If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above.
You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed.
To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.
For those who belong in Gryffindor House, on the left side of the Great Hall is where your table awaits. Red banners containing an embroidered golden lion float above the polished table in honour of the brave Godric Gryffindor. Already placed on the tables are silver plates with accompanying cutlery and goblets. All that is missing right now are the mountains of food and pitchers containing your favourite beverages.
Though your stomach might be growing as you take a seat on one of the long benches next to the table, it is important to not get hangry -- gnawing your arm away or jabbing your fork repeatedly on the surface of the table will do no good whatsoever. Give everyone some time to get settled in and wait for Headmistress Hawthorne to deliver her speech. Keep yourself preoccupied by catching up with your fellow housemates or those who are visiting from the other tables until it is time to sink your teeth into the hearty and delicious meal prepared by the house-elves.
Zombie Apocalypse Team Leader ★ ★ in a crown of pepperoni and artisan cheese
This was it. Her last feast ever at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. For the most part, Olivia couldn't believe she'd actually survived.
....but she supposed after the mess in Dufftown, anything was truly possible. Perhaps her demise was awaiting her at the Farewell Feast. There was still time for something to go awry. If this school (and Professor Hirsch/Prince Eric) had taught the blonde anything, it was that she should always be prepared, no matter the setting. So, with that in mind, Olivia double checked the sleeve of her robe. Wand? Check. Good... Very good. Just in case anything tried to attack while she was in the midst of battle with her food.
The Great Hall was fairly empty upon her arrival, so Liv simply chose any old seat at her House table. There would be time to write in that book later. As well as visit with other tables. She was in no rush.
__________________
We live in cities you'll never see onscreen..._______________________________________________
So very pretty, and we sure know how to run things..._______________________________ Livin' in ruins of a palace, within our dreams...____________
We're on each other's team._____
A path is not simply for walking, its purpose lies in moving forward and improving oneself.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Govoni
This was it. Her last feast ever at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. For the most part, Olivia couldn't believe she'd actually survived.
....but she supposed after the mess in Dufftown, anything was truly possible. Perhaps her demise was awaiting her at the Farewell Feast. There was still time for something to go awry. If this school (and Professor Hirsch/Prince Eric) had taught the blonde anything, it was that she should always be prepared, no matter the setting. So, with that in mind, Olivia double checked the sleeve of her robe. Wand? Check. Good... Very good. Just in case anything tried to attack while she was in the midst of battle with her food.
The Great Hall was fairly empty upon her arrival, so Liv simply chose any old seat at her House table. There would be time to write in that book later. As well as visit with other tables. She was in no rush.
A small box floated through the air as the owner of it sat at the Ravenclaw table, wand pointed at it and a look of utter concentration on his face.
It had been weeks since Dufftown and the chaos that had happened there and there had been one thing he had not done yet that he felt he had to do. Especially when he found out that this was his last chance as he had found out that Olivia would not be returning next term. And with her N.E.W.Ts he had not want to disturb her...let alone that it was sometimes impossible to find her as their classes did not match.
So when he had seen her taking a seat at the Gryffindor table, the soon to be third year had went to work. When he was sure that the small box was above her he slowly lowered it and then lost concentration and it SLAMMED on the table in front of her. Oops?
On top of the box was a letter and once it was opened it read in a bad handwriting;
Quote:
Thank you for saving me at that town.
-Dorian Katharos,
Ravenclaw
P.S. I hope you ACED your exams!
Inside of the box were a mix of candies he had left from his year at Hogwarts. A handful of ice mice and sherbert lemons, a Bertie Botts beans package, 2 chocolate frog cards the ones he had multiple of because no way was he giving ones he only had one of a sugar quill. It wasn't much but it was something.
∞ 17 | RP entrepreneur | defies gravity | Miss George is flawless | blanket burrito lyfe
BBeau was EXCITED for the summer. Yes yes yes he was. He was probably the MOST excited out of the entire castle. No one else here (except Smeliane) was going to the countryside for a WHOLE WEEK with HIS MUM KAIA BARNARD (yes the world class beater obvs) and some other stinky Montague sister thing.
His stomach rumbled as he sat down and he gave it a soothing pat. "I'll feed you as soon as I can, buddy." WHY did they have to wait for food?! It was SOOOOOOOO unnecessary. It wasn't like anyone was being SORTED this time.
Traditions were awful and these food timings needed to be CHANGED. PETITION TIME.
Or not. Because he was just going to wait for Em before he did anything loud. Or...loud on purpose. Beauey WAS loud naturally.
Slytherindor ♛ The Crazytastic Besties ♛ Shan Watson ♛
Vi was a little quieter than usual. Today was a weird day and it left her feeling unsettled. Her last feast ever. No. She didn’t want to think of it like that. She needed not too; otherwise, she’d be in tears. She had to make this feast count.
As she approached the Gryffindor table, she gave her fellow housemates a smile. “Hello!” she greeted Liv, the younger Ravenclaw boy, and Beau. “What’s up?” With that, she took a seat at the table. Hmm... Was Professor Marchand okay? Her eyes glanced at the Staff Table and she squinted a little, trying to see if he was there.
Merlin, she may want to consider glasses or contact lenses. All of the recent studying made her eyes worse.
Shoe!Girl │ Rebel Ravie │ Confundus Queen │ RP Addict
The past few weeks hadn’t ben anywhere close to the best weeks of Stasya’s life. To be honest, they’d been generally not very nice at all, and the trip to Dufftown was to blame. Specifically, what had happened there, and it had taken the fourteen-year-old along time to even attempt to get over it. She’d barely been eating, although her talk with Professor Hirsch had helped a little. As her visits to his office usually did, but still, she’d lost some weight since the return from the Muggle town. Even though now she had maybe an answer to what had happened last term when she’d found herself in a hallway instead of snug in her bed in the dorms, knowing she’d been possessed wasn’t fun. Plus, people were leaving.
That last detail was the reason she’d gone down to the kitchens for one last baking session with the elves, dealing with the elves trying to make sure she ate something while she was there. The box she was carrying was the evidence of that visit. The box, containing nearly a dozen vegan cookies, she’d set on the plate in front of Liv as she’d slid into the seat next to the older blonde, leaning into her side a little once she was settled into place and giving Beau and Vi each her best smile as well. At least she was going to try to be happy. Even if she still didn’t feel it deep down, she didn’t want anyone to worry about her.
