It was the end of another year and Josephina found herself perched at the staff dais gazing down at an unfamiliar sight. Not that she wasn't pleased for Gryffindor House or more importantly, Seren, but it was just different scenery then the past seven terms and the Hufflepuff Head found herself reflecting on if perhaps it was the end of an era or the start of a new. It all just seemed surreal, everything, and she wondered why she felt like this. Was it the lack of a win for her house? Probably not. Yes it was disappointing, but it wasn't as if she was a stranger to not winning either.

Picking up her fork, she began spinning it absently in her hand, as she waited, realizing she wasn't even hungry.

To say Javier was looking forward to the end of this winter madness was an understatement. Being kept indoors the past few months had his patience gradually wearing thin. The Creature Professor wasn't meant to be kept as a hermit, after all. While his posture remained stagnant, his knee was swaying a little anxiously as it bounced off the Charms Professor's own knee. There were other things on his mind regarding the year as he took his goblet of water to sip. It'll do before the hunger settled in.

His eyes then glanced around the hall, that had the red decorations. Some distraction would be nice, yes it would.

About. Time.

Although the air had got somewhat better, Cosgrach had never been this excited to be returning to the world, because what they went through was inhumane. Locked up in a stupid castle! His office freezing! Understanding once again he was bad at charms! Unacceptable. But all had come to an end - or in a few hours, would. He would make sure all had ended and that he was going home. You know how that made him feel like?

HAPPY!

He was ALL smiles and good humour as he arrived at the table BEFORE the students came, sat ceremoniously and announced to whoever was listening to him: "H-o-m-e. Home. We are going home." It had such a nice ring to it!

It was a bittersweet evening for the astronomer, and he reflected upon this fact as he made his way towards the staff dais earlier that evening. Far more sweet than bitter, of course, considering the current decor of the Great Hall. The bitter taste in his mouth came from the grave realization that his stubborn and methodical ways had resulted in a serious wardrobe malfunction. Namely that due to the freezing temperatures outside and lack of a reliable floo, he had run out of clean suits. Not to mention that his muggle dry cleaners were probably under the impression that he was dead. Soon though. He would put their minds and hearts to rest soon.

As soon as the Headmistress told him he could leave the castle that is.

So, that was why the Astronomy professor was currently sitting in the only clean suit he had left - since he had not been able to use it this term to collect materials for his experimentation at the bottom of the lake. Which was tragic in itself.

Still, he wore an obnoxiously wide grin as he rocked back and forth in his seat - legs sticking straight out instead of Indian style because it was a little too tight in his suit to do that this time - and hum a classic oldie to himself and anyone close by who cared to listen. Which was really only Javy who he kept bumping with his shoulder as he gleefully rocked back and forth.

"Weeeeeeeeeee are the champions...my friiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiends..."

Botros instinctively bopped his head along to Flamsteed's quiet singing slash humming. If there was another person between the two of them, he probably wouldn't have heard the Star Man but since the seat was still vacant and the Hall wasn't full yet, he could catch bits of the humming.

The old professor had a small, light blanket over his knees under the table. He kept his cane on the other side of him, leaning on the table's edge. His water goblet was half-full, and he had a satisfied smile on his face. Oh to see the students fly out the nest once again, he could never get tired of this moment. What a happy occasion.

The excitement was real. He had been holed up in the castle for MONTHS and now that it was finally starting to warm up, Piers was looking forward to being able to get out of the castle, breathe in some fresh air, and go HOME. Oh, home. He was looking forward to that.

Sitting at the table, the Charms professor was leaning back in his chair, watching all the student's shenanigans down at all the tables. He distracted himself by the students until the bouncing of Javy's knee against his was more apparent.

"Breathe," he muttered quietly in his direction, gently placing a hand on the Creature's professor's knee to still it. Piers happened to look over at him and see his brooding look as well and cracked a smile. And he thought HE had cabin fever.

