Hady had stopped at every table but one now. The final table that held those that had helped her get to where she was today and where she would be going after today. Most of them had taught her for awhile and she'd missed each one of them for different reasons. All had their own style of teaching and their methods would be stick with her for many years to come, that much she was sure of.

She slowly made her way towards the table a small smile still on her face though not as bright as it had been several tables earlier. It was tough keeping a smile plastered on your face and standing strong for as long as she has been. Her resolve was still there and for the moment this seventh year was okay.

How do you say goodbye to those that have made you what you are? The people responsible for teaching you everything you'd need to know to follow your dreams? With everything she had learned from them all and her friends as well this wasn't something that could be taught. Gratitude and appreciation came from within and words just wouldn't be enough. She just hoped they all knew that every word, lesson, homework assignment, test, just all of it was being carried away with her.

"Professor," she whispered softly when she reached the chair where Art was sat. "I wanted to come say hello before the feast was through." Yes, she had said hello and not goodbye. Her hand lifted and she reached up to give Madam Curie a very light pet on the head.

Gaston blinked as Paul offered his opinion on Daxton Prince. He could barely believe his ears! He couldn't recall ever hearing Paul say an unkind word about anyone; this was so unlike him! He could understand why Paul felt that way after hearing what happened to his plants, but it was still odd to hear him talk like that. "B-but certainly the boy must have some redeeming qualities," he stammered, but Paul was already leaving to give out his roses.

He was glad his lame self-deprecating joke make Rosalyn laugh, and he laughed along with her. But he couldn't help but notice how sad she looked when he left to take his seat. He hated to see her sad! Surely there must be something he could do! He wracked his brains for a way to make her smile again, but before he could come up with anything, the Headmaster started speaking.

Ah, yes. The graduating seventh years. Saying goodbye to them was the herdest part of Gaston's job. No matter which school he taught at, this part never got any easier! He was beaming with pride, applauding wildly as he looked out at the graduating class... Paige, Brooklyn, Hady, and so may others he'd come to know over the term. He was going to miss them all, but he reminded himself they were on to bigger and better things.

Brilliant blue eyes widened in shock at the Headmaster's final announcement. What?! He was leaving? A million thoughts ran through Gaston's mind. It seemed like only yesterday when Sahnoun had hired him! He would be forever grateful to the man for taking a chance on a shrinking violet like him... but what if his successor didn't think he was worthy of the same chance? He decided not to think about that now. This was entirely too many goodbyes all at once... not that Gaston was ever good at saying goodbye. Not a lot of people had been kind to him, so when someone who had walked out of his life forever, it was too much to handle. Seeing the older man tear up made Gaston want to cry, but there were too many people around. Instead he turned to Sahnoun and said, "Headmaster, thank you for everything you've done for this school." And by that, he really meant thank you for everything you've done for me. "I wish you all the best."

No sooner had he spoken that a series of loud pops, like a hundred firecrackers going off, caused his head to jerk up suddenly. MERLIN'S BEARD, WHAT WAS THAT?! He instinctively drew his wand, half-expecting to see the poltergeists, but they were nowhere to be found. Instead pink confetti rained down, and what was written on it made Gaston laugh out loud. A very romantic display, Mr. Bronwyn, he thought, though maybe next time we could do without the firecracker spell. This had just given him an idea to cheer up Rosalyn! He picked up a piece of confetti, pointing his wand at it, and the initials written on it changed. Another flick of his wand sent the confetti floating toward Rose, and he smiled, giving her a cutesy wave as he looked back at her. Surely Mr. Bronwyn wouldn't mind him borrowing just one piece of confetti.

SPLAT! A water balloon came out of nowhere and burst, soaking the front of his clothes; another one aimed at Roderick followed. Gaston inwardly groaned as he performed a nonverbal drying spell first on his neighbor, then on himself. There was no need to ask who was responsible for that! But when he looked up, instead of Peeves and Miffy, he saw a spirit he hadn't met before. "THERE'S THREE OF THEM NOW?!?!" he blurted out in disbelief. Peeves and Miffy had a kid... how did they have a kid? He didn't think poltergeists could procreate...

