"Where would we meet? I donnae ken me way around 'ere yet. Th' only think I ken is th' Forest.. since I be so.." she made the quotation marks in the air, "outdoorsy. Bah.. I be wha' I be. I mean, I donnae stop ye from bein' human. So why should I stop from bein' ha-.. um.. human, too?" She looked away, resting her chin on her hands.

"I think a fair few people would question whether Professor Snape is human." said Nimue tucking into some eggs and toast. "I don't think he meant anything by it. Just one of his observations."

She wondered where they could meet. "There will be a fair few people on the Quidditch field throughout the day and he did say during afternoon break. I have no idea what time he'd imagine that would be - probably tea time."

Her heart sank - what a contrast to the day she had planned! Rather than the discovering the delights of Anders' new home the dank cold office of Severus Snape. Probably watching Mahou do some kind of Potions test for him while he glowered balefully. She shook the image out of her head.

"Just come back up to Gryffindor with some of the others when you've finished Quidditch this afternoon. Then we can go down together."

Mahou nodded and looked at the food before her. She didn't much care for slightly crisp bread.. or butter, for that matter. Eggs didn't sound too cheerful to eat before Quidditch.. So she grabbed a mug and wished sorely for wine, but figured it wasn't allowed here, so she decided on water. Pondering what would be alright before Quidditch, Mahou let her mind wander, nodding absently to Nimue.

Her eyes roamed over the Great Hall, taking in all the students and teachers, her strange eyes studying each professor one by one. As she watched them, if one paid attention, they could see a slight sparkle or two around her. Her head mostly, and feel a faint sort of foreign energy around her.

"Lady Nimue," Mahou said, deciding to take a bit of toast anyway, "do ye think tha' I could fit in here? I greatly hope I do.. I really want ta be on th' Quidditch team.. be in Alchemy.. and make some friends." She set down her toast, only a bite taken from the un-adorned bread. "I just want ta be on th' Quidditch team ta make friends. I mean.. wha' other way ta make friends than in sports? Do ye think we can sit on tha grass and play some music? Or I can play an' ye can dance."

She smiled and looked Nimue in the eyes, her own slanted lime-green ones glittering oddly. "Ye remind me somewhat o' a nymph, Lady Nimue. An' ye look like ye would be good at dancin' ta th' Pan Pipes."

She half-smiled and turned away, poking her toast with a finger. "Ach.. I hate toast. Nae saw th' point in it. B'sides, I be too excited abou' Quidditch ta eat." She looked around and nodded, pulling out her pipes. They were made of crystal and a Celtic knotwork design was painted half an inch down from the mouth-part.

She put the instrument to her lips and blew softly. A haunting tune wafted from the pipes, surrounding the hall with a solemn melody. Mahou closed her eyes and continued to play, her hands delicately grasping the pipes, the music floating on faeries' wings.

Nimue was slightly aware of Mahou's energy and smiled when she brought out the pipes and began to play.

She gave a little clap as the music finished, "That was just beautiful and I'd love to dance sometime with you though not in front of others - it could be 'dangerous'." she said this with a little wink though wasn't entirely joking.

"Of course you'll fit in - you just need to give yourself a chance to meet people. Plus there are many ways to make friends aside from playing sport. Just talking to people and spending time with them."

"I think Sarah from Ravenclaw wants to organise a music club this year - I saw a notice last night for it. Plus, there is a chess club for chess players. There have been drama clubs and ones for discussion. There is bound to be at least one dance this year. There are plenty of ways to meet others socially though most friendships happen casually."

"I donnae ken if anyone would accept me.." Mahou looked away, her pipes in her hands. She let her eyes rove over everyone, her ears feeling quite constrained in the hat, almost like they were being confined. She wanted so to take off the blasted thing, but her father, she knew, wouldn't' like that.

"I think I'll play one more song.. before we go," the girl said. She put the pipes to her lips again and played. The tune reached the highest parts of the hall, the smallest cracks and crevices, even the most closed ears could hear a smidgen of the music that emanated from the half-elf's pipes.

