Well. I should likely be the first to speak here, so let me be blunt and succinct. [Waver was rigidly straight as he addressed the group in the sharp and serious tone of a professional with high standards.]

[It was the voice and demeanor of a cold, clever archmagus, and he seemed to take no shame in it.]

Most of you seem to know me already, but for the few who don't: I am Lord El-Melloi the second, and my name is Waver Velvet. You can address me simply as Waver if you like, or 'professor' if you feel particularly formal. It doesn't make a difference to me.

I won't put forth the illusion that I know what to expect from what we're examining and testing here, but I am a skilled alchemist. Whatever godforsaken impossible results these attempts might yield, you can be confident in the fact that you aren't being led by an amateur. On the other hand, I'll encourage you to question my judgment or raise objections if you should think me to be failing in some aspect. I'd like us to be able to work together, otherwise we'll be running around like imbeciles and get nothing accomplished.

Have I made myself clear? If there are any questions, now would be the time to start with them.