Ash walked through the Great Hall and headed towards the his house table, sporting his leather jacket instead of his robes, and a loose tie. He didn't care if points were taken anymore. He just wanted term to be over.

When he got to the table...it was completely empty. Was he really the first at the Gryffindor table? How odd! He sent a quick glance towards the Hufflepuff table, before sitting down. YES. He sat down. He really had no respect for the new Regime and he really hoped he wouldn't be spending his seventh year with these loons.

For now...he would go through the motions.

There had been a few moments of secrecy over the past few days, as the bag hanging over Stasya’s shoulder could attest, but there hadn’t been any way she was leaving her pets inside the barns when she had absolute proof that Petrov couldn’t be trusted to be looking after any of the creatures’ best interests aside from his snake. The bowtruckles’ reluctance to leave Derf’s pocket proved that, and she’d managed to find a way to smuggle Dobby and Albus out during the chaos of the minions’ attacks on the general student populace. A well-cast extension charm on her schoolbag, of which she felt Professor Marchand would be proud of if it hadn’t been to hide her familiars, and she’d been able to keep her squirrel and puffskein close. The bag only left her side to sleep, after all, and soon enough the subterfuge wouldn’t be necessary as the train was coming up.

It was her final rebellious act, really, even if she’d been tempted to intentionally fail her OWLs just so Scrimgeour couldn’t say his tactics helped. She hadn’t been able to follow through on that, however, so the exam results were just going to need to come as they were. She’d had the bag with her as she’d headed into the Great Hall for the feast, though, occasionally whispering to keep the occupants quiet as she walked to the Gryffindor table. There had been a glance toward the Slytherin, Hufflepuff and staff tables before she’d taken a seat. Part of her wanted to go up to give Professor Marchand a hug, but she knew it wouldn’t help. Not with nearly all the minions along with Scrimgeour up there too.

Neither would going to check on the bowtruckles and Derf, or going to the Slytherin table to look for Koen. She had to keep looking as if she was obeying the rules. One last time. Although she did send a smile in Ash’s direction, acknowledging his presence even with the lack of any other Gryffindors there yet without actually saying anything.

Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeck.

What a year.

And what an END of year at that. Sweet Merlin. Anna couldn't say she would be surprised if the whole Great Hall exploded before the food appeared, to be honest. Anything could still happen. This WAS Hogwarts after all.

Taking a deep breath, she made her way into the Great Hall and towards the Gryffindor table on her own and was glad to see the problem people were still not there. Truthfully, Anna hoped they wouldn't turn up at all. But then again, she'd be happy to put them in their place again if they did.

Bring it on, idiots.

Oh, there was Stas! Definitely not one of the problem people. "Hi, Stas!" The fourth year greeted the older girl with a smile, which went from friendly to mischievous as she noticed Ashton already sitting down. "I like how you roll." She told him, also making a point of taking a seat.

After glancing at the staff table, Anna turned around to look at the Ravenclaw table, trying to spot a certain male prefect. Upon finding him, she grinned and pulled a small piece of parchment from her pocket, charming it to fly his way as stealthily as possible, sending it under the tables to avoid it being confiscated.

Making sure it had reached its rightful recipient, she turned back around to face the others at the lions' table once again. "Merlin, I'm ready to get out of here!"

Normally Rylee wasn't one to look forward to the end of term feast. Sure it meant the start of summer break, no lessons, no homework and lots of free time to do as she pleased but it also meant being away from all of her friends (minus the few that she was able to see still). However this year she couldn't wait for the feast to start so that it could be OVER. She was ready to go home. Summer hadn't even officially begun yet and she had eyes on the plans she had made for it. A pool party that was still being planned, another date with Stefan, a trip to an amusement park, going with Reese to visit his friend in Norway and so much more! This summer was going to be great!

