"Evening Callista." She said in return giving her a smile.

"Miss Glasswall, it is against protocol for you to approach the table before the speech." She said looking at the small Hufflepuff, "Please state your proposal and return promptly to your table, then return after the speech to collect my answer."

ooc: Sorry Ivana, but it states in the first post "Feel free to come up and greet the School staff after the Headmistress has given her speech... if you must. Remember your manners, children. Your professors like to have a quiet dinner too."

Well this was it, she supposed. Time for the grand old speech. Annie's tummy felt queasy at the idea of talking, of addressing that empty seat beside her, but it could hardly be avoided now. People were getting hungry, Hufflepuffs were coming up to the table to try to talk to them, students were wanting to say their goodbyes...

She heaved a sigh and stood up. It would be better to just get it over with. She cleared her throat and waited for silence, then amplified her voice and began in a very somber and serious tone.

"Good evening, everyone, welcome to the end of term feast. As you all doubtless know by now, we lost a very important staff member last week. Our Groundskeeper, Mr. Alistaire Firth," she nearly choked on his name but tried to hold on to her resolve to be strong, "was attacked by dementors whilst defending his fellow staff members. This tragedy is completely unexpected and I accept full blame for Mr. Firth's current condition. I am so sorry that our Class of 2081 had to have such a stain on their year, and so close to their graduation as well." She gave a few of the tables sad looks.

"But the year does not have to end on an entirely bad note. Mr. Firth was a cheerful man, beloved by many throughout the school, and always working to improve the grounds and the educational environment of you all." She gestured toward the student tables in what was hopefully a cheerful manner? They had all thought he was handsome cheerful too, no? "Next school year, I am pleased to announce that we will be removing the hefty turnstile fees in the Great Hall and all four common rooms, and will be reducing fees and improving fundraising measures elsewhere in the school. We will also be working closely with the Department of Magical Law Enforcement to get back our funds and to investigate the source of these dementors plaguing our school!" Damn straight! Here here! The redhead banged her hand on the table a few times to make her point.

"Now then, let's move onwards and upwards from here and enjoy the feast. Make sure you all congratulate Hufflepuff House on their..." how many was it now? "House Cup victory, Slytherin House on their Quidditch Cup trophy, and Hufflepuff AGAIN with their Gobstones victory. Now let's all eat and enjoy our time together!" Because you never knew how much you had left, right?

She put on a brave final smile just as the food, which was somewhat improved from the start of the year, appeared. But instead of sitting down, in a shocking turn of events, the redhead climbed up onto her throne-like chair and declared in a sing-song tone:

"IT'S FINALLY SUMMER, NO MORE DIRT! NO MORE OF THIS PLACE!"

Then she proceeded to hop down and begin skipping around the Great Hall, humming a made-up tune about summer and sunshine and flowers. WHO WAS WITH HER, EH? She was going to personally make it her mission to end the year on a better-than-dismal note.

That was...er...that was an odd speech. Granted she wasn't actually listening to it, nah, the only part of the speech she'd actually gotten was the no dirt, no more of this place bit. It was enough to make her want to skip around with the Headmistress humming that tune she didn't know. Could she?? She would! Only problem was...she'd bothered walking up to the staff dais and the woman was OFF SKIPPING. Ahem.

"Headmistress! I brought your cookies!!!" Lex waved the pretty pink bag of cookies around but was careful not to have them crumbling. Indy and Derry had worked hard on these and she'd worked just as hard supervising them while they worked hard. "Chocolate chips, no nuts, just like you aaaasssssk!!" So she kinda needed to get her Headmistress butt back up here...or did Lex have to go get her...? Did she? Okay...maybe later.

In the mean time, carefully avoiding any looks at the empty Grounds Keeper's chair she turned to the Healer who'd been surprizingly nice to her this term. "I had a batch of cookies made for you too. I figured you'd like them. Chocolate chip ones as well." She said, carefully sliding them across to her and giving her a smile. There were lots of strange things happening this term, this being one of them. The Healer was the last person she saw herself giving cookies to.

Then her attention fell on her Head of House, just next to her. "Hai Professor Bentley! Glad you see you looking so well! How's the baaaaaby???" She was actually worried about the woman, she was, but now there she was seated there so it was...fine, yeah?

OOooOOooOooooooOOoooo!!! Sitting next to her Head of House was JUST THE MAN SHE WANTED TO SEE.

