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Staff Table by Victoria Bunbury (BanaBatGirl) The staff are seated at a long table stretching across a dais at the front of the room. Feel free to come up and greet them after the feast has started. The glittering night sky is clear and visible through the enchanted ceiling, and the floating candles bedeck the entire hall in a warm golden light. All seems well with the world, aside from the empty plates still waiting for food to appear. Click To Enlarge |
Cece quickly made her way up to the staff table. She wanted to get to the feast nice and early. She had never been the first to arrive to anything before but tonight she was. She had a student she needed to be on the lookout for. A student she needed to deliver a message to. Looking towards the Slytherin table she didn't see the one she needed so she turned her attention to the door. She would just sit there and wait for the girl to arrive. |
William made his way up to the staff dias with heavy feet and a heavier heart. He carried an owl cage (containing an actual owl, yes) in one hand and a folded up bit of parchment in the other. "Hey, Cece," he called out to his other coworker at the end of the table, slowly making his way down toward her. He set the parchment --- letter, really --- on top of the Headmaster's empty plate and then continued down toward Cece. "How are you doing?" |
Callie was both excited and sad that the term's closing Feast was this evening. She had made it through her first year as a teacher even though there had been so many crazy things going on and she hadn't lost it Chosing to wear something other than the peacock feather dress she had worn at the beginning of term feast, Professor Elwood walked into the Great Hall wearing a plain cream colored dress with her usual sandals, matched with a wide leather belt. The blonde made her way to the Staff Table noticing only two other of her collegues had made it--Healer Tillstorm and William. "Hello Cece, William." She smiled at both of them, although they each looked preoccupied and thinking of other things. Callie was thinking of food. |
Headmaster Tate paused as he entered the Great Hall and gave the room a searching look, almost as if he wasn't really quite sure he was HERE and everyone else was here. Ah yes. End of Term feast. House Cup stuff. Food. He made his way quickly to the dais, not because he was in a hurry but because he was Gaellen Tate and couldn't do anything slowly that could be done quickly. Taking his seat, Tate glanced at the parchment on his plate and set it to the side for now. He was much more interested in picking up his water goblet and putting it back down. Important work. |
Sorry guys, Cece's not really there. Just as Cece seen the student she had been waiting on walk through the door she heard her name. Looking to her right she seen William place something on Tate's plate. "Hello William. Sorry, can't chat right now, I have to go talk with someone." Standing up she didn't wait for a reply, nor did she hear Callie talk to her, she just quickly made her way down to the Slytherin table... and Sierra. |
At last, the ending feast. Honestly though, she just wanted to go to bed early. Rubbing her eyes before she walked into the Great Hall, Medea took a deep breath and made her way up to the staff table. Headmaster, Callie, William, Cecelia, staff... Same as usual. Now there brought a smile to her face. "Headmaster." she nodded to the man sitting in the larger seat. Yea, she eyed that chair every now and then. "Villiam. Cecelia..." Apparently the healer was needed elsewhere. The student's weren't acting up already, were they? Shaking her head a little, Medea took her seat. "Callie." No feathers tonight? |
Yeah. He had been missing in action for a while now but there was no way Oliver would miss the end of term feast. It was his last one after all. Of course the only people who knew that were his two best mates. He had kind of forgotten to tell the Headmaster previously but now was a good a time as any, right? He made his way up to the staff table, passing the four house tables as he went and well he could honestly say that he wasn't really going to miss any of the students as he'd never really gotten to know any of them. He supposed that made things easier. Seeing William already at the table, Oliver walked around the staff table and gave his best mate a clap on the back. "Don't look so glum. It's not the end of the world." But then Willy had been in his element being back here at Hogwarts. His gaze went to the others that were already at the table and he inclined his head to each of them. "Evening all." |
