Another year of the ending feast for the Groundskeeper as Justin entered in and took his usual spot. It was going to be a special night, yes? As he had a lot to look forward to for the summer. He smiled at the thoughts while to others he appeared to be in good spirits at the table.

Now who to re-mingle with? Hmmmm? His eyes idly scanned as he took sips from his own personal mug.

Well, it was time to farewell Art's first year back at Hogwarts. Entering the Great Hall, where not long ago there was a blizzard, Art and Madame Curie, who was buried in his pocket, walked at a leisurely pace up to the Staff table. Nobody was there yet, so he had time to look around, curiously eyeing the ceiling, the other tables, the walls, the fires... everything. His eyes were curious.

But, ahh, there WAS someone there. "Aahh... G-greetings, Justin. How are you this evening?" he asked.

He was going home to visit his children, but he would be back before he could say octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane.

It was really the end of term? Julien had come into the Great Hall with a bit more relaxed look on his face then he did at the beginning. His thoughts of the school had changed since that first feast and he was glad of that. He had gotten to know some of the staff better and many of the students had proven worthy of his teachings. Though there was still one that he couldn't get out of his mind. He would try to find things over the summer that could help the boy. He was going to have to find something, it would be his summer challenge.

Coming up to the table he glanced at the staff already there, "Good Evening." Taking his seat he grabbed his goblet of water and sipped it. "Everyone ready for summer?" He was ready, he wanted to spend time with his family and go on a vacation.


Where the students coming in yet?

Paul had a basket of flowers in hand, as he would at the end of term feasts. He had done it last term, and he would do it every term now. It was totally necessary!

He sighed as he got to the staff table. Who was here...Justin, Art, Julien. Pals. His pals. His staffly pals.

"Hello, good evening, my fellows," he smiled and took his seat and waved at them all. "I am quite ready to be home with Milton again...but I always...." and he needed a hanky or something at this moment because Paul Myers was tearing up. "I m-m-miss my students so much!" And he face-planted the table, dramatically.

Also, where was Airey? Was he proud of his outfit tonight? His poncho had a COLLAR. He was dressed FANCY enough, wasn't he?

James made his way to the dais with ultimate disdain.

Had he not been required to show up, he would've skipped. Who could blame him though, right? Every time he sat at this table surrounded by other staff members something disastrous happened.

Exhibit A) The start of the feast foodfight and ultimate disaster
Exhibit B) Snowstorm and poltergeist love fest
Exhibit C) Having to socialize with a strange man in a poncho
Exhibit D) "TBD" because something was bound to happen tonight, let's be real

But here he was. Ready to get this thing over with. He nodded in greeting to his fellow staff members as he made his way down to his usual spot--

Oh no. He had gotten here early. This was truly the real disaster.

"Interesting poncho, Paul," as in it was hideous. And now he'd take his seat and hope that the next few hours went by as quickly as possible. And silently hoping that Airheadey didn't show up.

RAVENCLAW had WON both cups! First time in 17 terms!

It was with a chest brimming with pride and a good mood that nobody would be able to diminish on this night, that Leobald entered the Great Hall and approached the staff dais to claim his seat for the end of term feast. Clad in navy blue dress robes with an animated eagle down the front and with big splashes of silver in honour of the eagles achievement, Leo beamed broadly and happily to his colleagues in turn as he reached them. "Good evening, Justin, James, Julian, Paul and Art! Is everyone ready for summer vacation?" He certainly had a full summer to look forward to, with his own wedding as one of the high points.

As he passed Paul on his way to his seat on the right, he asked. "Is there any chance that you could make me a Ravenclaw coloured poncho sometime?" It'd be nice to have on winter nights when it got chilly in the library.

Passing the length of the dais and slipping down in his seat, a few places from Art he called over to the potions master, a happy smile pursing Leo's lips. "How did you enjoy your first year teaching here?"

"Ahh, good evening Julien," Art replied to the suave Charms Professor. That's what the kids said these days, wasn't it? Well, back in his day they did. He nodded and pushed his glasses up his nose a bit. "Oh very ready. I'm going home to see my children! I-I miss them. And... er... how about you?"

Art wanted to say hello to Paul, but... watching his emotional response to, it appeared, leaving the students, he decided not to pursue that idea. He wasn't sure what words of advice to offer his silver friend, but at the last moment, he decided he wasn't being a good friend. He gave Paul three awkward taps on the back of his shoulder. "There, there Paul. You will see them next year. And... and thing of-of all you uhh... of all you taught your seventh years," gulp. "Th-they will ch-ch-cherish that for-for their l-lives," he managed to get out. Great Scott, he wasn't good at consoling people.