Lex scooted a bit and leaned against the table standing exactly opposite to him with a SMILE. "Hellooooooo Mr. Vinteren. Interesting term, wouldn't you agree?" The pleasant smile remained in place. "This whole term has taught me something Sir, something I MUST share because the rug in detention said I should not tell lies." Pause for more sparkly eyed looks and oh wait, now she was GRINNING. "I figured I have a crush on yoooou. A BIG ONE! Like legit!" Nodnodnod. "It's to be expected, you're super cool--Lottie and I think you might be a dark wizard but that just makes you moooore Interesting." She propped her chin in her palm, elbow resting on the table and smile getting wider still. "I find you interesting. WE SHOULD RUN INTO EACH OTHER IN DIAGON ALLEY! We can have ice-cream, I just have to be home by 4, but that's okay! Do you like chocolate ice-cream?"

SPOILER!!: Speech

Quote:

Originally Posted by BanaBatGirl

Well this was it, she supposed. Time for the grand old speech. Annie's tummy felt queasy at the idea of talking, of addressing that empty seat beside her, but it could hardly be avoided now. People were getting hungry, Hufflepuffs were coming up to the table to try to talk to them, students were wanting to say their goodbyes...

She heaved a sigh and stood up. It would be better to just get it over with. She cleared her throat and waited for silence, then amplified her voice and began in a very somber and serious tone.

"Good evening, everyone, welcome to the end of term feast. As you all doubtless know by now, we lost a very important staff member last week. Our Groundskeeper, Mr. Alistaire Firth," she nearly choked on his name but tried to hold on to her resolve to be strong, "was attacked by dementors whilst defending his fellow staff members. This tragedy is completely unexpected and I accept full blame for Mr. Firth's current condition. I am so sorry that our Class of 2081 had to have such a stain on their year, and so close to their graduation as well." She gave a few of the tables sad looks.

"But the year does not have to end on an entirely bad note. Mr. Firth was a cheerful man, beloved by many throughout the school, and always working to improve the grounds and the educational environment of you all." She gestured toward the student tables in what was hopefully a cheerful manner? They had all thought he was handsome cheerful too, no? "Next school year, I am pleased to announce that we will be removing the hefty turnstile fees in the Great Hall and all four common rooms, and will be reducing fees and improving fundraising measures elsewhere in the school. We will also be working closely with the Department of Magical Law Enforcement to get back our funds and to investigate the source of these dementors plaguing our school!" Damn straight! Here here! The redhead banged her hand on the table a few times to make her point.

"Now then, let's move onwards and upwards from here and enjoy the feast. Make sure you all congratulate Hufflepuff House on their..." how many was it now? "House Cup victory, Slytherin House on their Quidditch Cup trophy, and Hufflepuff AGAIN with their Gobstones victory. Now let's all eat and enjoy our time together!" Because you never knew how much you had left, right?

She put on a brave final smile just as the food, which was somewhat improved from the start of the year, appeared. But instead of sitting down, in a shocking turn of events, the redhead climbed up onto her throne-like chair and declared in a sing-song tone:

"IT'S FINALLY SUMMER, NO MORE DIRT! NO MORE OF THIS PLACE!"

Then she proceeded to hop down and begin skipping around the Great Hall, humming a made-up tune about summer and sunshine and flowers. WHO WAS WITH HER, EH? She was going to personally make it her mission to end the year on a better-than-dismal note.

Callie turned her attention from the Defense Professor and looked at Anastasia as she began to speak. The comments about Alistaire were heartfelt and kind, and the blonde could tell the students felt the same way.

But suddenly the speech took a sharp turn and after the Cup winners were congratulated the Headmistress jumped on her chair and began to shout about it being summer and getting to leave the dirtiness. Calista hadn't expected this...but she LOVED IT!!

The blonde grinned brightly as the redhead skipped off still humming her tune to go dance with the students (who were no doubt dumbstruck by her odd behavior). It was inspiring really. Although Callie didn't really get along with the Headmistress all that well, this was a good move in Elwood's book. Dancing was always good.

And the FOOD was here. After piling a mound of mashed potatoes on her plate, Callie then ladled some gravy on top and watched, mesmerized for a moment as it flowed down the layers of white spuds.

Quickly she hopped up from her chair and began to snake her arms out in front of her and sway from side to side, like a river--a river of flowing gravy. She performed her interpretive gravy dance for a minute solid before plopping back in her seat and stuffing some of the potatoes in her mouth before students arrived.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Erik Vinteren

His cool eyes roaming around the Great Hall caught the nod from the Potions professor, unintentionally interfering woman that she was. He returned the nod stiffly.



