It was the end of the term, and Regina Hawthorne certainly did feel fine. She was relieved, pleased that she and everyone else had survived yet another term, and ready to start the summer holiday. There was no denying that. She had been smiling a lot lately, significantly more than usual.

The woman, clad in red to honour of Gryffindor's House Cup victory, was the first to arrive in the Great Hall. With ease, she glided between the Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw tables until she had reached the dais and made around the long table until she was at her throne. Soon enough, everyone within the confines of the school grounds, both Hogwartian and Ilvermornian, would be arriving for one last meal together before departing the next day for home.

Resting her arms on the arms of her chair, she simply looked up at the enchanted ceiling, allowing her mind to wander, until her colleagues and students started to arrive in the hall.

Kalen made his way slowly into the great hall and smiled as he looked around. For the moment everything was silent, and the librarian took a second to relish it. For soon it would bustling with students and colleagues alike, sharing one last meal together before they took off for home..

Or perhaps this was their last meal here.

Kalen could still remember his farewell feast.. it was a bittersweet moment for him, so filled with happiness and promises of the future.

And now here he was again. Back at his beloved school..

He made his was up to the table and smiled warmly at the Headmistress, but he didn't want to disturb the peace and so he said nothing. Merely smiled and nodded and quietly slid into his seat. His green gaze lifted as well to the enchanted ceiling, staring off at the stars absently and he pondered what he would do this summer.. and then back here for next term..

Time flew.

Gaston entered the Great Hall, feeling happier than he'd been in many months. The dark shadows under his eyes were gone, and his normally black attire was accented with red and gold in honor of the occasion. The outfit was a little too loud for his taste, but he wanted to do something to support his Lions. He couldn't be prouder of them!

He felt a little less self-conscious when he saw he wasn't the only one wearing red. "Good evening, Headmistress Hawthorne," he greeted the woman seated at the middle of the table with a polite nod and slight smile. And another smile for the librarian. "Hello, Kalen."

As he took his assigned seat, Gaston allowed his mind to wander to the exciting plans he had for the summer. As much as he adored his students, he was ready for a break. No teen angst, no disapproval, just two months of fun and relaxation with the people who meant the most to him!

The term was just about over. All that was left was the feast before everyone left for home tomorrow. With all the had happened over the course of the term it had gone by quickly and Camilla wouldn't lie in admitting that she was excited for the summer break. There was no doubt that she would be busy for sure but she was very much looking forward to all the summer activities she had been planning, especially traveling around.

Entering the Great Hall and making her way straight up to the staff dais, Camilla was glad she hadn't chosen to wear red. It seems there was a theme happening here tonight. "Good evening, Regina. Kalen, Gaston," she greeted each with a warm smile as she made her way to her seat at the end of the table. Settling down into her seat she let her brown eyes wander over the tables knowing that very shortly they would each be packed to the brim with students.

The school year was over and Laurel entered the feast clad in a dark green dress to support her snakes. They had not won the cup this year, but they had come in second place and there was always next year. They weren't last and that was good. She'd been worried and disappointed if that had been the case. She knew a certain spectre that was going to be in a foul mood just because the snakes hadn't won.

Coming up on the dais Laurel let her blue eyes wander from colleagues to colleague a cheerful smile playing on her lips as she greeted each of them in turn. "Good evening Headmistress, Kalen, Gaston and Camilla! Is everyone ready for summer vacation?" Going around the table to slip into her empty seat in between Roderick and Haraldur's empty ones Laurel raised her gaze to the enchanted ceiling to see if it had any secrets to share.

After cleaning and locking up the Hospital Wing, and a nice hot bath, River made his way as quickly as possible to the Great Hall for the End of Term Feast. It was always a treat to experience the calm before the storm, and the night wasn't going to be an exception. Now that examinations are over, as well as the IMPS, River was sure that everyone was just about ready to go home and not think about school.

Upon noticing that the there were people already present, (and how could he not see Regina sat right in the middle and in that dress?), River took the side aisle and up towards his seat next to the Headmistress. "Good evening, everyone." His eyes found Camilla sat at the very end and offered her a smile. They still had to iron out their summer plans for the year! Hopefully, she's as excited as him.