Closing her eyes, Mahou let her heart pour into her music, the crystal instrument glittering in the sunlight, making her hair seem aflame, her skin paler than ivory. Her dress seemed made of leaves, and her body read to sprout wings and fly away to an enchanted place. The tune moved the lass so, that tears slipped from her closed eyes, trickling down her face and plopping onto the crystalline pipes. Mahou was lost in the tune.

Pantalaimon started to howl and Arcadia didn't look too pleased either.

That 'noise' was terrible! for some reason it sent shivered down her spine! By the time it stopped Pantalaimon was huddled under Arcadia table and Arcadia's face was red (well, a slightly redder tint under the makeup) with rage

***********

Professor McGonagall broke off her conversation and turned to Alpha, "Miss Rich, good morning. How may I be of assistance?" asked the Deputy Headmaster of the Slytherin girl.

"Good morning, professor" Alpha stammered. "I ....uhm.... was wondering if...I uhm could take six obligatory subjects instead of five?"

She had her timetable with her, and, suddenly completely free of nerves she chatted:" You see, I want to drop Muggle Studies and my parents agree with that, but I am not allowed to drop any other subjects I took last year. But these new subjects like Magical languages and Myth, Folklore and Magic and Hidden Talents as well, they are so promising that I really would like to take them. I even wouldn't mind to take these lessons with the 4th year group. Is that ok with you?"

She had 'thrown' these words out, now she's eagerly waiting for an answer. "I'm really sorry for this inconvenience her at breakfast, but I couldn't think of a better timing, because today Madam Pince is waiting for me too, to discuss with me my working schedule in the library" she explained to the Professor.

Professor McGonagall regarded the student in front of her. Miss Rich had been under strain to actually achieve her 5th year. She had sat her 4th year twice. It was a little strange that the girl now chose to ask to add further options to her timetable.

"Are you sure you want to do more options? I mean you did find the 4th year a little hard didn't you? I don't mean to seem harsh, Miss Rich, but why should I allow you to take extra options?"

Professor McGonagall waited to see if the girl could argue her case. Certainly attending the classes with the 4th year was an argument that she considered interesting...

Alpha paled a little. Did she have to explain all what happened, here, in the great hall? She took a deep breath.

"Well, Professor, it was not that I found the fourth year that difficult the first time, but..." and here she blushed furiously and began to stammer "...but the language... I mean ..English... was the biggest problem. I ....had English ..lessons..from a teacher in Hogsmeade." Alpha's cheeks were burning. "And.. I think uhm.. I was a bit uhm more ...interested............in .. the teacher.. than in the English lessons."

There, she had said it.* What else could she have said? So sorry professor, but I had a crush on my English teacher and I couldn't think of anything else? Then the devastation at the end of (the first fourth) year when I saw him and another exchange student frolicking around. How to explain this all to Professor McGonagall?*

"In my second fourth year, I was used to the English. You see Professor, in Oldewater, where I attended the school before it was burned down, we all spoke Dutch, we had Dutch books, it was all Dutch. When I came here, well, here it's all English, isn't it. I came here in my third year, but it was near the end of the term, so I went to the fourth year. I had a few English lessons that summer, my parents had hired someone."

How could she explain that she was good enough to do all the subjects? She looked around for support, why had the Professor to be so strict. She caught the look of Hagrid and he winked at her. That gave her a bit more courage. She said firmly: "Professor, last year I got good grades, and so I thought that I could take all these subjects. Last year I was a bit bored because I found it all a bit easy and I started to help out Madam Pince in my spare time."

She was silent, waiting eagerly what Professor McGonagall would say.

Professor McGonagall regarded Alpha with an interested look. She had not considered that the girls need to resit the year may simply have been to her language difficulties. Now she considered it, she could see how that one thing would have held her back. And her grades were much better last year.

"Well, it is not normal for me to allow a student to take more than the required number of subjects. I cannot allow one student to take extra subjects or I will have any number running and asking me if they can take extra subjects too. However, what I will allow you to do is to attend the lessons, with the 4th years if you wish and your timetable allows, for one month. At the end of that month I hope you will be able to choose better between the subjects. How does that sound?"

