Leon was about to respond to everything that was said.. but the dagger eyes coming his way from the Headmistress seemed to be burning into his skull..

Oooops?

He tuned and gave her a sheepish smile.. "I'm sorry, I'm leaving now." He said as he almost bowed his head at her! He'd be back people! But after the speech.. Lest he lose his precious title of top Ravenclaw point earner!

He gave a quick wave and nodded at the people who had spoken to him, Healer Reed, he had the present Professor Marchand had given him and he nodded to The Slytherin Head of House!

"I'll be back later! "

And with that the seventh year practically flew back to the Ravenclaw table and tried to ignore the death glares coming his way.. Sorry okay! He just really wanted to say goodbye to the teachers!

Jordan just nodded to the headmistress. "Oh, I thought that it was mentioned that to expect the unexpected mysteries that could be happened here." He was a Hogwarts alumna and every year there was always something happened. So maybe next time the Board of Governors should put that on the written contract that would be signed by the new staffs in the future.

Okay.

If Kaysha didn't want to talk to him, that's alright and he didn't want to make it such a big deal. So the CoMC professor just threw a small smile and shrugged, let her be. He hadn't told her about his resignation yet and maybe he couldn't.
So he turned into his neighbor a.k.a Gaston. "Oh, big plans for the future." Cue a little nod. Jordan might know what the Charms professor mean. "I am very surprised."

But he was happy for both, truly. Since the other half was sitting miles away, he just gave a small wave to her. Maybe next term the upcoming CoMC professor should switch seat with Rosalyn.... Wait, it was totally a WRONG idea.

Jordan noticed that Laurel overheard about his planning to backpack around/ He responded with a small smile and nodded as she spoke about keep being safe during his little adventure. "Thank you, Laurel. That's a very thoughtful of you." He just nodded and gave her a small smile. Maybe she's being all seer-y again and seeing stuffs, you know. "Perhaps you could tell me if I might see an attractive woman on my backpacking days.." He joked. ".. Or man."

He turned to the transfiguration. "My points exactly. Especially that for you who just survived the first year of teaching and alternate Hogwarts mystery kind of thing." Since that it's located at the same floor as her office. Seeing more people arrived, Jordan just acknowledged them by a small nod. Including the deputy headmaster who apparently was late. What a good role model, sir.

He noticed two students came to their table. Ah, the soon to-be graduates."Apollo is going to miss you, Head Girl Franks-Mundie." Jordan spoke to Natalia. "Congratulations, and good luck for the future." And now maybe it would be better if she left because it seemed Regina had given her a death glare or something.

It was surprising to see Viktor arrive after him, didn't it? But then again, the man's office was all the way up on the fifth floor so, really, it should be more surprising if Hirsch himself arrived after Viktor, which he usually did. "Evening, Viktor. Had a good year?"

At the sound of a general 'hello's, the man smiled and returned the gesture to Kaysha, Camilla, and Rosalyn with the latter getting a bit more of a greeting thanks to the question asked. "At this point, I think everyone needs a good break from the chaos." He knew he did. "Have anything planned for the holidays, Rosalyn?" She did say she was excited for them, after all.

Ah, look who it was! River! It was probably a good thing that Hirsch had been working out more than usual this year otherwise that punch could've hurt. "Trying to hurt me before we even get there, River? Is this a new tactic of yours?" But he was smirking slightly, especially at the interaction between the man and Camilla. Did he have questions? You bet he did.

He'd even arrived before Paul?! That was weird. He gave the man an amused look and a small wave as he watched the man run all the way to his seat before turning his gaze towards the next person to talk to him. Adventuring? How did Laurel know? Had River told her? It didn't matter. "Evening, Laurel!" he said, returning that smile with one of his own, "Yes, I am. We're going to celebrate the end of the year with a nice adventure and a much needed break." What exactly they had planned was probably not suitable for the ears of the students present so, he wasn't going to mention it. "What about you? Do you have any plans for the summer?"

He turned away from Laurel and towards his other seating neighbour, Gaston who was answering his question from earlier. Very excited? "Do you have any plans for it?" That explained the excitement. "River and I are going on a little adventure over the break. Somewhere much warmer and more exciting than Britain." And somewhere that wasn't Germany, either. No offence, Mama.