__________________
♥♥♥♥ It's me, hi, I'm the problem, it's me, at tea time, everybody agrees
...It must be exhausting, always rooting for the anti-hero ♥♥♥
His last entrance to the Great Hall wasn't exactly as LOUD as usual because those last few weeks had taken the toll on him aaaaand he was just ready to go home and sleep for a month. And he'd better have passed all of his NEWTs with flying colours. He couldn't take anything less than an EE, so fried brain alert.
If he could've rolled his way into the Great Hall and towards the Gryffindor table, he would have. That would've been a little too painful, however, seeing that he was coming all the way from the Gryffindor Common Room. SO. He walked.
Wow, where had his energy gone? He simply gave everyone he knew a lazy wave as he passed them, plopping down on a random seat and grabbing his cutlery, hitting it repeatedly on the table in front of him.
HE WAS READY FOR FOOD. PLEASE. Come on, Headmistress, he knew you also just wanted out of the Castle already.
Otter This World ♡ Catpurrccino ♡ Slotherin ♡ Pandamonium
With all that had happened during her very first term, specifically the events that had taken place at Dufftown, the past few weeks had gone by in a blur. It had been hard to completely process that even though she had done things she normally wouldn't have it hadn't been her fault. Being under someone else's control wasn't at all a pleasant experience and she was still very much working through that feeling.
There was a small bounce in her step and a gentle smile on her face as her blue eyes landed on some of her friends sitting at their tables already. Rylee lifted her hand and waved at them all. She would stop by their tables after having something to eat first. She also waved at the Professors and Headmistress taking note that Professor Stewart wasn't there. Maybe she would come in late? She really hoped so, she wanted to say bye to her before they had to leave.
"Hi, everyone," she smiled at the few already seated at the house table. Without much thought she walked towards Matt and gently tugged his sleeve to get his attention. She had something to say to him before they left that she hadn't gotten the chance to say yet.
__________________
Days of Potter 2023:___________________________ Which Bertie Botts Flavour Are You? You are Bread!
Melbourne glanced over toward Olivia as she walked over to the Gryffindor table…”hey, congratulations on making it here…” she grinned over at the blonde that had been her dormmate for the past term. The brunette gave Stas, Dorian, Beau small waves hello before sitting next to Vi.
”Hey Vi…you ready for graduation?” she asked smiling as she glanced around the table. Where was Ace? He needed to get a hug - oh…but, more importantly, she neeeeeeeeeded to show Vi what Kirk had given her the other day. Oh MATT! "Hey Matt, you seem ready to just eat and run?" she asked with a small smirk of a smile playing on her lips.
__________________
IT'S NOT AN ACT OF LOVE __________________________________________________ ___________ ____________
IF YOU MAKE HER ____________
Slytherindor ♛ The Crazytastic Besties ♛ Shan Watson ♛
And Stasya joined the table. Vi couldn't help but notice as she smiled that she felt as if the girl was trying to be happy but then again maybe she was interpreting that incorrectly. And hmm.. Ace was always better at reading some of the younger years than she was. She returned Stasya's smile and then noted that Rylee and Matt had joined the table too now. Here we go. More lions were showing up and soon it would be a party. She offered both of them a smile and was about to raise an eyebrow at Matt's quietness but decided not too because perhaps he was just feeling out of the whole feast with graduation waiting for them.
"Hey Mel!" she beamed as her roomie sat down next to her. The question gave her pause. Ready? Well.... She wasn't entirely sure. "I suppose so. I'm ready for a break. I can't believe that we're here... It seems way too soon." She paused again, smirking as Mel asked Matt about food. Yes, he did seem absolutely done with this whole year. "Eat and run?" she chuckled. That didn't seem so bad either but she did NEED to say goodbye to a couple of people. Ace...? She glanced at the entrance to the Great Hall. No sign of Ace just yet. He'll probably be here momentarily. "Are you ready for graduation, Mel?"
Probably my shortest Feast post ever, lololol *pokes Matt*
Arts TRANSPONSTER!
Matt was still making some noise with the cutlery on the table when he felt a tug on his sleeve.
Turning around, he gave Rylee a warm smile. "Hey, kid. What's up?"
A voice called his name, making him turn his head back in the other direction. He snorted at Mel's question. "Pretty accurate. How long do you reckon 'til she gives her speech? I say 13 minutes and three quarters." He said with a lazy grin.
Mel grinned over to Matt and Vi – she got it really…Vi’s need for a break. She needed one herself even if it meant being away from friends and loved ones…”Oh…same, a change and the whole dine-and-dash bit both sound splendid…I’d need to say goodbye to Kirk first but that’s…that’d be hard y’know?” she paused for a moment and simply returned to smiling at her yearmates.
”Oh…gosh, but how long will it be? We might have to wait nearly a half hour for food…” and then looking around at all of the faces she leaned closer to the pair ”I have snacks in my pack if we need to tide ourselves over…and y’know, in case someone cursed the food” it was Hogwarts afterall.
”but…I’d say 15 minutes with at least a seven minute speech….y’know all the farewells and the whole what happened in Dufftown was regrettable bits…” because obviously they’d bring it up.
__________________
IT'S NOT AN ACT OF LOVE __________________________________________________ ___________ ____________
IF YOU MAKE HER ____________
Dem Carters | even 🕊🕊 have pride | | Expecto PAWtronum 🐈 | U-NA-GI
Yes, he knew that he was probably cutting it close, thank you. Did he particularly care? Not really, especially since he saw that Professor Noble was up and bothering students and that his being as late he was meant that the potions master was spewing his ignoble gas on Flynn (or as Ronan had taken to calling the Slytherin prefect, Flynnilyn) instead of him. Bonus, that was.
Anyway, the sixth-soon-to-be-seventh-year made quite the entrance into the Great Hall, complete with charm to push both doors open without slamming them back. Hmm, maybe it was true what they said about the drama kids? He took a seat at the Gryffindor table with a "Hey, everyone." A tired one to be sure. The last few weeks had taken a toll on him too. After all, he had been possessed too, though not as many times as some of his classmates had, thankfully. And forgetting about it was impossible since it kept cropping up in conversation everywhere.
Ugh, where was the food already?
__________________
Days of Potter 2023:___________________________ Which Bertie Botts Flavour Are You? You are Salt!
