End of term feast.

This was it. She had successfully completed one whole term at Hogwarts. Melanie let out a deep breath before taking in another one. There was a giant smile on her face as she walked towards the Gryffindor table, an extra little bounce in her steps. She was happy. It was the end of the term... she would get to go back home and see her family and be all happy with them. It was a wonderful year at Hogwarts but she really wanted to go home too.

The lion sang quietly as she got closer to the table. "You're the next big thing, the next big thing~ They're gonna wanna shake your hand..." Melanie alternated between singing and humming before plopping herself down at a random seat at the table, beaming at everyone. "Hello!" Melanie said, waving her hands at everyone before resuming her humming/singing thing. "Hold me back because I lose control~ And you can say goodbye to the things of old~" She fidgeted slightly, unable to keep still.

Summer vacation was here.

Or almost here. All the while, Melanie didn't stop humming or singing for a second.

Maxwell who was still scanning the Claw table for his girl, not yet finding her looked up and next to him plopped Melanie. He offered her a happy smile, he liked Melanie. She was cool. She was also one of the few people in the school who didn't dislike either himself or Elliot so bonus points for her.

"Hey, Melanie! Excited for summer? Any big plans?" He asked curious what everyone else was doing. Max had quite a busy summer ahead of him, would he be able to keep in touch with anyone? He was awful at remembering to write letters and it didn't help his owl was lazy....did anyone at Hogwarts text? Mehh

Oh great. Nice going Lex, now Arabella was getting all teary eyed. You just HAD to bring down someone else's mood, didn't ya? The 11 year old had no idea just how she was going to fix this. She herself wasn't feeling very happy and she would've felt more than a little hypocritical telling the other girl to smile so she simply patted her on the back. No hugging though. Not now. Not for a long time. "I'm sure you'll have fun and make new friends wherever you go." That's when it hit her. Vivi would make new friends and she'd forget all about her. It was thoughts like those that made it hard to not cry.

Arabella-Marie looked at Alexa and said "Yeah i suppose so but i am never going to forget my friends at Hogwarts so i am going to make sure to owl them all the time so that we can keep in touch" Arabella-Marie was already feeling sad after putting her message in the memory book and knew that she had to try to stay positive

Melanie was just about to get all into the chorus of the song when she heard someone greet her. Her head snapped up and went from side to side, looking to see where the voice had come from. Oh. Next to her. Silly Melanie. She should've known that. The lion resisted the urge to give herself a face palm and just waved hello.

"Hello Max!" Melanie said, beaming. Beaming because she was happy. Beaming because it was almost time for summer vacation. "I'm super excited for summer. I love summer vacation. I love going home," Melanie rambled, her smile not dropping at all. She was too happy for that to happen. "I'm going to go home and see my family. And all my old friends. And meet my doggie. And have a wonderful time. And hang out with Landon. And with Queen Alice. And," Melanie stopped to take a deep breath, "I'm just really looking forward to this summer."

Wow, she had said a lot. Honestly, she couldn't help it though. She was excited about summer. "And you? What are your summer vacation plans?" Melanie asked.

What Arabella was saying began giving her the kind of hope she needed. Vivi was a rare case, couldn't find anyone like her, but for this one instance she was hoping the Claw was like this girl, that way she wouldn't forget her friends either. "That's a good idea..." Plus Vivi had already promised she would write so it would all be fine...right...? RIGHT??? "So where will you go after Hogwarts...?" The thought was very saddening and she was almost sorry she asked.

Maxwell waved back, chuckling a bit trying to take in everything she was saying. It was so much at once, SO MANY WORDS! but it's cool, he managed to catch it all. "Wow, you sound busy.." He nodded.

His plans? He had quite a few. "Well, i'm going to France to visit my little sister then Meeting a long lost Uncle, spending time with Elliot. We're supposed to go to India sometime...I wanna see a Tiger." He and Elliot were for some reason excited about seeing one.

Arabella-Marie smiled and said "Well i will write to you Alexa and i don't mind you asking i am off to play qudditch professionally with Pride of Portree"

Melanie shook her head and laughed. "Not that busy," she said with a slight shrug of her shoulders. "Just have a lot planned." But summer vacation was long so she needed a lot of plans! Just so there wasn't a day where she didn't do anything.

She nodded her head as she listened. That sounded like so much fun. "You're going to do a lot of traveling," Melanie said, a bit in awe. She wanted to do a lot of traveling too. But her mommy wouldn't let that happen. "I've seen a tiger before," Melanie exclaimed, grinning, "it was in the zoo."

No need to go to India to see one.

