"Thank you." Leobald said. Lifting his goblet he drank some more water as he gazed over at the Headmistress, she didn’t look like she was making her speech anytime soon.

Leo was about to take another sip of water when Gemma generously offered to give him some Muggle dictionaries and an encyclopedia which she never used in her teaching. "I'm…Are you sure you don’t need those books in your teaching?" He asked bewildered. "I’d of course be most grateful for the books. Just stop by the library with them before the start of the new term." He trailed off. He would accept any and all books with open arms but the last thing Leo wanted was to put a professor out if she needed the books for when she planned lessons.

"All help is welcomed but I should warn you that the reference section isn’t exactly a pretty picture at the moment." It looked like a fire had run right through it with a force and fire left marks.

"Evening, Sebastian." Leo greeted the groundskeeper that he had heard was leaving his position and not coming back for another year. It was s big pity because he had liked Sebastian the little time they had conversed and teamed up to aid the lions with the lockout.

Leobald looked around wide-eyed at the sound of the headmistress screech. Gripping for his wand he wondered what was going on now and if he needed to act. He sighed and relaxed though when it turned out that the headmistress had screeched because somebody had found it funny to drop a frog in her goblet.

"Don't kill it. It's just a harmless frog. There has been too much death this term already." The bookman commented quietly. Where was Vanora when you needed her? She could save the frog from the headmistress.

Turning to Calista gladly Leobald smiled happily. "I'm not picky about what books I get as long as I get something to fill up the shelves with. Thank your old boss from me if he agrees to donate. Does he sell muggle or magical books?" It was a noble deed to aid the new generation in their studies and thirst for knowledge. Anyone could donate but this time he was going to fireproof the entire book

Cece finally decided it was time to make her way to the staff table. The headmistress would no doubt be giving her speech soon so she thought it best to be in her seat when this happened... or not.

O_____O

What was Truebridge doing sitting on the lap of Professor Vindictus? And why were all these ghosts around the table? What had been going on while she had been at the Slytherin table talking with Sierra?

As she sat quietly in her seat she looked up and down the table. Everyone seemed to be there except for Professor Newlin and Professor Lafay. She knew why Lafay wasn't there but Vanora... where was that woman?

The Baron took a look at the Slytherin table... He didn't want to do this, but he'd promised the professor.

He nodded to excuse himself from his lady's company and floated over toward the House Table.

There he read something and quickly floated back.

Seren had been off in her own little world... the ghosts' tale reminded her of a memory, a very old memory at that and in the process of thinking about it, she hadn't been expecting some rather loud shrieking.

Bouncing Blueberries.

Head swiveling abruptly in the direction of the Headmistress, Seren's expression was shock mingled with horror and delight. Practical joke? ... How amusing.

She only hoped the Headmistress would be in the right frame of mind to deliver her speech so that they could get to the food.

Oh this was embarrassing. Everyone had heard her squeaking and squealing over the frog? Everyone? Apparently all of her staff had heard it... Annie swallowed though and remained frozen/half glued to the Quidditch professor until Calista safely removed the amphibian.

Thank MERLIN for filthy people who wouldn't remind the additional dirt of a dirty animal on them.

Now that that was done, though, she had no further reason to delay the speech. So the redhead shook off her frog fears, smoothed out her dress, and moved around the table to the podium for her speech. The redhead waited for the students to quiet, and then began.

"Good evening," she spoke, her voice magnified to echo around the Hall. "Tonight we gather to celebrate the end of a dramatic term, and the end of the arcs of several of our beloved staff members. I would first like to extend my deepest regrets for the passing of my friend and Astronomy professor, Mrs. Marion Burbage. Mrs. Burbage was a legend amongst stargazers in her day, and even in our day as well. Her lessons were memorable, helpful, and fun for all students. She was always willing to lend an ear to a troubled soul, and she will certainly be missed by those who knew her well."

She paused to remember that she still had to break the news to Henry regarding his wife's demise. That was going to be a horrific evening...

"I would also like to mention our mysterious, but very talented, Ancient Runes professor, Tristan Christiansen. Mr. Christiansen was not only one of Hogwarts' most popular visiting professors, but he also regularly held the post of Senior Undersecretary to the Norwegian Ministry of Magic." She let that sink in for a moment. "His loss will doubtless have an impact beyond these stone walls."