And with James' entrance, and compliment to Paul, Art turned to observe the attire Paul had decided to wear for the occasion. He hadn't really noticed it. But now that he did notice it, he couldn't un-notice it. He simply nodded with a smile. "And how are you this evening James?" Art asked, finding his goble to take a sip of water. The old mouth wasn't as moist as it used to be.

AHH! Man of the hour. Art grinned at Leo, who entered next. "LEO!" He said, much louder than was normal for him. He walked over to the Librarian, Ravenclaw Head of House, knocking his goblet over as he did so, to offer a congratulations. "Well done," he beamed. "Your students worked exceptionally well this term. I'm certain that-that you are very proud." He was sure Leo would be. Art himself was very proud of all of his students for the term they had just had. "Err q-quite okay, I think. General satisfaction was average, I'd say. That prank we had... Great Scott, that was a scary one. My class was POISONED! But... other than that I think it went well, thanks."

And he would need to find Healer Murdoch to give her his congratulations too. The Slytherin bunch he had taught this year had been very good, too.

It had been difficult tearing himself away from home, more difficult than the man had anticipated, but the transition back into the workplace had not proven too difficult and diving back into his work with a renewed zealous had been just the sort of distraction necessary to keep the man from bubbling over and turning into Sapsteed.

Which was a fine line still being walked by the man. A very thin line, hence his selected attire for the evening.

Was the man disappointed that Gryffindor's winning streak had come to meet a temporary pause? Of course, but at least it had not been at the hands of Slytherin or else he would have never heard the end of it from Cecelia - even if his house had fallen behind hers this term as well. But all those thoughts aside, Gryffindor could have lost to Slytherin and come in dead last and the smile plastered across his face would still remain.

Opening feast had been introduced to Ragesteed. Now closing feast would get to meet Sapsteed...so it seemed. Although the man was trying to compose himself so as to keep his personal affairs just that. Personal and exclusively his to celebrate for just a little longer.

Approaching the dais with an especially airy bounce to his step and chest puffed out, the Astronomy professor offered each of his colleagues a Vulcan salute before making his way to his seat with Pebbles thumping along behind him on her pink leash.

He wasn't even fazed by Paul's poncho. Not yet anyway. Although the collar was an appreciated effort.

"Good evening," he grinned at James as he slid into his seat and plucked Pebbles up from the floor and set her on the table riiiiiiiiiight between them - her googly eyes fixated upon the Creatures professor. "She fancies you."

Moxley had slipped into the great hall rather stealthily (or as stealthily as one can when they look as good as she did) and taken her seat, basking in the quiet for however long it lasted as the term had proved to be one never ending headache for the Moxinator. She'd dealt with a food fight, nearly witnessed a child get eaten by the most frightening woman she'd ever laid eyes on, listened to reports of countless pranks, worn a PONCHO for a week, actively ignored some staff members flirting (we see you, Nana and James), and then had the displeasure of meeting Hogwarts' newest polterguest. SUCH FUN, MUCH WOW! ...Moxley needed a nap.

But first, the feast.

"Anyone doing anything interesting this summer?" She would probably be getting a stress test, among other things.

He never knew whether or not to take Paul too seriously or if the man just was very sentiment. "Don't worry Paul there will be a brand new batch coming in September. Always the circle of life." Or in a sense at least. It was a way of passage that Julien never got to sad about. Students always came and went.

"Congrats Leo on the Cup winning. It's nice to see the decorations in here this evening. I'm very proud of the Ravenclaws this term." His former house impressed him and won, that was a great feeling. Looking out at the tables he couldn't be happier with his choice of taking the job. The school was an odd one at times, but it was his school.

"Good Evening, good term this year?" He hadn't really been near the dungeons too much to now how potions went. He had heard some rumors from his nephews, but he only took that with a grain of salt. The boys were great kids, but could tell stories at times. "I'm very ready to go home to my kids. Though two are too old to care where dad has been. I still have my youngest though."



"Evening Headmistress. Seems to be a smooth start of the end so far." Hopefully the chaos would stay away, but it was a room full of children he could only imagine. As long as Tory wasn't involved he'd be alright with it.