Sophia wanted the seat between Leobald and Seren, thank you very much. She was leaving right after the feast so she wanted to get as much time with her bestfriend as possible and therefore her place at the table was very inconvenient so she threw looks at Leo.

Couldn't he swap seats with the potions professor? That would lovely. And he was out so long it was obvious that he needed a haircut again.

She took time away from trying to get Leo's attention by glancing across the hall, just to make sure everyone was seated and not roaming cross tables.

Cassie made her way into the Great Hall. The end of term feast. How exciting and sad. Her first term as a professor was over. It was such an amazing year. She didn't mind the cold, though still wearing long sleeves in June was nuts, but the blonde never let it get her down. Nope she just moved towards the table with her smile planted on her face.

Giving waves and smiles to the other end of the table she looked to her end. "Hello.. hello" she beamed at all of them. "Abraham how are you? Airey nice suit." She eyed it a moment before grinning to Javy and Piers. "Piersy, Javy how are you both today."

Finding her seat she looked out at the tables. So wonderful to see all the students and the banners for the house cup. It was just so much that the Divination professor snapped happily a few times.

"and weee will keep fighting-" Hm? Hang on, he had a little score still to settle with this gentlemen after that forgery-itching powder incident. Javy turned his head at the Star Man after enough shoulder brushing, watching him for a moment... Hm..

Suddenly he lost interest. Perhaps him staying in that pink area for half of the year did enough to drive him insane. "...having fun?" He wouldn't acknowledge the suit, at least not now until he knew just how much sanity was still left in his friend.

Javier's swaying knee was still swaying.. swaying.. swaying... swaying.. and swa-then it stopped. His hand stopped it. Breathe... Muttering back, with a tiny hint of a smile "I thought that was my line..." Just one good ol' tease. It had been forever since he had the heart to exchange one with him. His knee did stop though, but was now resting against Piersie. "You can't tell me you're not as excited about this." Just looking at the skies of the Great Hall, it didn't look as cloud-filled as ever for once. His hand settled down his goblet as it moved-

..and turned into a little wave-salute for Cassie. For now at least. "Cassie.. I'm doing alright. Looking forward to the break." Not that he didn't want to return, just a little break was necessary considering the circumstances. "And how about you?" She seemed to be her chipper self again with the snapping, but it didn't hurt asking.

Sitting at the staff table, looking out at all the students trickling in, Nessa was so excited for this feast. Well, excited with a hint of sadness behind it. She had completed her first year as a Hogwarts professor, which she thought to be quite successful - mental snaps for Nessa. And even though it was still a bit cool in the Great Hall, it had apparently warmed up slightly so that she could go back to hers and Cassie's house for the summer. And from what she knew, the weather was quite pleasant in Hogsmeade. Though that did mean she had to leave all the lovely students and her fabulous colleagues for a couple months, including the seventh years who she knew were destined for great adventures.

She waved happily to Cassie as she watched her walk in and had beamy smiles for anyone who looked her way. Especially Leo. She was so pleased that he was alright after her terrible ordeal. And she was even happier that she got to sit right next to him so she could chatter on and tell him all about the library and what was going on at school while he was out of commission. And with Seren on her other side too. She would miss the sweet Herbology professor, which made her sad again.. though she quickly thought of all the wonderful adventures the woman might have after leaving to make her happy for her and chase those blues away. Meanwhile, brown eyes glanced up at the winning house banners. How wonderful it must be for Seren to have her little Lions win the house cup during her last term.

This feast unlike many others was a happy and festive one in Leo's eyes, at least to 90% since he was finally out of his infirmary bed and could eat and mingle to his own content. But he had a feeling that Cece would still keep an eye on him from her seat only a few spaces away. The other 10% were sad because Orsino wasn’t coming back and most importantly neither was Seren. It would be so weird without her flowery dresses and loveable personality. Trying not to dwell on it Leo turned to the woman sitting on his right.

