Zelena was absolutely exhausted from what had occurred in the Alternate Hogwarts/Portal. The Calming Draught had helped a bit but her hands still shook slightly as she poured herself a goblet of pumpkin juice. Her fingers lightly drummed on the table as she waited for anyone to join her. She was glad that the term was over.

Everything about the Feast bothered Mason.

After everything that had happened this term, after all of the trauma, they were still doing this. Mason still had nightmares about that thing, still saw the way its tongue flicked between those razor-sharp teeth, still saw it bounding past her. She'd been completely out of it these last few weeks. She'd been skipping all of her classes, hiding away in the Library or the Dorm, her helplessness and frustration eating away at her.

And for once in her life, Mason didn't care how she looked. There were bags under her brown eyes and. . . she just felt tired, worn out. She didn't even have anyone to turn to, since she ran her own damn relationship into the ground.

With a sigh, the Snake took a seat at the almost empty table, pushing the plate and cutlery as far away from her as possible, her stomach already churning at the smell of the food. Why was she even here, again?

She just wanted to go home . . . she just wanted her family.

Hogwarts was awful. Why had his parents sent him here?

There were MONSTERS here. No one had warned him about that!

Louis and Daisy had both raved on about how fantastic this place was, but no!

When he wasn't in class, Maxton had pretty much spent the entire year hidden in the library or his dormitory. He'd felt safe there.

He wasn't about to miss the end of term feast though. He was still a Carden after all.

The first year sat at the Slytherin table patiently. He sniffed at the air and his tummy rumbled loudly. Was that roast chicken he could smell? MMMMM.

At the beginning of the year, Daisy hadn't been all that happy about the fact that her brother -- her younger brother -- was going with her to Hogwarts. In fact, Daisy had sort of given Maxton lots of space while simultaneously keeping an eye on him via bribed first years. Then things had happened. Monster things. First years almost getting eaten things.

And well -- Daisy had suddenly become the overprotective type of sister after that.

"Maxxie!" She greeted him enthusiastically when she approached him; as if she hadn't been following him since he had left the common room. As if he hadn't been able to tell, probably. That boy was eerily smart. Without any concern for his private space, the girl stood behind him and soon enough had her arms around the first year. "Can you believe we're going home at last? And that we get to feast soon?" She squeezed him hard and swayed them a bit, her chin resting on top of his head. Did they have to wait for the speeches?? Better yet, was the Headmistress resigning because of the 'traumatised-children' drama?

All the curiosity was just making her even hungrier.

There was only one person in this whole castle that would call his name like that. In fact, he was pretty sure no one even knew his name. In the Slytherin first year dormitory, he was known simply as 'the nerdy one.'

"Hi Daisy," Maxton said with a small smile, tensing up a little when she started squeezing at him like a teddy bear. Daisy had absolutely no clue when it came to personal space. This was HIS bubble, not hers!

"Hogwarts is crazy. I don't think mum is going to let us come back next year so we'd better make the most of this feast." He wriggled out of her grip and looked up at his older sister with a solemn expression.

Would they be allowed to take a goody bag filled with food back home?

Well, ...that's a wrap.

I felt strange to think about the fact that this was the end of his very first year here at Hogwarts. In just a few months, he'd be a fifth year, and that felt strange to think about, too. Brent also couldn't believe everything that had gone down with that portal, the monster, and two of the school's poltergeist. Thank Merlin everybody was safe and nobody had...well, let's not go there.

He entered the Great Hall and headed straight to the house table. He was literally starved and couldn't wait for the food to be served. He looked toward the people already here. "What's up?" he greeted, taking a seat at the table. Duuuuuude. They'd won the house cup, too, which was an awesome addition to his first year here.

The last few weeks, Skylar found herself delving more and more into her studies, unwilling to go wandering more than from her common room to her classes to the great hall. It was a good thing, because it meant she was well prepared for her exams, but the downside it she barely saw anyone since the portal closed for hopefully good.

Making her way down to the closing feast was a struggle, but its main highlight meant they were finally going home for a much needed summer break! Tomorrow! And though neither she nor Noah had gone into the portal, she could already feel the arguments it was going to take to get them to return next year. However, the fact that she'd been a top notch student would probably aid their case.