The librarian got a nod. That’s it. Because James was trying not to stare at the man. Despite the fact that coming back as a Professor meant he ought to let go of any prior loyalty, he was still incredibly disappointed that Gryffindor hadn’t done any better in the race. Gryffindor pride, kinda sticks with you forever.

And here he had been hoping that this feast would be a quick one, ”Ready to eat,” and finally go back home. Though he figured that wasn’t the answer Art had been expecting. ”And yourself?” Not that James was at all interested, but there wasn’t much he could do at this point. He was trapped behind this table until the term officially came to an end.

Looking back towards the house tables that were quickly filling up, the creatures’ Professor couldn’t help but notice the absence of quite a few of his colleagues. Most he didn’t care about, however, Nana and Roderick were yet to be seen and they were among perhaps the most tolerable members of staff. Unlike resident Astronut over here, who received a grin granted, it was a forced one in return.

….

”She’s a rock, he deadpanned staring at the ugly excuse for a child’s craft.

Rocks were inanimate objects. They couldn’t fancy anything. If James hadn’t known any better he would’ve guessed that the term had done Airey’s head in. But James did know better and he knew that Airey was this way from the very beginning. There was only so much healing magic could do.

Interesting poncho? Paul lifted his tearstained face to reveal...a broad smile. He totally took it as a compliment from his prickly friend. Yes, James was considered a friend. But like...a cactus friend. You didn't want to hug a cactus...like, ever. "Thank you, James. It has a collar." And he popped his collar in order to look cool, which only made him look even less cool than before.

But that had helped dry his very dramatic tears! And look! Leo! His pal, his MATE. "I will certainly work on one over the summer. Would you like a poncho for the little one??" A baby would look precious in a tiny poncho! "How are Cassie and the baby?" he asked curiously. He hoped well. Only the best wishes for his friends...and a baby ;__;

Arthur, with his seemingly comforting words. Paul appreciated the effort, but he kind of made the man sink once more...that's right. Some of those bright young ones were graduating. Sigh. Would graduating students ever get easier for him to deal with? Of course not. He should get started on the flower distribution soon......

Ugh.

"Art...you're right, of course." Another sigh.

Airey made his appearance, suited and Pebbles-carrying, and smiled at the man. "AIREY!" he cried loudly and stood up proudly. "LOOK...AT MY....COLLAR!" HELLO was ANYONE going to comment on it?!

Yelling was absolutely necessary.

"Moxley! You've forgone the poncho?! How sad! You quite looked nice in one!" hehehehhee. Highlight of the year right there, seeing Merbear in a PONCHO. A legit PONCHO. it was great. Poncho Friday's should totally become a thing.

And you know...Julien was right. The....CIIIIIIRCLE OF LIIIIIIIIIIFE.......was a thing, even with no baby lion to hold in the air. He could probably manage to hold up one of the first year lions, but that wouldn't be very...normal. Paul nodded at him. "I know, I know...I love the new ones. I love the old ones. I love them all and wish them the best in whatever they go on to do without us." Cue sad smile.

The Transfiguration Professor was fashionably late and you couldn't tell her otherwise. This was her first End-Of-Term feast and as such she had decided a extra care in her attire was needed. Perhaps it was the strangest of this term, perhaps it was the bright approach of summer... Or perhaps it had been the unpleasant experience of detention with Mister Prince.. Whatever the case, the dark-haired woman had been struck by a whimsical notion in the middle of getting dressed with had resulted in her laced bunny ears.

A choice that she hoped she wouldn't regret (if James teased her for them she might actually hex him).

Walking up to the Dias, Nana inclined her head in greeting to her fellow Professors. Newton was kindly, albeit awkwardly, comforting a distressed Paul - no surprise there, the man seemed very.... in touch with his emotions, for lack of a better word - Mister Kiteridge was congratulating Flamsteed, but Nana was too busy eyeing Paul's collar to properly notice.

It was hard not to when he was yelling about it. "Good Evening." She said, speaking to the entire Dias before taking her seat. Further conversation would occur once she was settled down.

Seemed she wasn't the only one a tad late, many of their contemporaries had yet to show up, a fact that was quite welcome. "I'm headed to Japan for the summer, and yourself, Headmistress?" Nana asked, taking up her goblet and taking a nice long draught of the amber liquid therein. Cider, she'd grown quite fond of it.

"Mister Kitteridge, Congratulations are in order." She inclined her head towards the curly-haired Librarian. "The end of a Gryffindor winning streak, I understand." She thought fleetingly of a Gryffindor she knew quite well, imagined the displeasure that might be felt at this news and her politely curled lips turned amused.

