Wilbur sat, serenely watching the students’ tables. As he awaited answers to his riddle, he greeted the new arrivals. “Good evening, Norman.” His gaze followed the transfiguration professor. Not one for jokes, was he? No matter. He had other ideas to get him talking. “How are you this fine evening? Got any fun summer plans?” Dhruv had no guesses either? Now that was surprising!
“Hello, Hadleigh dear!” Wilber greeted, beaming. “I’m quite well, thank you. How are you?”
The potions mistress’s arrival got a warm smile from the headmaster. “Good evening, Amelia. How are you, dear?” he chuckled softly at her answer, an answer with which Celeste agreed. “Ho, ho! You two are on the right track.”
Wilber shook his head. “No flattery at all, Apollonia. Just honesty,” he replied.
He beamed at Ean. “Glad to hear it, Ean dear! Me? Never better,” he said. Oh, finally someone said it! He clapped his hands. “The world wide web, yes! You’ve guessed it. Well done! Now if you’ll excuse me…”
The headmaster rose from his chair and spoke, “We’ve reached the end of another term at Hogwarts! Soon you’ll have a well-deserved holiday full of fun, friends, and family, but first we have one last night of celebration. Before we tuck into this wonderful feast, let’s take a moment to reflect on all you’ve accomplished this term. First, congratulations to this term’s House Cup winner. Let’s have a round of applause for Slytherin!”
Turning toward the table on the far right of the room, he led the school in clapping. A few moments later, he resumed his speech, “Our next round of congratulations goes to our graduating class. While your journey at Hogwarts may be coming to an end, your journey in life is just beginning. Spread your wings and fly, little phoenixes!”
Wilber led another round of applause for the seventh years. “Finally, let’s have a round of applause for all of you. Congratulations on all your hard work this term!” After one last round of applause, the headmaster waved his hand, and plates of food appeared on the tables.
“Have a wonderful holiday! I look forward to seeing some of you again this fall, Now it’s time to eat, drink, and be merry little chickadees!”
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