Resident Ghost of Gryffindor | Chivilrous & Sociable
Truth be told, Sir Nicholas was not in the best of moods this evening. News of the Dufftown incident had reached the ghost's ears and still weighed heavily on his mind, but he had no desire to dampen the joy of the feast. He made sure to put on his best smile as he floated toward the Gryffindor table. Perhaps seeing him so overly cheery would brighten the students' spirits, Yes?
"Good evening, Gryffindors!" he called out, giving a deep bow. "And friends!" he added, bowing again to the young Ravenclaw (Dorian). "I hope all is well."
He glided toward the ladies (Liv, Vi, & Mel) and gentleman (Matt) who would be graduating this evening. "I do believe congratulations to you are in order! I wish you all the best, and may you always remember your time in the noble house of Godric Gryffindor!"
Otter This World ♡ Catpurrccino ♡ Slotherin ♡ Pandamonium
Rocking gently back and forth on her heels, Rylee waited rather patiently for Matt to turn around. "I didn't get the chance to speak with you much lately since you had exams to study for... but I wanted to thank you for helping me that day," her voice was quiet as she spoke and it was clear she was trying hard not to allow the memories of that day overcome her. The day in mention of course being the trip to Dufftown. While she may have been completely out of it and even resisted his help a little that afternoon if it weren't for him who knows what could've happened. She just wanted him to know she appreciated it.
Taking a seat at the table near Matt, she gave the others a warm smile. She was going to get through this feast as happily as she could. A rather loud greeting caught the small girls attention over all the talk about when the feast would begin. Lifting her blue eyes upwards she grinned. "Hello, Sir Nicholas." Cue waving at him.
No sooner had she lowered her hand down then there was a bit of commotion from none other than Peeves. Was he throwing... eggs? Rylee stared wide-eyed as an egg was actually cracked right on Matt's head!some of the yolk splattering on her in the process.
__________________
Days of Potter 2023:___________________________ Which Bertie Botts Flavour Are You? You are Bread!
Slytherindor ♛ The Crazytastic Besties ♛ Shan Watson ♛
Vi smiled at Mel’s comment, feeling a little more relieved that her bestie and current roomie felt a similar way to how she felt. When Mel brought up Kirk, she just blinked. Oh yes. She couldn’t imagine leaving Ace behind her or watching Ace graduate before her. That’d be tough... not seeing him every day. Wait.... She probably wouldn’t see her boyfriend and best friend every single day at university either. But she wasn’t going to think about that. Not yet. “Yeah... but you guys have the summer and you can mirror each other?” she said, nudging her friend gently with her elbow and offering an upbeat small smile.
“Sir Nick!” she cried with a grin and felt her eyes begin to sparkle with tears. “Thank you. Also thank you for always being so welcoming to us. I appreciate it.” She really did. Yep. No tears. She was good. AND THEN PEEVES HAPPPENED. She just stared, watching the cracked egg spill on Matt’s hair.
And then Ronan joined the table. He got a wave from Vi and then she turned back to Mel. Yeah Dufftown..... “About Dufftown...” she began and then the Headmistress began her speech. By the time that the Headmistress has finished her speech, Vi grabbed the closest goblet and chugged the pumpkin juice. She needed something to keep the watery eyes at bay. Nope. No tears. Not now....
Ability is nothing without Opportunity | | Creativity is Intelligence having FUN
Ace dashed around the castle like that rabbit in Alice in Wonderland, except he didnt have a pocket watch and wasnt as loud about it. lots of lose ends to tie up, lots of messages to send out--because apparently these people have never heard of summer vacation and placement waits for no lackadaisical student anyhow-- and just lots of things to weep quietly about since he's leaving this amazingness that formed 7 years of his life.
The Curly Top zoomed in on probably the last time he would ride his hoverboard around this hallowed halls, just in time for the Headmistress to start her speech. And among the smorgasboard of emotions that he had that night, a small tinge of regret as he looked up to see the Great Hall adorned in Slytherin colors. he would've liked to have the Gryffindor crimson and gold be waving about one last time, his gift to his house. But alas its not meant to be.
And as soon as the food appeared he bolted for the seat closest to his girlfriend Vi and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek, Mel got a quick fist bump and to the rest of his housemates a bright if a bit pensive smile for them all. "Second place this year Gryffindor. Not bad. Good effort everyone!" and with that he gave them all a round of applause.
__________________
++Tenacius ++🐦++ Salander++🐦++ Deo ++🐦++ Vickers ++🐦++ Huxley ++🐦+ Aquila++ Yeah thats what crazy is, when its broken you say theres nothing to fix++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++And you pray that everything will be okay, while you're making all the same mistakes
Matt kept smiling when little Rylee thanked him for helping her back in Dufftown. "That's what friends do." He said, gently nudging her. "And you're a Gryffindor, I could never leave a lion behind." The boy added with a wink.
He turned his attention to Mel. "SEVEN-MINUTE SPEECH??" Matt shouted repeated his friend's words, giving her a horrified look. "Who DOES that?? No one can talk for that long." Though they could and Matt knew that. And she was right about the Dufftown thing. Merlin. That'd be a looooooong niiiiight.
And Nearly-Headless-Nick showed up and was congratulating those who were graduating. "Thanks, Nick!" The Gryffindor said with a wide grin. "All the best for your future too." Whatever that looked like for a ghost. Lol.
Hungry? Yes, he was. "Hey, Peeves." Matt said, already bracing himself for whatever the poltergeist was up to that time. Good thing, because he himself ended up with an egg splatted on his head. He laughed and actually left the egg there. "Thanks for the departure gift!" He exclaimed as the poltergeist floated away.
The speech! Just about time. Pfffffffft. Matt didn't clap as Slytherin's winning was acknowledged because he didn't have to. But HEY! The graduates were being acknowledged now. MUEHEHEHEHE, THAT WAS HIM!
His lack of energy suddenly vanishing, the seventh year proudly stood up, grinning widely because he had DONE IT! IT WAS OVER! "YAAAAAAAAAS!!!!" He SHOUTED, jumping onto his seat, fists raised in VICTORYYYY!!! GOODBYE, HOGWARTS SCHOOL OF MADNESS! FINALLY!! "Thank you, thank you one and all!" Matt added, waving around as people clapped for them. Heh.
FOOD TIME! FINALLY²! He jumped off his seat and, still standing, started stacking his plate.
