Gryffindor House Table

[BanaBatGirl]

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/talking_gargoyles/Quidditch/Gryffindor2.jpg
by Gideon Gert (Macavity)

The Lions, second place Quidditch Cup finishers, and fourth House and Gobstones finishers, sit under a slightly frayed scarlet and gold banner representing their house. However, the table is nicely polished and all the place settings are just perfect. If you're an outgoing seventh mirror, enjoy your LAST MEAL EVER at Hogwarts!

[squidnie]

As always, Jake was holding Anya's hand as he entered the Great Hall. It had taken some convincing to get her to come, but he was glad she was here with him. He hadn't really wanted to come himself... but he felt like he needed to. It being his last feast and all.

Since apparently the whole of Gryffindor house had decided to be fashionably late, Jake took a seat directly in the middle of the table. He poured a glass of water for himself and Anya... and he'd wait. There were a few people he wanted to see before he went back to his room tonight... and some of them were in his house. If they'd talk to him. Then he needed to write in the memory book... as soon as he could sort through his thoughts.

For right now... Anya's sitting beside him was all he really needed.

[DaniDiNardo]

Lex practically bounced into the Great Hall. The term had finally ended, basically, now she just had to enjoy the food, sleep and when tomorrow came she'd be on her way home and her father would be waiting at the station with at least half her birthday presents. The Fourth Year wasn't even going to worry about the packing she'd have to do later. That....would happen tomorrow before breakfast or something. Of course she'd gotten started on it, but there were still things that needed throwing into her trunk before she could fully be done packing. Again, she'd worry about that later.

Lex walked to the Gryffindor table and plopped down. Not many people had arrived yet, leave it to the lions to show up a little late. Though not really. You weren't late so long as you showed up in time for the Headmistress' speech. People could do themselves a favour by staying down in the kitchen and stuffing their face until then or sit here and starve like she did every year.

This had to be one of the longest years she'd had. It dragged more than the others and had the worst start too. That should have been the first signs that something was off about this year, but it didn't matter because it was over now.

Bring on the food.

And JAKE!!! "Jaaaake!!" Lex called. It was only a second later that she remembered he'd be one of the graduating seventh years. Her smile faltered a little but she managed to keep it in place some. "Excited about the big world?" He should be. Most of them were.

[LilFox06]

Anya (http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=106439495) was there. She didn't want to be there, but she was. Jake had convinced her to come. And she'd done her best not to fight them the entire way down.

She chewed on her lip nervously and squeezed Jake's hand. At least the table was pretty open right now. She took the seat next to him and put the presents she'd brought with her on the table. "I'll go to the other table when you write in the book." Just so they didn't have to be apart longer than necessary.

And then she sat quietly. Jake was graduating. He should get all his goodbyes in. She wasn't going to interfere with that.

[AlwaysSnapesGirl]

OWLs were over. That was probably the best part of the End of Term feast being here. Penelope could worry about the results later on - right now she was just glad they were done. No more studying or waiting, they were over with, and it felt great right now.

There was also the not-as-happy part of this being the end of term which meant graduation for the seventh years, but she was also okay with that part. Graduation was just a part of life, and sure it was a little sad that some people wouldn't be around Hogwarts next year, but it wasn't the end of the world. They weren't gone forever, obviously. So she still wasn't particularly emotional over it.

The Gryffindor did make her usual small batch of graduation cookies for someone though. She and Jake weren't as close as they were a couple years ago, but she still considered him her friend in that sometimes slightly annoying older brother sort of way, so of course she'd miss seeing him around sometimes. Especially on the Quidditch pitch. He was a good Quidditch player and teammate.

So she offered a smile to Alexa, Jake, and Anya who were already there at the table and then set the small box of cookies in front of the seventh year. "Congrats on graduating and stuff. I'll miss you." No big speeches from her because that was mainly what needed to be said, yeah?

[squidnie]

And JAKE!!! "Jaaaake!!" Lex called. It was only a second later that she remembered he'd be one of the graduating seventh years. Her smile faltered a little but she managed to keep it in place some. "Excited about the big world?" He should be. Most of them were.

Oh, look. Someone else showed up. A friend, even.

Jake grinned when Lexa called his name and gave her a wave with his free hand. He nodded to her question. "Yeah. Should be fun, right?" Some things, at least. And that was the best he could hope for. Things would be hard, especially right off the bat, but he was looking forward to them anyway.

"What about you?" He asked. "Fifth year next year, right? You excited?"

She chewed on her lip nervously and squeezed Jake's hand. At least the table was pretty open right now. She took the seat next to him and put the presents she'd brought with her on the table. "I'll go to the other table when you write in the book." Just so they didn't have to be apart longer than necessary.

Feeling Anya squeeze his hand, Jake glanced at her and did the same to hers. He was sure that she wasn't feeling good about this... but he would thank her later for coming with him.

He nodded. "That sounds like a good idea." He needed to go to the Hufflepuff table... He could do that after he wrote in the book.

The Gryffindor did make her usual small batch of graduation cookies for someone though. She and Jake weren't as close as they were a couple years ago, but she still considered him her friend in that sometimes slightly annoying older brother sort of way, so of course she'd miss seeing him around sometimes. Especially on the Quidditch pitch. He was a good Quidditch player and teammate.

So she offered a smile to Alexa, Jake, and Anya who were already there at the table and then set the small box of cookies in front of the seventh year. "Congrats on graduating and stuff. I'll miss you." No big speeches from her because that was mainly what needed to be said, yeah?

There was another familiar face. And one Jake had wanted to see that night.

...with cookies.

Jake half-smiled at the younger girl. "Thanks. I'll... miss you too." And suddenly everything he wanted to say just... didn't happen. No I'm sorry... nothing. Maybe that was for the best? It's not like he could make up in a few seconds for not really openly caring about her for a long time.

So he just said, "The cookies look delicious."

[lemon]

There were a plethora of reasons why Alice wasn't looking forward to this term's closing feast, most all of which had nothing to do with the graduating class. She was going to miss them and stuff, but it was nothing to sulk over, yeah? The sixth year sank down in the empty seat on the un-Anya occupied side of Jake, eyes only for the cookies her seeker had just set in front of him.

"Can I have some of those?" Yeah. Share, Cobbie.

Oh. Hi everyone. Anya and Lex and Shark Bait got smiles too, but really, cookies were more important.

[Talikins]

There was never a time that Abbi would miss out on such a delightful opportunity to food and today was no different. In fact today there was even more reason to not miss out. Today was the last feast of the term.

A whole year. Wooooooow. She survived a whole year with these witches. Could you believe it? She totally could! Mhmm.

The little fairy was quite happy to be going home for the summer where she'd soon go visit Donny, but she was also quite sad to leave the magical place behind for a while. At least she knew she'd be back soon, poor people whom had to leave forever.

But FOOOOD GLORIOUS FOOOD!

Abbi entered the great hall and immediately walked towards her house table then plonked herself down. "I hate waiting for the foood." Loud and obnoxious, that was Abbi.

