Ronnie felt rather lonely...it felt like barley anyone was at the Gryffindor table. Where was all the lions?! Maybe visiting their friends at other tables...She glanced around the hall and noticed that lots of students were at the Ravenclaw table. It seemed like quite the popular table today.

As she sat, she watched as a fellow Lion who looked around her age join the table. She'd seen him around Hogwarts a few times but never really talked to him before. Since she had no one to talk to at the moment and was super bored, she decided to introduce herself. She looooved making new friends!

She slid down the bench next to him and smiled. "Hi, I don't believe we've met before," she said, sticking her hand out towards him to shake. "I'm Ronnie Hawkins."

SHE DIDN'T EVEN REACH FOR A COOKIE. Did that prove how depressed she was? Because no one in their right mind could resist a cookie baked by Kurumi Hollingberry. It was just impossible. Alice could recall the first time she had ever tasted a cookie baked by the girl. At the beginning of the term, right after those stupid trunks and that train crash and smashed up her leg, Kurumi had baked a giant pile of cookies. And they were the most delicious thing the lioness had ever tasted.

But she couldn't even look at them right now.

And when Kurumi's arm wrapped around her shoulders, Alice almost lost it. "No," she said. "I'm NOT okay. Because you're leaving. And.. and.. I LOST FRANK. AND MY ROPE."

And then she started crying.

Not the kind of boisterous crying that normal people did, but ALICE-CRYING. Which meant that she was dead silent, except for the occasional sniff or chin wobble. YEAH. Yeah. She was so in control of her emotions. All she had to do was get the waterworks to stop. MHMM. Easy-peasy.. or it would be, in like five hours.

"Ahh well of course," she agreed, nodding. Gryffindors had to stick together, dead or alive.

... well that wasn't morbid.



She'd always known this Slytherin was a smart cookie, but his plan was genius. "You know... that's a fantastic idea. But.. I could only do it if you help me," she added with a smile. Because quite frankly it would look weird if she dragged to girl to the greenhouses by herself. And Kurumi was far too smart to make it easy on her.



This lion had enthusiasm by the bucket load, and Seren truly appreciated it. Leaning just a little bit, and checking to make sure the others were preoccupied, she whispered in the lions direction, "If I told you... it would spoil the surprise."
Yes, she was teasing the poor boy. But really, she only knew her own subject, and she wasn't about to divulge any clues at this stage.



... she sounded like her mother. There was that air of wisdom about the girl... it was part of her charm, and it would be sorely missed.
"You're wise beyond your years Kurumi Hollingberry," she mused.



It was, lovely, to observe and hear tales about such a beautiful friendship, it almost made her miss the good old days of being a student. Not that she particularly liked her dorm mate, nor did she spend much time in the dorms either.... but she understood friendship, even if they hadn't been as fortunate as to have shared a room.
"I can only imagine, but just think... it won't be too long till you're leaving us behind." Another sad and crushing moment for sure. "And I'm sure you two will be reunited."

Friendships like that didn't die. It was more of a sisterhood.



"Oh, don't mention it," she replied to his thanks.

Now...


Perhaps she ought to join her colleagues, though, she really didn't want to. Right now, she just wanted to stay with her lions.

"Bored?" he echoed. Did the boy not know how to take a joke?
"Oh heavens, we do have things to do you know. Places to be, ghosts to see... the gossip will never die even though our hearts have long stopped beating."



"University, of course." ... Sir Nicholas was extremel embarassed by his blundering stupidity, dragon keeper school indeed. If were alive and had half a brain he'd have died of shock. As it were, in his deathly state, lacking sense occasionally ought not to be a crime.
"It was awfully nice of him to help you out, it was such a shame he didn't stick around."



Sir Nicholas smiled inwardly as the boy seemed uncomfortable. It's not as if he were contagious, or the Baron for that matter.
"I'm sure once you return you'll miss the summer vacation," he mused, smiling at the young chap.



Nicholas, though dead, could still sense the frosty demeanour of the girl, perhaps he ought to apologise for, well... everything. But as he opened his mouth to speak, she'd asked him about the Hunt.

Immediately he shut his mouth. Partly out of shock and partly out of hurt. "I... decided against it this year. It seems more trouble than it's worth anyway. Tomfoolery."



Tears. Sir Nicholas was not good with tears. This must be dealt with, now!
"You? Forgettable... I think we both know that is near impossible. And if you remind them every so often with an owl, then they won't have the chance to forget you."

Honestly. Was it possible to forget this girl? She was rather outrageous, not exactly forgettable.
"I assure you, if your friends love you now, then they'll continue to love you in the future... strong friendships don't die, because the people involved won't let them... so don't let them." The power was in her hands now.



