Cece quickly made her way up to the staff table. She wanted to get to the feast nice and early. She had never been the first to arrive to anything before but tonight she was. She had a student she needed to be on the lookout for. A student she needed to deliver a message to.

Looking towards the Slytherin table she didn't see the one she needed so she turned her attention to the door. She would just sit there and wait for the girl to arrive.

William made his way up to the staff dias with heavy feet and a heavier heart. He carried an owl cage (containing an actual owl, yes) in one hand and a folded up bit of parchment in the other.

"Hey, Cece," he called out to his other coworker at the end of the table, slowly making his way down toward her. He set the parchment --- letter, really --- on top of the Headmaster's empty plate and then continued down toward Cece. "How are you doing?"

Callie was both excited and sad that the term's closing Feast was this evening. She had made it through her first year as a teacher even though there had been so many crazy things going on and she hadn't lost it really once.

Chosing to wear something other than the peacock feather dress she had worn at the beginning of term feast, Professor Elwood walked into the Great Hall wearing a plain cream colored dress with her usual sandals, matched with a wide leather belt. The blonde made her way to the Staff Table noticing only two other of her collegues had made it--Healer Tillstorm and William. "Hello Cece, William." She smiled at both of them, although they each looked preoccupied and thinking of other things.

Callie was thinking of food.

Headmaster Tate paused as he entered the Great Hall and gave the room a searching look, almost as if he wasn't really quite sure he was HERE and everyone else was here. Ah yes. End of Term feast. House Cup stuff. Food.

He made his way quickly to the dais, not because he was in a hurry but because he was Gaellen Tate and couldn't do anything slowly that could be done quickly. Taking his seat, Tate glanced at the parchment on his plate and set it to the side for now. He was much more interested in picking up his water goblet and putting it back down. Important work.

Just as Cece seen the student she had been waiting on walk through the door she heard her name. Looking to her right she seen William place something on Tate's plate. "Hello William. Sorry, can't chat right now, I have to go talk with someone." Standing up she didn't wait for a reply, nor did she hear Callie talk to her, she just quickly made her way down to the Slytherin table... and Sierra.

At last, the ending feast. Honestly though, she just wanted to go to bed early. Rubbing her eyes before she walked into the Great Hall, Medea took a deep breath and made her way up to the staff table. Headmaster, Callie, William, Cecelia, staff...

Same as usual. Now there brought a smile to her face.

"Headmaster." she nodded to the man sitting in the larger seat. Yea, she eyed that chair every now and then. "Villiam. Cecelia..." Apparently the healer was needed elsewhere. The student's weren't acting up already, were they? Shaking her head a little, Medea took her seat. "Callie."

No feathers tonight?

Yeah. He had been missing in action for a while now but there was no way Oliver would miss the end of term feast. It was his last one after all. Of course the only people who knew that were his two best mates. He had kind of forgotten to tell the Headmaster previously but now was a good a time as any, right?

He made his way up to the staff table, passing the four house tables as he went and well he could honestly say that he wasn't really going to miss any of the students as he'd never really gotten to know any of them. He supposed that made things easier.

Seeing William already at the table, Oliver walked around the staff table and gave his best mate a clap on the back. "Don't look so glum. It's not the end of the world." But then Willy had been in his element being back here at Hogwarts.

His gaze went to the others that were already at the table and he inclined his head to each of them. "Evening all."

Good mood was an understatement.

Sophia clicked her way into the Great Hall with a broad smile on her face. Yep, last night for the children and she would be going home too with Tyler, to her husband and she'd be able to see her grand children. All in all she thought it was a good first year for her.

No regrets..nope..none.

As she approached the staff table she scanned it and look no Leo just yet, oh well she'd catch him after the feast. she nodded at Oliver and took her seat between Medea and Rockhead William who was surprisingly not being loud and obnoxious. She gave him a inconspicuous whack to the back of his head as she sat and offered Medea a smile.

