Dora kept one eye on Cutty and one eye on her FAVORITE PERSON. Not her crush, her adoptive big brother more like. Because ewww. Boys were dumb.

Yeah? YEAH? ... wait a minute. That was all? Dora felt an urge to lunge across the table and attack, but she stayed in her seat. For now. Giving him the stink eye again she smiled acidly. "Maybe you should apologize then." Like now.

And then back to Zander. Full attention for him. She listened to him quietly and finally gave a nod. "I'd like that. I'll write Sophie, too. You guys made my first year at Hogwarts a lot better. And I want to thank you for always having my back." Could she have hugs now???

Oww. Benny made a fake grimmace at the poke in his side. "That is the positive way to look at it." And it was probably a good thing they had been talking all about that type of stuff. But there was also matters that brought some anxiety before that too. He looked away for a moment to take in the arriving others, not aware of his boyfriend's intentions until he felt the lift of his hand and turned just as Adi kissed it.

Cue the slight reddening of his face and pointed look at Adi.

Oh he was being congradulated, by Candice, whom he noticed sitting vaguely by Angel. Yes...he saw that weak smile sent his way by his ex-girlfriend. "Thank you, Candice," he responded to his younger housemate with a small smile of his own. He could manage to be extra cheerful for the feast he supposed. Especially when he was of the belief Adi would likely teasingly torment him if he didn't.

Back to Cinna who was also jumping on the mixed feelings bandwagon while trying to be upbeat. Was he still red? Did she notice? Cause there was more chances he was going red during this feast. It wouldn't surprise him. At least the badger beside him hadn't decided to take a move from Cutty....yet. "Yep...more fun things on the way," he mused just as the other lion seemed to be on her way to others at the table.

Soon enough Botros was standing up for the speak and Benny was doing his best to pay full attention on the headmaster. Was he missing something...was there something going on with the older man? The seventh year didn't get much time to think on it because he suddenly heard his name and froze. "Wait...what?" Cue Gryffindor listening extra carefully though still in complete shock as it registered in his brain what his name had been called in connection with and what it meant.

Norah was awfully quiet. Had he done this wrong? Oh no he knew he was supposed to wait till they were alone. He knew he shouldn’t have asked her this at the table. Yoongi poured in some more water, he definitely needed to go to the bathroom soon if he kept drinking like this and hoped she didn’t feel pressured. What if she thought that he had asked her out in a crowded room so that she couldn’t say no? He would totally be fine if she did say no , yup….toooootally fine …yup.

Still, he wished she would say something at least and when she finally did his heart skipped a beat. Uh. That wasn’t good right? That sounded like a ‘uh, I need to think about it’ and then she would never want to be friends again. But then she continued talking and he stared at her. “A date?” he asked as he watched her cheeks get red. Did she think…no but wait… he had asked her out on a date hadn’t he? He wished he had been more…himself when he had asked her to do something over the summer though. “Uhm…” he smiled suddenly. “Yes, it’s a date” Merlin’s Beard he had a date! He had done it! This wasn’t the first time he had asked a girl out though but that was in Charms school….and it had failed. Since then he had been scared of being rejected again. But he had succeeded now, he was AWESOME!

“I always have great ideas” he said, slowly coming back to his original self. He felt relieved now that the Hufflepuff had accepted and his eyes looked at Zander and cast him a ‘stop grinning like that’ glare before he turned back to Norah. Was she….doubting? Yoongi raised his eyebrows in the air. “Duh” he said and poked her arm. “Of course you, who else?” He had asked HER out, not the person sitting beside her had he not?

As the speech began and the room fell quiet, Yoongi turned his head to look over at the staff table. He grinned when he saw professor Myers and he kind of wanted to tell him that he had succeeded in asking Norah out. But that would be …weird, especially now , ah he’ll find out somehow. He hadn’t really paid attention to what the Headmaster was saying about the winning students although he did clap for them when everyone else did. But one thing he did notice was that the Headmaster seemed a bit off tonight. Perhaps he was simply tired or hungry. He knew he was hungry and so when the speech ended and the food appeared on the table, Yoongi grabbed a bowl and poured in some vegetable soup. “You want some?” he asked Norah.

So Heather had been here the whole time. Just, she'd been quieter and more subdued this evening, her last in the castle. Taking it all in and making sure it was planted firmly in her memory.

The Headmaster's traditional speech had gotten all her attention, though. And was it just her or did he seem a little......off? Like, he was struggling with his words and stuff? "Okay, who did what to Headmaster Botros?" Because clearly this was more than just old age. Bad things happen at Hogwarts, okay, and they were WAY past due for bad things happening. This term had to be some kind of record. Merlin. Anyway.

And there went quiet and subdued.

Damien's attention had been on Zander and Cutty, or Zutty as he was sure the young people would be calling them soon enough and he didn't notice the way Cinna was regarding him, if he had, he might have shirked away from the brunette. It was still... Weary, still certain that she'd use that barbed tongue of hers to slice him up in involvement with the chamber last year.

"I should have guessed- That day in the bathroom, should have been my first hint." Damien said, grinning at Cutty, and cracking up as Zander began to brush off the comments only to be cut off. Man, he was going to miss this something fierce, he had to make plans with both boys for the three of them to hang out this summer.

He glanced over at the sudden feeling of someone beside him and almost flinched when it ended up being Cinna. "Uh.... Last term.. " Damien felt a pit in his stomach, but he brushed it away. Now or never, he supposed. "Yeah, yeah, go ahead.... What.. About last term?" Damien asked, not letting his fears get the best of him.

Having recovered Pebbles unscratched, quite the accomplishment given the tumble she had just taken, Airey arrived at the Gryffindor table looking mostly put together. A few of his badges were not perfectly lined up, but the man was ironically no longer occupied with everything being in its proper place.