Kay smiled again. "Thank you, Jordan. I'm glad you think so because I have a lot of purple dresses.'' And purple accessories since it was her favourite colour. Blue eyes trailed towards her Gobstones partner then back to Jordan. "I heard. Anyway, my opinion is all that matters, right?'' She was just teasing him, a habit she couldn't shake. It had started recently and she only did that when it was someone she was comfortable with. She eyed him. "No, you didn't. I think you need to get your eyes checked.''

Wait, what? Was she getting married and didn't know about her own wedding? Kay momentarily froze at Rose's question before realising it was a joke. She laughed softly. "Very funny, Rose! I'm not getting married until years for now. But you'll still get to be Maid of Honour when the day comes, I promise. You'll go down the aisle on a horseback.'' The woman smiled innocently.
* * * * * * *

The time finally came for the feast. Kay applauded for the winners of the respective Cups and the departing seventh years. Oh, how she would miss those that took Muggle Studies but she had nothing but good wishes for them. Kay's gaze turned quickly to the Headmaster when he mentioned he was leaving. She instantly felt sad. Even though it wasn't expected that he stayed, she couldn't help her feelings. He was going to be missed.

The food appeared and she reached for something to put on her plate just as popping noises could be heard. Confetti! How lovely! Even if they were about Rooney and Olivia. Young love... it could be so cute!

"Ms Lynch,'' Kay said, seeing the seventh year at the table. "All the best in your future endeavours. I know you'll succeed with everything you set your mind to.''

Kay raised her fork to her mouth, poised to take the first bite of food, her hair littered with a few pieces of confetti when there was a WHEEEEEEEEing. "MY GOSH!'' was her reaction, her mouth left hanging open. ANOTHER poltergeist? Good grief!

"Hello Laurel," Art said, turning to the Divination Professor with a smile. "Oh s-summer home? Where is that?" he asked. "I get to visit my kids and spend time with my granddaughter." He was very excited about that. He'd missed her this term, and he couldn't wait to give her a big hug.

"Rosie, love, how are you?" he asked his niece. He let out a chuckle. "She better be ready for me!" He had about six months of hugs saved up for her. "You'll come over for a big family dinner, won't you?" He knew the kids would love to see her.

He turned to Kay then, who was congratulating him and his lions. He wore a proud smile and said "Thank you Kay! I'm very proud of them. It was great watching you and Laurel organise everything for the Gobstones. Were you much of a player when you were here?" Art liked a good game of Gobstones, but he never played it when he was at school. That didn't stop him from watching the matches, as he enjoyed doing that.

Gaston was there, too, and Art turned to him. He didn't forget his Madame Curie either, who wiggled her nose in greeting to the man. "Hello Gaston, many plans for summer?" he asked.

"Evening there Paul, how are you?" Art asked the Herbology Professor, fellow Silver Stallion.

"Evening Jordan, how are you?" he asked, turning to look towards the Care of Magical Creatures Professor.

"Germany!" Art said, as Roderik approached. "I've not been there before, but I've seen lots of photos. It looks magnificent. What area are your family from?" He knew about geography just... didn't travel much. "I'm spending my summer with the family. I get to see my granddaughter every day, I can't wait." His proud grandpa smile was plastered on his face.

+++++++++++++

It would be strange being here without Headmaster Sahnoun. Art would be sad to see the man leave, but he knew the feeling of missing home. He couldn't blame the man. He would wait to say a proper goodbye to Mo, after the feast or perhaps tomorrow morning.

+++++++++++++

A series of things happened after he'd eaten.

The popping made him jump from surprise. He saw that the gesture was for one Miss Phillips and he rumbled with a quiet laugh. WHAT a gesture.

