He...liked them? Penelope smiled a little more then. She'd half-convinced herself that they wouldn't like the cookies, considering they weren't exactly perfect, but would probably lie and say they looked great or something...but it didn't seem like he was lying. Gideon didn't seem like the type to do that anyway. So...maybe the cookies weren't as bad as she thought.

"You're welcome," she replied. "And thank you too." For many things, but mainly for being her friend. They weren't extremely close, granted, but she still considered him one of her friends, probably one of her first ones that she'd made at Hogwarts. And friendship was something she would always be grateful for.

Quote:

Originally Posted by fanficfanatict

The redhead kept her arm around her best friend's shoulder as one of her favorite little lions oh who was she kidding? She loved them all... even if Anya got under her skin ninety-five percent of the time approached the table. Grinning in Penelope's direction, she asked, "Hey kiddo... ready for summer?" No doubt she would be excited to get to spend time with her friends and family. And NO ONE ELSE.

And speaking of friends, there was another one, who also happened to be her Captain. Penelope sent her a smile too. Ready for summer? Again, mixed feelings, but she nodded. "I guess so. What about you?"

Quote:

Originally Posted by Syd

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 away from Selina for a moment, Penelope caught sight of Jake waving at her, so she smiled and waved back. It was strange to think how much different they were now at the end of term from the start of it, and it was even stranger to think that she'd actually had a crush on him and sorta let it ruin her life - and even some others' lives - for a bit. She'd been really stupid, hadn't she? But everything was much better now, and she'd learned a lot from it all, so hopefully none of that would happen again, and this summer would be much better than the last.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweetpinkpixie

Kurumi had been able to keep most of her tears in thus far - coming close to losing that battle with Daichi but not yet entirely turning on the waterworks. But then Penelope came along with cookies for her and Gideon and the Gryffindor found herself in yet another battle with her feelings. Everyone said that graduation was supposed to be a happy time because it was celebrating your accomplishments. But moments like this. Seeing how Penelope had gone out of her way like this to bake cookies for her...it was hard to focus on yourself if not downright impossible. It was all about the people that she, Kurumi, would soon be leaving behind as she stepped into her future. It was all about the people that would no longer be a constant in her life.

Kurumi dropped everything - which was really nothing since her hands were free - and hugged Penelope tight. Yes, the cookies were not techincally executed perfectly. Kurumi could tell that from looking at them, but that wasn't the point. Cookies were not just made from ingredients thrown into an oven. Not to her. They were made with feelings and that made these cookies perfect. "Thank you, Penelope. They're brilliant."

Penelope was now just waiting on Kurumi's reaction to her gift, sorta worried that she wouldn't like them considering they obviously weren't as good as the ones she made, and Kurumi would probably be able to tell. Maybe she'd offer Penelope lessons on baking these things properly or...

...hug her?

Penelope hadn't expected that, but she quickly returned the hug, wrapping her arms around the older girl. She smiled again when Kurumi thanked her and seemed to think they were "brilliant." "You're welcome. Thank you too." She, like Gideon, had been one of her first friends at Hogwarts, and she wasn't sure she could thank any of them enough, cliché and sappy as that sounded.

Dylan listened to her and he knew when he was defeated.. she wasnt gonna tell him anything!! He shook his head "No.. I guess not" he said a little sulkily.. but he should have known that she wouldnt tell him.. what professor actually told them what was coming in future classes.. no-one. He then just stood there blinking.. did the woman just say not all was cool?? she did not!! Oh man!! just when she was becoming cool in his eyes! But she was his Head.. so ok maybe she was a little cool.. but this could have been a bit more cooler "Oh.. I didnt know that" was cool really like that? he wondered if too much cool was bad. He nodded "OK.. new stuff is good.. got it.. Ok.. I will be prepared" yeah ok maybe she was a little cool.. he smiled as she then made an announcement she was headed off.. keep. oh yeah!! it was on now! Did she just say no misbehaving? pfftt yeah like there was going to be any... darn it!! he had some stuff planned.. well what was going to stop him if he wanted to carry with the plan.

Jen looked at the girl next to her. She looked like she was gonna cry.
"Uh...if you don't mind me asking but, is something wrong?"

Turning around, Pao noticed his cue. Selina had given Kurumi her gifts. Excusing himself from Alec for a moment, he made his way over to the Gryffindor table.

He slid into the small line that was forming behind the Prefect. He didn't want to intrude, so Pao decided just to wait his turn.

Kurumi smiled back at Arabella. "We will always have Diagon Alley," she nodded.
Among the sea of robes in the Great Hall, Kurumi managed to spot some yellow ones approach the Gryffindor table and turned her head slightly to see just who it was that had come by. Did they want to sit? It was sort of getting crowded here but there was still plenty of room. Hogwarts always made sure that there was plenty of room for everyone.

"Ella! Hey," Kurumi smiled, beckoning the girl over with her hand. It was then that she noticed the very un-Ella looking smile on the girl's face. Kurumi usually would have assumed that this meant the girl was running low on gummy worms or ice cream (or a combination of the two), but Kurumi had the feeling that wasn't it. Ella wouldn't be coming over here for ice cream it would be for cookies. "Ella...it's going to be alright..." she said softly, trying to pull the younger Hufflepuff closer to give her a hug.

