Hey, guys, I got a few orders of business for you all.

First, I'm Fiona Gallagher. I'm the new secretary at the Albus Dumbledore Academy. Which I know doesn't sound the most exciting, but it means I'm the person you wanna go to for the little details and stuff. Like if your name's spelled wrong on your transcripts, or if you wanna switch courses? You wanna talk to me.

Also, if you wanna enroll, I can talk you through it. It's not a big thing, I mean, the credits don't exactly transfer. It's mostly for learning stuff if you want to. We've got all kinds of stuff, here, uh- [There's the sound of paper rustling; she's clearly looking over some sort of page:] Astronomy, alche- alchemy? [Whatever that is.] Self-defense, magic history, Egypt... Something about Egypt. Anyway, what I'm saying is, this isn't exactly public school.

And to anybody in the school, if you're a teacher or a student, it'd be great if you could introduce yourself and tell me what classes you're taking or teaching? I've got records, but I wouldn't mind doing a double check.

Anyway, second, anybody wanna haul some big a- [Don't swear!! Official work related network post, remember not to swear] some really big filing cabinets into the academy? I'll need 'em in the actual academy if they're gonna do us any good. Payment is traditional currency, you know, a six pack.

Okay, maybe a twelve pack in this weather.

And third, anybody wanna help teach me some of this magic crrrr-... this magic stuff? I have the plant power. I'll pay you.

[ooc lol i probably should have put this up earlier but this post is totally open to threadjacking if the need strikes o/]

[And in case Asgard wasn't sick of all the Christmas sweaters, the feed clicks back on to a slightly familiar sight - the Guardians' apartment above the ice rink. The place looks like it's seen better days - papers scattered and craft supplies littering the area in some direction or another. The Guardians themselves are sitting around their couch. Jack, in true monkey fashion as always, is somehow balancing himself on the back of the couch. A large man dressed in red is sitting in the center of the seats - looking oddly proud of himself as he fiddles with the screen some more. He's also sporting a nice shoulder decoration - a certain tiny Sandy sleeping away without any sign of moving at all. At the man's side, Jamie is sitting with his brand new sweater and bouncing a little on his seat with his one-eyed stuffed rabbit. A lady's voice (Tooth's) can be heard in the distance of the other room - chattering on to herself about something involving spreadsheets or another. The man finally quits moving the damn thing and turns to Jack and Sandy's direction.] You see! No problems! I can set up videos without help!

[Jack arches an eyebrow, trying to play the "not impressed" card, but he's obviously amused. Let's see how long it takes him to spam North with emoticons in the future... right now it's time to get all Guardian up.] I'll tell the kids to draw you a gold star later. Can we get this going? There's snow outside waiting to be thrown at people's faces.

[Jamie looks over at the visible Guardians with excitement. He tugs on North's sleeve urgently.] Tell them! Tell them!

Bah! Snow will wait for few more minutes! This is great news! [North chuckles a bit and pats Jamie on the head before finally focusing on the screen in front of him. The jolly old man is containing his excitement about as bad as Jamie at this point.] We are celebrating Christmas at Asgard this year!! [Wait wait. Hold it North. How about actually explaining first?]

[Jack glares at North. Did he just seriously say snow can wait? This is a sin. A tragedy. And he's ready to tell him exactly what an offense that was, but Jamie jumps in before he can even open his mouth. Literally, he jumps in by jumping up to stand on the couch.] It's not just Christmas! We're going to celebrate all of the winter holidays!

But! Christmas comes first. [Yes, North can't help adding that it. They all may have decided to celebrate all the winter holidays but nothing is stopping the man from being absurdly proud of his own. Still Jamie's outburst finally reminds North why they're here so he's straightening up in his seat (Sandy may have rolled a little at the movement). Guardian time ladies and gentlemen.] Explanations are in order. We have all been stranded here for some time - some more than others. However!

( NOT AN IC CUT FOR CHRISTMAS INFORMATION )

Dàjiāhǎo. I know there have been a couple of these already but, I just wanted to make sure that everyone was okay. {Her eyebrows furrow and really, between the mirror thing and now with the earthquakes? It's all a bit much. She sighs.]