Even though it had been years since he'd been one of Justin's student, the fact that the man told him that he needed to ask him something still scared the man slightly. "Okay. I'm not in trouble, am I?" Asking for old time's sake. "And you're welcome, Justine."

And then there were the seventh years. Oh, the seventh years.

Frankly, Hirsch didn't know how to respond to Natalia and Leon as they came up to thank them. A sad smile crossed the Defence Professor's face as he looked from one to the other. Though it was nice to have your efforts appreciated, there was the rather large and more important fact that he wasn't going to be seeing either one of these faces in his future lessons and that was something he didn't like the sound of.

"I'll come and talk to the two of you shortly," he said, giving them a small smile. Partly because of the look Regina was giving and partly because he needed to talk to them privately and away from the ears of the staff or the other students.

She did take all the staff and a brow raised when Leon came up. Why was she the trendsetter? Seriously she just wanted a quick word and then to disappear again. There were certain things around here she wouldn't be missing. When the Charms professor spoke first Nat couldn't help but smile, she had hoped they could actually play a bit in the music room, but the term was a bit crazy. Was he giving her a gift? Nope, not emotional at all. She swallowed before speaking, "Thank you, sir, I do hope if your band plays at all this summer I could come see." Inspiration and all, she was enjoying the album she had found over last summer. He really should tell the school about his band. It could have been fun to watch them play.


She nodded to her head of house, "Thank you for having enough faith in me to give me this badge." With that she glanced at the headmistress knowing the woman probably wouldn't have allowed it if she had been her last term.

Oh and look at the looks she was getting. Nat averted her eyes and moved them back to her head of house. She wouldn't be long and honestly, it was her last night there she really was over it. "I won't sir, I promise." It was Healer Reed that would bring her to tears, she for some reason knew that. He was proud of her, he over anyone else knew her struggles this term and he was still proud of her, yep the tears were there and she wiped them away. "Thank you sir, I hope to owl you with my accomplishments in the future." Him and Professor Hirsch if they wanted.

Turning her eyes on the COMC professor she gave him a smile. She had spent many mornings with him and the horses, though she hadn't been there much since January. "I know you will take great care of him sir." To be honest Apollo and her hadn't fully made up since the kicking had happened and it sadden Nat that she could never get brave enough to ride him again. [b] "Thank you for allowing me the time with the horses and for everything you have taught me.

Almost laughing out loud as she saw Leon run back to his table she turned to Professor Hirsch as he looked her way, but only said he'd come to speak to her later. She nodded and turned to the Headmistress. "Thank you for the term ma'am. It's been a pleasure."

Turning she headed back to her table to join the rest of the snakes.

It looked as though this were the end of the conversation between her and Jordan. This was just fine with Kay. All she needed to do was to avoid him after the feast and the next day when they’d be leaving. With all of this in her mind, she gave her other colleagues her undivided attention. “I am, Rose.’’ She was hoping Rose got the hint- there was to be no talk of Jordan. “How’s little Coco? You’re going to leave him with Gaston during our camping trip?’’ Kay looked from Rose to Cami and laughed softly. “Really? A few extra days out in nature wouldn’t bother me.’’ As a matter of fact, she’d love that!

The woman smiled in acknowledgement of River and Paul. Sitting so close to Cami, she couldn’t help but overhear their little conversation which had her wondering. But there was Laurel continuing their conversation. “That sounds like a plan. After that, I think I’d like to browse a few bookstores. I’d like to get some new books.’’ There was Justin mentioning his adorable family! “You’ll send me pictures again, won’t you?’’ She had kept the one he sent her of him and Zach safe and sound.

There was Nat heading for the Dais. Surely Regina would mind this? And there was Leon not so far behind. They were here to say thank you? Aw, that was so kind of them! “It was my pleasure to help you in anyway that I could, Ms Franks Mundie,’’ Kay replied warmly. “You have been one of the most hardworking students and I encourage you to keep it up. Remember what we talked about and even though we won’t see each other much, you’re always welcome to contact me whenever needed.’’ She was always here for her students, past or present.

