Thank Merlin.

Maddie Cooper was NOT being a Mopey McMoperson because SHE could not WAIT to get out of this prison of a school. NOT that the term had been a COMPLETE waste, she'd had a pretty good one CONSIDERING. It was just that the twelve year old was SO completely and utterly DONE with the cold that she could think of nothing better than getting on the train and getting back to her house. And okay, her brothers were the WORST and meeting their dumb girlfriends would be PAINFUL but at least it'd be WARM.

...Where WAS everyone, anyway?

It was finally here.

Dora had been counting down the days on a calender dedicated solely to her graduation and it was finally here.

The closing feast.

Finally.

The seventh year prefect sauntered into the great hall, obligatorily decked out in her school uniform and badge pinned to her chest. For the first time months she was truly excited about something. Granted she was excited about leaving, but it was SOMETHING.

She even sent a pleasant glance at the first year girl when she took her seat at the table. When would they be giving the speech?

At last, The End of Term Feast. Jasmine was so very glad that the term was coming to an end. She hoped that they would be able to get out of the castle and go home. This had been a very bittersweet year. There had been a lot of sadness for Jasmine. On a good note though, she was happy with how well she had done in her studies. Hopefully next year, her last year, would be a better one.

Reaching the Ravenclaw table, Jasmine looked for a somewhere to sit. There weren't many students there yet, so she pretty much had her pick of seats. Seeing Maddie, her Defense Against the Dark arts partner, Jasmine stopped to say hello. "Hi Maddie. How's it going? Are you ready for summer? I know I am." Jasmine couldn't wait to get home, see her family and just chill.

It was strange, but Kyroh didn't exactly know what to feel as he entered the great hall for the last feast of the term. His eyes were directed upward, staring at the enchanted ceiling that had captured his attention the first time he had ever entered the room. His first night in the hall had not been a great one. The first year had never wanted to be sorted into his house. But even through the FREEZING cold temperatures he had quickly grown to love it. And the people in it as well.

He didn't really want to leave his friends behind, the thought of it alone made him sad. BUT he wanted SO badly to see his father and mother, that he could feel the giddiness attempting to break through.

It was strange.

Shuffling the stack of books under his arm he placed them on the table before sitting down. "Hi Bodie. We didn't die this year." The first year said quietly, smile erupting on his face. So quietly it was almost a whisper. Almost. They DIDN'T. Not from the squid or from colds or from Professor Bellaire even. His eyes flickered to the female prefect who actually seemed excited, like actually. Did she realize that she wasn't coming back...like ever? Leaning over he poked her side. "Miss Dora, I have something for you."

Miss Prefect was mysterious, did she know? Maddie raised her eyebrows a bit as she locked eyes with her and then smiled a little, wondering what brought on the older girl's good mood. It had to be that she got to get out of here and be warm TOO, right? Plus she was going out into the WORLD to be free to do whatever Doras did. Truth be told, Maddie didn't know the FIRST thing about the girl but she appreciated that she could scare you without even saying a word to you. She was like Professor Bellaire in that way. Maddie was going to be that way TOO when she grew into her beauty the way her mom had. "Congratulations on graduating." That's what you were s'posed to say to someone, right?

Jazzy. This particularly older Claw was quite skilled where spells were concerned and wasn't up and LEAVING her anytime soon which was good. Maddie saw potential in this and so she smiled at her, turning slightly in her seat. "I can't wait to be warm." That was the absolute truth. "Hope they figure out a way to thaw this place properly while we're gone." And then, because she figured Jazzy had friend potential, she added, "Hope you have a nice summer."

Speaking of the f-word, there was one of her BEST friends right now.

Hiiii Kyroh. "'COURSE we didn't. Puffs go first, yeah?" Wasn't that the RULE or something? 'Sides, they had their OWN rules to follow. TOP SECRET rules that if you broke meant you got EATEN by a MONSTER or something. So NO dying allowed. "I think I might miss you this summer, Freckles." This time SHE did the whispering, as if admitting something shameful. She wasn't used to this "missing people" thing.

This one was brave, this first year girl. Dora had noticed that throughout the school year, but locking eyes with her and even raising her eyebrows? Not many did that unless they were stupid. And since she wasn't a Gryffindor, she was passing it off as brave. She returned the look with an amused one of her own. "Congratulations on surviving your first year at Hogwarts." Only six more to go. Dora was sure she'd survive them, since she sort of reminded her of herself at that age.

