Ready for a New Year? ((Professors or 7th years.))

[yelena]

Yelena Nikolaeva apparated in the square in Hogsmeade. She was here with a particular mission in mind. She was to be taking over her new post as the Defence Against the Dark Arts professor at Hogwarts from this term and she was a little nervous about it, if the truth were told. As yet Yelena had not met any of her workmates, except Headmaster Dumbledore, who had been her headmaster while she attended Hogwarts, and Deputy Headmistress Minerva McGonagall. Yelena looked around her, trying to decide where to start, she needed several things today; new robes; some ingredients for some potions, a book on vampire bats; and some toys for her niece who was staying with her till the end of summer. Today Valerie was with her grandparents, Yelena’s mother and father till she returned from Hogsmeade.

Yelena was born in Russia but moved to England when she was ten when her parents decided to start over fresh in a new country, shortly before she received her letter of acceptance to Hogwarts. Hogwarts had been some of the best years of Yelena’s life, afterwards she had pursued a career in the creatures that lived in her home of Russia. She had seen vampires and hags, and a number of things that most never dreamed of, but she still possessed the pleasant disposition she always had. Yelena’s blonde tendrils of hair that had not stayed in the braid, blew slightly in the morning air, she looked around again before deciding it was best to get her robes first and then grab a bite before going about the rest of her business.

Yelena walked into “Madam Lucia’s Robes” the bell rang as she entered, alerting the clerks inside to her presence, “Good morning. How may I help you Miss Nikolaeva?” the tall, skinny woman asked her, “I would like a few new robes and two cloaks. I would like three robes in black; two in midnight blue and one in a royal purple, a dress robe. The cloaks, I would like a black hooded one and a midnight blue one with a silver clasp. Thank you.” The woman looked at her, a pleased look on her face, “I like it when my customers know exactly what they want. I will be back with your things momentarily. Feel free to look around.” The tall woman disappeared into the back of the store and Yelena perused the racks. Madam Lucia had a fine array of robes, cloaks and dresses, all brought in from Italy especially for her shop. Yelena had come across the store by chance one day, and had fallen in love with its quaint Italian décor.

She was looking at some fur-collared cloaks, that she didn’t like all that much, when Madam Lucia returned with her garments, “Here you are Miss Nikolaeva. As usual they have already been fitted to your measurements.” Yelena took out one of the cloaks and put it around her shoulders, it was a perfect fit. She folded it back and placed it in Madam Lucia’s hands, who then placed it in a bag for her. “That will be eighty-five galleons and two sickles please.” Yelena pulled the coins from her pocket and paid for the items, “Thank you. Have a good day,” Madam Lucia told her, “Same to you,” Yelena said before leaving. The bell marked her departure. Back in the street Yelena decided to visit the Apothecary’s place and pick up the few things she needed.

In the apothecary the air smelled of loam and moss and had the distinct hint of wild jasmine somewhere in the mix. The shop was basically deserted with the exception of the owner and the young man who appeared to be his son, if looks were a sign of anything. She grabbed three scoops of beetle eyes; one of lizard tongues, five of octopus beaks and one and a half of vampire bat fangs. She picked up a few other things, but those were as important as the others. She walked to the counter, “That will be thirty-five galleons,” the man said gruffly, while his son stared at her. She gave him a smile before her parcel was wrapped and handed back to her, “Thank you. Have a nice day,” she said and left.

Yelena made her way to the “Eomen’s Eatery,” a delicatessen that had just opened a few weeks before, that had a great variety of things to eat. They had food from France, England, Russian borsht and some dishes from other countries. Yelena walked in and looked for a comfortable seat, the place was rather full at the time, and she found one near the back of the room. She took her seat and perused the menu trying to decide what she should have today. Just then someone spoke to her asking if they could join her. Yelena looked up at the person before answering.