Rhibear ~ Madam Solo ~ Dark Brooding Girl ~ Accio Jedi ~ Gryffinclaw ~ Just a doll
The moment Gaston had been dreading all night had finally arrived. He reminded himself that once this was over, he could retreat to his office to be alone with his sadness, and come tomorrow, he'd go home to his wife and daughter. But even that thought wasn't enough to dull the pain of losing so many kids - no, not kids anymore - young men and women who he'd come to love as if they were his own sons and daughters. He hung back for a moment, just watching his Lions from afar... Ace, Matt, Mel, Liv, & Vi all together one last time, and the younger ones Beau, Rylee, Stasya, Ronan, & Dorian (who was, strictly speaking, not a Gryffindor but still a student Gaston cared for). It broke his heart to think that one day, whether they graduated or he left Hogwarts, he would say goodbye to them too!
He heaved a shuddery sigh as he finally willed himself to move closer, taking care to stand with his back to the staff table at all times. He knew there was no way he'd be walking away from this table without crying, and he was hoping to hide that from Hawthorne. There were already tears brimming in his eyes, and his throat quickly became too choked to speak. Instead of words, he said hello with waves for the students and a polite bow of the Head for Sir Nicholas. Despite his sadness, he managed to smile at Ace’s words of encouragement. When he eventually found his voice, he added, ”Indeed, good effort! Well said, Mr. Salander! House Cup or not, I'm proud of each and every one of you. Give yourselves a round of applause!” He joined the Head Boy in clapping.
When the applause died, he cleared his throat and went on, ”I know you're hungry, so I'll try not to take long…” He may or may not have thrown sidelong glances at Beau and Matt here; then he turned to Liv & Ronan. ”I just wanted to say if it hadn't been for your quick action in Dufftown, I might be…” Well, probably not dead but at least hospitalized. ”... a lot worse off, so thank you from the bottom of my heart! I hope that one day I'll be able to repay you.”
”And to our seventh years…” Gaston’s bright blue eyes scanned the table, and it suddenly struck him just how different Hogwarts would be next term without Matt making him laugh, Mel livening up dull moments with her wit, Liv watching out for everyone, Ace leading a new batch of Lion cubs, and Vi believing in him even when so many others did not. ”Thank you for everything! Thank you for showing the strength -” His eyes lingered on Ace as he said the word. ”- courage -” He glanced at Liv this time. ” - spirit -” He looked at Mel this time. ”- and energy that exemplify Gryffindor.” His eyes landed on Matt for a moment.
”But most of all, thank you for accepting me as your head of house and giving me the chance to be a part of your journey through Hogwarts.” Those last words were directed at all of them, but the entire time he said them, he was looking at Vi... the one with whom he'd been avoiding eye contact all along; the one he'd known the longest; the one who'd, either by fate or coincidence, followed him from Beaubatons to Hogwarts… and the one whose goodbye hurt him the most. Just that one quick look at her was enough to finally break him, and he had to bow his head in a futile attempt to hide the tears silently streaming down his face.
__________________
Old voices I had thought long since dead whisper of another life I might have led If I could take that second chance, If I could make my life anew, If only dreams came true...
Melbourne glanced around the great hall once more that night in an exercise for not tearing up. Merlin, this was hard. Harder than she ever thought it would be…leaving, and not coming back was rough but made rougher with the fact that Kirk wasn’t leaving with her. Don’t ask him to finish next year with homeschooling…he needs this place, the thought stung but it was what was right for him…and for her too.
Glancing over she watched for a moment as Ronan Carter walked into the greathall. Ah, next year he’d be going through the same thing she was right now. ”Hey Ronan, you have any fun summer plans? she asked kindly purposefully avoiding the topic of his previous possession.
Nearlyheadless Nick’s voice congratulation her and the graduating Gryffindors only caused her throat to tighten. It felt as if there were an egg caught in her throat. ”Th-thank you Sir Nicholas” she finally coughed out even though it stung. ”Sir Nicholas…keep the kids after us on their toes, they need to keep their wits up to survive Hogwarts” really, wit was what had saved so many of them in the direstraights of the school year.
Eggs. Mel glaced at the oozing cracked egg spilling down Matt’s hair. Right, at least he’d taken it well?
Mel glanced up at Vi once more and grinned, ”yeah summer…and I’m planning on leaving Darce with him so he can at least deal with witty comebacks whenever he wants to play with the Jarvey” really, leaving Darcy might be harder than leaving Kirk…Darcy, she was already family to her. She had raised her from a baby. Right Dufftown…wait food, food was good.
Mel took a hard sip of water – almost gulping the liquid down just as Ace arrived at the table. ”we…did well,” Mel grinned over to him, gosh she was going to miss being in the Gryffindor commons with him especially considering he wasn’t her neighbor anymore. Things had changed over the years and that, that was still one of the most significant parts to her. The inability to simply walk across a little bridge over to her best friends house.
Mel nodded when Matt mentioned the seven minute speech – her little smirk still in place. He was fun, she was going to miss him. Stop missing people she griped at herself before looking at their little group once more. ”guys…we need to do something – like, next year when we’re all in uni and doing whatever life throws at us…we need to meet up and have a fun time in the city? Y’know, get delicious food and chat about the non-deadly things we’re doing?” because she was assuming that it was only Hogwarts that tried to kill its students and not university.
It was a short speech but when the graduates were asked to stand it hit hard. That was her. Shakily she stood up and pressed her fingers against the table before sitting down again moments later. ”We did this, we made it” she gulped and then looked up to see Professor Marchand walking over.
Oh merlin.
No, please don’t say anything touching. She knew that wouldn’t work, he was always touching and kind, it was the Marchand way. ”Professor Marchand,” Mel spoke up as he walked near their gathering group of students. ”thank you, for everything – for, for being a wonderful professor and for inspiring all of us to be better kinder people in our lives.” she smiled softly before handing him a small tin. ”It has an undetectable extension charm on it…and its cookies” smiling up at him for a moment she just felt herself getting choked up again when Professor Marchand thanked her for her spirit…that was, great. ”thank you,” merlin. She was going to miss his classes.