Sliding onto the bench next to Brent, she smiled vaguely at him, feeling guilty at ignoring him and everyone really for the last few weeks. "Hi," she said simply, as her gaze drifted automatically up to the staff dais wondering which face might be the last time she saw them. If her past two years were any indication, she'd bet on a new Transfiguration and Astronomy Professor, given she'd had a different one every year thus far.

And despite the green decor, which should have improved Skylar's mood, she didn't feel like celebrating.

This was it. Natalia couldn't believe it was finally time to have her last feast, her last time sitting at this table, the last time she'd be in this Hall, the last time she'd see some of these people. Walking over to the table after writing in the seventh yearbook Natalia looked around the table. Some were here already and chatting. They all seemed to be looking good and happy to see the end. It had been a month since the monster, a month of studying, and finally her NEWTs were over and she never had to worry about them again.


Giving everyone a smile she looked over the ones here, "Hello everyone." She found her place at the table and took a moment to take it all in. She looked across the table for a second forgetting he wouldn't be there across from her. A frown happened, but only for a second and she turned her head. "Is everyone ready for summer?" She needed the distraction and talking about summer seemed to be the best one.

Her eyes lifted to the staff table, which she did want to take a moment to go up. She wasn't usually one to go up to the professors, but this was the last time so she would.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crayola

At the beginning of the year, Daisy hadn't been all that happy about the fact that her brother -- her younger brother -- was going with her to Hogwarts. In fact, Daisy had sort of given Maxton lots of space while simultaneously keeping an eye on him via bribed first years. Then things had happened. Monster things. First years almost getting eaten things.

And well -- Daisy had suddenly become the overprotective type of sister after that.

"Maxxie!" She greeted him enthusiastically when she approached him; as if she hadn't been following him since he had left the common room. As if he hadn't been able to tell, probably. That boy was eerily smart. Without any concern for his private space, the girl stood behind him and soon enough had her arms around the first year. "Can you believe we're going home at last? And that we get to feast soon?" She squeezed him hard and swayed them a bit, her chin resting on top of his head. Did they have to wait for the speeches?? Better yet, was the Headmistress resigning because of the 'traumatised-children' drama?

All the curiosity was just making her even hungrier.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Waterloo

There was only one person in this whole castle that would call his name like that. In fact, he was pretty sure no one even knew his name. In the Slytherin first year dormitory, he was known simply as 'the nerdy one.'

"Hi Daisy," Maxton said with a small smile, tensing up a little when she started squeezing at him like a teddy bear. Daisy had absolutely no clue when it came to personal space. This was HIS bubble, not hers!

"Hogwarts is crazy. I don't think mum is going to let us come back next year so we'd better make the most of this feast." He wriggled out of her grip and looked up at his older sister with a solemn expression.

Would they be allowed to take a goody bag filled with food back home?

The term hadn't be the greatest, but at least he was alive. This, Levi was acutely aware, should not have been an accomplishment (or perhaps it should have?) but there was something to be said about a monster breaking out from a multidimensional portal and threatening to eat everyone.

As a matter of fact, there was plenty that could be said about that. But, what mattered now was that he was alive and OWLs were, somehow and after everything, very much over.

It was a huge relief. So big Levi actually forgot why things between him and his siblings had been tense, as of late. Not that they had, probably, but he was determined to be the bigger person as always (YES, ALTHEA) and look past whatever it was that had gone wrong.

Which was exactly why the boy headed towards the Slytherin table, brown eyes quickly scanning the table for Declan. Though he didn't actually find his brother, there were enough familiar faces for him not to backtrack and head back to join his fellow Gryffindors. There was Brent, Skylar, the Head Girl who had flung grapes at him. Others. The important part was that everyone got a smile. And after that he went and sat across Daisy and a boy who looked a lot like her.

Levi blinked. Was this a sibling? One of the how many, again? The fifth year offered the boy a smile. "Have you seen Declan?" At Daisy. Greetings were also important, so he turned to the boy. "Hey, man. You must be..." Maximus? Maximillian? "...Maxton, right? I'm Levi." Clearly not a Gryffindor. "Ugh, I wish they wouldn't make us wait for the food."

