing that he only had a year left after this one. All Cernunnos felt he could do at the moment was attempt to go with the flow and hope for the best.

Azalea sauntered into the Great Hall with her head held high and her goggles dangled around her neck, giving her the sense of security. She held a glittery silver box in her hands that she couldn't send to Cernunnos. Well she says couldn't. She forgot because she was focused over the break on her many projects and she stood at the entrance, scanning the slytherin table before spotting her dear friend. Noticing his almost glum expression, Azalea rushed forward and slid beside him with the box tucked under the table and she gently kissed his cheek. "Cernu!" She exclaimed with a wide grin and slid the box in front of him. "Turn that frown upside down and stare at your one of a kind Rosier creation!" She boasted and seemed to vibrate with excitement as she waited for him to open his present.

His present!!

Cherry was sitting at her house's table waiting for whatever festivities was planned to start. To her, it was quite surreal that she was already in her final year at Hogwarts. That meant that she needed to put more focus into achieving her goals and to attempt to have some fun while at it. She observed all of the other tables to see if anybody else on her graduating class was nervous. As she only came to Hogwarts in her third year, Cherry couldn't help but feel for the first years that'll be here; it was quite scary to go to a school that was very unfamiliar at first. Trying to be optimistic, she looked over at the first years who had already arrived and gave them a small smile. She felt a bit of a need to lift whatever anxieties they had through a smile. Cherry had been in their position before after all.

She watched a bit of the sorting occur and clapped no matter who got sorted in what house. The Ravenclaw didn't believe in house rivalries after all.

Narkissos walked to the Great Hall a bit late. He felt the need to continue his annual tradition of the back to school cigarette break. Seeing that everybody else was pretty much there already, the Slytherin wondered if that'd mean he'd get in trouble. Shrugging, he sat down at his house's table seeing Azalea and Cernunnos.

”You're still going through whatever problem you've been having lately?” he asked looking over at his housemate. Narkissos didn't know any detail other than that it was some issue, so he was curious about when Cernunnos would tell him. ”I see you're still tinkering whatever chance you get,” Narkissos commented glancing over at Azalea. He was quite curious to discover who the fresh meat would be. After all, the new Slytherins could either fit right in or be insufferable.

Now that he thought about it, where was Kylo? Well, it definitely wasn't as though he had repressed unrequited feelings for him. Whatever. He might as well just focus on everything that had been occurring since he walked in.

Felix felt like his normal cheery self. Everything seemed to be normal at his table. He talked with new faces, tried to avoid downers, the usual. He looked around the table, even sneaking around and moving to different spots. The table's size made it difficult to talk with everyone.

Felix was feeling more nervous than usual though, he didn't like how far he had been into his years as a student. His time in the school was almost up. After that he knew he would really lose a major part of his life. This concerned him, but at the same time he felt like there could be something he could do. It then hit him that he could luck out and possibly become a staff member. That would solve a few issues, another issue came with that though. Felix had no idea what spots would be open in a year or so. He pushed that thought aside, and took a drink of the coffee he had. I really don't need this, I may actually breaking a number of rules right now. Oh well. He thought.

He laughed and smiled as he talked to people for a bit, some people even wondered why he was so happy. Nothing really fazed him though, he had gone through at least six years of that at this point. The coffee he had been drinking was back firing, because eventually he got so excited talking with everyone he felt that he could probably start leaping around the entire Great Hall. As he finally notices the first years being placed into their houses, he decides to find a seat and keep it. He had no idea what the people around him were like, but he decided to wait until they talked with him. He felt that was the best strategy for now.

Dysmas was sitting at his house's table eating a chicken drumstick. The Slytherin was very glad to not be on the streets for a couple months. He'd have stable shelter and many food in his access so he wouldn't have to worry about when his next full meal would be.

Homelessness had been taking a bit of a toll on him over the years; he had street smarts, but he wasn't necessarily book smart. Dysmas tried chatting it up with those sitting near him asking about their summer and various other things. He did want to make sure this school year would be one of the best ones ever. It could open up opportunities after all. The Slytherin continued to eat the food on his table in glee.