"That sounds so cool." The 11 year old tried a beam but that failed miserably when her face refused to cooperate; it seemed determined to wear the sad look. Sigh. Stubborn thing, it was. Nevertheless she would try seem happy so Arabella would cheer up a bit. At least one of them deserved to enjoy the feast. "I know you'll do great." Even though she'd never seen the girl play before....

Maxwell shrugged. "I don't know, summer always seems so short to me. I couldn't imagine having any more planned than i do this year. Maybe it'll seem longer this year." He sighed a bit. "I'm not excited about OWLs next year though.." No that sounded awful, studying was not something Max was good at.

He nodded. "Yeah, i'm kind of excited for some of it. I haven't seen my sister since Christmas. She goes to Beauxbaton so we don't see each other except holidays.." He laughed. "Well, i mean i've seen one in a zoo too but i don't know something about seeing one in the wild just sounds interesting.."

Taylor was making her rounds, wanting to say bye to her friends when she accidently bumped into someone... that someone was her brother, Maxwell Lupin. Her happiness instantly dropped and she was rock bottom. Tay blinked and looked at him, frozen in place.

Maxwell was suddenly very rudely bumped into. "Watch it, you-" He turned his head and seeing Taylor he let out a sigh. They weren't on good terms for the first time at a feast. Normally they'd be at one or the other's tables..but not this year, even with Max dating a Ravenclaw.

He eyed her. "Come to say hello or just bump into me? Or do you have more fowl words about my father?" He asked in an accusing tone, he didn't like how his 'sister' was talking about his father, a man she not too long ago also called father..where was her sense of loyalty...did she even have one? it seemed not, between this and Brodie..

Tay let out a barely audible whimper as tears shone at what he said. "I only accidnently bumped into to. If you must know I have some gryffindor friends that I wanted to see." Hurt shone in her eyes as she was still frozen in her place.

Maxwell rolled his eyes and let out another sigh. He couldn't stay mad at her, even if she deserved it...it was too much work and he had enough on his plate at the moment. "Look, Tay...I'm sorry. If you're done trash talking we can just forget about all this, okay? Go back to normal?" He hoped she'd be fine with it, cause if this 'Uncle Leon' guy was a weirdo he'd need someone to hang out with while Elliot was in Hawaii cause seeing Tabby wouldn't take that long..

Tay narrowed her eyes at him, "No, I hate you and your evil girlfriend. I hate that Jack hurt my mother." Taylor crossed her arms but let out a small cough. She was a bit sick still and she was almost stick thin but not as bad as her mother. Tay had a bit of depression and had been having nightmares.

Maxwell nodded a little. Fine if it was a war she wanted she'd get one. But not here, it wouldn't be classy. Family issues were best resolved in private. "Fine, fair enough. I extend the olive branch and you throw it on the ground and stomp on it...I'm done trying Taylor, i don't know what you want from me...stop taking out your issues on me..you don't like Elliot, Fine whatever. Don't act like you have the right to be mad at me for hating Brodie..because as much as i don't know him, you don't know her." He said narrowing his eyes at her.

"Second, stop talking about my father. It's not right to be telling everyone who will listen about our families problems...besides, this wasn't his fault. It's your stupid grandfather's that man will do whatever it takes to make sure you're all miserable and you all just play into it.." He was happy he was left out of this, luckily Anton had no quarrel with Maxwell.

Tay snarled at him, "She said she would lie to get me in trouble so excuse me for hating her especially when she turns you into a jerkface." Taylor growled, "I never talked about your father with anyone but Harvey, thank you very much and it was only him because he is a better brother than you." Taylor glared at him. "So does this mean that our deal is off?" Tay's nose was wrinkling as she snarled more.

Maxwell sighed. "Well you kinda did deserve it. You hit Ariana because you were to prideful to walk away..it's not like you were in the right there or innocent either.." No if she were he wouldn't have taken Elliot's side on this, besides it's not like she actually lied, she just said she would.

"Whatever if he's such a good brother go bother him!" He said waiving her off but before she left. "No, i'm a man of my word...i will at least try to like Brodie even if you don't hold up your end.."

Tay looked at him, "A real brother wouldnt let his girlfriend tell lies about his sister." She snarled, "I meant the school deal." Her eyes narrowed at him.

Maxwell glared. "So i should be mad at her for trying to get you to be disciplined for something you actually did? Is that what you would do if Brodie was trying to make me get in trouble for something i did but he was lying to do so? You'd side with me?" Somehow he found that hard to believe. "No, the deal is on. I'm not the only person who wanted you to stay."