Ahem.

Thankfully, there was much to be entertained by at the Dais tonight, James Draper having Peebles forced on him for one. "I didn't know you were so prejudiced, James." Nana coyly remarked, unable to keep her thoughts to herself. It was just too easy.

"Flamsteed, I hope your departure was a pleasant one." she hadn't had much opportunity to speak with the Astronomer since he had returned, not with all the adjustments she had been making to her exams, but she wouldn't let term tendon that misplaced note, especially since their encounter in the Chamber...

She was still rather embarrassed about all that Ferret business.

Running a tiny bit late thanks to a certain Ariadne Grahn and her need to swap his glasses for rosy heart shaped ones - Merlin! - the man finally made his way towards the staff dias for the feast. The contacts were in because he needed to see his way past the blurriness but for the amusement of the Seeker, the glasses were hanging off of his shirt.

Thanks, Grahn, thanks a lot.

But at least his attire wasn't the weirdest one of the group, heart shaped glasses and all. His eyes immediately went to Paul's, er, semi-bright ensemble. Didn't he get hot under those ponchos? Actually, you know what? He didn't want to know. Instead, Hirsch simply smiled at the man and said, "Looking good, Paul." Kind of.

At least the man hadn't blabbed about the glitter parade outside of his office.

Art, Justin, Julien and Airey all got a smile, a nod and some form of "Hey! Ready for summer?" thrown at them. See? Nice. He then stopped towards Leo and added in an extra, "Congrats on your house winning the cup, Leo. You must be very proud of them." He hardly noticed the points race but the blue banners hung up around the hall were hard to miss.

Something that was also hard to miss was Meredith and her question about his summer. Of course, some of his plans couldn't be mentioned here in front of everyone, and certainly not to the Headmistress herself, so he was going with a safe, PG answer. "I think I'm going to go to Germany for a while. See how my sisters and parents are doing." And go to the beaches while he was at it. "What about you? Any interesting plans?"

The award for the most surprising outfit ensemble went to one Nana Ichihara and her lace kitty ears. He wanted to ask about that so badly but figured he'd leave it to James to do the questioning. "Nice ears, Nana."

Speaking of James, the man earned himself an amused smirk as Hirsch sat down in his seat next to Julien. He liked the Magical Creatures professor, sure, but this was far too amusing of an opportunity to simply pass up. "Nice to see you making friends, James."

Now, where was the popcorn that he could eat while watching this scene unfold?

Grinning broadly back at Art he blushed. "Thank you, the eagles really pulled together as a house this year. They've all worked so hard. I am so proud of them. It's hard to put into words the happiness I feel for them and what they've accomplished." Leo would though hopefully have figured out what to say to the eagles when he made his visit down to their table after Meredith's speech.

At Art's revelation that his class had been poisoned, Leo made big eyes and asked "Oh wow, how did everyone get poisoned? Was it a student prank?" Or just a case of bad ingredients or something?



Leo acknowledged Airey's arrival and vulcan salute which he met with a wave and nod of his own. Given the distance between them he didn't strike up a conversation with Airey and besides he had good company in James. Hearing Meredith's question over the other voices Leo turned to catch her gaze and responded over the chatter. "Good evening Headmistress Meredith, I'm getting married this summer." To his one true love and soul mate Cassie but everyone should know that right? "Do you have any interesting summer plans?"




Looking over at Julian, Leo couldn't help but grin happily from ear to ear. "The decorations are very nice. I'm super proud of the eagles too. I hope they'll continue to be a winning house contender in the points race for the coming years too. All the eagles have potential to become exceptional wizards and witches." Leo was about to ask Julian something when he was momentarily stopped by James's nod in his direction which Leo silently returned. James was if anything one of the most complex men he had ever met. Turning his attention back to Julian he asked "You were a Ravenclaw in youth too right? Have you got any exciting summer plans?"



Paul. Paul. Paul.

His friend was certainly one of a kind. Smiling happily Leo responded. "I'm sure Jackson would love it if you made him a poncho too." It'd be something nice and warm to have if he were to get cold in winter for instance. "Cassie is happy and enjoying being a mother and Jackson is healthy and growing." It was just sad that he missed out on many of the firsts for his son but it couldn't be helped. "Cassie is currently making the last preparations for our wedding this summer. How is Milton and your kids doing?"