[Professor Juliette Vector]

Juliette walked along the path from Hogwarts to Hogsmeade, her destination was anywhere that she could get something to eat. Normally she’d have stayed at the castle and gotten lunch from the kitchen. Today however was different, she needed the break. While she sat in her office earlier that morning busily looking at her roster of students for the next year and working on lessons, she was distracted by an enormous crash. As she had left her office and walked straight across the corridor to the stairwell she looked down both ends of the hallway. A second softer noise drew her attention down the left hand side. Walking in that direction she peered into classroom after classroom as she proceeded towards the end of the hallway. As she closed in on the stairs to the owlery, she spotted an enormous mess in the Defense Against the Dark Arts class. Walking into the classroom she instantly saw the culprit, of course she very well could have guessed who it was. “Peeves!” She yelled, which startled the poltergeist who was busy writing obscene phrases on the chalkboard. “Beat it Peeves!” Juliette said as she drew her wand and pointed it at him. After a tirade of chalk throwing, Peeves obliged and left the class as he zoomed down the hallway.

With a heavy sigh Juliette looked around the room. Desks were toppled, chairs flipped and stacked in the corners, books had been thrown about the room, and other supplies now littered the floor. The next couple of hours were spent sending books back into the cabinets where Juliette thought they belonged. Desks magically slid across the room and chairs were then stacked up on their respective desks. Still that left a gigantic mess of quills and other various supplies that littered the floor. As the classroom clock struck 1, Juliette put her wand away. The rest of this mess could wait until after lunch.

It was from this mess that Juliette now sought refuge in Hogsmeade, away from school. Walking through the streets she passed the familiar eateries, but none seemed to tickle her fancy today. Turning down another street she soon came across a restaurant she had yet to see. Looking in a window it appeared to be quite busy signaling that it was either quite good, or it had just opened and everyone was trying it out. In either case Juliette decided to give it a go.

“Hello Professor Vector” a cheery voice called to her from the host podium. There stood Miss Jepson, a Hufflepuff 7th year. “Hello Miss Jepson, I see you’ve found a good way to keep yourself busy this summer, and judging by the looks, it appears as if you’ll have quite a bit of spending money this fall” Juliette said as she greeted the student. “I hope so, this restaurant just opened. People all seem to like it though which is good.” She then looked at her list of tables. “Umm, I’m sorry Professor, all our tables are taken right now, would you mind waiting a few minutes?” Juliette nodded and took a seat in the waiting area while Miss Jepson took a few steps away then suddenly turned back. “Professor Vector, I think the new Dark Arts teacher is here. Over there, back in the corner, the blonde woman. She’s got loads of bags with her like she’s been shopping all morning. I think I heard someone call her professor Nikova or something like that too. Maybe you could sit with her?”

Standing up Juliette thanked Miss Jepson and looked over at the woman in the corner. “Yes Miss Jepson, I think you are right about her. I believe her name is Nikolaeva, I over heard Headmaster Dumbledore mentioning her. I think I will join her.” Juliette then walked through the restaurant and over to the far corner. “Professor Nikolaeva?” She asked as she looked at the woman. “I’m Juliette Vector, I teach Arithmancy at Hogwarts, might I join you?”

[yelena]

Yelena laid the menu down and looked at the dark-haired woman, “Why of course,” she said moving her many things out of the way, and thinking to herself, ‘How does this woman know my name?’ but the answer was given to her before she could voice the question. Once the seat was free and the woman had taken her seat Yelena looked at her, “A pleasure Professor Vector,” she said extending her right hand. “I am glad to meet a fellow professor. I have yet to meet anyone else, save Headmaster Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall. I think the Headmaster was arranging for introductions to be made later this week when I move my things into he castle.” She gave a small smile and picked up her menu again, “Have you eaten here before?” she asked Juliette.

Yelena was looking over the menu, should she get borsht; lasagne; shrimp? She couldn’t decide. The waitress came over a few seconds later, “Would like some drinks?” she asked. Yelena ordered a ginger ale spritzer, “Are you ladies ready to order?” was the waitress’ next question after she had taken the drink order. Yelena looked at Juliette and then at the waitress, “I’ll have a Caesar salad, to start; chicken Parmesan with angel hair pasta and double fudge chocolate mousse for dessert.” That was the way Yelena was, she never new what she wanted till the waiter or waitress asked, then what her body craved just popped out of her mouth. Yelena had a svelte frame but by the way she ate, it was amazing how she kept it. She could pack away a great deal when she was ready, especially when she had been working hard, and today she had been all over shopping for her new post.

