Vindictus was NOT losing it. Nope. Everything that everyone said that he did must have been lies. LIES. He would NEVER inflict harm upon his brooms nor instruct his students to harm each other and destroy school property. Hrmph! And this talk about him acting like a pirate and speaking like one - total rubbish! All I thought was that the hat was cool.

But to make matters worse, his wedding band was missing. Now how am I going to explain THAT to Janey? 'Oh, sweetheart, let me explain - I was possessed by the spirit of a pirate captain ghost who was searching for his long-lost love this term and when the possession was over, the ring was gone!' Yeah, she won't buy it even though it's the truth.

It was obvious that Vindictus was grumpy as he took his customary seat at the Staff Table. He noticed that the hangings were sporting the school crest and colors, however the colors would be changing soon.

After a fast paced, and ... interesting term- to say the least, Bentley approached the staff table, ready to enjoy the end of term feast. She could hardly believe it was over, it seemed as though it was yesterday when she had first arrived, determined to restore the gardens and greenhouses.

Taking her seat at the table she glanced out at the sea of students, it was no doubt quite an emotional time for some of them. Seeing their smiling faces, Seren couldn't help but feel excited for next term.

"Max," she greeted inclining her head slightly, before pouring herself some gillywater.

Jacob strode up to the staff table. This was the first time in 6 years he'd been up here. The last time was when he was sorted, He'd had hoped never to be up here again, but the was an impossibility today.

With the napkin in one hand and the badge in the other, Jacob directed himself towards Vindictus. He saw that Vindictus wasn't in a good mood, so he supposed the rumors that were floating around were true. Which was good, it would make this much quicker.

Jacob made sure his face was emotionless, before the man saw him.

When he was finally opposite his Head of House, Jacob placed the badge in front of him without a word.

Jacob didn't look at the man directly, instead he looked down at the blood drenched napkin the sat in his left had. It was odd, the pain had faded away again, but he was scared to look at the cuts the the badge had left him.

He was sure the man already knew he's accepted the Ballycastle Bats' offer, so he simply stood there and waited to be dismissed.

Chad took his rightful spot at the staff table. He couldn't help the smirk though as he spotted Vindictus on the other side of Tate. Looks like Moretti was able to fix his nose...such a bummer.

Taking a seat, he got himself a cup of coffee. Mmm. Coffee.

Vindictus watched as Jacob approached the Staff Table. He had heard the rumors (it was Hogwarts afterall) and from reading the Ravenclaw's body language, it had to be true. But he wanted to hear it from the Ravenclaw Captain's own lips.

"Is there something you wish to tell me, Jacob?" Vindictus asked and he stole a quick look at the Ravenclaw table. Yep, the entire house was watching in anticipation. Would Mt. Vindictus erupt upon hearing the news?

No Scream of anger? That was odd. He was braced for it anyways.

But what was even worse was that he had to explain himself. Now he had to find a way of saying 'I Quit' to a man who'd given him so much, and helped him through many tight spots. Vindictus had given him too many second chances to even count, and he was leaving him and the entire team like this.

"Well..." he started, looking up at his Head of House, and tried to make it sound nicer than it actually was. "It has dawned on me that Hogwarts has little it can still teach me." okay. this was actually harder than he hoped it would be. "And I have... failed in my duties to the Ravenclaw Team. So I've decided to resign from my position as Ravenclaw Captain" yup, that's what he had to do. He failed the team, so he had to leave. That was how it worked, right?

And there was the Bats waiting for him, so he had to drop out of Hogwarts too.

Hecate sat at the table pensive but... serene? No... not Hecate Lafay. Her students, her snakes had pulled together at the last minute and overtook the lions. She noticed it and she was proud of them. She kept thinking however of the polyjuiced intruders... how had they come to Hogwarts... and was there an undiscovered treasure... Nehhh. She remained composed as she often did, though looking at Vindictus' sour puss nearly made her laugh...

"Maximus," she called, "are you still feeling under the weather? Can I offer you a pepper up potion? Maybe a tonic?" She smirked, "I certainly can't offer the kiss of a long lost love..."

Quote:

Originally Posted by Droo

"Maximus," she called, "are you still feeling under the weather? Can I offer you a pepper up potion? Maybe a tonic?" She smirked, "I certainly can't offer the kiss of a long lost love..."

Chad chuckled. The potions lady had some jokes. How neat! And unexpected! Mmm, he was going to miss this place during the summer.

Tate entered the Great Hall and the decor immediately went green and silver. Well. That was a new one... why the delay? Stupid... MAGICAL HALL. Didn't know when to celebrate or not. Stupid. He stalked to the dais and took his seat without a word to anyone.

At least it was nearly summer, and he was well pleased. So many odd things had happened this term, and not all of them were explained just yet. Plus, he'd had to go to the Ministry for help again, which was just annoying.

He glared generally at each table, hoping they'd take the hint not to get a bright idea and be disruptive.