It was hard to not take notice of Nana with the cat ears on her head as she took her seat on the dais near him. Beaming happily at her Leo nodded "Yes, Ravenclaw finally triumphed after 17 unsuccessful years. I'm so proud of them."

Reaching out to grab the pumpkin juice canister to pour some juice into his goblet he asked Nana "Have you got any fun summer plans after surviving your first year of teaching?"



Leo was taking a nice cold sip of juice look down at the action at the Ravenclaw table when Roderick came up on the dias. Smiling warmly and happily at him, Leo said "I'm super proud of all the eagles. It was 17 years ago since we last won both the house points and gobstones cups." Putting his goblet down on the table Leo said "Congratulations to you too Roderick for making the dueling club a success among the students. I've only heard good things about it." Sadly time and responsibilities hadn't permitted him to take part in a duel with another staffer.

The jet black wand was hidden in the shadows and folds of her dark robe under the Ravenclaw table. But that didn't mean it wasn't being aimed, squarely, at everyone's favorite Care of Magical Creatures Professor. A few quick glances, moving only her eyes, while she chatted away with Melbourne Johanson, was all it took to confirm she had the shot lined up.

"Tarantallegra!" Even whispered, the spell had plenty of force to it, for a first year at least. Almost as if an entire years worth of wanting to hex James Tootleloo Draper--she didn't actually know his middle name, and it was more fun to make one up--had culminated into this one whispered spell. Because, that's exactly how it was.

A quick flick of her wrist beneath the table, and Kira, the wand, was slipped back into Hadley Denaker's pocket. Completely stealth. No one would be able to tell she did it. Right?

Beneath the table, Haddie crossed her fingers, just in case, and continued the conversation she'd been having with Mel all along.

She was bursting with Claw pride! Her navy blue, sparkling robes topped with a witch's hat of shiny bronze was no accident. They had WON! Her own former house was atop the leaderboard - in multiple places! She couldn't be happier.

She took her seat without really speaking to anyone. All she wanted to do right now was soak in the feeling.

Julien's words made the headmistress hold up a finger to her lips. "Shh, you'll jinx it!" A smile followed shortly after but she wasn't entirely kidding. Things going to plan wasn't the norm at this crazy wonderful school so the brunette was going to do everything she could to savor the peace. What's that thing people did? Oh! She knocked on wood and relaxed slightly. "There." That should buy her another...ten minutes or so.

PONCHO PAUL , PUH-LEASE!

Did he realize how brutal it had been for the moxinator to sport one of those things? Did he KNOW how hard they were to accessorize? OBVIOUSLY not because the man was jazzed about having one with a collar. MERLIN'S beard. She loved the guy, she DID, but he needed some serious help. She was going to have to report him to those WIZARDING WHAT NOT TO WEAR people. It was for his own good. "I always look nice, Paul!" even when being forced to wear ghastly things against her will. Something about her glowing skin and silky smooth hair and sparkling eyes...wait, what was she saying? "Let's go antiquing this summer, okay?"


Nana's mention of traveling to Japan for the summer piqued Meredith's interest and she gave the transfiguration professor a grin. "Sounds amazing. Relax and enjoy, you deserve it after this term." Truly. "I'll be spending my time with my husband and daughter, actually. I'm missing them quite a lot." Which also answered Leo and Roderik's inquiries. "Safe travels, then, to you both!" Nana and Roderik deserved a break. They'd done such good work this term. All the new additions had. Well, minus the HAG.

"I'm so happy for you, Leo! If you're writing your own vows and need some advice, I'm something of a wordsmith. One of my many talents..."

And speaking of words, Moxley stood up and smoothed her dress, gaze falling on the children. Once her voice was magnified so all could hear, she cleared her throat and smiled at the lot of them.

”Eventful term, am I right?” Hehe. ”I’d like to take a moment to commend you all on your hard work this school year.” And on the whole not dying thing but she wasn’t going to say THAT part out loud. ”We had more than a few…err…surprises but we dealt with them in true Hogwarts fashion and finished the term stronger, wiser, maybe a bit taller, and probably a little rounder-got the elves and their amazing cooking skills to thank for that one, kiddos!” The Moxinator cracked herself UP and she let out a little chuckle before continuing on. ”Let us please take a moment to give a special shout out to the eagles of Ravenclaw! You’ve outdone yourselves and earned a win not only in the gobstones tournament, but in the race for the house cup as well! Congratulations to you!” Like, it’d been AGES! Maybe Leo’s hair would miraculously return to its former glory now that his house had. Time would tell. ”I would also like to wish the graduating seventh years luck in all of their endeavors! Go out into the world and make your mark!” Pause. ”A positive one. One that will make us proud! I know you are all capable of truly great things!” And some, well, they might end up on Wizarding World’s Most Wanted list but that wasn’t HER fault. Bad parenting and all that. Tsk. Tsk. ”With all that said, let’s EAT!” And once the food had appeared and the brunette showcased it with a flourish, she took a seat again and got ready to dig in.