Save for Miss Xanthopoulos being out of uniform. Again? Again.

"Robes, Miss Xanthopoulos," he reminded her quietly with a raised brow. AND he said it RIGHT this time. Taken the man long enough, sweet solstice.

But he had not come all the way, or fallen and crawled away in terror as the case may be, to reprimand students on their out of uniform attire. This was an evening to celebrate and Gryffindor had MUCH to do so about.

Starting with...


"CONGRATULATIONS GRYFFINDOR ON ANOTHER HOUSE CUP VICTORY!" the Head of House's voice boomed as he stood atop the table towards the front, taking EXTRA special care not to knock anything over nor step in someone's food. "You all have made myself and Pebbles very proud this term, but more importantly I hope you made yourselves proud." And if they hadn't, there was their goal for next year. Whether or not they would be returning to Hogwarts. A goal in life. "Fortunately," he continued. "...and I say fortunate because there is nothing unfortunate about those that must leave us to take the next step towards their future, we are also here to celebrate our graduates. Change may be scary for some of you..." And some he KNEW could not WAIT to get out of the castle. "...but change is a process essential for all of existence. So I raise my...er..." He bent down and grabbed a random goblet from the table. Hopefully it hadn't belonged to anyone. "...I raise my goblet to each and everyone of you. To the Class of 2088, live long...and prosper!"

CHEERS!


Hopefully there was something worth drinking in this goblet....preferably not pumpkin juice.

And maybe he should get off the table now, yes? Yes. He needed to find a few specific students as well as make his final well wishing rounds.

Merlin, her face lit up like a Christmas tree, didn't it? He chuckled. "True," he grinned. Though it was much more than just the chocolate he enjoyed. The cards were almost even the main reason why he kept buying them. Ahem. But he had spent all his money on something else this time so he hadn't bought chocolate frogs in FOREVER. It was the first thing he'd buy once he made more money, that's for sure.

And when she started thanking him, Zander shook his head a bit. Nah, she didn't need to thank him. "Don't even mention it, I had fun doing all that." He wasn't even trying to be humble there. She helped him as much as he helped her, he felt. "'Sides, we're friends." That's what friends are for, essentially.

Oh he was wrong before. NOW she was actually lit up like a Christmas tree. "Awesome," he grinned, trying to hold back another chuckle. Man, firsties were great.


She definitely got that feeling because Zander Adair wasn't all that happy about leaving school. Well he was happy about leaving school in the sense that there wouldn't be anymore classes. But it was Hogwarts itself he'd miss. "...." Okay yeah, she was back to the whole mood swing again. Zander didn't understand most women. This was a prime example. "Y'know what you're right, forget I even mentioned it." Candice. She was... interesting.


Zander smiled hearing what Dora had to say to Cutty. It was great. Man, she was a Gryffindor through and through.

And she knew how to go from zero to one hundred real fast. Speaking of which, what had they been talking about? Oh yeah, graduating. Oh. Yeah. Sigh. "Of course, Dora," he grinned. "I'm glad Gryffindor got you this year, you're gonna do great things," he smiled genuinely. And yes, she could have a hug now.

Okay, what was up with Botros? Was he feeling okay??? He looked a bit... off.

He had spoken too soon, hadn't he? About that no one dying thing. Merlin. Hopefully the man could hold it together for a bit longer. Or a lot longer? Zander actually liked the Headmaster. Huh.

But alas, speech time. Zander tried to put on a good example by paying utmost attention to the-- nah. It was way too long and lengthy. At least Headmaster Truebridge made things short and simple. Ahem. Not that he missed her very much, honestly.

Zander only started paying attention again as he heard his name. Wait a minute-- HE GOT THE INTERNSHIP????????

Okay honestly, Zander could care less about the Quidditch thing. But THE INTERNSHIP???

What was that? It kind of looked like... HOPE? FOR HIS FUTURE?

He had an INTERNSHIP. And he was still waiting to hear back from the other he had applied for... But this, this was GREAT news. The ministry was so close! He'd be able to stay with Sophie for the summer at least and then he could try to figure out what to do from there .

The Gryffindor couldn't believe it. His smile widened even further seeing Professor Flamsteed from across the Great Hall. He laughed a bit at the pointing, but then sent the man a quick salute before he managed to look away.

Zander Adair actually did something right for once. And it felt GREAT.


Speaking of the Astronomer, Zander only noticed Professor Flamsteed making his way to the table whilst the younger Gryffindor was busy stuffing his face with food. Oop. So instead of a proper hello, he just watched the man do his thing, with a grin on his face. This time it reached his eyes.

And when the man raised a goblet, Zander stood and raised his own goblet too. "Live long and prosper," he repeated, letting himself chuckle a little as he did so. Man. He'd miss his nutter of a Professor.

After being at the table for a moment or two the brunette looked around and noticed some more people filing into the Great Hall and the Gryffindor table. This was good? Yes? She didn't mind the socializing but as she looked around at some of the students and professors filing in Larissa realized that some of the students were sad. She knew that they were probably sad about saying goodbye. She really wasn't able to understand that fully. This was her first and very last term here and the eighteen year old hadn't really met many of these students. She barely knew her Prefects in gryffindor. Some of her "friends" were at the Hufflepuff table.

Larissa turned her head towards a voice. Her dark brown eyes looked at the face of the voice. This was...Zander...Prefect? She knew she had the name right, she knew she was right about all of it. She didn't want to listen to him but she did anyway. What the harm? Just have a little laugh because after the train ride home she would never have to see the Prefects in this house again. Hmph. "Well...I guess should be grateful that I survived then." Larissa said rolling her eyes.