As for the others they had lost... well, Annie figured it would not be appropriate to mention the beautiful Umbrella Vinora, tragic as that may be. "I am also sad to report that our Deputy Headmaster, Ravenclaw Head of House, Quidditch Official, and Flying Professor Maximus Vindictus will be resigning from school staff at the end of this term. Vindictus has served this school longer than anyone, or at least anyone in recent memory, and what he has given to this school cannot be summed up in one speech alone." Annie felt a tear at the corner of her eye and flicked it away as though it were a stray eyelash. "I am proud to present a Special Services to the School plaque for all your years of service, Professor Vindictus." The redhead walked over to Max's seat to thunderous applause and proudly gave him the award, along with a handshake.

Then she returned to the podium. "I am just as sad to announce that our Groundskeeper Gibbins will also not be returning at the end of this term. Although he has not been staff nearly as long as our Flying professor, Mr. Gibbins was an excellent addition to staff and will be sorely missed." Sigh, just another person she would have to hire over the summer.

"Now, onto some happier news." She smiled grimly. "Congratulations are in order for Hufflepuff House, who not only demolished Ravenclaw in the Quidditch Cup Championship Match," that got a real grin from her, "but who ALSO won the House Cup! Congratulations, badgers!" She beamed and waited for the cheers (and jeers) to subside for the 'Puffs. "I would also like to congratulate Gryffindor for winning the Gobstones Cup! If you contributed to your House's performance in either of these sports or games, or even in the House Points race, then give yourself a round of applause. Remember, teamwork makes the dream work."

She paused and wished she still had a water goblet to drink from. Alas... "Finally, a few parting words are in order for our graduates from the Class of 2079. You have all been excellent leaders and standout students in my eyes, especially in the many moments of crisis this school has seen throughout your time here. Remember that whether near or far, whether you study, you work, or you roam, Hogwarts will always be here to welcome you home. Thank you."

The Headmistress FINALLY exited the podium and returned to her seat. Once she had sat down and let a sigh of relief, the delicious elf-prepared feast appeared on all five of the (returned) House Tables. Let the summer begin!

Max roared with laughter. "It's just a harmless tree frog!" he exclaimed as Callie removed the critter. "Now, now. Time to regain your composure and give your speech."

Vindictus stood and nodded at the students who were applauding. He then accepted the plaque from Annie and then she reached for his hand. The handshake was longer than he anticipated because he didn't want to let go. But then her hand slipped out of his and he smiled as he resumed his seat.

As the headmistress resumed speaking, he tuned her out because his thoughts were elsewhere. This will go on display with my other awards. And what is it with Annie and all of her touching? She's always had her hands on me! Always! Even when that cruel spell affected us. Well, I know what all that touching means . . . she wants me! Well, guess I'd better give her what she wants!

Max did notice when Annie resumed her seat.

"Annie, come here. I want to tell you something," he said as he leaned towards her.

Annie was trimming some skin (one didn't NEED all those extra CALORIES, after all) off her roasted chicken when Max leaned into her. She had a puzzled expression at his 'come here' request, since they were sitting next to each other, but leaned over anyway.

"Yessssssss?" she raised an eyebrow.

"I just wanted to say 'Thank You' for those kind words and the plaque," Max said as he reached up and brushed her cheek with his forefinger and thumb. He leaned in closer and his lips found Annie's.

At least she couldn't fire him.

"Oh, you're welcome!" Annie responded quite happily. Then... Max happened, and Anastasia would have been lying if she'd have said she was expecting THAT.

MER-LIN. She was FROZEN as the deputy Headmaster touched her cheek, and then remained even more frozen as he kissed her! Sure Max has been a stud back in the day, like, waaaaaay way back in the day, like, when Annie had been a teenager... but he was like a big brother to her now! THIS WAS WEIRD! And she was MARRIED!

So as soon as she could, she yanked her face away and gave him a GLARE that could melt the polar ice caps. "You're lucky I can't fire you!" the redhead sniped, reachig her hand out and slapping Vindictus across the cheek with a loud SMACK!

Once a jock, always a jock! HMMPH!

"OUCH! Why do women always know exactly where to slap a man?" Max inquired as he fell back into his seat and rubbed his cheek. "Do they give you slapping lessons in etiquette class? Seriously, Annie."

Then a sly smile appeared on his ruggedly handsome face. "You know that you're my favorite redhead. The most beautiful one, too."

Vindictus gave Truebridge his best puppy dog look and there was a twinkle in his blue eyes. "Forgive me?"

Quote:

Originally Posted by demented_death_eater

"OUCH! Why do women always know exactly where to slap a man?" Max inquired as he fell back into his seat and rubbed his cheek. "Do they give you slapping lessons in etiquette class? Seriously, Annie."

Then a sly smile appeared on his ruggedly handsome face. "You know that you're my favorite redhead. The most beautiful one, too."

Vindictus gave Truebridge his best puppy dog look and there was a twinkle in his blue eyes. "Forgive me?"

