She'd done what was beginning to seem like the impossible. By some great miracle, Jessa Cambridge had survived to the end of the term against everything that was currently going on around her and indeed, in her own head. Couple weeks ago, she'd thought it might have been a mistake staying when her father offered to pull her like many parents did their own children but here she was now, done with this for the school year.

Now finished all her packing--save the things in her lab as they were mostly self contained and made to be self sufficient in her absence--the Ravenclaw made her way down to the Great Hall for the closing feast. There wasn't a day that she didn't wake up wishing it was time for the feast already...when she was thinking coherently enough to wish in the first place.

Walking through the large double doors, it almost didn't seem real.

There wasn't a thought given to the graduating class, nor to the idea that some Professors might not have been returning in the new year. She just wanted out and there was only one night left.

Being one of the first to arrive, the Fourth Year--though she supposed she would have to start getting used to "Fifth Year" and the concept of OWLs--took a seat closer to the end of the table by the exit. Sitting there, she fidgeted with her hands placed otherwise delicately on the table before her. Despite her best efforts, all the wires in her head were working at full speed, sending around messages and signals faster than she could or wanted to process them. The sudden stagnancy after all those flights of stairs seemed to be the calling card for the bout of restlessness that quickly threatened to sink in.

Where were distractions when you needed them? Could the night be over now?

After finishing drying the tears off her face that she had gotten as she read other people's entries in the memory book, and after writing her own, the head girl headed back to the Ravenclaw and sat down. It would be the last time she would be doing this anytime soon. The last feast at Hogwarts as a student. How many times had she sat at this table, eating and chatting happily away? So many adventures had they all been experienced in these past several years. It was sad to knew it was all coming to an end, at least for her.

But at the same time she was happy knowing that she would be joining friends who'd graduated and that she would still be able to be friends with whoever she wanted. Plus, she was about to embark on an exciting activist journey to hopefully repeal the Statute. And who knew? Maybe someday she would come back to Hogwarts, as a teacher or in some other capacity. It wasn't really the end.

She spotted Jessa sitting nearby. Jessa was one of the people who distrusted her the most. But Kitty wasn't thinking of that right now, not during her final night at Hogwarts. Right now she felt the need to talk to someone, even if that someone hated her.

"Hey Jessa," she said a little warily, though she smiled all the same. "Looking forward to summer?"

SPOILER!!: Kitty! <3

Quote:

Originally Posted by Goblinfrog

After finishing drying the tears off her face that she had gotten as she read other people's entries in the memory book, and after writing her own, the head girl headed back to the Ravenclaw and sat down. It would be the last time she would be doing this anytime soon. The last feast at Hogwarts as a student. How many times had she sat at this table, eating and chatting happily away? So many adventures had they all been experienced in these past several years. It was sad to knew it was all coming to an end, at least for her.

But at the same time she was happy knowing that she would be joining friends who'd graduated and that she would still be able to be friends with whoever she wanted. Plus, she was about to embark on an exciting activist journey to hopefully repeal the Statute. And who knew? Maybe someday she would come back to Hogwarts, as a teacher or in some other capacity. It wasn't really the end.

She spotted Jessa sitting nearby. Jessa was one of the people who distrusted her the most. But Kitty wasn't thinking of that right now, not during her final night at Hogwarts. Right now she felt the need to talk to someone, even if that someone hated her.

"Hey Jessa," she said a little warily, though she smiled all the same. "Looking forward to summer?"

On her way over to the Dais, Kaysha paused, looking over at the Ravenclaw table. Yes, she was going to miss all the graduating students but there was one in particular that she would especially miss. Blue eyes found the Head Girl and she was instantly away to the Table.

"Good evening, Ms Cambridge.'' After what seemed like an eternal, the woman actually smiled. It wasn't one that everyone was used to seeing but one, nevertheless. "Hello, Ms Valentine. I thought I'd come by to wish you luck once again with your future. You'll be missed very much.''

Kay had never expressed her fondness for Kitty anymore than she expressed it for another student but she felt a bond with the Ravenclaw. They had much in common. Especially about the Statute.

She supposed she should be relieved not to have exams this term, that her school year ended relatively quietly. But while Cassie was happy for summer, there were things she was uncomfortable with. Like housemates and friends whom she’d known for a while that were leaving the school for good. This wasn’t a reaction she had totally expected, despite having witnessed it in previous years even if she hadn’t felt it before.

Relax Cassie…you’ll still be in contact.

