GOODBYE, FIRST YEAR!!!!!

Ariadne wasn't an overly emotional person, so saying goodbye to her very first year here at Hogwarts was just a 'meh' kind of thing for her. It had been a SUPERCALIFRAGILISTICEXPIALIDOCIOUS first year, but she was SO EXCITED for summer break.

SO EXCITED.

She would miss her friends, her favorite professors, and of course Healer Murdoch, but having a few months free of any schoolwork at all was just too good to pass up. She was going to lie around like a FLOBBERWORM the entire time!

Just kidding.

She was going to relax for sure, though! She stepped into the Great Hall and by instinct turned toward the Slytherin table. The last time she was at a big feast like this, it had been the beginning of the school year, and she had been a brand new, freshly sorted Slytherin. Now look at her! She had a whole school year of learning behind her, and she was no longer going to be amongst the ickles in the school!

Smiling, she settled into a seat and waited for the others to join her.

Who said leaving the past term behind with cheers and laughter would be true for everyone? Not for Jace. His last conversation with his best friend didn't end well for him, although Azura assured him of things such as self worth. Apparently, Jace wasn't programmed to accept guarantees so easily. Not that he didn't trust, Azura...it was more of him not trusting himself.

Turning, he decided not to join the Ravenclaws for the time being. He needed to be somewhere else so as not to overthink things. He was surprised to find himself amongst the Snakes though. Could it be the doing of his subconscious? Cyprian belonged to that house.

Relieved to see a familiar face, Jace walked over to where Ariadne was sat. "Hi, Ariadne. Is it okay if I sit here?" He was the guest here, so it was just right to ask the host right? Besides, he didn't want to be kicked out of the table for being rude.

...and it didn't take long for others to arrive!

Surprisingly, it wasn't even another Snake that joined her, but a Ravenclaw instead. Not just ANY Ravenclaw either. It was... "Jace!" she said with a smile. "Yeah, of course you can sit here. You don't even have to ask me either." Even though he had. Now he knew for future purposes, though. Ariadne had only talked to Jace a few times over the school year, but she'd gathered that he was a pretty cool guy. She smiled and gestured to the seat next to her.

It suddenly occurred to her that Jace was a BOY.

Well, she knew THAT already; but she was just starting to get to the stage in her pre-teen years where she was getting slightly shy around boys simply because they were BOYS. Now there was going to be one sitting right next to her! She gave Jace a discreet side-eye glance and decided right then and there that he was pretty cute. This earned him a small smile from her, even though she would never, ever, ever let on why.

Instead, she kind of picked up on the fact that he seemed down about something. "Are you okay?" she asked. He was a Ravenclaw. Maybe he was REALLY missing his classes already or something.

"Arigatou." Relieved, Jace settled down next to Ariadne and looked both ways to see if their table was any different from theirs. Well, it was the same as the Ravenclaws, although he thinks that having silverware bearing their house mascot would be more awesome.

Apparently, Jace was more interested about sitting amongst the Snakes. It did feel different somehow, but it was a good feeling. It was like being able to strengthen his ties with other students just by sitting there. He was about to ask her summer plans when he caught her...smiling? Of course, Jace wanted to ask why, but he thought that Ariadne was the smiley type of girl so perhaps, it was just normal? The Ravenclaw smiled back at the Slytherin...and then shrugged at her question.

Was his disappointment so obvious?

"I would be lying if I told you I was okay." Jace sighed, and stared at the plate before him. "Say Ariadne, how would you show your best friend that you care?" A not so random question, yeah? Jace figured that he might understand Azura more if he asked another girl about it.

Ariga--...what? She hadn't understood the first word he'd said, but it didn't seem like anything she needed to respond to, so she just left it at that. He'd sat down next to her and started to look up and down the table. Was there something super interesting going on or something? Ariadne looked up and down the table, too, but saw nothing or...no one either, for that matter. "See anything interesting?" she jokingly asked. "We're pretty well-behaved over here. We didn't start the huge food fight at the start-of-term feast, at least." Who had that even been? She couldn't remember now. It seemed AGES ago.

Her face fell when he confirmed that something was up. She had hoped it was just her, but nope. Something really was going on with him. "How would I show my best friend I cared? Hmm," she replied. "Well, that depends. Is this a boy BFF or a girl BFF?" That mattered, because giving somebody a pet toad to show you cared was a whole lot different than buying them some candy or an ice cream cone. Ariadne would NOT like a pet toad if she was in his BFF's place. "And...care...how?" Again, she blushed. Was she really old enough to have these convos? Was he crushing on somebody or just trying to show he was there for them? This mattered, Jace.

