[Kitarun]

Gone were the tables of generations past, replaced years ago with smaller tables, each seating six to ten people. They littered the Great Hall, houses mingling around them, enjoying their lunches together. It had been an attempt at inter-house unity after the war, and it seemed to be working. The only time students were required to sit exclusively with their housemates were during feasts- start and end of year, Halloween, Christmas- and when their were important visitors.

The shriek of a second-year drew attention from all of the students, most returning to their meals quickly when they realized what was going on. None cared to get in the middle when it came to Alucard and another student.

"S-sorry... I... We didn't realize this was your table!" She stuttered, nervous, as her and her friends gathered up their meals and their bags, in order to find another place to eat.

Kieran had looked up, and watched the encounter, frowning when the girls left. He looked back to his group when his cousin spoke.

"Really. The way some people carry on, you'd think he was some scary beast..." Rose said, shaking her head slightly. Kieran merely nodded, knowing better than to argue with the younger Ravenclaw.