"Mmmm yes, that sounds about right," he replied, his mind drifting through time. Hearing the parting words of other students. What he would do to feel those emotions again...

"What are your plans anyway? University? A trade?" Surely something interesting.

Lex giggle juuuust a bit at the ghosts response. If there was one thing she liked it was knowing she wouldn't be forgotten well actually it was chocolate frogs but this was right up that alley too and if Sir Nicholas said she wasn't an easily forgotten person then she would believe him. Why? Because it meant that even though there was a baby in the picture now her father wouldn't forget that she exists. She nodded. "Louisa and Vivi promised to owl me--but Vickers didn't!" Her eyes shot to the Ravenclaw table. She hadn't had a chance to speak to him yet so no threats could be made. Mmm. She'd have to fix that before she never saw him again.

By now the ghost had her grinning. "You're right. And I'm gonna make sure it doesn't die! Thank you, Sir Nicholas, for you know..." Cheering her up? Not making her feel as miserable? Giving her encouraging words? He could fill it in however he wanted. "So what shall you do while we're gone?" She'd never had a reason to think about what ghosts did in their free time before now. The thought rather intrigued her.

Elise made her way over to the Gryffindor table, trying extremely hard not to cry. Nessie and Kat and everyone was already there, which meant Elise was most likely late. Hopefully they hadn't started without her, but as she drew nearer she realized that there were a few people still missing.

But most importantly, Kurumummy was there. And this was her last day here. Elise really needed a good cry, now. Her only mother figure left was leaving her like everyone seemed to be doing. Was it so easy to just walk away from her? And though she knew this wasn't the case, she just needed something to blame for taking her Kurumummy away from her.

But Kurumummy couldn't take the blame. It just wasn't fair. Besides, it wasn't like Kurummmy wanted to leave. She didn't. So Elise would just blame time. Time moved too fast, and it was never fair. She never seemed to have enough time with the people she cared about.

Slowly making her way towards Kurumummy, Elise tried so hard not to cry. Kurumummy'd changed her, made her realize that it took more than memorizing books to be a Ravenclaw. And that being herself was what really mattered. Clinging to her psuedo-mother, Elise sniffled a bit, refusing to let go.

"Pleaaaaase," she choked, strained. "Don't leave me?"

Kurumi shifted her seating position a little and folded her hands on her lap. Plans for the future. Such a weighted word when she got to thinking about it. "I'll be attending university in Romania to study dragonology," Kurumi explained with a small nod of the head. "Emphasis on breeding and hatchery studies, but the first year covers dragons in general. Nothing too specialized until second year."

Blushing a bit more, Kurumi held the bracelet properly in her hands and softly traced over the words with her one finger, almost missing what Vickers said next. "I'm really glad I met you, Vickers," she finally managed to say after a few moments of reading it over again. He had really been fantastic in New York, which had also been her first trip to America, and had helped make things seem less overwhelming. At least she was able to laugh at what came next. "No, probably not the best career choice," she giggled. Not that she was any poet either. Her poem to him hadn't been all that fantastic. Best they both leave that sort of thing to those with the gift of speech.

No regrets. That was good, for him at least. Kurumi had them, but as long as Vickers said it was alright then she could be alright too. She really did hate how dense she was when it came to these sorts of things. Not realizing her feelings or the other person's until things exploded. As smart as people said she was, she sure felt like an idiot at times. Little life lessons.

Kurumi smiled and nodded at his reply and then was back to blushing when he congratulated her on Gobstones. "Thank you. I'm really proud of my lions for pulling out a win this year," she nodded. It was about time Gryffindor won something and it couldn't have come at a better time. Especially since she had been able to be an active participate this time around too. "You guys played well too." She glanced back over at the Ravenclaw table when Vickers spoke again, saying that he should head back. "Oh, right," she nodded, violet eyes back on him. "Of course I will. Letters have always been our thing."
"Good," she laughed. Although she really did hope that the train would be working properly and that the same sort of disaster would not happen again. Kurumi really did not want to receive owls from her friends saying how the Hogwarts express had stopped all of a sudden and people had broken their bones and...okay, she needed to stop thinking about that because she was getting a little queasy just thinking about it.

She blushed just a bit when he wished her good luck, a small smile appearing on her lips at the softness of his tone. "I'll do my best," she whispered in reply.
Kurumi turned around when she heard someone say her name and was a little surprised to see Oakey standing there. "Oakey?" she said, her tone slightly questioning. "Hey." He seemed nervous, like, really nervous. She wasn't going to cast a Silencing Charm on him or anything and he had said her name so she knew that he didn't see her as a dementor again. "Want to sit down?"
Daichi did pinky promises right? Had it been him that had taught her about them? Either way, Kurumi lifted her pinky finger towards the fifth year and locked eyes with him. "I promise." She even gave him a firm little nod for emphasis. "I'll actually be living in London, so I can stop by Diagon Alley whenever you want," she smiled. She would be working part time in London at a bakery as well, but she left that out for the time being. "I'll just go home to Japan for a little and then be back."