“You’re quite welcome, Mr Kennedy. I wish you nothing but the best. Keep up the hard work.’’ Leon was another one she would miss. She was proud of him and all the others.

Leon Kennedy's reaction almost made Regina break her firm facial expression and bust into laugher. His sheepish smile, the almost bowing, and the fact that he ran back to his place at the Ravenclaw table like a dog with its tail in between its legs was hilarious. The woman was glad that the message was received immediately, and it amused her that she still had it in her to be able to terrify a student that was graduating with just a look.

The Head Girl, however, was a different story altogether. In all honesty, she was expecting Natalia Franks-Mundie to mouth her off now that she was on the cusp of leaving the school forever. Her head did tilt to the side when the girl spoke to her. Thank you? It's been a pleasure? Riiiiiiiiiiiiiight. The headmistress smiled and, before the Slytherin returned to her table, said, "Best of luck to you, Natalia." She was going to need it with that attitude of hers.

Now that the dais was free of students, the American gradually slipped out of her chair and loudly clicked her away to the podium one last time for the term. "Good evening," she greeted the masses, her voice suddenly echoing throughout the entire hall. She stood there for a moment in silence to wait for the voices to quiet and for hundreds of eyes to gaze up at her.

"In all of my years in education, I do not think I had quite an eventful term like this one," Regina began, a smile on her face as she kept matters rather lighthearted. "While plenty of school rules were broken and some acted rather foolishly, I cannot let that overshadow how impressed and relieved I am that all of us are sitting in this room today. Because of the great perseverance and team work we all displayed this term, I feel that a deserved round of applause is in order for surviving the mysteries of the portal. Remember the lessons you learned this term and always stay vigilant."

The woman clapped her hands together. After a few moments, she stopped and looked over at the Slytherin table.

"Slytherin house also deserves a round of applause for, as I understand it, once again claiming the House Cup and keeping it in their possession. This term, the snakes have earned a total of three thousand and sixty points, winning the house-point championship title by a landslide. Congratulations, Slytherins, for your hard work over the course of this term. You have raised the bar even higher and have astounded us all with your house pride."

Again, the woman led the hall through another moment of applause. She searched through the table of students, mentally identifying the good apples that had helped their house make such a great accomplishment. This applause specifically was for them, not the bad apples that wanted to turn her hair grey.

"Lastly, I wish to recognize our graduating students and wish them luck as they venture off into the adult world," Regina continued, this time taking the time to glance at each table independently to glance at those who would soon be leaving the castle for the last time in the morning. "Please remember the lessons you have learned here, within and beyond the classroom, and take what you learned to do phenomenal things in the world and make us prouder than we already are."

One final applause was cued, this one lasting slightly longer than the others. The woman waiting for the hall to grow quiet once more for she had one more thing to say before it was time to eat.

"With all of that said, let us enjoy one last feast together before we head off to enjoy summer!" she said with a grandiose movement of her hand. Food from the kitchens suddenly appeared on all of the tables while the headmistress returned back to her seat.

"Kay, we should get a drink together this summer" Because why not and Viktor thought it was a fun idea. Oh Rosalyn, no the real question was how where you and Gaston doing. Because everything else didn't matter. He had forgotten he had planned to bother Gaston all term. But well considering everything that went on. Well he did not care he could have some fun here.

"Hello Cami, same offer i gave to Kay goes for you two. If you wanted to get a drink this summer?"

Clingy students, huh

Wonder if they were there for medicine or just to be near Reed. Head Girl, well that was nice of her to say and then Paul being Paul. Though weird for him being tardy. Then another seventh year. Nice of him too.

"Oh i am more than ready Laurel. Though want to do the same thing we did last summer?"

He smiled to Gaston. "Gaston please tell me you have at least proposed before I leave. I just can't stand not knowing the outcome of our lovey dovey couple" You can thank Jordan for that if you want. And it really has been a long night. Figuratively and Literally."Justin, i think this whole year has been a pretty long one. But at least we have the summer to look forward to like the students" Summer should be fun like usual. Oh Hirsch, I hear your summer is going to be more fun than this entire year has been.