And then, he wasn't ready to say goodbye. Miss Lynch was there, and Art felt suddenly out of words. He opened his mouth once, closed it, and opened it again. He didn't know just what to say to the graduating Seventh year. He settled with simple. "Hello Miss Lynch." Yes, a hello. Madame Curie leaned forward on his shoulder at her gentle pat. Art would miss seeing the young lady in his office and classroom, and Madame Curie would miss her new friend. "Oh, I have something for you," he said. He reached under the table where he'd put his little bag, and pulled out a small box with four cauldron cakes that he had made himself. "Just a little something small, they're chocolate." Her name was printed on the top of the box, and there was a little letter tucked into the lid that said the things he wanted her to know without having to say them at the feast. Saying goodbye was hard, and Art didn't want to do it. So, he wrote it down. A goodbye, a wishing the best for her future, and an address she could send an owl if she needed help with anything in the future or, he hoped, just to keep in touch.

The reactions of his colleagues to the appearance of... of... whatever that THING was mirrored his own. ANOTHER ONE? "Great Scott," he said in disbelief, as the... "Is that a child?" he said to nobody. The THING splashed water balloons towards some of his colleagues, and Art's mouth was open in shock.

At the sound of Rosalyn's soft voice Laurel turned her attention to the history of magic professor sitting past Justin and Paul down on the other table flank. Smiling cheerily Laurel responded conversationally "My summer plans, well, we've got our all girl's outing in Diagon that I'm looking forward to and then of course cousin Justin is getting hitched and I'm going to spend time with my parents and siblings." Staying in the family summer home and spending time with loved ones was a summer must. And then there was her Viktor date of sorts, but she didn't feel like mentioning that with everyone listening in."I've enjoyed teaching this term too, but I'm ready for a long studentfree break." Away from students and the castle and the draft.



Craning her neck slightly Laurel leaned forward in her seat to lock eyes with Kay sitting by Cynthia's side. Beaming broadly she said excitedly to Kay "Yes we will! Girl's day FTW! We should do more all girl's days during the next school year, don't you agree?" Laurel cherished friendships with other women and wanted to deepen them. Hopefully Kay and Rosa were of the same view. "Are you planning on buying a pet during the summer break?"



Eyes still on the other flank of the table Laurel turned her gaze to Cynthia as she asked curiously "What kind of horror stories had you heard before coming here to work?" They had been proven false obviously since Cynthia had enjoyed her time here though. Smiling Laurel said "I really enjoyed teaching the noble art of divination to the student body this year. Some of the students might even be budding seers if they continue their studies." She'd scry in her ball to see what fates awaited her students during the summer break.



Gaston was a slightly peculiar man but sweet man in his own way. Raising her brow Laurel queried "Haven't you enjoyed teaching the young witches and wizards how to cast charms spells this school year?" It seemed like a granted question given how extra excited Gaston seemed to be for summer break. She knew he hadn't exactly had an easy year but none of them had with the geists causing havoc everywhere. Or maybe Laurel pondered did Gaston just want more time with Rosalyn?



Paul, precious white-haired Paul was chuckling at her for asking about his choice of clothes. Sighing Laurel said "I give up. I thought feasts meant formal wear, but apparently not everyone thinks so." After pouring some cold juice into her goblet she asked "Could you give me some suggestions of plants that will warm up my office? The Divination Tower gets very cold when its cold." Raising her goblet to her mouth she drank some juice as she peered out over the student tables which Paul had left to visit.



Turning her head to Headmaster Sahnoun she couldn't help but think that he was lying to her. She knew what was coming. She had foreseen it when she had consulted her cards but Laurel was going to leave the reveal to her boss man. Instead she murmured. "I'm glad to hear that, have you got any plans for the summer headmaster?"

****

Some minutes later Sahnoun stood up and gave his usual end of the year speech, but with an unexpected ending for many, but not her. Laurel really felt for him and for everyone in the hall herself included. Sahnoun would be deeply missed. When her silver haired boss retook his seat by her side Laurel produced a handkerchief from her purse and held it out to him saying quietly "I will miss your steady leadersip and belief in my abilities to foresee the future. Seering isn't always met with acceptance." Laurel was very thankfull to Sahnoun for never doubting her Inner Eye.