Kurumi played with the necklace for a few more moments before looking back at Daichi. "I love it Daichi, thank you. I have something for you too...but I'll give it to you on the train, okay?" Because all her things were packed in her trunk and the letters were in her bag. She couldn't bear giving these things away at the feast. She was already on the verge of tears every few minutes as it was.

And then Daichi went on the defensive and Kurumi's eyes widened and she just sort of stared at him. "Oh, I, um...I wasn't even thinking about that," she laughed. Look at him, thinking Kurumi was sneaky like that. She was a Gryffindor, not a Slytherin. Hardly cunning enough for that sort of trick. "Which clearly means you are smarter than me," she laughed again. "Really, I just thought that since you gave it to me you should be the one to put it on. Besides, if I really wanted to I could just use a Severing Charm and then the rope would be cut." See? She didn't have her wand out so she wasn't about to use the charm so he was safe. "But, if you insist...I'll put it on myself..." To which she frowned, jokingly, but still frowned.

So formal sounding! Kurumi turned around when she felt someone tap her shoulder. "Beezus! Hey," she smiled, tapping the empty space beside her for the Ravenclaw to sit down should she want. At least Beezus didn't look like she had a dark rain cloud hanging over her head. Kurumi wasn't sure she could handle any more sad faces and not lose her own composure. "What brings you over to the Gryffindor table?"

Erm...yeah...awkward conversation starter.
THAT sound. Kurumi knew that sound almost as well as she knew the contours of Lewis' face. And that was saying something.

Practically jumping out of her seat, Kurumi turned around JUST as the house elf had tapped her on the back and a BIIIIIIG smile spread across the Gryffindor's face. "TINKA! I'm so glad to see you. I wanted to head to the kitchens before the feast to say good bye to you and the others, but I ended up not having time and I was worried that I wouldn't tomorrow morning before I had to board the Hogwarts Express and..." Oh, forget words, Kurumi leaned forward and hugged the house elf, not even noticing that the creature was holding a small red box.

Kurumi's eyes widened a bit when Selina suddenly pulled her in for a hug and she felt her body tremble when she heard what her best friend whispered to her. Kurumi felt like she had been hit with a Full Body Binding Curse when all she wanted to do was hug the girl back. Only she couldn't and instead tears were being brought to her eyes and she just rested her chin on Selina's shoulder. "Selina...," she managed to whisper, her arms FINALLY finding the resolve to move and wrap around her best friend. Kurumi sort of just stayed that way for a while, kind of whimpering but not really into Selina's shoulder. Words had totally escaped her now. What was there to say in response to that? Thank you?

Kurumi, surprisingly, laughed a little at Alexa's words but not because anything was particularly funny. It was a rather serious conversation they were having, but something just struck a chord with her that made her laugh. "Alexa...you know I tend to be a bit of a perfectionist, right?" Which really did explain why it had hit her so hard that her advice and efforts to help the first year hadn't worked. "It's in my nature to beat myself up when things don't work out." She offered Alexa a small smile, mostly to show that it was alright. That she wasn't lingering on it too much. She would forever be upset with herself for not trying something else or being more firm or doing this and this, but there was nothing she could do to change the past. "The important thing is that you came back to the pride and that you learned something."

Kurumi rested a hand on Alexa's shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze. "So you stop beating yourself up as well, okay?"


Nerdclaw. Hehehe. That was cute.

And then it looked like Melanie zapped all the energy out of herself by bringing up graduation and Kurumi bit down on her lower lip to prevent herself from following suit. "Thanks, Melanie," she said with a small smile. Somewhat forced small smile, but one that was still there. And then the younger lioness had her arms wrapped around Kurumi and she felt her resolve fading again. Kurumi somehow found the strength to hug the girl back and rested her chin on top of Melanie's head. "Owl me? You know, tell me all about the tea parties that you and Alice have next term."
Potions. Of course. Gideon had always liked Potions...for whatever reason. She had tried to see and understand what was so appealing with the subject and had hoped that Lewis' influence would have rubbed off on her some. Nope. No such luck. "Which university?" There were A LOT of them after all. "In Romania," Kurumi nodded. "But no dragon taming for me. I'll be going into breeding and hatchery studies. Professor Williamson may help me get an internship as well and hopefully I can see Roro again."