Lalala it wasn't like he didn't deserve it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by The1HBIC

Just as Cece seen the student she had been waiting on walk through the door she heard her name. Looking to her right she seen William place something on Tate's plate. "Hello William. Sorry, can't chat right now, I have to go talk with someone." Standing up she didn't wait for a reply, nor did she hear Callie talk to her, she just quickly made her way down to the Slytherin table... and Sierra.

Callie had never been overly friendly with the nurse, and had rarely talked or spent time with her without standing over a frozen student or two so it didn't really hurt her feelings that the woman left the dias when she arrived. She must have something important to do. She could bid her a good summer later.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cassirin

Headmaster Tate paused as he entered the Great Hall and gave the room a searching look, almost as if he wasn't really quite sure he was HERE and everyone else was here. Ah yes. End of Term feast. House Cup stuff. Food.

He made his way quickly to the dais, not because he was in a hurry but because he was Gaellen Tate and couldn't do anything slowly that could be done quickly. Taking his seat, Tate glanced at the parchment on his plate and set it to the side for now. He was much more interested in picking up his water goblet and putting it back down. Important work.

"Oh, good evening Headmaster! Good to get all that nonsense with the freezing out of the way just in time for a relaxing summer, right? I'm sure you're excited to see your daughter." She smiled at him just a chair to her left, remembering the picture of the bawling baby he had shown her at the beginning of the term.

She took a drink from her water goblet as she waited for Tate to respond.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roselyn

At last, the ending feast. Honestly though, she just wanted to go to bed early. Rubbing her eyes before she walked into the Great Hall, Medea took a deep breath and made her way up to the staff table. Headmaster, Callie, William, Cecelia, staff...

Same as usual. Now there brought a smile to her face.

"Headmaster." she nodded to the man sitting in the larger seat. Yea, she eyed that chair every now and then. "Villiam. Cecelia..." Apparently the healer was needed elsewhere. The student's weren't acting up already, were they? Shaking her head a little, Medea took her seat. "Callie."

No feathers tonight?

Medea!

"Long time no see, stranger. Where have you been?" It had seriously been ages since they had talked but Callie guessed she had been busy too, scoring Finals and whatnot. Anyways, it was nice to have her friend beside her.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mell

Yeah. He had been missing in action for a while now but there was no way Oliver would miss the end of term feast. It was his last one after all. Of course the only people who knew that were his two best mates. He had kind of forgotten to tell the Headmaster previously but now was a good a time as any, right?

He made his way up to the staff table, passing the four house tables as he went and well he could honestly say that he wasn't really going to miss any of the students as he'd never really gotten to know any of them. He supposed that made things easier.

Seeing William already at the table, Oliver walked around the staff table and gave his best mate a clap on the back. "Don't look so glum. It's not the end of the world." But then Willy had been in his element being back here at Hogwarts.

His gaze went to the others that were already at the table and he inclined his head to each of them. "Evening all."

Calista eyed Jenkins as he approached them, smiling kindly as he passed and watched as he talked with William, giving him a quick hug type thing. Was that normal? William did seem less cheery than usual. What was going on? And what was the Owl for?

"Evening Oliver." She said quickly as he passed, hoping he didn't think she was a terrible eavesdropper.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Davvy_Wavvy

Good mood was an understatement.

Sophia clicked her way into the Great Hall with a broad smile on her face. Yep, last night for the children and she would be going home too with Tyler, to her husband and she'd be able to see her grand children. All in all she thought it was a good first year for her.

No regrets..nope..none.

As she approached the staff table she scanned it and look no Leo just yet, oh well she'd catch him after the feast. she nodded at Oliver and took her seat between Medea and Rockhead William who was surprisingly not being loud and obnoxious. She gave him a inconspicuous whack to the back of his head as she sat and offered Medea a smile.

Lalala it wasn't like he didn't deserve it.

Oh, thanks for the wonderful greeting Sophia....NOT. Hmpf.

