O_______o

Tibi's mouth fell open at the professor's next words, having completely expected disaster, public humiliation or.. well, anything but that.

Regaining some sense of composure, he spoke hurriedly at the man, addressing each of his statements in quick succession. "Thank you, sir. Yes, sir. Of course, sir. You, too, sir."

As the man smiled -- goodness that was creepy -- Tibi took a step backward. He was excused, right? Well, even if he weren't, there were other students here now, so he was going. And quickly.

With a final nod to the professor, Tiberius turned and made his way back to the table, wondering why serving detention didn't feel like something so horrible, after all.

Cari returned Ethan's small smile with one of her own. Oh they shared secrets, they did. They didn't have to talk about where she had been. There was an unspoken understanding.

Sitting softly in the chair Ethan had gestured to, she scanned the room. Not many of the staff had turned up yet. Well Neo and Professor Kazimeriz were there. She tended to get along well with them. A kind of volitile friendship with Neo and strange history with Kazimeriz that actually predated her birth. She reallydid need to discuss that with her Grandmamma. And of course Marcus... we won't go there. And then there were Ili and Less...

Iliana and Alessia were... renewed in their individual newfound bliss - okay, Less... not so much lately- and Cari... well she had a dog. And her sisters. She mustn't discount her sisters. Ah well, she was young. And she was independent. Right?

Alessia did not look over to Truebridge... but was a little taken a back at Papa Valon's greeting to him. She couldn't look at Ethan... no... She couldn't take the chance that he knew... if she looked at him and he had a smile on his face... Then he was mocking her... Reynard had left her... and worse even if he'd seem sad about it. Pity for the werewolf who was left by one of her own kind... no... She wouldn't look.

She wasn't going to look at Masterson either... the child in his arms... Something she wanted to have and was denied... She wouldn't show signs of sadness...

She couldn't really look at Iliana and Marcus... They loved each other and would marry soon... and the pity they had for her would be unbearable. She didn't really know the nurse...

It was just Tony, Max and Papa Valon she would be able to talk to...

Constantine smiled. "Perhaps, maybe over the summer we can get together? I'm sure my wife would like to meet the woman who invented the Neo!Niffler." He chuckled and the lifted Jadyn up a little so that Iliana could take her. "Marcus can come too, if he would like."

Alessia looked at the girl... in the grand scheme of things... the boxes weren't a big deal. "Thank you for being honest with me, my dear, apology accepted. You will not do it again, because the moment I see something that resembles that I will call you in, so I know you will never do it again." She gave her a sad smile.

Lupa...wasn't mad? Thank merlin! Reese felt relieved that Lupa wasn't mad and that she accepted her apology. Yes, she definitely felt much better now. "Yes, Professor. I will never do that again," she replied. "You have my word." She gave Lupa a little smile and continued to stand there as a few seconds passed and then added, "If you don't mind, I need to go talk to Professor Lawson now. I need to ask him something. And, have a great summer, Professor Lupa!"

With that, she gave Professor Lupa a little wave goodbye before heading over to Lawson. "Professor Lawson," she said. "I need to ask you something about Jake. I got a letter from him a few days ago saying he was in St. Mungo's and he told me if I wanted to know more information, to ask you."

Kazimeriz noted Ethan's wary expression with bemusement. Well, after his antics, he had every right to feel wary, hadn't he? He turned away from Truebridge; he had more important matters to contend with at the moment.

Such as the apparent conga-line of apologetic students coming to the table. Apparently young Mr. Pryce had started a trend, or else the dais was being mistaken for a confessional today.


"Apology accepted, Miss Purple. You will of course be joining Mr. Pryce in Tuesday detentions next term... though I believe your time would be better served assisting the Defense professor, given your personal circumstances. I will make the arrangements, and you will report to the dueling arena each Tuesday." He nodded to her curtly. "Enjoy your holiday."

Kazimeriz smiled pleasantly (for him) and nodded back at the man as he raised his glass. [i] Ah, yes, Professor Lawson... Truebridge's old friend. It just gets better and better tonight.[/b]

Kazimeriz was in a ridiculously good mood.

