There were macaroons at the gryffie table; Justine had spotted them all the way from the Ravenclaw table and like a moth to a flame she had gravitated toward them without a single thought. Sadly they seemed to be on the wrong on the table and though her arms were long, she couldn’t quite reach it. Hm. Problematic, more so than it could be. She needed to ask a gryffie, but she couldn’t see Connor, nor the blond hair that signaled Zander Adair’s presence.. And Hale was still totally missing it seemed.

Oh, maybe Cinna was around? Jus was fond of the young girl and she had meant to stop by to say goodbye anyway...

Things had seemed to sped towards a screaching halt once the fairy tale book had been found and dealt with. The next thing Benny knew it was the end of term feast and the Gryffindor was making his way downstairs to the Great Hall for one last hurrah before the train and summer break. Entering through the doors and heading towards the lion table, the fourth year was someone surprised to see he was like the first one there. Well first on actually a Gryffindor.

There was an older Ravenclaw girl there.

"Hey," he greeted simply as he took a random seat on a bench at one side. HIs gaze then passing among the rest of the hall to try and see what and who else was there. The familiar form of Adi noticable there at the Badger table.

Right. Here goes. Plan in action. He was doing this and it was going to be glorious. He attempted to push all thoughts of Clara (and Eden, actually... Girls were so complicated and he wasn’t sure what to do) out of his head, so he could focus on being fabulous. He was doing this for Ruby, mainly. He hadn’t been around to stand up for her at the opening feast, but he was here to make a statement now. About clothing regulations, uniform codes and so many detentions over the length of a skirt. It hadn’t crossed his mind, of course, that part of the detention thing might have been the cheek she’d given out, but that didn’t matter. Because here was Phoenix.

Wearing the exact same outfit Ruby had been wearing at the opening feast.

He braced himself in the entrance hall, sweeping his straightened (but already beginning to curl again) hair behind his shoulder and checking his lipgloss in a pocket mirror, then strutted into the Great Hall.

The skirt - though it fit Ruby - looked much shorter on Phoenix, thanks to his gangly sparrow legs (which he had shaved, by the way. He was all about the full effect.) And the shirt was not quite as filled at the front, but he had made sure to leave the exact same amount of buttons undone as Ruby had at the start of term, and his tie - the only item of clothing he was wearing that actually belonged to him and not Ruby - was loosely tied just below the last open button.

“Good evening Hogwarts!” he called, standing momentarily on the bench and twirling a little before he took his seat. A seat with a couple of empty ones next to it so he could sprawl a bit, showing off his lanky legs and the cute little shoes that went with this outfit.

The outfit that he kind of loved.

To be honest, there was no ‘kind of’ about it. He totally rocked this look.

Oh yeah. Adi had noticed all that excitement at the Gryffindor Table from the Slytherins. He was still highly amused as he was making his way over there now. "Yo, Benny,'' he greeted, taking a seat next to his best friend and trying hard not to start laughing again. He had done a lot of that at the Slytherin Table.

"What's up?" the Hufflepuff asked, looking around at the others seated at the Table. Just a Ravenclaw girl (Justine) and the... weird one (Phoenix). LOL. "Hi,'' Adi said to them both. And where were AJ and Angelfish?

Well there was a Gryffindor who came to the table and made their presence known.

A lion boy...

in a skirt...

correction, the whole girl school outfit and look.

o_0

Was Benny the only one in shock at the slightly older boy's appearance? Especially as said housemate decided to climb on one of the benchs and make it a whole specticle with a greeting for the whole school. Yeah, he would be beet red if he had even gotten up enough courage to anything like that. Angel would be more likely to do it...in reverse of course. Speaking of which, the fourth year didn't see her, or her sister for that matter.

But he did see Adi as the Hufflepuff came over to the table. "Hey Adi," he said, returning the greeting before shruging. The evening was already starting out on a weird note.

The end of the term feast? Last time it had been rather... Impersonal for reasons. Reasons like the fact that he didn't really know any of the graduating seventh years and he knew for a fact that his friends were all going to be back the next term. Had he known that Beautiful Bentley was leaving, it would have been a different story entirely. However, he didn't know, so the feast was just like any other. Long and tiring, with lots of good food.