Callie lifted her goblet to drink, making a sideways look at the Charms Professor, refusing to give her a hello first. She was at the table first so the other woman needed to tell her hello before Callie had to do so--it's only fair.

Leobald skidded to halt just outside the Great Hall panting heavily and pulse beating. Peeking inside as he tried to calm his breath. It wouldn’t do to look frazzled and out of breath in front of the students. When his pulse returned to normal, Leo fixed his robes and entered the hall. He passed by the snakes table spotting Cece in deep conversation with Sierra Greingoth about something or other. He flashed Cece a smile and wave even though Leo doubted that she saw it.

Heading up to the staff dais he saw that quite a few people were there already including the Headmaster who had received some sort of. Waving at each and every one of them Leo greeted warmly "Good evening Headmaster Tate, William, Callie, Medea, Oliver and Sophia! How is everyone doing, glad that the school year is over?"

Going over to his empty seat a ways way down from the headmaster, he slipped into his seat wondering where everyone had gotten to like Dash, Gemma, Isabelle, Hecate, Seren and Waylon. The whole right flank was empty except for Leo and Tate.

Max slipped in and quietly made his way to the dias. He sat down to the right of Tate and leaned back in his chair. For once, he wasn't in a talkative mood.

Tate glanced up from the ever-amusing game of shifting his goblet in circles to eye the woman sitting only a few seats from him. What was she on about? Oh, the freezings.

"Yes, it's a good way to leave things, isn't it? Sort of out for the term on a high note, with everyone back to normal," he responded quietly and with none of the usual boisterousness. He studied his goblet again before putting it down. "Wish we'd have caught the bit who did this, though. I hate to think she's still out there stealing time away from innocents."

But if those innocents weren't students... Tate wasn't going to fret about it. Bigger things to worry about today.

"It'll be nice to see my wife and daughter." Non-committal. Geneva was getting big, and he hated missing it, but he wasn't going home to stay. Not for a while yet.

Isabelle, for once, wasn't late. Or at least her watch told her she wasn't. But it seemed that Tate was already in his seat. So he was early, right? Yes. Considering that Leo was the only person sat down her side of the table. Fixing a broad smile on her face, she made her way through the Great Hall, making sure to aim an even broader one towards the victors of Hufflepuff.

Skipping along the last couple of steps, Issy climbed the up onto the dais and raised her hand to all those down the other end of the table. "Evening all," she called out, positioning herself in her seat and smoothing her robe before sitting down. Turning her head towards Leo, she smiled at him too. "Just us for the moment then?" Isabelle asked, glancing around to see if any of their colleagues would be joining them there. But anyway - "How did you find your first term, by the way?"

Josephina clicked her way quietly into the Great Hall and made her way up to the Dias. She was feeling a mix of emotions right now, between Keefer leaving (and his letter to her), then the thought of summer break (of which she kind of was excited at a particular aspect). She was both overwhelmed and exhilarated.

And in the midst of her intense focus on making it to her seat, she did give a fleeting glance of pride toward her Hufflepuffs, her badgers. She was proud of them and she hoped that every single one of them knew it.

Sitting down, she glanced at her neighbors, giving a brief, friendly smile before turning her attention onto her water goblet.

William just let out another short sigh as Cece left and Oliver entered. Just what he needed, ANOTHER reminder that they were ALL leaving. At least they'd be able to hang out more outside of Hogwarts, eh?

"Hey Leo, Callie," he absently greeted the two who'd addressed him by name and continued staring out at the House tables as if searching for someone. Once he saw her little head arrive at her yellow-and-black table, William headed back down the dias.

He had an owl to deliver.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nordic Witch

Leobald skidded to halt just outside the Great Hall panting heavily and pulse beating. Peeking inside as he tried to calm his breath. It wouldn’t do to look frazzled and out of breath in front of the students. When his pulse returned to normal, Leo fixed his robes and entered the hall. He passed by the snakes table spotting Cece in deep conversation with Sierra Greingoth about something or other. He flashed Cece a smile and wave even though Leo doubted that she saw it.

