The Arrival of the Students (Open)

[Selena Faith Holland]

Finally it was the first of September and Selena could feel the anxiousness of the school year approaching her. The students had just arrived off of the boats and carriages that brought them back to Hogwarts and they were moving up into their dorms to prepare for the feast that Selena had been forced to bump. It was growing darker and her head was swimming with panic. She had tried to stay optimistic about the coming day but with only herself and one other Professor she was now panic stricken. She had a game keeper but no caretaker and it was only a matter of time until things would fall apart. She reached for her neck and felt the time turner she had received along with other belongings of the late Dumbledore in her office but was reluctant to use it. She could enlist the help of the school ghosts but that might seem too desperate, then again what choices did she really have.

She paced the grand entrance hall before stopping in front of the house point hour glasses. She looked at them a moment, looking at the grains about them. Her eyes noted the dull color of a few of the houses and her eyes seemed concerned. Some students had yet to arrive. The sands of the hour glasses shone brightly once every student had returned to their dorms. This was half the reason Professors knew when students were out of bed and which house to look for. She walked to the side of the hour glasses and flipped open the large enrolment book that sat upon its podium.

She stood flipping through the book, in her long purple robes, her dark hair straightened and hiding her electric blue eye from the children’s sights. It wasn’t much good to her anyway so why scare the children. She turned and glanced at her clock and then the great hall doors. She needed them to get here soon or the feast would start without them.

[Draco Thomas Malfoy]

"No," said Myrtle defiantly, her voice echoing loudly around the old tiled bathroom. "I mean he's sensitive, people bully him, too, and he feels lonely and hasn't got anybody to talk to, and he's not afraid to show his feelings and cry!"

The carriage stopped just outside the castle doors and the door opened by itself. A long expensive clad leg extended from the coach as Malfoy Sr. stepped himself out of the horseless carriage. His grey eyes glanced around the familiar grounds and he gave a faint smile to himself before quickly covering back up. His blonde hair was short unlike his fathers and styled elegantly as he glanced back towards the black coach.

“Hurry along Scorpius. We’re late enough already!” he said waiting for his son to get out of the coach. He took a few steps forwards and turned back waiting for his son. Draco Malfoy unlike his father was a bit softer on his son well sometimes anyways. He was his pride and joy anyways. He watched as his son almost as tall as he was jumped out of the carriage and shook his head. “Your tie is on wrong!” he said striding back and fixing the tie himself. He couldn’t stand his family looking sloppy but that was just a pet peeve.

He stepped back from fixing his tie and only smirked at how much his son truly looked like him as he was younger. “Hurry along, the elves can get your trunk!” he said and made his way into the school. He was slightly impressed by the clean state this castle seemed to be in after being closed for a bit but never the less it could be cleaner in the eyes of Malfoy. His grey eyes happened to land on the women in front of the book and he smirked striding over to her confidently.

“Excuse me. I’m Draco Malfoy. I’m here to bring my son to school. You see I had a private engagement with a pretty thing such as yourself and the temptations were too much to miss out on. Can you direct me to the Headmistress’s office?” he asked eyeing the girls backside. “Or perhaps we can go to your office and get better acquainted.” He said while his son was out of ear shot.

[Scorpius Hyperion Malfoy]

Scorpius’s head was resting on the window, his greyish blue eyes watching the scenery go by as he and his father travelled up the pathway to the castle of Hogwarts. His blonde hair was neat and presentable today due to his father and his obsessive ways of looking presentable. Just this morning his father had forced him to cut off his shoulder length blonde hair which he had liked and now he sported a similar cut that his father had possessed while he was present at Hogwarts.

The carriage came to a halt just outside the large double doors leading inside the castle and his father was up and out quicker than Scorpius could blink an eye. He sighed looking down at the black suit his father had him wearing along with a white dress shirt and black tie. His mind warped backwards to the speech on being presentable or he’d know about it and he only half shrugged it off. He hadn’t been daydreaming very long when his father barked at him to hurry along.