Good mood was an understatement. Sophia clicked her way into the Great Hall with a broad smile on her face. Yep, last night for the children and she would be going home too with Tyler, to her husband and she'd be able to see her grand children. All in all she thought it was a good first year for her. No regrets..nope..none. As she approached the staff table she scanned it and look no Leo just yet, oh well she'd catch him after the feast. she nodded at Oliver and took her seat between Medea and Rockhead William who was surprisingly not being loud and obnoxious. She gave him a inconspicuous whack to the back of his head as she sat and offered Medea a smile. Lalala it wasn't like he didn't deserve it. |
Roro, Callie's looking at William in my response to Mel. ^_^ Quote:
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She took a drink from her water goblet as she waited for Tate to respond. Quote:
"Long time no see, stranger. Where have you been?" It had seriously been ages since they had talked but Callie guessed she had been busy too, scoring Finals and whatnot. Anyways, it was nice to have her friend beside her. Quote:
"Evening Oliver." She said quickly as he passed, hoping he didn't think she was a terrible eavesdropper. Quote:
Callie lifted her goblet to drink, making a sideways look at the Charms Professor, refusing to give her a hello first. She was at the table first so the other woman needed to tell her hello before Callie had to do so--it's only fair. |
For everyone of you!:D Leobald skidded to halt just outside the Great Hall panting heavily and pulse beating. Peeking inside as he tried to calm his breath. It wouldn’t do to look frazzled and out of breath in front of the students. When his pulse returned to normal, Leo fixed his robes and entered the hall. He passed by the snakes table spotting Cece in deep conversation with Sierra Greingoth about something or other. He flashed Cece a smile and wave even though Leo doubted that she saw it. Heading up to the staff dais he saw that quite a few people were there already including the Headmaster who had received some sort of. Waving at each and every one of them Leo greeted warmly "Good evening Headmaster Tate, William, Callie, Medea, Oliver and Sophia! How is everyone doing, glad that the school year is over?" Going over to his empty seat a ways way down from the headmaster, he slipped into his seat wondering where everyone had gotten to like Dash, Gemma, Isabelle, Hecate, Seren and Waylon. The whole right flank was empty except for Leo and Tate. |
Max slipped in and quietly made his way to the dias. He sat down to the right of Tate and leaned back in his chair. For once, he wasn't in a talkative mood. |
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"Yes, it's a good way to leave things, isn't it? Sort of out for the term on a high note, with everyone back to normal," he responded quietly and with none of the usual boisterousness. He studied his goblet again before putting it down. "Wish we'd have caught the bit who did this, though. I hate to think she's still out there stealing time away from innocents." But if those innocents weren't students... Tate wasn't going to fret about it. Bigger things to worry about today. "It'll be nice to see my wife and daughter." Non-committal. Geneva was getting big, and he hated missing it, but he wasn't going home to stay. Not for a while yet. |
All of you. Sort of. xD Isabelle, for once, wasn't late. Or at least her watch told her she wasn't. But it seemed that Tate was already in his seat. So he was early, right? Yes. Considering that Leo was the only person sat down her side of the table. Fixing a broad smile on her face, she made her way through the Great Hall, making sure to aim an even broader one towards the victors of Hufflepuff. Skipping along the last couple of steps, Issy climbed the up onto the dais and raised her hand to all those down the other end of the table. "Evening all," she called out, positioning herself in her seat and smoothing her robe before sitting down. Turning her head towards Leo, she smiled at him too. "Just us for the moment then?" Isabelle asked, glancing around to see if any of their colleagues would be joining them there. But anyway - "How did you find your first term, by the way?" |
Josephina clicked her way quietly into the Great Hall and made her way up to the Dias. She was feeling a mix of emotions right now, between Keefer leaving (and his letter to her), then the thought of summer break (of which she kind of was excited at a particular aspect). She was both overwhelmed and exhilarated. And in the midst of her intense focus on making it to her seat, she did give a fleeting glance of pride toward her Hufflepuffs, her badgers. She was proud of them and she hoped that every single one of them knew it. Sitting down, she glanced at her neighbors, giving a brief, friendly smile before turning her attention onto her water goblet. |
William just let out another short sigh as Cece left and Oliver entered. Just what he needed, ANOTHER reminder that they were ALL leaving. At least they'd be able to hang out more outside of Hogwarts, eh? "Hey Leo, Callie," he absently greeted the two who'd addressed him by name and continued staring out at the House tables as if searching for someone. Once he saw her little head arrive at her yellow-and-black table, William headed back down the dias. He had an owl to deliver. |