After hearing what her Prefect had to say to her, though she really didn't think that he even cared to talk to her. He probably just had to talk to her. Larissa looked around and spotted one of her professors. Professor Myers. Her professor handed her a flower. She smiled. It was a genuine smile. Honestly it was the first genuine smile that she had had since the news about her parents dying in an accident. "Thank you, sir." Larissa said looking at the flower. "I hope that you have a great term next year." She nodded to him.

After getting a flower from Professor Myers Larissa looked around and said the person that ranked up on her list of people she didn't like. Cinna was up there with Zander and Puck. Larissa didn't like the girls attitude, she acted as if she was above all and she wasn't. She noticed her smile. Larissa just rolled her eyes at the girl. She wasn't going to put on a smile and pretend that she liked her when she didn't like her at all.

Then there was another person (Candice) that had piped up to say something to all of the seventh years. Everyone was emotional. Larissa was too but in a different way and not for the feast or leaving Hogwarts. She had to pack everything up at her house in Greece and then find a place to live in with no money on here. The brunette wished that her older brother or even her older sister would take her in for a few weeks or a couple months but she knew that that wasn't going to happen at all. Larissa shook her head and tried not to think about how busy she would be once she got home from Hogwarts. "Thank you." Larissa nodded and gave the girl a small smile.

Lastly she heard their head of house. Boy was he loud! She was pretty she wasn't going to miss that part, the loudness that is. She listened to him and knew that he had just quoted Star Trek. She wasn't surprised that he was into Star Trek being an Astronomy professor and all. So they had won the house cup...that was great, yeah?

Adi couldn’t agree more with Puck and he was nodding. “Yep, we shouldn’t be. I just think we should be glad it all happened and look forward to the future as you said.’’ He grinned at Puck. “You’ll keep in touch now, yeah?’’ He didn’t want to drift apart from everyone as soon as they graduated!

The Hufflepuff laughed. “Sure, pranks- I mean Ava! Look out for more than just chocolate frogs and lollipops though.’’ He gave her a wink. She never would know if something to prank her would turn up in that mail Of course he would try out any new products on Benny and himself first to make sure it was all safe so no one should even have to worry about being pranked him. Adi’s grin widened. “I’ll be playing for the Hereford Hippogriffs sometime in the near future. You bet I’ll get you guys tickets! All three of you.’’ Yep, yep! “Oh, make sure you continue playing for Gryffindor. Who knows, you guys might get the Cup sometime.’’ Now that Hogwarts’s top Player (Player of the Match eight times in a row, yo!) was graduating. Shhh! He had dubbed himself Hogwarts’s top player. “I’ll give you some tips to help you improve your aim as I learn more, okay?’’

He shrugged at Candice. She never liked talking to him, did she? And nope, it didn’t bother him. Not one bit. “I guess I’ll see you when I visit the others. Or I won’t mind if you don’t want to see me,’’ he added teasingly. He had a shrewd suspicion the girl would agree with the last bit.

“Yep, that’s one way.’’ He grinned. “We’ve got most stuff worked out so it’ll get even better when everything actuallyis.’’ Like actually finding an apartment. That was one of the things left on their ‘to do’ list. AND SEEEEEE???? Adi just knew Benny would go all red. He laughed at the look. “You’ll get used to that.’’ The little bits of PDA he meant.

Oh, look! Botros was starting his speech! Adi turned his attention to Hogwarts’s Grandpa. Right! The camps! He hadn’t forgotten about that! Wheeee! HADY WAS THE FIRST WINNER! WOOOOT! He was one happy big brother and minion because Dot was one of the winners too! But it only got better because Benny's name was announced! He was a proud boyfriend now too! Without thinking, he gave the lion beside him a BIIIIIG hug and a quick peck on the cheek. “Awesome job, Benny!’’ Hehe. Look at him being all shocked there.

Of course there was a quite loud and energetic Professor Flamsteed at… or ON the Lion’s table. Adi watched him in amusement. Gosh! He was going to miss the man and his antics! He got a bit of the sad feeling right about then but he pushed them away as he continued to watch Flamsteed and the goblet before glancing up at the Staff table. He had to go say goodbye to his Professors before he went back to his beloved Hufflepuff table so he could have his final feast with the Badgers

Though he was still drinking, Candice managed to gain his attention. "Yeah, no worries," he nodded, setting down his goblet and passing the jug, condensation wetting his palm. "Got much planned for the summer?" he asked the fifth year before downing the last of his own juice. Very thirsty he was, see.




He was contemplating a refill, when a Janelle sat in beside him. He grinned a hello.

It happened? He was confused for only a brief moment before she elaborated, and with that he too lost it a little. THIS. WAS. BRILLIANT. Somehow managing to cease his chuckles he nodded his understanding, "The man is always elaborately dressed, but at least if you're ever in need of a lint roller, he should have one in his pocket." Seriously though, the Star Trek thing, he still didn't understand it. Knew of it, sure, but understanding was seriously lacking. Wasn't it a nerd thing?

"Yet, there's definitely still time," he mused also, because the night was most definitely still young.

Cover stories though, now THAT was something he could help with, maybe... or maybe not.

Turning in his seat to face her, he wore a contemplative expression. "You could... try being honest with him? Tell him I've corrupted your mind and now you can't help but laugh when you think of me?" It was true though, right? More or less? Not to mention it was fab for his ego. "And being my head of house, he reminds you of me!" It was perfect, truly.

But speech... and what was with Botros?

He applauded the winners of the... camps? whatever it all was, honestly he hadn't really bothered with them this term - not after the second.

... And Flamsteed. Zeke exchanged a look with Janelle, this would be the perfect test.



......

And a right crack-up this would be. Zeke consolidated his efforts to not laughing, his lips were fashioned into a tight smirk, sound threatening to escape.