Had anyone bothered to ask Althea for her opinion, they would know that she thought the school year was terrible. A mysterious portal, a creepy monster, she'd socialized more than she'd wanted, and worse, she had to deal with having a crush. It wasn't all bad, though. She'd befriended enough people to be satisfied for the next twenty years, and it was something she could take pride in. Although the drama with the portal was over, there was still drama in her life. No matter what Levi said it was his fault. As soon as he apologized for his behavior and malicious attitude, then Althea would treat him as her older brother.

Until then, he was stuck with a mild-silent treatment.

It was because of Declan and Daisy that she left the Hufflepuff table and wandered over to the Slytherin one. She gave quick smiles to the students she passed, until she'd made it over to the side of the table that Daisy was seated. Plopping down next to her, she nudged the girl playfully, flashing her a grin. "Hi Daisy," she said in a sing-song sort of voice - she took note of a smaller student (a first year?) sitting next to her. The resemblance was uncanny. "Your brother?" she asked before waving at him. Out of decency to their shared genetics, Althea turned - albeit unwillingly - to face the bane of her existence this term. "Levi," she greeted curtly, cutting him a severe look before glancing over to Daisy. "Have you seen Declan?" Never mind that she'd overheard Levi ask the girl already; she wanted to prove a point.

More people were showing up now, but there was still one thing missing---the food. Brent was a growing boy, and he and the entire school had just been involved in an EPIC WAR! They needed FOOD! His stomach even grumbled a little just to demonstrate that point.

...and then Skylar sat down, and it reminded him that she'd pretty much been MIA for the last few weeks. "Well, look at who decided to join us once again," he said, deciding to take the slightly sarcastic approach. He figured she needed it considering it had likely been the whole portal thing that had made her this way. On a serious note, he added, "You doing alright? Everybody's still kind of one edge about what happened." He didn't really go into details, because...well, she knew what had happened.

Brent followed her gaze up to the staff table. She knew all of them better than he did. Who knew what she was thinking. When his eyes landed on their Head of House, it reminded him of something. "So congrats on how well you did in classes this year," he said. From what he'd heard, she'd contributed the most to their house cup win.

Colt made it to the feast. Woah where did the term go? He felt like he just came here and now he was gonna leave. It was also his last term and he looked down at his head boy badge and he was gonna miss his status. Ah well someone will obviously wear better than he ever could. Now was he hungry? Not really, he was more antsy to get home. He figured he might as well stop by and say goodbye to all of his friends. He saw someone he knew instantly at his table. Man she didn't look good at all.

He treaded with caution and sat across from the table from his trusted sidekick. He cleared his throat and had to say this. "No offense Mason but you look like crap..." I mean her hair was not kept up. It looked like a rats nest. He saw the bags under her eyes. "Bloody merlin when is the last time you slept?" Colt could always sleep well in the dungeons since it was poorly lit, so the sunlight never came through waking him up. She even pushed away her dishes. Something was clearly up with her.

She knew she ought to have just gone up to write in the book from the start, but Elle needed time to figure out what she wanted to write. It wasn’t as if she needed to write down everything that had happened over the last month or so, and that was foremost in her mind. Everything with the portal had been sort of just a story for her, until she’d actually seen the monster and then what it was capable of. Until she’d gotten to help heal those who had been injured, which had only cemented her plan of going into healing. More than the idea had already been permanent in her mind, and she had glanced up at the staff table as she’d made her way to her house table, frowning slightly as she determined Healer Reed hadn’t arrived yet. She had a kinship with him now, or at least it felt like it, and leaving without saying something didn’t seem palatable to her.

But she’d managed a smile on her face by the time she slipped into a seat near Nat, under the green banners that felt like another accomplishment. They’d defeated the monster, and they’d won the house cup. “I think I’m ready for summer,” she said, answering her friend’s question. She knew she had her volunteer work set up, but aside from that she honestly had no other plans. Which seemed nice, compared to the chaos of the term.

She'd miss everyone, that was for sure.

James first term year....was chaotic, to say the least. To be honest, he wasn't sure what to make of it all. He wasn't supposed to form any kind of attachment with anyone here but he did it, anyway. He managed to complete his streaming year exams and even praised those that went through the portal. No one thought that they could make it out of there alive. It was a suicide mission after all. Thankfully, they all survived, much to the relief of everyone in the school. One thing led to another, and more life-changing events happened to him. What changed him? He hadn't the slightest clue.