Heading up to the staff dais he saw that quite a few people were there already including the Headmaster who had received some sort of. Waving at each and every one of them Leo greeted warmly "Good evening Headmaster Tate, William, Callie, Medea, Oliver and Sophia! How is everyone doing, glad that the school year is over?"

Going over to his empty seat a ways way down from the headmaster, he slipped into his seat wondering where everyone had gotten to like Dash, Gemma, Isabelle, Hecate, Seren and Waylon. The whole right flank was empty except for Leo and Tate.

Oh, well if it wasn't the Librarian.

"Evening Leo." Callie waved smally at the man as he took his seat on the other side of the table from her. She hadn't gotten to spend as much time as she had wanted to in Hogwarts' enormous library but she promised herself she would next term and make a note to talk with Mr. Kittridge more.

Quote:

Originally Posted by demented_death_eater

Max slipped in and quietly made his way to the dias. He sat down to the right of Tate and leaned back in his chair. For once, he wasn't in a talkative mood.

The total legend and THE Maximus Vindictus flying instructer took his seat quietly beside Elwood and stayed rather quiet and to himself. The Divination Professor decided a polite hello and then spending most of the night speaking to Medea would suffice.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cassirin

Tate glanced up from the ever-amusing game of shifting his goblet in circles to eye the woman sitting only a few seats from him. What was she on about? Oh, the freezings.

"Yes, it's a good way to leave things, isn't it? Sort of out for the term on a high note, with everyone back to normal," he responded quietly and with none of the usual boisterousness. He studied his goblet again before putting it down. "Wish we'd have caught the bit who did this, though. I hate to think she's still out there stealing time away from innocents."

But if those innocents weren't students... Tate wasn't going to fret about it. Bigger things to worry about today.

"It'll be nice to see my wife and daughter." Non-committal. Geneva was getting big, and he hated missing it, but he wasn't going home to stay. Not for a while yet.

Well catching a criminal was always the best option but he was right, no one was really hurt so it was a victory all the same. "The Ministry should catch her soon enough, there were plenty of witnesses, their discriptions of the girl should be able to help the Aurors find her soon enough." At least she hoped so. All the kids forzen had lost nearly a month of their school term.

"It does sound nice." She said quitely, adding a quick smile as she turned away from him to allow for others to converse with their boss. Her face held firm in her smile for a moment longer, wishing she too had a family to go home to that summer.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MeredithRodneyMckay

Isabelle, for once, wasn't late. Or at least her watch told her she wasn't. But it seemed that Tate was already in his seat. So he was early, right? Yes. Considering that Leo was the only person sat down her side of the table. Fixing a broad smile on her face, she made her way through the Great Hall, making sure to aim an even broader one towards the victors of Hufflepuff.

Skipping along the last couple of steps, Issy climbed the up onto the dais and raised her hand to all those down the other end of the table. "Evening all," she called out, positioning herself in her seat and smoothing her robe before sitting down. Turning her head towards Leo, she smiled at him too. "Just us for the moment then?" Isabelle asked, glancing around to see if any of their colleagues would be joining them there. But anyway - "How did you find your first term, by the way?"

A quick wave from Callie to the Transfiguration Professor was sent down the table as the woman joined them for the Feast. She had always been nice Elwood just hadn't spent enough time with the lady to really get a good feel for her.

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhoenixRising

Josephina clicked her way quietly into the Great Hall and made her way up to the Dias. She was feeling a mix of emotions right now, between Keefer leaving (and his letter to her), then the thought of summer break (of which she kind of was excited at a particular aspect). She was both overwhelmed and exhilarated.

And in the midst of her intense focus on making it to her seat, she did give a fleeting glance of pride toward her Hufflepuffs, her badgers. She was proud of them and she hoped that every single one of them knew it.