HE WAS ON THE TABLE!

He turned back to check Janelle's reaction, all the while raising his empty goblet, "Live long and prosper!"

And back to smirking, or else laughter would ensue.

Truth be told, he wasn't sure what stop he wanted to make first. It was perhaps habit that took him in the direction of the Gryffindor table. Made sense after all. He'd spent the main portion of his teenage years at that table, and he doubted he would see it again after tonight.

So, he ambled his way over to it, greeting a few students on passing and slowing as he came up to the benches. There was a Flamsteed on the table. Which was very interesting, and not entirely unusual. The man never failed to give a good speech, or display of dramatics. At least it livened the place up a bit, chased out some of those lingering emotions.

Catching sight of one of the students he was particularly interested in addressing, Sabel moved up behind Emily's son and was very tempted to use his head as an arm rest. It was just about the right height and.......

Instead he chose the boring route and clapped the boy on the shoulder. "Keep your nose clean, will you Browne?"

Janelle got a warm smile and well, Zander over there? He got the same grin that Sabel had given him back in the office, though slightly more subdued. Perhaps he would go congratulate the kid on graduating and winning the challenges too.

Norah was about ready crawl under the table and never come out when Yoongi responded so questioningly. Had she been WRONG? Had he not meant that at all? She'd spent so long being worried that she wouldn't even notice if somebody asked her out that she really hadn't considered the opposite happening. Okay she hadn't really spent that long thinking about it, but it did cross her mind now and then if she was beyond normal levels of boredom. She wished she could pull another chocolate frog out of nowhere and stuff it in her mouth so she'd never have to say anything ever again, but she'd given her very last one to Marsha and was thus left with absolutely nothing to do but stare at his pretty face in horror until he returned to his normal tone again. Okay. That was a good. Confident comments were good. Maybe she hadn't messed everything up for once.

If he was being normal then that was probably a cue for her to be normal too (or something like that, anyways. It was a lot harder to figure these things out than she'd imagined), so she gave her head a little shake and replaced her horrified look with a grin. "'Course you always have great ideas. This one's extra nice, though. You could win an award for it." She looked down at the poke, but glanced up again quickly with a beaming smile still in place. "I dunno, could be anybody. That hair of yours must win you loads of admirers." As it should, considering he probably spent more time on it than anybody in the entire universe. Unless it was just automatically like that, which would be highly unfair. He'd just have to deal with the curly madness that was her own hair, though, 'cause she wasn't planning on doing anything about it any time soon.

Norah turned gratefully to face the Headmaster 'cause speech meant FOOD, but her expression quickly turned quizzical. Did he seem...weird to anybody else? She squinted up at him, trying to see if he looked ill or was in need of a hug or some glitter or both. Poor guy. He looked awfully tired. Once Botros was finished, the fifth year stood up and left Yoongi to his soup so she could march over to where Zander was sitting, wiggled into the seat next to him, and draped her legs over his lap. She had his attention now, yeah? "Look at you! The big winner." She beamed at him, but her smile faltered slightly when it occurred to her that his entire Hogwarts career was over and she still hadn't imparted the joys of glitter upon him. FAILURE. UTTER FAILURE. Maybe Soph could teach him sometime, whenever she stopped yelling about whatever was so exciting over at the Claw table. "Don't forget about me when you're all big and important, okay? I expect a post card from the ministry. I pinky swear not to put glitter your return letter unless you're really asking for it." And with that, she swung herself off of him and stood up, not returning to where Yoongi was sitting until she'd given him a long squish from behind, which actually worked quite well when his height when he was still sitting.

As if nothing had happened, she sat back down and loaded her plate with food to start her meal, pausing to swallow before asking, "So, what else are you gonna do this summer?"

Zeke seemed amused that Janelle had had her mini-breakdown. How was she ever going to break the automatic connection between Flamsteed and Zeke's performance? Maybe........if she worked on it all summer, she could de-program herself.

Annnnnd Zeke's cover story was.......the truth. "Yeah, the truth's always good.......I guess. Maybe he'll be flattered that you chose him to portray. And my laughing will mean you did a good job.". Yes, maybe that was the story she'd go with if the unthinkable ever occurred.

And then........Flamsteed happened. Before Janelle's brain could register anything, he was on the table........with Pebbles. "Oh Sweet Merlin!". Her nightmare had come true. The Admiral had landed or docked or whatever it was that Admirals did. Janelle gave Zeke the side eye and caught his glance. That did it. She looked away and started taking deep breaths. Control. Will not laugh. Will......not......laugh. Don't look up. Don't look sideways, just breathe. It was not working and Janelle felt herself losing the battle. She took a deep breath and held it, fist balled with fingernails digging into her palm.

The problem with holding your breath was, at some point you had to let it go. That point came when Zeke said, "Live long and prosper". At that, the dam broke. Janelle began to laugh. The can't catch your breath, tears coming from you eyes kind of laugh. She looked at Flamsteed then at Zeke and laughed even harder. Gasping for air, she said to Zeke, "You.......did..........this" At least she wasn't sad anymore and hopefully Flamsteed had a sense of humor 'cause this probably wouldn't be over for a while.

Sabbath saw Noelle's face fall as she turned away and looked at the floor, avoiding his gaze. He replied to her query sadly, he didn't want to see her hurting. "I don't know if I'm leaving for good, Nells.... maybe? My family will travel where there is work. We will take a path up from Andulucia towards Madrid then to Barcelona and into France. After that I just don't know".

"But remember how I told you I found out some information on the identity of my father? Well, he's a French Gitan so I'm planning on trying to find him while my family is there. I have a little information to start my search, but Nells, I know my grandmother won't want me to find him. I'll have to conduct my search alone... unless..." Sabbath's eyes searched Noelle's downcast face as he continued ... "unless you come with me".

