Feast.

Mweh.

Forrest tried his best to be excited and happy at the event. He tried to think of all the delicious food he was going to eat. He had no big reason to not feel down, but he did. He didn't even want to attend it. He couldn't his finger on a tangible reason, but... he took his time preparing his trunk and getting dressed for it. He was somewhat late to it, but he couldn't care less and he didn't look at who was sitting. He just sat at the closest seat to the table and played with his fork and empty plate.

Happy end of the year. Was it, though? Was it really? Alec... had no idea but he smiled a little at Brodie. It was nice of the guy to still see the positive side. "Happy end of the year to you too, mate," Mate... because they were friends now, yeah? Even if, a year ago, they were probably just two people who occasionally passed each other. And now... the smile on Alec's face widened a little. "Have you had a good year?"

Minnie was fine. Wasn't that code for... not so great? But... he wasn't going to pry and there were a number of reasons behind this. One was that... well... it was fairly obvious why she'd be upset. End of term feast. And she was graduating. And even if it was something else, the hall was too packed, and Minnie too popular right now, for them to talk properly about it. "I'm here if you need anything, yeah?"

Before he knew it, he was being hugged, which made him hug her back. And then there were words. Squeezing his eyes shut, he buried his head in her shoulder. "Hey... what are brothers for?" he said, finally pulling away, "I... that... that means a lot to me. Thanks. And you're a really awesome older sister. Thanks for all the advice... and... good luck with everything."

Alec smiled a little at the cheek!kiss, secretly hoping Ells wouldn't mind. She wouldn't, right? "I love you too, older sis. And if Ethan does anything to hurt you, I'll... erm..." Pause. He shook his head. "... I can't do anything. Just... make sure you two take care of each other, okay?"

So... the reason why Laura had been absent so much was... she was busy? "You know, if you told me this back when we were first years, I... don't think I'd have believed you. You've really grown, you know," Which was good. Nodnod. "But... I'm glad you had a great year." And what exactly were his summer plans? "Erm... I'm spending some of it with Ells," Some probably wasn't the correct word. "I got invited to a beach party, too. Wade and I are going surfing, too. What about you?"

Alec liked hair ruffles, as Curly Wade knew all too well. "That's... that's great," Nodnod. "I'm really glad! Erm... thanks for all the blanket forts." And the towel fights and all the hair advice. They really had gotten close over the year, hadn't they? "Yeah! You think we'll find the right board?"

Feeling Wade join in on the hug, Alec wrapped an arm around the other graduating badger and held onto him too. Clinging was going on. Manly clinging between three guys with awesome hair. Just saying. "So are you, Head Kitty," he said, patting both of them on the back, "Both of you." Could he keep them for another year?

His heart dropped when he saw the smile drop from Ella's face. She was okay... Alec knew exactly what that meant. Or could mean. "You want hugs, Ells?" That would help her feel better, right? Or... no. He didn't have gummy worms with him. Was he okay? "Yeah, I'm okay too." The squeezing of the hand was nice, though, and so... Alec smiled a little at her.

Super Seeker. What an AWESOME nickname. It reminded him a LOT of Superman. "That's great, Adster. I'm alright. Erm... excited to see my dad and my puppy again," Chip was awesome but seemed to be growing up a LOT without his owner in the house. Not fair, Chip.

He smiled, though, especially at Adi's enthusiasm. The boy reminded him a lot of himself as a first year. "Two and a bit months... they're going to go by quickly before you know it. Enjoy the lack of homework as much as you can?" Because there'd be lots when they got back, especially for the older badger. As for his plans... "Erm... I'm going surfing with Wade, a beach party," That his pseudo younger sister was also going to. "And... I'm spending some time with Ells. What about you?"

And... as he was talking, the Hall seemed to have been filling up. A lot. And he had hardly noticed. Small smiles and waves were given to the newcomers to the table; people like Sophs and Olly, Penguin!Kace and head tilts for Forrest... who... wasn't actually looking towards him, but seemed a little... upset? Shrug. There wasn't much to ponder on this since... the Headmistress was making her speech! He looked up towards her... and then over at Fuller momentarily before looking back at the woman speaking. What he had witnessed had seemed so weird now and yet...