Ohhhh and cookies. Would you look at that? Was Jake going to give Alice? And if so would he give everyone else too? NUDGE NUDGE WINK WINK TO YOU MR.

[Hera]

Practically waltzing into the Great Hall - in such a good mood, Seren meandered along the Gryffindor table. It would be terribly sad to see some of her brightest Lions go, but they had to leave the nest at some stage.

"Gooooood evening!" she greeted a group that had formed, the food enthusiasts were they? Keen to get started perhaps? At least, judging by Abigail and the cookies they were. Not to mention Lex too had a sweet tooth, desert was surely on her radar.

"Mister Keller... I just wanted to take the opportunity to thank you for your services to the school, to Gryffindor, and I wish you every success in your future endeavours." He would be missed, she was sure. Seren spared a glance at Anya, the poor girl had been through so much with that terrible court business... now this too. So sad. If she thought it would make her feel any better, Seren would have given her a hug right there and then, but it wasn't really the teacherly thing to do.

[DaniDiNardo]

Slowly the others began trickling over to the table. Yup. Late but present. The usual. As was expected, Jake was excited to be leaving. The thought was always a bit strange to her, knowing that after this night you'd never sleep inside the walls of the castle again but at the same time it spelled something new and most people could appreciate that. "You have any big plans for when you get out there? Something epic like travelling or Auror stuff?" That would kinda make leaving not so bad on account of you getting to do all that cool stuff you couldn't while you were stuck here.

As far as being excited for her fifth year was concerned she just shrugged. "I haven't decided yet. It's the OWLs year and after helping Cassia study I'm not sure my brain has anything left in it for next year! I'll actually have to pay attention in classes, can you believe that?" Gone would have to be the days of Lex pretending to listen long enough to get through the class or her doodling until the Professor got the idea and stopped--which surprizingly never seemed to work. Huh. Go figure. "It's gonna be weird not having you for a prefect. You were the cool kind." That told her she could do stuff so long as he wasn't around to bust her. She'd have to go striking new deals with whoever go it now. Sigh.

Anya came in right behind him. Lex offered her a wave and a smile. She'd be losing her boyfriend...or not really. Weren't they both going? It sucked as far as Quidditch went but also in that they never really got to do the camping in the Common Room. Maybe tonight? "You think we could try for s'mores in the Common Room?" She half mumbled. The girl didn't seem all that thrilled to be here. Lex looked to Penelope as the girl approached but before she could ask if those cookies were for grabs they were placed infront of Jake. "Nothing for the rest of us?" She joked with a grin, a means of greeting, because 'hi's' happened all the time.

Still, if she had more to share the Fourth Year wouldn't complain. If not, she had a candy bag loaded with chocolate frogs Wade had given her. Speaking of chocolate frogs, there was Alice! "Cap'n I'm bunking with you and Atole tonight. It'll be my last night with the little guy before we go off, okay? Great! Thanks!!" BEEEAAM. Had to get it all out before the girl had a chance to say 'no', which she probably still would.

Abby's entrance didn't go unnoticed, simply for it's volume. Whining about food. Look at that, the girl might just be a real Gryffindor afterall. "You and me both. Here, have a cauldron cake." Lex said, reaching into her bag and fishing one out for her. When there was a bag of chocolate, sharing other things didn't seem that taxing. The chocolates however....weren't shareable. No.

Lex whipped around at the sound of their Head of House's greeting. "Evening Professor!" Lex said, already ripping her first chocolate frog from it's packet. The feast wouldn't happen until after the speech, the speech wouldn't happen until the Headmistress had spoken to every fork, spoon and plate up at that staff table. She was eating. "Want a sugar quill to tide you over 'til the food finally shows up?" Yes, finally, it was an appropriate word given the circumstances under which they were forceably held here, listening. Think about it. Who'd stay awake long enough if they were allowed to eat first?

[dans_grl431]

The end of term had fast approached. Blair (http://www.polyvore.com/blair_school_uniform/set?id=106451638) practically skipped towards the Gryffindor table, it had been a good term for the little lion. Blair had been excited about the feast but now she was here the realisation hit her: She had to go home. Back to the mad house and all of the arguing and drama that came with it. On the bright side, she was looking forward to seeing her Father and filling him in on what she had been up to.

Slowly but surely the table was filling up. She knew she was a little late but at least she wasn't the only one. Thankfully, it looked like she hadn't missed the Headmistress' speech.

She adjusted her headband then took a seat. Glancing up the table, Blair didn't see anyone she recognised. Nonetheless, she smiled at her fellow Gryffindors and said, "Hey guys. I can't believe it's the end of term feast already!

[LilFox06]

Feeling Anya squeeze his hand, Jake glanced at her and did the same to hers. He was sure that she wasn't feeling good about this... but he would thank her later for coming with him.

He nodded. "That sounds like a good idea." He needed to go to the Hufflepuff table... He could do that after he wrote in the book.

Anya gave a small nod before averting her attention to her lap. She... wasn't really in the mood to socialize... In fact, she was kind of debating just going over to the Hufflepuff table now and laying her head on Ella's shoulder for the rest of the night.

She nodded a quick greeting at the Penne and Alice. No cookies for her. She also wasn't in a cookie mood.

Anya came in right behind him. Lex offered her a wave and a smile. She'd be losing her boyfriend...or not really. Weren't they both going? It sucked as far as Quidditch went but also in that they never really got to do the camping in the Common Room. Maybe tonight? "You think we could try for s'mores in the Common Room?" She half mumbled. The girl didn't seem all that thrilled to be here. Lex looked to Penelope as the girl approached but before she could ask if those cookies were for grabs they were placed infront of Jake. "Nothing for the rest of us?" She joked with a grin, a means of greeting, because 'hi's' happened all the time.

Anya offered Lex a small smile. "Yeah. I'd like that." she said. "Maybe we can have a house campout? Have everyone drag their blankets and pillows downstairs. We'll make the best blanket fort Hogwarts has ever seen." Seemed like a good way to spend her last night at the castle.

Practically waltzing into the Great Hall - in such a good mood, Seren meandered along the Gryffindor table. It would be terribly sad to see some of her brightest Lions go, but they had to leave the nest at some stage.

"Gooooood evening!" she greeted a group that had formed, the food enthusiasts were they? Keen to get started perhaps? At least, judging by Abigail and the cookies they were. Not to mention Lex too had a sweet tooth, desert was surely on her radar.

"Mister Keller... I just wanted to take the opportunity to thank you for your services to the school, to Gryffindor, and I wish you every success in your future endeavours." He would be missed, she was sure. Seren spared a glance at Anya, the poor girl had been through so much with that terrible court business... now this too. So sad. If she thought it would make her feel any better, Seren would have given her a hug right there and then, but it wasn't really the teacherly thing to do.

"Hello Professor." Anya greeted quietly. She tightened her grip on Jake's hand and smiled a little. Yeah. He was a good Prefect, despite what he thought. She then quickly averted her eyes all too aware she was being looked at. She didn't like being looked at like that. She'd already sat through hours of all eyes on her with that same look.