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"Evening Leo." Callie waved smally at the man as he took his seat on the other side of the table from her. She hadn't gotten to spend as much time as she had wanted to in Hogwarts' enormous library but she promised herself she would next term and make a note to talk with Mr. Kittridge more. Quote:
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"It does sound nice." She said quitely, adding a quick smile as she turned away from him to allow for others to converse with their boss. Her face held firm in her smile for a moment longer, wishing she too had a family to go home to that summer. Quote:
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Calista looked at Willy, first concern on her face as he looked worried about something, cunfusion at the owl he had with him in the Great Hall, and then slight annoyance that he left the table without any further word. Seriously, William? Callie didn't like to be ignored. What was with him tonight? She looked to Medea for an answer. |
It was that time again, the end of the term. Though some Professors might deem it sad and whatnot, Dash couldn't disagree more. The months had dragged on and on so horribly that sometimes he had to check his calendar to make sure he had the year right. Making his way to the front of the hall and up to his seat, Dash settled down before offering a small nod to those around him. He didn't like the seated ones enough to actually open his mouth. |
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"Evening Leo." he said chuckling with laughter. "Very glad." School life was so not for him. Quote:
"Callista." he said with a nod of his head. "You're looking lovely this evening." Quote:
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He watched as mate ran off to Merlin only knew where and he shook his head. Looks like his news was going to have to wait. Olly caught sight of Callie's face and he gave her another smile. "Don't worry too much about William, he can be such a skirt at times." |
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His first term. "It has been an eventful and fun first term. I’m glad that so many students use the library for studying and even sought me out for book advice and so on." Leo beamed. "Was it long since Hogwarts last had a librarian?" he wondered. If that was the case then maybe that was why so many of them had come and offered to help him out around the library with smaller duties. "How was your term teaching transfiguration?" Leo countered back. Quote:
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Shrugging he watched William disappear down from the dais with an owl cage in his grasp towards the Hufflepuff table. Quote:
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The owl delivered, his work done, William returned to the staff dias and slipped into his seat. He threw Bellaire a "Did you turn in your letter yet?" he asked his friend. You know, his letter of resignation??? |
Once Callie turned to her neighbors and Tate was left to his own company once again, he was tempted to turn his attention back to his goblet. It wasn't that the hunk of ancient iron was interesting or amusing. It was just... yeah. Looking at the tables full of happy students hurt him just a little and in a way he hadn't expected. But he was a Gryffindor and a damned fine one, and when things were difficult, lions got to their feet and roared. Or something like that. They had pride? No, they were in a pride... Merlin, he was stalling again. Tate stood suddenly, unexpectedly, and nearly toppled that enormous goblet with the motion. He put up a hand to quell the talking and then began to speak himself before really even waiting for complete silence. "End of term is always a bittersweet time. We have the chance to celebrate the hard work you put in this year, both by congratulating our Hufflepuff friends for their House Cup victory and our Ravenclaw brethren for their Quidditch Cup win and by remembering fondly what we've gained for our time here this year. It hasn't been an easy year, what with mysterious illnesses and the situation in Hogsmeade, but you were all pulling for each other. I would venture to say that, in spite of the houses that divide us, we recognize our unity best of all when a little adversity thrusts us together." He was wandering from the point again, and Tate cleared his throat before continuing. "You lot are cleverer than when you started the year. Some of you know yourselves better, and some of you are just meeting your true selves for the first time. Certainly most of you are taller than when you started, and the way we feed you, I'm certain many of you are a bit wider too." He patted his own