Sitting down, she glanced at her neighbors, giving a brief, friendly smile before turning her attention onto her water goblet.

"Oh, good evening Fina. Congrats on your house's win of the House Cup!" It was her first term teaching and her first house cup to see win. the Hufflepuffs were definately eager in the Divination Lessons.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BanaBatGirl

William just let out another short sigh as Cece left and Oliver entered. Just what he needed, ANOTHER reminder that they were ALL leaving. At least they'd be able to hang out more outside of Hogwarts, eh?

"Hey Leo, Callie," he absently greeted the two who'd addressed him by name and continued staring out at the House tables as if searching for someone. Once he saw her little head arrive at her yellow-and-black table, William headed back down the dias.

He had an owl to deliver.

Hey, that was it?

Calista looked at Willy, first concern on her face as he looked worried about something, cunfusion at the owl he had with him in the Great Hall, and then slight annoyance that he left the table without any further word.

Seriously, William? Callie didn't like to be ignored. What was with him tonight? She looked to Medea for an answer.

It was that time again, the end of the term. Though some Professors might deem it sad and whatnot, Dash couldn't disagree more. The months had dragged on and on so horribly that sometimes he had to check his calendar to make sure he had the year right.

Making his way to the front of the hall and up to his seat, Dash settled down before offering a small nod to those around him. He didn't like the seated ones enough to actually open his mouth.

Seeing the Librarian come barreling into the great hall as though his pants were on fire caused Oliver to snort with laughter. The dude must be really hungry or was eager to start his summer vacation.

"Evening Leo." he said chuckling with laughter. "Very glad." School life was so not for him.

He paused just in front of the Divination professor and gave her a warm smile and a shadow of a wink. If he hadn't been obsessed with a certain friend's sister he may just have paid the blonde a lot more attention.

"Callista." he said with a nod of his head. "You're looking lovely this evening."

Oliver rolled his eyes at William's melodramatic's. Seriously, anyone would think that someone had died or something. Yeah they were leaving but they were gonna do some amazing things once they were out of here. Well he was anyway.

He watched as mate ran off to Merlin only knew where and he shook his head. Looks like his news was going to have to wait. Olly caught sight of Callie's face and he gave her another smile. "Don't worry too much about William, he can be such a skirt at times."

Leo had just found himself a comfy position on his chair when he saw Isabelle enter through the halls double doors passing by the Hufflepuff table towards the dais. As the brunette sat down to the right of him, two seats down Leo greeted her. "Good evening, Isabelle." Looking around him at the empty spots again he shrugged. "I guess, but the evening is young so I’m sure mostly everyone will trickle in before Headmaster Tate holds his speech." Or he hoped so. The end of term feast was always a tradition you didn’t want to miss unless you had a good excuse to.

His first term. "It has been an eventful and fun first term. I’m glad that so many students use the library for studying and even sought me out for book advice and so on." Leo beamed.

"Was it long since Hogwarts last had a librarian?" he wondered. If that was the case then maybe that was why so many of them had come and offered to help him out around the library with smaller duties.

"How was your term teaching transfiguration?" Leo countered back.

While Leo was conversing with Isabelle, Josephina made it up onto the dais and claimed her seat on the opposite side of the staff table. Waving in her direction, Leo greeted warmly "Evening, Josephina." The distance between them didn’t allow for deeper conversation so he quieted down and turned his attention back to Isabelle.

What was the matter with William? He didn’t call leo, baldie or anything. He seemed absent minded, maybe even sad. But why would that be? It wasn’t like anyone was leaving or anything right? At least Leo hadn’t heard of anything to that affect. Being new though made him last in the information chain.

Shrugging he watched William disappear down from the dais with an owl cage in his grasp towards the Hufflepuff table.

Leo was about to stare at his own water goblet like everyone at the other side of the table seemed to be doing when a dark presence slipped into the seat next to him. Turning his head to the side he greeted the new arrival with a smile. "Good evening Dash."

