Staff Table
 

There was always much for Dhruv to look forward to during the summer vacation. However, this time around, there was something life changing that was in the works. The prospect of it made them nervous but if you took a look at the man, you wouldn’t be able to tell that there was anything of the sort on his mind. In any case, they had a rather excellent support system so there was no need for them to worry.

The DADA professor approached the Staff Table then took their seat with Ean beside them. It was no surprise they were early. The quiet that lurked for now gave Dhruv time to have some self reflection moments before the chattering began to fill the Hall.



Whereas Dhruv wanted to bask in the quiet, Sarika wanted to chat with everyone over tea. A shame that there was none presently. “Good evening, good evening,’’ she chirped. It was quite obvious how bubbly her mood was. “I hope you two aren’t quite worn down due to the extra responsibilities this term.” Gracefully, she slid into her seat and was easily able to continue the conversation since Wilber was not there as yet between her and Dhruv. “Especially for you, Ean.” Muggle Studies lessons in addition to Charms? Sari was quite in awe of him expertly managing it. As for her? She’d had a wonderful first term as a professor. She would be back next term; oh yes, she will. But first, there would be much time spent with her Lazlo. Perhaps she could convince him to help her grow a patch of roses together. Hmm.

Marion floated to the Staff Table in the somber mood she had recently taken up. While the events in the Hufflepuff Common Room had wrapped up to her satisfaction, and the clean up completed, they still rang strangely fresh in Marion’s mind. Not only those events in particular but also those that had led to her death so many years ago. As if that were not enough to weigh heavily on her mind, the ghost had decided that the position of Hufflepuff Head of House had no business being a part of her staff portfolio. A chat with darling Wilber had taken that tension from her. And with the help of a certain someone, she had had a shoulder to have a hearty weep on.

“Good evening, my dears.” The glorious sight of a pair of studmuffins raised her mood ever so sliiiiiightly. As did the yellow and black decorations. Despite everything, Marion was rather proud of the Hufflepuffs. Yes, they deserved this moment to celebrate. She turned her gaze in the House Table’s direction which would soon be filled. As much as Marion would miss the students, she wanted nothing but peaceful weeks ahead.

So, Marcus had thought any troubles he had for the term were going to have to do with it being his first as Ravenclaw head of house. The herbology professor certainly hadn’t expected how he had spent most of the month of June after the happenings of the Hufflepuff Common Room. Dangerous plant or no, it was deceased, and they had had much to clean up with thankfully no real serious human injuries. And he now had a research project to continue over the summer.

With a soft sigh and an absent hand through his hair, he made his way up the dais. “Good evening,” he greeted taking note of who was already there. Not the last arrival tonight it seems. “Congrats on the house cup, Marion,” he congratulated the ghostly woman, knowing she could use a boost to her morale for sure. “And congrats on Gobstones, Ean,” he added with a nod to his other fellow head. He himself was proud of his eagles for the Quidditch Cup win, letting his gaze swing to their table as he finally took his seat.



She knew she wasn’t supposed to have a favorite house amongst the students, being an impartial professional professor after all, and not even having the excuse of being a head of house. But as she entered the Great Hall to be greeted by the familiar black and gold of her former house, Aurora couldn’t help the warmth of happiness for the badger students like she was back in her school days. Hard work had paid off for them, so they got to celebrate, good news after what the transfiguration professor had heard about happening with the Hufflepuff common room.

Yikes!

Her gaze absently floated over the appropriate table briefly before returning to the staff dais as she made her way towards her colleagues. “Good evening everyone,” she greeted with a bright smile, the expression faltering slightly as it seemed the usually bubbly ghost wasn’t so bubbly. “Congrats to your badgers Marion,” Aurora remarked, hoping to help her spectral colleague’s mood as she took her seat at the very end of the table.

Everyone ^_^
 

Dhruv couldn’t help but notice a quiet shift in Ean’s demeanor over time: less a symptom of age, they had thought, and more likely the weight of the extra responsibilities he’d taken on earlier in the term. They were hopeful that everything would sort itself out over the lengthy upcoming break. “We did. Now we don’t have to see you rushing around the Castle on a daily basis, getting from one place to the next.” Dhruv’s tone was light but their mind was occupied with something they needed to discuss later. “Hallo, Sarika.” Their attention turned to the energetic Divination professor, the fingers of their unoccupied hand drumming on the table. “It came with its challenges but proper time management certainly helped.” Not to mention there was always something relaxing to look forward to at the end of each day. “I trust that you had an enjoyable first term? You yourself did a lot… Divination, clubs, taking an interest in a few of the groundskeeping work.” A pity the two couldn’t chat more with Wilber there between them. It would be rude to keep talking around the man.

It came as no surprise that Marion’s mood made an appearance at the Feast. Dhruv could only imagine the mental torment she was going through but he hoped that that dark cloud hanging over her would part and allow Hufflepuff’s House Cup victory claim the spotlight it deserved. “Good evening, Marion. Well done to you and the Hufflepuffs.” She deserved credit, after all, since she would have encouraged them to continue doing their best. “Hello, Vashti, Marcus, Aurora.” They were always careful not to accidentally ignore any of their colleagues.


Sarika was genuinely pleased to see the smile on Ean’s face. It confirmed that he hadn’t let the challenges get the best of him, which was quite professional. “Why, thank you!” That might actually become one of her favourite complements. “Ginseng tea,’’ she continued. “I’ll brew some for you to have with your breakfast tomorrow. It’ll go a long way in helping.” Here, she was speaking from experience. Sari listened to Ean recount his time juggling amongst so many responsibilities. “You’re very dedicated,’’ she said simply, meaning her words. She hoped the students knew how lucky they were to have him. As for Dhruv’s question. “I did! Quite eventful but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Oh, poor Marion! Sarika sympathised dearly with her. “Good evening, Marion!” She secretly hoped to channel some of her positive energy to the ghost with her words. “Yes, what everyone says! Your Hufflepuffs thrived even more this term!” It was quite impressive, actually. The woman would have offered more kindly words but it wasn’t her intention to overwhelm Marion in her current state. Instead, she greeted Vashti, Marcus and Aurora as they joined the table.

As Hadleigh entered the Great Hall all of the Hufflepuff decorations were hard to miss. This was a clear reminder of how her Snakes had done their very best this year (as they always did) but fell quite short of winning the House Cup. One might think she would be disappointed that her students didn't win but truthfully, she wasn't. The Slytherins had a fantastic run until last term. These things happened. You win some, you lose some. Hopefully this meant they would continue to work hard in the terms to come.

"Good everyone to you all. We all did wonderfully this year." They way they had all had come together to accomplish taking on more tasks then usual was tough but nothing short that fabulous team work. "These decorations look lovely, you must be so proud, Marion." Her smile was warm and gentle.

There was much to chat about for sure but taking her seat at the long table was what she did. There was an entire feast to be had and she could easily inquire about everyone's summer plans in a few moments time.


How quickly his first year as a Professor had come and gone! Things hadn't gone by completely smoothly buuuuuuut everything was as it should be now. Calm. At least until all the students came piling in. The Potions Professor gave a light grin to each of his fellow colleagues as he joined them up at the staff table.

"Good evening. Congratulations on the house cup, Marion." Hufflepuff had worked very hard and it showed. Settling down into his seat, Casen let his gaze wonder over the four house tables. The students had begun to pour through the Great Halls doors the moment he had sat down. There seemed to be lots of excitement about summer break which he couldn't blame them for. Several long weeks off to enjoy each and every day to its fullest was always nice.

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

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

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

His gaze drifted upward toward the frozen hourglass towers.

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

Wilber straightened himself.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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