Kazimeriz chortled a little at that, privately agreeing. Kajsa Henriksson had a lot going for her back in the day, and virtually none of it was in her voice, to Kazimeriz's mind at least.


Ahem! Kazimeriz shot her a look -- no no, bad girl, musn't touch!. He glanced back at Maximus. "Well, if you will excuse me, I have work to do. " He contemplated giving the younger man hygiene advice - out of courtesy to his fellow diners-- then decided not to; it would not be gentlemanly, after all.

He walked over to the podium, placing his hands on the edges of the lectern. The golden owl spread its wings, indicating that he was about to speak.

"SILENCE, PLEASE!" he stated firmly, his voice reverberating throughout the great hall, amplified by the charmed podium.

He waited a moment for the room to quiet down. "Thank you. Welcome, students, as we celebrate the close of another successful year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. We commend you all on the effort and dedication you have expended which has brought you to this point. Some of you will be moving forward in your studies; still others will be leaving our fold and entering wizarding society to make your mark. Graduates, I believe I can speak for the entire staff in saying that your contributions here at our school will be remembered fondly, and we wish you nothing but success in your chosen career paths and hope that your education here has empowered you to make a positive contribution in our world. Congratulations!" He paused to momentarily applaud the graduates.

"Congratulations are due to all our students, but most especially to our Gryffindors, who have secured the House Cup in a narrow victory over Slytherin. Congratulations, GRYFFINDOR!" He clapped twice; the House banners appeared throughout the hall and the decorations all changed to reflect Gryffindor house colors.

"Of course, we must also acknowledge the hard work of our quidditch teams --" he nodded to Max. "--officiated by the great Professor Maximus Vindictus, of course. Congratulations to our Hufflepuffs for winning the Quidditch Cup in what was a fierce battle, well won!" He clapped again, and a team of tiny magical badgers came running down the aisles, pausing to dance a victory dance before vanishing.

"This term has, of course, not been without its controversies and challenges. I speak first of the rather heated debate that has taken place over the appointment of those with special 'health issues' to positions of authority within this school. This is, of course, neither the time nor place to enter into discussion about such things. However, I must mention this issue because it has caused dissension and challenges for many within these halls, and that is no longer acceptable. I leave you with this warning: no matter what your personal position is on this or any political issue, when you board the trains next term, you will leave your campaigning at home. This is an institution of learning and we will not, from this point forward, accept any behavior that detracts from the ability of our students to have a safe and tolerant environment in which to learn."

He looked around the room, his face deadly serious. "It is also with a heavy heart that I must mention the tragic passing of certain students this term. Their futures were bright and they will sorely missed. Rest assured, however, that your own safety in this institution is not in jeopardy. The circumstances of these deaths are under investigation and your parents will be owled about the situation. Please also note that the deaths have been conclusively proven to have no connection to the appointment of two lycanthropes to our staff." Well, perhaps not entirely proven, but he knew that it would be, and it would be better to stop a rumor before it started, right? "We will be instituting new security precautions and making changes to our procedures to ensure your safety, as well as taking a new look at our staffing choices in order to ensure the best-- and safest-- possible education for you in coming terms."

"Finally, and on a related note, I have a final issue to address. I am certain that you are all wondering about the whereabouts of Headmaster Bontecou. He has chosen to take an unscheduled sabbatical for personal reasons and will not be returning for the foreseeable future." Sabbatical? Hah. LIES LIES LIES. But the old man gave no hint that what he was saying was anything less than 100% true; in fact, he acted as though he had just been talking to Bontecou in the hall 10 minutes ago. Certainly, he gave no clue that no one knew where Bontecou was. Why worry the students, when a well-told lie would placate them (and their parents)?

"As such, it is my honor and duty to once again take on the role of Headmaster in his stead. As your current Headmaster, I am committed to ensuring that this institution provide a top quality, safe wizarding education to all those fortunate enough to attend this school... and as previously stated, there shall be changes taking place to ensure that you receive nothing less than the best possible education. "

"Therefore, as a final note I am announcing a few changes to this school effective immediately. Professor Lawson will be taking on a new position next term; one more suited to his qualifications and his background." He smirked a little at Lawson, not bothering to reveal his choice.

"And finally, I must inform you that Mr. Truebridge will no longer be under the employ of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, effective immediately. Mr. Truebridge, you will kindly step down from the staff table; the house elves have gathered your things and have them waiting for you at the castle entrance. We thank you for your contributions to the education of these students; you are dismissed."

He smiled a most satisfied smile at Truebridge. "On that note; please enjoy the feast and we will see you next term." He nodded to the students and smiled pleasantly.

His work here was done.