Turning his attention towards Oliver, Leo raised a brow questioningly "What’s so amusing Oliver?" Please tell me that there were no hidden pranks at the table or worse under his seat. Should he inspect the area around and under his seat just to be safe? Leo debated and debated but in the end didn’t do anything he just hoped his chair was free of pranks.

The owl delivered, his work done, William returned to the staff dias and slipped into his seat. He threw Bellaire a glare glance, since she'd smacked him earlier, and then turned his gaze back down the table toward Oliver.

"Did you turn in your letter yet?" he asked his friend. You know, his letter of resignation???

Once Callie turned to her neighbors and Tate was left to his own company once again, he was tempted to turn his attention back to his goblet. It wasn't that the hunk of ancient iron was interesting or amusing. It was just... yeah. Looking at the tables full of happy students hurt him just a little and in a way he hadn't expected.

But he was a Gryffindor and a damned fine one, and when things were difficult, lions got to their feet and roared. Or something like that. They had pride? No, they were in a pride... Merlin, he was stalling again. Tate stood suddenly, unexpectedly, and nearly toppled that enormous goblet with the motion.

He put up a hand to quell the talking and then began to speak himself before really even waiting for complete silence. "End of term is always a bittersweet time. We have the chance to celebrate the hard work you put in this year, both by congratulating our Hufflepuff friends for their House Cup victory and our Ravenclaw brethren for their Quidditch Cup win and by remembering fondly what we've gained for our time here this year. It hasn't been an easy year, what with mysterious illnesses and the situation in Hogsmeade, but you were all pulling for each other. I would venture to say that, in spite of the houses that divide us, we recognize our unity best of all when a little adversity thrusts us together."

He was wandering from the point again, and Tate cleared his throat before continuing. "You lot are cleverer than when you started the year. Some of you know yourselves better, and some of you are just meeting your true selves for the first time. Certainly most of you are taller than when you started, and the way we feed you, I'm certain many of you are a bit wider too." He patted his own stomach, which certainly hadn't suffered during his tenure, although he attempted to practice moderation.

"It's a sad time, too, isn't it? Another year has ended, and we're all closing in on our inevitable departure from these hallowed halls. Some of you have another six years, so you may not feel it keenly yet, but those seventh years... they know what I mean. You can always come back to Hogwarts, but it will never be your home again." He took a deep breath and glanced at that folded piece of parchment next to his plate. "It's sad too for those left behind, because you know that next term, there will be faces missing from the crowd. Perhaps faces you don't even know are missing, but faces that make this place what it is today. Some students... some professors." He glanced meaningfully at Williamson and Jenkins.

"And some Headmasters. I wasn't sure I would tell you... old soldiers are better at slipping away than giving prolonged and mushy goodbyes. I promise not to be mushy, but I'm afraid I'm already prolonged. Perhaps it is my own ego that prompts me to tell you... I wouldn't leave you if I didn't have to. I've never been an educator, as I'm sure my detractors would tell you, but I've always been a champion for this school and for you students. My path leads me elsewhere - someone else requires my efforts for now - but my heart is heavy over it, and so I suppose I'll leave it rest at Hogwarts for a while."

He fell silent for a long time, staring hard at the table top as if he could glare a hole right through it, before he felt contained enough to continue. "It appears I broke my promise not to be mushy, but I seem to be breaking a lot of promises these days. Perhaps it's better for the old lion to go to pasture, and for all the students to break bread together. Let's eat."

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaos.Doodles

It was that time again, the end of the term. Though some Professors might deem it sad and whatnot, Dash couldn't disagree more. The months had dragged on and on so horribly that sometimes he had to check his calendar to make sure he had the year right.

Making his way to the front of the hall and up to his seat, Dash settled down before offering a small nod to those around him. He didn't like the seated ones enough to actually open his mouth.