The child had excellent timing on his side, at least. "Bygones." he said with an idle wave. "You may join Mr. Pryce and Miss Purple in Tuesday detentions... I do believe a little time in DADA as a teacher's assistant may help you to protect your memory in the future."

He noticed Alessia's expression and tipped her a tiny wink. Perhaps being jilted has not been as easy on her as he had assumed. He felt a twinge of guilt for his jolly mood in light of her situation. Just a twinge.

"Ask me?" She said, "He was having some issues and they are fixing him... once he's cured they'll send him back." She smiled. "He'll be home in no time."

Turning away from Iliana and little Jadyn, Marcus looked up just in time as Reese spoke to him. He nodded his head towards a little area away from the table and stood up from his chair.

He gave Iliana's shoulder a small squeeze and bent down to speak in her ear, "I'll just be a moment." He straightened up and headed over to where Reese was waiting.

"Reese" he said with small sigh, "Do you remember when I had to go to St Mungos after being attacked?"

Reese turned back around to face Lupa. "I didn't think you knew," she explained. "Having some issues? What do you..." The Slytherin was cut mid-sentence when Lawson answered her. She looked back at the DADA Professor for a quick second, and then back to Lupa for another second. She felt bad that she was now leaving Lupa after the Professor answered her, but she did need to hear from Lawson since that's who Jake told her to ask. "Jake told me to ask Lawson," she quickly added. "I need to talk to him. I'm sorry, Professor."

Reese walked away from Lupa when Lawson nodded his head towards this little area away from the staff table. She headed over to where Lawson told her to go, and then she waited. Right now, she as quite curious by what Lupa had told her. What kind of issues was she talking about? Geez, it was bad that Reese was totally out of the loop when it came to things about her brother. It always seemed like she was the last to know.

Hearing Lawson's voice, she looked at the Professor and nodded her head in reply. "I do remember that," she answered. "But...does that attack really have something to do with Jake?"

"Well...yes" he answered slowly looking at Reese with something of a mixture of sadness and apprehension. "He has everything to do with it. Seeing how he was the one who attacked me."

Marcus waited a moment to let that statement sink in before he continued to speak, "Your brother needs the help Reese. he asked me to send him there. I'm sorry Reese, I didn't know what else to do." It was the last thing in the world he had wanted to do. It had broken his heart to leave him there and walk away. Considering Jake was now...

He shook himself and gave Reese a faint smile, "I'm sorry you had to find out this way."

Now that snapped Max out of his dreamlike state and he began to twirl his wand between his fingers. "It's the smell of Quidditch," he grinned and winked. "Quite rugged and animalistic.Takes your breath away, doesn't it?"

"G'evening, Valon," Max replied and stopped twirling his wand before he could be reprimanded. "Grandmother? Oh, her. She's threatening to cut a new single about her 'Golden Boys'. Rex would love it but her singing makes me go BLEH." And with that he made a gagging noise.

Apology accepted? Well now wasn't that a relief! LouAnn had prepared herself for the absolute worst---expulsion, a letter home to her parents, or a hundred or so house points docked. Sure detention was horrible, but at least she was going to be allowed to come back to Hogwarts next term...even though Tuesday's would be a little rough on her.

Detentions would be with the Defense professor, too. LouAnn wondered why Kazi didn't want to hold the detentions himself, but she didn't speak up and ask. She'd much rather serve detentions with Lawson than Kazimeriz anyway. The potions professor was scary! LouAnn was grateful that her apology was accepted, though, so she smiled and nodded in reply.

"Right. Each Tuesday in detention," she responded. "I'll be there." Of course she would. Did she even have another choice? She also loved the way he ended his "you have detention" speech by telling her to enjoy the break. "Thanks, professor. You have a nice one, as well." With that, she headed back towards Mr. Masterson, a defeated look on her face. "I have a ton of detentions," she mumbled to him.

"That it does Maximus..." she said giving him a nod.

Reese wrinkled her eyebrows when Lawson said it did involve Jake. She opened her mouth to say something, but closed it when she heard that last sentence that came out of Lawson's mouth. "He...He...was the..." She couldn't even manage to repeated what the Professor had just said. It was unbelievable to think her brother had ATTACKED Lawson, but it had to be true. She was going to believe Lawson.