But regardless, it seems this city keeps bringing in newcomers. So to those of you who are new, huānyíng,, ah, welcome.

River, darling? Xīwàng rú cǐ.. [She really needs to get them a house so she can keep an eye on her young friend.]

[She reaches up, rubbing her forehead. She's tired and would actually like a break from all the city's craziness. But first, just a few more people to check in on.]

Alice? Jamie? Doc- Eleven? I am praying you are well also. [It looks like she might want to say more but for now, she's just going to leave it at that.]

((OOC: hover over the Chinese for translations.))

So....is everyone okay? If anyone needs help, I can try? I have drawing life, if anyone needs someone with that, I mean. I'm okay myself, so if people let me know where to go to help out, I can do my best. Even if I can't heal anymore, here in Asgard. I'm assuming the hospital, provided that isn't damaged in the quake.

Also. I am not the only one sort of....um, hearing things, am I? That makes me sound crazy now.

[Irving is looking irritated, even though he's settled down for a rest with a nice cup of tea and some of that cake River had earlier.]  Thank you, Random Ominous Voice, for taking the time to inform me that 'It won't stop' and 'This is just the beginning', as if I was assuming otherwise.

It wasn't as if I had other things to do than deal with an insistent mantra that isn't actually helpful.

Next time, if you can hear me, do try to use sky-writing or something? It's much less invasive. [Well, it was worth a try. Rubbing his temple, he turns off.] 

[Did you miss this friendly face? Even if you didn't, here is Brittany with her bright smile and eager attitude.]

You may not know this, but I'm an international star. My web show "Fondue for Two" had viewers in Thailand. Lord Tubbington stopped answering my fan mail for me, though, so I think they are mad at me.

[She smiles and picks up her pad of paper to start taking down your names.]

I think that I can go Mult-Versal though, now that I'm here, with my fanbase - I just need a really good guest. So, I'm taking offers to be my first guest on the show.

You have to be talented.

Or pretty.

Or interesting. [Brittany pauses... thinking about it.]

Or give me a fondue pot. Because, [She sounds a bit sad about this...] I didn't win enough of those ribbons and so now they're just in my room here. I tried really hard, but that one God just gave me ice cream when my answer was really the right one.

I'm not blaming anyone... but it's his fault.

[She looks sad, but she'll smile again - a bit forced.]

I am just looking for guests though and it's a really prestigious thing to be a guest on my show. I've been told it's an execrable experience which - it starts with EX same as exciting and extra and other good words.

I don't know what it means, but I'm sure it's fine.

[ The Doctor’s sunk into a couch - in the living room of Thor 103 - half draped on the armrest rather than the back. The bracelet is lying on the table in front of it so the screen shows more than just the shoulders up because that’s boring.

He offers a wide smile and spreads his arms. ]

Good afternoon, Asgard! Today I bring you a sort of… inquiry. Or closer to a survey, I suppose. You see, I’ve been reliably informed that I… Hm.

Maybe I should have written a script.

I touch people a lot.

[ A pause, as he briefly turns his head towards the other side of the couch with a questioning look. ]

Yeah, that was weird wording. What I mean is! I like hugs, and… such. And I’ve been informed-- Well, I’ve been informed but also noticed that not everyone likes that.

[Clara leans over so she’s in sight, and manages a long stare for the Doctor. And then a sigh. This is entirely ridiculous.]

At least you’re able to admit it. Finally.

[ While she stares, he looks right back at her because. What? At least this way it’s pretty much impossible to make mistake. It’s a flawless plan. ]

Well I’ve never had any problems before.

[ Sniff. ]

Anyway. People don’t always like being touched, apparently, at least not from just anyone, or anyone but… close friends… So!

[ He straightens abruptly, almost hops in his seat, and rests his elbows on his thighs, hands clasped in front of him. ]

To avoid anyone feeling uncomfortable or any… misunderstandings, I’ve created a sort of. Pamphlet. So you can tell me what you don’t want me to do. I’m going to send it over in text form, but I’ve also got paper ones. You could stop by and fill one out. Unless you for some reason think that’s odd, I suppose.