For now, he was looking forward to summer and going back home again. He needed the break to be free from all the stress this school had put him through. Time to throw his assignment papers up in the air and have a pool party somewhere! His gaze scanned over to the few he knew in school. Starting with the head girl. James made his way down the table and sat across from her."Nat, congratulations. Will I get to see you more after this?" he asked with a grin on his face.

Hmm. No hugs? Okay, little brother.

Daisy wasn't one to miss a chance to annoy her brother, though, so even as she allowed him to pull away from her one hand moved to ruffle his hair. There, that should annoy him a bit more. Barely fighting the urge to poke her tongue out at him, the girl sat directly by his right side and looked around just as Brent was approaching. The boy was a bit weird and his Hufflepuff brother was even weirder, what with them rushing into danger to fight a monster no one knew anything about, but he was alright. Skylar was with him now and so, settling down comfortably next to her own, Daisy waved at them both. It was pretty good to know that things were slowly, ever so slowly, going back to normal.

That is, until her brother brought up the elephant in the room. Well. At the table.

With a very audible sigh, the fifth year turned back to look at her younger brother and wrinkled her nose. "I know. She didn't sound particularly happy in that last letter, did she?" Why they hadn't been pulled out of the school as soon as their Mum had heard about the disappearing kids was still a mystery to her, but she was willing to bet her Dad had something to do with it. As for returning the next year, well, she was in two minds. While her faith in Hogwarts and its capacity to protect them had been shattered, she couldn't deny that there was something special about the school. Maybe she was just getting too sentimental about the castle. "We'll see what happens during the summer, I suppose. Maybe Dad will convince her we can stay." Or maybe their Dad would only insist on having them move schools.

Head Girl Natalia had arrived meanwhile and Daisy was just about to tell her how much she was looking forward to summer and all its Quidditch days when Levi appeared. She blinked at him, wondering if he had gotten lost or something, given his status as a Gryffindor. Not that there was any problem with a Gryffindor sitting there, it -- AH. Of course. "Nope, hav --" She stopped as she felt someone nudging her and didn't even look surprised when Althea showed up as well. She just rolled her eyes at them good-naturedly. Clearly, being slightly mad at each other didn't stop them from hanging around together; that was good to know. She flashed Althea a smile of her own and shook her head. "He's probably still in the common room or something." She replied, shrugging her shoulders. Or summoning something. Who even knew with him?

Anyway, introductions! She sent Levi a grateful smile when he remembered Maxton's name, glad to know that he at least listened to some of her babbling, even if not all of it. "Yeah, this is my brother. Maxton" She told both of them at the same time, not really caring if they weren't willing to share a conversation. Daisy was not going to have two separate conversations with them about virtually the same thing. She pointed them out to Maxton, mumbling their names in a quick succession. "Levi. Althea." For some reason, her hands moved to fix Maxton's tie as she explained. "They're my friends. I suspect their older brother is about to appear out of nowhere, too." She added that bit as more of an after-thought, eyes roaming around the Slytherin table and its surroundings. There were still plenty of people missing so it wasn't like he was that late.

"Ugh. I know." She turned back to Levi with a groan, rolling her eyes again. Hogwarts just kept on disappointing, really. It was a pity because it used to hold such promises and now... disappointment after disappointment. "Her speech should be pretty quick, though. How long does it take for someone to resign?" That was going to happen, right? If it didn't, she would have to brace herself for a summer filled with her Mum's rants.

The smell of the feast had clearly lured more people out of their Common Rooms, and Maxton watched inquisitively as more people joined their table. You'd think that after having been at Hogwarts for almost an entire year he'd at least recognise some of the faces. But nope, he didn't. That's what happened when your nose was always in a book, he supposed.

The first year poured himself a goblet of pumpkin juice as he pondered Daisy's words. She was right. Dad wouldn't want them going to any other school even if this one did have monsters and Merlin knows what else. Dad would say that that is why Hogwarts had character. Maxton was willing to stay for the library alone.. This castle did have a fantastic library..