She looked away from Lawson as she tried to get all her thoughts back before she opened her mouth. After a few seconds passed and Lawson was done talking, she looked back at him. "I can't believe he was the one that attacked you," she said. "It doesn't seem like something he would do. But, I guess sending him there was for the best. How long will he be at St. Mungo's? Just until he gets better?" Hopefully her little brother would be out in time before school started, so that she was able to spend time with him like she promised.

"It's fine," she told him. "It's better finding out this way than not finding out at all."

Greeeat, Professor Kazi had given him Detention even though he hadn't been in control of his actions in the first place.

What a mean man.

"Yes, Professor. I will see if that helps protect my memory." He was slightly confused. He wasn't even sure of what he had done to the Professor in the first place. But now he had a fear of snakes. Maybe snakes related to it somewhere.

"Have a good holiday, Professor." He was starting to feel very uncomfortable here now.

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.

Ethan looked up as Krazimeriz started to... give the closing speech? Again? He shifted slighty in his seat and briefly joined in the applause for the graduates, his eyes searching out Copernicus and Dominic but also Willow, Reid, Emiliano, Tammy, Kaika, Tino, Jason, Evolette, Krissy Eva, Plymouth, Samson and a few other graduating students, briefly flicking to the Hufflepuff table and the noticeable absence of Abby Weasley and Helios Sunrider.

As Congratulations were given to Gryffindor, Ethan's eyes went to the Slytherins. Narrow victory indeed. He was certain that it had simply been because his former house had stopped trying. He was certain that had something to do with the molly coddling they got from Alessia Lupa.

Story time? Really?

Hufflepuffs for Quidditch of course. Ethan was not a huge follower of the sport, though he admired the tenacity and teamwork that got Hufflepuff to the top.

Where was the Headmaster?

He waited through the old man's speech, his face impassive as Kazimeriz spoke of the students who had died. Memories of the two seventh years in particular flickered to mind, Ethan had not known the younger student particularly well.

Ah, finally. Where was the headmaster? A sabbatical?

Ethan twitched slightly, not believing it for a second. Oh this was not good. Kazimeriz as Headmaster? He shifted in his seat uneasily, straightening and flicking his eyes to Axe in barely expressed surprise. What? And what was wrong with the way Marcus taught Defense?

And then it came and Ethan went rigid and turned his eyes to Kazimeriz.

Dismissed?

He took in the cheshire grin, the smug stance and bearing the old man held and stared him down, speaking loud enough for his voice to carry.

"On what grounds?"

Kazmeriz had stepped away from the podium, preparing to sit down, when Truebridge spoke up. Of course. I should not have expected the dramatic Ethan Truebridge to go quietly. he thought, turning an icy eye to the former professor. He spoke in a tone low enough that the only staff -- and perhaps those students closest to the dais -- could hear.

"This is not a matter for that is up for debate, Mr. Truebridge. You are dismissed. If you have an issue, I suggest you owl the Department of Magical Education on the matter. As of this moment, you are no longer employed at this establishment, and I suggest that you vacate the premises immediately before the security charms on the castle take effect and evacuate you in manner most undignified." He looked coolly at the younger man, as though challenging him to argue the point.

"Injustice!" Dominic called as he made his way up from the Hufflepuff Table. Really, the words he could barely pick out as Kazimeriz attempted to explain himself to Truebridge, except that he didn't really explain much at all. "If you are really to dismiss Professor Truebridge, then by Magical decree you are to do so AFTER the term. And as a term still includes the end of term feast, Professor Truebridge is more than entitled to be present at the feast for which he was employed during. Besides, regardless of that fact, he is still entitled to be here, if nothing more than as my guest." He nodded to the ancient one, as if daring him to challenge his statements. Because if Truebridge had to leave, then he would just walk out too. He had no reason to stay.

Ethan stood and met Kazimeriz' gaze unflinchingly.