Before she could refuse him, he continued his argument in earnest.. "Nells, you know this is the only way we can see each other. Your parents won't let me come to your place again and you said to me yourself that they're going to give you the grounding of a lifetime. I know how much you need to be free, and I've never seen you more alive than when we were running together climbing trees, and stargazing at your farm over the summer holidays last year".

He continued, "Come with me, Nells and we can do that. Everyday a new place, a different town, a new thing to discover. Do you remember when I took you to see the Plaza dos Toros in Granada and the time we looked over the Alhambra from the hills and when I took you to see the Gypsy caves in Sacramonte. Well, we can do things like that every day, we can be together with no one to tell us we can't be, no one to lock you in a room, no one to watch us like hawks, we can be free, Nells. Come with me. What do you say?" His black eyes watched her intently, trying to read her reaction.

The young lioness beamed excitedly when Adi promised that he's gonna owl him, with the chocolate and lollipops. "Deal!" She extended her hand to shook his. Yes, she heard that he's gonna join the professional gobstones player. That's why Ava asked him to send his gobstone match ticket. "Youuuuuuuuuuu, are gonna be an awesome gobstones player!" Cue poking his rib. Hehehe. Speaking of gobstones... She didn't know if she's gonna join the team next year. Sure it was fun, especially being the player of the match. Ava couldn't decide but she's also want to focus on dueling club too next year. "It's gonna be great! Maybe we should play together sometime? With Teddy too..."

It's great to hear that Zander also enjoyed working together with her for some lessons. And did he just say that they're friends? She was really happy to hear that. Not that she's hoping that they would be more than friends since he had a girlfriend whom she also adored. "Yes, we're friends..." She nodded to the Head Boy. "And uh... I'm gonna miss you..." She said and again, with the blushing. Come on, it's normal that she's gonna miss her FRIEND, right? She had to stop with this blushing. This is humiliating. Even Candice had noticed it.

And then... Headmaster gave the speech already. That old man looked a bit under weather. Hopefully he would get better soon. That means food, right? YAAAAAY FOR FOOD!!! She was about to grab some food but then she watched Professor Flamsteed coming to their table and giving a toast to the graduates. Ava joined him too, raising his goblet and stuffs then... back to the food again! But wait... She saw Professor Dakest came to lion's table too! It's gonna be rude if she didn't say hello to the Professor. "Professor Dakest, I just wanna say thank you for the dueling club. You're gonna run it again next term, right?" Please say yes, Professor!

BLINK.

More blinking.

Noelle's mouth dropped open in disbelief. Had Sabbie just asked her that??

She turned to the table and put her hand on her forehead and leaned into it a bit. She hd to think. Because she actually did want to. She wanted to go find his father, and watch him dance, and hang out with his family. The most fun she ever had was when she was with them. All the talking and laughing, singing and dancing.

Noelle's family was brilliant too but her parents were mad at her right now. They would surely keep her locked in her room and an eye on her like before. Sabbie was right... She was more alive when she was outside.

Biting her lip, she didn't know what to do. Noelle sighed and thought some more. She couldn't leave her brothers and the new baby sister that had arrived while she was in Hogwarts. What about Hope and Chris?? Hope would be starting school next term and Noelle needed to be here for her. She couldn't do that if she was with Sabbie.

"I need to be in school... I don't need my parents worrying about me. I'd love to go with you, but I can't leave my family. They are important. Just like your family is important to you. And I have to come back here next term. Hope will be starting. Noelle told Sabbie without looking at him. She felt bad. She wanted to... But she.. Couldn't.

Honesty was the best policy, right? And he knew that the best covers were the ones you knew... like, making things up tended to become holey, and before you new it, all logic was lost and you were in deep do-do. But somehow he didn't think Flamsteed would be flattered, or maybe he would be. The man was too complex. He was the most unusual mix of strict rule enforcer and spontaneous child. Would his rendition of the Professor be taken as a tribute, or a mockery? Personally, even he was leaning more toward mockery - not that he didn't respect his Head of House - he DID, most of the time. The pet rock thing was a point in favour of the man being a lunatic though, so, QUESTIONABLE.

Nevertheless, his eyes remained glued to Janelle.

She. Was. Losing. It.... and he would soon follow if he didn't do anything.

Zeke attempted to soothe her with gentle shushing, an arm moving around the Ravenclaw's shoulders as his other hand hand attempted to stifle her laughing after she'd gone and blamed him out loud.

YES. HE. DID. THIS....

"No need to give it away!" he said to her in a low voice before loosening his hold on her. Would she be okay now? Probably not... and he most certainly wasn't any better off, a laugh still threatening to escape his lips.

...

Circe.

Sabel.




The clap on his shoulder was definitely a sign that someone was behind them, but thankfully it wasn't Flamsteed, no, Flamsteed was in sight - perhaps the safest place for him to be, all things considered. Turning his head slightly, Sabel's request had him smirking harder than he already was. There was SO MUCH he could say to that. Didn't he know?!

"You think I won't?" he replied, settling with questioning the idea instead of playing around with the man's word choice. Honestly, he could keep his nose clean all he liked, but it didn't mean he'd be keeping his fingers out of the cookie jar or his toes out of the water. Where there was fun to be had, he would have it .... which reminded him. "Have you spoken to mum? Told her that you're helping me out this summer?" He DID say he'd help.. he hadn't forgotten, right?

First one shock and then another.

Benny suddenly felt arms around him and hugging him tightly before he felt the peck on his cheek to go along with it. He was brought out of the shock of being named as a winner and receiving all the prized to go along with it, including the ministry internship, to turning red at the attention he was getting from Adi and anyone who was around to watch him. "...thanks." Um...him get used to the PDA? It was really hard to. Not that his boyfriend was going to let him get away with it.