__________________
IT'S NOT AN ACT OF LOVE __________________________________________________ ___________ ____________
IF YOU MAKE HER ____________
Slytherindor ♛ The Crazytastic Besties ♛ Shan Watson ♛
"Darce with Kirk?" repeated Vi as her eyes softened at the thought. That was brave. Darcy was Mel's baby. She had raised Darcy and the fact that she was bestowing Darcy's care on Kirk was a very telling sign to Vi. She loves him. She really does. That very thought brought a smile onto Vi's lips. She had to bite back a comment about the wedding. Heh. They were good for each other. She leaned her chin against the palm of her hand as she watched her housemates interact just staying silent to enjoy the moment. She was going to miss this.
Vi felt a pair of lips gently land on her cheek. There he was. She figured he must have been enjoying his time in the castle one last time. She felt the tears begin to build and she blinked her eyes, looking down for but a moment before smiling once more. No tears. Not yet. "Ace!" she said with a grin as he sat next to her. She could feel her hands beginning to shake a little. She balled her hand up into a fist in order to steady the shaking and help her direct her attention elsewhere. Hopefully that would stop hers from shaking. Vi took a deep breath and chuckled at Matt and Mel's reaction. Then her boyfriend led a round of applause for their proud house. What a natural leader. He was an inspiration. The way he just.... A smile crept onto her lips as she watched him. Incredible.... Huh? She paused, glancing down at her hands for a moment, and then just enjoyed the moment. It would be strange not sitting here again in this magnificent castle. "Yes... To an even better victory next year!" she smiled, using her free hand to raise the goblet of water. "Well done."
And the graduates stood and Vi found herself reaching out towards Ace to gently take his hand into hers hoping that the shaking wouldn't betray her feelings. He probably knew better than anyone how she was feeling at this precise moment. She was trying to stay strong.
During the round of applause, she had heard someone else clapping and turned to see Professor Marchand at the table. There he was! He was alright. She was happy to see that he was in a better state than in Dufftown. Phew. A small smile crept onto her lips. Her eyes softened once more and she felt a twinge in her heart. This was goodbye, wasn't it? She paused, listening to her Head of House begin to thank Liv and Ronan for their help in Dufftown. And then he turned his attention towards the seventh years. As he spoke, he mentioned the Gryffindor values. Strength, courage, spirit, and energy.... Acceptance too. Accepting him as their Head of House.
When her Head of House looked at her just for that moment before looking down to hide his head from them, she felt her chin begin to wobble every so slightly. They had been through a lot. Beauxbatons... Which brought back memories both bad and good. Though Marchand had always kept an eye on her there... And when she came to Hogwarts, he had kept an eye on her here too. He had always believed in all of them- all of the students. He truly believed in them... and her. Without another word, she found herself wrapping her arms around him. She would miss him.
After giving him the hug, Olivia took a step back, wiping tear stained cheeks. She hadn't planned on crying. She really hadn't. "Thank you... for everything." Seriously. He had always been there with a helpful smile paired with a chocolate, a cup of cocoa or a cup of tea. "For always being there through thick and thin. Keeping an eye over our reckless family...." Vi felt her throat start to close in and tears well up. She took a deep breath. "But it's not adieu for all of us...." she said, remembering what she had heard at Beauxbaton's graduation. She chuckled, blinking back tears."We say a la prochaine instead! Until next time."
Zombie Apocalypse Team Leader ★ ★ in a crown of pepperoni and artisan cheese
For the most part, Olivia had been in her own little world. Had...the Great Hall always been this spectacular? Did the charmed night sky always carry that many stars? She was filled with wonder, as she thought about all the children she'd babysat for family friends. Like the Gunters. Miss Xaria would be coming to Hogwarts next term, if she recalled correctly. And Chloe McCarthy, too. They'd look at the same sky and feel exactly what she was in this moment. It'd be the start of something magical for them. Seven years of laughter and well-learned lessons. Heartbreak, when hormones finally came into the picture........ But it would all be worth it. Every last bit of it, because when their final feast eventually rolled around, they would also feel the deep sense of pride and accomplishment that she was experiencing. To her, you couldn't have the good without the bad... So, yes. Worth it.
Quote:
Originally Posted by DuckyLinJi
A small box floated through the air as the owner of it sat at the Ravenclaw table, wand pointed at it and a look of utter concentration on his face.
It had been weeks since Dufftown and the chaos that had happened there and there had been one thing he had not done yet that he felt he had to do. Especially when he found out that this was his last chance as he had found out that Olivia would not be returning next term. And with her N.E.W.Ts he had not want to disturb her...let alone that it was sometimes impossible to find her as their classes did not match.
So when he had seen her taking a seat at the Gryffindor table, the soon to be third year had went to work. When he was sure that the small box was above her he slowly lowered it and then lost concentration and it SLAMMED on the table in front of her. Oops?
On top of the box was a letter and once it was opened it read in a bad handwriting;
Inside of the box were a mix of candies he had left from his year at Hogwarts. A handful of ice mice and sherbert lemons, a Bertie Botts beans package, 2 chocolate frog cards the ones he had multiple of because no way was he giving ones he only had one of a sugar quill. It wasn't much but it was something.
Distracted, Olivia vaguely noticed a small box slamming into the table in front of where she sat. The blonde blinked. What.... was this? Quickly glancing around the massive room, she didn't note anything out of the ordinary....but that wasn't to suggest that she was an easy target. After a few beats, Liv readied her wand, using it to unravel the package; only to see the attached note shortly after... From Dorian? Her bright blue eyes sought him out at the Ravenclaw table. Blessed, had he....levitated that all the way over here?! For her?
Olivia was....touched. Really. She wanted to eat a good meal tonight, but the sweets would be enjoyed at another time. Perhaps on the train ride home. She might even share them with.... Stasya, who'd just taken a seat next to her. Stashing the various boxes and treats into her bag, she finally slung an arm around the younger girl. "Hello, love." It was said super quietly. Words only shared between the two of them, since she could sense that Stas was upset. It hurt Olivia's heart to be leaving her behind, but
Apparently, a lot of people had joined the table while her mind had been elsewhere. Fellow quidditch mate, Beau Montague, the other Olivia, Matt, Rylee (another quidditch mate).... An embarrassed flush bloomed in her cheeks. Good lord, Mel, Ace, and Ronan.... and their house ghost, even. Wow, Olivia Lynn. Had she truly been that preoccupied? "Hello everyone. I hope you guys are having a wonderful end-of-term feast thus far." It might've fallen on deaf ears, given that Gryffindor was always lit this time of year, but... she felt better having said it, anyway. In fact, she could recall her very first feast... When, she, Blaise, and Bentley had started that massive food fight. The Gryffindors had risen, throwing themselves into the fray happily. Memories of the event that marked the beginning of her Hogwarts education had Liv searching for Matt Solo. He'd been in the thick of it with them. As well as Ace, and Torrance. Thank Merlin, Professor Flamsteed had not expelled the lot of them. Wow, this really was like saying goodbye to family. No.... she had to remind herself. Not "goodbye".... More like "See you later".
