Maybe it was over eager to be first to the table, and even apparently first into the Great Hall for the feast, but Charlotte was floating around on cloud nine, or perhaps zipping around like cloud nine in a high wind storm would be more accurate because she appeared in the great hall in a rush, found a seat right in the middle of the Gryffindor table, waved excitedly with both hands up at Professor Hirsch, and then finally sat herself down to wait for her friends to join her.

Olivia was floating on a CLOUD. Not an actual one, of course, but her excitement and happiness was so insurmountable in the moment, that nothing negative or bad could touch her.

She was on top in her lessons and in Dueling Club. She had an official boyfriend. What could possibly go wrong?



Bopping into the Great Hall, a happy, relaxed smile painted across her features, the blonde Gryffindor took a seat at her House table. Charlotte Kettleburn was the only one that had arrived, but Liv didn't too much mind. They were friendsies, anyway. "Hello." Mind the minuscule awkwardness, because they hadn't really discussed their personal lives.

So this was it. End of term. Next year was OWL year and Zeke was leaving. Too much pressure and angst and such. Ugh.

The positive? She would very leaving with Cas and Sam AS SOON AS THEY GOT OFF THE TRAIN, OKAY!! Her two best friends were going to see the world with her family. What could be better?!

Nothing.

Hehe.

Making her way into the great hall she paused to look around, eyes finally falling on the staff table. Hey professor people The ones that she likes anyway . And then her eyes fell on the inhabitants of her house table. They got a smile as she made her way down the table a ways, not wanting to interrupt the girls... not that they were seemingly chatting or anything... whatever.

Plopping down at a seat toward the end of the table she let her mind wander a little. Toward a certain someone... hopefully he would join her when he came down.

"Hey Liv!" Char greeted excitedly. "I am SO READY TO GO HOME!" Really. She had awesome news for her parents, and also would get to spend some lazy, fun-filled summer days with friends, and generally summer was AWESOME, didn't everyone think so?

And she hadn't seen Liv much since they'd been bridesmaids together in Miffy and Peeves's wedding so she also added, "What have you been up to?!"

"Hi Dora!" Char greeted, waving at her too. Of course she had greetings for the other girl, ,they'd known each other and been friends and practically neighbours for a billion years!

This was it. THE last feast here. Kaycee looked around with a slight smile. She couldn't decide whether she felt nostalgic or not. She mostly was excited. And wanted to be at the Slytherin table. She needed to have hugs with Maggie. It was very needed.

Not that they didn't plan on seeing each other ALL the time... but... LAST HUG AT HOGWARTS. That was a big deal.

But first, Prefect duties and to make an appearance at her own table. "Hey everyone." she greeted before flopping into a seat.

His trunk was packed and ready to go, and so was he… for the most part.

Hogwarts had been his home for the past seven years, and he was extremely grateful for that. But he had known that it wouldn’t be his home forever, and he was excited about the prospects his future held. What he would miss the most were the friends he'd made along the way, and having the opportunity to see them daily. This life, as he knew it, was coming to an end…

And it was time to start the next chapter.

Zeke loved a good feast, but tonight’s was going to be different. It would be filled with goodbyes… and he wasn’t sure how to handle that just yet. Hands in his pockets, Zeke glanced over at the Slytherin table as he entered the Great Hall for any glimpse of Maggie, but his feet led the way to his own house table - for the last time. He'd catch up with her later, of course, but there were other people he needed to see first.

Strolling down the length of the table, Zeke stopped and slid onto the bench beside Dora, bumping her in a not so casual manner. "Hey yourself," he grinned at Kaycee before facing Dora and placing an arm around her shoulder. "And you, hey you." He managed to offer nods to the others in their general vicinity, though he'd need to congratulate Char on her duelling this term at some point.

When Charlotte spoke Dora turned to smile at her, a small wave was given also. Dora didn't really feel like being around super happy people at the moment... And while she appreciated her friend's positivity, she didn't exactly want that right then. Liv also got a little wave and a smile.

And Kaycee, too! She was super talented and had no problem teaching the younger girl some of her dance...

BUT WAIT!

There he was!

Her adopted brother person. HER FRIEND. Dora felt her face light up, but just as quickly she felt herself beginning to deflate. UGH. He was leaving her. Following his movement through the room she smiled sadly as he plopped beside her and bumped her with his shoulder. A small sigh escaped her, but she leant into his side despite it. "Do you have to go?" she asked quietly.