Kurumi smiled at Kat and conjured some tissue from the end of her wand to hand to the Slytherin, you know, just in case. "I look forward to it too," she replied with a firm nod. "And hearing all about how Hogwarts is and how you are doing. Do me a favor? Since the library practically burned down because of Isfret...help fix the Reference Section? You know the spells needed for it now." Kurumi had been really proud of their efforts and now most of it was ashes.

Kurumi bit down on her lower lip again and took a few deep breaths through her nose. "I'll miss you too."
o________________________O

Okay....wrong question...OBVIOUSLY WRONG QUESTION!

Kurumi didn't even really have time to register what Alice had just said because the girl was crying and doing so in a manner that was sort of alarming because she was SO quiet. So, arms went around Alice instantly and pulled her close. She wanted to tell Alice she wasn't allowed to cry because then she would cry, but it was too late for that and it wasn't going to make the tears stop.

"Alice, it's alright. Just because I graduated doesn't mean we won't keep in touch or never see each other again. I'll be living in London, so I'll be close to Diagon Alley and I can always see you in Hogsmeade." No, it wouldn't be the same, but it wasn't like this was it. Kurumi had to keep reminding herself of that as well. Goodbye didn't have to be a sad thing, not as long as you didn't let it be.

But then Alice mentioned...a rope? And she still hadn't found Frank?! "Frank...rope....huh?"

Didn't Alice have a stick?
Kurumi simply blushed at Professor Bentley's words, feeling more than a bit flustered at the compliment. "I've had some very inspirational people to guide me," she said, as if that were an explanation. But she didn't say much more. That was to be saved for more private quarters. "Um, professor, I have something for you...but I'll bring it up to you after the Headmistress gives her speech."

No, no fancy gifts because Kurumi didn't really believe in buying things. It wasn't personal enough and times like right now required a very personal touch. Even if it was just something as simple as a letter.
Kurumi frowned a little. She did miss Professor Williamson, a lot, but she also like Professor Newlin. Professor Williamson just happened to specialize in a field that she was far more interested in - no offense to fire crabs or anything. "It will be nice to see him again, Roro as well," she nodded. And then she realized something. While she could easily keep in touch with her friends and professors via owls....how could she keep in touch with a ghost? "Um, Sir Nicholas...how would one keep in touch with...a ghost? Once one graduates I mean."
WOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!

Kurumi suddenly felt more arms around her and her eyes widened as her hands went to rest on top of the much smaller ones that were clinging to her almost desperately. Kurumi looked down at the hands, not recognizing them at first, but certainly noticing that the robes did not belong to anyone from Gryffindor. And then came a voice that tugged on her heartstrings and AGAIN made her want to cry.

Turning her head slightly, Kurumi saw the small body of Elise and her eyes DID tear up this time. Little Elise, the girl that she had had to take care of with the train accident....found out about her family situation in a seminar...and just someone that Kurumi felt like she needed to protect because she was so fragile. Only she wasn't as fragile now and Kurumi couldn't be there to protect her anymore.

Although she really wanted to.

"Elise," she whispered, trying to turn her body a little so she could hug the girl properly. Merlin did she hate that word. Leaving. "I...I wish I could stay, really I do. But it's time. I need to go." She wasn't sure that Elise would be able to understand that need, seeing she was still young, but it was true. "You are going to be just fine without me and I am just an owl away. You can write me whenever you want." And then she pulled the Ravenclaw a little closer for a proper hug.

Arabella-Marie smiled and said "Yeah i do hope to become one of the teams best players but it is going to take me a while to get to the top but i am going to get there someday"

Arabella-Marie smiled at Kurumi and said "Well that sounds like a good future i wish you well for university and hope we will get to meet up again soon"

Now that Ella had mustered up the courage to get some goodbyes over with, she was ready to face the older Gryffindor who she so lovingly referred to as Sir Lewis's Lady. Wibble. This one was going to be a hard one.

Noting that the graduating Lion already had a crowd around her, Ella stood off to the side and gave the girl a sad smile. She didn't want to interrupt or anything so she'd just wait her turn.

As Ronnie sat, she glanced down the table, searching for Kurumi. She had made a special bracelet for her since she was leaving. Something to remember her by-

.....

Kurumi was... leaving.

She wasn't going to be here next year. Ronnie hadn't really gotten close with the older girl, but still...it made her kinda sad to know that Kurumi wouldn't be here anymore. She was so awesome and kind and she mad the BESTEST cookies in the whole world! What would Ronnie do without her cookies...?!

She stood up from her seat and made her way over to Kurumi, giving her a little hug once she reached her. "Hey, Kurumi." she said as she dug into her pocket for the bracelet she had made. She pulled it out and handed it to the girl. "I made this for you," she said. "To remember me by." she felt a tear trickle down her cheek. Ugh, why did she ALWAYS have to cry?! Especially at the end of term feasts...she always ended up crying really hard. She hated crying in front of people..