Attention grabbed by someone else, she smiled when she saw one of the younger lions moving towards her. "Hey Ronnie," Kurumi said in reply, eye immediately widening when she saw the girl digging into her pockets. Really...everyone didn't have to give her things. Assuming that was what the girl was doing. Trying to hide her flustered feelings by idly twirling some of her long black hair between her fingers, the slight gleam caused by tears. "Did you make this? It's beautiful. Thank you, Ronnie," she said, biting down on her lower lip and pulling the girl in close for a small hug.

Laughing softly, Kurumi returned her wand to her pocket and leaned back in her seat, sort of just watching the remaining dancing cookies and feeling a bit nostalgic already. It was too early for that sort of thing though. She hadn't even officially graduated yet and here she was already thinking back about how she had baked cookies for every opening and closing feast at Hogwarts. Shaking her head, she turned back to Dylan and smiled. "Well...you wouldn't want the cookies to go back, would you? Using Undetectable Extension Charms can fit a lot in one box you know."

"You aren't the first person to tell me that," she replied, still with a faint smile on her face. "But...it's part of who I am. And, believe it or not, I am a lot better than I used to be. We all have things we need to work on and, well, Hogwarts helps fine tune those bits of ourselves." But only if you let them. Kurumi hadn't really been resisting, but she also hadn't really been aware of things either. That had come with being prefected in her fourth year, when the timid and shy girl who hated confrontation and been somewhat forced to speak her mind a lot more.

And Selina. Of course.

"And you did a fantastic job at that," Kurumi nodded. "Just imagine the contribution you could have made without all that point loss!" Not that points were everything. Sure, Kurumi would have love to have had that House Cup come home to Gryffindor her last term, but at least they had Gobstones.
Nessie.

Between the look on Nessie's face and the tone of her voice when she did eventually speak Kurumi felt her heart breaking into little pieces. Over the years her and Nessie had grown close and, somewhat surprisingly, Nessie had really helped Kurumi. Sure, it had mostly been the Hufflepuff who had been coming to her for advice. Advice that half the time Kurumi wasn't sure she was really helping given how deep and intense the topics had been from time to time for someone so young, but the Gryffindor was glad that she had been there for her. Nessie had sort of been a bridge between her and Adam, which Kurumi hated to admit, and it was only really with the Quidditch captain around that the two of them sort of got along - because they had a mutual care for Nessie. Because Nessie was someone special.

"Nessie...come here," Kurumi said, her own voice cracking just a little when she saw the tears forming in the Hufflepuff's eyes. No, Nessie didn't get to argue this. Kurumi was just going to pull her in for a hug as well.

Smiling, Kurumi nodded her head towards the professor. Of course. The woman couldn't be down here when the Headmistress gave her speech. That would be rather rude and...if rumors were true...maybe put the Herbology professor on the woman's hit list. "I'll see you later then, professor," Kurumi nodded, her hands fumbling with something in her pockets.
"I know you will," Kurumi nodded. Kat was smart. Dedicated. Ambitious. Perhaps above all else ambitious, at least from what Kurumi had seen, which was very Slytherin of the girl. Sierra would be proud as well. Oh, wait, what? Kat had something for her too? Kurumi blushed and sort of squirmed in her seat a little. It was becoming more and more clear to her why she had never celebrated a birthday at Hogwarts, or anywhere really. All this time she thought it was because she didn't see any point in celebrating her existence...but now it was more she felt ridiculous that people were making such a fuss over her. She did appreciate the gesture, really, it wasn't that. Kurumi just felt weird being sort of rewarded for just being a friend. For doing what she felt was right.

"Oh, Kat. It's lovely," she smiled as she accepted the bracelet. Overwhelming. This was just all so...overwhelming. "And...um...you're welcome. It has been my pleasure." Really.

Oh, of course. Kurumi removed her hand from the bench and placed it on her lap and waited for Beezus to ---

Kurumi couldn't help but laugh, softly mind you, but it was still a laugh. Was Beezus seriously asking permission for a hug? It was almost as if the young woman in front of her had transformed back into the first year that Kurumi had met so long ago. "Beezus, you know you don't have to ask permission," she smiled, her lower lip slightly quivering. So, come over her and hug her already.
Kurumi spotted more yellow robes out of the corner of her eye and she turned her head to see who it was. "Messer!" she called out, waving towards him. Really, people needed to stop standing off to the side like that. Kurumi was perfectly alright with people just coming up and tapping her on the shoulder or what not.

Tinka had done so. Hehe.

Feeling Elise nod into her shoulder like that made her pull the little Ravenclaw a little closer. Kurumi didn't expect this to be so hard. Not goodbyes in general, but this particular one with Elise. Maybe it was the connection that she felt to the girl when she had heard more about her home situation, her relationship with her parents, but Kurumi...really didn't want to let go of her. Was this how Lexi had felt when she had graduated? Hugging Kurumi and trying to convince herself that she was not needed as a big sister sort of figure anymore. Not in the same capacity at least. "Of course," she laughed through a few tears. "I'll warn Lewis, just so he doesn't panic." Although, she had the feeling that Lewis would be more amused by a flood of letters coming through the mail slot of their flat.
Penelope was just...one of the sweetest little Gryffindors she had met - not to mention Selina could go on for hours and hours about the girl, which really only made Kurumi like her more because Selina was a good judge of character. Squeezing the girl back a little, Kurumi actually picked up a cookie and took a little bit from it as she pulled away.

Oh. Yeah. Not baked to perfection. But definitely full of feeling.