"I am not debating you or questioning your.... authority. I am, however, questioning your personal bias; you who have been against me since the moment I first stepped foot in this school, and by that I do not mean in my role as a Professor, which I still am by my qualifications I might add. I overestimate you, a man who supposedly prides himself on manners, morals and good breeding and yet you do not even have the common courtesy to provide a reason for what you are attempting to do, sir."

He noticed a few students reacting in shock but did not turn his attention away from the old man, though when Dominic appeared, Ethan held his hand out to quell the young man, a warning expression on his face.

Kazimeriz shot Denton a stony look. "The Closing Feast is not a cocktail hour, nor is it a private party which you may invite your 'guests' to attend. As to your other comments, I feel no need to explain myself to you nor any other student at this institution, except to say that Mr. Truebridge's dismissal is perfectly in accordance with the bylaws of his contract with this institution. Now Sit down, Mr. Denton, or if you prefer you may gather your things and leave with Mr. Truebridge. As an of-age wizard and graduate you are within your rights to do so. It is hardly the supportive example to set for your up and coming Hufflepuffs to do so, however. "

"Mr. Truebridge. I assure you this decision was made strictly in the best interest of the school and its students. If you wish to discuss the matter further, or wish to discuss any interpersonal concerns that you perceive, I am more than happy to meet you during break to do so. Perhaps over tea at the Three Broomsticks. However, at this moment you remain dismissed from your position and I must ask you once again to leave the premises as a gentleman, before more drastic measures are taken." Kazimeriz met Truebridge's eyes, his expression cool and unflappable.

Infuriated, Dominic was about to answer back to the ancient Potions Master when he caught sight of Truebridge's hand. "AH, but you just said yourself that this is not a private party, which must make it public," Which would also mean that it was within Truebridge's rights to be in the Hall at this very time. Holding is tongue though, he decided to not speak anymore until felt necessary. Because he did not agree with Kazimeriz's last statement either about if he walked out with Truebridge it would hardly be supportive example; quite the contrary actually, so Dominic thought.

Ridiculous! Truebridge had every right to be here as those who couldn't be here; why the bias, anyway? It seemed like years of bias from when Truebridge was a student seemed to be getting in the way of a Professional relationship. Keep quiet, your time will come...

"I couldn't believe it either but I remember the whole incident. Every little detail of it." Marcus placed a reassuring hand on Reese's shoulder and squeezed it gently. "I'm not sure how long he will be there. As long as it takes to sort him out I guess."


The look on the young girl's face almost broke Lawson's heart. he knew what he would be like if something like this happened to one of his brother's, even Andrew. He was just about to say some thing else when he noticed the old man getting to his feet. "Just a moment Reese, Professor Kazimeriz is making his speech."


His speech was long winded as usual and Marcus nodded his head impatiently waiting for him to finish. If he kept going any longer he was going to die from lack of oxygen.

Yadda.

Yadda.

Yad - WHAT???

He was being given a new position and Ethan was being fired?

"Excuse me a moment Reese, there is someone I need to-" hex, torture, kill -"see." Marcus strode away from the Slytherin and made his way over to the old man.

"Okay what is it that I have supposedly done now? Position change? Which position?" Okay yeah he had just totally interrupted but right now he did NOT care.

"And what's with firing Ethan?" Yep he was totally being disrespectful at the moment but this was injustice at its very best. What a shame he wasn't a violent man because right now he felt like punching that smile straight off the old man's face.

"So you say." Ethan opened his mouth to speak again when an obviously enraged Dominic interjected what was, in Ethan's opinion, unnecessary rebuttal, though he appreciated the reason behind it and Hufflepuff's obvious support in the matter. He half turned to him, never quite taking his eyes of Kazimeriz.

"Dominic. Mind your tongue. You know better than to speak with such disrespect even if you do not agree with the Headmaster's actions, you are still a student here and as such, you will abide by his decisions." He glanced at Kazimeriz and added quietly, "As will I."

For now.

Standing confidently with his back proud and straight, Ethan glanced at Marcus, not saying anything though he himself had a small inkling as to why Kazimeriz would demand Lawson to switch to another teaching position, even if he had no idea what the legitimate reasons behind the old man's decision to fire him were.

He sighed quietly and his eyes flickered to the door. Where was Annie?