Speaking of summer vacations, where was Nikolas Hirsch? He'd been receiving unanimous owls lately...and he could not help but think that it's his mother owling him. Did Hirsch tell her about their trip to Germany?

Hmm.

The end of the school year could not have come sooner for Hirsch. While he genuinely enjoyed teaching, the last few weeks days of the year were starting to feel as though they were dragging on and he was more than ready for some rest. It was about time, wasn't it?

So, dressed very casually and walking even more casually, the man entered the Great Hall and made his way up to the Staff Dias. His green eyes first took in the red decorations hung up everywhere and then landed on the Ravenclaw table. Something told him that, as sad as it was going to be, he'd have to go in that direction to see a few Ravenclaws, especially a certain Head Boy of his.

Tearing his eyes away, he looked, instead, at the Headmistress and greeted her first. "Looking great as always, Regina." Though, he still hadn't forgotten that white dress. "Hey, everyone," he said, smiling at the others that were already seated there, "Anyone have any exciting summer plans?" His eyes found River, and then Camilla and, after smirking at the former, he moved onwards.

And no, he had no idea why his mother was contacting his friends.

Gaston received something a little more in his greeting from the Defence Professor when he went to take his seat. "Congrats on the win, Gaston. You must be very proud." That had been a landslide victory, after all. Once settled in his seat, he gave the man a fleeting smile before turning to his other side to greet......... uh...."Anything interesting in the ceiling, Laurel?" The woman did have a knack for seeing things that others couldn't see.

Kay had taken a longer time in getting ready, not because she was aiming to be fashionably late or anything of the sort. No, it was more because she was almost always the first to be to the Dais. Never the less, she was there now and was not surprised to see a few of her colleagues there.

"Good evening, everyone!'' she called cheerfully, smiling at them all. The woman took her assigned seat and looked toward the House tables. So many graduating students once again. She was sad to see them go but was looking forward to the first years come the new academic term. Kay absently smoothed the light green dress she had chosen to wear that night. Her mind was already on the tasks to be accomplished during the summer.

Tristan was actually on time for once! It was a miracle! He walked happily towards the Staff table, through the beauty of the Great Hall. Despite Gryffindor winning by a landslide, he could still appreciate the lovely colors.

As he got to the Dais, he smiled and waved, "Evening everyone. Hope you're all doing well." He sent a wink and grin at Kalen, though he wasn't sure if he caught it seeing as he was gazing at the ceiling. It was particularly lovely tonight, so he couldn't blame them.

As he made his way to his seat, he rested a hand on Gaston's shoulder, "Congratulations on the House Cup! I am sure you are very excited!" He said with a grin as he sat down. He was so happy for summer. Though he would still be on the school grounds for most of it, (Care of Magical Creatures is never over), he would have a little bit of a vacation so he could go visit his family. He couldn't wait to see them all.

So this was it.

The end of another term.

Rosalyn was rather pleased with this term and the fact that there had been a great victory for their school. All the Hogwarts students had done a wonderful job with the tournament. The Ilvermorny students had as well, of course, but there was obvious bias on her part and she was not ashamed to admit it. But despite how much fun the year had been she was beyond excited for the summer. Big things were going to happen.

Smiling, she made her way into the Great Hall and towards the staff dais. Fortunately it seemed that she hadn't been too late to arrive. In fact she was here before some of her fellow colleagues had arrived. Good because it had taken her more than a little while for her to get ready for the feast. This was a big night and she would look her best - as she always strove for when it came to great feasts.

"Good evening," she said to everyone as she made her way over to her seat. "You are all looking very nice tonight." Now where was Paul with his poncho? Okay, he didn't ALWAYS wear those, but he DID bring a uniqueness to the occasion. That, and he was just lovely to talk to in general. Ah well. She took a seat before turning her attention to Gaston "Congratulations on the House Cup! The Lions have done wonderful." She knew that he was very happy with how things had turned out; as he should be.