[Professor Juliette Vector]

Juliette took a seat opposite of Professor Nikolaeva and shook her hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you, I sure hope you last..." she said the later without even thinking. Quickly she raised a hand to her mouth as her eyes widened. "I'm sorry, It's just that we've not had much luck with keeping our Defense teachers lately." When the waitress arrived, Juliette had not even opened the menu yet. Listening to what Professor Nikolaeva she decided that wouldn't be a bad choice. "I too would like the chicken Parmesan, and a glass of Chardonnay."

As the waitress left with their orders, Juliette took a sip of water. "No, actually i have never been in here before. This must be new though. It's been a good month since I last visited Hogsmeade though. I've spent most my time lately preparing for the new year, going back to my old lessons. I'm not sure if you heard or not, but that Umbridge was a horrible witch! She practically took over the school and had us all changing our lessons to what she thought we should be teaching, horrible! I'm afraid to say that you'll have a hard time this year, that woman did not teach the students one thing in terms of Defense." Truth be told, Juliette was probably the least of all Hogwarts' teachers who'd talk bad about Umbridge. She didn't much interfere with Arithmancy, but what she did do was far too much.

The waitress then returned with their drinks. "Forgive me" Juliette said as she took a sip of the fine Chardonnay. "That Umbridge woman upset everyone greatly. Oh and I don't drink during the day most the time, just there was an incident in the castle with that pest Peeves. You'll run into him soon enough. He practically destroyed your room, took me 3 hours this morning and I'm still not done cleaning up his mess." Taking yet another sip of Chardonnay she tried to forget Peeves and the large mess that still awaited in the Defense classroom that had yet to be cleaned. "Anyway, I've heard that you have quite a bit of field experience with dark creatures. Where abouts have you been?"

[Professor Julius Foxcroft]

Julius Foxcroft sighed heavily and put down his quill. Julius had only been teaching Muggle Studies at Hogwarts for the last three years and he had almost written a textbook on the subject. Julius had now lived for his work and students only - all other aspects of his life he turned his back on and never planned to take an interest in ever again. Julius loved his work and his students. They had been the only way he managed to drown his sorrow for the past two years - by working, working, and working till he could do no more.

"I need a break!" he thought. "I think I'll go to Hogsmeade." Julius hadn't been there for the past two years. He was dressed in dark green robes which had once been very elegant but now had a shabby look about them. Though Julius was only 26 he looked about 10 years older. He was still good-looking, but the sadness in his blue eyes made him look older than his years. Julius apparated in front of a new restaurant in Hogsmeade a friend had been trying to convince him to go to for weeks but Julius had politely refused or just found suitable excuses not to go. The restaurant looked like it was working quite well, it was full and Julius had to admit it had a soothing effect on his nerves.

Three years ago Julius had been an Oblivator for the Ministry of Magic. It was how he first came to meet Beth Sutherland. Julius had been required to perform a Memory Charm on her. The two started talking and then fell love with each other. Beth had shown Julius the Muggle world like he had never seen it before. Julius had always been intrigued by Muggles and their achievements and the way they managed to live without magic. Beth was no witch, but she had cast a spell on Julius no other witch could - and Julius had fallen helplessly in love with her. He had lived the best year of his life with Beth and they had already been discussing marriage when he lost Beth in a freak car accident. Since then Julius decided to leave his job at the Ministry, to try and escape from his past, to do anything so he could stop thinking about the loss of his beloved, and jumped at the offer to teach Muggle Studies at Hogwarts after the previous professor retired. Now his work was his life - and it was perhaps the way Julius was beginning to come to terms with his sorrow.

A seventh year greeted Julius warmly and Julius was delighted as always to see one of his students. She told Julius that Juliette Vector and a new professor had just arrived and ordered dome drinks. Julius thought he'd say hi to Juliette who taught Arithmancy at Hogwarts and introduce himself to the new Professor. Julius liked Juliette. He heard she was a strict teacher and never put up with any nonsense in her classes, but her students liked her all the same. She was a good friend and easy to work with, and quite friendly with her other fellow Professors. He walked over to the table and said "Hi Juliette! Just heard about this place, it's quite lovely I think." He hugged her briefly and then turned to the new professor. Smiling he said pleasantly, "I'm Julius Foxcroft. I teach Muggle Studies at Hogwarts. It's a pleasure to meet you," he said offering his hand to shake hers.