She knew he did, but she had a moment of seriously childish sads. Please don't leave her, though.

Dora seemed so small against his side, but he appreciated the warmth she offered him.

Did he have to go? ... yes, in fact, he didn't think the alternative would be accepted if he tried.

Reluctantly, he replied. "I do... but, lemme know when your Hogsmeade weekends are and I'll come visit, 'kay?" If she wanted. Like, he could totally do that - and intended to regardless of whether she wanted him there or not. He might be leaving, but he wouldn't be gone for good.

Frankie's stomach churned the moment he stepped into the Great Hall. He wasn't sure if that was from having feelings about no longer being a Hogwarts students or just being downright hungry. If anyone asked, he was going to tell them the latter.

As he strolled his way over to the Gryffindor table, his eyes wandered over to the opposite side of the hall. He was looking for his girlfriend, just in case you know. It was an emotional for her, him, Zeke, Maggie, Brookie, Kaycee, Hugo, Dante, Paige, et. al. They wouldn't be returning next term ... unless some NEWTs were bombed.

When her face didn't pop out at him, the blond figured that she had not arrived yet. So his gazed turned to his fellow lions. He gave Char, Olivia, and Dora a smile, though his attention quickly turned to two particular Gryffindors, the ones that would be leaving the school with him.

"We finally made it!" he said beaming at Kaycee and giving Zeke's shoulder a good ol' slap. "And I'm looking forward to not having a roomie that snatches my sweets all the time." Not really, but he didn't need to know that.

Turning her big brown eyes up at him Dora gave a small smile. Did he have any idea how much he meant to her? DID HE?

But she wasn't going to get into that just yet. Instead, she held up her hand and extended her pinky finger at him. "Promise?" she asked with a tiny giggle. He had to pinky swear or she wasn't going to hug him again.

Never.

Nope.

Yes she would. Hehe. In fact... she launched herself at him before he even had a chance to seal that pinky swear. "I am going to miss you so much, Zeke," she confessed in little more than a whisper. Was her throat closing up? Was it an allergic reaction to something? Certainly the young blonde wasn't choking up with emotion.

NUH UH!

Frankie always knew how to make an entrance, but he was right about making this one. They DID make it, in one piece, and that was accomplishment enough. But while the slap to his shoulder was well received, Zeke would be all too happy to contest the Head Boy’s other comment.

Pffffft. "You’ll miss me." He knew it, because he’d miss the blond (and the sweets) too. Maybe he could convince Maggie to keep a stash somewhere? Maybe. At any rate, there was every possibility of reliving their youth once they were out of here, couches made decent beds - he knew this for a fact, having lived on the one in the common room for much of his time here - and they'd no doubt catch up in the outside world for drinks and things. "Know when you can expect your acceptance letter?" he asked, wondering how close Frankie was to realising his goals now.

It was only a matter of time for all of them though… so…



Honestly, he could guess, but he’d likely be wrong. All he knew was he’d miss this bubbly blonde like he’d missed his sisters this whole time.

Zeke had time enough to reply with a very definite, "I promise," and had been about to meet her finger with his when instead he was engulfed in a hug. A very welcomed one at that. His arms adjusted to wrap around her, holding her close while he could. "Not as much as I’ll miss you," he replied, his voice low in her ear.

He was content with staying like this, for the rest of the night if he could, but he needed to ensure Dora was actually alright. She wasn’t crying was she? Because he didn’t think he could handle that.

As much as he wanted to ask, wanted to check… he didn’t know how, and so all he could do was pat her back and smooth down her hair. "I’m here, always."

The younger girl had been too focused on Zeke to see Frankie initially. It wasn't until she heard Zeke speaking to him before she realized he had come in... OOPS! She would hug him later whether he liked it or not.

For the moment she was holding onto her Zeke for dear life, though. Yep. After clearing her voice several times she was sure she could speak without having her voice crack... and she turned her face so she could wipe those tears on his robes. None the wiser, Zeke. NONE THE WISER!

"I'll see you over the holidays, yeah?" When they were both in the country anyway, right? Sighing happened again, but after a few moments she pulled back from the hug and smiled at him before leaning over and kissing his cheek. "You're my favorite."

But that was all done now, yeah? No more crying or hugging or any of that! Shifting so that she was leaning into his side again, the blonde focused on the staff table for a moment. "Reckon he'll give the speech anytime soon? My stomach is eating my back bone I think."

Gryffindor was synonymous with HUNGRY, wasn't it?