She felt as though she should offer Penelope some sort of words of advice right now, but her mind was just drawing a blank as she was still somewhat overwhelmed by being given cookies FOR THE FIRST TIME!. "Penelope, remember...you don't have to be perfect the first time. Or the second time. Or even the hundredth time. You do what you can and be proud of that." Kurumi had seen the girl beat herself up over not performing a spell properly so many times in lessons that it had broken her heart. Yes, it was frustrating - especially seeing others around you being successful - but it did not mean that you yourself were not meant to do great things.

Kurumi was NOT ready for something like this. Alice's reaction was beyond anything that she had imagined and Kurumi just had no idea what to do or say to make the younger lion feel better. She could say 'It will be alright' over and over again, but that wasn't going to mean anything. Not really. They were just words and what Alice needed was to see that she would be alright. "Alice...you are not going to be alone and there will always be someone there for you," Kurumi said, petting the girl's head softly. "You have Melanie, and Selina, and so many others looking out for you and...well...help will always come to those at Hogwards who deserve it. And you, Alice, are deserving and will be fine. I know you will." She pulled Alice a little closer. Ug, she was an emotional wreck herself and trying to comfort someone who was just as emotional as she was was...hard. "You are ready for this too, Alice."

Too busy for her? Those words hurt more than she thought they would, but still somehow brought a smile to her face. "Alice...if I have been able to balancing prefecting, with Gobstones, with yearbook, with Quidditch announcing, with classes, with homework, and with everything else and still had time to be spend time with you...I will always have time for you." See. Logic. There was nothing to worry about.

And Frank was gone? Erm, Kurumi really didn't want to mention that the frog had probably melted in the meantime or...become food to something...that was just going to upset Alice more. As for the rope comment... "That's...really sweet Alice." And something that probably Professor Bentley would approve of considering how supportive she was of Daichi's efforts.

But maybe Kurumi would sleep with double locks on the dorm room and a Shield Charm around her bed tonight.
Kurumi shifted a little in her seat when Selina moved and couldn't help but eye her best friend a little when she seemed....nervous? Okay, so tonight was one of those nights where people were sort of acting differently. It was emotional for a lot of people - and this was probably the most emotional she had ever seen the red head.

And it just became a billion times worse.

Hands trembling, Kurumi reached out for the two items and sort of just looked at the card and box for a moment, not really registering that she had just received them from her best friend. All it took was her eyes to look at the cover of the card and see the giant Thank You written there to bring the shimmer back to her violet eyes and for her lower lip to begin quivering. Selina had said....everyone... What did that ---

Opening the card answered that question immediately and her right have went to her mouth to muffle a whimper before it escaped her lips. But it was in vain...and DEFINITELY audible. Her eyes couldn't even focus on any one message at the moment. She was, for lack of a better word, overwhelmed. Sniffling, Kurumi blinked a few times and allowed some of the tears that had been forming to finally trickle down her cheeks and her eyes finally refocused and fell on one message.

Selina's.

Others may have seen Selina's message and been surprised or perhaps even disappointed by its length, but not Kurumi. She knew Selina wasn't the best with words, not written ones anyway because she was perfectly capable of speaking her mind, and when it came to matters like this, well, it went without saying what the two meant to each other. There were best friends, then there were sisters, and then there was her and Selina.

Chewing on lower lip, Kurumi forced her eyes back on the first page and began to read.

Ira! Kurumi knew that that little lion was going to go far. She was an excellent Gobstones player and if school didn't get in the way could easily lead the lions to another victory next term. Kurumi would miss her, a lot. They had made a great team in Defense Against the Dark Arts a few terms back. Aw, Ella! Her message made Kurumi both laugh and cry. Laugh because of the mention of Sir Lewis and Professor Handsome-face Williamson and cry because, well, it was Ella. Kurumi really liked Ella. At least they had plans to go to the zoo relatively soon, so she knew that she would be able to see her again in the near future. Brilliant...Kurumi blushed at that word...and a few more tears trickled down her cheeks.

Alice! Oh yeah, her message made her blush. A lot. Calling her Hogwarts mommy like that and a small laugh escaped the Gryffindor's lips. Alice was certainly one of those little lions that she could never forget and just knew that she would go on to do great things and turn into a fantastic leader for Gryffindor - and not just because she could whack people with sticks and bite them. Next came...Elise...and Kurumi wasn't sure that she could read through this one. But she did. And she was back to allowing more tears to fall down her cheeks as she chewed on her lower lip. Kurumi was just glad she was able to touch someone in the way she seemed to have for Elise.

Nessie's message just made the tears flow a bit more. Nessie really was one of those people that Kurumi was both worried about and not worried about once she graduated. She knew Nessie could stand on her own two feet and had things figured out a lot more. She was much more confident now and knew what she wanted - most of the time - but at the same time...who was going to be there when Nessie needed someone to talk to? Who would be there to make sure to give her a firm hug when she needed it? Well, Kurumi had an idea of a certain someone who could comfort Nessie. Hehe.

Blue! Oh precious little Blue. Kurumi still felt awful about the girl's pet, but at least they had been able to perform a wake in honor of the creature. Actually, Kurumi's favorite color was violet, but you did need blue to make that color so technically the Ravenclaw wasn't that far off. Oakey's message made her laugh. Don't get eaten by a dragon. Haha. She would certainly try not to. She wasn't too sure about leaving the house elves his care, considering what had happened with that potato soup, but she did appreciate that he was thinking about the house elves.

And Kurumi was going to miss casting Silencing Charms on him. Maybe she should just one more time...