"Hi Levi," Maxton smiled politely as he turned to the older boy. "Hi Althea." He sent a tentative smile in her direction as well when Daisy concluded her introductions. "Tell me about it.." The first year grumbled in reply when Levi expressed his feelings about waiting for the food. "I'm starving!"

His older sister started fixing his wonky tie and Maxton swiped her hands away. He was sitting here amongst all the bigger kids! Was she trying to embarrass him on purpose!? Normally, he wouldn't be so bothered. But when Maxton had an empty tummy he got grouchy.

He wasn't really sure what to say in front of all the big kids, so the twelve year old took it upon himself to simply stare at them all.

Even as Skylar's gaze was fixed on the staff dais for a few moments, she did realize that the Snake table was filling up with people, which had caused the third year to tear her gaze away and look around at those around her. She noticed her head leaders had arrived and Elle and Daisy, whom she gave a little return wave back toward, though it seemed Daisy was preoccupied with Levi and Althea visiting and her little brother.

... and then she heard the grumble next to her, which caused her to smile just a little at her table buddy. Honestly, they liked to take their time with this feast thing. "M'Sorry ... I just needed some time alone with my thoughts..." she said quietly, for once not feeling at all the need for sarcasm. "I will be. I mean, sure I didn't really get the front edge of things, but just seeing friends and having a close scare on possibly never seeing them again, it just made me retreat to the comfort and safety of books." She didn't know why she needed to explain herself, but there it was.

Noticing Brent noticing when she had gazed up at the staff dais, she smiled when he complimented her on her efforts in classes. "You did pretty great yourself for your first time in Hogwarts Classes. But I was just thinking, wondering which professors I might never see again after tomorrow. Thus far I've had a different Transfiguration and Astronomy Professor every year I've been here, so who knows...?" Those positions could likely be cursed?

SPOILER!!: tnx buddy

Colt made it to the feast. Woah where did the term go? He felt like he just came here and now he was gonna leave. It was also his last term and he looked down at his head boy badge and he was gonna miss his status. Ah well someone will obviously wear better than he ever could. Now was he hungry? Not really, he was more antsy to get home. He figured he might as well stop by and say goodbye to all of his friends. He saw someone he knew instantly at his table. Man she didn't look good at all.

He treaded with caution and sat across from the table from his trusted sidekick. He cleared his throat and had to say this. "No offense Mason but you look like crap..." I mean her hair was not kept up. It looked like a rats nest. He saw the bags under her eyes. "Bloody merlin when is the last time you slept?" Colt could always sleep well in the dungeons since it was poorly lit, so the sunlight never came through waking him up. She even pushed away her dishes. Something was clearly up with her.

Coming here had been a bad idea. All she wanted to do was go back to her dorm and sleep. Mason was about to get up and leave when a familiar face took the seat across from hers. . . and proceeded to insult her. GREAT. Letting out a soft sigh, she glared at him. "Thanks, Head Boy, you really know how to make a girl feel better," She said half-heartedly, rubbing her eyes with the heel of her hand. Even Colt couldn't rile her up today.

She rested her chin on her hand, bracing her elbow on the table. "How can I sleep . . . ever since I saw that thing, I've been having nightmares about it. . . " Another sigh. Mason leaned more into her hand, tilting her head slightly, "You- you didn't see it, did you?" she asked, a frown etched between her brow. She'd hoped he hadn't. It wasn't really something she'd wish onto anyone. Ugghhh, she needed to stop thinking about that thing, especially since it was gone now, right?

That's right, the Baron was here. His rattling chains may have gone unnoticed, but that was fine with the self-proclaimed gentlemanghost. The best house of them all, Slytherin, had won for a third consecutive year and the spirited feeling was great after the worst had passed. So for now, he was taking in the view.

There didn't seem to be much going on at the staff table, which both bothered Brent and didn't bother him at the same time. Dude, he was hungry! What was the holdup? He half-grinned, half-laughed when he caught on to the fact that Skylar had heard his stomach grumble. "You'd think they'd have it served and ready to go," he said. "We waiting on another speech or something?" He had remembered that part from the feast at the beginning of the year.