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhoenixRising

It was the end of another year and Josephina found herself perched at the staff dais gazing down at an unfamiliar sight. Not that she wasn't pleased for Gryffindor House or more importantly, Seren, but it was just different scenery then the past seven terms and the Hufflepuff Head found herself reflecting on if perhaps it was the end of an era or the start of a new. It all just seemed surreal, everything, and she wondered why she felt like this. Was it the lack of a win for her house? Probably not. Yes it was disappointing, but it wasn't as if she was a stranger to not winning either.

Picking up her fork, she began spinning it absently in her hand, as she waited, realizing she wasn't even hungry.

"Fina?" he asked with a glance to the spinning fork. "Is anything amiss?" Could she stop spinning the fork? Just looking at it made Leo wanted to reach out and put a hand over hers to quiet it. "Won't it be nice to get some vacation time away from the school?" Leo conversed on hoping to attract some attention.

Quote:

Originally Posted by StarShine

He was ALL smiles and good humour as he arrived at the table BEFORE the students came, sat ceremoniously and announced to whoever was listening to him: "H-o-m-e. Home. We are going home." It had such a nice ring to it!

From across Fina he could hear Cossy hum something about going home. At least his mate was in a good mood. "Glad to be going home?" Leo called over with a flash of a smile. Hopefully this winter spiel that they were in would be gone by the start of next term.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Davvy_Wavvy

Couldn't he swap seats with the potions professor? That would lovely. And he was out so long it was obvious that he needed a haircut again.

She took time away from trying to get Leo's attention by glancing across the hall, just to make sure everyone was seated and not roaming cross tables.

Letting his gaze drift down over his eagles Leo's eyes finally caught Sophia's attempt to get his attention. "Sophia." he beamed broadly. "I'm out of the infirmary." Cede had let him leave just hours before the feast.

"You are looking lovely as always." There was no doubt about that. His best friend always dressed herself with elegance for the feasts.

Quote:

Originally Posted by emjay

She waved happily to Cassie as she watched her walk in and had beamy smiles for anyone who looked her way. Especially Leo. She was so pleased that he was alright after her terrible ordeal. And she was even happier that she got to sit right next to him so she could chatter on and tell him all about the library and what was going on at school while he was out of commission.

On the other side of the table everything seemed to be like usual with Airey dressed in one of his many suits, Botros filling up the end chair and Javy and Piers sitting next to each other and Cassie adding a womans touch to that flank. Leo sent them all big smiles and waves before he focused on the woman his left. "Nessa..." he beamed to the brunette. "How was your first year of teaching?"

It was difficult, leaving her empty office and walking the corridors to her final end of term feast... no, it was more than difficult, it was depressing. Dressed in red to celebrate the occasion, a much deserved win for her darling Lions, Seren entered through the back of the dais and moved along its length toward her seat... or at least, that was the plan until she had gotten herself distracted.



"...- 'til the end!" she chimed into song behind her colleagues. Seren rest an arm across Airey's shoulders, he'd been an amazing support for her this term. Amazing. "We did it!" she added, stealing a short moment to admire the red and gold. "Hope you're enjoying your evening gentlemen," she mused before making her way slowly down the table - giving those that were present a fleeting smile and a wave.

She was holding it together. For now.

Clearing her throat, Seren pulled out her seat and claimed it, immediately moving to pour herself some water. She was smiling, though she wasn't sure if it pained her because she was so ecstatic to see Gryffindor win, or if it was the pain of leaving her home of the past ten years.

Okay, so she would have to do the talking across the other person thing. That was absolutely not tolerated in her home..which was why she had a round table, but for Leo..she would do it..just once.

"I see that, and you're looking well too." Which means that he should be fine and up for a trip come the summer holiday. Not that she'd even give him the chance to say no.

"Thank you love." She nodded and smiled in his direction.

She made her entrance in style, of course. Now that it was mercifully no longer snowing inside, she felt she could wear an evening gown for this most celebratory event. Decked out in purest gold, she glided up the middle alley between tables and ascended onto the dais. She chose to walk the full length of the table, though her allotted seat was on the end, purely so she could greet her friend. That and she had no desire to sit by the Scuba Man longer than completely necessary.