"Congratulations are also in order for our TRIFECTA of House, Quidditch, and Gobstones cup champions... THE HUFFLEPUFF BADGERS!!!!!!" Round of applause for THEM indEED! "And all the other Houses did well too," she mentioned more quietly and with a small wave of her hand. "Congratulations to our graduating seventh years, our departing staff..." she threw a long look down toward the fiery potions mistress, "and those students who are leaving for whatever reason too." She looked out toward a certain scarlet table.

"Best of luck to all of you. Now, let's eat!"

Andddd. Thank goodness for a distraction. Anya politely listened while her eyes remained focused on her lap. She chanced a glance during a very suspicious wording. ... ... The headmistress wasn't looking at her, was she? She blushed slightly and turned her attention back to her lap.

Yeah. Food. ... she should... eat. Yeah.

[squidnie]

There were a plethora of reasons why Alice wasn't looking forward to this term's closing feast, most all of which had nothing to do with the graduating class. She was going to miss them and stuff, but it was nothing to sulk over, yeah? The sixth year sank down in the empty seat on the un-Anya occupied side of Jake, eyes only for the cookies her seeker had just set in front of him.

"Can I have some of those?" Yeah. Share, Cobbie.

Oh. Hi everyone. Anya and Lex and Shark Bait got smiles too, but really, cookies were more important.

Oh. There was Ali. ... Wanting cookies.

Without a word, Jake opened the box and slid it toward her so she could grab one. One. He eyed her slightly - hopefully she got that message. He would share, but he did want some for himself. Plus, Anya would probably want some too.

"Hey, Ali," he said after a few seconds.

Abbi entered the great hall and immediately walked towards her house table then plonked herself down. "I hate waiting for the foood." Loud and obnoxious, that was Abbi.

Ohhhh and cookies. Would you look at that? Was Jake going to give Alice? And if so would he give everyone else too? NUDGE NUDGE WINK WINK TO YOU MR.

...Aha. And apparently so did someone else. Yes, he caught the looks, Abbi. He slid the box over her way, again silently offering one cookie. "Hey, Abbi. How was your first year?"

Practically waltzing into the Great Hall - in such a good mood, Seren meandered along the Gryffindor table. It would be terribly sad to see some of her brightest Lions go, but they had to leave the nest at some stage.

"Gooooood evening!" she greeted a group that had formed, the food enthusiasts were they? Keen to get started perhaps? At least, judging by Abigail and the cookies they were. Not to mention Lex too had a sweet tooth, desert was surely on her radar.

"Mister Keller... I just wanted to take the opportunity to thank you for your services to the school, to Gryffindor, and I wish you every success in your future endeavours." He would be missed, she was sure. Seren spared a glance at Anya, the poor girl had been through so much with that terrible court business... now this too. So sad. If she thought it would make her feel any better, Seren would have given her a hug right there and then, but it wasn't really the teacherly thing to do.

As he pulled the box of cookies back to his spot of the table, a familiar head of blond hair caught his eye. He looked up to see Professor Bentley and gave her a small smile as she started talking.

...She was... thanking him? He almost asked why, but stopped himself. Instead he just sat up a little straighter and tried to look a little more Prefectly. For the last time. "It was my pleasure, really, Professor." And he wasn't just saying that. There was a lot about his position that he had enjoyed... including the chance to maybe leave somewhat of an impression, no matter how small, on the school and Gryffindor.

"Thanks, Professor Bentley."

Slowly the others began trickling over to the table. Yup. Late but present. The usual. As was expected, Jake was excited to be leaving. The thought was always a bit strange to her, knowing that after this night you'd never sleep inside the walls of the castle again but at the same time it spelled something new and most people could appreciate that. "You have any big plans for when you get out there? Something epic like travelling or Auror stuff?" That would kinda make leaving not so bad on account of you getting to do all that cool stuff you couldn't while you were stuck here.

As far as being excited for her fifth year was concerned she just shrugged. "I haven't decided yet. It's the OWLs year and after helping Cassia study I'm not sure my brain has anything left in it for next year! I'll actually have to pay attention in classes, can you believe that?" Gone would have to be the days of Lex pretending to listen long enough to get through the class or her doodling until the Professor got the idea and stopped--which surprizingly never seemed to work. Huh. Go figure. "It's gonna be weird not having you for a prefect. You were the cool kind." That told her she could do stuff so long as he wasn't around to bust her. She'd have to go striking new deals with whoever go it now. Sigh.

Big plans? Jake almost laughed, just because Lexa said Auror stuff. Because he had wanted to be an Auror... but that wasn't happening. For reasons. "I've got a few things lined up," he answered with a nod. He gave Anya's hand a squeeze, because she was the most important plan he had. "I got a job at Gringotts, actually... so you'll have to come in and see me when you're in Diagon Alley."

Now, he did laugh when she said she was actually going to pay attention in class. "Good!" He grinned. "Helping someone study actually helps a lot, I think. Anya helped me all the time in my fifth year, and she did really well on her OWLs. Good luck on yours, though. I'm sure you'll do great. Especially if you actually listen in class." And then... she mentioned him being a prefect. His smile faltered a little but stayed in place. "I'm sure your next one will be even better. Just remember to get on his good side, yeah?"

When another little lion joined them, Jake looked over at her. Blair... was that her name? Jake just gave her a smile and a nod before turning his attention to the Headmistress's speech.

...then looked at Anya. Who was blushing. He squeezed her hand again and smiled a little. And kissed her head just because he could. Who knows. Maybe the headmistress hadn't even been talking about her...

[Talikins]

OHHH Professor Lady!

Abbi gave her a huge, huge smile. "Good evening, Professor!" She said enthusiastically then turned around to look at her plate, eagerly wishing food would magically appear, but nothing yet. tskk. tssk. tsss---

BEAM FOR YOU LEX!

With her small hands, Abbi took the cauldron cake from Lex and took a nibble before even uttering her thank you. "You're the best, Lex! You got anything else?" Or maybe that would be asking of too much? But you know she was hungry and nobody had told her she couldn't ask. Shrug.

Who couldn't believe the end of term feast was happening? Abbi turned around to find the cause of the voice and smiled brightly when she spotted her first year fellow, Blair. "Sup, G!" Giggle snort! "Geddit?" G for Gryffinndor. Funniest thing ever, or so Abbi thought.

With still no food on her table and having already finished eating her cauldron cake from, Abbi turned her head back to Jake who was now offering her a cookie? Would you look at that? A COOKIE! FOR HER! "Thaaank you! Don't tell Lex, but you're better than her!" Cause cookies were totally better than cauldron cakes. With her hand Abbi reached for a cookie then began nomming away and then swallowing so she could talk back to the prefect. "It was good I survived! I didn't get eaten by no monsters!" She was so brave, okay? "How was your last year?" Sad face. Cause he'd be going soon and all.