Penelope. Kurumi reached for another one of the girl's cookies while she read the short, but sweet message. Penelope was another lion that she knew would do great things, she just needed to find her confidence. Kurumi would leave that task to Selina now. Melanie! Still calling her Miss Kurumi - probably forever. Fixing people. Kurumi had never really considering herself someone capable of fixing others until recently. Everyone was always fixing her - whether they knew it or not. Helping her feel complete just by being there or, as Selina and Lewis knew first hand, literally putting her back together. However Melanie meant those words, it made Kurumi smile. Fixing people. That was a very nice compliment.

Favorite Gryffindor. Hehe. He was her favorite Hufflepuff. Well, no...she couldn't actually say that because - to be honest - Lewis was her favorite Hufflepuff and then Treyen. Didn't mean she didn't care any less for Logan though. He was someone that Kurumi had sort of adopted into her life and felt responsible for ever since King's Cross. Could she pack him in her trunk and take him with her? He was small after all...

Oh wow...Beezus. Kurumi was a bit surprised that she had written so much but carefully read over every word, sniffling here and there to try and contain her emotions a bit more. She needed her eyes still to be able to read, so the tears needed to be kept at bay somehow. Which, for now, required the use of the sleeve of her robes. It was sort of...overwhelming reading about herself like Beezus had written. Became a part of the school' history. Who would have thought that her, Kurumi Hollingberry, would be described that way by others. She certainly hadn't...and she had to venture a glance at Beezus and offer the Ravenclaw a small smile. This was all...too much.

Kurumi set the card down on the table when she noticed there was another message. A message from Treyen...and the tears were definitely back to flowing down her cheeks. He had even added in one of his winks. That made her smile a little and it went without saying what that everything implied. Kurumi whimpered again and rested both hands on top of the card while she looked down at her lap and let more tears fall down her cheeks. She didn't know whether to laugh or cry or what right now. This was...it was beyond what she had expected.

And then she remembered there was a box too, but she was afraid to open it. So many emotions were coursing through her right now that it was hard to breathe. But move she did. And she wasn't disappointed when she removed the lid and saw the apron inside and especially with what was written on it.

Vision completely gone now from tears, good tears mind you, Kurumi glanced around at everyone and meekly said, "Arigatou...hontou ni...arigatou..." Too overwhelmed to be able to express herself in English.
Kurumi had collapsed onto Selina's shoulder after saying thank you in her first language, and noticed the small frame of a certain little Hufflepuff approaching the Gryffindor table. Kurumi was, quite literally, a mess. She was this giant balloon of emotions that kept getting bigger and bigger with each passing moment and she was probably going to burst at any time.

Which is probably why she just reached out and grabbed Logan by the arm and pulled him in for a hug with her one arm while the other was still wrapped around Selina's neck.

Could they just do one big group hug? It might keep Kurumi's body from exploding if they did.
Still a wibbling sobbing mess, Kurumi glanced up when Professor Bentley said that she would be returning to the staff table...and was encouraging methods to make her stay. It did bring a small smile to her face, but also made her feel a little worse.

How was she going to be able to leave the Great Hall, let alone Hogwarts, when the time actually came?

Sitting by the table alone, the lioness began to feel lonely, especially watching others chit-chatting and playing with their friends so happily like they can ever be. But she just couldn't let herself do this. No joy for today because it was not happy to see her friends leaving year after year. Just as she was about to leave the school hall, she noticed a cookie dancing around her. And then she knew that the one who played this trick. It would be Kurumi, it could be no one else other than her.

Tiffany took the cookie and headed towards her cookie mama. "I'm fine..."she replied with a wry smile. "It's your graduation day today. Go and enjoy yourself, you don't have to worry about me." She got to stop talking right now because she knew that her tears were coming out and she just couldn't cry in front of her.

SPOILER!!: Sir Nicholas

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nearly Headless Nick

"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.

Gideon couldn't remember the last time he had talked so much to the house ghost or any ghost for that matter. But he figured that perhaps after being locked away in the locket it felt good to be so talkative and interested in what was going on around them. At least that was one possible theory. "University...and then trade," he answered, knowing an apprenticeship greeted him with either path. Both his potions mastery and healer training.

SPOILER!!: Kurumi

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweetpinkpixie

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.

Which University? "WU...possibly in Naples," he remarked uncertain of that pronouncment. It was only recently that he had even considered another campus besides Edinburgh. After all, family and friends and Selina would be nearby and that was what had mattered. Now though, maybe it was time he went away. "Sounds cool and seeing Williamson and Roro again must be nice." The man had been one of the better professors he had worked with in his years here.

SPOILER!!: Selina

Quote:

Originally Posted by fanficfanatict

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.

SPOILER!!: Kurumi's gift

SPOILER!!: the box

Better...yeah sure it would get better.

Gideon wanted to tell Selina how she could make sure he had the best, to tell her to stay with him and rescind the break-up between them. But he couldn't. He wouldn't. Even if he could manage to get his lips to move and the words to come. Selina wanted the space and he would give it to her, of that he was certain. Even if it meant he wasn't entirely happy with the situation, of falling on his knightly duty and sacrificing himself for her.

He tore his eyes from her and nodded, looking down at the table. "Aye....and I ye too." Selina deserved the best that much was certain.

SPOILER!!: Dylan

Quote:

Originally Posted by MagicalWorld

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!

"I do not know," Gideon replied with a one-armed shrug. He hadn't wanted to dash the boy's positive hopes. But what were the chances that he an adult would meet up again with a soon-to-be- second year? "University...perhaps on the other side of the continent. So I don't know how much time I'll be around were ye would be."