Kyroh's presence didn't go unnoticed by the prefect, so the poke was not necessary. Her body jerked slightly at the touch, but she otherwise wasn't as bothered as she usually was by such actions, and even leaned in a bit towards him. "What kind of something?"

What a great time to come to the table. The title he basically gave Dora at the opening Feast is still being used now. Pretty Awesome, if Nigel did say so himself and he did. Well at least he was not the first person here this time. That had become like a trend the past couple feasts. Not that he cared or anything.

By Now he was ready to eat and leave. Summer was here and he wanted to enjoy his last summer before whatever it is that comes next. Nigel nodding at Jasmine wondering if she used her potion she got from Culloden yet. He was saving his for TDK's first big show. His attention thne went to Dora and Kyroh. Hilarious the both of them.

"Well..i know someone is happy to be one step closer to home and looks like she needs a hug Kyroh"

Can't have this feast devoid of any entertain for him and Mo was not here yet for them to banter. Which was always amusing. Looks like Maddie was looking forward to the same thing he was. "What are your plans this summer, Maddie. Not plotting things for next year?"

Kyroh opened his mouth but a familiar voice caused him to pause. "Dora doesn't like hugs Nigel!" Silly buddy. Didn't he know that by now? Hadn't he known his fellow Prefect longer? Nigel WAS cool though. Besides the fact that he was his BUDDY, he was also the first person who Kyroh had met EVER at Hogwarts. "What are you going to do when you're out of school?" He asked the long haired boy. Would he go STARFISH hunting??

Oh, right, Dora gift! "A book." Smiling the first year turned to his stack of books and took up the comic book on top and pushed it toward her. It was actually in better condition than most of his other books. Sure the top right corner was slightly bent but considering the age of the comic book (he figured it was even older than Botros) it was in mint condition.

"Technically though it's a comic but still the same thing." He kicked his legs under the table, his excitement growing. "It's about this real cool superhero named Raven. And she kind of reminds me of you. She has all this power and stuff but she's still really laid back and doesn't abuse it or anything." Like PREFECT power see? " But mostly she reminds me of you cause she does this thing where things aren't always okay with her but she sort of puts people before herself." His voice wavered a bit, as the memory of what had happened in the common room that one night came back to him. So...yeah...yeah....book. She should take it.

"But I toooold you we wouldn't." Kyroh nudged her, with his elbow. Heh. He HAD said so. "Yeah! But not any of our Puff FRIENDS right?" Like Tobias, Halcyon or Noel. No he didn't want THEM to die. The others were allowed to. Kyroh leaned in closer as Maddie lowered her voice. She....Maddie. Miss him? Oh. The corner of Kyroh's lips tugged downward as he hesitated the urge to hold out his arms for a hug. Or he kind of did. For a few seconds at least. Aannnnnd then his arms were suddenly wrapped around her. "I won't miss you 'cause I'm sure you can come and visit me! You and Dima! And then we could make more plans." PLANS you know??? Take over the WORLD plans!!! Squish.

Jasmine smiled at Maddie's wanting to be warm comment. "You and me both", she replied. All she could imagine was lying on a beach somewhere ......a real beach. That would be so nice. But back to Maddie. She was a tough cookie, this one. She really handled herself well in Defense Against the Dark Arts class. Jasmine had to say that she was a very impressive first year. She would have to keep an eye on "just Maddie or Coop" because she was going places. Jasmine just had a feeling. "You have a good summer too. I'll see you next year."

After leaving Maddie, Jasmine walked over to an empty seat and sat down. She was getting hungry and hoping that it wouldn't be too long before they got some food. Knowing that that would probably not be the case, she sat back and scanned the room. Friends to say goodbye to and all.

Adi spotted Jasmine as she was speaking to the other Ravenclaw. It was time he actually spoke to Jasmine. Most of the time he only said hi to her in classes. Every single class it seemed and yet they never really hung out. Time to change that, yes?

Now reaching the Claw table, Adi took a seat next to the sixth year. "Hello. What's up?'' Why was she sitting alone? Didn't she want to be among friends?

Jasmine was lost in thought when she looked up and saw a familiar face. "Hey Adi", Jasmine said as she smiled at her friend. "Nothing much is up. I was just thinking how glad I'll be to get home. That is, if we get out of here on time. How about you? What's been up with you? Do you have plans for the summer?"

Next term Jasmine really had to venture out of the Common Room more and spend time with her friends. She hadn't really been up for much socializing lately, but September would be a new year. New year new attitude, yeah?