All summer inquiries were greeted with nothing more than enthusiastic nods and concise words ranging from "I do" to "I am" with little hint of anything else. Although colleagues would be aware of his work at the Royal Observatory and the National Space Centre, but that was noting out of the usual in terms of the Astronomy professor's summer schedule.

Quote:

Originally Posted by nicole black

....
"Flamsteed, I hope your departure was a pleasant one." she hadn't had much opportunity to speak with the Astronomer since he had returned, not with all the adjustments she had been making to her exams, but she wouldn't let term tendon that misplaced note, especially since their encounter in the Chamber...

She was still rather embarrassed about all that Ferret business.

His ears turned a bit pink at Nana's inquiry, although memories of his ferret form quickly put flustered thoughts to rest. "It was indeed," he nodded, lips curling into a cool smirk. "Even more so that I was not a ferret for it." It was only then that he noticed the ears. "Subtle cosplay. Intriguing."

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArianaBlack

...
Looking back towards the house tables that were quickly filling up, the creatures’ Professor couldn’t help but notice the absence of quite a few of his colleagues. Most he didn’t care about, however, Nana and Roderick were yet to be seen and they were among perhaps the most tolerable members of staff. Unlike resident Astronut over here, who received a grin granted, it was a forced one in return.

….

”She’s a rock, he deadpanned staring at the ugly excuse for a child’s craft.

Rocks were inanimate objects. They couldn’t fancy anything. If James hadn’t known any better he would’ve guessed that the term had done Airey’s head in. But James did know better and he knew that Airey was this way from the very beginning. There was only so much healing magic could do.

Prejudiced was one way to put it. Airey couldn't help but chuckle at the Transfiguration professor's comment and matters were not made any better by James' expression that followed. Yes, one would assume that the man had learned his lesson after the little door incident...but Flamsteeds were known to be an unpredictable bunch and some lessons would just never get through their thick skulls.

Not to mention this particular one was quite defensive of his beloved pet.

"Quite observant of you," he praised. "And the concept of a pet rock collectible conceived in 1975."

Quote:

Originally Posted by kayquilz

...
Airey made his appearance, suited and Pebbles-carrying, and smiled at the man. "AIREY!" he cried loudly and stood up proudly. "LOOK...AT MY....COLLAR!" HELLO was ANYONE going to comment on it?!

Yelling was absolutely necessary.

His attention drawn, and perhaps to give Pebbles a moment, the astronomer turned to the Herbology professor and made his own deadpan expression. The collar really only made things worse. Although at least the sweatpants had been foregone this feast.

It was a step in the right direction. Sort of.

But the man was in a chipper enough mood given circumstances that he offered his colleague two thumbs up. Way waaaaaaaaaay up.

Pebbles returned to the astronomer's lap for the speech, which he admittedly was only half paying attention to as he gazed out over the sea of students. His eyes rested on his Gryffindors with a new sense of pride washing over him. It was not until the aroma of the feast had reached his nose that he came out of his daze with a jolt.

Yes. Time to tuck into his meal, eat swiftly, and then head down to the Gryffindor table!

Ansley was here, yep, he had been here the whole time sat right in between Leo the Librarian and Paul the Plant Man. Okay, maybe not the whole time as he was fashionably late, but he had been there long enough to have had time to settle in before the traditional speech and to eavesdrop on conversation around him. To a point at least.

"Seventeen years is a very long time," he nodded to Leo as he heard him commending Ravenclaw on their cup victories. "Well done." And he actually was a Ravenclaw student seventeen years ago when they last won both, heh.

He blinked as he was suddenly startled by the very loud shouting on his right by Paul about his attire. Ansley had ignored the other man's dramatic tears, really unsure what that was about, but he gave the man's poncho a once over. "Nice Aztec motif you got going on there, Paul," he nodded towards the man then turned his attention towards Meredith as she got up to give her speech.