"Hirsch, when are we going to get a drink. Though i hear your summer is packed already"

Speech Time and it was a good one. Though when has he ever heard a bad end of the year speech. He would really have to think on that one. Not that he would since it was time to eat.

Gaston. Gaston. You had to ask her the only thing she couldn't really share and never mind the fact that the exact location was still hidden to her Eye. It'd be revealed in due time. Turning to face the Charm's professor Laurel responded evasively but kindly. "The Seer convention is in the US. It will be a fruitful and fun event I'm sure." One that would give Laurel a chance to meet and do readings of the future together with other seers. "Do you have any plans for the summer Gaston?"

Laurel had kept her feelings about Justin's plans very private. The only one she had shared them with was her cousin. They were very close and his leaving the following morning was going to feel specia. Plastering on a cheery smile and excitement in her tone even if she really wanted to cry, she looked to Justin. "Yes, I will be joining you guys at Disney after the convention. I promised Lucy I would."

Hearing River's voice Laurel looked past Regina and her cousin to let her eyes rest on River as she asked quietly. "I assume you'll be bringing your healer kit with you on your little adventure with Roderick this summer?" It was her way of saying, but not saying that she had seen things. Danger things.

She had just taken another sip of juice when Jordan spoke to her. Turning slightly in her seat to face the creatures man she couldn't help but giggle just a little. "You're welcome Jordan. Now, you believe in my Eye? A fair maiden will cross your path this summer, but she won't win your heart." It waits for someone else to claim it.

Was her seat neighbour Roderick still unknowledgeable about her gift of foresight into the future even though they had spoken at almost every meal served this year? It was concerning especially considering what he taught. "I wish you a nice adventure with River, will it be a start of a new summer tradition?" Laurel wondered curiously. A budding bromance no doubt... Smiling at him she shared. "I will do a little of this and that. It will be nice to shop with Kay and Rose and girl gossip and spend time with Justin and the rest of the family at Disney." Among other highlights.

Feeling her stomach grumble Laurel glanced to Regina wondering how long it'd be until she gave her speech. Kay cut into her thoughts distracting her from her hunger pangs. Flashing her friend a glance she nodded agreeing. "Of course we can book browse. I need to stock up on some new literature too." For both work and pleasure.

Had the headmistress read her mind Laurel fleetingly wondered as Regina stood to make her speech. She listened in silence, and applauded where needed. When the food arrived she was quite grateful since otherwise she'd have to conjure up a snack to not start feeling queasy. Quickly filling her plate up with food Laurel had just put a delicious piece of Shepard's pie into her mouth when Viktor took up their thread of conversation. She was happily surprised too by his offer. Swallowing she nodded to him trying not to sound too eager when she responded. "I would like that Viktor. Can we meet somewhere else this time?" Moribunds pub was not one of her favourite places.

Gaston managed a smile for River as he tried to cheer himself up by thinking of all the exciting things he had going on this summer... spending time with his family, sightseeing with Rose, playing a few shows with his bandmates... but that look from Headmistress Hawthorne deflated him. He didn't think what they did was that horrible, personally. They weren't kissing or holding hands; they didn't even speak to each other before going to their seats. All they did was arrive at the same time and look at each other. And he wasn't blind to the fact that everyone else had received a smile or a wave or at least a nod from the headmistress, but he only greeting he got was a disapproving stare. He always saw her as cold and intimidating, but now he was starting to think she actually disliked him. She wouldn't be the first, he thought darkly.

Miss Franks-Mundie's words got a small, though still sad smile from him. "Maybe you can," he replied. He was going to tell her about his band's upcoming international tour and their London stop - which was one of only two venues he himself would be playing - but Headmistress Hawthorne dismissed her and Mr. Kennedy both with another disapproving look. Gaston was not pleased at all, especially when he saw the Ravenclaw's reaction, but there was nothing he could do.

Absent nods for Laurel, Jordan, and Hirsch as they spoke. Oh, so Hirsch and River had plans for the break? That explained the arm punch and knowing look he saw earlier. "Sounds fun," he said, replying to Laurel and Hirsch at once. He gave Jordan a quick knowing look to show that his words had been noted. "I'll be spending most of the holiday in France," he said in reply to Hirsch and Laurel's questions about his plans. If they'd asked him sooner, he would've gladly elaborated, but he wasn't in the mood at the moment.