Stomping down at the sudden emotion swelling in her chest, Olivia gave Stas a final squeeze before releasing her. The Headmistress had stood and that meant a commencement speech was soon to follow. Which in turn, meant that FOOD was about to decorate the middle of the Gryffindor table, and really...it couldn't come soon enough. She was starving, having foregone eating so that she might enjoy tonight to its fullest potential. With all the snacking and tea drinking she usually did on the train to school, she usually never had room for seconds. And that was disrespectful to he house elves that cooked and slaved over this wonderful meals.
When the food appeared, she wasted no time in attacking the potato bowl... Er, she hoped no one else had been interested in those. These were her LAST Hogwarts potatoes. Ever. So.... Oh, and there was her Head of House. It brought Olivia up short, remembering vividly how he'd looked the last time she'd laid eyes on him... Face down on the ground, Professor Stewart viciously attacking him with all her might. Blinking rapidly so that she might push the memory away, the Gryffindor smiled up at the older man. He looked to be in much better spirits tonight, and she was grateful to see it. Even though....he was trying his damnedest to make her cry. Pulling the cloth napkin from her lap, she carefully wiped beneath her watery eyes. The tears hadn't fallen yet, but they were seconds from doing so. Especially when he thanked her and Ronan for helping him. As if looking for confirmation, her eyes sought out the younger Gryffindor boy. She was speaking before she even knew what words she might say.
"Professor, those of us who are able to act, have a responsibility to do so. There's absolutely nothing to thank us for." It was all the Seventh Year could manage, as emotions threatened to overwhelm her sense again. UGH, and she still had a memory book entry to write.
No. STOP. We are NOT crying right now. Absolutely not.
__________________
We live in cities you'll never see onscreen..._______________________________________________
So very pretty, and we sure know how to run things..._______________________________ Livin' in ruins of a palace, within our dreams...____________
We're on each other's team._____
Resident Ghost of Gryffindor | Chivilrous & Sociable
Sir Nicholas had barely finished speaking to the seventh years when Peeves appeared. "Now, see here, Peeves -" he began but was interrupted as an egg passed right through him. He would certainly be speaking with the other ghosts about this later!
Now that that disturbance was over, they could continue with the festivities. One young Lioness (Rylee) received a deep bow from the ghost in reply to her greeting. "Hello, Rylee," Sir Nicholas said. "How was your first term at Hogwarts?"
Another bow was given to Olivia Phillips as she spoke. "Hello, Olivia. Thank you, and likewise."
More well wishes were given, this time courtesy of Matt Meriwether. "You're quite welcome, Matt. And thank you." Sir Nicholas was unable to resist an eye roll at the undignified display of shouting and jumping, though he remained silent. Oddbodkins! This one was always such a loud child!
The resident Gryffindor ghost smiled at the other Olivia. "You are most welcome, Olivia." Cue another dramatic bow. "It's been a pleasure." What would his meager existence be if he weren't guiding the younger generations of Gryffindors?
Another smile and bow followed, this time for Melbourne. "You are most welcome, Melbourne," he said. "Of course. That's why I'm here."
Sir Nicholas joined in the round of applause for the Gryffindors. "Hear, hear!" he exclaimed in response to the Head Boy's rousing words.
Ah, the hero of Dufftown (Marchand)- or one of them, at any rate - had arrived! The Gryffindor ghost smiled, listening to the man's speech in respectful silence. His nonexistent heart went out to him, though he pretended not to notice him losing his composure; it would be bad form to draw unnecessary attention to him. He wanted to tell him the goodbyes became easier with time, but alas, that was false! Six hundred years in this castle had taught him that. Perhaps he would find him after the feast and speak with him.
Rhibear ~ Madam Solo ~ Dark Brooding Girl ~ Accio Jedi ~ Gryffinclaw ~ Just a doll
Text Cut: Vi
Quote:
Originally Posted by Watson
"Darce with Kirk?" repeated Vi as her eyes softened at the thought. That was brave. Darcy was Mel's baby. She had raised Darcy and the fact that she was bestowing Darcy's care on Kirk was a very telling sign to Vi. She loves him. She really does. That very thought brought a smile onto Vi's lips. She had to bite back a comment about the wedding. Heh. They were good for each other. She leaned her chin against the palm of her hand as she watched her housemates interact just staying silent to enjoy the moment. She was going to miss this.
Vi felt a pair of lips gently land on her cheek. There he was. She figured he must have been enjoying his time in the castle one last time. She felt the tears begin to build and she blinked her eyes, looking down for but a moment before smiling once more. No tears. Not yet. "Ace!" she said with a grin as he sat next to her. She could feel her hands beginning to shake a little. She balled her hand up into a fist in order to steady the shaking and help her direct her attention elsewhere. Hopefully that would stop hers from shaking. Vi took a deep breath and chuckled at Matt and Mel's reaction. Then her boyfriend led a round of applause for their proud house. What a natural leader. He was an inspiration. The way he just.... A smile crept onto her lips as she watched him. Incredible.... Huh? She paused, glancing down at her hands for a moment, and then just enjoyed the moment. It would be strange not sitting here again in this magnificent castle. "Yes... To an even better victory next year!" she smiled, using her free hand to raise the goblet of water. "Well done."
And the graduates stood and Vi found herself reaching out towards Ace to gently take his hand into hers hoping that the shaking wouldn't betray her feelings. He probably knew better than anyone how she was feeling at this precise moment. She was trying to stay strong.
During the round of applause, she had heard someone else clapping and turned to see Professor Marchand at the table. There he was! He was alright. She was happy to see that he was in a better state than in Dufftown. Phew. A small smile crept onto her lips. Her eyes softened once more and she felt a twinge in her heart. This was goodbye, wasn't it? She paused, listening to her Head of House begin to thank Liv and Ronan for their help in Dufftown. And then he turned his attention towards the seventh years. As he spoke, he mentioned the Gryffindor values. Strength, courage, spirit, and energy.... Acceptance too. Accepting him as their Head of House.