... Food? Yeah? FOOD.

Anya made her way over to the Hufflepuff table. She held a present for Ella behind her back as she walked. The badger had been such a good friend in the past few years and the Lion really wanted to give her something.

She stopped a little ways away from the table and gave the Captain a little wave. Was now a good time? Because she could come back.

Plans for summer? Ella shrugged and smiled a tiny bit. "I applied for an internship, actually. Not sure I'll get it but who knows, yeah?" She was just sort of hoping to keep busy over the break what with everything going on at home. "Alec's going to come stay for a bit in July as well." She smiled a bit wider here, her excitement evident. "I bet he misses you. I hope you guys have a nice summer together." They deserved it, yeah? Ella knew that being apart given everything must have been stressful for the both of them. "You're welcome, Min. I um..have something for you but can I give it to you on the train?" She actually had something for Wade too so maybe she could do both in the Prefects' compartment. That could work.



She did want hugs. SO much. Only Alec seemed sort of busy at the moment and Ella knew she had lots of time for hugs where as the seventh years needed them more right now. "On the train? I can find you after I've made an appearance in the Prefects' compartment." And she also knew what it meant when he said he was okay so she laced their fingers and gave him a tiny smile. "I'll give you hugs later as well."

And then more people. Soph got a smile and an ethusiastic wave because Ella missed her and didn't get to see her nearly enough for her liking. They were going to hang out this summer. That was going to happen. Olly and Adi and Dylan and a few unfamiliar faces got smiles too because why not. "Hope you all have nice summers." Nod.nod.

And then the speech. WHOO BADGERS. Ella beamed a bit, feeling really proud. Her team got grins and she really hoped they were proud of how well they'd done this term because she was SO proud of them. SO PROUD.

Speaking of the team. "You okay, Forrest?" He sort of looked down in the dumps today.



And then there was an Anya-face. Ella looked up from her water goblet and smiled at the brunette, beckoning her over with a finger wiggle. "Hey, legs!" And her heart was really heavy all of the sudden. This goodbye was going to be especially bad...even if it was more of a see-you later.

Kaiden was late for the feast, as usual. He wasn't avoiding it this time though. He was just... not looking forward to it. Not wanting to say goodbye, or having to go home. He didn't want Mouse to leave, he didn't want Cool!Man Wade to leave. He didn't want to spend a whole summer way from that one girl.

Entering the great hall, the boy reached up to make sure the collar of his shirt was popped up, because of reasons. Scanning his house's table, he spotted just the people he wanted to see. 'Hey, Can I, you know..." he said squeezing in between Mouse and Seeker Sir.

Anya smiled and made her way over. Andddd without waiting for an invitation gave the blonde a hug. "Hair." she greeted with a half smirk. "I got you a little something to remember me by." she said taking a step back.

She then presented an elephant wearing a necklace. "I know it's super cliche since everyone must get you elephants... but they reminded me of you when I saw it."

Her chin might have wobbled just the tiniest bit while the hug was happening but luckily Anya had enough hair so that her face was hidden. Because the last thing Ella wanted to do was get all emotional and wibbly and make the brunette feel any worse than she might be feeling right now. Solid as a rock, that's what Ella was going to be. Maybe.

Presents? "I...but this is..." Brilliant, thoughtful, kind, lovely. "It's really nice, thank you." Ella took the elephant and gave it a squeeze before admiring the necklace, a small smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "But not everyone is you, y'know." So this elephant meant a lot because of who had given it to her. Just saying.

"You know that you're the one who should be getting gifts, right?" And the blonde smiled a little before digging around in her pocket. "We're probably like five years too old for these but I thought they were fitting." And Ella held out two necklaces. "You can take your pick."