He rolled his eyes and jumped out of the coach his expensive shoes crunching on the stone drive. He looked up at his father who was bearing his gaze upon him and sighed. “Yes dad I know we’re late but if you hadn’t of had to work than I would of made the train and been here on time instead of being escorted by my own father to school like a baby!” he said taking a few steps forwards. He stopped short as his father appeared in front of him and grabbed his tie. Scorpius had always struggled with tying ties right and he sighed looking away as his father straightened him up. He glanced up at his dad and his greyish eyes caught the white collar of his dress shirt. He smirked and looked away once more pulling loose from his fathers grip. “You have lip stick on your collar!” he said pushing past his father irritated and entered the castle.

He stopped just inside the doors and looked about. He hadn’t been here in a little bit and he half smiled at the memories that came flooding back with the familiarity. He heard his father behind him and once more got annoyed. He watched as he walked over to what looked like a Professor just as the house elves walked by with the trunk. “I’ll take it!” he said not trying to seem too soft in front of the school.

[Selena Faith Holland]

Selena hadn’t been aware that she had another adult present until she heard the shoes and the voice to go with it speak. Hi I’m Draco Malfoy she heard and her eyes flashed with hate and fire. This must be the son of that bastard Lucius Malfoy! She did her best to remain calm and collected seeing as not to lose control. Selena prided herself in not holding grudges against people whom have never wronged her so apart from the fact this man surely being Malfoy’s son which made his son Lucius’s grandson she would not blame them for their relatives wrong doing.

“Ah yes Mr. Malfoy!” she turned about and seen the handsome young blonde man standing before her. She was not about to let him get the better of her. She had become speechless as he asked her to share a private setting with her after admitting to being with another woman only a few hours before. Her eyes glanced at the young Malfoy whom took his trunk from the house elves and caused her to smile slightly. “I must pass on your invitation Mr. Malfoy as Headmistress of this school you understand.” She said the scar down her face visible to him. She was only slightly shorter than him but then again she was tall for a girl. “Surely your wife would be better suited for your boyish games.” She said plainly before brushing by the eldest Malfoy and stopping before Scorpius.

“It’s a pleasure to see you return Scorpius, I hope you will once more be available for tutoring in Arithmancy? Seeing as how you Owl’s were impeccable and your grades in that class hardly waver. You must have had a superb teacher” she complimented as she grinned at him. She lowered her voice and winked. “I’m sure you’d be interested in seeing our new music room as well” she winked keeping her voice lower.

[Draco Thomas Malfoy]

"No," said Myrtle defiantly, her voice echoing loudly around the old tiled bathroom. "I mean he's sensitive, people bully him, too, and he feels lonely and hasn't got anybody to talk to, and he's not afraid to show his feelings and cry!"

Draco was surprised to find that the woman he had just made a pass on was in fact the new headmistress of the school. He noted the long scar down her face and looked away knowing how she had gotten it. His father had boasted about it for months. Draco was about to correct his behavior when she insisted to him that his wife be better suited for such a task. Draco’s mouth closed and he cleared his throat. He wasn’t a big fan of his wife lately, they were always fighting and apart from one another which was part of the reason he had been working late so many nights. He had tried to hide it from his son but seeing as how he had made the comment about the lipstick on his collar he surely knew.

As the head brushed past him to his son he put his business face on and turned following her back over to his only living heir. He beamed proudly as she complimented his Arithmancy grades and asked him to tutor once again in which presented the perfect opportunity for Draco to butt in. “Of course he will tutor again won’t you Scorpius!” his father insisted and smiled at the Headmistress. “I taught him everything he knows” he beamed down at the boy beside him.

How could he not be proud? He was pureblood, in Slytherin house, a tutor and scholar in his own best subject Arithmancy and he had even acquired the Malfoy good looks and charm. He patted Scorpius on the shoulder and looked down at his boy. “Scorpius, why don’t you take your trunk to the commons and say hello to your friends. Your mother and I shall owl you soon” he said ushering his boy off before turning back to Selena.