This time was different though. He didn't really know what to expect. All together the term was less than mediocre so from one side he really did want it to end. But, on the other end of things there was Lotus and Justine and Bay and Lex.

This was dumb. His mind was being dumb. You know what, maybe it was finally time to learn how to 'scry'. And with that in mind and NOT the rest of the stuff that was trying to push it's way through, Zander made his way over to the Gryffindor sending waves towards Benny and Adi--- O____________O Was that guy wearing... a skirt? Uh. NO WAIT THIS WAS IT, he was going to think about this thing instead of thinking about the dumb things. Right. Now, as long as he avoided the seventh years this feast would be a piece of--

"Justine?" he was not prepared for this so early on. So much for the game plan.

David had been wandering around the school and grounds most of the day, just trying to keep himself occupied until it was time for the feast. The term had been pretty good (when he wasn't studying, at least), but he was still looking forward to summer. Who wouldn't, really? Way more free time without homework and OWLs and all that boring stuff.

Finally the time for the feast arrived, so he headed to the Great Hall - and his attention was immediately grabbed by Phoenix.

Suddenly this feast was pretty awesome.

Amused, David slipped into an empty spot across from his dormmate and said, "Mate, what are you wearing?" And also why? Not that he always needed a reason, but the sixteen-year-old figured there might be one for this.

It was ALWAYS the Gryffindors who had to make a mess in her Hall. ALWAYS. First with Cambridge ruining a meal with her "Queen of Evil" routine this redhead wasn't entirely convinced a book was to blame and now with this cross-dressing thing. It was a BLATANT VIOLATION of the school dress code and Headmistress Truebridge was NOT going to stand for it.

She was not going to stand up on a bench and not stand for it, but she WAS going to have a word with this lad.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JustAlice

“Good evening Hogwarts!” he called, standing momentarily on the bench and twirling a little before he took his seat. A seat with a couple of empty ones next to it so he could sprawl a bit, showing off his lanky legs and the cute little shoes that went with this outfit.

The outfit that he kind of loved.

To be honest, there was no ‘kind of’ about it. He totally rocked this look.

"No." The Headmistress had stopped plainly behind the boy, who was now sitting and hiding those ugly, scrawny twig legs, thank Merlin. She tapped him on the shoulder to make certain she had his attention. "No, Mister Toros, is it? It will NOT be a good evening until you leave this Hall, change, and return in proper uniform attire."

Or else he could just STAY up in his dorm. GOOD EVENING TO HIM INDEED!

So there were waves and smiles all round, but the only one Phoenix was really paying attention to right now was Ruby. He caught her eye, and noticed as she mouthed thank you. He replied with 'Any time' then turned back in his seat, tugging a little on the ends of his hair as it blatantly defied gravity in its desperation to curl again.

Suddenly he wasn't as bubbly as he'd been when he'd walked into the room... He'd got over the initial excitement of his 'statement' and was struggling to push away less-desirable feelings.

And then David was here. Awesome!

"Oh, hey." Phoenix gave his dormmate a grin. "Uh, Ruby's uniform."

...

As for... why... which he was sure the guy was wondering. "Just... making a statement." He'd actually forgotten what the statement was... something about sexism.

Oh.

Right.

Okay.

Happy face plastered back on.

"Well... this is Hogwarts uniform, Professor." He performed some kind of feat of contortion to show her the Madame Malkin's label. "Is there any particular reason I can't wear it?"

OR WAS SHE JUST REPRESSING HIM?

CLOTHING DID NOT HAVE TO BE GENDER SPECIFIC, PEOPLE.

WHY COULDN'T HE WEAR A SKIRT?

HMMMM?

...

Hang on... had that been the point of this?

Quote:

Originally Posted by JustAlice

Oh.

Right.

Okay.

Happy face plastered back on.

"Well... this is Hogwarts uniform, Professor." He performed some kind of feat of contortion to show her the Madame Malkin's label. "Is there any particular reason I can't wear it?"