Wait, what? Gaston's blue eyes blinked in surprise. Viktor Sokolov as actually speaking to him?! He raised a slightly skeptical eyebrow at what was said, though. He wasn't sure if Sokolov was genuinely curious or just trying to get him in more trouble with Headmistress Hawthorne... or both. For now, he decided to give him the benefit of the doubt and replied with a nod, "I have." There, short, sweet, and to the point. No one could fault him for that answer... he hoped.

Gaston listened to the headmistress's speech, applauding in just the right parts, and then the food arrived. He stared at the plat in front of him, hoping the feast would distract him from his sadness, but it didn't. He just sort of pushed the food around with his fork, forcing himself to take a few bites here and there so he wouldn't attract attention. Any other time he would've been in tears - and probably would've been now if it weren't for the fact that two of the people seated at this table were the last people on the planet he wanted to see him vulnerable. Oh Merlin, could this feast please be over soon? He just wanted to go home and be with his parents, his friends, and his Rose... the people who actually liked him.

Camilla smiled warmly at both the Natalia the Head Girl and Leon as they approached the staff dais. What they were saying to everyone was so sweet even if most of it wasn't directed towards herself. Both students had been a pleasure to have in her lessons. She hoped they both succeeded in all the future goals.

What was this about clingy students? She turned her head at River's voice when he arrived. It was no wonder he was running late, she knew how involved he was in getting several of the students 'well' again. The things many of them had gone through was terrifying and she could only hope that a summer home with their families would help them all a little bit. Cami gave him the same smile she had given everyone else a quick look of confusion crossing her face when he stopped by her chair to hand her something. What was it? Brown eyes dropped down to take in the item in her hand but once more she was caught off guard by his words. So he had figured out it had been her. She laughed softly another smile coming to her face. "It was no problem." All she had done was make sure that he was eating, it wouldn't have been good for him to fall ill when he was the Healer. The gift was very sweet though and would no doubt come in handy in her travels. "Thank you, River. This will be a great help to me this summer." Setting the charmed compass down on her lap she gave him one last nod of her head. "You too." Yes, she knew he was doing quite the bit of adventuring as well this summer. It was almost as if Cami could feel the curious eyes on her now and she had to laugh softly. Surely she would be getting questions later on from Kay at the very least.

Speaking of her cousin she turned back towards her and laughed. "Me either. I'm sure we can work something out should we decide to stay out longer." That or another trip. Either was more then fine by her. One weekend, huh Gaston? Just for that they should extend the trip! She gave him a smile. "I'm sure you'll be just fine without her for a few days." Bonsai? "I don't think so I was going to leave him with my parents for this trip unless...Phantom would like a playmate for a couple of days?" The two cats had gotten along rather well throughout the year.

Camilla nodded turning her eyes back towards Jordan. "I'm sure it will be but at least you have a wonderful summer to look forward to." From the sounds of it everyone seemed to be doing a bit this summer.

"It certainly was an unexpected kind of year. Very eventful however making the whole thing just zoom right by," she agreed in reply to Hirsch. "I can't say my skills weren't tried a bit most of the term but if I could handle this then I shouldn't have much trouble in the years to come." Maybe? Hopefully.

Well this was unexpected but not at all unappreciated. Camilla smiled and nodded in acceptance to Viktor's offer. "That sounds nice, I'd like that." Nothing wrong with meeting up and talking. "I'll be traveling a bit this summer but I can owl you when I'm around?"

Falling silent for the moment she turned her attention onto the Headmistress. A short but sweet and to the point speech was given. Applause was given when needed but otherwise not a sound was made from her until Regina announced it was time to eat. The food began appearing in front of them and like most of those around her, Camilla began to place food onto her plate.

She was so happy that the end of term was here, this was something that she had to admit was a once in a lifetime experience. This was just so crazy but she had worked at another school for almost twenty years that just operated differently than Hogwarts. It also didn't help that she didn't remember all that much that had been going on from when she attended Hogwarts. Caroleena took a seat and watched as all the other professors made their way into the Great Hall, she didn't feel bad at all about being slightly late. She was just getting some things done with her office and classrooms.