Anything interesting? Jace turned red, assuming he'd been rude as a guest at their table. He didn't mean to size up their place...he was just... "Ano...erm, nothing. Just curious if your table's different than ours?" He subconsciously got his hand to the back of his hand and smacked it gently. Although the culture in the west is different, he still felt disrespectful. At the mention of the food fight, Jace could not help but look over his shoulder. "I remember the Gryffindors being held back after the incident. I suppose it was one of them." Not that he was judging everyone over at the Lion's table, but simply, stating what he saw. He'd been very wet from head to toe on his first day. "I don't want a repeat of that. At least this time around, we get to enjoy the Feast as First years. Right?" Jace was pretty sure Ariadne would share the same sentiment.

Jace's eyes fell on the plate before him again, and looked at Ariadne when she began talking. Wait, does gender really matter? Well, maybe that's the thing. This year had been different than last term in Mahou. His friends were mostly boys, but this time around, he found himself surrounded by more girls. "A girl best friend. She's from Ravenclaw too." he looked to his side, making sure that this Cyprian dude was nowhere to be found. He didn't want him overhearing his conversation with Ariadne, just in case he decides to spill everything to Azura. "That's...the thing. I don't know the how. Is...being around her enough?" And...why was she blushing? Is it because of the weather?

Contrary to most years, Brooklyn felt as if she’d learned more this term than usual. But then, a lot more had happened, and that wasn’t just because she’d had to deal with OWLs this term. Next term was going to seem so much easier just because it was going to be between exams, and even though she had almost no plans at all for the summer, she was looking forward to it. First, though, the feast. All she could hope was that nothing particularly annoying would happen, like the food fight at the beginning of term or any sort of interruption. After all, there was still the poltergeist thing, and she still didn’t believe the hag was gone forever. It was Hogwarts. She’d learned to expect chaos, but that didn’t mean she liked it.

She’d still entered the Great Hall with her head held high. She had no reason not to, and as soon as she noticed how few people were there before her, she decided it was better. She wouldn’t have to fight for a seat, and she made her way toward what looked like a promising one without a word. There might have been a glance toward Ariadne and the little Claw she remembered from class, but that was it. She had no reason to interrupt their discussion, although she might have listened as she settled into her chosen seat. No reason to talk when nothing was going on to comment on. Or not to comment on, depending on the subject. Either one was possible when it came to most of the people here.

Another term gone.

Quite a bit had happened this term. The beginning of the year started off iffy what with all the stuff with the Hag/Lady that had happened but she was gone and the dread she had hung over them all vanished along with her. From there things had only gone upwards for the fifth year. From her portrait painting lessons, to assisting her friends in their efforts to accomplish their goals, studying for and completing her OWLs, much progress with animgus training, joining The Sirens, talks with Professor Draper and just spending time with Frankie and her friends. It was a lot but nothing would be changed. Then there was the upcoming wedding of her fathers and the news that she was going to be a big sister. As much as she loved being here she was ready to head on home.

Making way for the snakes table she slid into her seat near the middle of the table. A slight smile was given to the younger two sitting there (Ariadne and Jace). The usual nod of her head towards Brooklyn. For now she would sit, relax, enjoy the feast and let those that wanted her come to her. Well maybe. It all depends on whom she saw first and where they sat.

FIFTH YEAR WAS FINALLY OVER. HE DID NOT HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT HORRIBLE HORRIBLE TESTS. Dante was so happy he could cry. But food worked as well. What was even better he was not even first to the table. Which was a nice change. He looked around the Hall for the seventh years he knew where leaving and he would miss them. Even though he doubt he would say it out loud. Ah look at those first years. This would be the last chance to call them first years anyway. Not like that mattered.

"Hady..Brooklyn i could hug both of you because no more horrible horrible exams til seventh year. Even the first years over there"

Time to relax and eat and well where was the Prefects because there was one he need to tease if rumors were right. He would not tease the other one. Unless he wanted to be a capybara again.

CLASSES DONE. OWLs DONE. FIFTH YEAR...DONE!

Hugo felt relieved, happy, at ease, everything was good now. And also, he was going back home aaaaaand not to forget the feast, the food and... the food, yeah. The Slytherin made his way to his house table, wearing his Prefect badge on his robes and looking good. A couple of weeks ago he had been feeling down and not like himself, probably 'cause of the stress and other stuff but that didn't mind now.