Of course Professor Flamsteed had to chose that moment to show up at the table, the head of house filled with his usual energetic over the topness. Thankfully not to yell at them for the display of affection. First, there was the congrats for the house win that got him politely clapping. Then there was the toast to the graduating class. Wait...when had food and drink arrive? He hadn't even registered the change or remembered the proceedure after the speech in his reaction to it. The seventh year simply nodded to acknowledge the gesture from the man and anyone who answered it from the younger classes.

SPOILER!!: ZANDER!

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArianaBlack

Merlin, her face lit up like a Christmas tree, didn't it? He chuckled. "True," he grinned. Though it was much more than just the chocolate he enjoyed. The cards were almost even the main reason why he kept buying them. Ahem. But he had spent all his money on something else this time so he hadn't bought chocolate frogs in FOREVER. It was the first thing he'd buy once he made more money, that's for sure.

And when she started thanking him, Zander shook his head a bit. Nah, she didn't need to thank him. "Don't even mention it, I had fun doing all that." He wasn't even trying to be humble there. She helped him as much as he helped her, he felt. "'Sides, we're friends." That's what friends are for, essentially.

Oh he was wrong before. NOW she was actually lit up like a Christmas tree. "Awesome," he grinned, trying to hold back another chuckle. Man, firsties were great.


She definitely got that feeling because Zander Adair wasn't all that happy about leaving school. Well he was happy about leaving school in the sense that there wouldn't be anymore classes. But it was Hogwarts itself he'd miss. "...." Okay yeah, she was back to the whole mood swing again. Zander didn't understand most women. This was a prime example. "Y'know what you're right, forget I even mentioned it." Candice. She was... interesting.


Zander smiled hearing what Dora had to say to Cutty. It was great. Man, she was a Gryffindor through and through.

And she knew how to go from zero to one hundred real fast. Speaking of which, what had they been talking about? Oh yeah, graduating. Oh. Yeah. Sigh. "Of course, Dora," he grinned. "I'm glad Gryffindor got you this year, you're gonna do great things," he smiled genuinely. And yes, she could have a hug now.

Okay, what was up with Botros? Was he feeling okay??? He looked a bit... off.

He had spoken too soon, hadn't he? About that no one dying thing. Merlin. Hopefully the man could hold it together for a bit longer. Or a lot longer? Zander actually liked the Headmaster. Huh.

But alas, speech time. Zander tried to put on a good example by paying utmost attention to the-- nah. It was way too long and lengthy. At least Headmaster Truebridge made things short and simple. Ahem. Not that he missed her very much, honestly.

Zander only started paying attention again as he heard his name. Wait a minute-- HE GOT THE INTERNSHIP????????

Okay honestly, Zander could care less about the Quidditch thing. But THE INTERNSHIP???

What was that? It kind of looked like... HOPE? FOR HIS FUTURE?

He had an INTERNSHIP. And he was still waiting to hear back from the other he had applied for... But this, this was GREAT news. The ministry was so close! He'd be able to stay with Sophie for the summer at least and then he could try to figure out what to do from there .

The Gryffindor couldn't believe it. His smile widened even further seeing Professor Flamsteed from across the Great Hall. He laughed a bit at the pointing, but then sent the man a quick salute before he managed to look away.

Zander Adair actually did something right for once. And it felt GREAT.


Speaking of the Astronomer, Zander only noticed Professor Flamsteed making his way to the table whilst the younger Gryffindor was busy stuffing his face with food. Oop. So instead of a proper hello, he just watched the man do his thing, with a grin on his face. This time it reached his eyes.

And when the man raised a goblet, Zander stood and raised his own goblet too. "Live long and prosper," he repeated, letting himself chuckle a little as he did so. Man. He'd miss his nutter of a Professor.

Taking a long swig from the goblet - butterbeer, thank Merlin - Airey hopped down from the table and approached the Head Boy. "Mr, Adair, congratulations once again," he praised with an amused smile tugging at either corner of his lips. He HAD told him, had he not? One did not need an Inner Eye to be able to notice facts. "I have a few things for you," he continued, reaching into his enchanted breast pocket for two envelopes. One, the boy should recognize as it was addressed to himself in his own handwriting. The other bore a wax crest with a vintage looking compass design and a wand and the Latin phrase Vires acquirit eundo wrapped around the design. Airey may have....taken the liberty of inspecting the contents of that one, and the outlook was good. VERY good. "Perhaps, it would do your mind some good to start with this one," he chuckled, offering him the one from Portkey PASS first.

He could have the other one once he had finished with that.

SPOILER!!: Zeke & Janelle!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hera

Though he was still drinking, Candice managed to gain his attention. "Yeah, no worries," he nodded, setting down his goblet and passing the jug, condensation wetting his palm. "Got much planned for the summer?" he asked the fifth year before downing the last of his own juice. Very thirsty he was, see.




He was contemplating a refill, when a Janelle sat in beside him. He grinned a hello.

It happened? He was confused for only a brief moment before she elaborated, and with that he too lost it a little. THIS. WAS. BRILLIANT. Somehow managing to cease his chuckles he nodded his understanding, "The man is always elaborately dressed, but at least if you're ever in need of a lint roller, he should have one in his pocket." Seriously though, the Star Trek thing, he still didn't understand it. Knew of it, sure, but understanding was seriously lacking. Wasn't it a nerd thing?

"Yet, there's definitely still time," he mused also, because the night was most definitely still young.

Cover stories though, now THAT was something he could help with, maybe... or maybe not.