OR WAS SHE JUST REPRESSING HIM?

CLOTHING DID NOT HAVE TO BE GENDER SPECIFIC, PEOPLE.

WHY COULDN'T HE WEAR A SKIRT?

HMMMM?

...

Hang on... had that been the point of this?

"BECAUSE," the Headmistress had this answer SO READY AND PREPARED in her mind that it took quite a bit of self-control to NOT just explode in a senseless rage on the boy. But honestly, school uniforms? THAT was the format he chose for his rebellion? That was suchhhhhhh a cliche.

But back to the boy's question. "BECAUSE," she repeated after only a millisecond's pause, "it is not the PROPER uniform attire for a YOUNG MAN, as per Hogwarts' school charter, founding documents, and student handbook. You received a letter informing you of your PROPER REQUIRED UNIFORM ATTIRE upon your admission to this PRIVATE school, need I remind you, and by accepting your admission to Hogwarts and ATTENDING here, you AGREE to abide by all school rules and policies put in place by the Hogwarts Head and Board of Governors."

She took a deep breath, exhaled it slowly, and just POINTED at the door. "You will change or you will not be joining us at the feast tonight. Thank you."

Oh YES. He'd FORGOTTEN this school was stuck in the DARK AGES. "Well, Professor, I really don't mean any disrespect but this is 2085, the school should update it's rules. Some boys like to wear skirts... and if that's the only reason it's a violation then my friend shouldn't have been given so many detentions for wearing the same thing." Loyalty. That was what was spurring him on right now, because he had considered not doing this and avoiding the feast altogether, but it was his loyalty for Ruby that had given him the push he needed. But he stood up anyway. Part of him was really glad he wouldn't be completely expected to return... cause he didn't really want to look over at the Ravenclaw table.

He waggled his hips a little as he took a few steps towards the doors, then paused. "Plus... this school is in Scotland. Men in skirts is kind of a tradition." He'd have to wear a kilt next time.

...

Now he was really curious as to whether he'd be allowed to wear a kilt here. Hm. Probably best not to ask. So he just sauntered in the direction of the doors, slightly quicker than he might have done if he didn't feel the need to get out of the eyeline of the Ravenclaw table...

Quote:

Originally Posted by JustAlice

Oh YES. He'd FORGOTTEN this school was stuck in the DARK AGES. "Well, Professor, I really don't mean any disrespect but this is 2085, the school should update it's rules. Some boys like to wear skirts... and if that's the only reason it's a violation then my friend shouldn't have been given so many detentions for wearing the same thing." Loyalty. That was what was spurring him on right now, because he had considered not doing this and avoiding the feast altogether, but it was his loyalty for Ruby that had given him the push he needed. But he stood up anyway. Part of him was really glad he wouldn't be completely expected to return... cause he didn't really want to look over at the Ravenclaw table.

He waggled his hips a little as he took a few steps towards the doors, then paused. "Plus... this school is in Scotland. Men in skirts is kind of a tradition." He'd have to wear a kilt next time.

...

Now he was really curious as to whether he'd be allowed to wear a kilt here. Hm. Probably not best to ask. So he just sauntered in the direction of the doors, slightly quicker than he might have done if he didn't feel the need to get out of the eyeline of the Ravenclaw table...

....

"It's nice that you have opinions, but I didn't ask for them." The Headmistress was done being shouty now, at least, as she coldly folded her arms across her chest. "I did not make this rule nor did I give your friend the detentions, but I would be happy to give you the same punishment if that would ease your mind."

Oh, no? Was he leaving then? She couldn't just NOT address the snark about Scotland though.

"We had a groundskeeper who frequently wore kilts!" Anastasia defended the memory of the dear, brave, amazing Alistaire Firth. That man hadn't had the scaly legs of an ostrich, either, but that was beside the point. The point was, rules were rules and she had to enforce them.

Besides, all the students should be wearing pants or long-ish shorts in her opinion, especially some of these girls. This kid could take it up with the Board of Governors but NOT RIGHT NOW and NOT AT HER FEAST. Hmmph!