Returning Dora's smile, because it was nice to see others also in good spirits about this particular feast and not crying like usual, the blonde Gryffindor shrugged at Charlotte's question. A lot was going on lately, but none of it was bad. ALL GOOD THINGS. "Nothing too much. I've been spending most of my time with Rooney." Caring for him, helping with his OWL!studying efforts.... See, he'd been in full Ravenclaw mode for a few weeks now... And if Olivia knew anything from Chloe Newman, it was that you had to properly care for your Ravenclaw: feed them, make them bathe, force them to sleep... Otherwise, they'd study themselves into a coma.

Her overachiever.

KAYCEE! Offering an apologetic look to Char, Liv pushed herself up onto her knees (which were properly medicated tonight, thank you) on the bench, leaning over to get the older girl's attention. "Ms. Kaycee. Do you think it'd be okay to bother you this summer? About dance things?" As a fellow dancer, her Prefect got it. So, she'd felt an instant connection with the older girl. Unrequited or not.

Noting Mr. Zeke taking a seat at the table......as well as that VERY HANDSOME Head Boy, Liv promised herself she'd attack the latter with a hug before the night was through. ONLY a hug, though. She was a taken woman these days, you see. It was so lovely finally being a girlfriend. How lucky were she and Rooney to have found one another? Very, was the correct answer.

Hopefully Professor Myers would be paying a visit a bit later. Olivia had a desperate need to speak with him about an urgent matter. But for now, it was all smiles and boisterous conversations with her fellow Gryffindors.

So this was it. Another year gone and only one more to go. Janelle was not particularly fond of the end of the year feasts. Too many goodbyes.........and Janelle did not do goodbyes. It seemed as if the people she liked the most had all left Hogwarts or were leaving very soon. For this reason, she bypassed her house table and headed straight for the Gryffindor table. She was on a mission.

There weren't too many people there yet, so Janelle had no trouble finding her intended target. She waited for him to finish his conversation in progress, then made her move. "Hey Zeke. What's up?" It was impossible to see Zeke and not smile, or laugh really. Her memories of Zeke would forever be entertwined with her memories of Flamsteed. "You know, I'm going to miss you around here. Every time I sit in Astronomy class, I will think of you." And that was the truth.

End of term feast! Means he gets to go home! Huzzah!

Ok so Tenacius isnt normally this exuberant about having to leave Hogwarts. In fact previous terms he was kinda reluctant to board the train back. But this summer, it means he can go back and be with his baby sister again, and the past 3 months have really made him miss her.

But yes feast time, because packing all the things he has amassed over 10 months does make a hungry boy even hungrier.

"Hey everybody!" the Gryffindor Ace greeted all his fellow Lions already there. His gaze caught the Head Boy and Prefect-- boom. Suddenly he's reminded that this was their last year too. And Zeke and…. dang the all Gryffindor oldbies Upperclassmen…. How could he forget that this was the last time he was gonna see them here in uniform?

Sad face Tenacius is sads.

But he is curious about some things-- probably not gonna have to worry about this in a looooong time but hey it wont hurt to think about the idea eh? "Hey guys…" he started as he leaned closer towards the 7th years "… so what are you plans after Hogwarts? Like are you guys gonna get a job right away or go to Uni or something?"

Zeke was happy with his blissful ignorance - only a product of his avoiding of seeking out her tears. If he could think of a way to stop them, to make things okay, then that would be a different story… but as it was, he was currently doing all that he could do.

But then… hope! And in the form of an easy question too.

"Yeah, of course, just say when and I’ll be there." Did she doubt him? Because she shouldn’t, catchups were easily arranged. Finally being able to see her face again, it pleased him to see her smiling. GOOD, DORA! And then before he knew it he was being kissed - on the cheek. It was a gesture he appreciated for sure, and he wouldn’t forget it for a long while. Could people SEE his ego growing? He was Dora Umbridge’s FAVOURITE, yo. "And your mine," he replied with a wink before pulling her into his chest for another hug, kissing the top of her head.

He’d miss her.

But with their moment done, because he’d be emotionally drained if this kept up, he turned his attention to the staff table, spotting the headmaster. Somehow he still expected to see Botros up there… "Who knows, I hope so…" he was hungry too, and for once had failed to plan ahead, his pockets held no snacks. Boo.



Oh! And there was another face he’d have to congratulate. He had to admit, he’d been impressed with Liv’s duelling this term. In fact, the Gryffindors in general were pretty darn spectacular - even if he did say do himself. Heh.



