The beard stroking stopped when the professors starting making their way up to the dais, most of which were surprisingly on time. His face remained as it usually did, stoic as ever.
Both Wishart and Le Roux received nods of acknowledgement, as did O'Hara when she arrived. The Herbology professor he didn't have much to say about, Le Roux was the quiet type, and the old man wasn't sure about O'Hara these days.
Fletcher, though, received more than just a nod. Considering he was his righthand man, even if it was 'unofficial' on paper. "We can only hope the night goes quickly. And without any trouble," he responded with a grunt.
Then Petrov received a nod in response to his greeting, as did Davis, Sabra, and Ainsworth. When Marchand made an appearance, the headmaster completely avoided making eye-contact with the man and instead looked out to the students that were coming in, only to be displeased with a particular student's attire and decision to stick out like a sore thumb.
Fortunately their Head of House had just shown up. Scrimgeour nodded in response to the greeting but then stated, "You had better go control one of your Hufflepuffs before I do." It was bad enough the Potions master had walked past the girl and didn't do anything about it.
In fact... "If you see any student wearing anything but their uniform," he informed the Heads, "tell them to leave the Great Hall and change. If they refuse to change, then they can leave without a meal and instead run laps on their last night." And if they thought they could sneak to the kitchens, they'd be disappointed - the elves were ordered not to feed any student, not to mention the no-food-outside-the-Great-Hall-and-kitchens rule was still in place.
The man then sat in his seat in silence, giving the Heads the chance to actually do their jobs and control the children who thought they could rebel tonight and get away with it. If the adults proved incompetent, well, that would be reflected over the summer.
After several minutes had gone by, the man rose from his seat and made his way over to the podium. "Rise." Those ice blue eyes of his were watching and remembering faces. There was plenty of time for running laps if that was how disobedient students wanted to spend their last night of school.
"The term has come to an end," the man began, his eyes looking from student to student. "I cannot deny that the term started off rocky, though I can attest to progress being made." Scrimgeour paused before carrying on with his speech. "Though there is still a long way to go for Hogwarts. I hope many of you take think about how you can contribute to that progress, especially if you are returning to us next term." Respect and obedience - though he didn't say it, that was all the man wanted.
"Being leaders in contributing to progress this term" - for the most part - "was Ravenclaw House, which is why they are the recipients of the House Cup. Their efforts have earned them one thousand, three hundred, and twenty-three points, causing them to win by a landslide. I hope the other Houses take a leaf out of their book next term."
The man didn't applaud. He just kept on speaking.
"For those not returning to use next year due to graduating, I hope that your education here as done you well and that you contribute positively to wizarding society, whatever path you decide to choose."
With that said, the headmaster walked away from the podium and made his way back to his seat. Two metal fingers were snapped when he was at his chair and then sat down as the drinks and food appeared. "You may be seated."
Except those who decided to not stand wouldn't be sitting very long. He'd be sending someone after them or grace them with his own presence soon enough.
__________________
 |