"No one needs a hug more than you, Nigel." She tilted her head in his direction, offering him her first smile of the feast. Seeing him in her current good mood reminded her that they needed to make roadtrip and beach plans for the summer, before everyone went off their separate ways and started with even MORE school.

Hazel-green eyes shifted back to Kyroh. "A book..." She repeated more to herself musingly. It didn't look like a book. Dora took it in her hands and appraised the glossy cover. By her own definition, this wasn't a book at all, since it seemed to have more similarities with her magazines than the countless books she owned, but she let it slide since the technicality was a small one. And the kid had grown on her.

She had started to flip through the comic book while he spoke of this Raven woman, somewhat amused at what he considered shared similarities between herself and the superwoman. It wasn't until he got to the end that she glanced back over at him with a heavy pause. Dora remembered that more clearly than she remembered others, and..... well.

"You can have a hug, if you like."

She hadn’t really been that active during the term really. Well, other than trying to avoid the cold, making potions, and studying for the NEWTs, which were now postponed. Annoying. She had wanted to FINISH them. Still she was happy. Honestly brimming with joy happy.

The prison gates had opened and it was her release day. The storm had been her judge, jury, and executioner and still she had survived. Maybe it was the tea in the kitchens that helped. It wasn’t care packages because nothing could have arrived.

Still, she was smiling, beaming even as she spotted Dora her fellow graduate. “Hey Dora!” she grinned as she found a seat at the table. Spotting Nigel she grinned over to him ”Hey Nigel, congratulations guys on you know making it to the end!” she was happy. Honestly happy.

Now where was that friend of hers?

This was a... peculiar feeling. On one hand, Dima was so excited to be going home. The professors would get them out somehow, right? And he'd get to see Dot and Angelo and his dad and his sisters and his uncles and his aunts and cousins and EVERYBODY. But on the other hand... no Kyroh. No Maddie. No Lex. No Grayson. No Lottie. No Professor Top Hat or Cupboardbin or pretty Glendower.And Nigel, Marcus Orion, Miss Dora, Olly, Ascanius, even that one Odessa kid who he'd TOTALLY taught how to high-five... they were all going to be gone.

And he wasn't really sure if school would be the same without them.

"Hi! Did someone say something about visiting?" The soon-to-be first year GRADUATE sneaked in beside his friends, cheered up again by the idea. And also by Nigel. Just 'cause he sorta exuded awesomeness and that was enough to make ANYONE happy, right? "Are we gonna starfish and make pillow forts one last time after dinner?" he asked the seventh year. Because that was sorta necessary, for the MEMORIES and stuff.

His eyes moved over everyone else there at the table... 'cept for his buddy. "Miss Dora!" Where was her boyfriend? Weren't they supposed to go everywhere together or something? "Are we friends yet?" And if Kyroh got a hug, could he have one too?!

It HAD been a whole year, after all.

Okay. Adi had noticed a change in Jasmine the last few weeks. Sure, he still got his waves at classes but she seemed to smile less and was more distracted or lost in her own world. And never been one to keep what he felt or thought inside, he asked, "What's bothering you, Jasmine?''

"I think we all can't wait to go home. I'm going to lie int he sun for a week straight!'' Hehe. Not true but maybe it would amuse his Ravenclaw friend. "I suspect I'll be fried, boiled and baked though.''

"Other than being cooked in the sun, I haven't got any plans. What about you? Are you uh...gonna go visit Cris?''

Jasmine was glad to see Adi, but then she noticed the look on his face. It was a little hard to read and then came the question. "What's bothering me?" Jasmine wasn't aware that her smile faded at that point. How could she begin to explain what was bothering her? She thought that she had gotten better at hiding it lately. Probably not. Jasmine thought that she was dealing with it better now. Obviously not. With a sigh she said, "Oh, I've been going through some things lately." That was an understatement.

Jasmine did manage a laugh when Adi said that he wanted to lie in the sun for a week. "I hear you Adi. I feel like I'll never be warm again........but I am definitely going to try. I can't wait to get to the beach. It will be good not to have to wear five layers of clothes anymore."

And then another question.......this one Jasmine couldn't avoid. "I haven't heard from Cris since he left so no, I won't be visiting him this summer." Just thinking about it made Jasmine want to cry, but she wouldn't......not here. "I'm still trying to deal with the fact that he's gone. It's been very hard. Soooo, that is what's been bothering me.". A lot.