Turning in his seat to face her, he wore a contemplative expression. "You could... try being honest with him? Tell him I've corrupted your mind and now you can't help but laugh when you think of me?" It was true though, right? More or less? Not to mention it was fab for his ego. "And being my head of house, he reminds you of me!" It was perfect, truly.

But speech... and what was with Botros?

He applauded the winners of the... camps? whatever it all was, honestly he hadn't really bothered with them this term - not after the second.

... And Flamsteed. Zeke exchanged a look with Janelle, this would be the perfect test.



......

And a right crack-up this would be. Zeke consolidated his efforts to not laughing, his lips were fashioned into a tight smirk, sound threatening to escape.

HE WAS ON THE TABLE!

He turned back to check Janelle's reaction, all the while raising his empty goblet, "Live long and prosper!"

And back to smirking, or else laughter would ensue.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daydreamer11

Zeke seemed amused that Janelle had had her mini-breakdown. How was she ever going to break the automatic connection between Flamsteed and Zeke's performance? Maybe........if she worked on it all summer, she could de-program herself.

Annnnnd Zeke's cover story was.......the truth. "Yeah, the truth's always good.......I guess. Maybe he'll be flattered that you chose him to portray. And my laughing will mean you did a good job.". Yes, maybe that was the story she'd go with if the unthinkable ever occurred.

And then........Flamsteed happened. Before Janelle's brain could register anything, he was on the table........with Pebbles. "Oh Sweet Merlin!". Her nightmare had come true. The Admiral had landed or docked or whatever it was that Admirals did. Janelle gave Zeke the side eye and caught his glance. That did it. She looked away and started taking deep breaths. Control. Will not laugh. Will......not......laugh. Don't look up. Don't look sideways, just breathe. It was not working and Janelle felt herself losing the battle. She took a deep breath and held it, fist balled with fingernails digging into her palm.

The problem with holding your breath was, at some point you had to let it go. That point came when Zeke said, "Live long and prosper". At that, the dam broke. Janelle began to laugh. The can't catch your breath, tears coming from you eyes kind of laugh. She looked at Flamsteed then at Zeke and laughed even harder. Gasping for air, she said to Zeke, "You.......did..........this" At least she wasn't sad anymore and hopefully Flamsteed had a sense of humor 'cause this probably wouldn't be over for a while.

"Live long and prosp----" Airey's attention was drawn to the Ravenclaw who had seemingly had one too many sips from a Giggling Concoction...or whatever potion it was that caused fits of giggling. Potions had never really been his forte...among several other wizarding subjects. "Everything alright over here?" he inquired, eyebrow raised at the duo.

Did he have a butterbeer mustache or something? Which, in fact, he did.

"Since I have you here, Mr. Zeke, my sister should be sending you instructions soon. Should you still wish to proceed, that is."

SPOILER!!: Sabel

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tazenhani

Truth be told, he wasn't sure what stop he wanted to make first. It was perhaps habit that took him in the direction of the Gryffindor table. Made sense after all. He'd spent the main portion of his teenage years at that table, and he doubted he would see it again after tonight.

So, he ambled his way over to it, greeting a few students on passing and slowing as he came up to the benches. There was a Flamsteed on the table. Which was very interesting, and not entirely unusual. The man never failed to give a good speech, or display of dramatics. At least it livened the place up a bit, chased out some of those lingering emotions.

Catching sight of one of the students he was particularly interested in addressing, Sabel moved up behind Emily's son and was very tempted to use his head as an arm rest. It was just about the right height and.......

Instead he chose the boring route and clapped the boy on the shoulder. "Keep your nose clean, will you Browne?"

Janelle got a warm smile and well, Zander over there? He got the same grin that Sabel had given him back in the office, though slightly more subdued. Perhaps he would go congratulate the kid on graduating and winning the challenges too.

No. NOPE.

Airey had run away left the staff table to get away from the emotions associated there. Okay, so that was really just a fraction of the story. A tiny fraction. Okay so it had been entirely because of the ferocious beasts Cassiopeia kept in her purse...but he had already dealt with you Sabel! You had been given your novelty mug and there had been looks of fleeting sentimental bromance. NO MORE.

Alright. So there had been a salute offered. BUT THAT WAS IT.

SPOILER!!: Benny

Quote:

Originally Posted by Holmesian Feline

First one shock and then another.

Benny suddenly felt arms around him and hugging him tightly before he felt the peck on his cheek to go along with it. He was brought out of the shock of being named as a winner and receiving all the prized to go along with it, including the ministry internship, to turning red at the attention he was getting from Adi and anyone who was around to watch him. "...thanks." Um...him get used to the PDA? It was really hard to. Not that his boyfriend was going to let him get away with it.

Of course Professor Flamsteed had to chose that moment to show up at the table, the head of house filled with his usual energetic over the topness. Thankfully not to yell at them for the display of affection. First, there was the congrats for the house win that got him politely clapping. Then there was the toast to the graduating class. Wait...when had food and drink arrive? He hadn't even registered the change or remembered the proceedure after the speech in his reaction to it. The seventh year simply nodded to acknowledge the gesture from the man and anyone who answered it from the younger classes.

Which was why he then turned his attention to Mr. Atreyu. "Congratulations, Mr. Atreyu," he saluted, stepping up to the young man. "I took the liberty of acting on our previous conversation. I think you will be pleased," he said, offering the seventh year an envelope with a furry and scaly - literally - crest belonging to the Newt Scamander Memorial Trust. Again, he had taken a few liberties in checking the contents - which remained sealed an untouched, for the record - due to not wanting to deliver bad news to any of his students this evening.

The astronomer held a few more envelopes in his hand, one for Miss Mikos actually so he would need to continue to make his rounds around the Gryffindor table for a bit more before he returned to the staff table and finally ate.