Camilla smiled warmly. "I most definitely am, do you have anything planned for the break, Laurel?" she always liked hearing about what her colleagues were getting up to during the summer. She had planned to meet with most of the women for a girls day hopefully they would all be able to make it. The smile from River didn't go unnoticed and she smiled in return. She was rather looking forward to their plans for the summer. "Perhaps, what about you, Roderik?" Cami asked in ways of greeting to the man. What was that smirk about that he had sent River's way, we saw that you know.

There was the cousin! It was about time to. Normally Kaysha was at these things long before she even arrived. "Evening, Kay. Are we still getting together for the family dinner when we return home?" This was the normal when the family was all close by.

"Evening Tristan, Rosalyn," she greeted warmly nodding her head at them both in greeting. With the arrival of more of her colleagues it was a sure thing that the feast would be underway shortly.

Laurel furrowed her brows as she studied the enchanted ceiling that if she read it right looked like they were in for some bad weather tomorrow when the kids went home. She made a mental note to warn Haraldur. She dropped her blue-eyed gaze just in time to see River come up on the dais and take note of the smile he sent in Camilla's direction. Some love brewing perhaps? She was going to consult her crystal ball. When River past by her seat Laurel turned to flash him a smile. "Good evening River, is all the IMP's competitors recovered from their injuries?"



Laurel was glad that OWL & NEWT examinations, IMP's were over since she had spent quite a bit of time cleaning and packing before coming down to the feast. The blond diviner was definitely looking forward to summer vacation and the prospect of relaxing in a sunlounger with a good book on a beach.
For some reason Laurel's gaze had flittered up to the ceiling again when Roderick spoke to her. Turning to her colleague she smiled with a slight giggle. "Oh, that depends on what you are looking for, but there is bad weather brewing that is clear. Are you ready to go vacationing in Germany?"



Spotting Kay as she cheerfully took her seat Laurel flashed her friend a wave and greeted smiling "Evening Kay!" Pointing to her dress and Kay's she noted with delight "We must have been in the same dress mode tonight since were both wearing green. Are we still on for Girl's Diagon day?"



When Tristan arrived on the dais in a perky mood Laurel smiled and waved back in turn. "Good evening Tristan. I'm doing well. How about yourself? Are you ready for some vacation away from the school?" She loved Hogwarts but she needed a break from it too, to see family and friends that Laurel could only owl during the year.



When Gaston had arrived his girlfriend wasn't far off and as if she had heard her Rose joined them on the dais in a tight dress. Smiling over at her friend Laurel waved and asked "Hi Rose, are we still on for Girl's Day in Diagon Alley?" It was a summer tradition that she hoped that they would keep and not stop doing just because they were all busy.



Turning to face Camilla she shook her head and sighed audibly "I have some half family plans, my usual Seer Convention and then Imogen wants me to go to a spa with her for week. I'm not sure if I really want to though. Have you got any plans?" It wasn't that she didn't like being taken care of it was just the whole package she didn't know if she liked with yoga, massage, baths and healthy drinks among other things.

The Healer was only sat for a few seconds when Laurel turned her attention to him, asking the status of the competitors like a very concerned mother. "All of our Hogwarts Champions are well and healthy to be sent home to their families. I haven't had the chance to check on the Ilvermorny students however since they do have their own Healer on board, but I trust that they have been taken care of." They would've gone to him if things turned for the worst, but thank Merlin that that wasn't the case. Handling two different schools at the same time would've been a living nightmare.

If he was going to be honest, River thought it weird that Kay was 'late' to the Feast tonight. She'd always been the first...or second to arrive at the Dais, and tonight felt a bit off. Perhaps she was in one of those moods where she doesn't feel like rushing things. Nonetheless, her arrival was met with a grin and nod from the Healer.

Quiet hi's and hello's were given to Kalen and Gaston as well, even raised his cup to the latter to offer his congratulations. Gryffindor won the House Cup again this Term...and it was something that River was happy about, believing in the fact that it will boost Gaston's confidence.