At the table there were a few people. He waved and smiled at the firsties and then spotted Brooklyn. Hehehe. "What's up Brooklyn?" said smirking. HE KNEW HER SECRET. Though he expected it to be more like a dark secret. And there was Hady too, "Hey Hady. How did your OWLs go?" he knew she was good so probably was gonna get Outstanding in everything. AND...last but not least: Dante. He gave a what's up nod "I got stuff to tell you" yes but not here 'cause people could listen.

Ariadne picked up in the change of color on Stefan's face. She hadn't meant to make him feel bad! She was just curious about what he saw down there. You know, just in case it was something super interesting that she didn't want to miss! "It's perfectly okay," she assured him. "I was just being nosey about what was going on. I thought maybe you saw something down there." He hadn't, and apparently he was just checking on the change of scenery. "You're always welcome at the Slytherin table. It's not really different. Just a bunch of green instead of a bunch of blue." She lightly laughed at that comment.

She nodded along with what Jace was saying. "Yeah. You know what's embarrassing? At the start of term feast, when the whole food fight thing was going on, I actually hid underneath the table. Looking back on it now, I feel like such a little kid," she admitted. Now it was her turn to go slightly red in the face. "It was my first time away from my mom and dad, though, and I was kind of freaked out. People were acting like wild animals!" Now, when she was almost a second year, she doubted something like that would bother her as much. "It feels like I've grown up so much in a year."

Her eyebrows raised when the topic turned back to Jace's BFF. It was a girl BFF, too! She thought about what he was asking for a minute or so before finally nodding her head. "Oh, yeah. Of course just being there is a big way to show you care," she agreed. "Especially with girls. Girls are more..." Hmm. How could she say this? "...sentimental, I think. Just being there for her would be a big start to showing you care." Of course she was curious as to who it was, because there were so many girl Ravenclaws around their age. It could be any of them!

She'd said what she needed to say for now, so she took a quick glance down the table and noticed the others were starting to show up. She gave smiles and waves to Brooklyn, Hady, Dante, and Hugo.

As it was the end of term feast, Esme decided that she was going to stop by the Snake table and say hello to some of her friends.

She didn't have TOO many Slytherin friends - most of them were in Ravenclaw - but she liked Mason and Hady because they were cool and really friendly. Oliver was another one of her friends, but she didn't see him around. Oh well, she'd hopefully see him on the train going home as she would be wandering around the compartments somewhat.

For the moment she was more than happy visiting with Hady. "Hello," she told her friend with a smile as she approached her. Jace got a wave in greeting but Esme wasn't sure if she was interrupting his conversation with another girl so she remained silent for the moment.

Honestly, Brooklyn didn’t mind the quiet. It was nice, after the stress of exams and everything else, and she had found herself glancing up to the staff table. Wondering if anyone was leaving this term like had seemed to happen practically every term before. The difference was that she really wasn’t invested in most of the current professors. She wasn’t sure she’d miss them, although there were a few she would have had to admit a curiosity about. Had anyone asked, but so far she seemed safe from that sort of curiosity. It didn’t count as a secret, or anything anyone might have been curious about. It was just something to pass the time, since there certainly wasn’t much going on at the table that was interesting. Hardly anyone had arrived yet.

As she’d turned back from her perusal of the staff members who had already arrived, though, she noticed Hady had arrived as well. Her dormmate got the usual nod and slight smile from her, and she’d given another slight smile to Ariadne as the younger girl had waved. She had no problems with that, but then others had arrived.

Dante got an eyeroll from her. “Please don’t,” she said dryly, before her blue eyes had noticed Hugo had walked up not far behind the other fifth year boy. “Apparently Dante is in the mood for hugs,” she replied to his question, sidestepping anything close to what she knew he was aiming for. That smirk had said a lot more than the innocent question had, and she wasn’t going to play that game. Besides, she was sure there weren’t any spiders at the table. Just boys who threatened hugs.

Jace gave Ariadne a very sheepish grin. He felt embarrassed for whatever reason. It seemed that things were done differently here compared to Mahou. Although, he really wouldn't know since he changed schools even before he got to the boarding level of the prestigious Japanese Wizarding School. "I'm not sure if my papa ever ventured here when he was still a student. I never got to ask." Shrug. "Thank you for letting me sit here with you though. It sure is a change of scenery." Definitely more green than blue, even though the whole Great Hall was adorned in deep navy because of Ravenclaw winning the house cup. "Were your parents from Slytherin too? My papa was a Ravenclaw like me." the very idea of his dad as a student made Jace beam. He's thrilled by the fact that they share the same house and traditions.