Pigs could fly. Miracles were possible. Or else the suspicious Healer was actually in a good mood.

"Ms. Tillstorm," Erik replied levelly, doing his best not to seem too shocked that he was greeted by name by the woman.



Erik was also looking for a certain someone and was, to a degree, relieved to see her looking okay when she finally came to the staff table. He gave her a tiny, tiny encouraging smile, and then went back to staring at nothing.



This snub didn't go unnoticed, however, and even though Calista was addressing someone else, Erik leaned in to greet her anyway in the hopes of bothering her some. Had she seen Firth's demise coming? Heh heh heh.

"Good evening, Ms. Elwood." And was that Professor Bentley? She received an almost warm smile. "Seren. How are you."

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaniDiNardo

That was...er...that was an odd speech. Granted she wasn't actually listening to it, nah, the only part of the speech she'd actually gotten was the no dirt, no more of this place bit. It was enough to make her want to skip around with the Headmistress humming that tune she didn't know. Could she?? She would! Only problem was...she'd bothered walking up to the staff dais and the woman was OFF SKIPPING. Ahem.

"Headmistress! I brought your cookies!!!" Lex waved the pretty pink bag of cookies around but was careful not to have them crumbling. Indy and Derry had worked hard on these and she'd worked just as hard supervising them while they worked hard. "Chocolate chips, no nuts, just like you aaaasssssk!!" So she kinda needed to get her Headmistress butt back up here...or did Lex have to go get her...? Did she? Okay...maybe later.

In the mean time, carefully avoiding any looks at the empty Grounds Keeper's chair she turned to the Healer who'd been surprizingly nice to her this term. "I had a batch of cookies made for you too. I figured you'd like them. Chocolate chip ones as well." She said, carefully sliding them across to her and giving her a smile. There were lots of strange things happening this term, this being one of them. The Healer was the last person she saw herself giving cookies to.

Then her attention fell on her Head of House, just next to her. "Hai Professor Bentley! Glad you see you looking so well! How's the baaaaaby???" She was actually worried about the woman, she was, but now there she was seated there so it was...fine, yeah?

OOooOOooOooooooOOoooo!!! Sitting next to her Head of House was JUST THE MAN SHE WANTED TO SEE.

Lex scooted a bit and leaned against the table standing exactly opposite to him with a SMILE. "Hellooooooo Mr. Vinteren. Interesting term, wouldn't you agree?" The pleasant smile remained in place. "This whole term has taught me something Sir, something I MUST share because the rug in detention said I should not tell lies." Pause for more sparkly eyed looks and oh wait, now she was GRINNING. "I figured I have a crush on yoooou. A BIG ONE! Like legit!" Nodnodnod. "It's to be expected, you're super cool--Lottie and I think you might be a dark wizard but that just makes you moooore Interesting." She propped her chin in her palm, elbow resting on the table and smile getting wider still. "I find you interesting. WE SHOULD RUN INTO EACH OTHER IN DIAGON ALLEY! We can have ice-cream, I just have to be home by 4, but that's okay! Do you like chocolate ice-cream?"

Turning away from Seren's baby's picture was tough but the voice of the History of Magic and Board of Governors Member whom she had just purposefully ignored addressing her got her attention. What did he want?

"Oh hello there." She said flatly. Did he want to comment about the sky in the Great Hall or boast at how well he suggested the most obvious way to defeat the dementor horde? It was obvious enough, they would have done it eventually without him anyways.

And oh look, Alexa Cambridge was here to save her. And it seemed Erik was receiving his dose of karma for trying to mess with her. Callie practically snorted as she eavesdropped some of the girl's request.

Good Odin's ravens, what was in the food these days? Heh, good one. Erik watched that...speech...performance....as dully as ever, and when it was over he began the tedious process of unwrapping his spork. He should have saved his silverware from the last time he'd transfi-

What was this now? The blonde man slowly put down his spork as a sudden feeling of trepidation washed over him. Something was wrong with Cambridge. She was doing that...that blinking and beaming thing again...and her eyes, they were unnaturally sparkly. It was like looking at a miniature of that Gryffindor Quidditch Captain with the razor-sharp teeth.

"Hello, Alexa..." he started to say. Then that ............................. that came out of her mouth, and Vinteren's entire head slowly began to turn red.

He. Had. No. Words.