Leena looked around at the table she say Rodrick, she gave him a little nod. She saw Victor also show up, he got a nod as well and a small smile as well. Apparently Hogwarts changed her for the better because she was being social and smiling at people...she supposed that meant she was getting friendlier, god help them all for that one. The Astronomy Professor looked over at Kay who was now talking to her. "I will be sure to write to you and anyone else that might want to write me as well." She was directing that towards anyone who was listening. "I'll keep you all in touch with what's going on at Beauxbatons but I can tell you one thing it'll be boring there compared to Hogwarts, I'll only have some student gossip for you." Caroleena smiled with a light chuckle.

Her blue eyes turned towards Rosalyn and Gaston but they stayed upon Rosalyn. "I'm very excited for the summer holiday." she had a plan to stay with her little brother in France for a week and then she was going to be going to the Bahamas for a couple weeks before the new school year started. Camilla got a smile from Leena. "Hello, how are you?" she asked because it was only polite. After that she had seen a student walk in, Natalia Franks-Mundie and another one, Leon Kennedy but it didn't seem like he was going to be here for that long. Both of the students got a smile from her.

The healer was there as well, "Hello River." she honestly liked him, she didn't talk to him that much but it wasn't anything against him, it was just herself. Caroleena smiled at Paul. The blonde smiled at Laurel. "Hello, thank you so much. It's just an old dress I used to wear when I was a lot younger." She was surprised it still fit her. "I do love flowers but it's best that I don't try to grow them in a garden." Yes, she killed plants but not on purpose. Caroleena finally looked back over at Gaston. "Hello." she smiled at him. "Do you have any plans for the summer?" she couldn't remember if he was one of the ones that visited France, if so then they would possibly see each other walking around, depends where they were going.

The woman directed her attention towards the Headmistress for her speech. As she listened she nodded slightly. Caroleena clapped for her former house's win, they deserved it but the other houses did an amazing job. It was a great speech to be honest.

First person trying to speak to him when he sat down was Leon Kennedy. The seventh year seemed a little sad, but he supposed that was to be expected. Juno would be here, still. He didn't think he knew where Leon was going, or what he planned on doing, but he smiled warmly at the boy. "I wish you all the luck, m'boy." He winked at him, and of course he would look after Azura.

Paul waved back at Laurel's greeting, and she smiled at Gaston. Both seemed to be in decent spirits, but he supposed Gaston was always in good spirits when his girlfriend was near--which was always, it seemed. Did one ever go anywhere without the other? Lord, Milton would murder Paul in his sleep if they spent that much time together, he was sure.

"Oh, you could have, Justin, mhmm," he smiled at the man. "I am veeeery excited. I want to keep it calm this summer, though. No vacations or anything. We had an eventful enough term." He chuckled a little and glanced at River. "Well...no, I mean...I'm a little stressed still, residually, from the term. But I'll be fine as soon as we're all on our way home. Being back at the vineyard will...put me at ease." He was actually really thankful for summer break. It would give his MIND and BODY a break from this holy hell of a term!

And it seemed Regina's glare extended beyond the students visiting their table. HE GOT A GLARE. LULZ. He just smiled sheepishly and waved in her direction. Oh, he knew it. His bum was getting CHEWED later. Granted, he was an old fellow. He could take a butt-chewing, yeah? But still. He didn't like displeasing any sort of boss...but IT'D BE FINE. EVERYTHING WOULD BE FINE. He grabbed his cup and took a looooong sip, wishing the beverage were just slightly different.

Yes, Leon better get on now.

He smiled and waved at Jordan, nodded at Hirsch (which, why did he call most other people by their first names but Hirsch by his surname? It was odd, indeed), and yes, also Caroleena, too.

Ah, the speech! A lovely one, too, and he clapped and smiled with pride at how WELL the students handled everything this term. And Henry Whittebrook--whom he wanted to visit during the summer--had just astounded him as anything else. His mother should be very proud.

"Time to eat at last!" he beamed and said to no one in particular. DIG IN.