Selina continued to hug Keller back because, well, he wasn't exactly letting go, but she did not break her gaze with Gideon for a moment. She knew that there was something there between them- a history. And even though they were going in different paths now it did not mean that they were ever going to forget the memories they had together. He would always be a part of her life that she never forgot. No matter where she was in the world and no matter what she was doing. He was Gideon Gert- her first boyfriend. And that was something she would not soon forget.

She smiled at him and nodded genuinely, "It's going to get better, I promise. I really do wish you the best, Gideon." He deserved it.



When Bentley brought up her own graduation, Selina suddenly felt very, very sick. It was not something she wanted to think about. The sickness did not come from the thought of her own time at Hogwarts coming to a close, but the fact that Selina's seventh year meant NO Kurumi. Hogwarts would not be the same without her. Who else was going to calm the beast? Please. Like ANYONE could handle her.

"I know we will Professor... but nothings gonna be the same, you know?" And they both had acknowledged that. Kurumi and Selina both.

He decided against it? Why after all of these years of trying to make the Headless Hunt would he give it up? Unless he did not make the hunt. That seemed more realistic. Awkward.

So she just smiled politely at him and said, "Well, I'm glad that you are happy with your decision, sir."

Pulling herself together, Selina wiped her face dry of the tears that were never there. Her face was only wet by divine intervention because Selina did not cry. Ever. Not matter what happened in her life, she was not a cryer. Not even if her best friend in the whole world, the other half of her hole, was leaving. So she wiped away the nonexistent tears. Because she did not cry. Ever.

She grinned sadly at her best friend and laughed a little. It was sad, but she had to smile a little. She could not be sad that she was going. No, she had to be stronger then that. Instead, she had to be glad that they had the time together that they had. Because she would have NEVER have traded it for anything. Not even all of the cookies in the world... and she meant that. Cookies were a big deal.

Turning behind herself to grab what Nessie had given her earlier, Selina turned back to look at Kurumi. "So um," she bit down on her bottom lip to stop her eyes for watering, "So...." Breathe, Selina. "So this is for you, Kurumi. Um... everyone wanted you to have these... and I wanted to be the one to give it to you." She was finding it harder to talk, "So you always remember that I gave it to you." So you don't forget me. And with that she handed her what she had earned, what she had deserved.

While Landon was looking around for his friends he felt someone scooch right next to him on the bench and he looked over seeing a not-so-familiar person. He wasn't the rude type and even though it was the end of the term feast, it wasn't too late to make new friends right? She also seemed nice and so he shook her hand. "Nice meeting you, Ronnie. I'm Landon Hughes." He grinned, cheekily.

"Want an oreo?" He asked, holding up the bag of oreos in between them. Not really the best conversation starter he had used but it always got the girls attention. Heheh.

Dylan smiled as she giggled.. suddenly he saw something coming towards him and stopped right in front of his face.. just spinning there as if telling him to grab it and eat it. He grabbed it with both hands "Thanks!" though he knew that this would be eaten in a matter of seconds.. what about him getting more? That question was answered too, his eyes went wide at the fact that she would be working at a bakery.. he then nodded as if he was trying to break his neck "Yes please!" but did she say share?.. Share?? "Umm.. but.. do I really have to share with them? Cant I just.. not share?" he asked cautiously.. cause he wanted the whole batch to himself.. cause he wasnt very good at sharing things.



Dylan just blinked as he saw her cross her arms and ask if he was done? Yeah that was all his dad had written so he gave a small nod "Yeah" he said as she pulled him into a hug.. A HUG?!! Oh no!! she was a hugger too??! oh come on!! he just couldnt get a break from these huggers.. well the older ones.. cause there were no younger huggers from what he had seen anyways. But lucky for him it was over just as fast as it had started, phew!! he didnt know how much longer he could put up with that hug thingy! He then smiled as she thanked him too.. well his dad cause his dad wrote all that blabber.. "Yeah? Well.. I had a great time learning it all! Quidditch is the awesomest sport ever!" and that was all him.. no dad on that! He loved quidditch alot now "Oh I am gonna try out.. I will!" he nodded.. she then talked about him not being guaranteed anything as she ruffled his hair..why did people ruffle his hair? not that he was complaining.. seemed kinda fun to do it "Yeah.. I was told I has to work hard for things I want.. and I want to be on the team again.. so.. I gotta work for it" darn all this working.. classes, homework and even to make the team.. well he wanted on it.. so he would work for it.