First... she had to make it through this feast. The lioness made a beeline straight for the Gryffindor table though her blue-gray eyes did dart towards each of the other tables seeking out several of her friends... one of them earning the signature Rylee grin. She had every intention of slipping away after the speech and the food appeared to speak with a few select people. Mainly those that were graduation... the ones that she would really miss. They knew who they were. Or they should anyhow.

Where was everyone? There wasn't all that many people at the table. Ashton she didn't know very well besides that fact that he was in her house and several years older but he got a warm friendly smile from her anyhow. Stasya and Anna both got smiles as well as she choose to sit down close to them both. There was excitement in her eyes even if she hadn't said a word as of yet.

A lot of weird things happened this term. Her muggle studies Professor tortured her with dark magic (scars of which could still be found all over her body), Gryffindor didn't win the Quidditch cup but Zoryn wasn't upset, and everyone at Hogwarts lost a whole lotta weight from all those morning runs. Yet, while all of these happenings were strange, there was still something stranger than all of that combined.

That thing was the new nature of her relationship with Sylvie. The same Sylvie Norcott who she once loved then once hated and once hated even more. Because seeing as Ainsworth was the true enemy... And the enemy of her enemy was her friend... Technically... Sylvie and Zoryn were now friends.

Weird.

The Gryffindor tried not to think too hard about it as she walked into the Great Hall with the blonde by her side and reached for her hand. It was a power move. They were showing solidarity or something like that.

Sixth year was supposed to have been her best year at Hogwarts. No massive exams, old enough to know things, less classes, all those things were supposed to mean her sixth year would be the absolute greatest year in her time at Hogwarts. ... In all honesty, she'd preferred the Inferi. They could handle a few dead zombies, when they were untied as a school against a common enemy.

This term? It was students vs. professors. And Sylvie, with faded but well defined marks still marring her face, had not taken it as well as others had. And because there's still NO RULE ABOUT COLOURED HAIR, today she'd opted for bright, minty streaks in her customary blonde strands, calling upon the help of charms to make it stand out. Hopefully, if all goes according to her (very secretive) plan, this will be her last feast. Maybe.

Sliding her hand easily into Zoryn's - the one impossibly great thing about this whole situation, she had her friend back at long last - she looked up defiantly at the staff before walking down with her friend to the Gryffindor table. Hell yeah it was a power move. THEY had the power, not THEM.

"I hope his office reeks the entire summer," she said, thunder in her voice as she catches sight of Ainsworth's stupid face.

Well here he was more than ready to get out of here and this horrible year. Wasn't this suppose to be the fun here. Eh, never-mind. Théo walked in behind Zoryn and Sylvie spread his arms out and patted one of their shoulders each if that makes sense. He wasnt really in the talking mood even though he would give the sylvie's hair a 15/10. Before just making his way to the table. Attack of the sixth years it seems with Ashton here already with Captain Anna. he was the captain now, well for one more summer of U17 With Stas and Rylee.

He had even thought about skipping it entirely since he really didn't care. But here he was. He took his seat and waiting with his head down on the table. He had to give Scrimmy some credit even tho he didn't like him. His speech was short and to the point. Should he even come back next term if next year was more or less the same as this year. Because you know for a fact most of his newt grades will be not so great. Even DADA was slipping with Hirsch gone.

Sigh.

Also pretty sure he will be seeing Seldy this summer eventually.

Fun

Summer.

SUMMER.

SUUUUUUMMMMMMMMEEEEEEEERRRRRRRRRR!!!!!! was finally here, and Józef was HERE FOR IT. As cool as some things about Hogwarts were (like the other first years who knew he was the cool one), the rules had sucked something MAJOR, as had detentions and having 'TROLL' pimpled on his forehead. Home was MUCH more relaxed, and he was looking forward to his little Quidditch league where he was the BEST and everyone LOVED him.

SUMMER!!!!!

Jó knew that he could wind his sister up more at home, too - being in different Houses at school had made it so difficult.

SIGH. He flopped onto the bench and rested his head on the table, hoping the speeches and stuff wouldn't take ages - he was hungry.

