Ryan was jubilantly visiting with his friends and chowing down on the food when Headmistress Rae gave her speech. His mouth, full, dropped. The drumstick in his hand fell with a clatter to his plate. He was in a state of shock. He was paralyzed by it. Rae was leaving. He couldn't believe it. She was the only person Ryan had ever known to run this school, and she did it beautifully. Sure, Hogwarts attracted quite a bit of danger while she was Headmistress, but it was because of her that Hogwarts was still safe.

He had been prepared to break into ruckus applause after the speech as almost always happened, but now all he wanted to do was run up to her and give her a hug.