Originally Posted by Nearly Headless Nick

"Bored?" he echoed. Did the boy not know how to take a joke?
"Oh heavens, we do have things to do you know. Places to be, ghosts to see... the gossip will never die even though our hearts have long stopped beating."



"University, of course." ... Sir Nicholas was extremel embarassed by his blundering stupidity, dragon keeper school indeed. If were alive and had half a brain he'd have died of shock. As it were, in his deathly state, lacking sense occasionally ought not to be a crime.
"It was awfully nice of him to help you out, it was such a shame he didn't stick around."



Sir Nicholas smiled inwardly as the boy seemed uncomfortable. It's not as if he were contagious, or the Baron for that matter.
"I'm sure once you return you'll miss the summer vacation," he mused, smiling at the young chap.



Nicholas, though dead, could still sense the frosty demeanour of the girl, perhaps he ought to apologise for, well... everything. But as he opened his mouth to speak, she'd asked him about the Hunt.

Immediately he shut his mouth. Partly out of shock and partly out of hurt. "I... decided against it this year. It seems more trouble than it's worth anyway. Tomfoolery."



Tears. Sir Nicholas was not good with tears. This must be dealt with, now!
"You? Forgettable... I think we both know that is near impossible. And if you remind them every so often with an owl, then they won't have the chance to forget you."

Honestly. Was it possible to forget this girl? She was rather outrageous, not exactly forgettable.
"I assure you, if your friends love you now, then they'll continue to love you in the future... strong friendships don't die, because the people involved won't let them... so don't let them." The power was in her hands now.



"Mmmm yes, that sounds about right," he replied, his mind drifting through time. Hearing the parting words of other students. What he would do to feel those emotions again...

"What are your plans anyway? University? A trade?" Surely something interesting.

Originally Posted by sweetpinkpixie

Kurumi shifted her seating position a little and folded her hands on her lap. Plans for the future. Such a weighted word when she got to thinking about it. "I'll be attending university in Romania to study dragonology," Kurumi explained with a small nod of the head. "Emphasis on breeding and hatchery studies, but the first year covers dragons in general. Nothing too specialized until second year."


Blushing a bit more, Kurumi held the bracelet properly in her hands and softly traced over the words with her one finger, almost missing what Vickers said next. "I'm really glad I met you, Vickers," she finally managed to say after a few moments of reading it over again. He had really been fantastic in New York, which had also been her first trip to America, and had helped make things seem less overwhelming. At least she was able to laugh at what came next. "No, probably not the best career choice," she giggled. Not that she was any poet either. Her poem to him hadn't been all that fantastic. Best they both leave that sort of thing to those with the gift of speech.

No regrets. That was good, for him at least. Kurumi had them, but as long as Vickers said it was alright then she could be alright too. She really did hate how dense she was when it came to these sorts of things. Not realizing her feelings or the other person's until things exploded. As smart as people said she was, she sure felt like an idiot at times. Little life lessons.

Kurumi smiled and nodded at his reply and then was back to blushing when he congratulated her on Gobstones. "Thank you. I'm really proud of my lions for pulling out a win this year," she nodded. It was about time Gryffindor won something and it couldn't have come at a better time. Especially since she had been able to be an active participate this time around too. "You guys played well too." She glanced back over at the Ravenclaw table when Vickers spoke again, saying that he should head back. "Oh, right," she nodded, violet eyes back on him. "Of course I will. Letters have always been our thing."

"Good," she laughed. Although she really did hope that the train would be working properly and that the same sort of disaster would not happen again. Kurumi really did not want to receive owls from her friends saying how the Hogwarts express had stopped all of a sudden and people had broken their bones and...okay, she needed to stop thinking about that because she was getting a little queasy just thinking about it.

She blushed just a bit when he wished her good luck, a small smile appearing on her lips at the softness of his tone. "I'll do my best," she whispered in reply.

Kurumi turned around when she heard someone say her name and was a little surprised to see Oakey standing there. "Oakey?" she said, her tone slightly questioning. "Hey." He seemed nervous, like, really nervous. She wasn't going to cast a Silencing Charm on him or anything and he had said her name so she knew that he didn't see her as a dementor again. "Want to sit down?"

Daichi did pinky promises right? Had it been him that had taught her about them? Either way, Kurumi lifted her pinky finger towards the fifth year and locked eyes with him. "I promise." She even gave him a firm little nod for emphasis. "I'll actually be living in London, so I can stop by Diagon Alley whenever you want," she smiled. She would be working part time in London at a bakery as well, but she left that out for the time being. "I'll just go home to Japan for a little and then be back."