What was she doing? Why was she lingering by his seat? With the elbow...leaning? What was this? And whhhhhhy, pray tell, did she feel the need to speak so damn LOUDLY? The entire school would have heard this ridiculous declaration by now! The dementors out in the forest if they hadn't left yet would have heard her! And only a Gryffindor would be so stupid brave as to openly accuse him of being a dark wizard in front of the entire school! Only this Gryffindor!

He had never been so embarrassed nor at a loss of how to respond ever in his life. The snickering so-called Diviner nearby was hardly helping. Erik wound up blinking, looking up at the ceiling, taking a long, long drink of water to cool his face down, and then scratching at his cheek idly before he said anything. And when he did speak, it was only to Professor Lafay.

"I believe someone missed your syrup...cure, Madame." Clearly Cambridge was under the influence of something. Clearly. She needed to be removed and checked out this instant.

Please.

Was she alright?

Hehe. Hehehehehehehe........no.

In all seriousness though, how was she supposed to answer that? She couldn't LIE to Callie. That would be just awful. Much like how the world was apparently turning out to be. Nevertheless, she couldn't just sit there and nervously chuckle at the divination professor's question and THANK MERLIN whatever Airey was shouting out was spoken right then and the Headmistress's speech, just KEEP THE DISTRACTIONS COMING!

Though it was kinda interesting to know. Pluto not being a planet. Which was ridiculous. Everyone knew Pluto was a planet. Raising an eyebrow, Medea peaked just a little down the table towards the astronomy professor before snapping her attention to the Headmistress. Oh my. The crinkle of the plastic she'd been fiddling with quieted instantly after poor Alistaire's name was spoken of. The whole speech was a bit of a blur after that. A tragedy. A horrible loss. She could've done something. Could've. Should've. Would've. Didn't.

Crinkle crinkle crinkle crinkle went the plastic again as she stared straight at her empty plate. Not at all hungry now.

Taylor randomly walked up to the staff table to say thanks for the great term to some of the professors. She went up to one of her favorites and smiled, "Uoy knaht eht rof mret, sonamor rosseforp!" She held out a bag of cookies she made for her. "Edam I rof seikooc rosseforp uoy!" Tay was speaking her own language that she had just made up. She didn't know why she was doing it but it was fun. Tay watched the professor's face for her reaction, interested to see what it would be.
ooc: translation: Thank you for the term, Professor Romanos. I made cookies for you.

Nerida made her way up to the staff table and gave a big smile and a wave towards Professor Flamsteed and Romanos and Bently...And everyone else except Professor Knox and Professor Vinterin...She still didn't like them. Reaching Professor Lafay she smiled and said "Hello Professor Lafay, I know you say you don't like us, but I still came up to say hi and..." After finishing a bit she sang a little song she had wrote.

It was a good one stuff about her not liking them and thanks and stuff. She hadn't sang loudly so nobody but the two professors next to her should have heard her sing, so no embarrassment for either of them. It was a good thing Nerida had gotten over the whole stage fright thing when she was younger!!

She'd hardly noticed that Callie had wandered away from her end of the table to join them, but upon hearing the woman's voice, she couldn't help but smile. This was more like it, no more of that sad depressing stuff.
"Callie!" she greeted warmly. "I'm well, really well... how're you?" because really, child birth was one thing, but being faced with an army of dementors, well now that was scary. She hoped her blonde colleague wasn't too marred by the experience.

Seren beamed at the compliment, "Thank you... we think so." Of course, they were officially biased when it came to babies now, because theirs was obviously the cutest, most handsome little being, in the world! "He takes after his father." Minus the blonde hair and blue eyes... but still, fathers son.

Feeling bad for having excluded the rest of the table in her rejoycing of her baby boy, Seren turned her head upon Vinteren's greeting. Charming as ever. "Erik, I'm well," she replied brightly. "I hear you're the one to thank for stepping up against the dementors," she noted, her tone grateful. Even though his actions hadn't been soon enough.

While students approaching the table prior to Annie's speech would normally irk her... she was pleased to hear somebody enjoyed the school year. Though... she didn't know why. The best year of her life? Perhaps a bit of an overstatement? Or was the girl particularly fond of soul sucking? ...

...
...

Merlin.

...
...

Perhaps she'd keep an eye on this one... something was awry.



It seemed as though they were moarning the loss of two other Professors just yesterday.. and it felt so wrong knowing that they had just lost another. The school really was cursed, it seemed.

Seren applauded along with the others when the points standings, and extra curricular winners were announced. She was still mighty proud of her Lions' efforts, they were an amazing group of students.

