Originally Posted by Cassirin

"Yeah," Tate nodded. "If you mean it, I could use a couple. Three, I think." He could take Cari and his son and try to do the whole bonding thing. It was telling how the thought of it made his stomach just curdle.

But a speech. He could do that. Tate rose to his feet, determined to keep it short and sweet.

"Students!" He waited until the chatter diminished slightly before continuing. "Our term is drawing to a close once again. As sad as we are to see our seventh years depart, we are proud to see them entering the adult world, eager to know who and what they will become... and so ready for summer that it is like a physical pain."

Or maybe that was just for him.

"I would like to congratulate the Ravenclaw Quidditch team this term for their excellent season, and I would like to extend my approval to the Gryffindor House for regaining the House Cup after many many terms in Slytherin hands. It was a hard fought battle, and you all did well."

And should he even mention... Sigh. "I would also like to acknowledge that it was a strange term for us. We lost many familiar staff faces due to... unforeseeable circumstances, and I fear there will be more changes before next term begins again. You all were very patient with these changes, and for that, I'm grateful. We can only hope that things in the Wizarding World will have settled by next September." Although he sincerely doubted it.

"At this time, I want to encourage you to dig into your dinner and enjoy your last meal at Hogwarts for a few short months. Have a good summer, do not die, and make sure you all get on that train when it departs. Stragglers will be fed to the squid."