The one saving grace in her little tiny rebellion was that, upon checking on the contents of her bag, both creatures were curled up asleep and nothing looked particularly gnawed on. She knew she’d have to sneak food to them sooner or later, but asleep was better than anything else. Especially as Stasya knew anything could happen. Even if it was the last night.

“Hi Anna!,” she returned the captain’s greeting, grey-green eyes momentarily watching the plane fly toward the Ravenclaw table before letting an amused smile cross her face at the comment about getting out of there. Odds were they all shared that feeling. Some even wondering if it was worth returning next year, aside from the obvious. Those graduating, like Jessa, didn’t have to worry about if all their attempts failed. That they were going to have to deal with Scrimgeour and his minions next term too, without the safety of certain other professors. It was a sobering thought, but she still managed a smile for Rylee, along with a quick half-hug. Hopefully that wasn’t going to bring the wrath of ages down on her.

There were plenty of distractions: Ashton’s clothing, the arrival of Zoryn, Sylvie and Théo…the dress that Archer was wearing as she saw the Hufflepuff arrive, Józef’s conflicted arrival. Besides, they still had Marchand for now. He’d make sure they made it through this last feast alright, and she hadn’t heard anything about her semi-hug being trouble when they’d all been ordered to rise for the speech, which she did just because. She wasn’t hearing anything promising that they’d be free of the minions next term either, or, surprisingly, announcements about any pending staff changes like Headmistress Hawthorne always did at the end of term feast. Just a whole lot of words about progress and respect that she knew deep down meant nothing. Respect went both ways, and professors who were willing to hex students definitely didn’t have any respect for them.

Or the creatures, as she’d glanced over toward the Hufflepuff table again once she’d been able to take her seat again only to see a small fire on Derf’s plate. She had a sneaking suspicion she knew what that was, and the reasoning behind it. It was the same reason she’d had her pets in her bag and was considering leaving them safe back at home next term if nothing was done about it.

At least there was food.

Abra couldn't quite believe exactly how late he had managed to be. It wasn't intentional - none of his rule-swerving this year, on the few occasions that it had happened, had been intentional - but he'd just gotten so distracted. It was the last minute packing that had done it; one minute he'd been making a bit of room in his trunk so that he could shove his freshly laundered robes in among the general mess, the next he'd found a great stack of artwork and photographs from second year, and become instantly engrossed in going through all of it. So, naturally, he'd completely lost track of time, and eventually ended up absolutely booking it down to the Feast.

By the time he practically fell over himself to get into the Great Hall, it was fairly obvious that the speech was over; the food and everything had already appeared. Trying not to appear too conspicuous, Abra sidled across to the Gryffindor table and took a seat among the others. "Hey guys."

And then he chanced a look up at the staff table.

And then he noticed a familiar face.

And then his jaw dropped.

"Whaaaaaaaaat?" Was this real life? Did he dare to even hope that it was?

Finally his peers started to gather at the table. He gave a small smile and to those that gave him one. He chuckled at Anna, "Thanks. I figure they can't toss me out now seeing as we are going home tomorrow." Ash gave her a wink before smirking and glancing towards the doors, pondering if he could make an escape and avoid all of this crap all together and sneak into the kitchens instead.

Soon enough the Headmaster made his way to the podium. Ashton reluctantly stood as the Headmaster made his speech, not wanting to get his house into anymore trouble. He listened with his arms crossed and a bored look on his face, rolling his eyes at certain things. Especially when the Ravenclaws were announced as winners. Contributing to Progress. PFFFFFFT. They were all just too scared to be part of the rebellion.

Before he said they could sit down, Ashton was half way to a seated position. He couldn't wait to get out of here for a couple months.

Just as he was about to dig into his food....Headmistress Hawthorne made her way into the Great Hall...with letters. A huge grin spread across his face and he watched as the letters were passed out to the interlopers.

This day could end very differently than they all thought.