"FLAMMY."

"FLA-HA-HA-HAAAMY."

"FLAAAM-MYYYYY!!!"

On her jolly trek from the staff table to the Gryffindor one, Soph had summoned her bag and slung it over her shoulder as she bounced toward the Gryffindor Head of House who was, as usual, creating quite a scene. Students were flocked around him like he was a celebrity - which, well, he was - but Sophie Brown was DEMANDING his attention.

COME HERE, FLAMMY. She was gonna wait over here, her letter from Ollivanders in hand, and make ALL THE EXCITED GOOGLY EYES AT HIM.

And brows for you, Zander Adair.

Cutty's arm wrapped around Zander as he pulled him in for a side-chokeholdy squeeze at his words. Cause that's what you do when someone tells you you're a good friend. And, Cutty couldn't agree more that he was a good friend. He supposed he'd see Zander outside of school as well, since the boy wasn't planning on going to Uni just yet.

Cutty let Umbridge's words go into one of his ears and out the other. With the presence of Flamsteed and Dakest at the table he doubted she would attempt anything. Flamsteed. Cutty had had the thought that if and when Flamsteed became a feeble old Warlock, he'd take care of him and he still meant it. His guidance and that of Mr. Kitridge was quite invaluable whilst he was in the process of estrangement from his own father. That is, IF it would even be needed as both Flamsteed and Kitridge had found themselves a match from the time Cutty was a mean little 11 year old until he was a mean little 18 year old. Something that had eluded the young wizard his entire time at Hogwarts. Nothing solid he could ever call a boyfriend or a girlfriend. He wondered, but did not worry if it would always be that way and how much of that had to do with his diagnosis.

Time to think fast. He turned his attention back to Umbridge and began to make eyes at her. "Aww, Zander knows I'm joost joshin' him. Don't be so angry, loov."

It reminded him of his first day at the Slytherin table and how much offense Sophie Newell took to being called loov.

Which prompted him to call her by that name for the entirety of their stay at Hogwarts Castle.

He knew what he wanted to say to Damien, but decided against it in the presence of all of Flamsteed's lil cubs.

Angel smiled as Candice spoke. "I've been good, busy but good." Angel was totally looking forwards to just chilling out and relaxing this summer ready for the next year to start, which would be her sixth year. "I'm just going to hang out with my sisters and a few friends." Angel thought about something. "Send me an OWL when your going to be in Diagon Alley, I'd love to meet up and hang out there."

Angel then suddenly noticed Marsha, she hadn't spoken to her friend for a while which was so odd. "Hi Marsha." Angel looked across to her. "How are you?"

SPOILER!!: Professor Flamsteed

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweetpinkpixie

Which was why he then turned his attention to Mr. Atreyu. "Congratulations, Mr. Atreyu," he saluted, stepping up to the young man. "I took the liberty of acting on our previous conversation. I think you will be pleased," he said, offering the seventh year an envelope with a furry and scaly - literally - crest belonging to the Newt Scamander Memorial Trust. Again, he had taken a few liberties in checking the contents - which remained sealed an untouched, for the record - due to not wanting to deliver bad news to any of his students this evening.

The astronomer held a few more envelopes in his hand, one for Miss Mikos actually so he would need to continue to make his rounds around the Gryffindor table for a bit more before he returned to the staff table and finally ate.

The astronomy professor's attention was now fully on him after handling Zander, congradulating and saluting him in turn. "Thank you, Professor," Benny with a polite smile at the man. Taking the liberty...? The seventh year lion was mildly confused at what Flamsteed was talking about, tentatively taking the envelope with its animalistic seal closed upon it. He read the name upon it for some clue and he suddenly remembered what part of the conversation this had to do with.

The scholarships and awards available to him.

"Oh...well then double thank you Professor Flamsteed...um Admiral." Okay he was dealing with surprises and confusion and trying to keep it all straight on this, his last night at Hogwarts ever. It was a lot to be taking in, especially all of a sudden. "What exactly is the Newt Scamander Memorial Trust?" Benny asked, the only thing obvious was the connection to one of the most famous magizoologists ever.

Sabbath understood her apprehension over her ties to her family, he really did. Nothing would come between him and his family, not even his opporunity to stay at Hogwarts. What he couldn't understand though, was how she could choose to forgo her freedom. Freedom was something Sabbath held dear, he did not want to even imagine what it would be like to be locked away in a bedroom and kept away from friends over summer. He couldn't understand how she could choose that. He had thought she was different, more like him.

He sighed sadly and gave a shrug of resignation, "Well, I guess this is goodbye then". His eyes met hers and he gave a forlorn smile.

I've loved having you as a best friend, Nells. If I don't return, know I'll remember you always, and even though it hurts to say goodbye, I have no regrets, he said quietly.

It seemed his plans to come and steal Nells away via her bedroom window the night of his family's travel would not come to fruition. But, he knew if she was unsure of her own heart, she shouldn't come, and he would not ask her again. He would leave a week from now to travel with his family, departing before daybreak, as they always did, so many times before.

Thump.Thump.Thump.Thump.

Noelle's heart was hammering. She wondered if the whole school could hear it. She was sure they could.

Noelle and Sabbie were ending. Sabelle. The indestructible duo who had gone on so many adventures, was saying goodbye.

Noelle stared at Sabbie, her heart breaking. She couldn't stop seeing her Bestfriend. She was tormented. She was devastated. Tears started pooling at her eyes. She didn't look away from Sabbie though. She wasn't about to say goodbye. Not to Sabbie. Not ever.

"This.. This can't be goodbye. " Noelle whispered and her voice broke. This end of term feast was breaking her heart. She was loosing her favorite person, and now she was going home to be grounded.