The sixth year had already made sure to get addresses from a handful as she had spent her last days of the term. And after doing most of her packing, Cass made her way down to the feast. Delaying wasn’t going to stop time. She glanced briefly around the bustling Great Hall but as always her main attention was Ravenclaw Table, where her feet lead almost without instruction. “Hey,” she greeted Jessa with a polite smile before catching sight of one of the said graduating classmates. One whom certainly left on mark on her school years both as prefect, Head Girl and assorted dramas.

And Professor Stewart as well.

“Good evening, Professor Stewart,” she greeted with a smile before returning focus on the older girl. “Hi Kitty,” Cassie greeted, taking a seat next to her. While she didn’t seem to be immediately showing emotion, the younger claw could sense an air about her and figured tonight she’d support her housemate for a reason BESIDES trusting her. Hopefully others would eventually let it go.

She didn't need to lift her head from the polished, wooden surface to know who'd just offered that greeting. Kitty Valentine. The girl who'd opened her mouth about repealing the statute of secrecy and lost every ounce of respect she'd had for her in the process. It wasn't just that she thought the idea was silly--of course not. Nothing wrong with silly. Sometimes she had silly ideas too. This one from the Head Girl wasn't silly, it was dangerous and terrifying.

Suffice to say she was happy to see her go, no matter how regrettable the thought of disliking someone so much was. It wasn't that she hadn't tried liking the older girl, it was that Kitty didn't know when to keep things to herself and it made others uncomfortable. The fact she didn't think she could save everyone that discomfort by simply choosing her battles carefully and knowing when it wasn't worth pushing the envelope was what really set her against her. Nevertheless, in the spirit of the ending term and being civil, Jessa lifted her hand in gesture of something resembling a wave. "Hello Kitty."

Blue eyes shifted from her to Professor Stewart as she approached the table. She received a skeptical look for the fact she hadn't been acting quite like herself this term and had not only condoned but aided in passing on the harmful views that were best left out of discussions. "Good evening, Professor." She replied albeit a little curtly, not removing her gaze until yet another claw joined them at the table.

At least this one didn't have her feeling like she was about to break out into a nasty case of hives.

"Hey Cassie." Maybe she should have waited on Jahan before heading down. They could have sat together. Valko too. Again, she looked to the Professor wondering if her being here meant they'd have to edit all their conversations just because a grown up happened to be at the table. "What're the odds things'll return to normal next term? I've had enough of all," She gestured around vaguely, "this."

Sam tucked a piece of parchment away in her robes as she headed towards the Ravenclaw table. Her heart was lifted just enough by its contents to believe that maybe the feast and the train journey tomorrow wouldn't be so terrible, and that possibly she could stomach some food. It had been a long term, that was for sure, and yet despite that, she wasn't entirely convinced she was ready to go home. Thinking of what Al had said to her on her birthday made her feel queasy, and this owl had been the only communication she'd had from him since. Still, she'd see him, and that was something.

"Good evening, Professor Stewart," Sam greeted the Muggle Studies Professor as she headed along the table, taking the first available free spot. Her fellow students got friendly smiles and nods, though perhaps more tired and less enthusiastic than would be expected from the sixth year. "Ev'ning Jessa...Kitty...Cassie."

As for Jessa's question? "I didn't know normal existed at Hogwarts." It hadn't seemed to in her six years here so far...to the point her boyfriend and Dad had been strongly encouraging her to go elsewhere for her final year, despite it throwing off her NEWTs studies. "But one can always hope."

For the most part with Kirk, this year went.. at its own pace. Taking care of the O.W.Ls was no joke with him as he remained slightly disoriented from his eyes not being glued to a book or the stars for one. But it was over now as he could enjoy whatever peace was left for the next year. Next year... he then chose to avoid some thoughts regarding that.

Kirk had seated with his other housemates, it going to be strange indeed to not see some of his mates anymore as they will be graduating. "Hello Professor." He noticed followed by, "Evening Jessa, Cassie, Sam, Kitty.." Hmm.. perhaps his usual star gazing can wait for another night.

She did not try to engage Jessa in conversation much more after that. Her question had been ignored, so clearly Jessa did indeed hold a grudge. What a shame.

Then her absolute favorite professor came down to wish her good luck. That was nice of her. Kitty had actually planned on going to the staff table herself to say a proper goodbye to everyone. She was still going to do that in a minute, but first she stood up and embraced Professor Stewart with a hug. "Thank you for everything, Professor Stewart," she said, and amazingly she still had tears to shed after crying so much reading the memory book. After awhile she pulled back from the embrace. "I'll miss you, but I'll write all the time," she promised. "And it's okay if you don't answer every letter because I know you'll be busy."