Time alone with her thoughts? That sounded really mature, and it kind of threw Brent for a loop. He tried to remain focused, though, because he knew that episode with the monster had really freaked people out. "I know, right? I kind of think I'll think about it all summer," he admitted. He had even dreamt about it a time or two, but he wasn't going to admit that out loud. "So I guess what they say really is true. Before I came here, I always heard this school had some really weird stuff happen literally every single school year."

He grinned again when she told him how well he'd done. "Yeah? Cool, thanks," he replied. He'd been pretty surprised to find out he was a top student in Divination. He would have never bet even a single knut on that one. Speaking of subjects, he raised his eyebrows when she mentioned some of the professors might not be coming back. "Really? You think they might quit or something?" he asked. He eyed the staff table. Dude. He really liked all his professors.

The last month of the term had been pretty quiet and calm, compared to the rest of the term, but Rula was definitely ready for the summer holidays to begin. She was ready to see her family and Max and Bastien, and just ready in general to be out of the castle for a couple months. The freedom that came with the holidays, especially now that she was of age, was exciting.

Taking a moment to look around the Great Hall as she entered, she didn't see Abey over at the Gryffindor table or any of the other tables, although she did spot a few of her friends - and someone standing up on the Gryffindor table? Uh, okay. But she headed for her house table for now, though she didn't see Junia there yet either. They'd surely show up soon though.

It looked like quite a few of her housemates had shown up to the table though, along with a couple others from different houses and the Bloody Baron. They all got smiles from Rula if they happened to look her way, and the Baron got a polite, "Good evening, sir."

Then she slipped into the empty seat across from Zelena. "Hey. Looking forward to the summer?"

Zelena saw the Blood Baron and gave him a smile. "It is nice to see you, Baron. I'm happy Slytherin has won again.". She turned to Rula who was now sitting opposite her. "I am definitely looking forward to the summer. I'm looking forward to my final year here. How about you?"

It wasn't long before Nat wasn't just sitting at the table hoping other's spoke to her to distract her from her own thoughts. Soon one of her dormmates (Elle) had joined her and she smiled. It was going to be weird not having her dormmates around all the time. She knew she had the greatest support from them. "Me too." She had so much going on this summer that it was going to be a blur, but the good things planned seemed needed. Though she just felt like taking a trip to a beach and relaxing. Maybe she'd ask Joe if he'd like to do a father/daughter trip. "What are your plans?" They would definitely have to hang out at some point.

Making eye contact with Daisy she gave the girl a wave. She had gotten to know her more this term and was so glad she did. She knew Slytherin was in good hands with the ones at the table. Brent and Skylar got waves as well. Skylar still worried her with her let's jump into the trouble Gryffindor style, but the girl was alright.

"Good evening Baron sir, how are you?" The ghost were never a surprise at the feast and she was hoping he was proud of the banners that hung, though she still felt a bit sad that she hadn't helped as much as she would have liked with the house points. Her grades were good, but not making top marks like she had last term bothered her.

After leaving the Gryffindor table, Gaston's next stop was the Slytherin one. Hopefully he wasn't walking into more craziness! He cautiously looked around; so far, so good. Now he could carry on with handing out his gifts for the seventh years. He found the Head Boy first. "Good evening, Mr. Winchester!" he greeted him. "I have a little graduation present for you..." He reached into his jacket pocket and handed him a chocolate frog and a graduation card in a sealed envelope. "Congratulations; the best of luck to you!"

He noticed Miss Stevens sitting nearby and gave the girl a sympathetic look as he passed her. Merlin's beard! She looked terrible... not that he could blame her a bit! If seeing the monster had been traumatic for him, he couldn't even begin to imagine the effect it must've had on her!

He found Miss Penrose a little farther down the table. "Hello, Miss Penrose!" he greeted, beaming at the girl. He hadn't forgotten how she'd helped Healer Reed at the portal, and her hard work was greatly appreciated! "Congratulations on graduating! Here, I have a little present for you..." He produced another sealed card and chocolate frog from his pocket and gave them to her. "Best wishes, Miss Penrose - and by the way, thank you for your help at the portal." With another (slightly sadder) smile, he was off again.

Oh, hello again, Miss Franks-Mundie! He gave the Head Girl a wave as he passed. Fancy running into her again!