West had need to take a bathroom break... because there had been something in his eye after doing the memory book entry. No other reason. Yeah. No. He was fine. Staunch and manly. No problems.

He re-entered the Great Hall, impeccably dressed in his uniform. It'd be the last time he ever wore it so he wanted to make it count. Slytherin pride, but more than that, Hogwarts pride. It was a thing.

West paused just inside the doorway and surveyed the Great Hall, reflecting on the first time he'd been here.

"I'm a SLYTHERIN!"

"I'm West Odessa, and I AM A SLYTHERIN LIKE MY DAD AND LIKE SIERRA GREINGOTH AND THE MINISTER OF MAGIC!"

"I'm REAL happy. This is going to be the BEST ever year. And then six MORE best ever years."

.... Merlin.

It was really over, wasn't it?

It was one of Botros' many, many bathroom breaks. And not because there was something in his eye, but because he had an eighty years old bladder. Someone was in the one in the backroom of the Great hall and so he decided to just peek into the student's one outside.

He wasn't visible as he walked across the Great Hall because he took the route by the wall, but when he did reached the door he was surprised to see West standing there, a somewhat distant look in his eyes. Ab's face broke into a soft smile as he grabbed the boy's shoulder and squeezed, "You alright there?"

Oh Merlin's Beard, the Slytherin was taller than him now, taller! He was a squeaking bony kid when he started teaching him. Like all his students before him. This was the happy and proud moment for Ab, the minute he realized he'd just watched another student become of age and ready to take on life on their own.

West was startled out of his reverie and he turned to look at the man who had become his all time favourite professor. A smile broke over West's face and he nodded. Okay so maybe he was taller now, but it still felt like he was looking up to him, y'know?

"I think so. I just... its sort of all starting to sink in. I'm leaving and I'm not sure if I know who I am if I'm not here. S'part of who I am, this place. The good and the bad of it." Yeah. West chewed his lip for a moment and then smiled again. "Bet you'll miss me, Sir." Grin. Putting on a brave face over here. Yep.

Botros nodded at that Hogwarts felt like a part of West. He got that, he'd heard it from the others, too. "That's because you haven't been somewhere else yet." So his concern about knowing who he was wasn't unnatural. "This castle, it gave you the most it could have given to prepare you for when you're out there. I'd like to believe that you have the perfect ground to build on new experiences and make good life decisions."

"I will miss your presence in the classroom, but I sure hope you won't make me miss you, boy." He chuckled, giving him a playful frown and a poke in the head. "I've been doing this a long time, and it was very hard in the beginning but when I saw my students blossom and shine, grow bigger and more influential outside, I am glad we let them out, it is worth it." So, yes, he was waiting for letters and future accolades that Odessa was most likely going to earn in his life.

Besides, West was still welcome in his manor in Egypt Easter time.

West listened and nodded. Yeah well, hopefully he wouldn't mess up too badly on the outside yeah? Couldn't be worse than what had happened here at least. Hopefully better though.

"Nah. I'll visit. I promise. And write." West grinned. Definitely. But still.... he'd still really miss the old man. Really. His smile faded just a bit as he thought about it and then all of a sudden he wrapped his arms around Botros in a hug, not even caring if people stared.

"I'm counti--" Botros started to reply but was cut off by the somewhat sad and somewhat serious expression that passed over Odessa's face before he wrapped his arms around the elderly man. Ab smiled and hugged the kid back (eighteen years old WAS still kid to the eighty years old man), his hand patting his back all manly like. "It's alright to make mistakes, son." He told him when they were this close, an advice from the heart because Botros had a strong impression that this particular Slytherin beat himself up too much and too often. He was a kid, he should be allowed mistakes, like the case with the rest of his peers.

Y'know that wasn't something that people said to him all that often? That it was okay to get things wrong? Merlin. And it was kind of exactly what West needed to hear right then. Botros always did that, say the exact right thing. West didn't acknowledge the words out loud... but they really and truly sunk in.

After a few moments of manly back patting hugs, West pulled away and smiled bravely.

"Want for me to escort you to your seat, sir?"

Botros was smiling widely when he let go of West. "What, you think your long legs could take us there faster? I'm still in my youth." He playfully rapped on his chest, naturally causing him to go in a fit of coughs. "Guess not. Okay, yes." The grin made his wrinkly face look less old. "Maybe our bathroom will be cleared out by now." He added in hopeful tone, not wanting to deal with the staircases today.

"They might be able to." Ridiculous long skinny legs. West was usually glad they were covered up by trousers and robes both, and today was no exception. He watched in mild concern at the coughing and patted the old man's back before offering his arm.

"Alright then, lets go." He led the way, walking arm in arm with his favourite professor and lending him as much of his strength and support... just like the old man had been doing for him all these years.

Obviously it has warmed enough outside to stop the mysterious snow from falling in the Great Hall. If you peek out the windows and crane your neck, you may even be able to see melting icicles and REAL SUNSHINE radiating from Hogsmeade. Cheer up, it's almost time to leave this wintry castle!