Nom. nom. nom. OHHH the speech! Blah shma blah. End of it? Okay?

YESUMS FOOOOOD!

The little aurburn girl went straight ahead and filled her plate, nomming some more food straight away.

Now this, this was why she loved feasts no matter how sad one like today's was meant to be.

[dans_grl431]

When another little lion joined them, Jake looked over at her. Blair... was that her name? Jake just gave her a smile and a nod before turning his attention to the Headmistress's speech.
Blair acknowledged the boy smiling at her, Jake was it? She beamed back and gave a little wave, "Hey!"

Who couldn't believe the end of term feast was happening? Abbi turned around to find the cause of the voice and smiled brightly when she spotted her first year fellow, Blair. "Sup, G!" Giggle snort! "Geddit?" G for Gryffinndor. Funniest thing ever, or so Abbi thought.
Hearing someone speaking to her Blair turned to face the voice. She noticed it was another girl, she looked as though she may be a fellow first year. Blair was sure she heard the others call her Abbi. Blair couldn't help but giggle at this, "G? I see what you done there! However, I'm more used to being called B. How has your year been?" She asked.

Blair's stomach had started to rumble, I guess I was hungrier than I thought. She patted her stomach as if to say shhhh! Hopefully the feast would begin shortly and she could fill herself up.

[Hera]

"You're most welcome," was her reply to Jake, big smiles on her face still, despite the loss of students. End of term feasts... needed to become more of a good thing, and less of a bad. Or so she had decided only hours ago when she'd resisted the temptation to wear a mournful black, but replaced it with a brilliant red.

She'd noticed that Anya look away, perhaps she'd been rude, but only because she cared. At any rate, Alexa's timing and exclamations about sugar were perfectly timed. "Hey," she greeted again, because once clearly wasn't enough. She glanced from the fourth year to the staff table, and back. Mmmmmmm. "Sure, why not.. I'm in no rush." And with that, she slid into an empty space at the Lion table. "As a responsible adult I feel compelled to tell you that sugar will spoil your appetite," there was a but implied there, but it went without saying. Food often took a while, especially if Annie was otherwise preoccupied by some of the more... jovial... members of staff.

"Abigail, how are you?" she asked, catching the end of the girls greeting.

As it so happened, tonight was not one of those nights, Annie's speech was timely, and oh so enthusiastic. Seren had clapped along at the end, and perhaps emitted a whooping cheer of her own. Quiz Bowl Competition, yeah, they could let loose and celebrate, again.

Then there was food. Glorious food. "Perhaps the sugar ought to wait?" she offered Lex. And perhaps she ought to join her colleagues on the dais.. but it was far less fun up there, it could wait, a little.

[Ringo]

The end of term had fast approached. Blair (http://www.polyvore.com/blair_school_uniform/set?id=106451638) practically skipped towards the Gryffindor table, it had been a good term for the little lion. Blair had been excited about the feast but now she was here the realisation hit her: She had to go home. Back to the mad house and all of the arguing and drama that came with it. On the bright side, she was looking forward to seeing her Father and filling him in on what she had been up to.

Slowly but surely the table was filling up. She knew she was a little late but at least she wasn't the only one. Thankfully, it looked like she hadn't missed the Headmistress' speech.

She adjusted her headband then took a seat. Glancing up the table, Blair didn't see anyone she recognised. Nonetheless, she smiled at her fellow Gryffindors and said, "Hey guys. I can't believe it's the end of term feast already!
It was getting rather boring back at the Hufflepuff table since nobody had really been talking to him, so Dylan decided to go see if he could find his new friend Blair over at her table. Sure enough, there she was sitting with her fellow lions. Smiling, he waved to get her attention before he made his way over and took the empty seat next to her. "Hi, Blair!" he said to her with a cheerful smile. He then realized he kind of didn't ask if he could sit next to her...she could have been saving that seat for someone, for all he knew. "Oh, do you mind if I sit here?" he added quickly.

[DaniDiNardo]

She adjusted her headband then took a seat. Glancing up the table, Blair didn't see anyone she recognised. Nonetheless, she smiled at her fellow Gryffindors and said, "Hey guys. I can't believe it's the end of term feast already!

Lex glanced over at a First Year that had settled near her. Strange, it almost sounded like she was in disbelief that the term had come to an end. Technically it wasn't all that strange but for someone like her who'd been dying for it all to be over, it was all kinds of odd. "I can and honestly it took long enough."

But where were her manners?--What manners? Oh right. Heh. Still. "You must have fallen into a hole for half the term because I don't know you." Ever blunt this Gryffindor was. Lex hadn't actually run into the girl once during the entire term, some explanation had to be provided so she made one up for herself. "HI! Name's Lex, Alexa really but yeah, you can call me Lex, everyone else does." And on to the other matter. "Who are you?"


Anya offered Lex a small smile. "Yeah. I'd like that." she said. "Maybe we can have a house campout? Have everyone drag their blankets and pillows downstairs. We'll make the best blanket fort Hogwarts has ever seen." Seemed like a good way to spend her last night at the castle.

Lex grinned at the idea. "Yeah! It'll be epic, we could enchant the fort afterwards and share snacks and everything." It'd be the perfect end to the term and the perfect way to send off those who wouldn't be returning. One last night of just being a Gryffindor, eating and having fun with each other. "We can shove all the chairs and couches to the sides and corners, that way we'll have the whole floor to ourselves." Themselves and their blanket fort of epic proportions.


Big plans? Jake almost laughed, just because Lexa said Auror stuff. Because he had wanted to be an Auror... but that wasn't happening. For reasons. "I've got a few things lined up," he answered with a nod. He gave Anya's hand a squeeze, because she was the most important plan he had. "I got a job at Gringotts, actually... so you'll have to come in and see me when you're in Diagon Alley."

Now, he did laugh when she said she was actually going to pay attention in class. "Good!" He grinned. "Helping someone study actually helps a lot, I think. Anya helped me all the time in my fifth year, and she did really well on her OWLs. Good luck on yours, though. I'm sure you'll do great. Especially if you actually listen in class." And then... she mentioned him being a prefect. His smile faltered a little but stayed in place. "I'm sure your next one will be even better. Just remember to get on his good side, yeah?"

Nail on the head then? She was thinking so at first because Jake genuinely seemed amused by the idea, maybe amused that she'd gotten it right on the first try? Lex was content to think so until he brought up the bank. Her eyes widened but so did her smile. "You did? Cooool! You get to work with all those Goblins! I don't usually go with Daddy to the bank but I'll make him take me so for you." It'd be kinda weird seeing Jake working and in such a familiar place nonetheless but at the same time it'd be comforting. He wasn't coming back next year but he wouldn't be far away either.

About the study she just kinda nodded. "Yeah, I'm gonna do studying with Lottie because she knows how and Cassia's gonna help me too like I helped her this year." It'd just be different. Before, she didn't need to know the answers, she only needed to grill Cassia and make sure she did. This was extra work, the tedious kind. Lex nearly rolled her yes at the thought of the next prefect being better than Jake. "Yeah right. What if he's an idiot? What if he doesn't know what he's doing--what if he tries ratting me out?? You know how much trouble I could get in for punching a prefect??" She'd never thought about it before now but if the next one was proper and actually tried enforcing stuff...she'd be in the dungeons more often than she ought.