Dylan beamed at the older lion as he said it was nice to meet him.. well of course it was.. who would not be glad in meeting him.. duh!! He nodded "Yeah we might!" he smiled before the older lion said they might not "Well.. I do try to make things enjoyable if they arent.. sooo that might happen actually" he nodded as Gideon shook his hand.. he had big hands compared to his! "And why would we not meet? Are you going somewhere? Like a place where only some people can go?" cause if it was a cool place then he would really like to go! Maybe he could make him take him there so that he could see the cool place and then be all secretive about it.. cause obviously he didnt want others knowing about it.. cause that could just make it uncool like.



Dylan saw her lean in and knew that he was about to know stuff that no-one else knew.. and he would keep it a secret.. yes he wo... he raised his eyebrows as she said it would spoil the surprise "What surprise?" he asked almost instantly "But.. but then how do I know if the surprise is going to be a cool thing or not?" cause that was what he wanted to know "Is it a fun surprise?" he asked more questions.. cause he needed to know as much as he could about this 'surprise' that the professor had planned. Was she just teasing him? cause he would like to know.. but then it did look like the professor wasnt going to tell him straight what this surprise was.



Dylan nearly jumped at the echo as he spoke.. they did things? oo interesting "What kinda things do you do? Do you go around scaring people?" cause that would be a cool thing to do! "Where would you go? Do you mean like leave Hogwarts for a couple of hours?" and he was interested in gossip now too.. what did they discuss as a gossip "Gossip.. like....?" yes Sir Nicholas.. do tell more.. so that we can know too!

Hold up.

Was Kurumi...laughing? She felt a scowl slowly creeping onto her face as she watched the girl presumably enjoying a good joke at her expense. She raised an eyebrow at the her, hoping she would explain what was so funny since, clearly, she missed the punchline but then she gave what Lex considered the explanation. Granted, she didn't find the humour in it, but she decided not to dwell on that because it probably wasn't the point anyway. The actual point was that Kurumi was a worrier by nature and Lex was beginning to understand that there was nothing she could've done to prevent her from feeling the way she did. Sure she could have behaved but honestly, what would be the fun in that? "Maybe you shouldn't worry so much." She tried getting her tone to sound as casual as possible so it wouldn't give away much of what she felt. "I mean I know what I did was bad but the world's far worse." Nod. "Try laughing at it instead of frowning and see if it makes a difference." It most probably would.

And yeah she learnt something alright; next time she was gonna do something, make sure there were no witnesses and above all don't get caught. Yup. Being suspended taught her a lot. Her eyes fell to Kurumi's hand that was now on her shoulder. They stayed there while she thought about what she said. "Yeah...I know I shouldn't and I try not to...that's kinda why I worked so hard to earn the points I cost us..." And now that she did, she regretted nothing--nothing but the suspension.

"One of the bests huh?" Lex nodded in approval of the girl's ambition. "Then that's what you'll become for sure! Then when you get really good and find an awesome team to play for then I wanna come and watch so send me an owl with your game schedule or something!" Forced!GRIN.

Arabella-Marie laughed and said "Sure i could do that Alexa"

Mellow.

Selina did have a point though. Kurumi was right there after all, and maybe it was not the greatest idea to have handed over the present right here in front of the lion prefect.

Too late? And it wasn't like Kurumi actually saw what was inside, in fact Kurumi possibly wouldn't have known that it was for her yet, but then Kurumi wasn't exactly stupid. She was bright, very bright. "Sorry." Ness uttered quietly back to Selina. "I..didn't mean to." Cause she trully didn't.

Now to act like nothing happened? Right? Usually just after you greeted someone you would ask them how they were, but not for Nessie today. Today she had something else she wanted to say before. It wasn't that she didn't care how Kurumi was doing, she did, It was just that her mind had a different thought process than usual today. All she could think about was the students leaving this year, the Graduates, her friends. It had never been this sad for her, not even when Mia,Kita,Adam or Treyen left.

Maybe it just scary to see someone so special to the school leave?

You know, Kurumi had done plenty for a lot of individuals in the school and Ness was sure she wasn't the only one upset the girl was leaving here forever. It was really sad.

"I'm...I'm going to miss you." She uttered and tried to keep the smile on her face as much as she could, but it was hard considering her eyes were beginning to water.

Inspirational... huh... inspirational. Perhaps even motivational. Bentley's mind was heading off-track now, thoughts racing through her mind in no particular sequence. Hhhmmm...

Seren soon returned to Earth as Kurumi continued to speak. She had something for her? That really wasn't necessary... though selfishly, a momento of the prefect would be a treasure for years to come.
"Oh, sounds wonderful... and actually that reminds me, I should probably head up there." So that she wouldn't get a scolding from Annie.

Now she wished she has something for Kurumi... it was dreadfully stupid of her not to organise anything. The girl had been a godsend since becoming HoH... or at least, that was when she noticed the girls abilities.