Annie did not even DIGNIFY Max with a response. Look at him! Incorrigible! That was the best way to describe that man--that---that MANBOY. INCORRIGIBLE! Annie just shook her head and angrily started cutting her green beans into tiny little pieces, picturing a bit of Max's face on each one.

She did sneak a peek at him when he asked for forgiveness. "Forgive you?" the redhead harrumphed, stuffing a bit of garlicy potatoes into her mouth. She chewed it over and came up with a grunt after she swallowed.

"I'll have to discuss FORGIVENESS with my HUSBAND, Maximus." TAKE A HINT.

"Leave him out of this, Annie," Max frowned. "I guess that a fashion spending spree of forgiveness financed by yours truly is out of the question."

He reached for a dinner roll. As he buttered it, he watched Annie eat a generous bite of garlic potatoes and heard her grunt. "Eat all the garlic potatoes you want, Lady Dragon Breath. Just don't grunt again while eating because it isn't attractive."

Quote:

Originally Posted by demented_death_eater

"Leave him out of this, Annie," Max frowned. "I guess that a fashion spending spree of forgiveness financed by yours truly is out of the question."

He reached for a dinner roll. As he buttered it, he watched Annie eat a generous bite of garlic potatoes and heard her grunt. "Eat all the garlic potatoes you want, Lady Dragon Breath. Just don't grunt again while eating because it isn't attractive."

Oh was he getting upset now? WAS HE? How would he like if she--- no, that would be a bad idea. Ahem. "Yes, it is out of the question." The redhead flicked a bit of her hair over one shoulder and conjured up a CLEAN goblet to use. She poured a heaping amount of pumpkin juice in and drank deeply and noisily, wiping her mouth on the back of her hand and setting her goblet down with a loud CLINK when she was finished.

She sincerely HOPED this lapse in manners was going to catch Max's attention... and apparently it did. "GRUNT," Annie made another noise as she picked a croissant apart piece by piece. "GOOD. I hope it GROSSES YOU OUT, because I wasn't GOING for attractive."

Not to HIM, anyway.

Max raised his eyebrows and shook his head. "Erm, Annie, are you aware that EVERYONE is watching you?" he asked calmly. "And when I say everyone, I mean EVERYONE."

If she's this upset about me stealing a kiss, then the kiss must have meant something more . . . and she's feeling guilty about it. Hmm, what to do. I haven't had to deal with this type of situation in 20 years!

"Not EVERYONE," Annie snorted, though a light blush DID form on her cheeks just then. She hid her face behind her goblet again and then dabbed at her lips.... with her cloth napkin, this time.

"I would hope no one was watching that," she added in a whisper!hiss. "I have never been so embarrassed in my life..." She was actually THANKFUL for once that Ethan was no longer on staff. What if he had dueled Max over that stupid kiss?!

....not that she could see him doing that - it was dumb move on Vindictus' part anyway, but still! She was a married woman, and a leader! She had STANDARDS which Vindictus did not meet! Anymore!

Max leaned to his left and turned his face towards Annie's. "Sorry for stealing a kiss from you. I should have asked but you're just so beautiful and I forgot myself," he whispered to her. It had taken him a few minutes to remember that line but there was some truth to what he said.

"I'd hate to leave Hogwarts knowing that you were upset with me." Vindictus was sincere with his words, and was smart enough to leave out one little detail.

He forgot himself? Hmm, somehow Anastasia doubted that. He had been married once too, she knew. How could a man of Vindictus' age stature just forget details like that was beyond her grasp... but she also didn't want him to leave on bad terms.

"Fine," the redhead replied after a long, very long, awkward pause. "I forgive you." There, they were done now. Could she eat her slice of peanut butter pie in peace?

Max smiled. "Thank you, Anastasia. Now let's eat," he replied and reached for an apple.

He turned and looked at the rest of the staff. "I want to wish all of you good luck next year, and remember to keep raw meat away from the Snargauff plant. When that plant gets hungry, it'll eat anything including Bludgers and old shoes!"

Vindictus leaned back and took a bite of his apple. Tonight was his last night at Hogwarts. Tomorrow, he'd be on his way back to London and a week later, the publicity tour would begin for his upcoming book.

It's going to be grand being back in the spotlight where I belong! Those small appearances over the years have been nice, but I can't help but grin when I think about no more grading papers, writing lessons, teaching lessons, patrolling the corridors at night, breaking up fights, and having to deal with crazy, insane stuff happening to me! Tomorrow, things will be back to normal in my life with the press conferences, photo shoots, and pampering. Ahh, life is so good!