At the close of Annie's speech however, Seren became confused. What in the name of bouncing blueberries was she doing? Seren was in two minds about the event. One the one hand, she wanted to join in, dancing and singing along... but on the other hand, she felt it to be her responsibility as deputy headmistress to remain professional in her stead. Awkward...
Deciding on a compromise, Seren swayed and jigged in her seat. Yep, that would do it.

"Hey Lex!" Seren greeted as a familiar face approached. It was so good to see Alexa in sch high spirits. Though she did begin to wonder how much sugar the girl had ingested. "Thank you, he's doing really well, growing so fast already," she replied nodding.

Again, she really did start to wonder what the girl had eaten. They weren't all back on the ice cream again where they? She knew that stuff couldn't be healthy. The manner in which she addressed Erik made her snort.. so turning away, and stifling the sound with her hand, she giggled. Poor Erik, he had it coming to him.

Seeing Nerida's wave hello brought her back to reality, Seren returned the 'Claw's wave, giving her a smile and a wink too... for good measure.

Cece smiled at Seren as the woman talked about her little one. "He's a very handsome little guy," she said as she looked at the picture on the table. "You'll be home with him in now time where you'll have the whole summer to spend with him."

Wow. Callie comes over and interrupts her conversation with Seren and the woman can't even say hi to her? Whatever. She didn't want to talk to the woman anyway. Besides, she was now distracted with this student that was standing there babbling on. And Hecate was being nice to her? Well that was different.

Hearing Anastasia start to speak Cece finally looked to her right, past the empty seat next to her. She tried not to look bored as the woman talked about Firth. Really, was he such a big loss to them? It's not like groundskeepers ever stuck around this place anyway. They were due for a change. The man had been there for two terms already. She turned her attention to the students as the speech continued. But then Bunz happened.

O___O

Had the woman gone and lost her mind? First that goofy puffer did the chicken dance, and now the headmistress was... acting a fool with her shouting and skipping around the great hall.

And before Anastasia cold even get back to her seat Alexa Cambridge was at the table, giving out cookies... to her. "Um, thank you Alexa," she said as she looked down at the cookies in front of her. The cookies she would not be eating since she never ate anything given to her by students.

WHAT was Alexa doing NOW?

Declaring her LOVE for Vinteren? Oh this was just NUTS! What the hell had been put in the water tonight? Everyone had gone and lost their minds.

And people wonder why Cece doesn't eat or drink anything from this blasted school.

Consider Alexa distracted. Professor Elwood was over there swaying and wiggling and...er...gravying? Was that it? from where she stood that's what it looked like. Lex nodded somewhat approvingly. "Epic dance Professor, did that help you with Divining something--is something gonna happen at the fea--there's something in the food again, isn't there?" Why else would she be playing with her food instead of eating it? Oh yeah, because the food sucked. That's why.

She turned her attention back to Mr. Vinteren but was drawn again by a snort. Blink. The woman looked amused. Had she heeeeard?

Lex tilted her head and gave the woman a curious look though she didn't suppose someone else hearing would be a bad thing--KNOX HEARD TOO, RIGHT??? Ahem. Just saying.



Another curious sight. The man was going red. "Your face is red. Did you know? Like right there." She pointed with her free hand and giggled a bit. Right theeeeere. Though he shouldn't take this personally. She took it upon herself to point out the obvious when anyone was blushing much to Aidan's dismay, poor guy.

She watched him while he watched the ceiling. He was gonna answer, he had to answer. Pity Professor Knox was sitting so far away but then...Alexa hadn't been whispering so that took care of that.

Her smile remained fixed in place.

Oooh but then he was going on about her past potions homework. "The syrup? Did you want some? I can make us a whoooole cauldron to share. Would you prefer chocolate, butterscotch, caramel or marshmallow??--is that the only condition? We have to have syrup when we go for ice-cream? I can do that!" BEEEAAAAM.

It wouldn't be a problem. "Did you also know, your face has gotten prettier." Unfortunately for you Mr. Vinteren, the sparkly eyed look continued.

"Good! Super good!" GRIN. "You know what else is good? The fact that you were gone when all the crazy happened." She didn't want to lose her Head of Head...You saw what happened to the Grounds Keeper, it could have happened to anyone--'cept Bentley of course because fortunately she wasn't heeere.

Aaaand now Bentley was finding this funny too. This time her ears reddened a bit. "What?" She asked, genuinely curious about what would be so funny about anything she said.