Oh Dash was one of the faces she had noticed was missing but he showed up in time, at least before the speech, to take his place at the Staff Table. She noticed he didn't make any attempt to great the rest of them but that was just the History of Magic Professor.

Calista waved a hand at him, the one who's wrist had the Atlantis bracelet on it, smiling.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mell

He paused just in front of the Divination professor and gave her a warm smile and a shadow of a wink. If he hadn't been obsessed with a certain friend's sister he may just have paid the blonde a lot more attention.

"Callista." he said with a nod of his head. "You're looking lovely this evening."





Oliver rolled his eyes at William's melodramatic's. Seriously, anyone would think that someone had died or something. Yeah they were leaving but they were gonna do some amazing things once they were out of here. Well he was anyway.

He watched as mate ran off to Merlin only knew where and he shook his head. Looks like his news was going to have to wait. Olly caught sight of Callie's face and he gave her another smile. "Don't worry too much about William, he can be such a skirt at times."

Lovely? How nice.

"Thank you Oliver, you look pretty fit yourself." She grinned politely at the Ancient Runes Professor and the nodded smally when he attempted to put a stop to her worrying about William. A skirt. Heh. "Thanks." She removed her eyes from her hands in her lap and looked at him briefly before he left.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BanaBatGirl

The owl delivered, his work done, William returned to the staff dias and slipped into his seat. He threw Bellaire a glare glance, since she'd smacked him earlier, and then turned his gaze back down the table toward Oliver.

"Did you turn in your letter yet?" he asked his friend. You know, his letter of resignation???

Letter? Callie fixed him with another confused look, leaning forward to see him past Medea and Bellaire.

Something wasn't right.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cassirin

Once Callie turned to her neighbors and Tate was left to his own company once again, he was tempted to turn his attention back to his goblet. It wasn't that the hunk of ancient iron was interesting or amusing. It was just... yeah. Looking at the tables full of happy students hurt him just a little and in a way he hadn't expected.

But he was a Gryffindor and a damned fine one, and when things were difficult, lions got to their feet and roared. Or something like that. They had pride? No, they were in a pride... Merlin, he was stalling again. Tate stood suddenly, unexpectedly, and nearly toppled that enormous goblet with the motion.

He put up a hand to quell the talking and then began to speak himself before really even waiting for complete silence. "End of term is always a bittersweet time. We have the chance to celebrate the hard work you put in this year, both by congratulating our Hufflepuff friends for their House Cup victory and our Ravenclaw brethren for their Quidditch Cup win and by remembering fondly what we've gained for our time here this year. It hasn't been an easy year, what with mysterious illnesses and the situation in Hogsmeade, but you were all pulling for each other. I would venture to say that, in spite of the houses that divide us, we recognize our unity best of all when a little adversity thrusts us together."

He was wandering from the point again, and Tate cleared his throat before continuing. "You lot are cleverer than when you started the year. Some of you know yourselves better, and some of you are just meeting your true selves for the first time. Certainly most of you are taller than when you started, and the way we feed you, I'm certain many of you are a bit wider too." He patted his own stomach, which certainly hadn't suffered during his tenure, although he attempted to practice moderation.

"It's a sad time, too, isn't it? Another year has ended, and we're all closing in on our inevitable departure from these hallowed halls. Some of you have another six years, so you may not feel it keenly yet, but those seventh years... they know what I mean. You can always come back to Hogwarts, but it will never be your home again." He took a deep breath and glanced at that folded piece of parchment next to his plate. "It's sad too for those left behind, because you know that next term, there will be faces missing from the crowd. Perhaps faces you don't even know are missing, but faces that make this place what it is today. Some students... some professors." He glanced meaningfully at Williamson and Jenkins.