River gave Tristan a three-finger salute as he made his way to the staff table, and waited for him to get settled in his chair. "Say Tristan, what food would you recommend for my Newfoundlands? They are both turning five this year, and I was wondering if I could introduce more protein into their diet. Rescue dogs and all." he leaned forward on his seat to get a better view of the former Hufflepuff, grabbing his goblet of water in the process to drink from it.

Water...why can't it be wine for a change?

Rose also got a nod and a "good evening," back from the Healer. As usual, all the ladies on staff looked impeccable in their battle dresses. Nikolas, however, was an exception. Always the subtle rebel...and complimenting the Headmistress oh so boldly tonight, hmm? Obviously, he was missing out on something important here. Perhaps...the talk about his best friend hanging out with Regina back at Merlin's Pride was worthy of some...interrogation, considering he'd been busy rescuing a Gryffindor boy who got thrown into the lake that night and missed to witness them spending some 'down time' at the casino.

Roderik's smirk was registered, of course, and a quick glance was given to Camilla, before turning his attention back to the Defence Professor. "Yes, what about you, Rod?" Rod. Merlin's soggy underpants, that name will forever be funny to the Healer. "Also...are you familiar with the handwriting?" he continued as he fished out a note from his pocket containing German words he could not understand. The foreign words, 'To my dearest River...' was written in impeccable handwriting at the top, and the Healer could not help but think it had something to do with Rod...erik.

Kalen was pulled from his thoughts as the rest of his colleagues started to enter and soon enough bus belived peace and quiet was now filled with greetings and voices. His green eyes moved down from the ceiling to kana on the Charms Professor. "Hello Gaston, how are you doing this evening? And congratulations are in order as well." House cup and all. He even liked the man's outfit, Kalen himself was in a suit of dark green, he had to represent his house after all.

He turned his dark brown head to the next arrrival and smiled "Hello Camilla how are you? Do you have any fun plans for the summer?" He asked politely, see he could do the small talk thing. Though as he spoke Kalen was pulling a cup towards him and pulling out a tea bag from inside his coat pocket. He needed tea in order to make it through the night. He poured some water into hai cup, heated it and then put the tea bag in as more people started to arrive.

Ahh there was a presence whom always made him smile. "Hey Laurel, I am ready for vacation, what if you? Any fun plans? " He asked as he looked down at his tea. He hadn't decided what to do with his summer yet, although Leon had told him to keep a few days free. As had Azura so at least he had that planned. Mostly he just planned to read? Relax and get ready for next term.. he would have to see if Tris had some free time as well.

Speaking of Tristan, where was he? Kalen sent a nod to River, Hirsch and Kay As they entered and finally Kalen spotted his friend coming in, "Doing well Triscuit , and you? " he said with a smirk back at his friend. Heh.. were any students around yet? He wanted that name to catch on.. as long as he didn't Karen him in front of everyone he would be okay.

He gave a warm smile to Rose as she came in and nodded to River when he nodded again. He made a mental note to talk to him before break was upon them, he had a few things to ask him.

Kalen looked around and smiled as he pulled his tea bag out of his tea and took a sip of the warm, calming liquid..

Ahh much better. Now he was ready to face the night.

The time of term where Paul Myers was usually sad about graduating seventh years and any staff members that would be leaving them. But this term....good lord, he was so tired, so exhausted from the happenings of term, that he was so glad to be going home. He was sad, sure, about people leaving. He could think of a few that were. But his grey eyes were lined with sleepless nights of the past few months.

To sleep in....oh goodness, he couldn't wait.

In very un-Paul-like fashion, he took his seat quietly, sipping his pumpkin juice in a content manner. Good riddance to the loud Americans, eh? Hehe. He also...randomly...missed Justin ;___; Again. His godchildren were getting so old, weren't they? He would be reunited with his friend, and his children, again soon.

Rule had it that students were unable to approach the staff table until they had food in their stomachs. Rumour had it that it was solely so the staff weren't tempted to eat the children. Either way, Rooney Bronwyn was nowhere near the staff table and was therefore breaking no rules, regulations or promises. He had, however, bounced over a huge disco-ball balloon AND popped it using a spell. From all the way over at the Ravenclaw table.