Professor McGonagall sincerely hoped that no other students would be asking her similar questions. She had thought when Professor Dumbledore had suggested so many unusual subjects that she might start having issues where students wanted to take up more of the options. Now she hoped that Alpha would be the only one.

Happily, Alpha smiled and said: "But of course Professor. I have it all worked out and it fits wonderful in my timetable." By these words she almost shoved her timetable in the hands of the Professor.

"You see, at Monday after Transfiguration, I'll take Hidden Talents, and Thursday after lunch it will be Magical Languages. Uhm, let me see..., at Friday then after Charms, Myth Folklore and Magic as well. You see, it all fits wonderfully well." She was very enthusiastic, nobody ever saw her like that. She beamed happiness somehow.

Prof. McG looked at the timetable. She was satisfied that Alpha had thought this through before approaching her. "As I said, you can try the classes for a month then we will discuss it again. Ok?"

"That's ok!" Alpha beamed with a big smile, turning and almost dancing back to the Slytherin table

***********

Niki finally arrived in the Great Hall, yawning widely and trying rather unsuccessfully to cover it with her hand. She looked as if she had slept better than she had in a long time, and there was a new spring in her step as she took a seat--rather too close to Arcadia and Oriana for her comfort--and began to butter a piece of toast.

She had talked to the house-elves about making tea like it was drunk in Morocco (with lots and lots and lots of sugar and fresh mint in green tea), and was very pleased with herself when one of then scurried over and brought her a cup.

********

Kat had watched as Sarah dashed off again. She sighed a little. Sarah seemed to have gained a knack for dashing off. She glanced around to see how Fee felt about it all.

Kat felt sorry for Fiona. Having a best friend whom was now dashing after a pair of boys in such an enthusiastic manner.

She turned and glanced at Branwen. Obviously Branwen was not going to be trying out for the team. She had shown no interest before even though Kat had nagged her a little.

Marvo had left the hall. Kat wondered if he was going to give her a little more space this term... Probably not she concluded. She finished her coffee and picked up her last slice of toast, looking forward to going out on her broomstick later.

"When I was younger, Mrs. Farell used to tell me that I simply could not drink coffee, because it would stunt my growth." Jacob set his now-empty mug down. He hadn't eaten any food, it seemed, only water and the coffee.

He sounded rather amused, though the half-frown remained on his face. "I suppose not."

The teenager, who was over six feet tall, glanced over to look at Kat. Had he actually made a joke? It was hard to tell...

Kat looked up at Jacob a little taken a back. Jacob making a joke? At least it seemed that way. She was not sure how to react.

She smiled up at him. "No, I think she must have been wrong."

Jacob smiled almost shyly. It was an odd smile, for he wasn't very practised at doing so, but sincere enough. "Sometimes I think I have too many limbs. I never thought I would grow so quickly...it can be hard to even walk without falling."

With that, he chuckled lightly. He _actually_ made a sound close to a laugh. It seemed that he hadn't just grown in height over the summer. Maybe spending time at David's had actually made him a bit more sociable.

Kat laughed a little. She was finding this new talking Jacob a little strange, but it was nice to see him in what seemed a lighter mood.

"So are you going to attend the trials, Jacob? With all those long limbs you'd make a good keeper." She smiled at him, hoping that he would take this as encouragement.

Jacob looked thoughtful, and pushed his glasses back up his nose. Pale eyebrows nearly hidden by them pulled together. "You know, I just might. I practised a bit over the summer...I love flying."

**********

Down the table, Dumbledore could see that Minerva was engaged in conversation with Miss Rich of Slytherin House. However, she was already aware of the 'problem' of Shinrei Hikari and the events of last evening. He doubted she was pleased with the loss of 60 points from Gryffindor and yet there was no argument given that three Gryffindors had been involved in a breach of rules.

Mahou's music had provided a few minutes of distraction, and as it had ended he gave a small clap and returned his attention to Professor Snape, who looked even more sour than usual.

