The thank you that she’d gotten from Ellie in response to her congratulating her honestly was expected. Stella had known that practically before she’d decided to say it, considering that was likely the one reason they’d never really talked all that much even though they’d shared a dorm room. It wasn’t easy conversing with someone when they were pretty well focused on that one subject that she preferred avoiding. She might have gotten over the issue with what she’d left behind in France, but that didn’t make her like the sport any better. The only real subject they could manage to talk about was their boyfriends, which had apparently been another good choice of topic to bring up. At least all the excitement hadn’t been due to winning the Quidditch cup, and she’d smiled at the exuberant response. Even more at the question that followed, although it had taken her a moment to understand what Ellie had said. She hadn’t ever heard Matt’s name drawn out like that before. “I am,” she replied. “Is Treyen meeting you at the station?” It was another logical guess with the excitement. She couldn’t say she was as sure about that herself, though. As far as she knew she’d have to wait until later to actually see Matt, but she’d deal with it.

Oddly enough, that question had segued easily in to her conversation with Vickers and Alyssa, seeing as it seemed like both of them had made that connection when she’d mentioned WADA. “Yes, Treyen is at WADA too,” she confirmed, sneaking a glance over at Ellie again as she’d spoken, just to see if she’d picked up on their subject. “I don’t know if I’ll see him often while I’m there, though. Since he’ll be a year ahead of myself, but it’s comforting to know there will be a familiar face,” she continued. Even if she hadn’t ever really talked to the former Head Boy all that much, and if she was going to be entirely honest, she was happier about the fact she’d be able to see Matt a lot more, since they’d be living together while she was there and he was at university. She didn’t mention that, though. There had been enough questions regarding her ring from Paulie, let alone telling people about the actual plans she knew about. It was easier to avoid that topic, at least as much as she could. And Vickers had given her another angle to grab onto anyhow. “Stage. I’ve done a bit of it in the past, so it’s familiar to me,” she answered. That wasn’t counting her short-lived career as a fictional hinkypunk defeater in DADA, either.

By then Vickers had noticed her nudge along with the request from the other redhead asking for him, the headmaster’s speech had been given, and she’d lost all track of any of their conversation topics. Let alone the fact that food had appeared at the table behind herself. She’d heard Ellie finally seem to pick up on the fact they’d mentioned Treyen again, however, and she blinked over at the redhead. Trying to push the emotions starting to build up inside herself knowing that her and the other seventh years weren’t the only ones leaving. They’d started off the term without the headmaster telling them not to die, people had frozen and everything, and now he was leaving the school as well. She didn’t want to leave Ellie in suspense, though. “Just the fact Treyen is at WADA. I’m going to be going there after summer,” she replied, looking around the room again just to give herself something to focus on, or not focus on. Either way, her eyes had landed on the memory book, so she’d half-stood. “Excuse me. I’ll be back in a few minutes,” she said, before heading over to the book. They could talk all about Treyen, or anything else, after she had gone and written down the thoughts in her head right now.

Elise nodded mutely, the splendour of Hogwarts that normally took her breath away seemed dim. Where was Beezus? And Cherry? But Erin was talking to her now, and eyes brightening a little, she attempted a smile. Success.

"Me too," she said truthfully. There wasn't a doubt about it. She was excited. Just a little hollow at not seeing Ally and Ed for a whole summer. But until Aly graduated or Ed got a bigger place, she really couldn't.

Crying? Erin had found her out. Her eyes widened a little before she regained control. "I-" she said, trying to bring herself to say that she hadn't been but somehow she couldn't. She couldn't lie to her best friend. "I'll be fine. The food looks good." she said quickly, changing the topic.

Even for a vegetarian.

That was all she could say? She needed no emotions. Erin needed happiness, that was what a celebration meant, right? And they were after all in a feast. There were cryings, yes, but that was limited to ONLY SEVENTH YEARS. Why was Elise crying. Now, she wanted to cry with her. It's just not right to see her crying and she, just staring.

As she pointed her gaze towards her fellow Eagle, her eyes started to wet and tears flow continuously. Erin couldn't understand herself actually. The feels was just too emotional. And knowing what Elise had been going through lately, she couldn't help but to be concerned.

Hmm...Elliot's father just wanted them to be clever and talented. Elliot was good at piano, Dani was a good dancer(and Quiddtich, too) and Sam was to young to be really good at anything. But she hoped Sam could sing well. Because that would be cool.

Hmmm...Elliot could certainly see herself horse backing riding. "I want to go. I will ask Father to get us some horses, then." THey definitely had room for them. And she would ask him to hire a trainer, as well....it seemed like such a fancy thing to be able to do.