Laurel was just in the process of helping herself to the feast of food that had appeared on the table in front of her when Roderick spoke to her. Thankfully she just had to turn her head slightly to look at him, one of the perks of the seating arrangement. Was Roderick sad? He seemed sad. Choosing her words Laurel said quietly "Don't blame yourself. You did the best you could for that boy." Meaning Daxton Prince. She knew what had happened with that young eagle. It was a sad story. "I'm taking a trip back home to see family too and I'm attending Justin's wedding. So that should---" be fun. Laurel lost her thought as pink confetti rained down and landed in her hair and on her food plate and in her goblet. Shaking away the confetti in her hair she fished out the confetti from her goblet and stared at the writing muttering "Young love, how sweet."



When happened next was not one bit amusing since a child version of a geist floated over to the staff dais and tossed water balloons left and right where one hit Roderick and of course splashed her in equal amount of water.

Hair dripping and dress ruined Laurel seethed "Sweet Circe, that was a polter!kid! Can Peeves and Miffy even have children?" The last question was mostly directed to Roderick since he was closest. Pulling her wand out Laurel started to dry her hair and dress thinking dark thoughts about child geists.



Good old Art, always open to a chat. Turning to greying potions master Laurel responded. "The Vance family summer home is in Bristol with water connection. I've spent many happy summers there with my elder brothers." Salvaging her food that wasn't pink confetti ruined Laurel dug in to her plate, since she when she felt after, was pretty famished for food. "How old is your granddaughter?"

Hadleigh's head turned upon hearing her name and she smiled. "Thank you, Professor. Sorry I dropped your lesson last term it was nothing against either you or the lesson itself, I just simply had to let go of a few lessons as I was completely overwhelmed." She had never really given the women much of an explanation as to why she couldn't continue with Muggle Studies. Now that she was leaving Hady figured it was best to do that now even if she didn't have to. "I'm going to give it my all and maybe someday you'll know me as a Creature Healer." Big dreams ahead.

The seventh year had always enjoyed her talks with Art. This year however the talks had grown stronger, deeper, more meaningful. It had given her insight into more things then just Potions and his interest in her studies to become an animagi was wonderful. She was going to miss him. Something for her though? Well this she hadn't expected at all but the smile on her face was there as she accepted the box. "Well thank you Professor these look lovely." She had peeked inside and took notice of the note. She'd read that on the train. Reaching down into the pocket of her robes she pulled out something holding it out to him. It might have seemed silly to others but she knew he'd understand. It was a Red Panda stuffed animal, one that would fit nicely in the palm of his hand and a much smaller one for her littler friend too (same one only shrunk down in size). "This is for you...and the tiny one is for Madam Curie..." That way he'd be able to see a Red Panda anytime he liked and Madam Curie wouldn't completely lose her new friend.

With her Peevsiepoo by her side Miffy floated up to the staff dais blowing out raspberry seeds as she went for good measure, and they might have hit a student or two in the heads, but Miffy didn't stop to look.

*GIGGLE*

She had been really good since the wedding. No pranks or chaos, she had just enjoyed her loveydovey martial bliss with her darling Peevsie. Stormy had caused enough havoc for the three of them.

Halting in front of headmaster Sahnoun she cheerily quipped as she gestured vividly towards her polter!kid, like a proud mother. "Isn't Stormy just the cutest? I've adopted him as my son. I've been trying to teach him how to be good after the incident with the owls. I promise he will learn."

She was just setting in to eat her dinner when out of nowhere a piece of confetti landed on her plate. Rosalyn blinked, confused because the shower had stopped a few moments before. Picking up the piece of paper, she smiled. Glancing at Gaston, she beamed and returned the wave. He knew just how to make her feel much better! Rosalyn wanted to thank him, but that could wait a bit. They would talk more later since she didn't want to say things across half the table.

There was no way that Rosalyn was going to forget the girls day that she had planned with Laurel and Kay. They were going to have a blast shopping and gossiping. Get some lunch as well because no day out was complete without getting something to eat. "I'm totally up for more of these days out if Kay is." It would be a shock if that wasn't the case. Really she just wanted to spend time with them over the summer holidays. They had known each other from their Hogwarts days and were friends! "Oh, a wedding. Let's hope that it isn't as eventful as the last one." Unless in a GOOD way. The Piffy reception had been something else. "I'll be spending time with family too, of course I already do while I am at work." Dear Uncle Art. "I loved teaching too, though most students don't love my class." No worries since she knew that a lot of people considered history to be boring. At least they seemed to like HER.

