Cami and Laurel arrived only moments after Gaston had. "Good evening, ladies," he returned their greetings with a warm smile. He chuckled a little at what Cami said about the hiking trip. "Yes, she might've mentioned it. I think I can spare her for one weekend," he joked. He just thought of something. "Is Bonsai coming along?" He would gladly offer his services as a cat-sitter if necessary. Phantom would enjoy having a friend to play with for a weekend!

Then he turned his attention to Laurel. "Oh, that sounds interesting!" he said when she told him about the Seer convention. "Where is the convention?" It wasn't some secret location that only Seers knew about, was it? Jordan calling him 'lover boy' got a laugh from Gaston, but he was a little surprised. That was it? No calling Rose Mrs. Marchand? No asking if he'd proposed yet? Well, there went his setup for the big news! He nodded in reply to Jordan's plans. "Sounds fun." he said. He'd gone backpacking once; it was a disaster! He answered both of their questions about his summer plans at the same time, "Nothing much... returning to France for a while, catching up with some old friends, making big plans for the future..." Hint, hint.

More people had shown up. "Hello, Art, Caroleena," he greeted the latest arrivals. He'd heard the news of both of them leaving. He wasn't exactly surprised by it, but still it made him sad. He had a tremendous amount of respect for both of them! At least in Art's case, it wasn't goodbye forever; he'd probably be seeing a lot of his future uncle-in-law outside Hogwarts. And he was sure Beaubatons would be glad to have Caroleena back!

Hirsch and Sokolov each got a polite nod in acknowledgement. "Good evening." Gaston turned to face his seatmate as he answered Hirsch's question, "Very! What about you? Any plans for the break?" Oh, here was River. Gaston had been wondering when he was going to show up. Watching the exchange between River and Cami made him smile; maybe he and Rosalyn wouldn't be the only staff couple next term! But what was that with him and Hirsch? He got the distinct feeling he was missing something...

Gaston was getting sad, though he wasn't sure why. Maybe it was because so many of his colleagues were leaving? Or having to say goodbye to another graduating class? Or seeing the sad, sullen expressions of so many students who were clearly still traumatized by this term's events? Or maybe it was because hearing everyone else's plans reminded him just how few friends he had? Whatever the case, he was so distracted by his thoughts that he barely noticed Paul arrive. The Deputy Headmaster only got a silent but polite nod as a greeting.

Then Miss Franks-Mundie appeared, followed shortly after by Mr. Kennedy. he adored them both, but good Godric Gryffindor! What bad timing! Though to be fair, they had no idea how sad he already was... or how deeply their thanks would affect him. He managed a small sad smile for the seventh years, but their words touched his heart and made him want to cry, especially when he saw Mr. Kennedy getting emotional. He had to take a deep breath before he could speak. "You're both very welcome, Natalia and Leon!" He couldn't bring himself to stand on formality, not on their last day! "Granted, I didn't have you in my class for long, but it's been an honor to to be your teacher." He pulled something out of his jacket pocket. "Here, I have a little going-away present for you..." He handed each of them a chocolate frog and a sealed envelope. Both of the envelopes contained a graduation card, but Natalia's had a little something extra. Hers also had a WerewolfSnout poster signed by all six members of the band including himself (plus three extra copies for the other members of The Sirens), a little something from one band to another. "Probably best not to open these at the table," he added quickly.

That reminded him! He still had cards and chocolate to give to the other seventh years!