BEAM FOR YOU LEX!

With her small hands, Abbi took the cauldron cake from Lex and took a nibble before even uttering her thank you. "You're the best, Lex! You got anything else?" Or maybe that would be asking of too much? But you know she was hungry and nobody had told her she couldn't ask. Shrug.


Lex could see that Abby was genuinely happy for the cauldron cake and it made it a little easier for her to give it away. Again, the thought of a bag full of chocolate frogs helped. "No problem." Sorta. Not a real problem anyway. "Yeah, I have loads of other stuff, have to maintain variety when it comes to this kind of stuff. Never got to nab anything from the kitchen before I came though." Sadly enough.

And considering her proximity to Jake she heard that. Last time she'd share with the Fairy. Yup. Mhm. Hope she enjoyed the cauldron cake, it'd be the last.


She'd noticed that Anya look away, perhaps she'd been rude, but only because she cared. At any rate, Alexa's timing and exclamations about sugar were perfectly timed. "Hey," she greeted again, because once clearly wasn't enough. She glanced from the fourth year to the staff table, and back. Mmmmmmm. "Sure, why not.. I'm in no rush." And with that, she slid into an empty space at the Lion table. "As a responsible adult I feel compelled to tell you that sugar will spoil your appetite," there was a but implied there, but it went without saying. Food often took a while, especially if Annie was otherwise preoccupied by some of the more... jovial... members of staff.

Lex beamed at the Professor when she slid in among the other lions. This was a big thing. It wasn't every feast that she stopped by first--thank Merlin it wasn't to deliver bad news. The irony in that would have been too hard to overlook. She moved her hand around in her candy bag that had an undetectable expansion charm on it allowing her entire arm access into the bag and fished out a sugar quill. "Here you go!".........Responsible adult...warning about sugar spoiling appetites..."That's fine, I've got something like a bottomeless pit of a stomach, half the house does. A little sugar won't hurt." Seriously, had the woman ever seen Alice eating--had she ever seen Penelope??? Mer-lin!!

....

And the feast??? Lex STARED up at the staff table, unable to believe it for a moment but ultimately happy the food was HERE! She heard the Headmistress basically write off all the other houses, before turning to her Head of House. "That's offensive. We already know we're not Hufflepuff and didn't win anything." No need to go saying it like that. Then they said she was rude. She couldn't see it. The holding off on sugar was discarded as she ate the last of her chocolate frog and grabbed for a chicken leg.

[TeafortheSoul]

Okay he couldn't take it anymore. He'd tried and tried to talk to her. Pleaded with the Fat Lady who had apparently been given instructions not to let him into the Gryffindor common room under any circumstances, tried to take his broom up to a window and been repelled from them, attempted to get first years and friends to carry messages, sent owls which had all returned with notes unopened, and even spent a couple nights literally waiting right outside the Gryffindor Common Room door.

.... not that he was stalking her or anything but for sure Alice was avoiding him. Worse than the plague even. Fifteen days of not even so much of a word. West had barely eaten or slept and there was a translucent hollowness about his features that underscored that. He wore his heart physically. He'd even been tempted to not even bother with his OWLs in favour of trying to get an Alice but it was like she was a ghost and wasn't anywhere at all.

Except she was here.

Surrounded by people, a mixture of people he liked and didn't like, that liked or didn't like him. Of course.

He approached from the opposite side, so she could see him coming, heart in his mouth.

[lemon]

Still, if she had more to share the Fourth Year wouldn't complain. If not, she had a candy bag loaded with chocolate frogs Wade had given her. Speaking of chocolate frogs, there was Alice! "Cap'n I'm bunking with you and Atole tonight. It'll be my last night with the little guy before we go off, okay? Great! Thanks!!" BEEEAAM. Had to get it all out before the girl had a chance to say 'no', which she probably still would.

Had Lex just invited herself into the sixth year dorm for the night? She raised her eyebrows skeptically, though Alice didn't really mind her company all that much. Cambridge was good people.

"You say it's for the cat, but I think you're just going to miss me." 'Course she was. Everyone was going to miss her, clearly.

"Gooooood evening!" she greeted a group that had formed, the food enthusiasts were they? Keen to get started perhaps? At least, judging by Abigail and the cookies they were. Not to mention Lex too had a sweet tooth, desert was surely on her radar.

"Hi professor." Hm. What was Bentley doing at their table? Not that Alice minded, she'd just never noticed if their head had stopped by before. "Are you eating with us today?" There was plenty of room around, on account of it seemed like most of their house's graduating seventh years hadn't even bothered to show their faces at the feast.

They were probably crying or something. Pansies, the lot of them.

Oh. There was Ali. ... Wanting cookies.

Without a word, Jake opened the box and slid it toward her so she could grab one. One. He eyed her slightly - hopefully she got that message. He would share, but he did want some for himself. Plus, Anya would probably want some too.

"Hey, Ali," he said after a few seconds.

Yesss. Cookies. The lioness grabbed one or four out of the box, giving Jake her best innocent puppy eyes as she did. Did those still work? Alice hadn't given them a go in ages, but they used to do wonders when she wanted him wrapped around her little finger.

And cookies called for that. They did.

"You're going to visit for Quidditch matches, right?" Because he had to. She'd decided. "And I'll see you at the bank sometimes when I'm visiting Gran, maybe."

Okay he couldn't take it anymore. He'd tried and tried to talk to her. Pleaded with the Fat Lady who had apparently been given instructions not to let him into the Gryffindor common room under any circumstances, tried to take his broom up to a window and been repelled from them, attempted to get first years and friends to carry messages, sent owls which had all returned with notes unopened, and even spent a couple nights literally waiting right outside the Gryffindor Common Room door.

.... not that he was stalking her or anything but for sure Alice was avoiding him. Worse than the plague even. Fifteen days of not even so much of a word. West had barely eaten or slept and there was a translucent hollowness about his features that underscored that. He wore his heart physically. He'd even been tempted to not even bother with his OWLs in favour of trying to get an Alice but it was like she was a ghost and wasn't anywhere at all.

Except she was here.

Surrounded by people, a mixture of people he liked and didn't like, that liked or didn't like him. Of course.

He approached from the opposite side, so she could see him coming, heart in his mouth.

Nibbling on her first cookie as a sort of appetizer for the meal to come, she idly listened to the Headmistress' speech. On time this year for a change, had Truebridge finally learned to count? Alice was starting on her second and mentally appreciating Penelope's baking skills when she caught sight of him, and her knife was on the floor in a flash.

Mumbling something about dropping her silverware, the sixth year dove underneath the table and waited for him to leave. And she was going to stay right there between Lex and Jake's legs until he did.