[Professor Juliette Vector]

While they sat talking another person arrived and greeted them. Looking up it was Professor Foxcroft. Juliette gave a slight wave to him but was taken aback when he hugged her. Not knowing where it had come from, she returned the brief hug then she slid over to the middle of the half circle booth to make room for Julius. Taking another sip of Chardonnay she waited for the two to finish their introductions before she continued. "Well Julius, I had a run in with Peeves this morning. He practically tore apart the Defense classroom, I simply had to get out of the castle after that. But what brings you to Hogsmeade? I can't recall the last time I've seen you here."

[yelena]

Yelena smirked at Professor Vector’s slip of the tongue, “I hope I do as well. I know the trouble you’ve had with previous Defence teachers. Let’s hope this time you have found one that lasts.” Yelena sipped her water as the waitress left, “Neither have I, though I have passed it once or twice. I have only been back in England for the better part of three months, and I have been trying to catch up on things here.” Yelena smiled, “I have heard many things about Umbridge, none good. From what was explained to me, she took over Hogwarts much like a maniacal tyrant who has just gained power over the thrown.” She sipped her water. “I have much to do then. I like a challenge Professor Vector, and I think this will be as big a challenge to prepare those children, especially those who will be facing their OWLs and NEWTs.”<br>
The waitress returned with their drinks, Yelena took her ginger ale spritzer and set it beside her water. “I can understand, to be upset by what she did is only human. I do not mind if you drink, that is not my business to judge, but too teach.” She took a sip of her spritzer, “An incident?” she asked when Professor Vector tried to explain why she was having a Chardonnay so early in the day. “Peeves? Is that ghost still up to his tricks?” she said with a slight laugh to her voice. “I have run into Peeves before Professor Vector. I attended Hogwarts as a child and had many a run-in with that pesky ghost. I see. I suppose I will have some cleaning to do when I get there. Do not trouble yourself Professor, I will deal with that myself. You have to prepare for your classes, leave the cleaning up to me.” Yelena took a sip of water. Professor Vector had asked her about her field experience and it took her a second to respond.

“I have been to many places with my work; Albania, outer Mongolia, Russia, the Congo, the Dark Mountains of Tibet. In Ireland I did a lot of research on some particularly heinous hags, who were running rampant there, in an attempt to deal with them. There have been so many places, and I have encountered so many things that when I think of it I can hardly believe I did it all.” She smiled warmly, she loved her work, though it was not always pleasant, some of the creatures she had to deal with were horrible to say the least. Yelena had just finished when a gentleman who introduced himself as Professor Julius Foxcroft approached them. “Good to meet you Professor Foxcroft. I am Yelena Nikolaeva, I will be teaching Defence Against the Dark Arts. This is fortuitous, I have now met two of my fellow teachers, when this morning I knew none.” She had taken Professor Foxcroft’s hand when he offered it, “Please sit.” She offered him the seat Professor Vector had made for him.

[Serena]

Professor Serena Argon had just entered the village of hogsmeade. It was always a pleasure to return here, compared to the streets in Diagon Alley, hogsmeade was a bit less crowded. Also the streets were mostly filled with more mature witches and wizards. Professor Argon had her hair in it's usual right sided single bang, messy bun, and encircling braid. She strolled down the streets of Hogsmeade, gazing through shop windows and smiling pleasantly at those who passed her.

The term was approaching, and Serena had just been given the occupation at Divinations teacher at hogwarts. She thought to herself, "I may need some new supplies for this." She looked down at her robe, "Hm maybe some new robes." She said aloud as she walked towards the Robe shop.

A few minutes later she emerged with 2 bags, both filled with her robes. "Perhaps I shall do my shopping later." She said to herself as she neared a small resturant. It looked rather comfortable, and the sight of many people proved that the environment was nice as well.