Before he even had a chance to get up to visit the younger classmen, a familiar voice - and face, confronted him.

JANELLE!

"Hey yourself," he greeted in reply, turning in his seat to face her properly. As for what was up? "Oh you know, the usual." Mmhmm, just the usual, pfffffffffffftttttt. There was NOTHING usual about tonight, with the exception of the location, the food, the occasion… okay, it was REALLY usual, but this time GRADUATING applied to HIM. Could they all believe it? He made it!

Janelle’s words were touching, and he couldn’t help but crack into a grin, chuckling a little under his breath too. "Brilliant, because I didn’t get on that table for no reason," he beamed. But serious things… "I’ll miss you too." Really, he would. "When it’s your turn, and you’re out in the world, we should catch up." For old times sake, and simply because he knew she might be one of the only people in the world that would appreciate his Flamsteed impersonation on a bar table. It wasn’t a party trick for everyone, but it worked for them.




It was difficult to miss the sad-faced third year, and Zeke offered him a quick nod before considering his question. "Travel, work and Uni, I got accepted into WU Cairo," he informed with a slight shrug. He’d be busy, super busy, but it’d be worth it. SO worth it.



Just the thought of leaving here and starting his life with Maggie - properly, had him turning to search the Slytherin table once more, his eyes catching hers at last. Honestly, he just couldn’t wait till later, till they were out of here, till they were in Spain, and then at home. He winked in her direction before turning back to his house mates.

Why did Nat want to do something to embarrass the head boy? She wasn't upset with him nor was she trying to hurt him. She just wanted to have some fun with him. He had become a good friend and now it was time for him to graduate. She knew it wasn't goodbye because she'd see him over the summer. The perk of him being the band mate's boyfriend.


As Nat walked to the other side and towards the lion table she thought of different things she could do. Send butterflies towards him like she did Hady. or maybe she could sing an embarrassing lovey song and say it was from Hady. As she walked her mind went in different ways and by the time she realized she was standing right behind Frankie.


Finally coming out of her thought she smiled, "Hey Head Boy. Are you really going to allow this feast go super uneventful?"

Kaycee grinned when she saw Zeke. She, of course, would always see plenty of Zeke. There was no way they'd stay out of each other's lives. Not when there was a Maggie. But yes. He got a wave. Because last feast wave.

And there was DORA! Kaycee offered the younger lioness a grin. "Hey. Happy End of Term." she said brightly. "How were finals? Excited for summer?"

Kaycee smiled at her fellow almost-graduate. "FINALLY, yes." she said with a grin. "Took long enough." She wasn't even at Hogwarts the entire time. "All set for life after this?"

KAYCEE! Yes! That was her! She grinned at one of her favorite little lionesses. Don't tell the others. Ooh! "Yeah. I'd like that. And if you ever need anything, just let me know." Not that she had many contacts, especially in the ballet world, but it was the thought that counted, right?

Kaycee realized she didn't actually talk about her post school plans much. Dante and Maggie both knew, of course, but besides that not really anyone.

"I'm heading to New York." she said with a smile. "I'm going to be dancing. Find a studio. Teach a few classes. That sort of thing." Maybe go on a tour if she was lucky enough. Or work at a theme park. That would be cool too. Or muggle music videos? The opportunities were endless.

Paul headed to Gryffindor table first because he could see Kaycee Richards from a MILE AWAY because usually if he saw her coming he would HIDE.

Ahem, anyways.

Time to present her with a flower, though! She would be gone! GONE. He would be lying if he said he wasn't going to miss the Gryffindor, though. He approached her first, and held out a flower for her. "Goodbye, Kaycee Richards. I hope you go on to do great things," he said with a grin. "Including dancing on tables. Like..." he cleared his throat abruptly, "Appropriately so."

HA.

He needed to clarify. This was Kaycee.

"I think you should give us a taste of your skills right now if you can," yes. He was giving permission to Kaycee to DANCE ON THE TABLE. But really, he just wanted to see her dance, and the table seemed an appropriate place as any.

He glanced at Zeke next, whom he handed a flower to accordingly. "Mr. Browne!" he grinned. "Here you go. I hope you have a great summer and will go on to do awesome things! You're very bright, you know," he winked and pat his head. "Remember the time I found you and Maggie in my garden? Oh it was so wonderful!" AKA Paul was glad they were still together...as far as HE KNEW they were. It would be awful if he was wrong and Zeke suddenly had to explain.

