Originally Posted by Tate

"Students, staff... I know I have been remiss in giving the speech this evening, but as always seems to be the case at Hogwarts, it seems events have conspired against us." No need to state just which events had delayed them, what with the visitors still at the table, the Healer fussing over students at his side, and professors arguing to his back.

"We've had a busy term, but I would be doing our Badgers a great disservice if we did not take a moment to acknowledge their victory in triplicate. Congratulations, and as always... watch your back next term. You have quite a title to maintain." They'd won soundly and fairly, however, and Tate suspected they weren't too concerned about next term. If only Hadley didn't look so smug about it.

"Thank you to our Head Boy and Girl and to our prefects for their work this term, and thank you to the staff for their persistent efforts to teach in the face of such wildly interesting distractions... such as roaming wild creatures, bonfires, Quidditch matches, interpersonal drama, and excellent weather. I don't know how you all manage to learn in spite of it, but our house points indicate that you are all working hard at this school business. So I must also thank you, I suppose."

If pressed. Only if pressed.

"This is a sad time of year as we say goodbye to our departing seventh years and those staff members who are moving on to new adventures. I hope you'll keep them in your thoughts as we depart on the train tomorrow, but you should also wish them well and know that their vistas are wide and varied and interesting. I don't pity them... I believe I envy them. And now I've prattled on long enough, which is a clear sign that I'm nearly as old as Professor Vindictus and so must be losing my remaining wits. Let's all enjoy our meal, enjoy our summer, and remember... don't die."