STAFF WERE WELCOME.

A rain of 'R.B' confetti sprayed down on the Professors, joined with a fluttering of his autographed cards for them to remember him by.

Who said graduating was without fun?

HI HIRSCH, LOVE YOU.

Kalen's footsteps did not go unheard. Regina heard him approaching and planned on opening an eye to acknowledge him. But the man did not utter a single word to her, which was fine. She actually appreciated the fact that the librarian was allowing her to enjoy this moment of silence. She sure hoped that he was sharing this moment with her as well. It was quite marvelous.

And then it was broken by the one and only Gaston. The silence was good while it lasted, not that the headmistress, her eyes now open, minded it being interrupted. It was only going to get progressively louder as more bodies filled the place. And Merlin knew what kind of entrance her former Ilvermornian studies would bring.

"Good evening, Professor Marchand," Regina responded politely with a smile, reflecting his formalities back at him. He did know that he could call her Regina, right? They had known each other long enough. Oh well.

Following suit were Cami, Laurel, and River. The woman gave each of them a quiet greeting and a usual nod of her head. Then Roderik happened. Looking great as always, Regina. As she took in his attire, a subtle hint of a smirk played on her lips. "Thanks. You're not looking so terribly shabby yourself." She knew he would understand the meaning of her words, even if those who were eavesdropping interpreted them as sarcasm.

Kaysha, Tristan, Rosalyn where the next to show up. Waves and smiles, of course, were given their way. A double-take was almost had when she realized that her Deputy Head had silently arrived. An eyebrow rose and her head tilted to the side. "Are you feeling alright, Paul?" She then casted a glance at River. Perhaps he had something that would give the old man a bit of pep in his step?

Before she could whisper that question to the healer, a pop was heard and then it was suddenly raining Rooney Bronwyn. The woman picked up one of the cards and then set it back down on the table, resisting the urge to roll her eyes. Bighead Boy indeed. Regardless, she wasn't going to do anything about it for a change. You only graduated from Hogwarts once.

Now, where were Moxely and the Williams twins? Regina had a speech she wanted to get out of the way.

"Laurel! Hello. Looking marvellous as usual.'' Really, Laurel was definitely looking extra great tonight. "Definitely! This has become our tradition and I intend to keep it up.'' Kay smiled. "Did you predict that I'd be wearing green and you decided to do the same?'' She loved that they matched!

Kay only came out from her reverie whenever she noticed movement in the form of an arrival of one of her colleagues. She beamed at each of them as they joined the Dais. "Hello, Tristan. How's Ash?'' Ah, there was the bestie. "Hello, Rose. You look wonderful!'' The cousin was next to arrive. "Of course, Cam. We can't miss those, can we? Dad would love that since he hasn't been feeling that great still.'' She would have told Cami all about her dad earlier in the term. Old age...

The Muggle Studies Professor was most surprised about Paul's arrival. She had expected something loud or something that stuck out fashion- wise but the Deputy looked... tired. She understood. It would have quite a bit of work to see that everything went smoothly over the term given their visitors. She sent him a warm and encouraging smile. Hang in there, Paul.

How she had missed the disco ball, Kay did not know. She had a sneaking feeling it was because she had been so lost in thoughts of all the things that needed to be completed over the summer. She sudden became aware of confetti and cards descending upon the entire staff table. Reaching for one of the cards, she recognised the picture on it and smiled. It was a smile mixed with happiness and sadness. How she would miss you, Rooney Bronwyn. As for this card, she'd keep it with the rest of the memorabilia of her past students.

It had started as a quick nap before the feast and turned into a deep sleep. Not his fault. It was the age-thing. No one could blame him for being old, could they? That would be discriminating.

So, with his feathers ruffled, he hurried up to the castle and the feast to join in on the celebration of the term. Normally, he would have hovered on his broom up to his seat but since everyone was already seated and the students had arrived, he slipped in quietly.