Unless she knew something she didn't?

Alexa beamed over at the Healer. She couldn't tell whether she liked the cookies or not buuut it didn't matter either way. She wasn't the one who baked them, no time lost and it was the only way she could think to thank her for the points and more importantly, ALL THE CHOCOLATE FROGS that she wouldn't be telling her Daddy about. That part still had her grinning. All that candy and he would never know.

"They're kinda freshly baked too. Had them done earlier today!" And by had them done she meant having Derry and Indy get them done. Those two could bake!

Erm...but now the Healer was looking like she'd seen a ghost...

"Are you alright Healer Tillstorm?"

Hearing Calista's voice over the chatter Leo asked in response "Got any plans for the summer?" At least the divination professor was trying to put a lighter tone on the otherwise glum feast so Leo did his best to play along.


When Annie stood up to give her usual end of term speech Leo listened with half an ear but as she talked he started to listen more actively. His eyes widened in amazement when the red head climbed up on her chair and started to sing before she hopped down on the floor and started to dance and sing as she made her way her way around the hall. Feeling that his mouth was gaping open Leo quickly closed it before anyone noticed. Had the headmistress lost her marbles?
Were they supposed to dance along? Looking left and right he only saw Seren sort of joining in.



"Good evening Alexa! Did you have a good term?" Leo asked the young lioness, flashing her a smile, when she stopped just next to him to talk to Vinteren. Alexa was chattery and energertic as always. Did she just say that she had a crush on Vinteren and wanted to eat ice cream with him in Diagon Alley? Awkward, he didn’t doubt that Vinteren would be able to fend for himself though. The librarian politely let his colleague handle the young lioness's questions.



Leo’s attention was drawn to Medea that was sitting a few seats down next to Callie and playing with her plastic silverware and just staring at her empty food plate. Was she all right? They had all been affected by the tragedy that had hit Alistaire at the hand of the dementors. Leo himself had tried and failed to produce a patronus when it had been needed the most. He felt bad about that and felt responsible for Alistaire’s current state even if he knew it was foolish. Medea probably felt worse, he concluded with a moment’s insight being defense against the dark art’s teacher and not being able to help when those around her needed her the most. Seeing a ravenclaw come up to her Leo hoped the student could cheer Medea up.

Laura was going to do this, she was going to do this, she would need a plan though, well saying that the best plans were those that just came about without thinking about it she walked up to the staff table and looked for Professor Flamsteed, she wanted to speak to him.

"Professor Flamsteed." Laura smiled, when she finally spotted him. "I just wanted to say I hope you.." Laura faked tripped up and knocked a glass of whatever it was on Professor Flamsteed shirt. "I'm sorry sir, I hope you have a great summer." Laura just stared wondering what the Professor would say.

Speech was done, feels were had, and epic ending to speech by Truebridge was heard. Nice way to end his years at Hogwarts Headmistress. he gave her a smile, but turned his attention to a certain staff who laid a present in front of him earlier, and thought she could get away without saying goodbye.

He was looking at you Healer Tilstorm. Oakey wasn't sure how he was going to go about doing this. a simple 'Thanks for all your help, you were a great Healer. Bye-bye' was not gonna cut it. Not for Tillstorm, In the five years that she had been his Healer Oakey started with nothing but fear for her, that fear some how twisted itself inside out, and became appreciation for all that she's done for him. No one respected her more than Oakey Gunter, that was a FACT.

"Healer" Oakey said to get her attention, and before he could even think of what he was doing he moved up to the Dias, leaned across and wrapped Tillstorm into a hug. The hug was held only briefly, becuase he didn't to get hexed next..."Ummm, Thank you. For the present...and for being one of the best Healers Hogwarts has ever had. I'm going to miss visiting your wing."

...Merlin was his face red??

Annabeth thought she should wait a little to talk about the Summer with Professor Lafay, but no doubt it was too late for regret. So she began to ask, without daring to look at the teacher. She didn't want to see her reactions before ending what she was about to ask.

"I didn't have any intention of breaking any protocol and I'm sorry about that. I don't use to be inconvenient, but I was afraid that you could leave the feast right after the speech.-

I'd want to know if you, Professor Lafay, would like to hire me as a nanny during the Summer. I'm a Hufflepuff, hard work doesn't scare me. I don't need too much food and I don't need to rest more than 6 hours per night. I love kids and, despite of being inconvenient right now, I know my place. I used to take care of my little sister and a neighbour's daughter since I was a seven year-old and they were new born. They were always happy and fed and clean when they were under my care. -

My friends won't bother you sending lots of owls during the Summer. In fact, I can ask them to not send any letter during the Summer. -

And it won't be expensive to you hire me. I just want money enough to buy new Hogwarts robes for the next term and the school supplies. I can't come back to my home as I don't have any. I was expelled from home when my parents realized I'm a witch. So, I beg you to think about it. I can be useful."