stomach, which certainly hadn't suffered during his tenure, although he attempted to practice moderation. "It's a sad time, too, isn't it? Another year has ended, and we're all closing in on our inevitable departure from these hallowed halls. Some of you have another six years, so you may not feel it keenly yet, but those seventh years... they know what I mean. You can always come back to Hogwarts, but it will never be your home again." He took a deep breath and glanced at that folded piece of parchment next to his plate. "It's sad too for those left behind, because you know that next term, there will be faces missing from the crowd. Perhaps faces you don't even know are missing, but faces that make this place what it is today. Some students... some professors." He glanced meaningfully at Williamson and Jenkins. "And some Headmasters. I wasn't sure I would tell you... old soldiers are better at slipping away than giving prolonged and mushy goodbyes. I promise not to be mushy, but I'm afraid I'm already prolonged. Perhaps it is my own ego that prompts me to tell you... I wouldn't leave you if I didn't have to. I've never been an educator, as I'm sure my detractors would tell you, but I've always been a champion for this school and for you students. My path leads me elsewhere - someone else requires my efforts for now - but my heart is heavy over it, and so I suppose I'll leave it rest at Hogwarts for a while." He fell silent for a long time, staring hard at the table top as if he could glare a hole right through it, before he felt contained enough to continue. "It appears I broke my promise not to be mushy, but I seem to be breaking a lot of promises these days. Perhaps it's better for the old lion to go to pasture, and for all the students to break bread together. Let's eat." |
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Calista waved a hand at him, the one who's wrist had the Atlantis bracelet on it, smiling. Quote:
"Thank you Oliver, you look pretty fit yourself." She grinned politely at the Ancient Runes Professor and the nodded smally when he attempted to put a stop to her worrying about William. A skirt. Heh. "Thanks." She removed her eyes from her hands in her lap and looked at him briefly before he left. Quote:
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'some students...some professors.'? Callie noticed the look the Headmaster gave down to her end of the table. At Oliver and...... No. Callie leaned forward to look right at her friend down the table and then fixed a blank stare at the now full plate of food before her. How could he be leaving after her first term? Where on Earth was he even going to teach?! How had he not told her before now? |
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And seemed she wasn't the only one, judging from Callie's expression. But she didn't get a chance to question the letter talk to Oliver before Tate stood for his customary speech. Quote:
But then he started talking about bitter part of the bittersweet. And his words confused her until... he mentioned missing faces. Students (Ellie and Keefer mostly for her) .... Professors (was this the letter that Williamson had been inferring to Oliver about?) ... and no ... no... He did NOT just say that he was leaving. He had a rule. A don't die rule. Without Tate, then well, students or professors even, might DIE. And no. Despite her now full plate, she wasn't hungry. Instead, the Arithmancy Professor found herself crossing her arms and staring defiantly at the food. Shooting glances down at the Headmaster, hoping to find SOME hint that he was bluffing. He was bluffing, wasn't he? |
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She got a smile. It looked sincere too. Not forced. No hidden meaning. No promise of terribly embarrassing danger in the coming future. Quite frankly, Medea was rather pleased for that. She smiled back to the Charms professor. Perhaps Sophia DID have a sense of humor. Quote:
In her office. Picking up her goblet, she took a sip and glanced to the crowd of students. It was only moments later did the Headmaster start his speech. And what a speech it was... Quote:
Her smile began to fade. Students were indeed graduating. Being lucky enough to teach them and get to know them, it was a difficult time and always would be. Though the headmaster had mentioned not only students, but professors as well. Who was leaving? Who...was Tate looking at? Medea glanced a little down the table to see if she could pinpoint just who, but with the end of the speech, she found herself not caring all that much for the food. Maybe poke at it with her fork. Well...she probably didn't have the thoughts or emotions as some of these professors or students in the great hall after finding out that their beloved Headmaster was retiring from his position but... Goodness, a lot of people were leaving after tonight. |
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