Just as a large disco ball popped to rain confetti over the rest of staff, Haraldur seized the opportunity to sliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiide into his seat. The sliding didn't go unnoticed since he bumped the table quite hard but A for effort?

Haraldur sent a quick nod and an apologetic smile to the Headmistress and settled into his seat. He didn't greet all of staff other than a few acknowledging nods here and there. It was all part of his 'slipping in unnoticed'-project. Which was semi-working, according to himself.

"Laurel, evening. Good evening, evening." He nodded to the lady on his right. Laurel not Miss Vance. Progress. He didn't see the Ilvermorny professors and the seat to between him and the Headmistress was still empty. In spite of his nap, he wasn't the last one to take a seat. Curiously upbeat from this realization, he beamed at the rest of staff. HELLO COLLEAGUES!

Everyone survived the term and good bye to the Ilvermorny kids. They had taken quite a toll on him and around doubled his work load. It would be nice with some peace and quiet again (wasn't like the Hogwarts kids gave him much rest either). Haraldur straightened out his feather lined coat and adjusted the feathers on his head.

He was ready for the speech and more importantly, the food. Bring. It.

Melanie Williams had arrived, and she had never looked more gleeful at a feast full of pestilent children. She was going home so soon, and she had achieved what she had come here to do. She and Duncan both had done their duty. She scanned the staff dais for Kaysha, her new best friend, of course. Duncan was not yet here, so Melanie sent a wave at the Muggle Studies' professor. "Good evening Kaysha. I trust you are doing well, then?" she asked , leaning on the table in front of Kaysha. She would take a seat in just a moment. "I hope to see you this summer, sweetheart." She shot a sly smile at Kaysha's neighbor, Kalen, and even gave him a wink before heading off for her own seat.

It was good to be done with term. Summer held more important oppurtunities ahead, plus she would soon be reunited with the woman she missed most; her mother.

Now, where was her bigheaded, but lovable, brother? Regina looked regal on her throne tonight, didn't she? Melanie could appreciate beauty when she saw it. How fitting a name like Regina was for such a pompous, bossy woman. One of the Hogwarts' students was handing out autographs, was he? The headboy? Melanie took one that had fallen to the floor and pocketed it. She was feeling nice.

It might've been an odd sight to those who knew him but, believe it or not, Duncan Williams was happy. His usually neutral and slightly bored expression was gone and replaced with a half-smile, half-smirk. Should anyone ask, he would, of course, give different answers to each individual. In fact, he already had a reason wrapped and ready to be delivered.

The Great Hall didn't attract his attention as much as it had the first time he entered through the oak doors but he did look up at the ceiling. It was a wondrous piece of magic, he was willing to admit, and it deserved his admiration attention. If only they had something similar at Ilvermorny.

His dark eyes flew from the ceiling to a much less appreciated sight in the form of Regina who, by the looks of that dress, was trying to make herself look younger. He would've had a few things to say but given his current mood, he stayed quiet on that part. "Good evening, Hogwarts staff," he said, inclining his head at the professors that were seated there. It was polite, see. Maybe the air in this country really was starting to change him.

Melanie, of course, received a proper smile from Duncan before he moved to greet the next woman. "Hello Kaysha. I'm looking forward to seeing you over the summer." He held a lot of confidence in the knowledge that she would meet them so there was no need for him to hope. She also received something more: his expression changed to form a full smirk and he winked at her before moving to take his seat.

His seat with an empty neighbor. Tardiness. Tut tut.

Oh. It was Rooney. On seeing the boy, Paul burst into tears. And he totally took one of those...autographed thingies. "ROONEY BRONWYN!" he said dramatically as he dabbed his eyes with his napkin. "I KNOW you will go on to do such wonderful and great things, m'boy!" he said and with a long, rattling, tearful sigh, he waved. "Have a g-g-great life..."

Oh dear lord.

Paul did.....he might need to excuse to himself, but he held it together for the MOST part.

Those creepy twins had arrived and he couldn't WAIT for the Ilvermorny professors to be GONE because he just wanted the castle BACK TO NORMAL.


He blew his nose into the napkin loudly. Sorry, neighbors.