When her Head of House looked at her just for that moment before looking down to hide his head from them, she felt her chin begin to wobble every so slightly. They had been through a lot. Beauxbatons... Which brought back memories both bad and good. Though Marchand had always kept an eye on her there... And when she came to Hogwarts, he had kept an eye on her here too. He had always believed in all of them- all of the students. He truly believed in them... and her. Without another word, she found herself wrapping her arms around him. She would miss him.
After giving him the hug, Olivia took a step back, wiping tear stained cheeks. She hadn't planned on crying. She really hadn't. "Thank you... for everything." Seriously. He had always been there with a helpful smile paired with a chocolate, a cup of cocoa or a cup of tea. "For always being there through thick and thin. Keeping an eye over our reckless family...." Vi felt her throat start to close in and tears well up. She took a deep breath. "But it's not adieu for all of us...." she said, remembering what she had heard at Beauxbaton's graduation. She chuckled, blinking back tears."We say a la prochaine instead! Until next time."
For a few moments, Gaston could only stand with his head down, powerless to stop the tears falling. Then someone was hugging him... Vi. He choked back a sob as his arms wrapped around her. Hawthorne could disapprove all she wanted, but he would never hide his love for his students just to fit her idea of professionalism! Wiping his own tears, he looked back at her as she spoke, and his heart broke to see she'd been crying too. Has he caused that? Good Godric Gryffindor, now he felt awful!
He nodded at her words. The tears had stopped for now, but he still didn't trust his voice not to break. The thanks were appreciated, but didn't she understand? It was his job to care for her, as it was his job to care for every student who passed through Hogwarts's doors. He was glad to hear he wasn't the only one who thought of Gryffindor house as a little family. The words got a small, watery smile, but the thing she said next made his smile grow.
She was right. Maybe it wasn't goodbye forever, at least not for everyone. He once thought he was saying goodbye to Beaubatons when he graduated, but he came back. He thought he was saying goodbye to Vi when he left Beaubatons for Hogwarts, but she came back. Maybe their paths would cross again; at least he hoped they would. "A la prochaine," he replied. Now that he'd regained enough composure to talk, he had a few more parting words for her. "Keep practicing your wandless magic, and if you ever need anything, I'm just an owl away."
He said the last words a bit louder, hoping the other graduates would hear as well. "That applies to all of you," he said. "You can still turn to me if you need anything, no matter where life takes you."
Text Cut: Liv
Quote:
Originally Posted by Govoni
For the most part, Olivia had been in her own little world. Had...the Great Hall always been this spectacular? Did the charmed night sky always carry that many stars? She was filled with wonder, as she thought about all the children she'd babysat for family friends. Like the Gunters. Miss Xaria would be coming to Hogwarts next term, if she recalled correctly. And Chloe McCarthy, too. They'd look at the same sky and feel exactly what she was in this moment. It'd be the start of something magical for them. Seven years of laughter and well-learned lessons. Heartbreak, when hormones finally came into the picture........ But it would all be worth it. Every last bit of it, because when their final feast eventually rolled around, they would also feel the deep sense of pride and accomplishment that she was experiencing. To her, you couldn't have the good without the bad... So, yes. Worth it.
Distracted, Olivia vaguely noticed a small box slamming into the table in front of where she sat. The blonde blinked. What.... was this? Quickly glancing around the massive room, she didn't note anything out of the ordinary....but that wasn't to suggest that she was an easy target. After a few beats, Liv readied her wand, using it to unravel the package; only to see the attached note shortly after... From Dorian? Her bright blue eyes sought him out at the Ravenclaw table. Blessed, had he....levitated that all the way over here?! For her?
Olivia was....touched. Really. She wanted to eat a good meal tonight, but the sweets would be enjoyed at another time. Perhaps on the train ride home. She might even share them with.... Stasya, who'd just taken a seat next to her. Stashing the various boxes and treats into her bag, she finally slung an arm around the younger girl. "Hello, love." It was said super quietly. Words only shared between the two of them, since she could sense that Stas was upset. It hurt Olivia's heart to be leaving her behind, but
Apparently, a lot of people had joined the table while her mind had been elsewhere. Fellow quidditch mate, Beau Montague, the other Olivia, Matt, Rylee (another quidditch mate).... An embarrassed flush bloomed in her cheeks. Good lord, Mel, Ace, and Ronan.... and their house ghost, even. Wow, Olivia Lynn. Had she truly been that preoccupied? "Hello everyone. I hope you guys are having a wonderful end-of-term feast thus far." It might've fallen on deaf ears, given that Gryffindor was always lit this time of year, but... she felt better having said it, anyway. In fact, she could recall her very first feast... When, she, Blaise, and Bentley had started that massive food fight. The Gryffindors had risen, throwing themselves into the fray happily. Memories of the event that marked the beginning of her Hogwarts education had Liv searching for Matt Solo. He'd been in the thick of it with them. As well as Ace, and Torrance. Thank Merlin, Professor Flamsteed had not expelled the lot of them. Wow, this really was like saying goodbye to family. No.... she had to remind herself. Not "goodbye".... More like "See you later".
Stomping down at the sudden emotion swelling in her chest, Olivia gave Stas a final squeeze before releasing her. The Headmistress had stood and that meant a commencement speech was soon to follow. Which in turn, meant that FOOD was about to decorate the middle of the Gryffindor table, and really...it couldn't come soon enough. She was starving, having foregone eating so that she might enjoy tonight to its fullest potential. With all the snacking and tea drinking she usually did on the train to school, she usually never had room for seconds. And that was disrespectful to he house elves that cooked and slaved over this wonderful meals.
When the food appeared, she wasted no time in attacking the potato bowl... Er, she hoped no one else had been interested in those. These were her LAST Hogwarts potatoes. Ever. So.... Oh, and there was her Head of House. It brought Olivia up short, remembering vividly how he'd looked the last time she'd laid eyes on him... Face down on the ground, Professor Stewart viciously attacking him with all her might. Blinking rapidly so that she might push the memory away, the Gryffindor smiled up at the older man. He looked to be in much better spirits tonight, and she was grateful to see it. Even though....he was trying his damnedest to make her cry. Pulling the cloth napkin from her lap, she carefully wiped beneath her watery eyes. The tears hadn't fallen yet, but they were seconds from doing so. Especially when he thanked her and Ronan for helping him. As if looking for confirmation, her eyes sought out the younger Gryffindor boy. She was speaking before she even knew what words she might say.