Kurumi played with the necklace for a few more moments before looking back at Daichi. "I love it Daichi, thank you. I have something for you too...but I'll give it to you on the train, okay?" Because all her things were packed in her trunk and the letters were in her bag. She couldn't bear giving these things away at the feast. She was already on the verge of tears every few minutes as it was.

And then Daichi went on the defensive and Kurumi's eyes widened and she just sort of stared at him. "Oh, I, um...I wasn't even thinking about that," she laughed. Look at him, thinking Kurumi was sneaky like that. She was a Gryffindor, not a Slytherin. Hardly cunning enough for that sort of trick. "Which clearly means you are smarter than me," she laughed again. "Really, I just thought that since you gave it to me you should be the one to put it on. Besides, if I really wanted to I could just use a Severing Charm and then the rope would be cut." See? She didn't have her wand out so she wasn't about to use the charm so he was safe. "But, if you insist...I'll put it on myself..." To which she frowned, jokingly, but still frowned.

So formal sounding! Kurumi turned around when she felt someone tap her shoulder. "Beezus! Hey," she smiled, tapping the empty space beside her for the Ravenclaw to sit down should she want. At least Beezus didn't look like she had a dark rain cloud hanging over her head. Kurumi wasn't sure she could handle any more sad faces and not lose her own composure. "What brings you over to the Gryffindor table?"

Erm...yeah...awkward conversation starter.

THAT sound. Kurumi knew that sound almost as well as she knew the contours of Lewis' face. And that was saying something.

Practically jumping out of her seat, Kurumi turned around JUST as the house elf had tapped her on the back and a BIIIIIIG smile spread across the Gryffindor's face. "TINKA! I'm so glad to see you. I wanted to head to the kitchens before the feast to say good bye to you and the others, but I ended up not having time and I was worried that I wouldn't tomorrow morning before I had to board the Hogwarts Express and..." Oh, forget words, Kurumi leaned forward and hugged the house elf, not even noticing that the creature was holding a small red box.

Kurumi's eyes widened a bit when Selina suddenly pulled her in for a hug and she felt her body tremble when she heard what her best friend whispered to her. Kurumi felt like she had been hit with a Full Body Binding Curse when all she wanted to do was hug the girl back. Only she couldn't and instead tears were being brought to her eyes and she just rested her chin on Selina's shoulder. "Selina...," she managed to whisper, her arms FINALLY finding the resolve to move and wrap around her best friend. Kurumi sort of just stayed that way for a while, kind of whimpering but not really into Selina's shoulder. Words had totally escaped her now. What was there to say in response to that? Thank you?

Kurumi, surprisingly, laughed a little at Alexa's words but not because anything was particularly funny. It was a rather serious conversation they were having, but something just struck a chord with her that made her laugh. "Alexa...you know I tend to be a bit of a perfectionist, right?" Which really did explain why it had hit her so hard that her advice and efforts to help the first year hadn't worked. "It's in my nature to beat myself up when things don't work out." She offered Alexa a small smile, mostly to show that it was alright. That she wasn't lingering on it too much. She would forever be upset with herself for not trying something else or being more firm or doing this and this, but there was nothing she could do to change the past. "The important thing is that you came back to the pride and that you learned something."

Kurumi rested a hand on Alexa's shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze. "So you stop beating yourself up as well, okay?"


Nerdclaw. Hehehe. That was cute.

And then it looked like Melanie zapped all the energy out of herself by bringing up graduation and Kurumi bit down on her lower lip to prevent herself from following suit. "Thanks, Melanie," she said with a small smile. Somewhat forced small smile, but one that was still there. And then the younger lioness had her arms wrapped around Kurumi and she felt her resolve fading again. Kurumi somehow found the strength to hug the girl back and rested her chin on top of Melanie's head. "Owl me? You know, tell me all about the tea parties that you and Alice have next term."

Potions. Of course. Gideon had always liked Potions...for whatever reason. She had tried to see and understand what was so appealing with the subject and had hoped that Lewis' influence would have rubbed off on her some. Nope. No such luck. "Which university?" There were A LOT of them after all. "In Romania," Kurumi nodded. "But no dragon taming for me. I'll be going into breeding and hatchery studies. Professor Williamson may help me get an internship as well and hopefully I can see Roro again."