Serena walked towards the resturant, it didn't hurt to take a bite from there, after all, Serena was a bit starved. She straightened her glasses and enter the resturant, welcomed by the voices og many people, and the smell of cooking food. A place worth of her stay.

Serena began walking towards an empty table when she overheard the talk to hogwarts and professors. She turned and saw that a group of three sat at a table, discussing the new term that was fastly approached. Serena smiled, it was good to see that she would get in touch with some fellow professors. She began walking towards them, and when she finally reached their table, she spoke in a high and calm voice. "Why hello there, it wouldn't be a bother if I took a seat here, would it?" She said looking down at them, a smile on her dark red lips.

[yelena]

Yelena had just finished speaking to Professor Foxcroft when their little group was approached by someone new. Yelena looked at the dark-haired woman with her bags. “Ah…” she looked at the other two professors, “What do you say professors?” she asked, not knowing that this woman was the new Divinations teacher, her being new herself. There was plenty of room for a few more people, she saw the woman sitting with them as no problem, “You may,” she replied once the others had given their consent, “But first do you mind introducing yourself?” she asked politely with a small smile.

The waitress came back a few seconds later, “Oh, I see we have more company. Can I get the two of you a drink or anything?” she asked. Yelena took a sip of her ginger ale spritzer, “May we have some bread sticks and dip, honey mustard and marinara. Do you have a preference in dip Professor Vector, Professor Foxcroft?” she asked Juliette and Julius. She then returned her attention to the new comer once they had decided what they wanted. “Sorry that was bread sticks with honey mustard and marinara dipping sauce?” the waitress said, repeating their order for accuracy, “Would you like complimentary salad with that?” “Yes, that would be lovely,” Yelena replied. “I’m sorry about the distractions. You said your name was?” she asked the woman who wished to sit with them.

[Serena]

Serena smiled brightly and took a seat next to the professor that had first spoke. She pushed her glasses back, but they soon slipped down her nose, in a sort of elegant angle. She looked at the professor who had spoken and was about to speak when she heard the waitress approach. She closed her mouth, and looked towards the waitress.

When the waitress finally left, Serena turned back around and eyed everyone. She smiled and said in a dreamy voice, "I am Professor Serena Argon, the new divination teacher at Hogwarts." She said, then she smiled and said, "And what classes do you teach?"

[Professor Julius Foxcroft]

"Yeah well I can't remember the last time I've been here myself," replied Julius, after thinking about it for a minute and discovering that he wasn't sure when he had last allowed himself a trip to Hogsmeade, only that it seemed like it was at least two years. He looked interestedly at the new Defense teacher, Yelena Nikolaeva, trying not to be too obvious. He wondered how Dumbledore had convinced her to take the job; most of the magical community had decided the job was jinxed, which was not that surprising considering the fate of all the teachers who had it taught before her. Julius, who cared about the education of his students not only in Muggle Studies but in all of their subjects, was wondering whether Nikolaeva was a good teacher. He certainly hoped so; her predecessor had been the worst teacher in all those before her. Julius hadn't been in Hogwarts during the time Quirrell or Lockhart taught the subject, but his fellow teachers had told him about them, and he had also overheard students talking about them. Lupin had been the best teacher in all of them, and Julius had really liked him though he had never shown it. He had been much too wrapped up in himself and his own sorrow to try to reach out to another human at that time, but that had not stopped him from knowing that he was an excellent teacher and also a kind-hearted person despite his lycanthropy.

Just as Julius was about to say something to Yelena a woman walked up to the Professors and asked if she could sit with them. Momentarily taken aback, especially as the woman's appearance was a bit eccentric, Julius nodded his head and waited for the woman to introduce herself. When the waitress came over to the table Julius said "Oh I'll just have whatever the other two are drinking. That dip will do excellently, Professor Nikolaeva." Yelena seemed polite enough and it looked as if it would be easy to work with her. Julius still had no information about her previous experience and whether she was going to be a good teacher. The new woman finally introduced herself. She was going to teach Divination. Julius had no idea that Trelawney had finally decided to give up teaching, or what had happened to Firenze, but for some reason they had a new Divination teacher. "I teach Muggle Studies," he said shortly. Divination was not one of the branches of magic Julius really appreciated or considered to be useful, but there was no need to dislike the woman just because he disliked the subject. For all he knew, she might really have the gift for predicting the future.