A small but sincere smile was given to Cassie as she took a seat right next to her. Kitty would miss all her friends, but especially she'd missed the Ravenclaws who she had come to know so well simply by being around all these years. "Hey Cassie. I'll miss you." Which was true. "Do you have any summer plans?"

Sam was one of the Ravenclaws who she found herself liking quite a lot even though she didn't her all that well. She didn't even know if the feeling was mutual (but she had greeted her so that was something) but her opinion wouldn't change even if it wasn't. And they'd both been through the same terrible possession this year. "Hey Sam," the Goth greeted her back. "Yeah, I don't think it's possible for Hogwarts to be normal. I'll miss it anyway. But you must be excited for summer, right?"

Her fellow prefect sat down nearby. Kitty turned to greet him. "Hey Kirk! I'll really miss patrolling with you next year. Do you have any plans for summer?"

Oh, Sam was here too. "O'course there's a normal for Hogwarts. Everything has a normal, even when that normal's anything but." Things going wrong, students in danger, questionable Professors, those were seemingly normal to a place like this by now. "It consists mostly of not having to hear about muggle equality, sharing our magic with them or secrecy statutes being repealed every time I leave the Common Room--or in there either." Because as unfortunate as it was, Kitty was their housemate. They suffered her more than any other students in the school. If you asked her, that should have been enough to win them the cup.

Tolerance that could outshine a Hufflepuff's.

"So to answer your question," She continued, now facing the soon to be no longer Head Girl, "I'm very much looking forward to the summer." Because at least then, she wouldn't have anyone preaching at her and she wouldn't have Professors provoking such controversial topics then punishing them when they got heated about it.

From the corner of her eyes, Jessa caught Kirk taking a seat at the table as well. He was no Rooney Bronwyn, but he wasn't Kitty Valentine either so that worked in his favour. "Hey Kirk. Anything interesting in the stars tonight?" If anyone would know, it'd be him.

She got a positive response from the younger eagle which was a good start. The question posed to her though caused Cassie to raise an eyebrow. Though it was Sam as she made an appearance and joined them that took the words out of her mouth. “Hiya,” she greeted her dormmate. “What Sam said,” the sixth year remarked with a shrug. “Though I certainly hope for the three of us it has some less then abnormal times, what with OWLS and NEWTS awaiting us at the end. “ Jessa was an incoming fifth year and her and Sam the future seventh years.

Yikes!

Kirk the newest arrival was at least safe, remembering him one of the poor souls who suffered exams this term. On top of prefect duties with Kitty. Fun. “Evening,” she echoed back with a smile in the way of greeting. Speaking of Kitty, Cass couldn’t help being just a tad touched by the head girl’s words. “Aww I’ll miss you too,” she admitted. They might not be close but housemates were housemates and they had shared 6 years in the girls dorm on top of the Ravenclaw tower boundaries. As for her summer plans… “Probably spend some time vacationing on the coast.” With or without her family she wasn’t entirely sure. She was getting older after all. “How about you? What’s up next?”

Naturally there were more students arriving. This reminded Kay that she couldn’t linger for too long. She had her own table to get to after all. “Good evening to you as well, Ms McNally, Ms Tyler, Mr Forsfelle.’’ The look received from Jessa was not altogether surprising but she didn’t say anything about it. Tonight was not the night to begin any debates about any topic at all.

Oh… a hug. Kay smiled to herself. She had had quite a few of these from past students and to her, they never get old even if some might consider it unprofessional. She hugged Kitty back. “You’re welcome. It was wonderful to have you apart of my classes. You’ve been one of my best students and I expect you to be nothing short of the best hereon after.’’ It was understandable that Kitty was so emotional and Kay patted on her back gently. “I’ll always find time to reply. I want to hear all about your adventures.’’ She was quite looking forward to them, actually. “I must be getting to the Dais and I reckon I shall see you there soon, Ms Valentine. Enjoy the Feast.’’ With another pat on the girl’s shoulder, she was off.

And then Jessa did answer her question. Well. Kitty was unsure how to respond to that, so at first she said nothing. Her silence lasted about twenty seconds, though it wouldn't have seemed so long with other students talking back and forth. "I know you didn't like hearing my thoughts on the Statute," she finally answered, trying to sound even and diplomatic. "But I believe them as strongly as you believe your opinions. Anyway, you won't have to worry about it next term. Good luck, by the way, on the rest of your stay at Hogwarts." There, that was nice, right?


"Oh, that sounds fun," she said truthfully, happy for Cassie. "I might be joining the Ministry, that's where my mom works. But I also plan to become an anti-Statute activist, so I don't know where that will fit in. Don't worry, every part of my protest will be completely legal." She said that because it was true, but also for Jessa's benefit in case she was still listening.