"Severus, please.. the expression on your face. Miss Amberstone was only trying to make our Sunday morning breakfast a little brighter."

He smiled in Mahou and Nimue's direction, "It is good to see that she is making friends. I am sure Nimue will prove a stabilising influence in respect to any wanderings. Nimue may be inclined towards the Otherworld herself but she also has more than a dollop of common sense - would you not agree?" The Headmaster realised he was talking to himself on this matter but paid no attention to Snape's continued grumpiness.

"Now where were we....ah yes. As I was saying this partial list provided by Randal is of concern. However, I would imagine it should allow you to analyse the nature of her ' Chishio' remedy to a far greater degree than Poppy's olfactory recall. Randal will undoubtedly advise me if asked the names of those students Miss Hikari has admitted to providing remedies for"

"Whether her intentions are innocent in this …" he shrugged slightly, "It was obvious from the start Severus that her allegiance to Kanjou is an unquestioning one. That he has placed himself outside of his community and considers such things irrelevant appears to be an attitude he has passed on to his protégé."

He glanced again in the direction of the Gryffindor table a slightly troubled expression on his face.

Severus Snape reluctantly removed his hands from his ears when the Headmaster started speaking to him. "That truly is a sound that grates on my nerves," he announced, sourly.

He cast a brief glance over the list that Dumbledore gave him and one eyebrow arched in interest. "This does indeed call for further investigation, Headmaster. And one which I am sure the results of will be most interesting." He looked at it again. "Most interesting indeed."

He glanced down at Mahou and scowled again. "I may have to invest in a set of ear plugs if our students are going to continue to provide in-meal entertainment."

The Headmaster made a little 'tut-tut' noise, "Now Severus, we can't have that can we? You'd wear them to staff meetings and I'd never know if you were actually paying the slightest bit of attention to me." his eyes twinkled. He was very used to Snape's grumpiness.

"I have faith in your ability to discover the nature of this draught and then *we* shall speak to Miss Hikari together. I will be having Malcolm Ward keep a watch on her movements as well. These late night wanderings such as you intercepted last night need watching. We are in agreement that Mr. Verga was just being gallant and not involved in some clandestine meeting?"

As he spoke he scanned the room, "Except for Miss Amberstone whose little excursion I think was unrelated, the other three are all absent this morning. Still, I trust that once classes start things will settle down some."

".. and I'll see what I can do about the 'entertainment' eh Severus - make sure the atmosphere is more conducive for your nerves?" he smiled at this light comment but anyone who could read him well would know he was disturbed by these events.

The corners of Snape's mouth twitched just ever so slightly at Dumbledore's words, but he did not rise to the bait.

"Ah. The erstwhile Mr Ward. Indeed. A wise choice, Headmaster. Yes, I believe a conversation with Miss Hikari would be most enlightening." There was a companionable silence.

"An interesting group of new recruits altogether this year, Headmaster," he said, scanning the room slowly, his eyes lingering for a few moments on Magnus Prytz who was looking rather different. "Not least of which is the Rachinov boy. I must speak with him later today - I have taken delivery of some of the rare ingredients for the potion HE requires. Really, Headmaster - what WERE you thinking allowing that boy to attend Hogwarts? That one will be more trouble than it is worth. And by all accounts, his academic work is not up to standard at all."

He knew, of course, about the financial donation to the School made by Ivan Rachinov on the acceptance of Piotr's application. But that still didn't, in his eyes, justify allowing someone of Rachinov's particular peculiarity to attend Hogwarts.

Snape was altogether a downright irritable man today.

********

Nimue excused herself from the Gryffindor table and went over to Kat who was engaging in conversation about Quidditch.

Nimue smiled at Jacob, "Hello Jacob." then tuned to her friend, "Kat, I wonder will you be heading out to the practice field soon?"

It's just that Mahou Amberstone" she indicated the girl in the green velvet dress seated at the Gryffindor table, "is wanting to get some practice in as well and she doesn't know her way around at all. She got herself in terrible trouble last night. I don't know if you heard but 60 points were lost and she's tending to shoulder the whole blame."

