This year Mortimer was a bit more interested in the incoming students than he was last year as another of his granddaughters, Ruby, was going to be attending.
She would be among the first students who would be trying out their new sorting method. Honestly, Mortimer didn't understand why it needed to be changed. Generations upon generations had been sorted this way and had grown up to be just fine. He never did undestand why things needed to change when the old ways worked perfectly well. Tradition was important. However, apparently, people had complained about the lack of sanitation regarding sharing a cup which was ridiculous. Even Annabeth hadn't raised a fuss over Owen doing so and she was incredibly overprotective. Honestly, kids were too soft now what with all the special diets that said everything with any flavor was bad for you. All that gluten free organic sugar free nonsense. Conspiracy by the blasted vegetable industry if you asked him.
They would change the food over his dead body. They could have those items too but they weren't taking away his steaks! After all, the kitchen elves had only just perfected steaks the way he liked them. Practically still mooing.
At least though, the year was off to a better start. No dealings with student altercations. Probably because after last year, Mortimer had wisely decided to stay in his office until the feast.
The first years arrived and Mortimer stood, placing a Sonorous charm on himself and began the usual spiel. Honestly, whatever he said at the Opening Feast was practically the same every year. Of course, now he would have to change it just a little. "Welcome to Sonora for the new first years and welcome back for all older students. First years, you should have recieved a blank badge at the end of Orientation." At least they hadn't gotten it when they first got there, some were liable to lose it. "You will dunk the badge in the Sorting Potion and it will turn the color representing your house which are blue for Aladren, yellow for Teppenpaw, red for Crotalus, and brown for Pecari. Afterwards, you may join your house table."
He watched as Ruby joined the Teppenpaw table along with two boys. Sorting might have been done by the potion and not him specifically,but so far he was four for four on guessing his closer relatives.
Once the first years had settled , Mortimer began his next announcement"Would Owen Brockert and Samantha Meeks please come up and get your Head Student badges? In addition I'd like to call up Nevaeh Reid, Joseph Umland, Angelique Brockert and Theresa Whittaker to recieve their prefect badges. Congratulations." He was pretty satisfied with Angelique and Owen being awarded the badges. That meant their parents would be happy and when others were happy, it made his own life easier and while Owen was incredibly soft, he was at least better than John Umland. On that note,Joe Umland's promotion, did not thrill him.
After they returned to their seats, Mortimer made one last announcement. "This year's Midsummer Event will be the bonfire. Now we shall sing the school song." And by we , he meant them .
Every day we strive
Learning to survive
Life’s hardships and to solve its mystery.
Learning to defend
Our honour and our friends,
Flying high to meet our destiny
We will stand and face those who want to harm us.
We won’t let the world transfigure, jinx or charm us
I won’t fight alone, as long as you are with me.
Sonora be my home, my tutor and my spirit
Vasita quoque floeat; Even the desert blooms.
Once the school song had been sung, Mortimer dug into his steak.
Ahh, juicy, just the way he liked it.