[TeafortheSoul]

Nibbling on her first cookie as a sort of appetizer for the meal to come, she idly listened to the Headmistress' speech. On time this year for a change, had Truebridge finally learned to count? Alice was starting on her second and mentally appreciating Penelope's baking skills when she caught sight of him, and her knife was on the floor in a flash.

Mumbling something about dropping her silverware, the sixth year dove underneath the table and waited for him to leave. And she was going to stay right there between Lex and Jake's legs until he did.

... really? Really? Well West wasn't going to just go away... he went under the table too, heedless of legs and skirts, now wasn't the time for noticing skirts and went right for Alice.

"Don't. Please. Please? Can we talk? Please. You have to talk to me and tell me what's going on." There wasn't much room under here, especially not with legs and feet and whatnot. West tried to cram in closer, looking desperate and hurt.

[DaniDiNardo]

What? Pffffft, Lex proceeded to make faces at Alice but the girl had half a point there. "Of course I'll miss you but I'll be running into you over the summer. It's not like you'll fall off the face of the earth for the next few months then resurface September 1st." That was how summers went. Now Atole, she was sure she wouldn't be running into him around Diagon Alley and needed to spend as much time with him as possible, which happened to only be one more night. See the problem there? Yes. So she was bunking with her and this conversation was as good as hers....

Until Alice started being all not Alice like. Looking across she could see why. Odessa. She was enjoying the feats, genuinely too before he showed up. Didn't he have his own table to be at? The green one from which he couldn't possibly annoy her?

Lex was content to ignore him and continue her conversation with Alice when the girl slipped under the table by her foot. What--and then he did the same.

-______- Seriously?

How about no? Lex casually bit into the chicken leg she'd taken up earlier while giving a super hard kick at Odessa. Moooooove.

[LilFox06]

Lex grinned at the idea. "Yeah! It'll be epic, we could enchant the fort afterwards and share snacks and everything." It'd be the perfect end to the term and the perfect way to send off those who wouldn't be returning. One last night of just being a Gryffindor, eating and having fun with each other. "We can shove all the chairs and couches to the sides and corners, that way we'll have the whole floor to ourselves." Themselves and their blanket fort of epic proportions.

Anya smiled. "I think that's a brilliant idea." she said looking over at her Prefect. It was his call though. He was still in charge for another day. Sorta.

Well... she let him think he was in charge anyway.

"Yeah. We'll do that tonight." she said with a smile.

...then looked at Anya. Who was blushing. He squeezed her hand again and smiled a little. And kissed her head just because he could. Who knows. Maybe the headmistress hadn't even been talking about her...

Anya sat quietly. Sometime during his talking her head ended up on his shoulder. She didn't really have much to say nor did she want to make anything about her. Every so often she glanced at the Hufflepuff table trying to think of a good time to get up. Not spotting an appropriate time, she decided she might as well eat.

"Pass me the potatoes?" she asked looking over at Jake.

... and now West and Alice were under the table. ... awkward.

[lemon]

Lex's ramblings had to be put on hold for a moment, because she was currently in hiding. It was kind of cramped below the table, but a tight fit was worth the West-free-ness of the spot.

At least until he followed her down there it was.

"I don't have to do anything. Go away." Alice gave him a look that conveyed her current feelings of irritation better than her tone did before peeking up to give Lex one too, stilling her leg with a hand. Not that she minded all that much, but kicking him was her job, k?

[TeafortheSoul]

Lex's ramblings had to be put on hold for a moment, because she was currently in hiding. It was kind of cramped below the table, but a tight fit was worth the West-free-ness of the spot.

At least until he followed her down there it was.

"I don't have to do anything. Go away." Alice gave him a look that conveyed her current feelings of irritation better than her tone did before peeking up to give Lex one too, stilling her leg with a hand. Not that she minded all that much, but kicking him was her job, k?

"Please. Its important. I--oww!--hate this. I miss you. I love you. Alice please talk to me." He rubbed his ribs which would definitely be bruised thanks Alexa.

"I don't know what's happening. You said we'd talk about things... and I don't even know... did you watch it? Did you see? I didn't do anything..."

Yeah don't mind the Slytherin Captain under your table Gryffindors. Just... grovelling. NBD.

[DaniDiNardo]

Anya smiled. "I think that's a brilliant idea." she said looking over at her Prefect. It was his call though. He was still in charge for another day. Sorta.

Well... she let him think he was in charge anyway.

"Yeah. We'll do that tonight." she said with a smile.

Lex caught the look Anya was giving Jake. Was that to say he had to give the go ahead? Just in case, she gave him looks too, the kind that were silently begging him to be okay with it because it would be the last night for either of them, ever.

"Yay! I think we should grab some extra food stuff from down here before heading up, or sneak down to the kitchens once we're dismissed before heading up to the Common Room." She was probably meant be worried with the Professor sitting right there, seeing as she was trying the responsible adult card she might have tried stopping them but let's face it. They were Gryffindors. This would happen even if they had to wait for Bentley to fall asleep.

They were a tugging of sorts at her feet. It better bloody not have been Odessa's hand on her leg. -___-

Lex glanced under the table and caught the look Alice shot her. "Don't go looking at me like that. I want him gone so I kick. You obviously don't want him gone so you don't kick." Her fault? Yup. Definitely not Lex's.

[lemon]

I didn't do anything? She had to turn away from the kicker to give West a look of disbelief. Was he serious?

Add groveling to the list of a million things he couldn't do properly. Even pathetic at being pathetic.

"I don't want to talk to you. I don't want you here, and neither does anyone else. Just go, okay?" See, Lex? Alice wanted him gone too. He got a little nudge from her shoe for emphasis. Not exactly a kick, but she wasn't going to kick him in front of everyone like Cambridge had.

Maybe some other time.

[TeafortheSoul]

I didn't do anything? She had to turn away from the kicker to give West a look of disbelief. Was he serious?

Add groveling to the list of a million things he couldn't do properly. Even pathetic at being pathetic.

"I don't want to talk to you. I don't want you here, and neither does anyone else. Just go, okay?" See, Lex? Alice wanted him gone too. He got a little nudge from her shoe for emphasis. Not exactly a kick, but she wasn't going to kick him in front of everyone like Cambridge had.

Maybe some other time.

He tried to ignore Lex up there with her awesome commentary. Not helpful and all.

"Its been two weeks since you've even said a word to me, Alice! You can't just not talk to me. I'm your boyfriend remember? We're supposed to be talking through things, remember? I've been real honest with you, why can't you do the same? Why can't you just look at me and tell me what is going on instead of avoiding me and hiding under a stupid table?" Because he had to KNOW. And he was WORRIED and couldn't eat or sleep or anything. This kid here was a mess.

[lemon]

He tried to ignore Lex up there with her awesome commentary. Not helpful and all.

"Its been two weeks since you've even said a word to me, Alice! You can't just not talk to me. I'm your boyfriend remember? We're supposed to be talking through things, remember? I've been real honest with you, why can't you do the same? Why can't you just look at me and tell me what is going on instead of avoiding me and hiding under a stupid table?" Because he had to KNOW. And he was WORRIED and couldn't eat or sleep or anything. This kid here was a mess.