"Professor, those of us who are able to act, have a responsibility to do so. There's absolutely nothing to thank us for." It was all the Seventh Year could manage, as emotions threatened to overwhelm her sense again. UGH, and she still had a memory book entry to write.
No. STOP. We are NOT crying right now. Absolutely not.
A fresh pang of guilt gripped Gaston's heart as he saw Liv wiping beneath her eyes. Merlin, did he make the entire table cry? Some Head of House you are, he inwardly berated himself. Sorry! So sorry, Gryffindors! He gave her (and the rest of the Gryffindors too) an apologetic look as he glanced down the table, but in a weird way, he felt a little less embarrassed about his own display of emotion. Not that he liked seeing his students cry, because he didn't at all! It broke his heart just as much as seeing his wife or daughter cry, especially if it was because of something he'd said or done!
Her words came as a surprise, and all he could do was stare in disbelief for a second or two. "That's true, Liv," he said when he found his voice again, "but I also know it's true that there are many people in this world who don't think that way." Most people would've just saved themselves and left him for dead. "So I'm still grateful, whether you think I should be or not."
He smiled, but inside his thoughts were racing. He hadn't even considered the danger he put himself in at Dufftown until after the fact. At the time, his only thought was to protect his Hogwarts family, but now he knew that had Liv and Ronan not acted, he would've taken one stunning spell after another from Kaysha. He might've died, Rose might've been a widow, Desiree might've grown up without her father... Holy hippogriffs! He couldn't let himself think about that, or he'd start crying again.
Text Cut: Mel
Quote:
Originally Posted by Optimist.Prime
Melbourne glanced around the great hall once more that night in an exercise for not tearing up. Merlin, this was hard. Harder than she ever thought it would be…leaving, and not coming back was rough but made rougher with the fact that Kirk wasn’t leaving with her. Don’t ask him to finish next year with homeschooling…he needs this place, the thought stung but it was what was right for him…and for her too.
Glancing over she watched for a moment as Ronan Carter walked into the greathall. Ah, next year he’d be going through the same thing she was right now. ”Hey Ronan, you have any fun summer plans? she asked kindly purposefully avoiding the topic of his previous possession.
Nearlyheadless Nick’s voice congratulation her and the graduating Gryffindors only caused her throat to tighten. It felt as if there were an egg caught in her throat. ”Th-thank you Sir Nicholas” she finally coughed out even though it stung. ”Sir Nicholas…keep the kids after us on their toes, they need to keep their wits up to survive Hogwarts” really, wit was what had saved so many of them in the direstraights of the school year.
Eggs. Mel glaced at the oozing cracked egg spilling down Matt’s hair. Right, at least he’d taken it well?
Mel glanced up at Vi once more and grinned, ”yeah summer…and I’m planning on leaving Darce with him so he can at least deal with witty comebacks whenever he wants to play with the Jarvey” really, leaving Darcy might be harder than leaving Kirk…Darcy, she was already family to her. She had raised her from a baby. Right Dufftown…wait food, food was good.
Mel took a hard sip of water – almost gulping the liquid down just as Ace arrived at the table. ”we…did well,” Mel grinned over to him, gosh she was going to miss being in the Gryffindor commons with him especially considering he wasn’t her neighbor anymore. Things had changed over the years and that, that was still one of the most significant parts to her. The inability to simply walk across a little bridge over to her best friends house.
Mel nodded when Matt mentioned the seven minute speech – her little smirk still in place. He was fun, she was going to miss him. Stop missing people she griped at herself before looking at their little group once more. ”guys…we need to do something – like, next year when we’re all in uni and doing whatever life throws at us…we need to meet up and have a fun time in the city? Y’know, get delicious food and chat about the non-deadly things we’re doing?” because she was assuming that it was only Hogwarts that tried to kill its students and not university.
It was a short speech but when the graduates were asked to stand it hit hard. That was her. Shakily she stood up and pressed her fingers against the table before sitting down again moments later. ”We did this, we made it” she gulped and then looked up to see Professor Marchand walking over.
Oh merlin.
No, please don’t say anything touching. She knew that wouldn’t work, he was always touching and kind, it was the Marchand way. ”Professor Marchand,” Mel spoke up as he walked near their gathering group of students. ”thank you, for everything – for, for being a wonderful professor and for inspiring all of us to be better kinder people in our lives.” she smiled softly before handing him a small tin. ”It has an undetectable extension charm on it…and its cookies” smiling up at him for a moment she just felt herself getting choked up again when Professor Marchand thanked her for her spirit…that was, great. ”thank you,” merlin. She was going to miss his classes.
Gaston had to blink several times and bite his lip hard to stop it from trembling as Mel thanked him for inspiring everyone to be kinder. He'd always tried to live his life with kindness in hopes that it would rub off on others, but hearing that it had actually happened... that was more than he could've hoped for! He took a deep breath. No, no, he wasn't going to cry again... at least not until he was alone in his office. He smiled silently. How did he even begin to reply to that? "Thank you, Mel," he said. "I couldn't ask for any higher praise than that!"
Then she handed him a tin of cookies; he couldn't resist lifting the lid and taking a nibble of one. "These are delicious!" he exclaimed after he finished eating. "Best cookies I've ever had!"Don't tell his mother - or worse, his friend Lorraine - that he said that! He would definitely be sharing these with Rose when he got home. Maybe he could liquify one of them and give Desiree a little taste too... sometime when Rose wasn't looking, of course. She'd probably hex him if she caught him doing that!
The cookie only served to remind him that he still hadn't eaten. Now that the sadness of the goodbyes had subsided for now, he realized he was starving! He looked around. Going back to the staff table tear-stained and exhausted was not an option! He thought he would just grab something from the kitchens and head back to his office, but he wanted to stay with his Lions for as long as possible. He nervously ran a hand through his dark hair as he looked around the table at everyone and asked, "Would you mind if I join all of you for dinner tonight?"
__________________
Old voices I had thought long since dead whisper of another life I might have led If I could take that second chance, If I could make my life anew, If only dreams came true...
.jpg)
Gryffindor Table 
x12 
x12
____________
Yeah thats what crazy is, when its broken you say theres nothing to fix++++++++++++++++++++