And now, more and more Slytherin have arrived. For some reason, Jace stiffened at the sight of older Snakes. He did mellow down a bit when they gave him and Ariadne grins, and waves. In return, Jace inclined his head to their general direction to say hi. Hady got the widest grin and a wave though. She's a persistent Gobstones player, and a tough opponent as well! "Have you seen Hady play Gobstones? She's really good." he said in a low tone towards Ariadne. Maybe she should join the club too next term?

And back to the opening feast. Jace clasped both hands in front of him and nodded. "I did hide under our table too. It was frustrating right? I didn't like the feeling of, not being able to do anything." they clearly had empty heads. Although Jace did come in Hogwarts equipped academically due to his day schooling at Mahou, it wasn't enough for him to use his basic magic knowledge practically. Hogwarts however, became his playground. "I know it's a Ravenclaw thing to say, but I can't wait to learn more magic! The knowledge seems to be endless..." Jace trailed off, blushing like crazy again. He really should learn how to shut up sometimes.

Just like a few days ago, Jace seemed to shrink down to the size of a peanut in embarrassment. "Sentimental. I will remember that one." How on earth did he not realize how sensitive and sentimental Azura was? She was very affectionate, and he totally missed her point for being one. Jace face-planted on the table, and murmured some things in Japanese.

Some might mind others from different houses joining their table but Hady never did. Her hazel eyes drifted up and down the length of the table taking in all the faces and smiles. Both Ariade and Jace got a wave from her in return to the one sent her way even though they had already gotten smiles. The pair were both nice little firsties and proved to be of no harm so far, therefore she liked them. Stay good little ones. Stay good.

Dante's arrival earned a grin from her as she turned in her seat and opened her arms to him. If he wanted a hug she'd give one. "You could or you will? I happen to like hugs," she teased playfully ignoring all mentions of the OWLs just happy they were over and she could relax a little now. If they didn't speak of them she would be more then happy. Only it didn't seem to work that way as Hugo joined them asking her how the tests went. "I'm just glad to be done with them." She had done her best but was it enough she really didn't know for sure.

A voice caught her attention effectively pulling it away from her fellow fifth years and she smiled. "Hello Esme, are you going to be joining us?" Hady slid over on the bench a little bit making some room for her friend in case she wanted to sit for a few minutes. She was welcome to if she liked.

Waiting for the Headmistress to give her speech Hadleigh's eyes drifted across the hall towards a certain table her eyes seeking out a head of blonde hair finding that he was already looking her way. She let her gaze meet his sending him her usual grin along with a small laugh at his silly antics. She may have also winked at him playfully in return just to see what he would do.

It was her last feast. And Grace really didn't know how she felt about that. She was graduating, and tomorrow would be getting on the train, and never coming back to Hogwarts. Part of her was ready, ready to be out in the big wide world. But the other half of her wanted to stay at school forever. Hogwart was a safety net, and she didn't know if she was ready for to to pulled from under her feet yet.

But she didn't have a choice. She had to grow up. She'd finished all her exams. Now was time to leave. She was going to miss these feasts. She adored the feasts. She loved the food. The seventh year sighed, sitting down at the table. She was sad to be leaving. She loved Hogwarts, but she had a big adventure waiting for her. And for that she could not wait.

Elsa slipped into her spot quietly. End of the term feast. When did all of this happen. Seemed just like yesterday that she was being sorted into Slythering and making new friends and now they were all about to say their goodbyes. Sighing she gazed at the food in front of her, deciding what to pick when her eyes landed on the girl sitting to her right. How did she never notice this girl? She must have been sitting right next to her all year long!

"Hi, I'm Elsa!" she introduced herself with a smile "End of the term eh?" she asked a little sheepish. She then looked closer to the girl and accessed that this was probably her last. If she wasn't a seventh year was most definitely a sixth, because this girl was way taller than she was.

*giggle*

SWOOOOOOOOOOSHING and ZOOOOOOMING her way from the Hufflepuff table with her buckets of glue, Miffy blew mischievous kisses at a few students before dumping glue all over those present.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOT TO WORRY PEEVSIE! THOSE MEANT NOTHING!

"OOPSIES!"


Off to the next table!