"Fina, my dear, black is your color," she said by way of greeting.

Okay. So maybe Adelaide should have waited until at least after the speech before heading up to the staff dias to say goodbye to Flamsteed. But she had a feeling at that point she might be thinking too much about the whole thing and likely to cry. Especially since she just got done writing in the memory book. She just needed to get this over with. Not to mention she wanted to spend as much of the feast with her friends as possible and knew that Flamsteed wasn't really a touchy feely kinda guy. He was actually quite the opposite.

Addi kept a smile on her face as she walked up to the podium after gather the multiple containers of goodies she had baked just for Flamsteed. She did make the rest of the staff their own as well, but well, he was her favorite and he was definitely getting more.

His suit. Wow just. Adelaide smiled. "Out of clean suits professor?" She was going to keep her cool and not cry this time. Even if she was aware that most of the people in the place were probably watching her up here at the staff table.

Hadley glanced up and stopped her fork spinning for a moment at her meal partner's ceremonious good mood. "Don't be ridiculous, Cosgrach. Hogwarts is home," she grinned at him. "But if you mean home by time away from the strange climate patterns and other weariness of the castle, then by all means, you're correct." She was, after all, quite looking forward to seeing her son and husband; that and not having to worry about wearing extra layers just to keep warm. Perhaps a visit to her hometown in Italy was justifiable after this year.

Now there was a sight for sore eyes.

Smiling down at her former meal partner, she had to admit she sometimes missed his cheerful quirkiness. And his nontraditional attire. Like who except Airey Flamsteed could get away with wearing a wet suit to a closing feast? At least he kept his good spirits. Even if she wasn't entirely in the mood for them, she offered him a friendly wave...

And just two seats down, the lovely Nessarose. She beamed at the History professor, but didn't bother to repeat what Leo had just asked. It wasn't as if she was sitting far away from the two that she didn't have to be redundant in conversation.

"Honestly? Many things," Fina said truthfully glancing next to her to the librarian. He was considerate in the least. She sighed before setting the fork down - because it did seem to be making him uncomfortable judging from the way he was eyeing her hand. "I miss my family. I haven't heard from them in months and I'm just ... worried, but not as worried as I bet they are about me, considering our predicament at Hogwarts." At least it wasn't snowing which gave hope that they would be able to get out of the castle after all. "That and the banners. Its just ... strange, you know?" Not that she wasn't happy for the Gryffindors; they definitely earned it, but she was sad for her Hufflepuffs. Like something died or ended within her.

But seeing her bestie colleague being so ecstatic about the win, well it put away all of Josephina's sadness. Almost. Because the brunette realized that even though Seren was smiling and content right now, this - tonight - truly was the end of an era.

She sighed dismally, trying not to imagine next term without Seren's lovely presence. And instead looked to the present. "Congratulations, Seren. You've got quite the fierce lot this term." And not many graduating either.

This was unexpected, seeing Lolita down here; but when she spoke to her, Fina knew she just wanted to converse. She felt bad that Lolita had to be so far away from her, but it wasn't as if Airey or Abraham were bad meal partners; well one might have been slightly eccentric, but at least he didn't smell funky or spill things.

"Lolita! Why thank you, but don't you know?" she paused, smiling. "Black is everyone's colour. And its very slimming too."

Looking up and down at her friend's own outfit, she nodded, "And you're looking quite shining yourself. You have a grand term, dear?"