OH WELL.

Next, he turned to Frankie. He held out a flower for the boy to take. "Headboy," Paul smiled. "Have a fun wonderful summer. And I know you'll go on to do great things, too," he said gently. Wasn't this one dating Hadleigh? Paul hoped he would be invited to any and all weddings/elopements/spiritual gatherings.

Hadley made her way over to the Gryffindor table after leaving her own table behind. There was something weird about Ravenclaws and feasts. Besides, the lions were more her speed anyway. She caught up with Ace, and stood quietly beside him as he talked to his graduating housemates.

A wave was given to the Gryffindors as a whole.

When Ace was done with his goodbyes, Hadley caught his attention. "Hey, I've been meaning to ask you, can you watch Asher and Wimple for me while I am in California?" After a beat, she explained, "Ferrets are illegal in California." As for Wimple, honestly, she was worried about the airline killing him. She had heard horror stories of pets dying from heat stroke and dehydration while being flown somewhere. Plus, he'll give Asher familiar company while she was away visiting her Dad.

"Please?" Hadley gave him her best puppy dog eyes.

Her big brother was graduating. Her big brother was graduating. Her big brother was leaving her.

Harriet didn't like that. She didn't want to be the only Paton at Hogwarts. Hattie was a big family person, and so not being around her brother all the time would be sad. Not that she had seen him much this last term, with him being busy with his NEWTs. But she was still going to miss him.

So the second year had made a beeline to the Gryffindor table the moment she got to the feast. She needed to find her brother. He wasn't hard to miss. Of course not. They were Paton's. They were very hard to miss.

"Frankieeeee" She sighed, wrapping her arms around her brother from behind to give him a big cuddle. "Don't graduate. You can't leave meee" She giggle dramatically. She was only joking... a little bit anyway.

Janelle had to smile when Zeke said nothing was up except the usual. Yeah right. Another feast, another "things will never be the same" moment. Reflecting briefly on how they had come to know each other, the soon to be seventh year thought about their forced Q & A session. That was one classroom partnership that Janelle was glad she had experienced.

And then.....at the mention of table jumping, Janelle broke into laughter. That was a visual she would never be able to un-see. "It really was brilliant, you know." Then Zeke unexpectedly went all serious on her. "When it's my turn.......wow. I can't believe it almost is my turn. But when I am out of here, we definitely have to catch up. That's a deal." Suddenly, Janelle had a thought. "Zeke, since you've managed to survive your seventh year......pretty much intact. Do you have any words of wisdom for me? You know, anything I should know for next year?"

Kaycee was planning on heading up to the staff table to say goodbye to a certain professor when he approached her. Oh good. This would save her some effort. And some embarrassment.

She smiled and accepted the flower. "Should I go give it to Dante and tell him he's not a terrible kisser?" For old time sake, obviously. They hadn't kissed in yeeeeears. Still grinning, she fondly recalled the compliment that made the Professor stop with the morning compliments.

Hehehe. Whoops.

The smile changed to a smirk though. Dance on the table? That sounded fun. And like a good way to go. "Of course, Professor." He meant now, right? She was pretty sure that was permission. And if not... she was leaving sooooo NOT ANYTHING YOU COULD DO ANYWAY!!!

Quick as a flash, she hopped onto the bench and then up on the table. She demonstrated some completely appropriate (and pluh-lease, she knew to be appropriate, there were children present) popping and locking moves. She even dropped a sweet beat box to accompany herself.

WATCH OUT WORLD. Kaycee Richards was coming at 'cha!

Reaching under the Ravenclaw table, Rooney pulled out the large balloons he had blown up and stored under there this morning. Ready, ready, ready! He took his wand to the batch of them and levitated them up towards the ceiling of the Great Hall. The green banners were just being joined by a WHOLE bunch of brightly coloured balloons, stuffed with pink somethings or other. Ooooooh what could it BE?

As soon as they were at the perfect height, Rooney popped each and every one of them with a firecracker spell.

POP!


POP!


POP!!!!

And down upon the tables scattered pink confetti, all adorned in handwritten love notes to his ONE AND ONLY LOVE, OLIVIA LYNN PHILLIPS. Many were just their initials in hearts, others had lovely quotes from characters that reminded him of the Gryffindor and others were completely laden is SICKLY love messages.

MAKE IT POP LIKE PINK CONFETTI.

MAKE IT RAIIIIIIIIIIIN.