"And some Headmasters. I wasn't sure I would tell you... old soldiers are better at slipping away than giving prolonged and mushy goodbyes. I promise not to be mushy, but I'm afraid I'm already prolonged. Perhaps it is my own ego that prompts me to tell you... I wouldn't leave you if I didn't have to. I've never been an educator, as I'm sure my detractors would tell you, but I've always been a champion for this school and for you students. My path leads me elsewhere - someone else requires my efforts for now - but my heart is heavy over it, and so I suppose I'll leave it rest at Hogwarts for a while."

He fell silent for a long time, staring hard at the table top as if he could glare a hole right through it, before he felt contained enough to continue. "It appears I broke my promise not to be mushy, but I seem to be breaking a lot of promises these days. Perhaps it's better for the old lion to go to pasture, and for all the students to break bread together. Let's eat."

The Headmaster stood abruptly from his seat just on the other side of Max and she stopped her worrying about the Care of Magical Creatures Professor. Tate spoke of learning about yourself and growing in all sorts of ways--things she had expected to be mentioned but she hadn't expected the announcement of his early retirement. Suddenly her question about his family had seemed like the appropriate one.

'some students...some professors.'? Callie noticed the look the Headmaster gave down to her end of the table. At Oliver and......

No.

Callie leaned forward to look right at her friend down the table and then fixed a blank stare at the now full plate of food before her. How could he be leaving after her first term? Where on Earth was he even going to teach?!

How had he not told her before now?

Josephina had been perused with her water goblet and also a careful eye out over at the Hufflepuff table. She had to go talk with a certain two redheads, but that would wait until after the speech. Catching a wave out of her periphery, Fina turned to look and smiled at sight of Leo. Nice guy he was. "Evening, Leo," she greeted back, with a subtle wave of her own...

That was when she overheard someone ... talking over her.... to the person on her other side. Letter? Looking from Oliver to a now-fleeting figure departing toward the student tables, Fina was bewildered.

And seemed she wasn't the only one, judging from Callie's expression. But she didn't get a chance to question the letter talk to Oliver before Tate stood for his customary speech.

She beamed as he started off his customary end of term speech by congratulating the students on their hardwork. Namely mention of her Hufflepuffs on their House Cup Victory, to which she beamed an especially proud smile over at the Hufflepuff Table. She was immensely proud of them.

But then he started talking about bitter part of the bittersweet. And his words confused her until... he mentioned missing faces. Students (Ellie and Keefer mostly for her) .... Professors (was this the letter that Williamson had been inferring to Oliver about?) ... and no ... no...

He did NOT just say that he was leaving. He had a rule. A don't die rule. Without Tate, then well, students or professors even, might DIE.

And no. Despite her now full plate, she wasn't hungry. Instead, the Arithmancy Professor found herself crossing her arms and staring defiantly at the food. Shooting glances down at the Headmaster, hoping to find SOME hint that he was bluffing. He was bluffing, wasn't he?

Oh?

She got a smile.

It looked sincere too. Not forced. No hidden meaning. No promise of terribly embarrassing danger in the coming future. Quite frankly, Medea was rather pleased for that. She smiled back to the Charms professor.

Perhaps Sophia DID have a sense of humor.

"Oh you know, here and there..."

In her office.

Picking up her goblet, she took a sip and glanced to the crowd of students. It was only moments later did the Headmaster start his speech. And what a speech it was...

The beginning started out as she expected, from what she'd heard of the last three speeches from him during the two years she was here as a professor. The added comic relief made her smile, in which she glanced to the students, but then...

Her smile began to fade. Students were indeed graduating. Being lucky enough to teach them and get to know them, it was a difficult time and always would be. Though the headmaster had mentioned not only students, but professors as well. Who was leaving? Who...was Tate looking at?

Medea glanced a little down the table to see if she could pinpoint just who, but with the end of the speech, she found herself not caring all that much for the food. Maybe poke at it with her fork. Well...she probably didn't have the thoughts or emotions as some of these professors or students in the great hall after finding out that their beloved Headmaster was retiring from his position but...

Goodness, a lot of people were leaving after tonight.