Professor O'Leary

May 15, 2009 4:43 PM

Welcome to Crotalus by Professor O'Leary

From the Hall, Drake led them through the school. He had to remind himself to slow down from his normally brisk stride. Otherwise, most of the first years would have been running to keep up. To help set a more leisurely pace, he took an uncharacteristic approach to pointing out various things along the way, such as a few of the ways to get to the classrooms that were in close proximity. He knew how easy it was to get lost when everything was so new. Even he had gotten lost a few times when he had first arrived to teach at the school that had since become a second home.

Reaching his destination, partway along a corridor, he stopped in front of the portrait of Gunter the Zombie. With a sweep of his robes, he was turned around to face the students. “Each House has its own entrance, which is a secret to anyone not in the House. If you do tell anyone, I assure you that I will find out and there will be dire consequences. You are also not allowed to ask anyone else about theirs.” He allowed one of his more stern gazes (he had plenty of them) to rest on the students a moment plainly showing that they should not test him on this matter. “This is the portrait of Gunther the Zombie and also the entrance to your House.”

Drake looked over at the portrait for a moment with a bit of disgust touching across his features. He had never liked zombies. Turning his attention back to the students, he continued, “In order to be granted access, you must submit the password. The current password is Schokolade.” Translated, the word was chocolate in German. It was a word that he felt was safe for the students, as anyone outside the school, and most in the school, would certainly never guess his affinity for hot chocolate. As the last syllable had left his lips, the portrait swung open to reveal the entrance. “Follow me.”

Once inside the Common room, Drake gestured towards the various assortment of couches and chairs that littered the room. “Have a seat. For the next seven years, this will, for all intents, be your home. I hope you like the colors red and silver as these are the House colors.” He threw that in just in case anyone was wondering about the color scheme. “The boys’ rooms are up the stairway to the left and the girls’ room are to the right. Before any of you even get it in your head to try going down the wrong hallway, there are charms that make it impossible. Also, you must be in the dormitories by ten o’clock every night. No exceptions.”

He paused a moment to allow the information to sink in before continuing on with the rules, “You are to wear the school uniform to every lesson unless otherwise instructed. If you have any questions or need anything, you can either ask me, my office is through that door, or Miss Lila St.Martin, Mr. Jose Santoro, or Miss Lutece Anthony, the Crotalus Prefects. Now, over there,” he motioned towards the bulletin board by the door, “is where pertinent information will be posted, such as changes to the entrance password. Be sure it will change often, so check the board frequently.”

He thought for a moment about what else he needed to tell them. “While first years are not allowed to play Quidditch, if you’re looking for a spot on the team next year, you may be interested to know that the Captain is Geoffrey Spindler and the Assistant Captain is Helena Layne. In the meantime, there will be other clubs and activities that you can join. Look for the information to be posted up on the bulletin board. At the end of the year are the Midsummer Festivities, which is really something to look forward to.” Another mental check and he was fairly certain everything was covered. “Any questions or comments?”
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