And back on archery. "I probably couldn't do it. I am not very...coordinated...." she said with a shrug. It's not that she was uncoordinated either...she just wasn't too athletic. Elliot couldn't help but admire Taylor just a little for all her talents...

"Are you going to try out for the Quidditch team again next year?"

Elise looked up to a quiet choke and her eyes widened immediately. Erin was crying. Shaking her head a little to be sure that this was real, Elise wrapped Erin in a sideways hug, turning to face her so it wasn't so far sideways anymore.

"Don't cry," she said quietly. "It wasn't your fault. Let's be happy, okay?" Looking at Erin in the face, she wiped away a tear track. "We're going to have fun this summer. Okay?"

Ameliah rolled her eyes a little but hugged Tay back anyways. What was worth getting excited about? From in between the two, Mel squirmed out of her pocket and crawled onto her master's shoulder. She looked at Tay defiantly. "She can hug me if she wants, Furface!" Ameliah giggled.

Taylor smiled, "Nice." Tay would of offered to let Elliot come ride on their horses since each of them had one in the stables but she only invited friends over and she just met Elliot today and wasnt too sure what she thought of Elliot nor what Elliot thought of her yet. To the archery thing, Taylor shrugged, "Eh, after the first thousand anyone can do it." Tay giggled and smiled. "I want to and I probably will be again but I am not sure. Are you going to try out next year?" She was starting to feel more comfortable which meant she wasnt twirling her hair or ring or messing with her necklace nearly as much.

Tay giggled and smiled. She held her hand close to Mel and gently petted the puff a few strokes then took her hand back and put it near Mel slowly, to show that she wont do harm.

Ameliah raised her eyebrow at her puff, who was now sniffing Taylor's hand warily. "Oh come on, Mel..." But the blue was now double and triple-checking Taylor's fingernails, and eventually she bent her head down to be petted.

Tay waited as the puff checked her hand and smiled as Mel bent her head down to be petted. Taylor petted the little puff and glanced up at Ameliah, "Does that mean she forgives me?"

Ameliah would've shrugged, but then Mel would have fallen off. So she settled for a slight head-tip. "I s'pose so. She's not squeaking in fright or running away," Maybe she just wanted to be petted or something. Dogs did that, why not puffs?

Taylor smiled and laughed, "Okay." She kept on petting Mel.

Ameliah grinned. "She's generally forgiving." Mel rubbed her head against Tay's hand, making a strange noise similar to a cat's purr. "I think you've been spending too much time with Dwalin!" she joked at Mel.

Taylor smiled, "That is good." She laughed at the purr-like noise. "I think the purr is cute." At that, Tay gave an extra petting to Mel.

"I bet she got it from the cat!" Ameliah said, laughing. It reminded her a lot of the way Dwalin purrs. Or maybe it was Einreal growling? Nah, probably the cat.

Vickers turned at that familiar voice "Hey Elijah he greeted the Curly!Puff happily. He blinked in surprise as he listened to the other lad thank him... for being his friend? A good natured grin graced his features "Your welc-- actually... I should be thanking you... for putting up with me...." he shrugged haplessly. Yes, he can be quite the insufferable bore and an easily flustered git. He still wished he was a bit more like Elijah, although the Hufflepuff's influence rubs off on him whenever they hang around each other, Vickers still lacked that special something that emanated from within that to Elijah just radiates freely....

Aaaaand there he goes getting flustered like a tomato again "Haha... yeah that would be something from Professor Elwood..." he chuckled nervously as his eyes darts towards the Divination Maven. Merlin could he be so hopeful?

But then Elijah was saying something else-- an invite for the summer? "Sure... that would be great!"he nodded smiling. An invite from a cool guy to hang out. That has got to be a first for him "I've got to get back home for a bit though-- my Grandma, she's been wanting to see me since this whole epidemic hit the news." Overprotective? No kidding "Where is your home anyway?"



Whoah hey recruitment letters? "Thats awesome!" he replied, his eyes shown brightly "Which teams have you heard from? The Quidditch win is a great boost in the application form isnt it?" Achievements-- he knew those counts a lot in trying to rise above the rest of the pack.

Oh and Treyen? "We were just talking about Treyen being in WADA..." he said as he glanced again at Stella. "Being an actor... has got to be nerve wracking isnt it?.." at least to him, who gets all sweaty and stammering whenever they were tasked to speak in front of an entire class...



"Its a nickname.." he replied as he flushed awkwardly "Its a name after a Muggle model aircraft my Uncle gave me. My real name is Vincenzo Vanderbilt." he said with a small smile as he returned her handshake.... and a hearty one at that. Grin widens.

An American AND not much of a people person... "Where you from?" maybe they're from the same town although given her accent it was unlikely. "I moved here last term, qualified for a Wizarding Exchange Program.... How about you, what got you to move here?"