Suddenly feeling a kiss on his cheek, Cernunnos turned around to see it was a very close friend of his. ”Lea!” he exclaimed giving a wide smile. Azalea was like a sister to him, especially only really having his father as family. ”How has your summer been, girl?” Cernunnos asked his housemate knowing that he'd need to tell her about his situation eventually. This should keep his mind off things for right now. Spying the box, he lightly clapped. “Yay! A gift!” He opened the box to see that it was a cute pair of boots. ”Thank you so much, girl! I really appreciate it. I'll make sure to wear them next time I break dress code.”

Hearing Narkissos’ voice, he looked toward him. ”I was wondering where you were! I was afraid you'd be quite late in all honesty.” Cernunnos shrugged as he listened to the other's question. ”I'll tell both of you whenever we get privacy. Don't want the whole school knowing after all.” He had no clue what he'd do if he were to become gossip of the week due to its subject matter rather than being the one to spread it.

Cherry was smiling as she watched those around her. This was going to be an amazing year! Well, part of the reason why it'd be amazing is that she'll be graduating. She had gotten to this point in her life which was rather exciting. Sipping on a milkshake, she giggled overhearing somebody making jokes from another table. It felt reassuring to see that other people are trying to make the dreaded first day off of summer break into something positive.

She began to observe a housemate of hers practically go bonkers around the table. What even was he doing? Cherry ended up shrugging it off as it sure was better than seeing somebody sulk after all. One thing she was worried about, however, was how the first lessons of the school year would go. They could either be the usual or end in some sort of disaster.

It took her a bit to notice that the housemate who had been going bonkers earlier was sitting beside her. She decided to take the opportunity to talk to a housemate so she wasn't just watching people the entire time. ”Hello! How are you?”

Felix turned to someone who said "Hello! How are you?" He looked at her for a moment, then realized that it was Cherry Darling. He didn't know her personally, but he did hear she was graduating at the end of the year. He felt he had a right to be concerned about graduation, and here she is on her last year. He pushed that thought aside quickly, believing it is wrong to make a guess on what someone may think. They should be the one who comes out and talk about it if they were concerned.

To avoid looking awkward, he actually responds now. "I'm quite well, how about you Darling?" Felix says instinctively. Her last name threw him off. Felix loves to flirt, and he could even make a joke with her name. He laughs to himself just a little bit, but pulls himself together. This may have been a bad day for coffee. Knew I should of gone with tea instead. He thinks. He pushes all of that aside, and eagerly looks to see if she understood the joke.

She began to wonder if the other was a bit out of it. After all, she did witness him go crazy just recently. Cherry would've thought that it'd be more likely for a Gryffindor to be bonkers after a sugar rush, but she wasn't a mind reader. The Ravenclaw wouldn't even know what went through Felix’s mind to go seat hopping earlier. Cherry looked around the area before looking back at Felix as she waited for a response. Yep. To her, he definitely seemed a bit out of it. She hoped that he took his studies seriously if he seemed out of it in her opinion.

”Bit of a delayed reaction, huh?” she wondered giving a small smile. Cherry didn't know what to think about the little gesture in regards to her surname. That was a first. ”I'm quite fine myself honestly. It's sorta hard to believe that I'm already in my last year at Hogwarts. I honestly wonder how different things would be if my family hadn't moved out of Kansas with me attending Ilvermorny.”

Godwine was sitting at the staff table sipping some tea. He couldn't wait to enrich his students new and old with the wonders of astronomy. Of course, it'd include his own side commentary of the scientific news involving the constellations and planets along with a few jokes that the older students would understand along the way. He gave a smile watching the first years get sorted into their houses. If he had to be honest, he was excited to find out who'd end up in Hufflepuff most of all. It was quite an honor to help give guidance to the students in his house after all.

One thing he did wonder about was why his boss was late. From the past few opening feasts with her as headmistress, Godwine had observed that she usually was quite punctual. Oh well. It was probably a one time occurrence after all, so it was no big deal to him just as long as everything ran smoothly. He didn't want to discipline students before classes even began after all.

Cherry didn't make Felix feel any better mentioning his delayed reaction, but he pushed it aside quickly after responding. "Yeah, I had something on my mind for a moment," He said, "but enough about me. I want to ask you something."  As Felix thinks on it, it may not be helpful to ask his initial question. She was a transfer student, and he doesn't recall when she first arrived. In the end, Felix decided to change his question, seeing it as a better idea.