Kurumi smiled at Kat and conjured some tissue from the end of her wand to hand to the Slytherin, you know, just in case. "I look forward to it too," she replied with a firm nod. "And hearing all about how Hogwarts is and how you are doing. Do me a favor? Since the library practically burned down because of Isfret...help fix the Reference Section? You know the spells needed for it now." Kurumi had been really proud of their efforts and now most of it was ashes.

Kurumi bit down on her lower lip again and took a few deep breaths through her nose. "I'll miss you too."

o________________________O

Okay....wrong question...OBVIOUSLY WRONG QUESTION!

Kurumi didn't even really have time to register what Alice had just said because the girl was crying and doing so in a manner that was sort of alarming because she was SO quiet. So, arms went around Alice instantly and pulled her close. She wanted to tell Alice she wasn't allowed to cry because then she would cry, but it was too late for that and it wasn't going to make the tears stop.

"Alice, it's alright. Just because I graduated doesn't mean we won't keep in touch or never see each other again. I'll be living in London, so I'll be close to Diagon Alley and I can always see you in Hogsmeade." No, it wouldn't be the same, but it wasn't like this was it. Kurumi had to keep reminding herself of that as well. Goodbye didn't have to be a sad thing, not as long as you didn't let it be.

But then Alice mentioned...a rope? And she still hadn't found Frank?! "Frank...rope....huh?"

Didn't Alice have a stick?

Kurumi simply blushed at Professor Bentley's words, feeling more than a bit flustered at the compliment. "I've had some very inspirational people to guide me," she said, as if that were an explanation. But she didn't say much more. That was to be saved for more private quarters. "Um, professor, I have something for you...but I'll bring it up to you after the Headmistress gives her speech."

No, no fancy gifts because Kurumi didn't really believe in buying things. It wasn't personal enough and times like right now required a very personal touch. Even if it was just something as simple as a letter.

Kurumi frowned a little. She did miss Professor Williamson, a lot, but she also like Professor Newlin. Professor Williamson just happened to specialize in a field that she was far more interested in - no offense to fire crabs or anything. "It will be nice to see him again, Roro as well," she nodded. And then she realized something. While she could easily keep in touch with her friends and professors via owls....how could she keep in touch with a ghost? "Um, Sir Nicholas...how would one keep in touch with...a ghost? Once one graduates I mean."

WOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!

Kurumi suddenly felt more arms around her and her eyes widened as her hands went to rest on top of the much smaller ones that were clinging to her almost desperately. Kurumi looked down at the hands, not recognizing them at first, but certainly noticing that the robes did not belong to anyone from Gryffindor. And then came a voice that tugged on her heartstrings and AGAIN made her want to cry.

Turning her head slightly, Kurumi saw the small body of Elise and her eyes DID tear up this time. Little Elise, the girl that she had had to take care of with the train accident....found out about her family situation in a seminar...and just someone that Kurumi felt like she needed to protect because she was so fragile. Only she wasn't as fragile now and Kurumi couldn't be there to protect her anymore.

Although she really wanted to.

"Elise," she whispered, trying to turn her body a little so she could hug the girl properly. Merlin did she hate that word. Leaving. "I...I wish I could stay, really I do. But it's time. I need to go." She wasn't sure that Elise would be able to understand that need, seeing she was still young, but it was true. "You are going to be just fine without me and I am just an owl away. You can write me whenever you want." And then she pulled the Ravenclaw a little closer for a proper hug.

Originally Posted by fanficfanatict

Selina continued to hug Keller back because, well, he wasn't exactly letting go, but she did not break her gaze with Gideon for a moment. She knew that there was something there between them- a history. And even though they were going in different paths now it did not mean that they were ever going to forget the memories they had together. He would always be a part of her life that she never forgot. No matter where she was in the world and no matter what she was doing. He was Gideon Gert- her first boyfriend. And that was something she would not soon forget.

She smiled at him and nodded genuinely, "It's going to get better, I promise. I really do wish you the best, Gideon." He deserved it.



When Bentley brought up her own graduation, Selina suddenly felt very, very sick. It was not something she wanted to think about. The sickness did not come from the thought of her own time at Hogwarts coming to a close, but the fact that Selina's seventh year meant NO Kurumi. Hogwarts would not be the same without her. Who else was going to calm the beast? Please. Like ANYONE could handle her.

"I know we will Professor... but nothings gonna be the same, you know?" And they both had acknowledged that. Kurumi and Selina both.



He decided against it? Why after all of these years of trying to make the Headless Hunt would he give it up? Unless he did not make the hunt. That seemed more realistic. Awkward.