“So I read in the paper you were in desperate need of some Professors. I have to admit I wasn’t surprised that the lot walked out on you. With being young and female not many like to work alongside one they see as weak in their eyes.” He smirked glancing over his shoulder to be sure his son had started walking. “Are you in need of an Arithmancy Professor? I would gladly be willing to offer you my services.” He said with a Malfoy like grin.

[Scorpius Hyperion Malfoy]

Scorpius’s head shot up as the female said his name. He nodded in recollection, remembering the woman as his Astronomy Professor. “Thank you Professor Holland.” He said politely, listening to her words on becoming a tutor once more. He had enjoyed some of the study sessions last year and he enjoyed Arithmancy on a good day so he didn’t see why he would turn it down. He was about to answer her when his father butted in. He listened to his father rather annoyed that he volunteered him without even seeing if he was interested but he nodded in agreement with him anyways.

“Yes of course Headmistress.” He couldn’t help but grin as she mentioned the music hall and was rather impressed that it wasn’t around his father. He enjoyed music thanks to his cousin Damian and his best friend Cody. Together they played music, talked about girls and had loads of fun. He was shaken once more from his thoughts as his father insisted he take his things to the commons and he nodded his head.

“Yes father. Thank you Professor Holland” he nodded and turned, retreating towards the commons and curious as to what his father wanted to talk to his headmistress about. He assumed whether she would be interested in bedding her and if it was his bed or hers. One thing Scorpius knew about was his fathers infidelity and it wasn’t hard to see that there was no love for his mother in his father's eyes.

[Selena Faith Holland]

Selena wasn’t a big fan of Draco speaking instead of allowing his son to do so but said nothing as his son agreed and started towards the commons. It was clear his father was a big influence on Scorpius and his actions, hopefully not too much. She heard Draco decided to speak with her and turned back headed back towards the book by the house point counter.

“What can I help you with Mr. Malfoy?” she asked flipped through the book to find Scorpius’s name. She had found it and was about to check it off when she heard his words. I read in the paper you were in desperate need of some Professors. I have to admit I wasn’t surprised that the lot walked out on you. With being young and female not many like to work alongside one they see as weak in their eyes. Selena flashed with anger but maintained her composure and turned to face him.

“They left on their own accord, my being female and younger is a crude stereotype that I would hope the elder Professors have more class than to use to base their decision to leave upon. Now if you excuse me I must get in contact with….” She paused as he offered her his services. Draco Malfoy, Ministry employee offering to leave in order to teach here for her?

“You want to teach here? Why?” she asked curious as to what he wanted. She had to admit it was tempting seeing as how the teaching job was open for Arithmancy and if he had taught Scorpius perhaps the grades would go up.

[Draco Thomas Malfoy]

"No," said Myrtle defiantly, her voice echoing loudly around the old tiled bathroom. "I mean he's sensitive, people bully him, too, and he feels lonely and hasn't got anybody to talk to, and he's not afraid to show his feelings and cry!"

Draco prided himself on catching her off guard and making her doubt him. He was strictly offering her a service but perhaps he needed a reason, she was clearly not as daft as he would have thought.

“Yes I would like to teach her” he repeated allowing her a moment to collect herself before continuing. “My wife and I are incompatible!” he started glancing over his shoulder to be sure Scorpius wasn’t around. “We were put together by my father and now with him in Azkaban it is only fitting to seek new employment outside of my wife’s section. She’s great but I need to get away not to mention I’m good at Arithmancy and you need an Arithmancy Professor. I know my way around the school and you’re a little too close to losing it all to not accept my offer” he explained grinning. She was in a corner with no way out like a trapped little mouse. He knew she would accept his offer it was only a matter of time.

He could see the gears moving in her head and he smirked to himself knowing she was thinking about this and needed to set his terms. “I want my own office including sleeping quarters, regular salary to start we can negotiate raises later, and if my son asks it is purely a favour to you as you were desperate for Professors! He does not need to know about my wife and I just yet.” He asked and held out his hand. “Do we have a deal?”