[Clara snorts, rolling her eyes.]

Course it’s odd to ask people to really, actually pop by in person to fill out your questions about whether or not you can touch them. How is that even a thing you can suppose? It’s beyond supposing at this point, Doctor.

[There’s a laugh after that, and she’s clearly teasing. Mostly.]

[ He gives her an indignant frown. ]

Yes, well, you humans have weird hang-ups!

[ Clearing his throat, he turns back to the screen and raises his chin. ]

Companions, family, my old girl, and myself need not apply.

[Wait a second, Doctor. That’s just rude. Her jaw drops, eyes widen, and she tries not to look offended. And fails.]

Don’t listen to him. Anyone is welcome to respond. Particularly companions and family.

[ He frowns at her as he reaches for the bracelet. ]

What? No. You lot’s already used to it.

( Text bit in here since I might as well cut the post a bit shorter )

((OOC: Replies can probably be expected from both of them. I'm not sorry Eleven's so ridiculous.))

[Severus turns on the video feed, adjusts the angle a little - he's in one of the rooms in The Great Library - and clasps his hands together in front of him on the table. He has meticulously prepared himself for this announcement, right down to a list of points that he's written out that he wants to address. The list is laid out in front of him on the desk. It occurs to him to make the video filtered from the Dark Lord's prying eyes; he is not, however, addressing anything of a personal nature, and he knows the Dark Lord would find out the details of the school regardless.]

As some of you may recall, I made an announcement not too long ago concerning a proposal to establish a structured education system for the youth of Asgard. Due to… certain recent events [and by "certain events", he means being visited by the Gentlemen, not that he has any interest in discussing that matter], I experienced some setbacks in terms of organising things in a timely manner, hence the delay in my getting back to you all. However. A number of people expressed interest as a result of my last announcement and so I've decided to pursue with my proposal. The details I've worked out thus far are as followed:

[He pauses to glance down at the list. Just as he does so, a tall emu idly plods past behind him. It stops just short of disappearing from the video's field of vision; it cranes it long neck to preen its downy feathers.]

( Cut for length: in which Snape talks about the school itself )

( In which Snape talks about needing teachers )

( In which Snape talks about donations to help fund the school )

[[OOC:
1. This is the ooc info post about the school! Please leave your character's name if they want to be a student at the school!
2. The ooc post I made about the school in which you can ask questions!
3. Unless specifically requested, all teacher interviews and peer observations will be handwaved, as I simply won't have time to role-play all of them; unless you want to consider your interaction with Snape in this post to be the interview, of course! More information on this here!
4. …I think that's everything. c:
5. OH. Unless threads are marked as private, or unless someone specifically says they don't want to be threadjacked, feel free to threadjack in this post!!]]

[So, what with the whole Gentlemen thing, things have been a little serious lately, and with good reason.

Because of that, even if he feels a bit tentative about it, Blaine decides it might be an okay time to make a suggestion to the general public in Asgard. Hopefully there'll be some interest, and if not, well, then it's something to think about for some other time down the road.]

Hey guys, so I was thinking. I know there's some musically inclined types around here, and there's that great theater in Freyr's district, so... Maybe sometime, we should get together and put on a play or a musical or something.

It doesn't have to happen now, or even right away. Things like that take time and planning, so maybe we could just talk about it and kind of file that information away for later.

Sam, Santana, Brittany, I'm hoping you'll be interested.

[If nothing else, he expects Santana and Brittany to laugh. But he did get this idea from Santana, after all.]

A brief announcement, if I may have your attention for just a moment.

[Severus is sitting stern and straight-backed at his desk in his room. On his desk are several stacks of books, along with a small but neat pile of papers, the masquerade mask Miss Liddell made for him, and a few jars of preserved swearing toads and other small creatures he's procured mostly from Gefion Park. Behind him hanging from the ceiling and along the wall are a few bunches of drying and curing plants.