The girl looked at the teacher briefly and hurried towards the Hufflepuff table. She had an awful family and even Hecate with all her """"kindness"""" was much better than come back to home. Even a year with dementors and hard work here and there was better than any year of her early life. In fact, the feeling of being near to a Dementor was the same as when her mother was near her... although the difference was that, near to her mother, she had the conviction that never would be happy in her life... near to a dementor she still had a hope, at least this one could be repelled by an enchantment...


OOC: Droo, as you noticed, Annabeth was desperate, she couldn't wait... Anyway, thank you for advising me. And thanks for commenting on my ff! You made me happy.

Ivy kept to herself, even when she noticed Erik try and give her a smile. She didn't return it, and instead just looked forward as the Headmistress gave her speech... and then pranced about the hall like a hyperactive Gryffindor.

Speaking of hyperactive Gryffindors... Ivy saw Alexa out of the corner of her eye and heard her pretty much confess her undying love for Erik. In fact, there were quite a lot of students that were acting strange. It made her wonder if the syrup didn't work at all and they were going back to their strange selves. Ivy took a drink of water and cleared those thoughts from her head.

Time to enjoy the feast, right?

Oh my. Despite being far off into space with her thoughts, she was somewhat aware of the mass of students coming up to the staff table. Some of them quiet, others...not so quiet, questionable even, and one speaking in some sort of foreign goblin language.

She didn't speak goblin though.

...........

What was in the bag?

Medea mustered up a pleasant smile and awkward nod. Totally didn't know what was just said. The awkward silence was the ultimate cherry on top. She should...take the bag. It wasn't going to explode was it? "Erm, thank you...Miss McIntyre." Setting it carefully upon the table in front of her, she stared at it, and then stared at Taylor. Staring. Ahem........

"Are you...feeling...okay?" Just out of curiosity.

Tay giggled at the awkward silence and smiled as her favorite professor took the bag, "Your welcome." Taylor beamed, "I hope you like the cookies." She nodded, "Yeah, I feel wonderful!" Tay twirled in delight and giggled again. Taylor leaned over the table and hugged the professor, "You are the best professor in the world!" Taylor beamed, clinging a little. "You know what? You, Professor, shouldnt be a professor... you are too good for it!" She giggled, "You should be the headmistress!" Yep, she said it nice and loud. Taylor wasnt even embarrassed by how loud she had said the two things. Tay pulled away from her clingy hug and giggled, twirling again before looking at the professor for a reaction. Eh, maybe the compliment would cheer her up some... though the hug was a bit awkward... at least for Taylor it was.

So Alexa didn't bake the cookies herself. Cece didn't know if this was a good thing or a bad thing. "Well be sure to thank whoever you had make the cookies. I'm sure they're wonderful." Of course she wouldn't know since she wouldn't be eating any of them. Unless...

She picked up a cookie and held it out to Alexa. "You should eat one. Then you can tell whoever made them just how good they are." If the girl actually ate the cookie then Cece would know there was nothing wrong with them. If she refused... well let's just say the cookies would be meeting a trash bin later.

And why was the cihld asking is she was alright? "I'm fine Alexa. I'm not sure I can say the same for you though."

HOLY MOTHER OF MERLIN!

One minute Cece was talking to Alexa and the next she was getting attacked HUGGED by Oakey. Well this was a first. A student hugging the healer. Well there had been that time Minerva hugged her but Cece felt that one was only because the girl was trying to get out of a detention, which totally didn't work.

And now Oakey was thanking her and saying he was going to miss visiting her. "You're welcome Oakey. I do hope you read that book and take care of your back." And she would miss seeing him around the hospital wing too. She just wasn't going to say that part out loud. She didn't need it getting around that she may actually care about the students around here. "I'm sure you'll be seeing me in the future. After all, I do live in Hogsmeade. We're bound to run into each other there sometime." Not that she was planning on being around there much this summer since she did have plans to travel.