It meant a lot to Kitty to hear Professor Stewart say she was one of her best students. And that she was going to be responding to her letters. "I'll come with you to say goodbye to everyone," she said as Stewart left to go to the staff table.

With a plop, Ronan placed a box on the Ravenclaw table, along with some variously colored boas, noisemakers, beaded necklaces, and tophats. He, of course was decked out in a red boa and tophat and a bunch of beads himself. In fact, if you listened carefully, you could hear the beads bumping against each other. "Here you go, enjoy!" he said cheerfully. "Though, maybe wait on the noisemakers until after the speech, non?" He didn't want to get anyone in trouble with the Headmistress on the last day, and he dang sure didn't want that for himself.

And just as quick as he'd come, Ronan was gone, off to the Hufflepuff table.

"I'm not too worried about OWLs." She let on, finding herself relaxing just because the conversation had moved from the more strained one about all the wrong things to happen around the castle. Academics she could do. Academics was always easy to talk about. "I'm already through the OWL syllabus, reckon I might get started on the Sixth Year one over the summer. Already got some friends offering to lemme have copies of their notes." There were many things Jessa Cambridge worried over, exams and her studies were not some of them.

It went without saying she was relieved to see the Professor head to the staff table. Didn't need her around. Term was over and any point loss at this point would be...well....no pun intended but pointless.

Still, Professors at the student table always left her a little fidgety.

"Let's talk about something else." The Fourth Year suggested quite abruptly. Clearly Kitty didn't get the point that she'd rather NOT talk about it. "Like......." Oh look, Ronan. "Like these." She continued, picking up and slipping on a necklace before wrapping one of the boas about her neck. "Try a top hat, it may suit you." And with that, Jessa reached into the box once more, producing one and handing it to the Head Girl.

"Er....thanks Ronan." She called after the Gryffindor as he left. What a lovely distraction. Bless him.

But before she could really change the subject, the speech began. Yeah, Slytherin won, woo the play was a success, summer was here. That last bit was the most important and not just because it brought the food with it.

Tentatively, Jessa reached over and grabbed herself an ear of corn then a roll of bread to start. She wasn't too hungry but could eat something all the same.

So far, so good. Gaston was holding up better than he'd expected, but he doubted it would last. He still had three more house tables to visit. It would be a miracle if he managed to make it through the night without crying!

His stoic (well, stoic for him anyway) facade was already beginning to show cracks as he made his way to the Ravenclaw table. His smile wasn't as wide as it had been a few moments ago, and there was an unmistakable air of sadness in his eyes. This time, Mr. Carter's top hats, boas, beads,
and noisemakers weren't doing much to lighten his mood. "Hello, everyone," he said, nodding to each person in turn as he passed. "Miss Cambridge... Miss McNally... Mr. Forsfelle….... Miss Tyler..." He eyed the girl with concern as his mind wandered back to that ill-fated play rehearsal, and he shook his head, trying to clear the bad memories. He was already coming dangerously close to losing control of his emotions without thinking about that!

His blue eyes fell to the Head Girl... smart, outspoken Kitty. He would miss seeing her around the school! “Good evening, Kitty,” he said. “I hope you’re well…” He looked at her sympathetically. He knew the events of the term had to be hard on her (and for the record, he didn't believe for one second that she was behind the strange happenings this term), but he wasn’t going to say anything about it and spoil her evening. Now was not the time or place to bring up bad memories of the past. Everything he had to say on the matter was contained in the congratulations card he held.And after all, this was a happy occassion... or so everyone said. “I have a little graduation gift for you.” He gave her the card and pulled a black quill from his jacket pocket. “I have no doubt you’ll use this well!”

With a slightly wobbling smile, he was off again.

Kirk had a soft grin for Kitty, she was quirky, she was cool. She was part of their #TeamAvengers. "The feeling's mutual, so what's next in store for you?." As for his summer, "I'm going with my Uncles and cousin first to America to check out the Space program for a couple of weeks." Not for too long, he planned to come back for other things.

The stars.. it was nice to hear others have a similar interest, even if it was minute. Some was better than none to Kirk as he considered for Jessa, "This month's looking good actually, Scorpius and Saggitarius should be visible with Jupiter and Saturn." He enjoyed studying Scorpius in particular. "Anything interesting for you coming up?" Doesn't have to be stars.

After acknowledging Cassie and Professor Stewart, Kirk did not the box placed by the younger lion.. "Cool," Interesting.. whatever it must be."Evening Professor Marchand." He appeared to be carrying a heavy load himself, even if it wasn't physically there. It was a familiar evening for Kirk as he casually watched the rest of the feast.