"What do you think of the food?" Felix felt like he was grasping here, though at the same time he was genuinely curious. He hadn't eaten anything yet, so it felt only fitting that he would ask. Then another question popped in his head. "Actually, have you eaten anything yet Darling?" He asked.

Azalea couldn't help but beam at Cernunnos' reaction to her newest creation, diving into the world of unique shoe magic and didn't hesitate to show that the galaxy art work on the boots actually sparkled and moved like they would in the universe. Her head shot up at the sound of another friend of hers, leaning over to kiss him upon the cheek. "Hello, darling! Oh Salazar, I left your gift at home..." 

She pouted delicately and made a mental note to get her mother to owl it and then shook her head, her always frazzled mind latching back onto Cernunnos. "Apologies. Got distracted by the always wonderful Nark," She winked at her friend happily before grinning. "My summer was fine. Mother launched a new clothing line to both muggle and wizard so that's going off with a bang. Father downright refused to have any connections with Muggles until he noticed the money pouring in. He now firmly believes it was all his idea and I've had to deal with them fighting the entire time. Oh and Odette seems to think she's going to make some of my friends fall in love with her this year. She's only thirteen, it's ridiculous." Azalea rambled, moving her hands as she spoke before beaming a grin.

"However, my projects are going off without a hitch!" Azalea exclaimed, reaching into her cloak pocket to pull out what looked like a metallic butterfly that had gems in the wings to give it colour and she simply muttered 'Animate' into it's wings with a gentle touch of her wand, causing it to flutter up into the air and surround the trio. "I'm currently working on making my projects larger, making a horse right now actually. I require permission from Head Shaw to bring them into Hogwarts though, in hopes that I can work on them during my free periods." The slytherin explained, furrowing her brow as the butterfly landed on her hand, using a small screwdriver to tighten the wing onto the body.

"I guess your mind was filled with other thoughts?" she asked going off of that comment. "Quite understandable. It is the first day, well night, of school after all." Cherry did find the other to have always been quite mysterious during all of her years she's been at Hogwarts, but that didn't matter in the long run. After all, it wasn't as though she thought he could become the next Dark lord or anything. The fact that she wasn't at Hogwarts for all seven years didn't bother her at all. To her, it was as though she was able to have different experiences that she might not have if her family hadn't moved.

She listened to his question and shook her head. "I actually haven't tried any of the food yet. I usually end up waiting more near the end so everyone else can get their fair share. I tend to have like a small lunch and stuff on the train ride here." Cherry wasn't much for treating herself to extravagant amounts of food just because it was the opening feat. She'd consider herself more of the type to watch her portions and follow recommended dietary guidelines. It was better to be careful after all in her opinion, especially if one had the time and ability to. "I guess I should ask the same to you. Have you eaten anything yet?"

He gave a smirk as Azalea gave him a kiss on the cheek. "Oh, darling! Glad to see you're still making gifts for your friends," Narkissos commented. "Really? That's a damn shame. Any of idea on when it should arrive via owl if need be? Always good to be aware of delivery dates after all." Narkissos always enjoyed it whenever his friends gave him gifts whether it was makeup, clothing, or even a sex toy.

He looked over at Cernunnos watching as the galaxy design on the boots moved around. "That's amazing! Think Mr. G would love that. Isn't he also some drag queen by the name of Glit Slider anyway?" the Slytherin wondered. "Guess you'd probably need to make him a custom order of them because he does really love astronomy after all." Despite Godwine being the head of the pansy house, Narkissos always found him quite cool; he was like the laid back teacher who'd let you do whatever as long as his rules were followed. "Little sisters really are odd, huh? Nemesis is going through what Cernunnos would describe as a scene phase from 2007 MySpace. He's always up to speed on the Muggle trends." He smiled in amazement watching the mechanical butterfly that sat on Azalea's shoulder. "That is so amazing. You could really have a successful business if you sold both your designer shoes and your mechanical animals."

"So, you're gonna wait to tell us about your crisis? Fair enough," Narkissos said in response to Cernunnos. "Just let me know whenever you need anything, okay? I could totally hook you up with some gift cards to use for various stores and any Starbucks within your Muggle vicinity." He and Cernunnos had been close for quite a while now, so he was one of the first to hear any news from him personally.