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charely Potter

Javier's swaying knee was still swaying.. swaying.. swaying... swaying.. and swa-then it stopped. His hand stopped it. Breathe... Muttering back, with a tiny hint of a smile "I thought that was my line..." Just one good ol' tease. It had been forever since he had the heart to exchange one with him. His knee did stop though, but was now resting against Piersie. "You can't tell me you're not as excited about this." Just looking at the skies of the Great Hall, it didn't look as cloud-filled as ever for once. His hand settled down his goblet as it moved-

..and turned into a little wave-salute for Cassie. For now at least. "Cassie.. I'm doing alright. Looking forward to the break." Not that he didn't want to return, just a little break was necessary considering the circumstances. "And how about you?" She seemed to be her chipper self again with the snapping, but it didn't hurt asking.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bazinga

Cassie made her way into the Great Hall. The end of term feast. How exciting and sad. Her first term as a professor was over. It was such an amazing year. She didn't mind the cold, though still wearing long sleeves in June was nuts, but the blonde never let it get her down. Nope she just moved towards the table with her smile planted on her face.

Giving waves and smiles to the other end of the table she looked to her end. "Hello.. hello" she beamed at all of them. "Abraham how are you? Airey nice suit." She eyed it a moment before grinning to Javy and Piers. "Piersy, Javy how are you both today."

Finding her seat she looked out at the tables. So wonderful to see all the students and the banners for the house cup. It was just so much that the Divination professor snapped happily a few times.

Piers fought a smirk at his teasing remark. True, it was usually Javy who had to tell Piers to take a deep breath or calm down as of late. But tonight, he was at peace. Aaahhhh, yes. PEACE. He was blissfully ignoring whatever the hell Airey was doing (he had come to conclusion that any feast, any time was always a show for that man and it would never change, so there was no reason for him to be surprised), and wasn't even shooting a glare at Cece, nor was he completely disturbed that Cassie had called him Piersy. He was letting eeeeverything slide on by, WHY? Because they were getting out of here tonight. After an eternal winter, it was finally summer.

"Oh, I am, believe me," he replied, patting his knee. "But I also like food." And they were going to get food soon. So he was looking forward to leaving, but he was also looking forward to eating food first.

He gave Cassie a quick hello before his gaze wandered past her and down the table, to the Librarian who seemed to be doing immensely better since the attack in the forest. Piers leaned closer to Javy to whisper, "I vote we go tackle Leo. As a welcome back gift?" He looked at him with a sly grin. Yes? Yes? He had missed Leo, man.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Magical Soul

Botros instinctively bopped his head along to Flamsteed's quiet singing slash humming. If there was another person between the two of them, he probably wouldn't have heard the Star Man but since the seat was still vacant and the Hall wasn't full yet, he could catch bits of the humming.

The old professor had a small, light blanket over his knees under the table. He kept his cane on the other side of him, leaning on the table's edge. His water goblet was half-full, and he had a satisfied smile on his face. Oh to see the students fly out the nest once again, he could never get tired of this moment. What a happy occasion.

Airey offered Old Man River Professor Botros an approving head nod as he bopped along with his tune. But wait...where was the Arithmancy professor? The one that seemed to want to be a firecracker for the sake of being a firecracker? The astronomer's head turned as he looked down the table until he spotted her waaaaaaaaaaaay down there. Well, fine then. Had he known that she wouldn't be sitting in her seat then he would have brought Pebbles down with him. She enjoyed feasts just as much as he did.

His attention returned to the Runes professor. The one that he SHOULD be able to speak to now without getting sweaty palms. "Familiar with this oldie?" he asked, his eyes widening dramatically as the last word left his mouth. "THE SONG. Not you. The song. Being an oldie. Not that I was calling you old."

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bazinga

Cassie made her way into the Great Hall. The end of term feast. How exciting and sad. Her first term as a professor was over. It was such an amazing year. She didn't mind the cold, though still wearing long sleeves in June was nuts, but the blonde never let it get her down. Nope she just moved towards the table with her smile planted on her face.

Giving waves and smiles to the other end of the table she looked to her end. "Hello.. hello" she beamed at all of them. "Abraham how are you? Airey nice suit." She eyed it a moment before grinning to Javy and Piers. "Piersy, Javy how are you both today."

Finding her seat she looked out at the tables. So wonderful to see all the students and the banners for the house cup. It was just so much that the Divination professor snapped happily a few times.