Nodding, she listened to what Laurel told Roderik. It was true! "Yes, you really did your best. We all tried to help him as best as we could. Now all we can do is hope that things end up going better for Daxton. I think he will end up doing okay." At least that was what Rosalyn WANTED to think. It would make her sad to know that things didn't get any better for him. All he needed was more help. She understood that the boy had been HIS responsibility as Head of House, but he had done all he could. Anyway... "Germany sounds lovely. I've never been there before but I've read about it. What's your favourite thing to do there?" Maybe she could keep it in mind for if she ended up visiting! "Oh, I'm going to spend time with friends and family mostly." Other things as well, but she wasn't going to get into that right now.

For half a second Rosalyn wondered if she had somehow said something wrong to Kaysha since that wasn't the response that she had been expecting. She gave a sigh of relief when her friend caught on to the joke. Last thing she had wanted was for her friend to be annoyed with her for having a bit of fun! "So not this summer? I had been hoping that we could look at bridesmaid dresses while we are out with Laurel." Haha. At least she got to be Maid of Honor. That was something special! "Dang straight. I am going down that aisle in style." No better way to do that than on horseback.

It wasn't until half the food was gone from her plate that Rosalyn felt she could say something to the Headmaster. It wouldn't be right for him to leave without saying goodbye and thanking him for the wonderful year she had working with him. "It was wonderful working with you this term. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to. I wish you all the best." Things were going to continue looking up for him, she could sense it even if she wasn't a Seer.

Was Uncle Art seriously asking her if she was going to come by for a family dinner? Was that even a question? "Of course I will come by for dinner. I'll come for more than one if you want me to." And there was a little baby she needed to see on top of everyone else! "I think she will be more than ready for you. I think she's been wanting some grandpa time!" It was going to be so precious to watch. Rosalyn's heart was melting just at the thought. "I am doing great, Uncle Art. How about you? There is something I want to tell you but it will have to wait until later." Not like she wouldn't be seeing him over the summer.

There was an arrival to the table at that moment, and Rosalyn smiled as the Seventh Year talked to her uncle. "Hello, Miss Lynch. Congratulations on graduation and the best of luck to you in the future." It was sad to see students graduating, even ones that she hadn't gotten to know well. It was the hardest part of teaching, and something that she hadn't gotten used to even with her time at Durmstrang.

At that moment, something happened further along the table but Rosalyn missed it. What she hadn't missed, however, was the fact that there was ANOTHER poltergeist?! "Bloody brilliant. As if two weren't enough." As if on cue, Miffy chose that moment to come by. Stormy? What a sickingly sweet nickname. Rosalyn assumed that it meant the polter!child's name was Storm. "So it was him that set the owls loose. I had thought it was you or Peeves." Huh. So they hadn't been behind the latest batch of pranks after all?? Was that what she was saying?

WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!! Peeves squealed with glee as he zoomed up to the staff table beside his sweet sweet Miffy. "Hiya, drips!" he said with a big smile, hovering in front of the professors who'd been drenched by Storm's water balloons.

"That's my boy!" he crowed, practically beaming with fatherly pride as he put a hand on Storm's shoulder. Whoops! That wasn't what he meant to say! Let's try that again. "I mean, Storm, you're grounded!"

See, old Peevsie could be good! It took some getting used to, but he really was trying.

He nodded. "We found him in the kitchens weeks ago. Now look at us - one big happy family!" Another biiiiig smile as he hugged his polter!wife and polter!kiddo.

"Naughty professorhead blaming poor Peeves and Miffy!" He wagged a finger at the History lady. "Told ya we were innocent so NYAH!" He even threw in a raspberry for good measure because hey, old habits die hard!

WHEEEEEEEEEEE!!

Two professies are getting soaked! Storm was happy to see that! Now the polter!kid was about to float to other places but mumsy and dadsy came. Oopsie...

What did he just heard from dadsy? GROUNDED?

*BLOWS RASPBERRIES*

"No, dadsy. YOU'RE GROUNDED!" more raspberries blowing.