Taylor looked at him, "Yeah, I would side with you on that." She crossed her arms, "I dont like it when people lie about my family so, of course, i would side with you." Tay frowned, "But, I guess that is where you and I are different." Taylor looked down, "Minerva doesnt seem to, so doesnt that cancel our deal?"

SPOILER!!: Selina

[QUOTE=fanficfanatict;11272628]

Selina found herself dazzing out and losing focus with what was going on around her as she sat in the Great Hall virtually alone. No one else had really arrive yet, so the empty room was a great place to be alone with her thoughts. She thought about everything possible. The past, the present, the future she was not entirely certain of- everything. And just when she thought she had it all somewhat figured out, somehow compartmentalized into boxes in her head that kept everything tidy, she heard a voice and all of thoughts became jumbled a little.

She sat up with a start and look at the person who had awoken her out of her daze and there stood Gideon. He looked a little worried to be there and talking to her and she could not blame him. The last time that they had spoken had been under very bad circumstances. Luckily for them, the end of the year seemed to gobble them up into their respective busy duties, so it gave them time to breath.

So when he said hello, she smiled warmly at him and returned, "Oh... hey there, Gi-"

It seems he may have surprised Selina, at least it appeared that way to Gideon as she reacted to his words. He inwardly hoped that it wasn't a bad reaction on his part. However when his friend returned his greeting, a smile upon her face, he couldn't help but let out a breath he hadn't known he had been holding. A smile of his own growing upon his face as he relaxed into the moment. The two of them simply sitting on the Gryffindor table with their friends and housemates gathering round.
And it was okay.

"So...some year eh?" Gideon remarked for lack of anything else to speak about. He certainly didn't want to think of them leaving. There should be plenty else to keep up the conversation amongst all those gathered and any still lingering out of the midst of their housemates.

SPOILER!!: Jake

Quote:

Originally Posted by Syd

For some reason, Jake couldn't bring himself to let go of Selina just yet. He was quiet for a minute before finally pulling away and leaning back to get a good look at the redhead. "Yeah, I'm okay," he answered her finally, half-smiling. It was then that he realized he had no idea why he wanted to talk to Selina. He'd kinda just been... overcome with the... desire... to hug her. Was that weird? Possibly. But... oh well.

He bit his lip, looking down, then back up as someone caught his eye. Alexa. The girl was kinda growing on Jake, to be honest. A smile came back to his face and he looked back at Selina. "I wanted to say thanks," he told her with a nod. "You probably don't realize what you did for me this year. And..." He wasn't good with feelings. But he really wanted to let Selina know how much she meant to him. "And you should. But I don't think I can say it. So..." He hugged her again, letting go after just a second.



Jake hadn't even thought about anyone else as he'd made his run for the Quidditch Captain, so the chuckle surprised him. Looking up, his lips moved into a sheepish smile as he looked at the Prefect. Maybe it was just Jake being annoyingly sentimental, but he suddenly wanted to spill his thoughts about Gideon, too. Jake looked up to him a lot. And not just because he was a prefect... but he was an incredible chaser, too. And an all-around good guy. Jake wouldn't mind being like him in his seventh year.

"Will do," he promised with a smile. "Congratulations on graduating, too. And... good luck with whatever you plan on doing." He'd miss him. There was no use denying that.

Thankfully, Jake got distracted before he hugged Gideon or something. Kurumi, then Penelope showed up. He gave a little wave to both of them, not sure if he wanted to say anything. He didn't know Kurumi very well, but he looked up to her too. And Penelope... was his best friend. And they'd see each other this summer. So it wasn't like he needed to give her a dramatic goodbye.

Looking around, trying to refrain from embarrassing himself, his eyes caught sight of Nearly Headless Nick. Jake hadn't talked to the ghost much, but... why not? "Hey, Sir Nicholas," he said with a smile and a wave. "How're you?"

I
He nodded as Jake agreed to his request about behaving , he was good peoples deep down even if drama came and went around him. The younger boy then continued with his blessing towards his graduation. "Thanks...on both counts," Gideon remarked in answer. " And to university I go, to hopefully get my potions mastery and perhaps head to being a healer" The prefect decided in adding the last because there was no point in keeping his plans a secret. That what he had decided to do now that he was heading off on his own....might as well be proud about it.

He walked into the Great Hall.. stunned.. he couldnt believe that his first year here was over already. He looked around at all the hugging and maybe even crying going on around there and he was not liking all of that so he walked over to his house table and looked around for a seat when he was about to pass their captain.. he smiled and decided to at least say something.