It wasn't easy making this all seem like a good thing, because truthfully, the Captain had a point. Things wouldn't be the same, ever, again. They could only hope that things would be bearable or even better... but it still took time to adjust to leaving Hogwarts behind, losing contact with friends, or even just not seeing them on a daily basis.
"I know..." she finally said, patting Selina's arm in an attempt to somehow offer the girl comfort.
Next year would be hard on her... it would be like losing a limb, and it wasn't easy to handle.

Perhaps she ought to keep a special eye on her...



...

Bentley was very tempted to slap her hand to her forehead. Did this boy ever run out of questions? or energy? ... probably not.

"Well if I told you what it was, it wouldn't be a surprise would it?" she responded, still wondering if he honestly expected her to tell him all of next years plans.
"They're not all cool... otherwise it'd become boring over time. So... there will be... new stuff, and new stuff is always good, whether its a surprise or if its cool or even uncool. So... practice some patience, and then prepare to be surprised."

Yep. That was as best as she could explain it to him.




"Alrighty Lions, I'm heading to the staff table, keep your noses clean, keep out of trouble... and someone figure out how I can fail Kurumi so we can try to keep her here for another year."

There.

That was their mission.

Now... she had to brave the atmosphere at the staff table, and already, it looked grim.

"Remember your manners, no talking during the speech, no throwing food... no... no misbehaving." Yup. Some just HAD to be told.

And with that done, Seren offered her Lions one last fleeting smile before joining the big kids.

"Thank you," Kat said as she accepted the tissue Kurumi had conjured. Sighs, she was really going to miss it when people would be there for her when she cries. One of them, even if this was the first time, was Kurumi. She knew the girl was going to be a wonderful woman. Lucky Lewis.

The library, the place where Kat first met Kurumi. That place was one of the places that Kat loved. Yes, the books and the fact it was also memorable. "I promise, I'll make you proud," Kat nodded with a small smile she managed. It was hard to smile but she did anyway, for Kurumi. Oh... wait. "I also got you something... as a thank you gift," the blonde said while taking out a charm bracelet from her pocket. "I know some might've gotten you a bracelet too," HMPH. "And I know it's not wrapped or anything, I didn't have much time to do so. But thank you, for everything." Kat handed the bracelet to Kurumi. Yep, she totally used her allowance again to buy that thing.

She did see the red hair. SIGH. The red hair who turned away when she got there. They still needed to finish the conversation that had unfortunately strayed off from its course and never got to a closure. They HAD to finish that.

Yes. Soon.

And before she could heave another sigh, there was the lovely, ever so brilliant Prefect finally acknowledging her. Beezus smiled back at her, widely and genuinely. Then she slightly shook her head when Kurumi gestured for her to sit on the space beside. "Oh, no. I'm not staying at this side for too long. I still haven't been to my own house to say goodbye to them." she explained.

She only needed to say a few words.

But prior to that, "Kurumi, can I hug you?" Her tone was merry. As if for the first time she found a beautiful doll that she wanted to cling to and just bring home. She just couldn't find it in her to act as if the world was about to end. Not right now. What she wanted to see last from those graduating weren't tears but their smiling, happy faces.

Why was there so many people? And how did things happen so fast? Like the inhabitants of the table were in fast forward and the next thing she knew (well, saw..) was Nessie calling Selina. Of course she knew why the two Captains edged a bit further.

It was the redhead Captain's mode of transfer of their favorite Prefect's gifts.

The Ravenclaw couldn't help but grin because she, too, had her part on it and that grin became even more bigger when Selina finally presented it to the object of their admiration.

So, did she like it?

Cassia was starving and she had been waiting for the food to be served but the speech hadn't started yet to no food still. And she hadn't even packed her bag because she couldn't concentrate on that! Though it seemed to need some time so the snake decided to start her tour around the houses tables to say her byes. And she left her seat at the Slytherin table after she had chatted with her friends who also wanted to see their friends from the other houses.

Pushing her way through the crowd and bodies of people, Cassia finally made it to the Gryffindor table after trying not being squished or stomped on. Oh she was so getting taller next year! Her life depended on it. Smoothing down her robes and her hair that got messed up a bit after the trip she had to endure. Cassia darted her eyes around searching for a particular lioness. And she did find her. But not because the girl was tall but because she seemed to be in intense conversation with the ghost. That was so Lexa.

Cassia picked up her pace and walked towards Alexa. Hopping next to the girl with a grin, "Hey..I was about to die trying to reach you by the way." She said casually. "What are you doing?" Which wasn't a very smart question. Because what could one possible do in the end-of-term-feast? Well, maybe Lex had more interesting activities than the ones Cassia tried. Taking and talking and waiting for the food.