SPOILER!!: Penelope

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlwaysSnapesGirl

He...liked them? Penelope smiled a little more then. She'd half-convinced herself that they wouldn't like the cookies, considering they weren't exactly perfect, but would probably lie and say they looked great or something...but it didn't seem like he was lying. Gideon didn't seem like the type to do that anyway. So...maybe the cookies weren't as bad as she thought.

"You're welcome," she replied. "And thank you too." For many things, but mainly for being her friend. They weren't extremely close, granted, but she still considered him one of her friends, probably one of her first ones that she'd made at Hogwarts. And friendship was something she would always be grateful for.



And speaking of friends, there was another one, who also happened to be her Captain. Penelope sent her a smile too. Ready for summer? Again, mixed feelings, but she nodded. "I guess so. What about you?"



Looking away from Selina for a moment, Penelope caught sight of Jake waving at her, so she smiled and waved back. It was strange to think how much different they were now at the end of term from the start of it, and it was even stranger to think that she'd actually had a crush on him and sorta let it ruin her life - and even some others' lives - for a bit. She'd been really stupid, hadn't she? But everything was much better now, and she'd learned a lot from it all, so hopefully none of that would happen again, and this summer would be much better than the last.



Penelope was now just waiting on Kurumi's reaction to her gift, sorta worried that she wouldn't like them considering they obviously weren't as good as the ones she made, and Kurumi would probably be able to tell. Maybe she'd offer Penelope lessons on baking these things properly or...

...hug her?

Penelope hadn't expected that, but she quickly returned the hug, wrapping her arms around the older girl. She smiled again when Kurumi thanked her and seemed to think they were "brilliant." "You're welcome. Thank you too." She, like Gideon, had been one of her first friends at Hogwarts, and she wasn't sure she could thank any of them enough, cliché and sappy as that sounded.

If he wasn't mistaken, there was a happy reaction to his response to his cookies. Penelope certainly seemed to like it as her smile seemed to grow brighter. That's it....happy thoughts for tonight. No tears or sad emotions for as long as possible. "Yer welcome too." Aww he was gonna miss her too.

Arabella-Marie sighed and said "I wish i could Laura but i need to leave as i am now a seventh year i can't just skip back a few years just to stay i will write to you though and keep in touch with you"

Lex scowled a bit when she heard Cassia saying that, but only because the girl was right and older students were just that annoying. They were usually very inconsiderate unless it concerned them directly and they never thought to say sorry. Was it any wonder why she didn't like most of them? The ones who weren't rude were just plain stupid. Half of them thought they were Headmistress and could do what they wanted. Ugh. The sooner most of them left the better. "They never do Cass. Most of them are too absorbed in themselves and some just don't have the mental capacity to think of anything beyond themselves..." Her voice trailed off as she began thinking; something she had been trying to avoid doing. "...but not all of them..." Great, now she was left thinking about the ones that were actually good; the ones that would also be leaving. If this continued she'd go back to being miserable and she didn't want that while her friend was sitting there looking for something to do. Miserable people were very boring and Cassia wouldn't have much fun.

Hehehe she saw Cassia beaming and knew for a fact that it was because she figured she was back to normal. For the most part this was true...just a bit of sadness remaining but she'd have to push beyond that because there was fun to be had and like her bestie just said, they needed a distraction from the empty plates....well...Cassia needed a distraction but as for her, she'd all but lost her appetite. Here's to hoping it would come back before the night was through because mentally she wanted the food, looking forward to it for days actually but at the moment she couldn't even bring herself to nibble on the candy in her little candy bag. She took a casual glance around the room. "Yeah...lemme think..." She paused as she continued looking. When she found nothing she scowled again. "Seems pretty dead to me. I think everyone's too busy crying to really give us an opportunity to do much." And she couldn't even get mad about this because at some point she was a part of the crying bunch.

Her eyes shot to her friend again when she heard her say that. The 11 year old stared at her, completely shocked. "Really?? I mean I know Professor Vindictus is leaving...he said so at the Quidditch Cup Party but...." She looked to the staff table again, trying to think of who else might be decided to drive another stake through her heart. Granted, there were a few she wouldn't mind leaving and quite frankly one of them already did Runes Guy Rest in Peace but there were a lot she liked--like Shiny Ground's Keeper. She'd probably just curl up in a corner and cry if he was leaving. "Do you know the other Professor who's leaving?"



Uh-huh...

So she knew she needed to stop worrying. It was always such a pity when people couldn't do what they were told...unless it was her in which case it was completely understandable...ahem. Yes. Her eyes widened a bit at the girl's statement. "You used to be worse than you are now?!" Circe! That couldn't even be possible! "What'd you used to do? Live in a bubble half the time?" Kurumi was the definition of worrying and if this was better than how she used to be then Lex imagined the girl might've been afraid of her own shadow at some point!! "I'm sorry but I find that very hard to believe..." This was a case where Hogwarts never got a chance to complete its number on a person. Maybe she wasn't sitting still long enough for the magic to work...or it seemed more likely that she was sitting too still and was skipped when Hogwarts was handing out a change of self. Yet another pity.

Lex did a small beam at hearing that she'd done a fantastic job. "Thanks....I guess I might have...a little." She considered her contribution to be very little. For the most part any question asked in class just went over her head, she didn't know anything! There was a point where she thought she might've been stupid seeing as she hardly got any answers right. She nearly made a face at the last part of the girl's sentence. "I suppose...but honestly...if I didn't do any of the things I did when I was losing points then I would've been dreadfully bored. Those were the highlights of my year...well...not the detentions but the things I did to get them." What else was a kid to do when she got bored so easily and had such a short attention span?