A stage actress. Now was that more or less nerve wracking than being a screen actress. Standing in front of a camera was just as bad for Vickers as standing in front of the class... but working behind the camera though-- that was different. That was something this Ravenclaw was actually showing some talent in. He nodded his head as Stella excused herself, then watched her go up to that book. Now what was that all about?

Louisa's somber demeanor didn't shift or change the slightest when their ex headmaster announced his speech, she just looked up at the man and continued to wipe at her nose every now and then, out of habit more than anything else.

Williamson was leaving. Oh. Well... that was important news. Louisa's eyes drifted to where the dragon lover professor sat, and she couldn't help but smile a liiiiiittle bit remembering him urging her to decorate the corridor with toilet paper. She never thought of him as a professional professor but... he wasn't so bad as a kid person. Kids loved him.

... Jenkins was leaving too?! Louisa frowned slightly at this, moving her eyes to look at the Ancient Runes professor. But whyyyyyy... she liked the man. He was smart, good-looking and most importantly academically satisfying. Pout.

Why exactly was Tate bringing the 'mushy' word up this time? He always dealt with leaving professors and students more cheerfully, sometimes using his great sense of sarcasm to lighten the mood, and Louisa miiiiiight've been a bit expectant to feel better by the time he gave his speech and the "don't die" tip. But he was saying....

HE WAS LEAVING TOO?

No. Just... no. Louisa staaaaaared for the rest of Tate's speech, unable to comprehend the fact that not only a LOT of their school staff were leaving PLUS her best three friends, but their headmaster. However, the slowly growing clapping from somewhere snapped Louisa out of it and she sniffed, pursed her lips to prevent any whimpering, and joined the affectionate clapping.

She should crawl into her bed and cry freely after this emotional stinking feast was over. ;___;

Taylor nodded, "Yeah, probably." She laughed and smiled, still petting Mel.

Nigel was watching what was going on at the staff table between Professor Williamson, Professor Jenkins and The Groundskeeper. It looked like Professor Williamson was going to hex one of them. Nigel wondered why.

It did not look like Headmaster was stopping it at the moment. Maybe he was thinking about his own problems and about who was going to replace all the professors leaving.

Nigel was now ready for some dessert from all the action that was happening at the staff table. It was like a movie. Now Nigel was at the point where he was ready to get on to the Hogwarts express and make the trip home. He was looking forward to next year where he will be a second year.

While eating some more food. Nigel saw Louisa stand up and start clapping. He did start to hear a slow clap forming but thought nothing of it. But, since people at his table were doing it now. Maybe he should to.

Nigel stood up after Louisa started clapping along with her. Hoping more people will join in and give the Headmaster a memory he could never forget.

Well, older students did as well miss school and felt bad about leaving it. Then it wasn't just Cassia being childish. It's good to know that. And probably it made more sence, since older students had more friends and more memories to remember. And they grew attached to Hogwarts more than her.

Cassia nodded at Gwen, "Yeah you'll miss the school. I mean we'll miss the school. But probably you more than I considering you have been here for four year." Cassia said. "Though you must be used to leaving," the girl babbled."Does it get easier or harder, leaving I mean?" Cassia wondered.

Plans for the summer. Cassia mused thinking of what's waiting her back at home, "I don't have specific plans but I'll mostly have fun with my younger brother and our neighbors." Liam I particular she thought. "Don't know if my parents have something in mind that I'm not aware of." She shrugged. Her parents hadn't mentioned anything in thire last latter but they tend to surprise her from time to time.

"What about you? Do you have something in mind?" She asked Gwen. "I suppose next year you have your owls right?" It was in the fifth yea right? Cassia didn't want to sound clueless. Well, Gwen was a Ravie and it was very predictable that she will prepare during summer.

Oh well... she could dig that. Leaning in slightly she said, "My REAL name is Jacklyn Addeline Kennedy... but I go with Addy because... REALLY. Jackie Kennedy. No thank you." He was American, he would likely get the reference. Heh. "So you like airplanes, then. I guess that's cool. I don't like to fly. At all. In any fashion."

"Chicago. My dad took me to lots of places to VISIT, but Chicago was always home. Until... like now and all. He moved us here to be near our only living relatives from HIS family. Lexi Kennedy... she graduated here a couple years ago. Well. She's a Salander now. But whatever, that's it. That's the whole story." She was a transient student as it were. "You doing anything exciting for the summer? Going on adventures?" She had PLANS. Big ones. And her crazy dad was going to take her to see COOL stuff. Hehe.

She hated herself for being such an emotional kid. If only she could stop her eyes from tearing up, she'd be laughing her heart out forever. It's just such a rough night today, the things she's been containing about Beezus, the Headmaster's leaving.