Simon walked up to the headmaster and smiled, he had to thank him for a great term. "Headmaster." Simon didn't know if he wanted to be called Professor Tate or Headmaster so in the end he decided that Headmaster would do. "I want to thank you for such a wonderful term and to say that I hope you have a great Summer holiday." Simon smiled, he hoped the Headmaster didn't mind him disturbing him.

Tate glanced up at the appearance of a Hufflepuff kid. He raised an eyebrow and wondered if it communicated enough. No? Words were required?

"I plan to, actually." Best part... no students, no pirates, no one punching anyone, no polyjuice, no love potions. "And you as well."

Simon smiled at the headmaster. "I'll be busy this Summer, I have a few things to do at home." Simon smiled he knew the Headmaster would know he was a prince of course. "And I'll be studying, I want to do well next year." Simon really wanted to get as many OWL's as he could, Simon looked to see if the deputy-head was about but he was busy he would talk to him latter. "Once again Headmaster, have a great Summer and I'll see you next year." Simon then left the staff table.

Lilyan Moretti took her seat at the staff table for the last time. Automatically, her eyes found the Hufflepuff table, and lingered, spending a few moments overseeing quietly. Then, she glanced at her fellow staff mates and smiled at whoever was looking at the time, having nothing to add aloud for the moment.

It was going to be odd not returning next year.

Kimber walked swiftly through the Great Hall, avoiding eye contact with any and everyone. She didn't want to be seen. Didn't want to be spoken to. And most of all, didn't want to be there.

Taking her seat at the staff table, she briefly considered saying 'Hello' to Hecate. But for some reason, without someone between them, it just felt weird. So instead, she filled her water glass and sat silently, focusing on it.

When Simon had next glanced at the staff table to see if a certain librarian was there, he was somewhat glad to see that she indeed was. He hadn't had a chance to see or speak with her since the incident at the flying final and he had hoped she would be around at the end of term feast so he could say goodbye.

Say goodbye

As the words echoed in his head he sighed but got up to his feet even so, excusing himself from the Gryffindor table and heading closer to the staff table and the woman in question box in hand. However he hesitated slightly as he noticed she still seemed a bit ruffled and not her usual self. "Madam Donovan?" he questioned quietly as he stopped in front of her, his package now casually behind his back as he silently and patiently awaited any acknowledgement to his words.

As she departed from the Gryffindor table, Josephina couldn't help but gaze around at the other house tables, smiling sadly at some of those who this would be their last night ever at Hogwarts. Of course, even when one thought it would be their last at Hogwarts, Merlin only knew what the future would hold. Hogwarts would always be home, spiritually at least, no matter how near or far physically.

Once they were away from the group at the Gryffindor table, just a few paces before climbing the dais, Fina stopped and turned around. "So Katie, what is it you wish to ask me?"

Renée had seriously thought about just not going to the end-of-term feast. Just because, given certain reasons, she felt it might be hard to really get through, even though she'd never have expected feeling this attached to Hogwarts yet again. It had happened when she'd been a student, but then she'd had over a decade to get attached to other places. However, that seemed to have recurred already, and therefore, she'd thought about not going. The idea hadn't really lasted, though, as before she knew it she'd wandered down towards Jared's office, still concerned about what he thought about her news, and then found herself outside the Great Hall.

Glancing once at him without saying anything, she took that first step into the room, then took a deep breath. Breathing in all the excitement, faint sadness, and everything that the end-of-term feast included, and her spirits rose a little. She could at least remember this. Then she headed up to the staff table and took her seat, nodding at the other staff members that were already there in greeting, and trying to forget that incident in the pathways when Max had not been himself. No need to bring that up anymore, especially now that it seemed everything was back to normal. At least, normal for Hogwarts standards.

The fact that it had been an eventful year was no surprise - 'Hogwarts' and 'eventful' were more or less synonymous - but, even so, the thought of everything that had happened this term - certain events in particular - brought something of a frown to Jared's face as he stepped into the Great Hall. The place was packed, as expected. His eyes locked with Renée's for a moment, before she'd turned to the rest of the staff. He gave the professors already seated a collective nod, before slipping into his seat.

Just as Hecate called out to Max.

He had to resist the urge to smile. Trust Hecate to make even that sound amusing.

Maybelle stormed up to the Staff table. She looked for Vindictus and stood right in front of him (well, with the table in between them, obviously) and she waited for him to acknowledge her, tapping her foot somewhat impatiently.

William walked up to the staff table. " I would like to thank you for the great job you all did in teaching this year" William told them all. " I learned a lot in my classes" William said to the professors. " I happened to be the fourth top student earner in points, the second top Gryffindor in points and the top boy student this term thanks to all of your help" William explained to the professors. " I plan on being the top Gryffindor student next term and in the top 2, if not the number one student at Hogwarts next term" Willaim smiled.
Hopefully one or more of the profeeessors will answer him.