And for the GRAND FINALE it was the stafffffsies turnsies! *HEHEHEHE*

But which candy to pick for those oh-so-ROYAL ones, those SNOBBY TWITS? He took a deeeeeep bow in front of Regina - MORE LIKE REGI-NOOOOO! "Oh MOST ROYAL HER MAJESTY LADY - " He grinned wickedly. "I present you all with..."

"STAR. BURSTS." Little candy coated stars were splayed across the table as Peeves sprinted them all over - WAS THAT ONE IN THE ANCIENT RUNES GUY'S HAIR? - and CACKLED as he rocked back and forth.

"Wait for it....WAIT FOR IT....WAIT FOR IT - - -"

*BOOOOOOOMMMMM!*

"STAR BURSTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

And burst they did.

Peeves laughed and cackled as he disappeared up into the ceiling before the Baron could get his hands on him. ADIOS!

The look from the Headmistress wasn't missed, and Rosalyn was slightly taken aback by it. All she and Gaston had done was smile at each other. She was remaining as professional as ever; it was no big deal and she was ready to have a good time with her co-workers before heading home. "Have any exciting plans for the summer?" she asked her boss conversationally.

And there was River and Paul, slightly behind schedule though it was of no matter. "Evening. Do you two have any exciting plans for the summer?" That was her question of the hour and everyone had better get used to it. She wanted to know what everyone was going to be up to during the next couple months.

Both Miss Franks-Mundie and Mr Kennedy headed over to the table with sweet messages, and Rosalyn was about to share kind words with them both when they made their way back to the table. Poor Leon! She would have found it funny if she wasn't sad to see them go. Students graduating was one of the hardest things she had to deal with as a teacher. It was something that she didn't think she would ever get used to, and quite frankly she didn't want to. It would be a lot worse if she didn't care at all about her students leaving. Well, she wished them both all the luck for the future, and hoped that Leon and his girlfriend would manage to make the long distance thing work; that was always hard to do, but something that a lot of couples managed okay.

Her attention shifted to Kay, and Rosalyn nodded. She sent a smile to let her best friend know that she would not be mentioning Jordan. No way was she going to do that, especially not at the feast. This was their secret. No one else knew besides Jordan himself. At least to her knowledge. Now that she knew that Kay was fine, they could turn the discussion to other things, and of course their little hiking trip was mentioned. "I absolutely can't wait to do this! We need to go on more of these things when we can." This was said to Cami as well. And Laurel wanted another shopping trip! Awesome. "Of course I am up for shopping. I am ALWAYS up for shopping. I will be away in France for some of the holiday, but other than that and a hiking trip, I will be at home." So basically more girl days were more than welcome. She couldn't wait!! Laurel was one of the best friends a person could ask for.

A friendly wave was sent towards Jordan, and Rosalyn wanted to speak to him more, but he was a little TOO far across the table for effective conversation. If only she was a little closer to him and Gaston, but then that was probably a bad idea... Justin was a little closer, and thus easier to talk to. "How are you doing this evening?" she asked him politely. Even though they weren't super familiar with each other, they had talked on occasion, and she liked him. While looking in that direction, she spotted Viktor talking to Gaston, and that caused her to raise her brow. What was that all about? Before she could wonder further, Hirsch was responding to her question. "I can't agree more. I think that this was the hardest term I've been through here." And that was including her time as a student. "Oh, I'm going to France and hiking with Kay and Cami. Going to go shopping as well. What about you?"

Caroleena got a smile. "Wonderful. I am too. What are you planning to do?" Would she be heading to France? Because if so, she might bump into both her and Gaston. That would be rather nice!

Speech time arrived, and Rosalyn listened to everything that the Headmistress said with great attention, given applause when needed. Otherwise she stayed quiet.

O_____O

Suddenly there was a shower of star bursts everywhere, and honestly Rosalyn had to say that this was one of the most tame of all of Peeves' pranks. Amused, she shook her head. It was time to eat!

Welp, as it just so displayed the end did justify the means. River's complimenting on his house earned him a hearty grin. "Too right you are." What was next though? "It's more than time my kiddies get to see their Papa Snake around more. My next venture will keep tabs on them all with the school's games." He would explain this further later in the evening. Merlin knew how fast word travels to the other kiddies here.