Listening to the Headmaster she listened and rolled her eyes, dear god would he leave them alone and let them have fun? Oh...wait this was the Headmaster he didn't know what fun was or how to have it. It was the last day of school did he really expect them to behave? Pff... yeah right, fat chance on that happening.

After his speech she seen Headmistress Hawthorne come in with what did she have in her hands? Were those letters for them? Ooh... all of them have them well.... this was going to be interesting.


Blink...blink...

What the heck just happened? Whatever it was, she was glad that the Headmaster and his minions were out of here. Thank goodness she couldn't put up with another year with them. Ah... maybe next year would be better seeing the Professors that were nice returning she smiles happily. Yes! She was glad they were back, now she knew next year was going to be a good one and she was happy.

Seeing Rylee and Abra she smiled and waved at them. Ooh...there was Stasya as well, she'll wave her as well. Yay! This was a great way to end the year, it exactly went better then she expected it to.

This was it... the last round of goodbyes. After this, Gaston's time at Hogwarts was over for good. Maybe if he dragged out the goodbye, he could buy himself some more time... but deep down, he knew it wouldn't work that way. With a heavy sigh and an even heavier heart, he trudged toward the Gryffindor table. He remained silent as he glanced down the table at Stasya, Anna, Rylee, Zoryn, Sylvie, Theo, Jozef, Abra, and Stella, the students he'd come to love as if they were his own sons and daughters, for the last time. Just looking at them was enough to send the tears he'd been holding back spilling down his face; he bowed his head in what he knew was probably a futile attempt to hide them.

"Y-you didn't think I'd l-leave without saying g-goodbye, did you?" he choked out. This time, there was no greeting, no announcement of his exit, no explanation for leaving... Most of the Lions had been at his birthday party when he made the announcement, and besides, he could barely talk without sobbing. "I'm s-so sorry... I wasn't strong e-enough for you. I w-wasn't strong enough t-to protect you... I wasn't s-strong enough to stay..."

He turned away with a half-stifled sob, and for several moments, he stood with his back to the table, trembling violently. With the hand that wasn't wiping his eyes, he rummaged through his jacket pocket for several boxes containing black quills. "I... I'd like you to have these," he said, his voice thick with sadness. "I was saving them for your graduations, but since I won't be here..."

Gaston made his way down the table, giving a quill to each student. The activity bought him time to regain some of his composure, though his eyes were still watery as he came to Jozef and Stella. Those poor firsties, he thought. "I'm sorry your Hogwarts experience started out like this," he said, "but I hope things will be better for you next term." Even if he wouldn't be around to help them... "Julian Scrimgeour's rule does not represent the school I know and love!"

A sudden pang of guilt gripped his heart as he saw Sylvie and Zoryn. "You two deserve an apology most of all," he said, his tearful eyes suddenly blazing with the conviction of his words. "I'm so sorry I wasn't there when you were attacked. If I had been, mark my words: Rafferty Ainsworth would be in St. Mungo's right now, and I would be in Azkaban!" He had to take several deep breaths to calm himself... violent anger and soul-crushing sadness was not a good combination! "I swear he will answer for what he did to you. I'll personally see to it, even if it takes the rest of my life." No one hurt his Lions and got away with it!

Gaston peered dejectedly down the table as he addressed his Lions once more, "Thank you for accepting me into the Gryffindor family. Being your professor, Head of House, and Deputy Headmaster these past years has been one of the greatest honors of my life..." Second only to being Desiree's father and Rose's husband. "I'm so proud of you - all of you! You're so much braver than I could ever be, and you've inspired me more than you know. I wish you all the best, and I hope my successor will be a better Head of House to you than I ever was."

His blue eyes darted from the table to the staff dais, then to the door as he inwardly debated where he should go. It wasn't a hard choice. He knew he no longer belonged at the staff table, and he wanted more time with his beloved Lions. He settled into a seat at the end of the table, hoping the kids wouldn't mind him joining them. It was only for one night, after all.