"I see, you like to look healthy. I personally think you already look great, and I'm sure you'll only look better as you keep at it Darling." Felix tried the motivational approach, pretty sure it would leave a good impression. He adjusts the hat on his head, concerned it may be a bit off center. "You did ask the right question Darling. I have not eaten yet, I suppose I should help and do my part in cleaning the table." Felix said. He started searching the feast in front of him.

Felix decided that he would eat an apple. He smiled and turned to Cherry. "As ap-peeling as bananas are, I think I'll have an apple." He joked, proceeding to take a bite of an apple he picked up. He looked at Cherry to see her reaction to his pun, if she noticed that is.

This was it. It was the first night of her final year at Hogwarts, and Amber could feel a buzz in the atmosphere that wasn't usually there. She thought about how this would be the last time she watched first years being sorted, and how the welcoming feast would be her last. She was happy, because she back at the one home she'd ever known, but at the same time she was a little sad. Never before had she understood the term 'bittersweet' like she did then.

Sitting in her usual seat, alone, at the Slytherin table, she watched as those around her interacted with each other. Only now did she realise how having actual friends would improve her experience- as she watched happy reunions and animated conversation about holidays all around her. She still had one year left, Amber reminded herself, and perhaps she could make some friends in that time. At least then she wouldn't be stepping out into the real world alone.

Unfortunately, the people closest to her were already busy speaking to one another, and she would hate to interrupt, so she focused instead on the lavish food that appeared as it always did. If the opportunity didn't present itself to make conversation that night, there was always the next day.

Azalea sighed and tilted her head, thinking how long it would take and then smiled towards Nark. "Around tomorrow night? So not long at all if I send a message now." She said and fixed the butterfly, tying a note around one of its legs as it was bigger than a normal sized butterfly and sent it off into the night, knowing it would find its own way. "I will be sure to send it to your room."

The inventor  gasped at the idea and couldn't help but nod in agreement, clasping her hands together as ideas began to form and she fingered the goggles that hung around her neck, a soothing motion. "I will definitely do that. I have an idea where there's a ballerina figurine as the heel. I'll definitely try to do that for Mr. G. I'm too latched onto my animals to let them go but mother has released her new line so I'll see if we can join forces and she can sell my shoes." Azalea then grew concerned towards Cernunnos and she rested her hand on his. "We'll happily wait to find out, Cernu. Take all the time you need but tell us if you need anything at all. I could provide great retail therapy and Nark can provide the sweet starbucks drinks. I've not gone in forever!" She said before scanning the room, her eyes looking for a certain red head she had been wanting to befriend. "I'll catch you two darlings later. I'm going to go see someone but Cernu? You'll be fine. Whatever the situation, we're sticking to you like glue."

Azalea kissed both of their cheeks, smirking as there was a slight hint of a ruby red lipstick stain upon their cheeks and she sauntered over to a seventh year Slytherin and slid beside her, beaming a grin. She wasn't usually so confident but she had always seen the woman alone and couldn't bear the idea that she didn't have anyone to talk to. Because without her siblings and her two friends, she'd be alone too. "Hey! Have you seen the first years? They look absolutely adorable!" She exclaimed and conjured up an scarlet red apple, having not seen any at the table and took a bite. "Oh forgive me. I'm Azalea. You're Amber, quite fitting with your red hair. Did you have visibly red hair when you were born? Is that why you're called Amber or is it just luck of the draw?" The rambling girl questioned, smiling the entire time, even around the apple and tucked her legs beneath her.

"Um, thanks, I guess," she replied blushing at what the other said. Goddammit! Why did he have to be quite charming? Shouldn't he be a Slytherin instead for that reason alone? Cherry couldn't help the fact that she could get easily flustered at time. It was probably a good thing she had no interest in him whatsoever outside of platonic interest. Cherry found it odd that Felix was being flirtatious with topics involving food. From what she knew, people don't usually try to woo by making references to eating habits.

Cherry looked down at the feast in front of her. She honestly wasn't that hungry, but she hadn't eaten in hours after all. If anything, she could have a few vegetables to start with. That would be better than not having some sort of dinner after all. Hearing Felix make a joke involving fruit, she raised an eyebrow and looked at him. "Do you enjoy making puns or something? That sorta is one of the oldest in the books if I have to be honest."