She stared at Elise who was now making her ease up, "You cried. What can I do?" she uttered. And then se felt her fingers wiped tears from her face. What a beautiful friend. "What really happened? Why are you crying?" Erin asked wiping a tear from Elise's face as well.

The little first year remembered the last time she was at a big feast well first time here in this school she had been put into the pretty blue house. But her house they hadn't won! They got the Olympic version of silver in the house cup! But still she was glad that someone other that green house with those cauldron cake throwing haters hadn't won. She'd talked to India and India had said they had won the year before and the year before that or something like that.

Mika rocked back and forth on the seat picked up her fork and knife and slid them against each other. She cringed at the awful twanging sound it made but she was happy to be here.

"Thank you guys for accepting me into your.....ravenclawishnesss" she nearly squealed.

" that's good." nicki said with a friendly smile. " oh my I think everyone was shocked." nicki said remember everything " so did you like your first year." nicki said questioning hers.

Whilst seating alone in her seat, Erin couldn't help but notice the overjoyed girl just right opposite her table. Yes, that girl who was at the dormitory with her, the one Blue was talking to. It was definitely her. And then, out of nowhere she squealed for gratitude. What a sweet and cute little girl. Helping herself for food, she chew the dessert and throw a glance at the little girl.

She hated that twanging sound the girl made with her dining utensils but she's just awfully cute. "Thank you for being part of our Ravenclawishness too," she smiled. Being childish was something she missed. And this girl was an instrument to feel that again.

Hmmm.

What did she think about Quidditch?

‘It is an interesting sport. I think I started liking it… Though, I’m not sure if I’m any good at playing’, the fourth year replied. Mhm. That was true. She was still considering trying out next term. Maybe… maybe not… She had been thinking about joining the Quidditch team since last year, but she eventually backed out. There were people who deserved to be on the team a lot more than her, and she was not just going to try out and… fail. No. Failure was something she couldn’t admit.

‘That’s great’, she commented as she heard Taylor say she was going to France too. ‘Which part of France will you be visiting?’ She was just curious. Gwen remained silent for a moment, just listening to the other Ravenclaw talk about her plans for the summer.

‘Looks like you will have a full summer’, Gwendolyn pointed out as she listened to Taylor enumerate all the places she will be visiting. She had been to Egypt last summer, since her father had to stay there for work… curse breaking seemed interesting, but since she couldn’t stay and observe what the people were doing there, she had been exploring the pyramids and the wonderful places in Egypt. That has really been a great holiday.


Gwen remained silent as she listened to Elliot explain how come she came to Hogwarts and what the other school was like. She was really glad that the younger Ravenclaw chose to come her, though. Even though their first conversation wasn’t one of the best, and Gwen had kind of hoped she wouldn’t be bumping into Elliot any time soon after they first met, she now considered the younger ‘Claw a really good friend.

Well… Gwen couldn’t really understand why the girl’s younger sister wouldn’t be coming to the same school, but maybe it was to the best for Elliot. Smh. ‘Maybe she will’, the fourth year commented as she heard Elliot say her sister wouldn’t fit in. Come on, Beauxbatons couldn’t be bad… and besides, that Dani person will surely manage to make friends there. Come on, if a cold, rude person like Gwen managed to fit in and make friend here, surely anyone could.

As the room went silent, the girl drew her attention to the staff table. Why? Why was Tate leaving too? Seriously… too many people were leaving Hogwarts this year. What could make it even worse… nono… scratch that- THE worst would be finding out that Lafay wouldn’t be coming back next year either. Though… that wouldn’t be possible, right?


‘I suppose you are right…’ Gwen knew she would miss Hogwarts a lot. Even if she was coming back for the next term… she could only imagine how the seventh years had to feel. Though, come to think about it… the younger students seemed to be taking it harder than the ones who were actually leaving. Hmm. ‘I’m not sure’, she admitted, trying to figure out an answer for what Cassia was asking her. Well… she was leaning more to believing that it got harder. Or maybe it was always the same? Just definitely not easier.

Hmm. Another person with siblings, the fourth year thought as she heard Cassia talk. She did envy the people who had sisters or brothers… Gwen always wished she had siblings. Now- what plans did she have for the summer? Gwendolyn remained silent for a moment, and then started talking. ‘I will b going to France with a friend for a couple of weeks...’, the fourth year explained, and was about to add something, but stopped herself as she heard the Slytherin talk. What was she saying?

OWLs.

Oh. Why was everyone reminding her of the exams? ‘That’s right’, the girl mumbled. She had been planning to at least finish reading a few books over the summer… but Joanna told her she should leave that for next year. Her friend should know… since she was a fifth year now. Oh. Right. Gwen suddenly remembered that she still hadn’t talked to JoJo.