Laura listened to Ella and smiled. "Yeah I'm pack and I can't wait." Laura totally couldn't wait to see DJ again and go down to the beach and things like that with him, plus there was the fact her sister would be at home so she couldn't avoid her like she had been doing.

Laura suddenly stopped as she thought about her sister. Had it really been six years since they had been sorted into different houses and had sort of drifted apart. "Well I just hope to have some fun this summer, I'll have DJ to keep me company he's coming over from America." Laura giggled, she seriously couldn't wait to see him.

Laura turned to Minnie and pouted again. "Can't you stay a seventh Year and then I'll stay a sixth year." Laura wondered what everyone would think if time just froze and everyone just did the same day over and over again. She had a funny feeling that she wouldn't like it one bit. "Okay so that was a silly suggestion." Laura gave her friend a massive hug.

Laura listened to Minnie and smiled. "I can do that for you Minnie." Laura smiled. After all she had no idea what her live would be like at the minute if Minnie hadn't stepped in too help her. "I promise." Laura said as she stopped hugging Minnie and just sat quietly for a few minutes trying to decide what she was going to do next.

She smiled. "Oh don't worry I'll tell him you said hi." Laura promised, it would be awesome to see the look on DJ face if she said Hi to him from Minnie, she had heard what had been said when she had first started dating DJ.

Laura looked at Alec. "Well I was mischievous back then and was getting into detention everyday nearly." Laura had no idea why she had been so bad when she was a firstie but things were changing and she was changing as well. She just hoped that she could see the Librarian before she left for the summer, if not she would speak to him next term. "Sound's like you have a great summer lined up." Laura said truthfully.

"I'm going to go home and spend some time with the family. I haven't seen my sister much." Laura wondered why Lana kept hiding in the common room but she could find out later and she would. "And then I'm going to spend time with a few friends." Laura smiled, namely DJ and Minnie and maybe a few of her old muggle friends as well.

Anya smiled. At least Ella didn't think her present was ridiculous. She was worried that the badger might. Not that she'd ever admit she didn't like it. Ella was far too nice for that.

agkljaekjghl!

A necklace for her?! "Are you kidding?!" she said overly excited. "You're never too old to be a 'part i cr`'" Yup. She really was excited about it. She hugged the badger again. "It kinda sucks were weren't like this all along."

"Same." Mostly. She knew as soon as she got home that she'd miss it here but it was sort of something she'd gotten used to, the missing one place when she was in the other. Both places were home to her now.

"He's going to visit? That's exciting." Ella smiled at Laura and fought the urge to wiggle her eyebrows. "Have fun, yeah? I bet he's missed you."

Anya was adorable, did she know? And the fact that the brunette didn't think her gift was lame made Ella feel really, really happy. And was she kidding? "I never kid about crime, Anya Phillips." Deadpan. Brows. Grin! "I guess that makes me ners n ime."

HUGS! Squeezy ones because Ella was going to miss this. She pulled away and smiled sadly at the lion, nodding her head. "We were kind of dumb not to realize what we were missing." Ellya awesomeness, helloooooo! "But better late than never, yeah?" True story.

She gave a smile, “I know you are.. You always are around when I need you. I hope you know that door goes both ways, right?” She would be there if he ever needed her. Drop of a hat she would come if needed. I know.. I know, but you are an awesome little brother and I feel like I can’t tell you that enough. I’m so going to miss hanging out so much.” She couldn’t help but frown at that thought. That was going to be the hardest part. Not having brother/sister time in the common room or pitch. Not being able to help the laugh Min shook her head, “Alec don’t worry he’s not going to do anything. If anyone screws this up it will be me.” How many times had she screwed up already… Way to many.



Minerva smiled, “I did one of those. I worked at the Daily Prophet. It was so much fun. Good luck, I know you will get one.” Of course Ella would, she was smart and hard working. “Where do you want to work?” There were a few places, didn’t Wade work at the quidditch supply store last summer. She wasn’t surprised that Alec was visiting, that was bound to happen and she loved seeing the two so happy together. “I think we will have a low key summer just making plans and getting things together, but it will be nice to be home.” That she couldn’t wait for. The blonde blinked a bit, “Oh Ella you didn’t have to do anything, but sure the train is fine.” She wasn’t prepared for anyone to have something for her. Laura had shocked her earlier, it was so sweet of them.