Justine.. "That'll be ten points from Ravenclaw Roderik... SYKE!" Okay, so Roderik wasn't a Ravenclaw at Durmstrang, but that didn't stop Justin from laughing as he reached out to give his former student Roderik a quick noogie. Hah. He still got it. "Nah, you're all good. It's something I've been meaning to ask you all term." And no, it wasn't that question. He was already taken happily.

Aw, Kay. He was delighted when he saw her reaction to his family's photographs. Well, no surprise to Justin since everyone loved his works. "Of course. You'll be in for a treat once Frankie and Freddie arrive." It was no surprise to his colleagues that he was expecting two more bundles of joy in the next few days. "You can come over to see them."

At last the speech was here. Justin turned to watch the Headmistress deliver her speech, such eloquence and class but with no nonsense added. Merlin knew he was going to miss this woman once summer arrived. Grinning at her before the food appeared so he could dine for a moment after.

Justin knew that look Laurey was giving him beneath that smile of hers. His dear cousin needed a hug. Since speech was over and it was alright for them to get up, he did so to give her one of his family snake-like hugs. "Looking forward to it."

Paul wanted things to be calm, eh? "Hear, hear.. Now I hope that doesn't exclude our double dinner dates." Calm was the least chosen adjective when they hung out together with their partners. Definitely wouldn't be seeing the last of Justin... Unlike Peeve's outburst.

....

Well.. now he was fighting the urge to laugh at the question Rose asked him. The timing of it, really. "Haha, just fine, how about you Rose?" She was a nice woman, perfectly suited for Gaston in his opinion as he tucked into the remainder of his meal. He had a special last few words for his snakes after.

It was quite impossible to miss the look Regina gave, but it did not, surprisingly, shook him at the very least. His excuse had been legit, and students really didn’t want to leave the hospital wing’s premises. Perhaps, the ward had been too comfy for those who were on their last leg of recuperation. Instead, Regina’s nod of understanding was met with an appreciative grin. He knew she’d understand.

River chuckled and shrugged the moment Hirsch reacted to his punch. “Why would I do that? I need my wingman.” Brows for you, Hirschy. “Speaking of ‘there’, we need to iron out the last details of our trip. Your office after the feast?” He’ll even smuggle in some crisps from the kitchen…and perhaps a pot of decaf coffee for their nightcap. Shifting his attention to Hirsch’s seatmate, River smiled at Laurel and nodded, “Of course. It’s going to be an action-packed summer for the both of us so an emergency kit would be on standby.” It’s always best to come prepared. Or in the words of his buddy, stay vigilant.


Regina’s look of daggers was then passed on to the two senior students before them. River was slightly confused by the reaction, considering that they weren’t doing anything out of the normal. But then again, it had been years since he was at Hogwarts, and never in his school years did he approach the staff table to talk to the adults. Back then his teachers weren’t so welcoming. A nod and a grin were given to Leon, and after the boy went back to his house table, River shifted his attention to Natalia. “It would be a pleasure to hear back from a former student really,” And as much as River wanted to remind her about sending him concert tickets in the future, Natalia too had to take her seat, given that the Headmistress was about ready to give her speech.

Speaking of speech, River sat back as the Headmistress stood up to make her speech, giving his applause here and there, and as soon as it was over, food finally appeared before them.

Merlin, look at those calories.

River started to fill his plate, leaning a bit to his side to hear what Paul had to say. “Hmm. It’s a form of outdoor therapy, yes. Don’t forget to put on sunscreen and a hat. And…stay hydrated,” Was he being motherly? No, it was his healer brain talking to a much senior colleague. River leaned to his other side to hear Justin next, "You must enjoy being a parent then." the Healer grinned as he imagined the Flying Instructor being a doting father. He'd want the same for himself, sometime in the future, of course.

And of course, Peeves.

Of course he wouldn’t be saying his goodbyes without a bang.

He was about to eat his soup when a single candy dropped in his bowl, and the thing exploded all over his face.

Right.

Can they all go home now?