I know you will.

Kat gave the Lion a small smile. She also had those big watery eyes, because she was happy for herself. Can you imagine your Hogwarts model saying you can do it? Kat's been dreaming of that and... now it's happening right in front of her. Ugh, the blonde felt of herself for finding the guts to be here right now at this very moment.

The Slytherin was even happier when Kurumi appreciated her present. Well... it wasn't much, but that was all she could get. Hey, at least it had cookie charms! "I'm glad you like it," the girl said. So her allowance paid off as well! She's been saving those galleons and converting them to those... Muggle currency, pounds (?) yeah. Too happy, though a bit sad.

*Still don't want Kurumi to leave*

Arabella-Marie smiled at Kurumi and said "Yeah i guess we do have diagon alley to meet up in"

Maybe he should go back to his table and find Kurumi later during the train ride back to London but when he was about to turn around, Messer heard his name being called by the Kurumi herself.

Well, it seems its his time to say Congratulation to the Prefect.

Messer waved back and walked closer to the Gryffindor Prefect."Kurumi. Umm. I just wanna say Congratulation on your graduation and thank you for EVERYTHING." The snitch cookies, her helps and everything else. "I'm gonna miss you and your cookies." Hogwarts won't be the same without her here next term.

Ella was standing pretty quietly away from the crowd that was slowly increasing in size. She didn't blame everyone for wanting to speak to Kurumi because really, the older girl had probably touched a lot of lives since she started at Hogwarts. Ella Bishop was pretty sure of that. The third year couldn't help but wonder if she'd have the same impact on someone in the future or if she had already, it was definitely something to aspire to. Who didn't want to help change someone's life positively?

The small blonde snapped out of her thoughts when she heard Kurumi's voice and gave the older lion a sad smile. "H-hi!" She said shakily, making her way over to where the girl was seated. For a moment the badger thought she'd be alright, that she'd be able to hold in the tears for Kurumi's sake, but that was until she was told it'd be alright. WIBBLE.

Stepping even closer, the fourteen year old wrapped her arms around the older girl and began to cry, though she did her best not to get too upset. "I...just wanted..." Oh Merlin. It was that thing again, where the things she'd wanted to say that had been so clear in her head suddenly disappeared. "When I'm a seventh year I...I just hope I've erm...I've helped as many people feel at home here as you h-have." Because Ella looked up to Kurumi and she had since she first saw the girl. Who wouldn't look up to her? She was maybe the nicest and smartest person Ella knew. The blonde couldn't help but hope someone thought these things about her some day.

"Oh and K-Kurumi?...Take care of S-Sir Lewis, okay? And erm...k-keep in touch." And this wasn't goodbye so Ella wasn't going to say that part. She'd see Kurumi at the zoo with Sir Treyen, yeah? That was the plan at least...

...

And then Kurumi was presented the gift that they'd all signed and Ella stepped back again, watching her react to the card and special apron. She just hoped that those small things helped Kurumi realize how special she was. Everyone deserved reminding of that once in a while.

The Prefect turned around and her face lit up. Oh, Miss be happy to see Tinka! This put the elf's comically crooked teeth on full display. "Tinka happy to see Missus Kurumi! Tinka know Miss be busy tonight, Tinka know." Tinka knew Kurumi had many many friends to see. Ears twitching, the elf squealed suddenly. "Oh, Miss!" she said, her mouth muffled by the hug. "Miss no be sad, Miss no be sad!" the elf said insistently while bouncing up and down.

She brought the box out from behind her back and placed it in the Prefect's hands. It was a bit smushed now from the hug. "Tinka be using whiskie all all day, Miss! Tinka make--"

O_____O

She snatched the box back instantly, ears twitching rapidly. "Oh no, Miss no have, Tinka need back! Box be bad, bad, bad!" Arm flap, arm flap, arm flap. "Miss no want THAT!"

As she read through the card, Pao watched Kurumi's eyes. After a minute they appeared to be reading his message to her. He smiled, because she appeared to enjoy his thoughts, short though they were. She knew. He didn't have to expound upon anything all that much.

When she finished, she was murmuring in a language he did not know. Japanese, must be. He snuffled a bit in reply, not really sure if he should be saying ‘You’re welcome’ or not. But she must have heard his sniff, because next thing he knew he was being enveloped in a hug. “Oh!” he said in surprise. But once the suddenness wore off, he quietly said, “You know we all love you, but you’re gonna do great things when you leave here.” Like, she was probably going to save all the dragons singlehandedly.

Ronnie smiled as they shook hands. "Nice meeting you too, Landon!" she said. "What year are you in?" she asked curiously, cocking her head slightly.

Did she want an oreo?

....

What kind of question was that?!

OF COURSE SHE DID!
"I'd love one!" Ronnie said eagerly, bouncing a little in her seat out of excitement. GIMME GIMME GIMMEEEE! Ronnie loved oreoooosss! She liked anything sweet, really.

Ronnie smiled, glad Kurumi liked it. She had worked pretty hard on that thing...She gave a small nod. "Yeah, I did. I'm glad you like it." she said, hugging her back.

Now Alexa was spilling diamonds….you know not literally. Cassia would not have been able to word out her thoughts like that to describe the olders but the lioness explained it awesomely. Absorbed in themselves…..The snake nodded in awe. She actually was thinking of writing that down because it was the pure truth in words. And it made Cassia doubt if Lex was part raveclaw somehow because Cassia have come to notice that the claws say some smart things like that as well. Though, then Lex stated that not all of them were like that and Cassia couldn't deny it but it made sense something. She looked closely into her besties face and paused a moment then spoke. "Leeeex…" She said slowly. "Have you been hanging around certain infected people?" Because why else would the lioness be kinda upset and not like herself. BUT they agreed to steer away! "Did you forget what we said!" Cassia said processing the idea that Lex might actually have caught the curse!