The astronomer tried to bend his leg, but it only resulted in an awkward squeaky noise as the thick rubber rubbed up against itself. Never mind. Straight legs it was.

"Oh, er, thank you, Cassiopeia," he mumbled with a little more wiggling. "You're looking very...very...bright this evening." He probably should have asked if Miss Cambridge had made good on her promise, but he also did not take the Gryffindor for one to break promises either, so he felt it was a safe assumption that all was over and done.

He could definitely deal with snaps tonight. They WERE for Gryffindor house after all, yes? Although he felt that a roar of applause was more in order...along with some more lively celebratory gestures. But he was saving all that for after the speech.

Best part of all? No astrology papers. Oooooooooooh yeeeeeeeeah.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charely Potter

"and weee will keep fighting-" Hm? Hang on, he had a little score still to settle with this gentlemen after that forgery-itching powder incident. Javy turned his head at the Star Man after enough shoulder brushing, watching him for a moment... Hm..

Suddenly he lost interest. Perhaps him staying in that pink area for half of the year did enough to drive him insane. "...having fun?" He wouldn't acknowledge the suit, at least not now until he knew just how much sanity was still left in his friend.

"We'll....not we will," he correctly while clearing his throat. And now he had to sing that part in his head with both versions just because...and no. Just no. Sort of turned into a tongue twister to keep up with the pace and rhythm of the song Javy's way. But the man had given the astronomer a top hat, so he was forgiven.

Fun? Eh. Sort of. "Fun would be having a snowball fight or an impromptu celebratory dance party." Truth. Sitting in his seat rocking back and forth hungry wasn't exactly his idea of fun. "But I AM in good spirits, if that is what you mean."

Unlike himself and Piers down there. What had his wand in a knot? Did it have anything to do with a sweater? MWAHAHAHA.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hera

It was difficult, leaving her empty office and walking the corridors to her final end of term feast... no, it was more than difficult, it was depressing. Dressed in red to celebrate the occasion, a much deserved win for her darling Lions, Seren entered through the back of the dais and moved along its length toward her seat... or at least, that was the plan until she had gotten herself distracted.

SPOILER!!: Airey and Javy

"...- 'til the end!" she chimed into song behind her colleagues. Seren rest an arm across Airey's shoulders, he'd been an amazing support for her this term. Amazing. "We did it!" she added, stealing a short moment to admire the red and gold. "Hope you're enjoying your evening gentlemen," she mused before making her way slowly down the table - giving those that were present a fleeting smile and a wave.

She was holding it together. For now.

Clearing her throat, Seren pulled out her seat and claimed it, immediately moving to pour herself some water. She was smiling, though she wasn't sure if it pained her because she was so ecstatic to see Gryffindor win, or if it was the pain of leaving her home of the past ten years.

His body went rigid for just a moment as Seren's arm invaded his personal bubble, but he quickly relaxed because it was Seren. Although his eyes did sort of dart around awkwardly for a moment, catching Leobald's brief glance and throwing him back a congratulatory wave for not dying. He was being spared a prank again this evening, by the way. He had heard that the librarian had had enough of a hair scare thanks to some 8-legged freaks. A small nod went towards the Transfiguration professor, but nothing more. He was sure the woman hated him and it mad him want to plank when he reminded himself that he needed to ask her about a particular spell she had taught.

So Seren was a LOVELY distraction. But he wasn't sure what this 'we' talk was. He hardly had anything to do with the victory other than rewarding good homework - which was certainly not something specific to Gryffindor. "Quite the way to end your decade here at Hogwarts," he grinned. "Did you happen to have time to stop by the common room?"

And see her surpriiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiise?

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhoenixRising

Now there was a sight for sore eyes.

Smiling down at her former meal partner, she had to admit she sometimes missed his cheerful quirkiness. And his nontraditional attire. Like who except Airey Flamsteed could get away with wearing a wet suit to a closing feast? At least he kept his good spirits. Even if she wasn't entirely in the mood for them, she offered him a friendly wave...