Distracted by the popping noise, and the confetti, and the cards that rained down on them, River exchanged the folded letter with one of the cards that landed on his lap. Turning it over, he smirked-- amused at the going-away present for them...or was it solely for someone? Paul? Roderik?

Also, because of the dramatic delivery of the Headboy's autographed cards, River was slow to notice that Paul had arrived, and took his seat beside him. A quick glance was given to Regina, then back to the Deputy Headmaster, obviously wanting to ask the same question. Was everything alright? The Healer was about to ask the man further question when he also found Rooney's autographed cards and exclaimed his sorrow...in an equally dramatic way. "Yes he's fine, Regina. Nothing to worry about." And just in case Paul needed a certain potion, he came in prepared tonight. All he needed to do was ask.

Haraldur's voice was heard, and he looked his way to grin and nod at the man. A polite "good evening," was also given to the Williams siblings as they passed by him and took their respective seats. As he did so, he caught sight of Kalen drinking his tea. "I keep on forgetting to give this to you, Kalen. I'm not sure if you're familiar with White Tea, but I would like you to give it a try if you haven't," he said leaning towards his plate to get a good view of the Librarian and levitated a white parcel his way.

Rooney Bronwyn's antics were enough to distract Regina from seeing Haraldur sneak into his seat beside her. One moment the seat was empty, the next the man in all of his feathers had appeared. His head not and apologetic smile did not go unnoticed when she turned to face him. She was going to forgive him this time, and internally she was already making plans to buy the man a wristwatch with an excruciatingly loud alarm on it for Christmas.

Though, speaking of the William's twins, there they were. Finally. Regina's eyes watched them approach the staff dais, and she threw on a friendly-looking smile when they were close enough to the table. Though the smile didn't last long and her gaze abruptly turned elsewhere. Paul Myers was shouting across the Great Hall. Again.

"Paul Myers, control yourself!" the woman hissed at him, praising Merlin for there being a healer seated between them. "Don't make me write to Milton."

And the loud nose blowing a cue to rise up from her seat that she did not let pass by. Regina figured that she might as well get her speech over with now that student eyes were already on the shenanigans going on at the adults' table. Composing herself, the woman took a few deep, deep breaths as she click-clacked her way up to the podium and allowed a smile to return to her face.

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen," she began, her eyes moving from table to table, student to student. "The end of a term has come, and in the morning all of us will be starting the journey home." Some journeys being much longer than others for obvious reasons. "But, before we depart, I have one more speech to give."

"To start off, I would like to address tonight's decor." At this moment, the woman made a motion and the red and gold banners above them. "Gryffindor has successfully taken the House Cup from Slytherin's three-term grasp with an impressive three thousand, five hundred, and forty-seven points. The lions have shown great academic achievement and teamwork to make this happen. Congratulations." She clapped her hands together, starting a well-deserved applause.

Once the applause died out, Regina continued, "More congratulations are in order. This term both Hogwarts and Ilvermorny were brought together through the International Magical Pupil Standoff. All sixteen of our competitors have shown great skill and endurance in all of the challenges. For that, we applaud them." Cue another applause. "We also, of course, owe Kyle Baker an additional round of applause for winning the competition and earning a full-ride scholarship to whichever university he chooses to attend post-graduation." She led them all in another moment of applause.

"Speaking of graduation, we have a number of students who have completed their magical education at the secondary level. Please rise. Yes, you too Ilvermorny graduates." They had been her pupils too, before she made the move across the Atlantic. "No matter where you go, I wish you all the best in your future endeavors. Take what you learned over the last seven years and continue to grow. We look forward to hearing about your accomplishments. Good luck."

Hands clapped together once more. The woman made a motion for the graduates to return to their seats and the applause died down.

"Let us now enjoy our final feast of the term. Make sure to exchange addresses with each other before leaving and keep those friendships made over the term gain strong. I bid those taking the train home a comfortable journey and those from Ilvermorny a safe and fast flight home." Without another word, Regina made an elaborate movement with her hand and started making her way back to her seat once the food appeared. Dig in!