He knows the Dark Lord is probably watching this. Ever since learning of the Dark Lord's arrival in Asgard (Severus can only think of him as the Dark Lord; the name Lord Voldemort makes him feel ill to his stomach with disgust) and ever since happening upon him at the festival, Severus has been on a high state of alert. He manages only through years of practice to make himself seem solemnly composed and authoritative to those watching the video feed, but he's inwardly twisted into a dozen uneasy knots.]

For those who don't know who I am, my name is Professor Severus Snape. I was a teacher and Potions Master at Hogwarts School Of Witchcraft And Wizardry for close to twenty years. [He was also briefly Headmaster, but under circumstances that make him feel ill to his stomach to think about; and mentioning it as though it's a title he's earned feels like a tasteless display of dishonour and disrespect to Dumbledore. And so, he leaves that part out.]

It's come to my attention that Asgard is sorely lacking with regards to any kind of structured education. I would have thought that the gods, having annexed young people for their, shall we say, agenda, would have at least seen fit to implement some manner of methodised tutelage for those still in their formative years. Having taken up the task of tutoring one young person in Asgard, it's occurred to me that there are others who would be in just as much need of educational guidance and academic discipline. And seeing the gods seem to care not a whit for organising such things, I have taken it upon myself to scope out who, exactly, would be interested in attending structured lessons in a class setting.

[As much as it's been constantly weighing on his mind what his next step ought to be with regards to the Dark Lord, he needs something else to help him stay focused. Occupied. With the appearance of being in complete control; being with direction; being with purpose. More than that, though, Severus needs to find a way to stop the Dark Lord's influence from infecting the minds of others, especially those most impressionable, and he's decided that the best way to do that is to involve himself in Asgard unassumingly. A teacher, after all, is necessary to every society and Asgard is no exception.]

Reading, writing and comprehension will be on the curriculum, to give an idea of what I would be offering, as well as mathematical and scientific application. As I have extensive knowledge in herbology - that is, the study of plants -, alchemy, astronomy and a few other choice specialties teachable on a practical level in Asgard, these will also be included.

I've yet to lay out the finer details but in the interim, I invite any person under the age of 18 to come forward and express their interest in attending my classes. Should you have any queries, direct them to me personally.

[With nothing more to say, he abruptly ends the feed.]

[[ooc: the tl;dr: snape is offering class tutoring open to all kids below 18 in asgard! that said, adult muses can also inquire if your muse is looking for a tutor. if you've any questions about this, don't hesitate to drop me a line at my ooc contact post or over at my plurk. ♥]]

[Video]

[The video begins with a close up of Giselle's face, grinning with delight.]

There are minstrels in the city!

[The image in the video quickly pans around to show a group of three minstrels, all strumming lutes, who all appear to be focused on serenading her. The image moves once again, panning back to Giselle, who is still grinning.]

Isn't this wonderful?!

[At this point the video basically dissolves into chaos, as Giselle forgets to turn it off before joining the minstrels in their song.]

[Action]

[It starts with a group of three minstrels. Giselle loves singing, and she can't help but join in when they get near. And who can sing along with a group and not feel compelled to dance a little too?]

[Before long she's in full-on Disney mode, singing and dancing all over the streets of Asgard with her trusty minstrel back-up chorus. Feel free to imagine some lyrics about beautiful days and good moods, because the mun is certainly no lyricist. Her mood and the song are infectious. At various points there are citizens of every stripe joining in.]

[Feel free to run into her at any point in this musical number. She will be singing to people, dancing around them, and doing other equally ridiculously Disney-ish sorts of things like throwing flower garlands around the necks of stoic menfolk James.]

[There's a lot Harry can say here, and a lot that he doesn't want to speak about, because he's at the point where comfort is frustrating. If he apologizes, he might hear that it's not his fault. But if he doesn't apologize, he won't feel as if he's made any effort. It seems best to begin there, anyway.

He has an idea of how to do it.]

There are a couple things I'd like to say. The first thing is very important, but I'd like the chance to not really speak about it. Talking about it isn't really ... helping, you see. It's not that I don't appreciate what everyone's said to me, but I think I need time. And honestly, I feel a little bad for that. Sorry.

[There's a noted pause.]