The little motivational talk she was getting from Sir Nicholas was doing wonders for her mood that had be sinking rapidly only minutes ago. If he was right then she'd still have her friends...she just wouldn't be able to sit with them in class any more and she was at a greater risk of blowing herself up. In case no one noticed she kinda counted on them for the more complicated spells that she would now have to try not killing herself to learn. Yeah...she wasn't looking forward to this at all. It meant she'd have to try practising but she didn't see how...no magic outside of school and all that...

Her attention was quickly drawn from the ghost when she felt a sudden wind and the next thing she knew she was staring at a grinning Cassia. This time it was a bit easier to put on a smile. "That's so nice of you!" Especially since she knew that Cassia didn't like putting herself out there for people very often. "I bet it was all those older kids being all giant like. They always try squishing the life out of people like us!" No justice for the little people; none.

She shrugged at her next question. Normally she would've had herself up to at least one bit of mischief while she waited on a speech that just didn't seem to be happening but at the moment all she was doing was...was..sitting. ThisCouldn'tWork!! She hopped up from her seat and took a look around the Great Hall; surveying the area and all that. "Nothing yet, but I don't wanna stay doing nothing." When she did nothing it gave her too much time to think of all the people she'd miss. "What'd you say we find something a bit funner?" Hmmmmm?

After he's finished being interrogated by his housemate, Messer walked to the Gryffindor table. Kurumi was leaving this term. It feels so unreal. Who's going to give him and his teammates snitch cookies before the Quidditch game if she leave?

When he's arrived in the Gryffindor table, Kurumi already surrounded by a lot of students. Maybe he should wait because he didn't want to interrupt her or the other students who;s currently saying their good bye to her.

Elise'd always admired Kurumummy, really. Ever since her first year, she told herself. I want to be like that Gryffindor prefect. And she tried so hard, but could never get herself through her classes as easily as the elder student did. She forced herself to study harder, to sit at the Ravenclaw Study Tables and read up on everything she could so that she'd be able to understand her classes.

So having her leave was like having a part of her ripped away. Like having a role model hidden from her. But Elise realized that that wasn't the case. She could still strive to be like her Kurumummy. She could try to get over her fears, and she would be nice to everyone and she would do well in her OWLs and her classes just like Kurumummy did. And she'd help all the younger students, because that's what the Gryffindor would do. She would.

She had to go? Oh. Right. Elise understood, but she wanted to believe otherwise. She wanted to believe that Kurumummy would be there next term to help her through her OWLs and be there for her. "Okay," she whispered, nodding into the Gryffindor's robes. She could write to her, so she'd be okay. "You'd be okay with owls flooding your house?" Because that was what was going to happen. Elise was going to send so many owls to Kurumi that her house'd probably be full of them. Unless Kurumummy didn't want her to. Then she'd probably cut down a little.

Yeah. Half-flooded would do as well.

Cassia hadn't give it much of a thought at first but usually Lex wouldn't be sitting like that doing nothing. Was there something wrong? Last time Cassia saw Lex was when they saved the school from the vicious plant and they we thrilled by their victory. So had something occurred next or Lex was just bored as Cassia was. Well, at least she smiled. Cassia saw good in that. The snake nodded in agreement about the older kids. "Yeah like it would kill them to see who're they bumping." Cassia said rubbing on her shoulder. Either someone's knee or elbow hit her there. She was too busy making sure she stayed alive that she didn't have time to check.

And Yay! Lex was back to life. Cassia beamed when her friend hopped up and snapped out of her sitting boring position. Cassia was glad she came what if Lex had stayed like that just sitting. She couldn't even imagine that! "Of course you don't neither do I." The snake stated. "Oh I'd do anything to draw my attention from the empty plates before us." She said her eyes drifting to the plate on the table which she noticed would fit for a huge piece of delicious cake! Guh! Cassia tore her attention from the plates and locked her gaze on Lex. "Come up with anything 'cos I'm hungry and in no shape to think." The snake pushed her hands down her pockets and swayed back and forth on her feet.

I can surviiiive! She kept telling herself. Looking around trying to occupy her mind with something other than food sh glanced at the staff table and focused on the headmistress sending a pleading look that won't be delivered to urge the woman to say the speech and have the plates full! "Oh by the way, Did you hear that two professors are leaving?" Cassia said turning to Lex. "Other than the eaten professors." She said and realized that she never thought of using that term. Eaten Professors...Well, hopefully that won't be a casual thing to say though it already seemed to be.

Laura looked at Arabella and sighed. "I can't believe you are graduating." Laura sighed, as she hugged her friend. "I will miss you soooo much." Laura really hoped that her friend would change her mind and stay. "Can't you stay a couple more terms?" Laura really hoped that her friend would change her mind and stay a few more years.