Tate had been full on stewing as he watched drama and chatter and excitement happening around him. He didn't mind it so much, although he could do without drama. What was it with teenagers and drama? They were like moths attracted to the light source of overreaction and hormonal imbalance or something.

After long enough, he shook his head and rose to his feet. With an impatient hand, he gestured the waiting students back to their respective tables. Time for his much anticipated speech - much anticipated because he knew they all hoped it would be over sooner rather than later.

"Good evening, Hogwarts staff and students. As we enjoy this final feast from our house elves, let us take a moment to acknowledge our Slytherin brethren for winning the Quidditch cup and House Cup this year. This is starting to become a habit, I think. I know many of you put in a lot of excellent effort toward earning house points this term, and your house very much appreciates your work. In fact, Lord Borr would like to invite the top earner in each house to the Ministry of Magic for a special tour. Let's give a hand to Kurumi Hollingberry, Sierra Greingoth, Eino Uronen, and Penny Laughgood."

He waited for any clapping to subside before continuing. "As you know, this is an exciting time as we're heading into summer and new adventures and no more classes, but it is also a time for change and reflection as we say good bye to old friends and professors. To all of you, I bid you so long and good luck. Hogwarts will always be a sanctuary and hall of learning, no matter where you go in life."

It seemed as if they had a larger number than usual graduating this term, but every term felt like that to him. The longer he was here, the more students he saw leave. Sad, really, to always be the one staying.

"For those of you who were privy to the happenings this term, let me assure you that all those who suffered from a ghost pirate personas have been given a clean bill of health, and we have fully removed the treasure hunting imposters to the Ministry for processing. Hogwarts is secure once again, although I believe we will relocate the ship to a suitable cave in order to allow those spirits to rest in peace."

And hopefully never to return? "Last, we have many good things to look forward to next term, not the least of which will be the removal of our Ministry cohorts. I'm sure you're looking forward to having additional staff members next term. In addition, Lord Borr has required that we offer... dance classes." Ugly face. He was not a happy Tatertot. "He suggested Mr. Stryker might be interested in taking on that position."

Dance classes. Whew. Insanity. "Now... tuck in and enjoy the meal with a tip of the hat to the house elves again. Safe travels and all that business. And if we could leave off with the histrionics and dramatic declarations, it would do wonders for my digestion."

Vindictus listened quietly. "I know why you're saying this, Jacob. Since you told the team of your decision in the confines of the common room, it's natural that the entire school knows about you dropping out of school because you have a chance to go pro," he said matter-of-factly. "And it appears that your mind is made up, so I'd be wasting my breath in convincing you not to throw away your education and to stay for your final term."

He heard a tapping noise and saw that Maybelle was waiting. Did she not realize that he was talking to someone else and that it was rude to tap her foot like that?

"No thank you, Professor Lafay," Vindictus replied. She had to go there with that kiss that he didn't remember. Two can play at that game. "I'd be somewhat suspicious of you attempting to slip me a love potion or perhaps something worse."

Jacob looked around at the sound of tapping. His face became puzzled, until he saw someone tapping there foot waiting for Max.

Pshaw... Badger.

Jacob shook his head a little, and turned back to Vindictus. Maybe If Bentley had let him feed the first one to the Starving Snargaluff, They would have learned their lesson. Someday, they'd see that Jacob's actions were right, and the badgers should be fed to Snargaluffs.

Wait the Vindictus Bomb still didn't explode... what was this.

Well Naturally that was how he knew. That's exactly how Hogwarts worked and how it always will work. Jacob nodded along as the man spoke. See the man understood completely... Education was so much less important than Quidditch. "Thank you, sir.... For everything" the man before him had taught him how to first fly, he'd gotten him out of many troublesome situations, and he'd started Jacob on the career path that he was now about to start down.

He then turned his head to the Ravenclaw table, but didn't move. Jacob simply scanned all his teammates, before turning back to Vindictus, He looked down at the badge that was sitting on the table, and then at the man himself. "Make sure they work hard. They started slacking this term." He said with a smile. "I want to hear that, that Cup is back in our Hands" he gave the man a casual, two fingered salute.

"I'll see ya around, Max." Cause he'd be seeing him again. The man was still officiated sometimes, right?

Jacob then turned, giving the Hufflepuff a disgusted look, and moving back to the Ravenclaw table to say his final good bye, and have a last taste of that oh so delicious House Elf Cooking.

...And what was that about Dancing Lessons.

Vindictus watched as his three-years of stability plan walked away before he could get in another word. But his eyes immediately fell on the Ravenclaw Table. He already knew who'd be the next captain . . . and the impatient tapping of Maybelle's foot was growing increasingly irritating.

"He's gone, Maybelle. What is it you need to speak to me about," he asked.

While waiting for her to reply, he listened to Tate's speech and applauded when it was over. "Nice speech, Tate," Vindictus said as the food appeared on the table before them.

Maybe the food and small talk would get his mind off of the fact he still had to face his wife and explain the missing wedding band.