But no Lex would know better so she would give her a chance to explain. Maybe Cassia assumed wrong. Then taking another look around the second-year nodded solemnly. "Yeah.." She echoed seeing people saying goodbyes and stuff. "But we're not like them." She added eyeing her friend. Alexa couldn't possibly have participated in this. "You know I so far said bye to two slytherin seventh years and wished them good." She told Lex. You know chatting.

Why did Cassia get the idea that this particular girl did a kinda lousy job of sniffing news. Doesn't she hear gossip and pay attention to it. "Well, yeah he is leaving everyone is talking about it." She said motioning around her as if the proof is visible. "I'm already excited to know who the new professor would be." That was cool to always have changes around the school. Last year everyone was excited about the new headmistress. "I heard that the ground's keeper is the one who's leaving." Cassia said casually glancing at the staff table. She didn't really know the man so she didn't know what to feel.

Lex stopped her thinking when she heard that very pointed question. That's when she remembered everything she and Cassia had discussed. The whole thing about the curse and how very contagious it was. "I..uh..." How would she explain this? Technically she wasn't hanging with the infected because well...Vivi and the others weren't infected...were they...? Hmm...hey didn't seem infected. "well you remember when you said that there could be some exceptions...? I was with Vivi and a few other 7th years--but not the bad, boring, never let you do anything kind, they were the fun ones!" That was her story and she was sticking to it. "So I haven't forgotten, I've just been really careful with who I talk to." But apparently not careful enough because now they were all leaving and she was just really sad. Note to self, only hang with people who weren't likely to leave you.

She swallowed hard at the next thing she said. Boy, her bestie sure knew how to ask stuff and make her end up feeling guilty. How was she gonna tell her that she was a part of all this rubbish of crying and such..? Oh. Simple. She wouldn't. "Psssh, we're nothing like them. They need to get a grip and get over themselves." Gee, Lex, care to take your own advice? She tried to pass it off by giving a shrug. "I've only said goodbye to Kurumi, I think I might do the same for the others but I don't wanna go to the Claw table..." That would be the worst. There were far too many of them that she'd miss at that on table...

Merlin, did this girl know everything?! There wasn't a single thing that Cassia didn't know! The girl was good. Lex would have to find out her secret because this whole being clueless thing sucked! She listened more intently as the girl began telling her the other staff member to go but then her ears went into immediate shock.

O________O

hdvicd kjcveucfdv !!!

"Whaaaaaaat?!?!? Shiny Ground's Keeper's leaving too?!?!?!?!?!?! NUUUUUUUUUUU!!!!"

Yes. She was being loud; could you blame her?!?!?!? How...but why...but..NO! The 11 year old stood perfectly still...trying to process it all...

Cassia folded her arms against her chest and stood listening to her friend. The Snake somehow had felt that her friend had been around older kids. And whether Lex thought they were infected or not it still is the same. Because Alexa was just sitting there and doing absolutely nothing! Anyone could've figured it out even Cassia. However, Cassia wasn't going to go hard on Lex because the snake herself had said a couple of goodbyes. Though she didn't cry but she still got emotional with Em . And one time wasn't likely to get them infected. "Okay I trust that you can judge who's dangerous and who's not." She said casually.

And she was immediately reassured when Lex sated that they were different and not like others. Yup she totally bought it. "Exactly!" the second-year said beaming. Cassia glanced at the Gryffindor prefect and nodded. "Yeah I was going to say bye too but she seems to have people lined up and I don't want to like crowd her even more." Besides it will take like forever! The claws table. "I actually too have a couple of claws that I would like to say goodbye to." She nodded. "But you see I almost died getting here so I'd rather stay alive…If I die I can't say bye anyway." And Cassia was glad she was here because she was required to get Lex out of whatever state she was in!

So standing there swaying back and forth playfully while chatting with Lex everything seemed to be cool and nice and Cassia was actually forgetting about the food…Until! The twelve-years old froze her eyes widened and the color drained out of her face. What the feathers!

Taking a step back just as a reflex…
….
...
....
Was she done! It took Cassia a couple of seconds to process what had caused that sudden burst! "Holy cat, Lex!" She said her eyes furrowed. "Calm down! That what I heard and yeah what if he is." But maybe it wasn't the best thing to say as Lex seemed to be a huge fan of him. "I mean he must have another thing occurred in his life." She added. "You should be thankful he wasn't one of the eaten professors." She told Alexa in an attempt to make her bestie feel better.

Well at least Cassia hadn't gone on high alert or anything like that. Cursed was something she was not. It would take more than hanging with a few older kids to make Lex go dull and boring. She was like...extra immune to it or something! Except now....yeah...now she had to admit that she was being a bit boring. If she didn't know any better she'd think it was because of the curse thingy but see, the older kids she spoke to weren't infected so she didn't need to start freaking out or anything like that. Nah. That was reserved for other occasions where no other explanation could be offered. "Good, because I can, I really can." Nod nod nod.

Thank Merlin. She actually fell for it. Lex would feel sorry about lying to her later but for now she was just relieved that her little attempt at trying to convince her had actually worked and they could move on. "You're right, it seems like it took a lot out of you to get here and I don't want you getting squashed or anything by those people." That wouldn't work at all and she'd be even more upset. "Just stick around here, we might run into them later on on the train or something." That sounded pretty smart to her. No need to get killed when the action could be put off.