So she just smiled politely at him and said, "Well, I'm glad that you are happy with your decision, sir."



Pulling herself together, Selina wiped her face dry of the tears that were never there. Her face was only wet by divine intervention because Selina did not cry. Ever. Not matter what happened in her life, she was not a cryer. Not even if her best friend in the whole world, the other half of her hole, was leaving. So she wiped away the nonexistent tears. Because she did not cry. Ever.

She grinned sadly at her best friend and laughed a little. It was sad, but she had to smile a little. She could not be sad that she was going. No, she had to be stronger then that. Instead, she had to be glad that they had the time together that they had. Because she would have NEVER have traded it for anything. Not even all of the cookies in the world... and she meant that. Cookies were a big deal.

Turning behind herself to grab what Nessie had given her earlier, Selina turned back to look at Kurumi. "So um," she bit down on her bottom lip to stop her eyes for watering, "So...." Breathe, Selina. "So this is for you, Kurumi. Um... everyone wanted you to have these... and I wanted to be the one to give it to you." She was finding it harder to talk, "So you always remember that I gave it to you." So you don't forget me. And with that she handed her what she had earned, what she had deserved.

Originally Posted by MagicalWorld

Dylan smiled as she giggled.. suddenly he saw something coming towards him and stopped right in front of his face.. just spinning there as if telling him to grab it and eat it. He grabbed it with both hands "Thanks!" though he knew that this would be eaten in a matter of seconds.. what about him getting more? That question was answered too, his eyes went wide at the fact that she would be working at a bakery.. he then nodded as if he was trying to break his neck "Yes please!" but did she say share?.. Share?? "Umm.. but.. do I really have to share with them? Cant I just.. not share?" he asked cautiously.. cause he wanted the whole batch to himself.. cause he wasnt very good at sharing things.



Dylan just blinked as he saw her cross her arms and ask if he was done? Yeah that was all his dad had written so he gave a small nod "Yeah" he said as she pulled him into a hug.. A HUG?!! Oh no!! she was a hugger too??! oh come on!! he just couldnt get a break from these huggers.. well the older ones.. cause there were no younger huggers from what he had seen anyways. But lucky for him it was over just as fast as it had started, phew!! he didnt know how much longer he could put up with that hug thingy! He then smiled as she thanked him too.. well his dad cause his dad wrote all that blabber.. "Yeah? Well.. I had a great time learning it all! Quidditch is the awesomest sport ever!" and that was all him.. no dad on that! He loved quidditch alot now "Oh I am gonna try out.. I will!" he nodded.. she then talked about him not being guaranteed anything as she ruffled his hair..why did people ruffle his hair? not that he was complaining.. seemed kinda fun to do it "Yeah.. I was told I has to work hard for things I want.. and I want to be on the team again.. so.. I gotta work for it" darn all this working.. classes, homework and even to make the team.. well he wanted on it.. so he would work for it.



Dylan beamed at the older lion as he said it was nice to meet him.. well of course it was.. who would not be glad in meeting him.. duh!! He nodded "Yeah we might!" he smiled before the older lion said they might not "Well.. I do try to make things enjoyable if they arent.. sooo that might happen actually" he nodded as Gideon shook his hand.. he had big hands compared to his! "And why would we not meet? Are you going somewhere? Like a place where only some people can go?" cause if it was a cool place then he would really like to go! Maybe he could make him take him there so that he could see the cool place and then be all secretive about it.. cause obviously he didnt want others knowing about it.. cause that could just make it uncool like.



Dylan saw her lean in and knew that he was about to know stuff that no-one else knew.. and he would keep it a secret.. yes he wo... he raised his eyebrows as she said it would spoil the surprise "What surprise?" he asked almost instantly "But.. but then how do I know if the surprise is going to be a cool thing or not?" cause that was what he wanted to know "Is it a fun surprise?" he asked more questions.. cause he needed to know as much as he could about this 'surprise' that the professor had planned. Was she just teasing him? cause he would like to know.. but then it did look like the professor wasnt going to tell him straight what this surprise was.



Dylan nearly jumped at the echo as he spoke.. they did things? oo interesting "What kinda things do you do? Do you go around scaring people?" cause that would be a cool thing to do! "Where would you go? Do you mean like leave Hogwarts for a couple of hours?" and he was interested in gossip now too.. what did they discuss as a gossip "Gossip.. like....?" yes Sir Nicholas.. do tell more.. so that we can know too!

Originally Posted by AlwaysSnapesGirl