She didn't ask for his opinions? Well HE didn't ask to be REPRESSED.

Though, as he had to remind himself one last time, that was not what this was about. He just had a lot of feelings about clothes.

And that? That was basically a confirmation that kilts were okay.

Shame he wasn't Scottish, and was probably too skinny to pull one off.

ANYWAY...

He was gone.

And he probably wasn't going to come back. He sent a quick salute to Ruby on the way out before trudging back up to the common room. Wishing he could be at home already.

Ruby's uniform, making a statement. That was interesting. And David would have asked more, but suddenly the Headmistress was there to talk to Phoenix soooo David kept his mouth shut. Plus Phoenix was handling himself just fine, so David was here just for moral support. Or something.

...

But it ended up not really going well because Phoenix had left. Oh. Umm...should he go after him or...??

He'd be back though probably. Maybe? There was still awhile until the actual feast part, so plenty of time. And if not, then David could at least take him some food. After he'd eaten too of course.

Yes, good plan.

It was wise of the boy to NOT sass back anymore, really, because Anastasia did not feel like wearing her hand out writing detentions tonight. So, with a sharp *eyeing* of the other Gryffindors just sitting there, and Adi, the Headmistress turned on her heel and stalked back to the staff table.

This WOULD BE a QUIET QUITE A feast. Ahem.

The way Heather saw it, it was summer already which meant that the Headmistress really had no say over what they wore. Not that she agreed with the fellow Gryffindor now stomping away from the table, males actually had zero business wearing skirts, but other than that, everyone should get to wear what they wanted. So that was why she'd decided to dress up for this feast.

How did these things work now? Like the opening feast where there was food and a speech?

Jordan had a certain type of swagger the day of the feast. He was in rare form as he had enough energy to last him through the next week. As he was waking up earlier today he thought to himself Yes!!! Finally the Feast is here. Jordan was ready to see all of his friends and go to town on the Hogwarts food. That and the start of the year feast were his two favorite events at Hogwarts, even above the sporting events.

As Jordan walked in there was no doubt to where he'd be going first, the best house in Hogwarts, The Gryffindor Table. Jordan shouted "GRYFFINDOR BEST HOUSE EVER, WHADDUP Y'ALL?!" Jordan got weird looks from people at other house tables, especially Slytherin. However Jordan was one of those kids that just didn't care enough to worry about anyone else besides himself, his family, and his friends.

However, he quickly realized that the Hall was dead silent due to some heated tensions between a strange student who is a male and decided to wear a kilt to the feast. As we now know, this was against school rules. You could call Jordy obnoxious, loud, strange, but Jordy still didn't give a Merlin's Beard.

Justine had politely nodded to both of the Gryffindor underclassmen, yes they seemed perfectly nice, but she wasn't in much of a mood to socialize unnecessarily. Basically, she wanted to speak to the few people she did care about and avoid the rest.

She was just giving up on the macaroons when she heard her name being called and turned to the source. "Zander, hello, may I sit? I want to get some of those macaroons... " Justine said, not waiting for the boy to reply before taking the seat next to him. "would you be a darling and pass them to me?" She asked, leaning closer than necessary to the easily startled boy and giving him a soft, but flirtatious smile.

Yes, yes, she ought to be easy on the boy, but she couldn't help teasing him, he was just so adorable... Honestly, if he'd been a few years older she would have teased him much, much more.

To be perfectly honest, she actually waited until the Headmistress was done talking with... who she thought was Firth's ghost, because of the skirt, and then proceeded to take a seat on the one and only table that she'd feel comfortable in.The Gryffindor table.

There was literally nowhere else she'd rather be, while in the Great Hall, that is. Always with the winners. And her best friend, of course.

No idea as to why the Headmistress was here or why the boy left, but since she didn't care, then it was all good. All she had to do was wait until the food was served and that's it. Tomorrow was so close and yet so far away, she wanted it now.