Zooming to the Slytherin table next from the Hufflepuff table, Peeves followed behind Miffy carrying his buckets filled with RAVEN feathers. Snickering as he watched her dump her buckets of glue, he swooped over heads next with his own buckets.

"CAW, CAW, RAVENCLAW," he cackled as he dumped the feathers over the students' heads. Were they looking like they could take flight yet? Peeves didn't stop to find out because he was soon off to the next table after Miffy. With her glue and his feathers, the whole school would soon look like RAVENclaws. HEHEHEHE

Having fled the Ravenclaw table looking for cover, Elsa arrived at the Slytherin table just moments after Miffy's passage. The sight was dreadful, almost everyone got caught by glue, leaving most of the students in a frenzy of panic.

Elsa had tried, in vain, to clean herself but ended up massing the glue deeper into her scalp , hands and arms. Just as she was about to pick up some napkins, Peeves came flying in causing his usual mess, throwing... feathers? Were those feathers?! NOOOOOOOOOOOOO.

It was done. Elsa felt like a giant chicken. At least from the neck up and mid arms.

To think that she was crying just minutes ago about leaving the castle. That didn't sound that bad at the moment. Can you strangle ghost?

His third year has come to a close.

He actually thought Hogwarts was a pretty cool school. I mean he loved the idea of exploring the castle and the great hall. He loved the food it was better than Durmstrang. He did make some friends here which was good. Least he wasn't a total loner. As he made his way to the end of term feast, he saw a lot of people here. Woah like invasion of the students. He walked towards the green table and he looked at the points jar and saw Ravenclaw had won. Kudos to the nerds.

He sat down at his table and waited for his food to appear. He was quite hungry being the boy he was. He observed where everyone else was. He wondered where his friends were.

And from the Gryffindor table, Paul made his way over to the Snakes. He could see one seventh year right as he approached. Grace! Miss Paton. Paul smiled as he approached, forgetting he was covered in raven feathers.

"Hello, Miss Paton...it is lovely to see you, m'dear." He smiled. "Here is a flower for you--" he held it towards her. "I hope that whatever you go on to do, you will be happy and successful. You are a wonderful student." He smiled warmly. "You will make Slytherin very proud, I am sure."

He needed to move on to the Eagles next...and then...oh Merlin, his puffers.

This snakette might have had nearly all her attention fixed on the boyfriend across the hall but she did have enough of it focused on her own table as well. Sending one last smile the blondes way Hady shifted her attention towards the staff table for the start of the speech. It was depressing that her own house hadn't won but there was always time for that and those ravens really did deserve it. A bunch of hardworkers that house was.

Wha-?!

Was that Professor Draper? And was he- Was the man dancing?! During the feast? Hady couldn't help it she nearly laughed. Almost. Holding back her laughter she watched one of the staff aim a wand at the man. Had someone cast a spell on him? Who was it? Whoever it was deserved a high-five even if it was aimed at a Professor. It was wrong yet funny.

Now that they could eat though Hady went about taking small portions of foods and setting them on her plate. Reaching for a roll and taking a bite the girl froze as something sticky dripped onto her hand. And then her arm...her head..what was this? The sticky stuff ran down her face and it was then that she realized it was glue as laughter rang out from Peeves and his lady friend. Before she could even reach for her wand feathers rained down on the table effectively covering those sat there.

She looked like a giant bird. It was just wrong. House pride was good. School pride yeah even better. But unexpectedly pouring glue and feathers over people while they were eating was a serious no no. Hazel eyes shifted towards the lion table checking to see if the same was happening over there. It was. She'd worry about that in a moment. Right now she wanted to clean herself up. A flick of her wrist was all she needed to have a hold of her wand. However aiming it at herself while preforming a cleaning spell wasn't so easy. She was giving it a go though.

Kelly wasn't sure how to feel about the feast this term...usually she enjoyed it but there was just this heavy lump in her throat that didn't seem to go away. Summer would be great there was so much going on for her but that did not overshadow the feeling in her stomach when she thought about Bastien's departure. To be honest the blonde felt cheated on, cheated on by time. Maybe if they had met earlier this term, their situation would be different. But there was no use thinking about that anyway.

Looking at the food in front of her she just couldn't eat anything. It all looked very appealing, but she already felt sick. On the outside though, the fourth year tried to seem calm and comfortable. She didn't need people asking questions now.

Just when Kelly reached for her glass of pumpkin juice, she noticed Peeves flying about....what was it he was carrying?!....Wait where those feathers?! OH hell no....