Well at least he learned that. Though Nigel guessed even a soon to be second year was smart/clever enough not to give their Prefect surprise hugs. Oh, Well. Nigel just shrugged and smiled. Oh his future plans. For the first time in forever he did not have to come back next term in the Train. "Starfish on a beach somewhere, roadtrip, play in the band, and probably go to school." It was at least a plan. Though it could change because why not. Nothing was set in stone. Well...maybe he did need a hug. But he was not going to ask for it. "You know what they say Hugs not Ughs...and look she does want a hug"

Which was a surprising turn of events. "Hey Mika, Thanks. Got any plans now that we are not coming back to the castle?" Well some could if they become Aurors or Professors. Would not be surprising. And looks like the last one of Trio has finally made his awesome entrance. It was better late than never to tell him that Dora and Mo are not dating. Though probably won't believe me. But he tried and that plan was a pretty good plan. He had nothing planned after the feast expect getting a drink and doing nothing.. "Sounds like an awesome plan. Once last blanket fort and starfish session....and just so you know Miss Dora and Marcus Orion are not dating.Believe it or not, it is the truth"

Would be hilarious if they did. They bicker like no tomorrow. Oh, Nigel will miss that in the common room.

”Thanks. I’m not a Hufflepuff so my odds were slightly better.” The first year gave a solemn look and then shrugged her shoulders. She didn’t let the prefect know that she HAD to survive because of ruling the WORLD reasons but she figured she gave off that kind of vibe anyway, y’know? Maddie Cooper exuded potential. She was also smiling a LITTLE at the older girl but she wasn’t going to push her luck where conversation was concerned.

Jazzy was on the ‘people who could have friend potential’ list from this moment on, did she know? It was OBVIOUSLY a HUGE honor and like, Maddie felt like she was really making strides with this whole making friends thing. She TOTALLY deserved a medal or a piece of cake or something. Would there be CAKE at this feast? …Anyway. ”Yeah, definitely. Maybe next term you can help me with dueling.” Sounded tempting, right? SURE it did.

“Yeah, yeah, you TOLD me.” Maddie nudged Kyroh back and gave him a SLIGHT smile. She knew he’d been right but she wasn’t going to inflate his ego or anything, mmkay? ”Definitely not our FRIENDS. They’re safe by association or something, I think.” Did it WORK like that? The small brunette wasn’t sure but if it DID work like that, more puffs should be trying to win her over, JUST saying. O_______O And then she was being hugged. He KNEW how she felt about hugs, right? Just like SHE knew how HE felt about them but respecting people’s differences was a THING, Freckles. Maddie TRIED not to look bothered and pet her bestie awkwardly on the back before squirming her way out of the hug. What he said made her feel better, at least. ”That’d be GREAT! Maybe we can have an—“

Dima! He was here. He…wasn’t going to try and hug her like Kyroh had, RIGHT? Maybe she should sit across from them instead. Maybe. ”I was just telling Kyroh we should have an ADVENTURE this summer. Even a small one will do.” EXCITING, right? The twelve year old wasn’t exactly sure WHAT they’d be doing but she figured they should do something GREAT.

And Nigel. The Prefect with the Hair. Silly guy thinking she’d give away ALL her plans just like that. ”I couldn’t tell you if I WAS plotting something.” DUH! That’d make it NOT a secret and plots were MEANT to be secret when Maddison Cooper was involved. The first year smiled a little and added, “Why, do you have any ideas?” She was open to suggestions, y’know? No harm in getting some advice from an OLDER and WISER claw.

SPEAKING of...where was her buddy?

Well, there she was again, once more, sneaking over to the Ravenclaw table to see her friends and offer goodies. Though this time, like with everything that was happening today, it was going to be the last time. That was sad.

"Hi everyone." She smiled at Nigel and Dora and then to Maddie and Kyroh too. She lifted the larger box over their heads to place on the table, "Cannoli for everyone." Of course. She couldn't NOT bring cannoli now that she had all the other times, right? Then she moved about and stopped at Nigel to give him a hug.

She paused next to Dora and offered her a smile. She didn't know Dora as well where she would just hug attack her but she knew her well enough to know to respect her personal space. So.... "Hug?" Yes? Dora hug? C'mon.

OH! The ickles! Cat wiggled closer to Maddie and Kyroh and gave them both grins, "Hi there, cuties." They needed hugs too, yes? "I have presents for you."