He had been basking in the warm glow of the crimson and gold banners when Josephina had waved to him, so she got a TWO handed wave in return. EXCITED ASTRONUT OVER HERE!

Airey then turned his attention to Nessarose and gave her a double handed wave as well. He had heard some exciting things about her lessons this term and wanted to ask her if perhaps he could partake in one in the future. Go back to some of his musical theater roots, perhaps. His own schedule permitting that is.

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrapehSarah

Okay. So maybe Adelaide should have waited until at least after the speech before heading up to the staff dias to say goodbye to Flamsteed. But she had a feeling at that point she might be thinking too much about the whole thing and likely to cry. Especially since she just got done writing in the memory book. She just needed to get this over with. Not to mention she wanted to spend as much of the feast with her friends as possible and knew that Flamsteed wasn't really a touchy feely kinda guy. He was actually quite the opposite.

Addi kept a smile on her face as she walked up to the podium after gather the multiple containers of goodies she had baked just for Flamsteed. She did make the rest of the staff their own as well, but well, he was her favorite and he was definitely getting more.

His suit. Wow just. Adelaide smiled. "Out of clean suits professor?" She was going to keep her cool and not cry this time. Even if she was aware that most of the people in the place were probably watching her up here at the staff table.

Airey was choking on air when he overheard Piers' suggestion to tackle Leobald - no thanks. Can hardly move in our scuba suit over here - so he was pounding on his chest with his fist when Miss Adams approached the dais and announced herself.

"Miss *COUGH* Adams *COUGH*...YES..." Oh, there we go. Oxygen properly going in now. Ahem. "You should be down at the Slytherin table with your classmates. Or is there something the matter that cannot wait until after the Headmistress' speech?"

And if there was something the matter...could she keep any tears in?

Adelaide turned beat red. What was she thinking? Of course she should've waited. And she caused him to choke. Oh gosh. She hoped she didn't kill him. Oh good. He's breathing now. Her face was probably still as red as her hair.

"Right. Sorry professor. This can wait. Was just up by the memory book and thought. Nevermind. Excuse me." With that she hurried back to the Slytherin table. Hopefully this red face would go away really soon.

Was that... *squint* was that a student, already up on the staff dais?! No! Shoo! Shoooo! Oh good, it was gone now. Bunz had a student of her OWN to bring up the staff table, and with all the pressure riding on how Mr. Hirase behaved at said table... well, the boy didn't really need any other distractions.

As she marched next to him up to the dais, the Headmistress rattled off a list of detailed, last-minute instructions to the second-year boy. As per his test of good manners, it would be up to him to remember them.

"Remember, do not speak unless spoken to. Use the fork on the outside first and move in. ASK to be passed certain food items, don't just reach over in front of someone and GRAB THEM. That is rude. DO NOT double-dip from anything nor eat off the serving spoons. You will sit in the Groundskeeper's old seat and you will NOT make faces or gestures at anyone at any of the other tables, INCLUDING the staff table. No horseplay in general is a good rule of thumb, and please do not spill anything."

She paused to give him a glance as they were now behind their appropriate chairs. "Got it? Good."

Without waiting for a formal response, the Headmistress pulled out her own chair and had a seat with a soft sigh. Ahhh. It was almost summer time, hopefully it would be summer at Hogwarts soon, Gryffindor had won the House cup, and no one had followed through on that Quidditch threat. All in all, not a bad year, right? Minus the weather?

She poured herself a glass of ice water and looked straight ahead, gathering her thoughts for her speech.

Kevin knew that she had not been joking about that if he misbehaved at the feast, he wasn't going to attend his second year at Hogwarts. And although the threat was scary...what his parents would do was even scarier. The boy frowned at his thought as he stepped up on the staff dias.