[Serena]

Serena sat down in a formal postion. She flicked at her long bang and smiled around at each professor who sat at the table. A professor by the Name Julius Foxcroft was first to speak after her introduction. She smiled her dreamlike smile towards him, Her Dark red lips fit perfectly on her very pale face. When she stared at Foxcroft, her blue eyes stared deep down into him, studying his inner emotion. She was taken aback, when she felt the slight change of tone in his voice, apparently he wasn't one to favor Divination, why, Serena didn't know.

"Ah muggle studies, How long have you been teaching it." She said rather brightly, a teacher who took their time to educate students in the world of muggles was very interesting. She always thought to herself, what wizard would spead their time studying muggles themselves. It's not that she disliked muggles, she just felt that she did not have enough interest to actually learn much about them. She shrugged it off her mind, after all, some would as why she chose the path of a seer, but then again, coming from a longl family of seers, she was bound to become one. She went back to concentrating on Professor Foxcroft, and gazed at him, waiting for his answer.

[yelena]

Yelena watched the woman, who took a seat next to her, “Oh, another Professor,” Yelena said with a pleasant smile. “I am Professor Yelena Nikolaeva. I am the new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher.” It then occurred to Yelena, “Exactly how did you know that I am a Professor?” she asked curiously. Yelena was waiting for Professor Argon’s reply when she had the keen feeling that she was being watched, she turned and found Professor Foxcroft looking at her in a not too obvious manner, Yes Professor?” she asked him with a smile. “Thank you Professor, I hope you like the dip, it is one of my favourites.” Yelena thought that Professor Argon’s subject of choice was an interesting one, she had met more than one mystic in her lifetime, and though some proved false there were those who truly had a gift that Yelena did not. “Well it is a pleasure, Professor Argon,” Yelena said politely.

“Muggle Studies is a very interesting subject Professor Foxcroft. Some think it a trifle and a waste, but I have found the subject quite educational. It is fascinating how they get along without magic.” She turned to Professor Argon, “And Divination, another complex and misunderstood subject in my opinion. How long have you been teaching?” she asked Professors Argon and Vector, after Julius had answered, for the question had already been posed to him. Yelena was no mystic or seer, but she could sense the little battle between the two Professors, if you wanted to call it that, perhaps not a battle but a keen disinterest in the others subject of choice. “Professor Vector, you were telling me about Peeves. Exactly what was the extent of the damages?” she asked her keenly.

[Professor Juliette Vector]

While sitting at the table, Juliette noticed a seer enter the restaurant. The woman was obviously a seer judging by her dress, that or she had recently escaped from a mental institute. She had never been fond of seers or Divination, even from the time she was at Hogwarts. Her first experience with Divination had been a bad one as Professor Trelawney had predicted her best friend Lauren to be dead within a month. Of course she later found out that Trelawney always predicted someone to die, and in all her years she'd only gotten one or two predictions right. Naturally Juliette spent only one year in that class and then switched to Arithmancy, a subject she loved and now taught. While Yelena and Julius conversed, Juliette watched the woman heading directly for them and then introduce herself as the newest Divination teacher.

Juliette grumble under her breath, Divination was certainly not her favorite branch of magic. There was just something about looking at a leaf and determining when someone will die that just didn't appeal to her. She seemed to share the same view as many students as well as in recent years she'd seen her classes swell in size. As Yelena talked to Serena, Juliette rolled her eyes and in the process noted Julius was spending a good deal of time staring at Yelena. While the other two were immersed in their conversation, Juliette took the opportunity to deliver a kick under the table to Julius' leg, it was rude to stare, especially when one didn't even realize they were staring.

"Ah, yes this will be my 7th year teaching at Hogwarts" Juliette replied to Yelena. "Oh don't worry about the damage, like I said before it can all be repaired, should only take a couple more hours to get it all back to normal."