Her eyes landed on Zander for a moment, she'll thank him later for taking care of Marshmallow, she wouldn't have been able to pack if it hadn't been for his help. Such a sweet boy. She'll miss him. Greatly. And she hoped he'll keep out of trouble as much as he could the next few years. Though perhaps the odds of that happening were quite slim.

Still processing the odd scene that he'd slipped past at the entrance of the Great Hall, Toby stood amidst the four house tables and looked around, casually assessing the room, seeking out one student (well, graduate) in particular. He automatically checked the Hufflepuff table first, though didn't really expect to see her there. Toby's second guess was right, though, because here at the Gryffindor table sat Lotus Wisteria.

With a little smile on his face, Toby headed on over to the seventh year, twirling a specially made origami white rose between his index finger and thumb. He tapped on her shoulder once he reached her, just in case she'd not noticed him yet.

"Lottie," was all he said, positively beaming at her. Because she'd made it! Freedom!

Alexa had been watching everything with detached interest from the moment she got to the Gryffindor table. Phoenix was wearing a skirt and the Headmistress didn't appreciate it. Nothing to do flips about or bounce in her seat. No. Only important thing was the train tomorrow and the LAST time she would spend her birthday on a train.

When it was no longer enough to keep her interest, Lex looked across the Great Hall to the memory book where Lottie was doing her signing now. Maybe she'd ask her what she wrote. Later.

She grinned as Lottie took the seat next to her. "Thought this night would never come, like the book rigged time or something." But it was HERE and the Gryffindor was in the absolute best mood of the entire term. "Alice, Cassia and Louisa said they'd be at the station when I get there--I trust Tag'll be there too?" There was literally so much to look forward to tomorrow. It was a big deal, not like some kid that wanted to explore his feminine side. That could happen any time at Hogwarts.

Also, she was just REALLY excited. Could you tell? Oh and look, there was Toby and a white rose and HI.

Angel was just sat on her own away from her boyfriend Benny because she wanted to sit on her own and relax, she had been working hard this term and she wanted to see Professor Flamsteed but she wasn't allowed to yet and this end of the table was closest to the staff table for when she would be allowed.

Angel was totally shocked that she had got all those points, though she was still upset about losing them when she had heard her sister had done a lot worse and got nothing though she wasn't going to mention that to anyone, her sister was like a cat and had 9 lives... well it seemed she always got away with things even when they were at Primary School together.

Angel had enjoyed this term... though she was wondering what had happened to the book after she had left the Library and the restricted section... it had been amazing being allowed in that section, the books though did look a bit scary and that fairy-tale book was just weird.

Angel just sat there, facing the staff table, praying that the head would give her speech before long... she really wanted to speak to Professor Flamsteed if she could and if he wasn't very busy.

Adi continued to watch the dude in the female uniform in amusement. Oh Merlin! It was so funny. But of course it wasn't funny to the Headmistress. He continued to watch as she descended on the guy, demanding that he change into his rightful attire. And the dude was sassing the Head. O__O He was a gutsy one.

The Hufflepuff gave the woman a smile when she caught his eye before turning back to Benny. "So, how's it going? Have you seen AJ? How long more do you reckon before the speech? Anything planned for the summer? Planning on becoming a dragon at all?" QUESTIONS, QUESTIONS for you Benjamin Finnigan Atreyu, since you talked so little and Adi was determined not to be the one dominating the conversation this time. Ohhh! Zander the Weird! Haaaaai! Adi waved back. "Did you get that pet?'' he asked. He couldn't quite remember if Zander had gotten that cat.

And what was with that SHOUTING?!

The Hufflepuff looked around at the sound of the loud but slightly familiar voice. New friend Jordy! He could be THAT loud? He didn't seem the type from what Adi had gathered at the Gobstones Viewing Area. "Jordy!'' he called. "Enjoying the attention?'' That last bit was a joke of course. Hehe.

"YOU BET CHA YOUR CAULDRON I AM!" Jordan shouted back at Adi as he noticed his new friend was joking with him.

Jordan went over him to say hi and what not because he wasn't really sitting by him. "Hey Adi, how are you doing?" As Jordy settled down a bit and not exactly yelling anymore.