Like the others, I was infected by Thiazi. I'm sorry for the damage I did. You can personally blame me for what happened to the hospital and library. [And his father.] But I wasn't infected for all the things I said, so I'm sorry for that, too. Sometimes you don't need to be turned into someone else to see the worst parts of yourself. What it told me, though, is that we might need to be more active in finding out the problem. I've learned a lot about Thiazi since I got here, but as a group, we might want to ... attack more. If that's feasible.

[The proactivity is the best he can come up with. A part of it is because he's so upset over what's happened to him.

Harry knows that there were other things motivating him. He knows that he was filled with rage because of the same outside influence, that he didn't need to black out to have that, but he doesn't care. Looking back, he still feels somewhat like himself.]

Which, er. Speaking of that. I have something for you Ellie. [He pulls up a vase from off-screen, and it has flowers in it.] I'd heard you liked these, so this is what I'd like to be able to give you soon. If that's all right. [He looks and feels a bit foolish. He puts down the flowers before anyone gets any ideas.]

—So, um, moving on from that, I had a plan after the attack on the city—the one with the giants, rather than our bracelets. We were all without our bracelets, and it isn't fully functional for battle purposes yet, but I've opened a courier service. I got my owl Hedwig back, and the two of us will be working together to deliver packages. The idea is to have a messaging system that doesn't rely on the bracelets. Because while I trust Loki, I don't trust Thiazi not to attack us again somehow. I guess that's even more appropriate now, yeah?

[He feels like it's the time to smile, but he can't quite muster it up. So, for a moment, he looks like he's straining for one.]

Anyway, the business is called the Owlery Courier. [Or, well, it's longer than that, but he figures the shortened version is fine.] It's located in Heimdall, but I've set up boxes in every district. I'll be checking them every evening. There will be a note if I've already checked for the day. If you'd like to use it, the fees will be available on the boxes. And if you'd like to work for me, I promise above average wages, but I'm only looking for two workers right now.

Right, well. I think that's enough for today.

I can't believe I'm saying this, but mister traveling god is right. The city needs a little cheering up. How come the only cool one is kidnapped and we get the leftovers? Geez.

Sooooo. Since I don't have my fun magic anymore, I'll leave you a little gift instead. I call it "this is how dumb travelers look when trying to be fancy", starring the Vanaheim roadtrippers.

[As soon as Jack finishes talking, a bunch of pictures start showing up on the screen. The first ones are pretty harmless, a few landscapes from the train, and the buildings that make the beautiful city of Vanaheim.

But the dinner hall comes next. And just like Jack said, everything looks fancy as hell. There are lots of natives, both human and elves, but there are travelers too. You can play "where is Waldo?" with this thing, seriously.

And now it's time for the individual pictures! The initial bunch isn't very funny, so they pass by quickly. Jack surrounded by children, wearing the clothes certain pair of girls chose for him. Tardis and Alice being cute together. Ninian being her usual gentle self, Akihiko being a dork in a white jacket.

The photos that follow those are left more time on the screen. You know, until your eyes are burning with their fabulous.

Let's start with Equius and his suit.

Plus Elphaba failing to grasp the meaning of fancy.

That's Uther in all his frowning glory.

Ninian had an extra outfit for the night.

And so did Akihiko, who thought speedos were a good idea.

Wait, we can't forget about about Jamie's adorable kilt!

Jack comes back on audio to chuckle at that one.] It seems our travelers like some air around their legs. And that's why I left the best for last, since obviously our skirts wearers must stick together.

[And there is Pyro in red robes. Jack's chuckle becomes actual laughing.] Watch out, Bobby, don't let your Juliet break so many hearts with those clothes.

[He should make an announcement about him moving out from the halls... but like hell he's letting everyone know where he is living right now after this post. Enjoy the pics?]



((ooc: If your chara went to Vanaheim and you want me to add them to the list, drop a comment here!))

The weather's gotten a bit cooler, don't you think? I guess that means it's harvest season now, or at least Asgard's version of it.

[This time, Merlin is quiet and pensive. He's had time to cool off, now that the effects of Thiazi's manipulation have worn off. Oh and his king is safe, too. Everything is mostly dandy.]