"Hey Captain.. I know we didnt get off to the best of starts.. but being a part of the team has been really cool! You can bet your galleons you will see me on that team again next term" he said with a big grin on his face "And the bestest part? I wont be a firstie anymore!! and.. and I will be able to bring my own broom.. that will be so cool!!" he said grinning at the prospect of owning his own broom "Soo.. I just wanted to thank you.. for being" *sneaks a look at the parchment in his pocket before looking back at captain* "pa..patient with me.. and teaching me.." he says trying to remember what was written on the parchment he had just ready when he thought he had the whole thing memorised "Umm quidditch and showing me what a great sport it is" he said to her trying to remember if there was anything else "Oh yeah! and er.. thanks for keeping me safe while playing the game.. even if it was just practice" there that had to be it.. right? he quickly looked at the points on his parchment and saw that he had.. and what?! he was to give her a hug?! oh no.. no way was he doing that.. he looked at Selina and offered her his hand for a handshake instead of a hug.



He then continued walking down the table and saw Mr Prefect and he quickly took out his parchment and memorised the points he had to say which werent many, he walked upto him "Umm Mr Prefect Gideon.. I would just like to say that.. I know we havent hung out much but.. it has been cool to meet fellow gryffindors such as yourself and Selina and Kurumi." he said smiling a bit before carrying on "I would also like to say that I hope we do meet sometime so that we.. can.. " oh what was the next part dad wrote.. oh yes! "can talk and I can see what you do once you leave school" he didnt know what the importance of that was really but his dad was really wanting him to learn all that before he finished school apparently but not knowing why. "Umm so yeah.. it was good to meet you and erm.. hope we see each other around" he said also offering his hand to him for a handshake.



He then heard the professor talking to them as she came to the table "Hi Professor!" he said to her excitedly cause she was afterall his Head of House too! "I am packed and excited, but will miss the cool stuff we did this term. But maybe we could do it all again next term?" he grinned cause he would sure like to make rockets and things again once the professors would be replaced that is.. and meet some awesome creatures and plants again. He then quickly looked at his parchment and saw a piece for Professor Bentley too.. he then looked up at her and a little unhappily made his speech "Professor Bentley, I have had good fun being a part of gryffindor house and can say I was glad I was chosen for this house" he said pausing here to remember what was written "I would like to say sorry for any trouble I may have caused and .. will try not to cause any for the coming future" he smiled a little as per the instructions told him to do so before ending with "I plan to work harder next term.. and stuff" he said having forgotten what else he was supposed to say to the professor.



He then saw that Kurumi was there so he took out the parchment quickly reading over what he was to say to Kurumi, he then walked upto her "Hi Kurumi.. umm I will be sad to see you and Mr Prefect Gideon go but I know you will have more fun and adventures.. and erm.. I .. am sorry for how I started the term off for you what with the whole train climbing thing" even though it was fun.. maybe he would do it again for the new prefects.. you know just to test them out and such! He then tried to remember what else his dad had written for him to say to her..oh yeah! "Um maybe we will be able to see each other sometime during the summer breaks and stuff.. umm also maybe keep in touch and stuff" he said also offering his hand for another handshake cause he didnt do hugs "Oh! and will miss your cookies too" he said adding his own spin to his speech! Unless she sent him cookies so that he wouldnt miss them.



He then was about to sit down when he saw Sir Nicholas "Hello Sir Nicholas!" he said excitedly since you didnt get to see spooks and spirits and stuff everyday so this was quite exciting "What you gonna do over the summer break?" he asked wondering what they all did while everyone was out of school and doing their own thing.. did they ever leave the school to go someplace else or something? Dylan wondered

Another year of her life. Gone.

As she made her way over to the Gryffindor table, Alice couldn't keep the tears from welling up in her eyes. SHE DIDN'T WANT TO GO HOME. As much as she missed her Gramps, she didn't want to leave her friends. OR KURUMI. She loved her friends. AND KURUMI. And a whole three months without them.. and a LIFETIME without Kurumi? She could NOT manage that.

Kurumi was leaving her.

WIBBLE.

Alice made her way over to where there was already a little crowd of her friends gathered around a pile of cookies. That her favourite seventh year had made. It just made her want to cry more. AND. To top off the worst day ever. She had lost her rope. It was the only chance she had of keeping Kurumi at Hogwarts, by tying her to the Common Room fireplace and keeping her stuffed up there. With Walnut to keep her company, of course. BUT. She had LOST it. Which meant Kurumi was definitely leaving.

Her eyes welled up again.

Blinking back the tears, Alice took a seat next to her Hogwarts mummy.

And stared at her empty plate.

And tried not to cry.