Did he have NO common sense? Alice knew he was seriously lacking in the smarts department as of late based on other things, and this didn't even come close to that level of stupidity, but he definitely knew how to cause a scene. "Are you? Are you still my boyfriend? Maybe I should fix that."

And she wasn't spending another moment under this damn table. Brushing off her robes, she pulled herself up and back into her seat and proceeded to act like nothing happened.

But he was still there. "Leave. Really. Go away. If you do, I'll let you talk to me after." But she wasn't going to do any talking herself if she didn't want to.

... could he go now?

[TeafortheSoul]

Did he have NO common sense? Alice knew he was seriously lacking in the smarts department as of late based on other things, and this didn't even come close to that level of stupidity, but he definitely knew how to cause a scene. "Are you? Are you still my boyfriend? Maybe I should fix that then."

And she wasn't spending another moment under this damn table. Brushing off her robes, she pulled herself up and back into her seat and proceeded to act like nothing happened.

But he was still there. "Leave. Really. Go away. If you do, I'll let you talk to me after." But she wasn't going to do any talking herself if she didn't want to.

... could he go now?


..... what? What???????

He stared at her there under the table and then when she got up he wriggled out on the same side as her. "You can't just say something like that and then tell me to go away, Alice! I don't... of course I am. Why... why wouldn't I... I didn't do... and you haven't... and you said you wouldn't, that we wouldn't..." Stare. She got stared at.

[Mell]

Michael had waited and waited and even waited some more for Zahra, but she never appeared in the common room, so he figured that she had already gone down to the feast without him. Not that they'd made any sort of arrangement to go down together but well...he had thought...it would be nice if they could go down together.

He walked into the great hall with his hand in his pockets and surveyed the other tables for a moment before walking over to his house table.

"Hey everyone!" Not his usual loud greeting because...well...that was starting to get childish. Alexa got a smile of course and he waved in the general direction of everyone else sitting at the table.

His attention was diverted momentarily to the Slytherin apparently talking to someone underneath the table. Michael raised his eyebrows at the conversation taking place. Lovers quarrel? He'd have to remember never to ask that guy about girls.

[lemon]

..... what? What???????

He stared at her there under the table and then when she got up he wriggled out on the same side as her. "You can't just say something like that and then tell me to go away, Alice! I don't... of course I am. Why... why wouldn't I... I didn't do... and you haven't... and you said you wouldn't, that we wouldn't..." Stare. She got stared at.

Merlin. What did he not understand about go away?

"Yes, I can. I just did." Was he deaf? Alice wasn't that hungry for multiple reasons, but she downed a spoonful of some corn just to give her mouth something to do other than spout irritated words at him. "I don't want to do this here, alright? I told you I'd meet you after. Go. Please. Leave."

She didn't even want to think about how Lex was reacting on the other side of him.

[squidnie]

Jake laughed lightly and smiled at Abbi. "I won't tell her," he stage-whispered. Since, you know, Lexa was sitting right there. "I see that," he replied with a nod when she announced that she was alive. "Congratulations." Seriously. Because this was a dangerous place. And about his last year... "It was really good, thanks. A nice way to end."

Blair acknowledged the boy smiling at her, Jake was it? She beamed back and gave a little wave, "Hey!"

When they girl waved at him, Jake smiled again and waved back. "Hey, Blair, right? How're you?" Little girls reminded him of his sisters. He couldn't not ask how they were doing.

Nail on the head then? She was thinking so at first because Jake genuinely seemed amused by the idea, maybe amused that she'd gotten it right on the first try? Lex was content to think so until he brought up the bank. Her eyes widened but so did her smile. "You did? Cooool! You get to work with all those Goblins! I don't usually go with Daddy to the bank but I'll make him take me so for you." It'd be kinda weird seeing Jake working and in such a familiar place nonetheless but at the same time it'd be comforting. He wasn't coming back next year but he wouldn't be far away either.

About the study she just kinda nodded. "Yeah, I'm gonna do studying with Lottie because she knows how and Cassia's gonna help me too like I helped her this year." It'd just be different. Before, she didn't need to know the answers, she only needed to grill Cassia and make sure she did. This was extra work, the tedious kind. Lex nearly rolled her yes at the thought of the next prefect being better than Jake. "Yeah right. What if he's an idiot? What if he doesn't know what he's doing--what if he tries ratting me out?? You know how much trouble I could get in for punching a prefect??" She'd never thought about it before now but if the next one was proper and actually tried enforcing stuff...she'd be in the dungeons more often than she ought.

"Yeah, goblins should be fun, right? I'm excited." He nodded. "Brilliant," he said with a grin when Lexa promised to come see him at work. It would be weird, but it would be nice to see some familiar faces even after leaving Hogwarts.

Jake nodded again. "That's a good idea. Good luck with everything." He smiled a little when Lexa shot down his suggestion that the next prefect might be better. "Just don't punch him, 'kay? And he'll learn what battles to fight." Of that Jake was fairly confident. There were just some people you didn't bother with. And if you didn't bother with them, they wouldn't cause problems. It was simple.

Anya sat quietly. Sometime during his talking her head ended up on his shoulder. She didn't really have much to say nor did she want to make anything about her. Every so often she glanced at the Hufflepuff table trying to think of a good time to get up. Not spotting an appropriate time, she decided she might as well eat.

"Pass me the potatoes?" she asked looking over at Jake.

Jake glanced at Anya and squeezed her hand again. Yes, he was still worried about her. She was being very quiet.

...He passed her the potatoes.

Yesss. Cookies. The lioness grabbed one or four out of the box, giving Jake her best innocent puppy eyes as she did. Did those still work? Alice hadn't given them a go in ages, but they used to do wonders when she wanted him wrapped around her little finger.

And cookies called for that. They did.

"You're going to visit for Quidditch matches, right?" Because he had to. She'd decided. "And I'll see you at the bank sometimes when I'm visiting Gran, maybe."

Mumbling something about dropping her silverware, the sixth year dove underneath the table and waited for him to leave. And she was going to stay right there between Lex and Jake's legs until he did.

Looking back at Alice, the prefect nodded. "Yeah, definitely. When I can." There was that little disclaimer at the end because... he wasn't sure. Maybe the championship match or something. He smiled when she mentioned the bank. Yes, that would be great too.

... And then she was under the table. With Odessa. Jake made a face as he felt the two bump up against his legs. Then there was talking, but he couldn't really make out words. Finally, he leaned back enough to get a look under the table to see if he needed to intervene or something. Or worry about the fact that his Anya was wearing a skirt right next to him.

"You two okay-" ... ... he sat back up. West was... groveling. Alice was angry. Apparently. This was a couple-issue that Jake did not want to be part of.

"Carry on," he mumbled to no one in particular as he sat up straight and took a swig from his pumpkin juice. Yep. Nothing to see here. Just two captains having a lover's spat underneath the Gryffindor table.