She eyed Cassia when she saw her jump back and simply stand there, staring at her. This was a serious matter!!! Shiny Ground's Keeper was LEAVING and all she could do was stand there like the world was in perfect order! Her eyes blazed at the girl and she could feel her temper flaring.

"DON'T TELL ME TO CALM DOWN!!" That was far from what she wanted to hear right now. Couldn't the girl understand?! "Naturally I'm glad he didn't get eaten but I don't want him gone EITHER!!!!" Sigh. She needed to calm down. Cassia wasn't the one she was supposed to be angry with right now...calm down...

Okay...THAT response was not the sort of one that Kurumi wan't to hear from one of her little lions. Although, Tiffany really wasn't so little anymore. "Tiffany, you know I will always worry about you," she said with a small laugh. "Whether I am at Hogwarts or not...so you please write to me, okay?" She tried to offer Tiffany another brave smile, but as the night progressed it was getting harder and harder to do so.

Oh, Naples. Truth be told Kurumi actually had no idea where that was because she had never really looked at any of those universities. It had been only specialized schools at the recommendation of Professor Williamson for her. "Yeah, I imagine that Roro it huge now. Wonder if he remembers me..." Probably not. In her most recent correspondence with Professor Williamson he made it seem as through Roro had completely forgotten about his daddy. Poor man.

Kurumi nodded and blushed a little. "You...could say that I suppose," Kurumi said with another small nod. "I never had friends before Hogwarts...was always bullied and isolated at my old school... and was never very strong willed - which is why I was surprised I was sorting into Gryffindor. People here changed me though. I may still have a little of my bubble left though." It was in her nature to worry and, well, trusting people had been something that had been hard for her. Hogwarts had shown her it was okay to do so. "Besides, I'm rumored to be part house elf, you know they worry all the time." This she said with a playful wink. Not being too serious.

As for the other half of what Alexa said, Kurumi could only really smile and nod. "Well, I look forward to hearing about how next term goes for you then. Just no more suspensions, alright?"

"I do," Kurumi smiled again, toying with Kat's gift in her hand. She wished she could be at the school to help rebuild the library and what not, but she would just have to hear all about it from Kat. If nothing else it was an excuse to write, right? "I don't want to keep you from your housemates..." She said softly, nodding her head towards the snake table. "I'll see you on the train then?" Because Kurumi knew she couldn't be in one place at once for too long."
Messer! Kurumi sort of reached out and pulled him in for a quick hug as well. Yet another Hufflepuff that had entered her heart and was going to stay there. "Thank you, Messer," she said, hugging him a little more tightly. Merlin was she glad she had gotten over the hug barrier in her third year. "I'll miss you too." And then she laughed at the words he slightly mumbled. "I promise I'll send you some, alright?" After all, Kurumi had promised Nessie that she would keep sending cookies.


That resolve that Kurumi had been holding on to thus far? Yeah. It was gone now. It was gone the moment Ella's arms wrapped around Kurumi and it was on the other side of the globe when the girl began to cry. Kurumi found herself unable to speak and could only hug Ella back while she listened to what the girl managed to squeak out. Tears trickling down her own cheeks, Kurumi pulled Ella in closer and sort of rubbed her back to comfort her. "Ella...you are going to do amazing things at Hogwarts, I know," she managed to whisper despite the words getting caught in her throat.

Kurumi did one of those ugly laughs. The ones where you are crying but also trying to laugh at the same time and your voice comes out sounding like a strangled toad. That sort of laugh. Take care of Lewis? That had been the first time that anyone had told her to do so. It was always him taking care of her...but really, they took care of each other. Which is why Kurumi blushed as she nodded her head in reply.
No be sad? Tinka was crazy if she thought Kurumi wasn't going to be sad about leaving her house elf family. They had been there for her since her first year. Some of the first people, YES PEOPLE, that Kurumi had spoken to and felt comfortable around actually.

Unwrapping her arms a bit, Kurumi's eyes widened when she saw that Tinka was presenting her with something....and the tears kept flowing. "Oh Tinka...tha---"

But then Tinka wanted it back?! And had snatched it back even!

"It is because it is a little smushed? It's fine, really, I don't care at all." Kurumi even tried to snatch the box back, but more reached out for it so as not to upset the house elf. "Anything you could give me I would want."


Logan....Yeah, his words earned him a slightly tighter hug. She was going to miss this little Hufflepuff so much. "Thank you, Logan," she whispered, her voice somewhat returning. Really. What else could you say to this sort of situation? "I love all of you too."

And she meant it. She really really did.

Kurumi hugged Ronnie a little more tightly before releasing her from the hug and placed her gift in her pocket for safe keeping. "Keep making Gryffindor proud, okay?" she said, smile faltering just a little.

Kurumi's eyes drifted to the staff table where she looked upon all the faces of those who had taught her over the past terms. People who she would not be in lessons with next term...but who would forever be influential in her life.

Good bye, Hogwarts. Hello....future.

Ronnie smiled a little at what she said. "Okay." she said, giving her one last hug. She sighed, glancing around. She still had to say goodbye to Isaac too...who was like a big brother to her. She frowned at the thought of him not being at Hogwarts anymore. . .

She turned back to Kurumi. "Well, I gotta go talk to my friend...I'll see you later." she said, giving her one last hug before walking off toward the Slytherin table.