[Gwendelynn O'Connor]

"Ronan! No! Go back to the hut!" a voice echoed through the open doors from outside. If you happened to glance over, you would have caught sight of the short blonde girl lifting her robes to make the last few steps. Unfortunately, she tripped not on her robes, but on the last step, and she stumbled into the Entrance Hall. Luckily, she didn't fall flat on her face, and she paused for a moment, catching her breath.

Once she stopped breathing heavy, she looked up, and noticed the pair standing by the House points. oh geez... she thought to herself. Woof Ronan barked, standing at the opening of doors. His tail wagged as he strained to be by her side, but knew he wasn't allowed into the castle. Gwen turned and shooed him with her hands, "Go on. Go back to the Hut. I'll be home later," Ronan dropped his head and tail, turned and walked out of sight.

Gwen, catching her composure, turned and walked towards the pair, her simple black robes swishing around her ankles. She came to stand next to Selena, and looked up at the male in front of her. Even if she didn't speak to the male, that was fine. She'd be here to support Selena for anything. "Hello, Gwendelynn O'Connor," she stated to the male, before growing quiet.

[Selena Faith Holland]

Selena listened to his story and thought about his proposal rather earnestly. So far everything sounded good with a few rules she had to add. She had been about to say them as she shook his hand when she heard barking and looked up. Her eyes watched the door and she heard yelling from her groundskeeper. Moments later she became visible and took a tumble into the entrance hall.

Selena gasped, releasing Draco’s hand and went to move forwards, stopping as she got up on her own. She watched the dog slink away before her games keeper came forwards.
“Gwen dear are you alright?” she asked her concerned as she simply brushed herself off. She heard her say her name to Draco and cleared her throat. “Yes Gwen this is Draco Malfoy, our new Arithmancy Professor and Draco this is Gwen O’Connor our gameskeeper” she said introducing them both.

She took a moment to turn back to the enrolment book and crossed off Scorpius’s name as he had arrived safe and sound. She watched with a close eye at Draco then Gwen before allowing herself to become quiet and watching the door for other late arrivals.

[Draco Thomas Malfoy]

"No," said Myrtle defiantly, her voice echoing loudly around the old tiled bathroom. "I mean he's sensitive, people bully him, too, and he feels lonely and hasn't got anybody to talk to, and he's not afraid to show his feelings and cry!"

Draco shook her hand and grinned before hearing the bark of a dog and the yells of a woman. His eyes went right towards the girl and he raised a brow watching her. She was a klutz, a real klutz and this was confirmed as she tripped and stumbled into the entrance hall. He refrained from laughing and watched as she got up and joined Selena and nodded to her.

“Hello Gwendlynn. I’m Draco Malfoy” he introduced himself giving her a once over as well. She was young, a lot younger than him but he was intrigued by her blonde hair and he thought about her a moment but thought better than to hit on her in front of his new boss. “Keeping you busy with these grounds I see, good luck doing that” he chuckled lightly.

(Sorry so short))

[Gwendelynn O'Connor]

Gwen smiled over at Selena's concern. "No worries Headmistress," she said with a chuckle. "Story of my life. I mentioned that did I not?" she grinned, then looked back at the male. Males made her slightly skittish, but she was trying to learn to be more confident in herself and others, therefore, she was going to give him the benefit of doubt. And really, she was used to males looking her over. Unfortunately, they were usually looking at her and she would do something embarrassing, but that was an entirely different story.

"Yes, it took me almost a whole month, but I have almost gotten most of the grounds tamed once again. I know I shall be busy beating back the forest as well as clearing out the area by the lake. Fortunately, with the weather soon to be turning for the worse, I shouldn't be pressed for time." She was very excited with the fact that she was able to make the grounds beautiful once again, as she had heard stories that the grounds were once something to be very proud of. She just hoped that she would do them justice.