[Professor Julius Foxcroft]

Julius stifled a cry of surprise when Juliette kicked him. She hadn't hurt him but she had caught him by surprise. He looked at her but she had already turned back to Yelena and was conversing with her. Julius didn’t miss the twinkle in her eyes though. "So much for not being obvious," he thought to himself when Yelena addressed him with a questioning glance and said "Yes Professor?" Julius wondered what Juliette and Yelena would think of him and felt even more angered, when he suddenly looked over at Serena Argon and discovered she was gazing at him quite openly as if he was a puzzle she wanted to figure out. "This is my third year of teaching at Hogwarts. I haven't been there very long," he said.

Julius avoided her eyes feeling rather uncomfortable and flashed Yelena a very rare smile when she said she thought Muggle Studies to be an important subject. "I'm glad you think so Professor. Not only are their achievements quite impressive but now I think it is especially important to work with students on Anti-Muggle precautions and charms, and I shall be doing so with the older students. I'm quite sure the Ministry will need some of those students in the days to come. Muggles are beginning to think the sudden deaths among them could have other reasons than the ones they tend to believe," he said. Julius was dying to talk to Juliette about the latest news of the Death Eaters and Voldemort, but didn't feel it was the right time to do so. He listened to Juliette and Yelena talk about Peeves and the latest mischief he had been up to. Apparently he had been smashing up someplace - this of course not a surprise, Peeves took pleasure in causing mayhem whenever and wherever he could.

[yelena]

Yelena looked at Julius as he jumped slightly, but passed it off as Juliette spoke to her. “Seventh? Wow. You must know all about the school by now. I shall ask you for a tour, just to see if things have changed much since I left.” Yelena told Juliette with a smile. “I do not worry about the damage. A few hours work is not that much. I will get right to it when I arrive. Give me something to do.” Yelena looked at Julius pleasantly, “Three years, that is very good, but I suppose I am the only one going into a class where the professor seems to change every year,” she said somewhat jokingly. Yelena realised that her opinion of Muggle Studies settled well with Julius as he flashed her a smile. “Your welcomed Professor,” she said and then gave a laugh. “Oh, I’m sorry, but I have always been used to calling others Professor, it seems strange to my ears to be addressed by that title.”

“I quite agree with you Professor. Muggles have very remarkable inventiveness and a knack for being inquisitive. They seem to get into everything, especially if it seems strange to them.” Yelena’s face grew more interested as Julius spoke of the muggles’ suspicions about the deaths amongst them, “Do you think so, Professor? I must admit that if they are, they are within their right. The stories concocted to cover things up will not hold with everyone, but as long as they do not discover the truth then we will be fine. I am sure they will be needed in the future,” Yelena commented on the need for some of Julius’ Muggle Studies students in the Ministry.

[frostner]

Apparating into Hogsmeade, Chess Frostner went off at a fast kept step thought the small town. His dark grey cloak flew behind him as he turned into a side street. Chess' face very prodominate. He had a thick brow line which made his look seem stern. His eyes were naturally not as wide as other's which made it seem as if he was narrowing his eyes at everyone he looked at. He looked did reflect his personality, but he was a good person to talk to once in awhile.

Strolling through the small town of Hogsmeade, Chess arrived at a new pub called Eomen’s Eatery. It was a new place to eat and he did hear good things about it. Pulling the door open he stepped into the room as he looked around for an empty table. Scanning the room his eyes fell on a far back table where a few Professors sat chatting.

Walking around a few tables packet with people, Chess made it to the back of the room. Noticing Yelena, he bowed his head to her with a smile. "Hello their Yelena." With a breif grin to the other three, Chess introduced himself. "I'm Chess Frostner, the new detention and substitute teacher at Hogwarts." Chess knew Yelena because this was both of their first years at Hogwarts and he knew her from when he met Professor Dumbledore, she was their also.
"Hopefully im not intruding on anything." he said as he pulled up a chair to the table and sat down. Looking at the other three he spoke up, "So I assume you all teach at Hogwarts?" He said in a sonorous tone. Adding on he said, "What classes do you teach?"