The speech was good. Botros admired the headmistress' brave voice and he ducked his head in respect to the groundskeeper's mention. It was truly a tragedy. However, the solemn mood quickly changed to a piercing squeal produced by no other than the lady of this school. The old man winced and covered one of his ears as the crazy woman had a fit close to the of the Astronomy professor only different in spirit. What in Odin's Beard was that about?

Then, as if on cue, kids started walking up the dais and talking, singing, shouting to professors. Botros tried catching up to all the conversations and shenanigans but they were too loud, too scattered and in all honesty he was getting sleepy and had a long day tomorrow going to Egypt with the Portkey. He was still convinced those things were going to make him break a hip.

Food got his attention, instead.

Alexa jumped at the sudden greeting before smiling over at the Librarian. "Good Evening Mr. Kitridge! I didn't see you there, sorry." She gave him a wide grin, if she'd been paying attention she would have noticed everyone sitting by Mr. Vinteren. He probably heard what she said too, didn't he? Well, nothing she could do about that now.

None of this was really a problem. She'd found the perfect way to entertain herself during this boring feast. It was well worth the stares. Although...she probably should set the record straight before the poor man went off for the summer. "I don't think anyone had a good term Sir. There were dementors everywhere and I was stuck being controlled by happy ice-cream." She gave him a wide eyed, curious look, trying to figure whether that had been a genuine question or a distraction from her fun. "Did you though, you know, have a good term?"

Mr. Not Shiny Grounds Keeper probably had the worst of them all.

"Oh I've already thanked them! Gave them tons of compliments while they were baking so they'd know how much I appreciated the help. I can't bake to save my life but I didn't want you having bad cookies on account of that so I sought help." And she felt like that was something really responsible of her to do considering this was her, the girl that never thought straight.

Oh....an offering...of her own cookie. Okay! She wouldn't question it! "Ive already tasted a few, like I said, they're real good but if you insist!" She took the cookie and was set to bite into it when she remembered her resolve for Oakey's sake. Oh yeah...she could only have veggies tonight in honour of the graduating Head Boy. Crud. Lex lowered the cookie. "Maybe I'll save this for later but it's chocolate chip, offer Oakey some, it's his last night, he can't be all that hung up on health." In theory.

Wibble. She wanted the cookie. "Oh? How come? I'm fine too. No need to worry." Was she on about the Vinteren thing too? Could no one take a joke??? Merlin.

Oh...Oh good. English. Could understand that.

Medea smiled and nodded a little more, yet THIS HUGGING BUSINESS! Oh my! Lucky for Taylor her plate wasn't full of food, huh? Though the professor did move her goblet out of the way before it could be knocked over. And erm, she should...hug back. Sorta. "Oh, thank you...Taylor." Oh dear, the sixth year wasn't finished either. UMMMMMMM...well, goodness! Part of her forced smile actually turned genuine.

And the twirl was cute too.

"That is very sveet of you to say. Thank you. Very much." Though she didn't believe it herself, it lifted her spirits some. A little redness had returned to her cheeks, knowing full well the Headmistress was sitting just a few seats to the left of her. "I hope you haff an vonderful summer, Miss McIntyre."

She smiled at her, "Anytime, Professor. You are my favorite after all." Tay beamed at her then giggled a little. Taylor saw the redness in her cheeks and smiled even bigger. She nodded and smiled, "Thanks and I hope you do too." At that, she turned and started to skip away

No more of this place? O.... k...

"I believe, Professor Vinteren, that like our head-in-the-stars colleague, this is just her usual state..." She said rolling her eyes. Poor man, she was crushing on the unattainable professor. Nevertheless, she summoned an icecream from the kitchens, with her own special marshmallow syrup and a cherry on top... "Miss Cambridge, take this icecream back to your table and enjoy it. On me. That's an order."

Hecate sat and listened to the song. She didn't smile or seem put out, but when the child was finished she said "Well... Don't do this again..." and then added more quietly, "but thank you."

She turned feeling someone's gaze on her. "What?! I'm allowed a few nice remarks a year..." and she smirked.

"Mmmmm..." she thought looking at her. The kid was 12... that was a good age. "I'll need to speak to my husband and your parents. But it's a possibility." She said and thought how nice it would be to work in her lab while the girl could sit with the little brat...

But it was time for her to head to the Slytherin Table and give her own speech... so off she went.

Nerida smiled in her seventh year she was totally going to give Professor Lafay a hug...You know and then slowly step backwards to avoid being killed. She nodded before saying "Your welcome!" very excitedly and going to go bother another Professor plus it seemed Professor Lafay was leaving the table.