[LilFox06]

Lex caught the look Anya was giving Jake. Was that to say he had to give the go ahead? Just in case, she gave him looks too, the kind that were silently begging him to be okay with it because it would be the last night for either of them, ever.

"Yay! I think we should grab some extra food stuff from down here before heading up, or sneak down to the kitchens once we're dismissed before heading up to the Common Room." She was probably meant be worried with the Professor sitting right there, seeing as she was trying the responsible adult card she might have tried stopping them but let's face it. They were Gryffindors. This would happen even if they had to wait for Bentley to fall asleep.


Anya nodded. "Yeah. That sounds like a good idea." Extra food makes for good camp outs/blanket fort parties. "Yeah. Jake and I can run to the kitchens on the way up as well. You know, for anything extra we might need."

Jake glanced at Anya and squeezed her hand again. Yes, he was still worried about her. She was being very quiet.

...He passed her the potatoes.

Anya nommed some potatoes and tried to ignore the uncomfortable argument going on under the table. Yeah. Of all the places to be hashing out an argument... this was something that she definitely was not comfortable with.

How did West even fit down there?

And... why was she curious as to what they were fighting about? Nosy Anya was nosy. ... of course... she did sit in a hallway with the Snake... so... that gave her the right to be curious... right? Maybe?

[TeafortheSoul]

Merlin. What did he not understand about go away?

"Yes, I can. I just did." Was he deaf? Alice wasn't that hungry for multiple reasons, but she downed a spoonful of some corn just to give her mouth something to do other than spout irritated words at him. "I don't want to do this here, alright? I told you I'd meet you after. Go. Please. Leave."

She didn't even want to think about how Lex was reacting on the other side of him.

"No. I don't believe that you WOULD talk to me after. I know you, its just an excuse and you'd just avoid me again. I'm not going anywhere until you talk to me." He planted himself down next to her, squishing in between her and Jake (safer than the Lex side y'know?) and giving his former commentator buddy an apologetic look before returning his attention to Alice. "If you don't come and talk to me now, then I'll just wait until you're done."

He folded his arms and sat there, watching her. Waiting.

[lemon]

"No. I don't believe that you WOULD talk to me after. I know you, its just an excuse and you'd just avoid me again. I'm not going anywhere until you talk to me." He planted himself down next to her, squishing in between her and Jake (safer than the Lex side y'know?) and giving his former commentator buddy an apologetic look before returning his attention to Alice. "If you don't come and talk to me now, then I'll just wait until you're done."

He folded his arms and sat there, watching her. Waiting.

Was he really going to do this? Alice stared at him blankly, shooting a longing look towards her corn before turning back to him.

"........ fine."

Fine. Whatever. "But not here." She couldn't really utilize her expansive vocabulary in front of the younger students, could she? Ahem.

[TeafortheSoul]

Was he really going to do this? Alice stared at him blankly, shooting a longing look towards her corn before turning back to him.

"........ fine."

Fine. Whatever. "But not here." She couldn't really utilize her expansive vocabulary in front of the younger students, could she? Ahem.

"Fine." He agreed, looking a bit relieved around the edges but no less stubborn. He stood up again, took her hand, and pretty much dragged her towards the doors and out of the Great Hall.

[PatInTheHat]

Dora ate all of her chocolate. The piece she'd gotten out at least, before finally making it over to the gryffindor table. Cause she needed it and all.

But they weren't arguing anymore... at least it didn't look like it? They were leaving. The soon-to-be sixteen year old finished her journey anyway, sitting where they'd been. And pulled out more chocolate. Casual eating here.

[Hera]

Seren had accepted Lex's sugar quill with a polite, "thanks," with the intention of repaying the girl for her generosity. Taking candy from children felt strange, an despite the inappropriate connotations, it did seem more appropriate to give children/students candy instead. She took a quick nibble at the end of it, crunching the crystalised sugar contentedly before sucking at it. "A bottomless pit, you don't say?" she replied, pausing from her sugar quill sucking. "Enjoy it while you can, once your my age all you do is put on weight." It was such hard work, so unfair.

She could see Lex's perspective on the speech, but shrugged it off. "They've earnt it this year... our turn is coming." She'd said it brightly enough, and believed it too, because her Lions were epic. No if's or but's about it... it was just a shame that their numbers were dwindling, or at least not as great as Hufflepuff's for example. "Gryffindors have more fun anyway," she said in a low voice. She wasn't biased at all, nope.

It was then that Alice distracted her from her sugar quill, at this rate it would take her a week to finish it. "Hello dear," she greeted in return, grinning. "Uhh.. I.. er," was she eating with them? "You know what... I think I might," she said with a shrug. She was comfortable here whereas she often found the staff table to be tense and awkward... so yes, this was a pleasant change. "Only for a short while," she added, helping herself to a corn cob and a slice of what looked like roast lamb.

"So what do we all have planned for the summer break?" she asked the group in general, between mouthfuls. Was anyone doing anything interesting? Going away?

...
...

Seren's attention quickly turned to Alice on the floor as a Mister Odessa approached. Well this wasn't awkward... and before she knew it he was under the table too? Bouncing blueberries...
She tried her best to look distracted, but noticed Alexa loose her footing/kick under the table, followed by West's painful exclamation. Brows narrowed, Seren shook her head in Lex's direction. Noooooooo. Not here where she could see! Never mind the fact that she was lost on what was happening. What had West done to deserve such a... punishment? Considering it seemed to be, private, she didn't eavesdrop, it was none of her business. Student stuff. Student stufff... maybe she should have gone to the staff table.

Their departure, as depressing as it looked, put her mind at ease. Just a fraction.

[AlwaysSnapesGirl]

"Yeah, I think I've gotten better at making these," she replied to Jake. The cookies were definitely improved since the first time she'd given some to Kurumi and Gideon. Those might have been slightly burnt, but she was positive none of these were. So they oughta look good.

To Alexa, she answered with a slight grin, "You're not the one graduating, are you?" Of course she wasn't, so no, none for the rest if them right now. Though if Jake wanted to share, he could since they were his.

And then more Gryffindors arrived, including Bentley, but before Penelope could reply much, the speech happened. Already? Awesome. For once they weren't trying to starve them. Food had her attention now, so she started piling stuff on her plate.

And then a very tired-looking West was there and he and Alice were arguing, and Penelope gave Alexa a look for kicking him because seriously? Now wasn't the time for kicking people. Alice stopped her at least, and Penelope would've suggested that they could talk outside the Great Hall if they wanted to talk privately - because this definitely seemed like it should be private even though she had no idea what they were talking about - but finally they were both going. Thank Merlin. Hopefully they both worked it out.

And Dora had come over now, probably because she'd seen it all happening too and she probably knew what was actually going on. Penelope wasn't gonna ask though, so she just nodded at her in greeting and tried to get back to eating. Had Bentley asked something? She couldn't remember, having been distracted and all. So she just ate, and if others answered, maybe she'd join in too.