Kat turned to talk to Nimue. "Sure, Mahou can come out when I go. I need to go grab my broom though. And I am sure Mulder and Scully will want to come and play too. You know those cats. I never will understand why they enjoy flying."

She glanced across at the Gryffindor table. She noted the dress that Mahou was wearing. "Is Mahou going to change into something more sporty for practice? "

"I did mention it when she put it on." said Nimue. "She seems to want to wear it though. I think she's a little sweet on someone and is hoping to make an impression. Maybe she'll change after breakfast."

Nimue didn't say who Mahou was 'sweet on'. Anyway, she only had Mahou's over enthusiasm about Snape to go on - maybe she really just reacted to all teachers in that way.

Kat continued, "I have to say that I did hear rumours about Gryffindor losing points, but I didn't know that Mahou was involved. I don't think she is your only problem either." Kat was obviously looking at Magnus. "What happened to him anyway? I assume you've already taken him to Madame Pomfrey, what did she say?"

"Magnus? We came in late to breakfast and I admit he seemed a little wrapped up in fiddling with his hair. I didn't like to stare because he I didn't want to think I was joining his fan club." As she was saying this Nimue followed Kat's gaze and saw the boy whose loss of hair had become seriously pronounced. "THAT is more than having a bad hair day!"

"Excuse, me I'd better go and see what's wrong. I'll suggest Mahou join you after breakfast. Bye Jacob."

With that she moved back to the Gryffindor table and went to sit next to Magnus brushing a clump of blond hair off the seat as she did so. Magnus appeared to being given a wide berth by most of his housemates, yet there were murmurs of sympathy for the Swedish boy.

"Magnus?" began Nimue hoping to break into his misery as gently as possible.

Magnus looked up at the girl who addressed him. He recognised her as one of the prefects for Gryffindor, although he didn't recall ever being formally introduced. [OC: This doesn't mean he wasn't, just that he can't remember]

"Hello." he said. There was no smile. Smiling was probably the furthest thing from his mind. He felt kind of strange inside. It felt like some part of him was missing and he couldn't quite figure out what.

Roughly at this point, Anders entered the Great Hall, a broad smile on his face. His eyes lit up to match when he saw Nimue, but as he moved closer, he realised she was talking to some lad who looked decidedly fed up with the world. Tact was not a great part of Anders' psychological make up, but this time he carefully veered towards where Kat was sitting.

Walking up quietly behind her, he put his hands over her eyes. "Guess who!" he said, cheerfully, before releasing his hands and squeezing into the seat next to her.

Fiona glanced up at the voice and her face paled slightly. Although she had got over the painful crush she had had on Professor...Anders Grimalkin, she still found him very...yes. Very.

She did feel a familiar surge of envy at the easy way he spoke to Kat Black, but then, she figured - she was Nimue's friend, and the link was obviously there. She sighed audibly, then looked down at her porridge in embarrassment.

She'd been feeling a bit left out since returning to school. All these new people...and Sarah had run off with the boys, leaving her on her own. Despite her new 'look', Fee was still very shy and uncertain.

Maybe she could find someone else to go to spend time with, because Sarah didn't seem to be too bothered right now. She didn't mind too much, it was just Sarah's way, but Fiona took being lonely to heart. A wriggle in her robes reminded her that as long as she had McTavish, she'd never be completely lonely.

She watched Kat and Anders quietly and without - she hoped - being too obvious.

*********

"Ah, you've noted Mr. Prytz's condition. No sign of a bow though." Dumbledore raised his voice slightly so that Minerva would catch his remark.

Still he was fairly certain Magnus would be able to regain his locks with out too much fuss. He also knew Arcadia Fudge would not have been so careless as to leave a calling card. Her intention, unlike the original joke, was not to show-off. Still it would be a valuable lesson for Magnus who may not have had the tables turned on him by previous victims of his pranks.

He was quiet for a moment as Snape spoke about Piotr who had also it appeared had skipped breakfast or come and gone before the Headmaster's arrival.