He listened. For the first time, Kevin actually listened and the more she spoke the more frustrated he became. He tried not to show it though. His school career was at stake! "Yeah yeah...i mean, yes Professor"What frustrated him the most was that he, Zander and Noel couldn't continue with their end of term prank. Kevin had made firework potions throughout the year and together with Culloden's exploding potion they had planned on dropping them on the Slytherin table after the House Cup had been given. He sighed heavily knowing that he has to cancel the prank.

Taking a seat, Kevin couldn't help but grin slightly when he remembered that HE had sat in the Headmistress seat once this year. And no one had bothered throwing him of. Ah...few moments of glory and power...although it was just a chair...

Since he wasn't allowed to speak unless spoken to, Kevin ignored the Professors and stared at the Gryffindor table. He wondered if they wondered why he was up there. They probably didnt care mweh.

Healer Tillstorm was sitting in her usual seat just staring out at the students. Once again ther would be no one sitting in the seat to her immediate right. Not that she was bothered by that. It would be nice to finally not have that giant of a groundkeeper crowding her space. Not to mention, it was time for him to go anyway. No one ever lasted more than two terms in that position.

Then there was the empty seat to her immediate left. Cece thought for sure Seren would have been one of the first ones at the table. After all it had been like fifty years or something since those lions had won a house cup. A cup that Slytherin should have won.

And here was Seren now. Guess it was time to do the right thing, and congratulate the woman. "Good evening Seren. Congratulations on the win. Your students..."

Before she could finish her sentence to the woman sitting to her left, someone was pulling out the chair to her right.

No! Kirby was gone. No one was supposed to be sitting in that seat. Especially not a STUDENT! And a LION at that!

Looking past the CHILD sitting next to her, Cece glared at the headmistress. "Really? We now allow students to sit up here?" Was this some sort of sick joke? Was it not bad enough that her snakes had lost the house cup to the lions by a mere eighty-seven points? Did she have to sit next to not only the lion head of house, but now one of their students too?

Could she just leave now? It wasn't like she was going to eat or drink anything at this feast anyway.

And was Flamsteed wearing a wetsuit?

Gryffindor's. The whole lot of them were nuts Minus Victor. She still liked that kid..

"Superb." A small smile escaped for Seren as she had finished it off. "Looks like a congratulations are in order, Seren." It was not an easy feat for one's students to win the House Cup. Given the little rumour he heard recently, it had to be extra special for her.

But I also like food. Some things will never change.. not that Javy was complaining as he chuckled a little. "Of course." Curiously following his gaze he could just make out Leo at the end. He was relieved to see his friend perfectly fine again.

So the suggestion to tackle hug him? "Let's go," Patting Piers' hand that was still over his knee, he got up from his chair temporarily. Ready or not, they were coming over.

Barely remembering his manners, he thanked Cece along the way, because there would've been a more somber hug coming otherwise. Once they reached to where Leo was his arms did the talking as he got a rare hug from Javier.

"Thaank you." Javier drawled out. His patience may had been at risk of missing, but not the appreciation on being corrected. "Can't argue with you there." Mainly on the dance party, it had been a while since the last dance. Apparently Airey was in good spirits. Hmm.. Javy was curious as he never had the chance to ask, "So.. have you grown use to your Seating Area's decorations?" For certain reasons he hadn't remembered to attempt returning it to normal again.

Was it bad that he found the Healer's reaction to him sitting next to her funny? As the Slytherin HoH she was practically surrounded by Gryffindors now. Aaah he wanted to high five Bentley but yeah...he couldn't.

He turned his head and looked at the Healer , giving her a wink as she asked the Headmistress a question. Winking was NOT a rude gesture by the way besides, his head was turned away from the Headmistress so she couldn't see what he was doing. And the way the Healer asked that question was rude by the way. Not to mention her glare. So he couldn't be rude but adults could? See, this was why he disliked authority. He then turned back to gazing at the Gryffindor and Hufflepuff table. Argh he needed to send a message to Zander and Noel...stupid Headmistress spoiling his plans!