He nodded here and there, almost imperceptibly, as she spoke, giving in to applause for the Ravenclaws. As a former eagle himself, he was rather happy for them. But now it was time to eat, and he was starving so he happily got started on his meal without a second thought.

The speech was over and after filling her little stomach with delicious and rich food, Rachel made her way over to the Staff table. There were a few Professors in particular she would like to visit. Even though she had only known them for a year, she liked each and every one of them but there were a few she had gotten attached to. She waved in Mr Kitridge's direction. She would stop by her Head of House last or possibly meet him if he went down to the Ravenclaw table. She also waved at Professors Primeaux, Airey, Tanner, Ichihara, Art, Draper and Headmistress Moxley.

The Eagle's first stop was at the Groundskeeper. "Hello, Mr McLeod. I hope you have a great summer.'' She smiled. "I never thanked you for getting Haddie and I out of the Forest earlier this year. So, thank you. I got carried away about the prospect of seeing new plants and I was easily manipulated.'' But she was wiser now. She wouldn't let Haddie trick her again.

"Good evening, Professor Hirsch. I do hope you're continuing the dueling club next term. I learnt a lot. Thank you for the constant encouragement as well.'' Indeed she had learnt a lot even though she was still rubbish at her Shield Charm. "I'm still interested in wandless magic. Would you be able to share some knowledge about it with me next term?''

She next stopped before Professor Myers. "You look wonderful in that poncho, Professor. Have a good summer. I look forward to classes next term and I hope we can have one on cacti,'' she told him, her eyes twinkling. He would know about her love for the spiky plants by now as she was always talking about them.

Her final stop was to Professor Ansley. For the love of all things Disney Princesses, he was even more handsome up close. But then again, she had always known this. "Hello, Professor. I thought I'd drop by to say have a great summer. I look forward to your classes next term. as I enjoyed the ones this term very much, especially when we got to talk to the portraits.'' She smiled up at him. He didn't make the subject of History of Magic boring one bit.

Of course Poncho Paul would take it as a compliment, he didn’t put it past the man. Wasn’t he a Ravenclaw though? Those were supposed to be the intelligent ones, yeah? ”How…” a collard Poncho, did it look like James cared? ”Impressive,” actually not at all but he’d let the man dream.

Speaking of which, he wasn’t dreaming was he? Nana was actually wearing those silly ear things to the feast??? This received only the biggest, smirkiest, smug look he could possibly grace on his face. And to think he wanted to skip this dinner. Actually no, there were legitimate reasons behind that desire. Example A: Strange astronaut and his even stranger pet rock. It was a rock. A rock. ”Don’t encourage this,” his head turning in reply to the Transfigurating Professor. ”Cute ears, by the way,” SMIRK. ”What’s the occasion?” She hadn’t seriously thought he wouldn’t have taken the opportunity to tease her for them, right? Surely she knew better than that by now.

It seemed everyone was sporting something strange tonight, was James missing out on the memo? ”I’m much too likable,” and though the sentiment was one of light-hearted fun, his tone didn’t reveal that much. He was not as amused as Roderick was.

Right. Pet rock collectible. James gave the delirious Astronomy Professor a strange look. He was judging. Hardcore. Though the rock may have been the man’s best friend, it still didn’t mean it could possess feelings. It was still A R O C K. But before he had the chance to say much else, it seemed Meredith was—

Hold that thought.

Something was happening under the table…. His FEET were happening. Something strange. They were shaking and moving and tapping and SWEET MERLIN NOT THE BLOODY SPEECH JUST YET. Talk about terrible timing. James had to hold down his legs with his own two hands, keeping them down as best he could as to not cause a scene and interrupt the speech. Though the constant clanking of his plates against the table probably didn't go unnoticed. Ahem.

Everything was fine. He would NOT by any circumstances reveal that he was struggling here. That went against every rule he believed in.

......

Oh Merlin.

........

As soon as Meredith finished, he couldn’t keep them quiet anymore.

'He took his foot... 
His little foot.... 
Hey look! His foot!
..... See how it starts to shake!'

And people wondered why he wanted to skip this feast. 'And now, at once, a chance appears!' So this was really happening then? 'To hear that beat, so on your feet!' Really he had no choice here, yeah? 'Its time to dance agaiiiiiiiiin' And by the end of that chorus he was on his feet for real and they were tapping out of control. SOMEONE STOP THIS BEFORE—he was twirling. Damn it. He hated this.

And with all the twirling nonsense his feet were doing, he could hardly make out the strange scene that was happening over yonder at the house tables.

