Originally Posted by Wilber Winterbottom

Wilber entered after everyone else, the staff that is; he was punctual enough to witness the first sight of students pouring in. The Headmaster kept the exchanges brief but meaningful with each of his staff. His gaze drifted out across the Hall while he listened to the joyful hum of students and staff. After a hearty chuckle at some of the discussion that took place, it was time for words to be shared.

Wilber rose from his seat, the goblet in hand, that he tapped to bring everyone's attention once he reached the podium, "Good evening, everyone." His smile was closed, yet exuberant warmth with the gleam in his eyes that showcased a proud man.

"As another year closes at Hogwarts, I find myself grateful... Not because we survived the expected, but because we managed the unexpected together. Whether this was your first term, your seventh, or somewhere in between, you leave it having grown in ways that go beyond grades and trophies."

His gaze drifted upward toward the frozen hourglass towers.

"Some of you have noticed the... particularly stubborn state of the house point counters. It seems an unnamed student had an idea about preservation-so creative, in fact, that they glued the points in place. The house-elves are currently chiseling them free with more determination than I’ve seen on a Monday morning. It’s a sticky situation, literally. But I have the true, unfrozen results."

Wilber straightened himself.

"With an outstanding 809 points, the House Cup this term is awarded to Hufflepuff!" Pausing, he allowed the table of young badgers to stomp and cheer over the applause from the other tables. "Yes, yes.. it is from your unity, resilience, and quiet strength have carried you through more than one challenge. A challenge that I say the other houses also endured. Gryffindor followed with 369 points, Ravenclaw with 343, and Slytherin with 309-each house demonstrated the strength of its character in ways that cannot be fully captured by stone."

He turned slightly, a small grin tugging at the corner of his mouth.

"The Gobstones Cup was decided by a single point. Gryffindor edged out Slytherin-so close that I considered declaring it a draw, but you could say they really made their point. And the Quidditch Cup? It soars this year with Ravenclaw-whose players reminded us that the sky isn’t the limit; it’s the warm-up!" Some chuckles may have been heard across the tables. "On the subject of extracurricular pursuits-while I admire the creativity of certain students in attempting to form a ‘Nap Club’ in the third‑floor corridor, I must regretfully inform you that Hogwarts will not be offering it as an official club at this time. I do, however, encourage you to get a full night’s rest before classes instead of mid‑corridor naps."

Wilber's tone softened as the weight of the events settled into the room.

"As you have heard, Hufflepuff faced a sudden and dangerous magical disturbance within their common room. What started as chaos was met instead with determination, cooperation, and courage. I am proud of those students." He inclined his head toward Marion. "Professor Marion Burbage... had served not only as a mentor and guide, but also as a symbol of grace through limits, thank you. While she will be stepping down from her role as Head of House, I am grateful to say she will remain among us in the Astronomy Tower, where she belongs. Let's give her a round of applause for her dedication and resilience." Clapping with the entire hall. Eventually, he took a breath, the shift in cadence barely perceptible.

"Earlier this year, Professor Jeorge Leroy’s tenure came to an end under circumstances I will not dwell on. What I will acknowledge is those who stepped forward when continuity was needed: Professor Ean Feirgrund for Muggle Studies, Professor Dhruv Khanna for Magical Debate, Professors Sarika Joshi and Hadleigh Paton for Art Club, and Professors Aurora Stone and Jasmine Springer for Drama Club. My thanks as well to Professor Marion Burbage and Professor Casen Carter for guiding the Wizard Card Collectors’ Club, and to Professor Vashti Amstern for lending her expertise to Muggle Studies and enriching Magical Debate as a guest. Your willingness to take up the pieces, to guide with steadiness and imagination, is a gift to this school. Thank you." Was that a tear that escaped? It was truly a show of appreciation that words alone couldn't fully express.

"As we have arrived at the end of the term, we also give quiet farewells to colleagues whose journeys now lead them beyond these walls, and to our seventh-years who are setting off into the wider world. My advice to you... Never try to use a Banishing Charm on your problems! They have a habit of bouncing back. Face them head-on, and you'll find they're rarely as large as they appear. Wherever your path leads next - whether near or far, familiar or uncertain - know that what you've built here and who you've become truly matters. Hogwarts will always live in the hearts of those who have called it home."

He lifted his goblet slightly, the gleam in his eye matched by the warm curve of his smile. "May your summer be restorative, your mischief light as a feather, and the only thing you stick to... good memories. Now let us eat."

With a simple clap, the food appeared before everyone on their respective tables. Dig in!