"I appreciate your concerns though I disagree with you, Severus. The boy obviously had no choice in the matter. If you would look a little deeper beyond the aloofness and arrogance, there is a ….." he dropped the thought, mindful of the boy that had shaped the man sitting beside him.

"Now you *will* be discreet about Piotr's condition, won't you Severus? I have given my word to his parents that he shall have as normal an existence here at Hogwarts as time allows him. I am confident that with your potion he will pose no threat to any of the students. Mr. Fudge is in his Year and is well placed to keep a discreet eye on him. A little encouragement and I am sure his academic performance will improve."

"Of course I will be discreet," Snape almost snapped. "I never let on about Lupin all those years, did I? And just look at how *he* turned out. Half feral, and disappeared into the dark depths of the English countryside. Probably killing chickens for a living." Snape shook his head. "It just bothers me, that's all, Headmaster. He really does not strike me as the sort of boy who will fit in. However, as you say..."

Professor Dumbledore noted the time. "I must go, Severus. I take it you have a full day ahead of you? You will be welcome to sit in on my briefing of Mr. Ward and Mr. Fudge later this morning though I shall speak to both you and Minerva this evening. Ah……Anders very good."

The entrance of Anders Grimalkin had caught Dumbledore's attention. He smiled and gave a little wave in the direction of the Ravenclaw table where Anders had seated himself next to his sister.

He too noticed Anders' arrival and rolled his eyes skyward. "My day just got three times worse," he muttered. Whilst he no longer held much animosity towards the young ex-DADA Professor, he still did not entirely trust him. It was quite unnerving to Snape how much the young man's mood had swung from one of eternal angst to one of almost terminal cheerfulness.

And besides. He had been given formal permission to court Nimue, and that made Snape feel decidedly protective.

To take his mind off the subject, Snape studied his cornflakes with great interest for a few moments, before raising his head and steepling his fingers. "I will be keeping very close tabs on some of these students this year, Headmaster. I feel a lot of watching is going to be necessary."

Dumbledore was pleased Snape had not pursued the Lupin matter. Probing old wounds was never a good idea at breakfast.

To his remark about keeping tabs, the Headmaster gave him a small smile, "I am very sure that as always you will, Severus. We will no doubt talk later at some point."

With that the Headmaster rose and bid good morning to his fellow staff members and left the high table to walk through the Hall.

Passing the Gryffindor table and feeling concern at Magnus' sad condition he paused. "Mr. Prytz, I expect you should make your way to see the School Nurse right away."

Jian Hupi peered into the Great Hall from his waiting post outside the doors. Students who had already finished their breakfast and were exiting were all staring at him almost suspiciously.

He saw the Headmaster pausing to speak to someone at the Gryffindor table. He hoped that the Headmaster would soon leave the Great Hall. Jian was already getting very self-conscious under the stares of all the students who passed him by.

Magnus acknowledged the Headmaster's comment, and as Dumbledore continued on his way out of earshot, he said to Nimue "Do I have to? It's so, erm, embarrassing. I'm sure it will sort itself out in time." His eyes were something just a little short of pleading.

"Well, of course it's your choice but the Headmaster probably thought Madame Pomfrey might be able to give you something to stop your hair ummm... falling out."

There she had said it. Hair falling out - because it was.

"Of course, you have a lot of flair, Magnus and I am sure that you could carry off just about any look and be considered a trend setter. Yet there are a lot of young ladies at the school - a fair few of them in our class - who would be most disappointed if those golden locks were to be sacrificed. Madame Pomfrey is *very* discreet."

"Well, if you put it that way, then I suppose I should go and look her up" said Magnus, thinking to himself that nothing of the sort was likely to happen. He wasn't sure, but he thought he detected a slight mocking tone to the Gryffindor Prefects words. Either way, it was probably a good time to leave.

"Please excuse me, Madam Prefect" he said, rising from the table. He thought about making a bow, but decided against it given his current predicament. Instead he quietly shuffled away towards the door. Maybe he could find Piotr. Together they might be able to beat this.