In Camelot, we have a festival around this time, too--called Samhain. It doesn't just mark the end of the harvest for us, though. Samhain is also a time when we honour the people who have fallen, both friends and family alike. I know we're all from different worlds, but...perhaps we could do something together for Samhain this time around. A lot of us have been here long enough to have lost friends who returned to their world, and we've all probably lost someone in our own worlds before all of this.

There's a custom that some people practice...tying ribbons and cloth to the branches of a tree for good luck. Well... [Merlin exhales nervously and moves the bracelet until it shows a young oak tree in the castle's courtyard.] I asked the gods if I could plant it, and they've been helping it grow since.

I thought, instead of wishing for good luck, we could write messages for the people who have left us. If the veil between the worlds of the living and dead is at its thinnest this time of the year, then why can't the veil between all worlds be the same? If we send our well wishes to our lost friends this way, maybe it'll even reach them.

[Merlin looks back at the tree again.] I think it'll be ready soon. If you want, you can join me at the castle courtyard in the evening, three days from now and leave some messages of your own.

[ Hello Asgard. Today you will finally see the blue lady with red hair. It's the first time Demona is showing her face to the network (she often prefers audio for obvious reasons, but at this point she no longer cares).

She is sitting atop of a tree, wings spread and tail wrapped around a branch. ]

Things have been busy around here.

[ she shrugs ]

In any case, I wish to try this ability the gods have given me. Body control, since I'm not able to control shadows. Any volunteer?

[ When the Doctor appears on the network this time, he's in a much better mood. Grinning and everything.

If you look hard enough, you might be able to see it doesn't quite reach his eyes. But he also is really in a better mood, because Clara's here, and that makes everything better. ]

So. That thing about dressing up in costumes.

Let's hold a competition! By which I mean, I'll hold a competition, so keep an eye out and sign up if you're going to dress up. That's an order. I'll even hand out prizes!

( Private to the Who cast (except the Master if he's in town by now), Alice, Ril and Clementine )

[ When the feed clicks on, there is a face tilted very close to the feed, peering in too close to make sure it's working. He pulls back with a bright grin and shouts over his shoulder. ]

Mimir, Mimir! Look what Little Loki made, isn't this great? Come say hello to our Travellers!

[ Another man - Mimir - gives a soft huff offscreen before coming over and sitting beside the first. His expression is much more calm and composed, but he still effects a polite enough smile while the other slips away from the screen. ]

Hello, Travellers. Please forgive Honir's excitement. It's been a very long time since either of us have been to our home here in Asgard, and- [ - Mimir stops with a startled ah as hands appear over his head, snapping a pair of cat ears across his hair. Honir pops his head over Mimir's shoulder, wearing his own pair of mouse ears. ]

Now we're a pair, see?

Honir ...

I want to see you dressed up too, Asgard! [ His excitement dims just a little to something more somber, but still sweet. ] We know things have been hard lately, and I'm sorry we weren't here to help. So for the next few days, we're going to honour you guys as the heroes you are with a festival in the castle courtyard. Come shake off the Ice Queen's nasty influence with a bit of fun with us tomorrow!

[ Mimir starts to speak again, just as Honir grins cheekily and lifts his hand to scritch behind the furry cat ears. With a resigned sigh that is only about sixty percent authentic, he concludes: ]

We look forward to seeing all of you out there.

[ OOC: This is the IC kick-off to the October festival! Details on the event can be found here and the log will go up on the 8th! ]

[The feed starts and there's Inara looking concerned, seems to be a normal expression for her in Asgard. It's been a while since she's made an appearance on the network. Being sent home hadn't been something she'd expected.

There's a faint bruise on her cheek, though it's faded to the point that it's almost concealed by her makeup.]

I've only heard what's happened here while many of us were in Vanaheim. [She looks down for a moment, her lips pressing together.] I... I can't even begin to express how sorry I am for what you all who stayed behind went through.

I know it doesn't mean much, but... I would like to once again offer tea or even coffee for any who wish to talk, or if you'd just prefer to sit and not, that's fine as well. I don't get to use much of my training as a Companion here, though listening has always been something we're good at.