Kyroh DID let go of Maddie. Or rather she wiggled out of the hug but he WOULD have let go alright? It wasn't like it was their last hug. They still had to plan OPERATION MOUSTACHE with Dima on the train!! OH Speaking of his other best friend, there he was! "A BIG adventure-" Kyroh corrected. But then stopped because, Maddie didn't LIKE to be corrected right? "But it can be small like a sleepover adventure." When they came to VISIT him. OR Diagon Alley right? There was ALWAYS Diagon Alley!

Another seventh year joined the table and Kyroh WAVED at her. Was she excited to be leaving? The more he thought about it the less sad he got.

Turning his attention back to Nigel from the girl new girl, he raised a brow. BACK to school? Pssh. That wasn't the cool part. "When your band starts having concerts can I be your special VIP guest?" THAT meant that he could do whatever he wanted and listen to their music AND help Vesper if she needed any piano help because she had taught him some melodies and everything!!

He hadn't really expected anything from Miss Dora. He just wanted her to be happy, y'know? And if she didn't like the comic that was okay too because not EVERYONE liked comics. But as she spoke again his eyes widened. He PROBABLY should have jumped up right then and given her the hug before she changed her mind. But...it was DORA so he was still hesitant before he wrapped his arms around her. "Thank you for teaching me how to fly and EVERYTHING." The hug was PRETTY quick, mostly because Cat had arrived and Kyroh's attention focused on in HER.

"Hi Cat the person, not a real cat." SMILE FOR HER! "A present??" That grabbed his attention way before the Cannoli's.

"Hey, Mika. Got big post-graduation plans?" Dora smiled at her dormmate. If she were going to admit to missing anything, it was getting to live with the people she did during her time here. She truly did have the best housemates.

Speaking of, where was Mo?

Her eyes roamed around for her friend, a small shrug rolling off her shoulders at the words of the firstie girl. "Slightly, but not that much. You're still very young." But she had a fight in her, and Dora was sure she wouldn't have died even if she did get sorted Hufflepuff. Leaning in slightly, she held Maddie's gaze again, briefly gesturing to Kyroh. "Keep him and the other one close, yeah? They're Ravenclaws, but they're also boys and tend to lean toward the stupid side."

It wasn't often that Dora offered hugs up to people who didn't have unspoken permission to hug her freely, but she was being supremely generous today, and she also had grown a bit fond of the Little Scab. She wrapped her arms around him in return for a proper hug. "Anytime." Heavy pause. "Thanks for that night." She'd never thanked him, but in the end she had been glad he was around. It helped somehow.

"We're friends, Dmitriy." She turned her eyes to the table's newest occupant. Merlin, when did she get to be surrounded by little ones? And why was Nigel ruining all her fun. She shoot him a look that was betrayed by the amusement in her eyes. "Nigel, I can't believe you. Marcus Orion and I wanted to sit him down and break the news to him together." Except Mo wasn't around.

But his girlfriend was.

Dora smiled up at her and gratefully took one of the cannolis. "Thanks, Cat." She wanted a hug? Dora could do that. She put down the treat, and wiggled out of her seat to give the girl a hug. Cause friends and all.

She didn't even need to ask for one now.

Lux had decided to swing by the Ravenclaw table for a bit so that she could say hi to her friends in that House. Some of them would be Graduating, but some of them she would be seeing again next term.

Skipping over, she was happy to see Mika. Yaaay, Mika was awesome! Beaming, Lux gave the older girl a hug. "Hello! It's good to see you again. Do you really have to Graduate?" Because if not that would be amazing.

Spotting Jasmine, Lux gave her friend a warm smile and a friendly wave.

Jasmine smiled when Maddie suggested she might help her with dueling next year. "Sure, I can do that. I'll help you and you'll help me by giving me more opportunity to practice. Sounds like a win win situation to me." Jasmine was liking this little Ravenclaw more and more. She was already planning ahead. "You just let me know when you want to practice." Yes, this would be very interesting.

Jasmine noticed Lux walk over to the Ravenclaw table and wave. Waving back, she smiled back at her young friend. If Jasmine could be half as perky as Lux, she'd be in good shape.

Thiiiiiiis was the last entrance. The grand entrance. The entrance with a Sophie on his back. Mo galloped through the doors, adjusting the not-really-but-just-slightly-too-big-for-this third year as he headed toward the Ravenclaw table.

Ravenclaw was where it was AT. At least for a few more hours, and then it was at the train. And then it was at... his house. And then who knew?

"Ready for this, baby bird? Your admirers await."