Text Cut: Birchwoodmom
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Birchwoodmom 
The End-of-Term Feast. How was it possible that an entire year had gone by so quickly. She stepped into the Great Hall and slowly made her way to the Hufflepuff table. Her eyes were red and puffy from crying, but she had been able to calm herself enough to stop the tears before sitting near the middle of the long table. She wanted to make sure she would be able to see as many of her fellow Hufflepuffs as possible.
She glanced up towards the staff table, taking note of the different expressions on the various professors faces. Their last weekend trip was one that she wouldn’t soon forget. She was still having dreams, vivid dreams, about what had happened. Her hands rubbed her legs, pushing away the memory of the numb feeling that remained in her body after whatever it was had taken control. It was far too much to expect a first year to deal with.
Not wanting to cry again, she shook her head and focused on the various students around her. The familiar chatter was soothing. Sounds of goodbyes, laughter, and memories being shared warmed her heart. Then she noticed Maddie at the front of the table. “Hi Maddie!” she smiled and waved, a little more energetically than necessary. “I’ll miss you this summer.”
Maddie had been somewhat lost in thought about the house cup and saying hello to the Headmistress, when she heard someone speak up. Turning around, she saw Emmalyn, who looked...well, as to be expected.
Suddenly, Maddie felt terrible for being worried about trivial things like house cups and friendly greetings. She gave the Headmistress an apologetic look then turned back to Emmalyn.
"Hey," she quietly said, not sure how to approach the girl.
"End of your first year, huh?" Okay, that sounded lame.
"Sorry. I'm not really sure what to talk about right now. Everyone looks like a mix between happy and...completely drained out."
Not to mention it seemed like everybody was avoiding the feast at all costs. Or, at least, they hadn't shown up yet.
"Any summer plans?" she asked, deciding to try and divert the conversation to something exciting. Maddie had no idea what was going on with her summer. Her mom had owled and said there was a trip in the works, but it was apparently some surprise.