Minerva looked up as she heard someone ask about sitting. “Oh sure K” She smiled at him and slid down a bit. As he squeezed in between them she put him in a hug. “I was hoping you weren’t avoiding me.” They had been through stuff together and she was really going to miss him. “You better owl me, I know I won’t be in the States this summer, but once you get back over here before school starts let me know so we can go to lunch or something, alright?” She wasn’t going to lose touch, “I’ll send you some spaghetti bread next term, promise.” Of course she would if he wanted her too that was.



Minerva smiled, “We’ve been through that Laura you know I can’t.” There were plenty of reasons why she couldn’t stay a seventh year, but it was just silly and that’s exactly what Laura admitted. She gave the younger badger a hug. “Good I was hoping I could count on you.” She knew Laura would be fine next year, she had it together and would be a great seventh year. “Good I hope you two have fun this summer.” She was glad Laura was happy with DJ it was nice to see.

Anya laughed. "I guess I should have known that, Ella Bishop." she said. Partners in crime. "Well, I knew I was missing something in my life. I'm glad I finally have that special ners n ime."

Yup. She was going to miss seeing Ella everyday.

"Yeah. Better late than never." She hugged the Badger again. Mostly because she needed a hug. They helped keep her from crying. Which... was what she felt like she was going to do.

"You'll keep in touch, right?"

Brodie nodded in agreement, after all… it was home. Somewhere he was always welcome, where he could make good memories and have fun. More than he’d gotten anywhere else anyways, he loved his parents but they weren’t exactly the most caring people on the face of the planet. He looked back at her, “Yeah, it really does. Little as I like to admit it.” He didn’t want to feel like the school was his home but he loved it here. He was about to respond when he looked at her and he paused as she hugged him. He didn’t know what to say… He just hugged her back and smiled, “I just wish I had listened to you sooner.” He smiled weakly then looked around, “But I really do need to thank you. I’d probably just be a big grouch today like always if I didn’t at least try to look at it as the final night I’d have with some of the kindest people I’ve met.” He smiled at Minnie, “So even if you don’t believe I should thank you, I think you deserve it.” Brodie smiled and nodded.

He smiled and nodded slightly, “Well… Not such a happy end of the year… I mean, I’m not going to be coming back.” And that did hurt him, “But all and all… I guess it hasn’t been too bad… I mean, nothing horrid happened. And Taylor and I are speaking again so…” Brodie shrugged and looked at Alec, “I guess it’s not as bad as I had expected.” He nodded and gave a small smile, “How has yours been?”

Olly had noticed the smiles sent her way both by Alec and Ella and had even sort of returned them. See, she was being good tonight. Though she had to admit that the two older Hufflepuffs weren't that bad in the first place. For one they both tended to carry around sweets with them - and SHARED them too. And either of them was particularly obnoxious so they were good people. So they got smiles.

And then someone sat down close to her.

Sophie. "Okay." Good for her. Her name was Sophie. Olly hadn't asked so she wasn't interested either. The girl got another look though. She looked to be about her age. Sort of. Maybe a little older. Yes, well, she wasn't in their dorm so she either had to be a year older or younger than her. Simple deduction. Just out of mere boredom on Olly's part though.

Oh, look, speech. So there WAS a speech. Olly only listened half-heartedly, clapping when required and stuff. Yes, they were awesome. They all knew that. Now, food yes?

After the food had in fact arrived, her eyes almost automatically wandered over to the Gryffindor table for a moment. Hmmm......she was distracted by West walking over though. And then him and Alice went under the table. Right. That was weird. Olly stared at the spot for another two seconds or so but then simply shrugged and directed her gaze down to the food on their own table again.

Relationship things. Not really of any interest to her.