She glanced back over at Selena. "Are we awaiting many more stragglers? Have all the new professors check in? Do you need me to take care of any last minute details before the opening ceremonies?" Gwen asked. She may only be the Keeper of the Keys and Grounds, but she would do anything she could to help out Selena.

[Selena Faith Holland]

Selena could tell from the corner of her eye that Draco was about to begin his tactics of flirting with her hard core. She sighed, shaking her Long dark locks briefly before glancing in his direction. "Professor Malfoy perhaps you should go and set up your office." she said pulling his key out of thin air. She smirked and nodded to him. "I believe you remember where the office is am I correct?" she grinned and looked back to her trusty grounds keeper beside her.

"I am glad you are alright Gwendelyn! The last thing I need is to lose my grounds keeper as well!" she smiled at her and pondered her question in her head. "You've done a fabulous job of the grounds, they look as good as new" she commented about her hard work to the grounds outside the large oak doors. She thought carefully of each question she had asked before answering them in precise order. "Just a few others have yet to arrive and the Professors as well" she said eying the names of students left to arrive. They should do lovely! As for you doing any more I could not ask for that today. So far so good" she grinned at her as she heard voices approaching the front door.

[Oliver Marcus Wood]

Oliver knew he was late and he quietly cursed himself as he flew over the trees of the forbidden forest towards the castle. He was still wearing his Puddlemere United Quidditch robes and his face was a tad bit dirty but he was the reason two of his kids had missed the train. Westley and Chloe had luckily been with their mother so they had gotten to school on time where as Connor and Amara had been with him and once again were late. How great this would look, two Ravenclaw prefects late for their very first day. He glanced over his shoulder at his adoptive daughter who was soaring right along with him and his son who almost seemed distracted. “Come on you two you probably already missed the feast!” he said making a dive towards the grounds.

As he reached the grass he hopped off his broom looking up at the kids. Amara was flying towards the grounds almost a little too fast for his liking. He watched as she zoomed towards him and his heart almost stopped with panic until he saw her jerk her broom up at the last moment and stop beside him. He took a breath and let it out looking at her sternly. “What did I tell you about pulling that move? It is too dangerous! That is the last time I let you go off and practice with the Krums. Blimey your going to give me heart failure.” He shook his head just as Connor came to a landing as well. “Well hurry along and take your things into the commons! I will find the headmistress!” he said watching the two as they ran off into the castle.

Oli knew he was far from presentable but he didn’t have much choice he needed to explain why his kids were late. He stepped inside the grand entrance hall, nodding to Draco Malfoy as he strolled by just being polite. He seen another group of girls in the far corner and decided to approach them. As he got closer he realized he knew them, both of them. “Headmistress Holland, Gwen” he smiled politely with a slight nod of his head, his Scottish accent thick on his tongue. He smiled weakly and cleared his throat, a few pieces of dirt falling from his shoulder.

“I apologize for the intrusion but I was the reason Connor and Amara missed the train and I figured I should be here to explain why. You see I had a game and they wanted to come along and well, it went a little longer than expected but they’re here now.” He corrected and cleared his throat once more, feeling it get slightly thick. “If there is anyway I can make it up to you, just let me know.”

[Gwendelynn O'Connor]

Gwendelynn could not help but perk up when Oliver Wood entered the school. It had been months since she had seen him, had heard anything from him, but she still thought about him, a lot. She actually hadn't planned on seeing him ever again, and this was such a surprised, that he got through his entire spiel to Selena and Gregory showed up and introduced himself before she could regain any speech. She had literally just stood there, smiling like a fool the entire time.

Turning toward Gregory first, as to not appear anxious, she gave him a smile, "Hello Gregory," she turned and glanced at Oliver, "Hello again Oliver," she said with a small smile. He looked terrific in her opinion. He was completely dirty, and still in his quidditch uniform, but he still looked very handsome. She tried to calm herself as to not embarrass herself or Selena, but she was just so happy to see him.