[yelena]

Yelena was speaking to Professor Foxcroft about possibly needed his students, when a familiar frame caught her attention as it approached their table. As the figure grew closer and eventually spoke, she recognized it as Professor Frostner, also a new Professor at Hogwarts. They had meet at their orientation with Headmaster Dumbledore. Yelena had found him, interesting, to say the least. He had a somewhat foreboding demeanour, but upon talking to him, she came to realise he was not as severe has his face would lead you to believe. If her impressions were correct, and they were seldom wrong, he was not a man to be trifled with, but someone you would want in a pinch.

Yelena smiled at Chess as he bowed to her and greeted her, “Chess? Why this is a pleasant surprise,” she said in her pleasant tone. Professor Frostner grabbed a chair and sat with them, and proceeded to introduce himself to the rest of the group. Yelena smiled slightly; he was not a shy man, Chess Frostner. “If I may, I will make introductions?” she said to the others. This is Professor Juliette Vector, Professor Julius Foxcroft and this is Professor Serena Argon. I think they can give more detail to their subjects.” Yelena then took a sip of her drink.

[Professor Julius Foxcroft]

Julius didn't smile but his blue eyes looked a little less sad when Yelena mentioned that she wasn't used to her new title yet. He could remember when he first came to Hogwarts after leaving the Ministry and not being used to being called "Professor," all the time. His first year of teaching at Hogwarts had been hard, but he had discovered something he hadn't ever known: how much teaching was a rewarding profession, and how much he enjoyed it. Julius had been rather reserved and withdrawn when he first went to Hogwarts, but he had opened up slowly to a few of the staff as time passed by.

Yelena seemed keen enough to start work, and insisted gently but firmly that she should clear up the rest of the damage Peeves had made. Well that was a good thing definitely; at least she did not shirk from any responsibility. Not that she could be called responsible for clearing up Peeves' messes, they were quite frequent and usually it took several people to clear them up, cursing Peeves during the process. Peeves was a nuisance but he had been useful last year when he had concentrated his efforts on Umbridge. All the professors had also silently joined in causing her as much as trouble as possible, but of course they had too be much more subtle than Peeves. Thankfully they were now rid of Umbridge and hopefully of any intruding from the Ministry in the running of Hogwarts.

Julius was silent for a moment as he sipped his drink, listening to Juliette and Yelena continue the conversation. He noticed Yelena looked quite foreign and wondered where she had learnt magic. She talked about Peeves as if she had had first hand experience with him, which could only be true if she had been to school at Hogwarts. Julius couldn't remember seeing her at school back when he was a student there, but then she looked a few years younger than him. Just as Julius was about to ask Yelena if she had been one of Hogwarts' students the small group of teachers was joined by another teacher.

Professor Chess Forstner, as Julius was to discover was his name a minute later, greeted Yelena with her first name, and Julius looked quickly at Juliette with his eyebrows slightly raised but didn’t think she could recognise the man either. Julius listened to the man introduce himself in a deep voice, which suited his rugged rather stern-looking face, and thought to himself that the Hogwarts' staff had quite a number of new members this year. Yelena told Chess their names, and Julius nodded at the man when she said his name, and then for the third time that day he said the same thing. "I teach Muggle Studies," he said, trying to sound pleasant, and with much less awkwardness in his voice than when Serena had asked the question.

[yelena]

Yelena’s eyes flashed over Julius as he spoke, “You must be getting tired of revealing what class you teach?” she said with a joking smile. Yelena had noticed his bewildered, or more curious look to Juliette when Chess arrived; he obviously was not acquainted with him. “I met Professor Frostner at orientation. Hogwarts seems to be having its share of new teachers this year. I hope I can be as moving and effective as the great teachers the school already has.” A few minutes later the waitress returned with Yelena and Juliette’s meals, “The other things will be here shortly,” she said as she placed the plates on the table before Yelena and Juliette. When she stood she noticed the new comer to the table, “Can I get you anything sir?” she asked him.

Yelena smiled and thanked the waitress, “I am afraid we already ordered Chess. If you wish we can wait on you?” she asked him. The waitress waited for his reply. The meal smelled delicious, the aromas mingled impeccably and instantly made Yelena even hungrier than before.