Felix was pretty sure after seeing Cherry blush he had chosen a very odd way to flirt. Choosing to mention bananas for a pun probably didn't help either. Felix felt that this was a bad start, he decided he'd lay back on flirting for a bit and just try for some casual conversation. "Of course I like making puns. Though I suggest throwing the book at me, I'm lacking ammunition." Felix really didn't like that he was relying on such a pathetic joke that would make no sense.

Felix thought it would be a good idea to explain what he was going for with that one, and that it fell flat on it's face. "That was pretty bad, I am lacking ammunition at the moment. I tried making a joke with your 'oldest in the book' comment, but that was still really bad... Don't throw the book at me." Felix tried for some sort of footing, but he was lacking anything resembling a good build up for a joke. It's quite puzzling as well considering how he is in a feast... He then begins to think given time if Cherry responds.

Carly was late, Carly Marie Waters was late to the opening feast. She was cursing herself as she ran down the halls of Hogwarts and she nearly bumped into three people on her way there. Her feet slammed against the floor as she ran in. Skidding to a stop she tried to stop herself in front of the Hufflepuff table but didn't she slammed straight into the Slythrin table. She cursed herself and groaned rubbing her hip. "Stupid table in the stupid way" She muttered "Who even put that there like come on" She sighed and stood up brushing her pants off. "Sorry bout that" She spoke to the table as she spun heading back to her own table.

"That's faster shipping than DHL and stuff. Cheaper too than the one day option unless from Amazon with Prime. Holy shit," Cernunnos commented after hearing Azalea and Narkissos discuss arrival times for a package via owl. "I don't even have an owl. My dad does though in case he or I get shit from this world. Otherwise, we just stick with our address and stuff. When it comes to things I may order during the school year, my dad will either send it to me via owl or give the package to me at the closest Hogsmeade weekend date." Cernunnos found that system he and his father had set up in regards to deliveries was quite efficient.

He twirled a strand of his hair and responded, "I honestly sometimes forget that he also has a career in drag." Cernunnos hadn't really been to clubs much that summer; he was worrying too much about the predicament that he had found himself stuck in. He gave a small smile listening to his friends. "Thanks, guys. I don't know what I'd do without you all." He found them to be quite dependable whenever he stressed over things which was quite often depending on the situation.

Cernunnos waved to Azalea as he watched her walk over to an older housemate. He decided to might as well begin eating dinner, so he began to eat some salad. He suddenly felt a burning sensation on the mark thing that his father had given him a few years ago. That was unusual... It had never really burned before. It has itched or felt a bit irritated before, but that was because his father was checking to make sure it still worked. He bit his lip as he dropped his fork and began to grasp on his arm where the mark was. He definitely wasn't going to see a healer for this; he can manage as long as he hid it.

She cocked her head to the side as she listened to Felix make yet again another jokes. For a Ravenclaw, he seemed to have some rather prominent Gryffindor traits if she had to be honest. "Is your brain mainly an encyclopedia of corny jokes and puns? Just wondering because it honestly sorta seems as though it does," Cherry wondered biting her lip. She had to be honest when asking as it wasn't often when she encountered somebody who was quite corny.

"So, your brain isn't that much of a joke encyclopedia then?" she asked unsure of what to think. It must be one of those days; it was the first day of school and Ravenclaws don't always know everything. Cherry tapped the table lightly wondering how the other would response. This opening feast was quite odd in comparison to the previous ones she's been in if she had to be honest. It mainly felt odd to her because of all the jokes she was hearing.

"Well of course there are more than just jokes in here," Felix tapped the side of his head with his pointing finger, "right now is just special considering my feast to choose from." Felix managed an average joke and smiled. He didn't think it was the best he could make, but decided to press on. "You're right on something Darling, most of them will be corny." Felix was happy that he managed to make some jokes that were at least average.

Felix got that out of his system. He felt a bit accomplished as he readjusted his hat. He took another bite of the apple from earlier, and looked at the floating candles in silence for a bit. "Did they have candles like this at your first school? If they did, what did you feel when you first saw them?" Felix asked, then continued to eat his apple, staring at the candles. He knew that her reaction had to be very different than his, he knew that the first years coming in right now would also feel very differently than he did when he saw them for the first time. Felix stared up silently, desiring to know how others felt.