Leo wasn't exactly sure when Ansley had slipped into his seat next to him at the feast table. One minute he hadn't been there and the next he was and commending him for Ravenclaw's victories. Turning his head to look at Ansley Leo couldn't help but beam broadly "Thank you, but when you wait for something good, you sometimes have to wait a long time even 17 long years. I'm so proud of all the eagles. Speaking of that. Can I come by and consult you about something historical before we both leave tomorrow?"

Hopefully Ansley could help him with his plans.



"I wish you an absolutely lovely family filled vacation." Leo murmured in response to Meredith's news. At the mention of writing vows his own vows he coughed, got a slightly wide eyed look and breathed out. "I'd really appreciate your advice on the words in my vows. I've gotten a bit stuck to be quite honest." Not with the feelings. He loved Cassie more and stronger for each day. It was just the putting them into words he could say in a church that made everything harder.

Before Leo could say anything else however Meredith rose to give her speech. He listened attentively and in silence casting a warm glance towards the eagles at the mention of their victories. When the food arrived Leo quickly filled a full plate of food for himself. He wanted to eat swiftly so that he could go down to the Ravenclaw Table.



Leo was at his best munching on some steak and baked potatoes and observing the house tables, when something strange started to unfold at the other end of the staff dais. It took several moments of staring and hair scratching for Leo to realize that James was DANCING. Or rather his feet was dancing with him.

A very peculiar thing to do too considering that there were no live music playing. Had James lost a dare or had someone pulled a prank on him? Either way Leo figured he should come to his colleagues assistance. Pulling out his wand he aimed it at James and said firmly "Finite Incantatem!"

Deposting his wand back into his holster, Leo refocused on his food.

Nana had arrived with the cuuuuuutest little kitty ears. Me-ow. Did she know she looked adorable? If not, Paul would tell her. "Nana! You look adorable! Is this a new trend you're trying to start?" If so, Paul could help her. Would he look half as good in cat ears? Probably not. Oh well!

....And Roderik? Really? Heart shaped glasses?! THEY WERE ADORABLE, TOO. Gosh golly, Paul had the most adorable coworkers in the entire world. He wanted to do a BIIIIIIG group hug! Hmm... he turned to Justin. "How hard...do you think it'd be to have a group hug?" Serious business. "And RODERIK! I love the glasses. I have a similar pair at home." For parties and...other fun things...yeah.

Phaahaha! He turned back to Leo and SNORTED. "Leo...I hope you're talking about my dogs. How many times do I have to tell you--Milton and I don't have children!" And they didn't want children. A. Children cried a whole lot and crying made Paul feel terrible. B. They were old now. So. No children raising could be done...well, it probably COULD be done but...yeah. He had nieces and nephews to spoil. It seemed Leo WANTED Paul to be a dad. Well sorry, pal. Not happening.

Of course Meredith always looked nice. But a PONCHO really...outdid her, you know? "Sure we can! I absolutely love antiquing--I'll leave Milly at home, though." His partner abhorred it. Ad-horred. He liked finding different old things and turning them into NEW COOL things. MUGGLE ANTIQUES WERE SO FASCINATING, TOO.

Meredith's speech cracked him up, making him forget his earlier tears about the seventh years leaving. And he was about to dig in when...AHA! He remembered! He had to go deliver the flowers! He had time to eat later, psshh! Paul wasn't even that hungry. Reaching under his chair, he grabbed the basket and stood up to begin the deliveries when--

Peeves.

Miffy - AKA new poltergirl.

Happened.

And they happened all over everyone EVERYONE....glue and feathers and....

HEY DIDN'T THEY KNOW RAVENCLAWS WERE EAGLES?! Paul squinted at the poltergeists. As a former Ravenclaw, he was OFFENDED. HMPH. He stepped past Justin and gave Airey a smile--since the man seemed PLEASED about his collared poncho--and eyed....James...Draper.

PAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHA!

Myers almost keeled over and died right then and there. Really, they didn't need that at this already CHAOTIC feast, but really. All James was missing was a--

"I DIDN'T KNOW YOU HAD MOVES, JAMES!" Paul said as he waved his wand, attempting to make a pink tutu appear around James' waist--whether it worked or not, he didn't wait to see because HE VALUED HIS LIFE--he ruffled Ansley's hair in approval of the cimpliment as he rushed by, almost knocking poor little Rachel Watson over. "YES YES THANK YOU--"

PAUL MYERS WAS OUTTA' HERE.