Almost more so than any previous term - nothing could really beat out an inferi invasion - this Hufflepuff could not wait to go home. Though it was amazing what the mind could do when it had the proper motivation and truly set its mind to it.

In the wake of Aster's passing, Derf hadn't returned ANY of the bowtruckles to the barn. Partly because they had simply refused to leave him and clung to his robes so feircely that he feared breaking their fingers if he pulled any harder. And there was absolutely no way that he would cast magic on them to accomplish the task. They were not grindylows and he would not treat them as such. Thus they had stayed in his enchanted pocket since that day at the lake. Of course...he had to take a few measures into his own hands and had collected some sticks from the grounds and transfigured them into bowtruckles. They were not perfect...but they did go through the routine of behaving like the creatures and, well, if the man decided he wanted to experiment more...then at least no real bowtruckles would be harmed again. Seeing as that monster masquerading around as a person couldn't tell them apart anyway, the sixth year felt it was a risk worth taking.

As far as he knew...it was paying off.

His badge reluctantly pinned to his robes, Derf found a spot on the bench and slid into his seat very carefully and made sure to pull his robes out from under his bum for some more flexibility in the fabric.

It was finally the end of the term! This would have been cause for celebration given the state of things all term long, but Penny felt a tightness in her chest as she made her way into the Great Hall and to her house table. It was an odd feeling, really. Partly a lightness and a sinking feeling like a tonne of bricks had been tied to her feet as she trudged up. It was awful.

Finding a seat a ways away from Derf she offered him a half smile before propping her elbow on the table, chin in her hand. Of course her eyes started wandering toward the Ravenclaw table, hoping to catch a glimpse of her Benji. Siiiiighs. It would be so much better if she could just go over and sit at his table, but it was likely to get her tied up and hexed from the sounds of things that had been happening. Not that she was ever involved in any of it after that terrible Divination class... it was like she had finally accomplished being invisible all term, which was definitely what she had wanted to happen given the circumstances. She had learnt that the only way to avoid getting into trouble was to stay the heck away from the trouble makers and make herself scarce.

It had worked out well for her.

But it had been a bit lonely all term, except for when Benji was around. HE had been the highlight of her term. Indeed.

Finally shaking herself a bit from her reverie she glanced at Derf and waved her fingers in his direction as a greeting. She was still unsure if they were friends still or not... but she didn't hate him either way.

Phe entered the great hall with a bit of a sigh, he wasn’t fully ready for this term to end. He felt like he had a lot more to do.

Alas.

He sighed and tugged at his tie, pulling the silken fabric so it loosened and fell slack at his chest, he ran a hand through his hair to make the brown locks even messier than they already were and he even made sure the tail of his shirt was out. Surely since it was the ending feast, he wasn’t going to get points taken away.. right?

His brown eyes looked over at the Gryffindor table for a moment, almost wanting to join his friends over there, but he thought better of it and moved to the Hufflepuff table where he settled down with a soft sigh, he waved his long fingers at Derf and Penny on greeting and gave them both little waves. He would have said something but they both looked rather deep in thought so he looked down at the table and traced the wood grain with his fingers..

End of term and, hopefully, the end of the regime of.....well, she really couldn't think of an appropriate word for these so-called professors. And in one last act of defiance, Archer had completely ditched her robes, instead going for a dress that she had stashed in the bottom of her trunk and that she knew she looked hot in. Really, if anyone hadn't seen that coming, they hadn't been paying attention at all this term.

Anyway, the almost sixth year plunked down on the bench across from Derf, carefully arranging her dress so that she wouldn't be improper and waving over at Phoenix and Penny. "'Bout time for this nightmare to end, huh?" Hopefully, those professors and their awful dictator of a leader would be gone by the time next term started.

Daisy entered the Great Hall and headed for the Hufflepuff table, ensuring that her uniform and hair showed the utmost neatness and responsibility because she didn't want to deal with the hierarchy anymore. The year had been torturous for her and she hoped that the next year would be better. She found a spot next to Derf and looked at him with a sad smile, not knowing how to comfort him given the stuff he had to deal with. She then gave Penny, Phoenix and Archer a small smile each.

As she waited for the Headmaster's end-of-term speech to begin, Daisy looked up at Professor Marchand. She had attended his birthday party and had found out that her favourite teacher would be leaving. This news had devastated Daisy because he had become a second father to her after her own father had passed away about two years ago. Daisy would surely be corresponding with him during the holidays and whenever possible.

"Hey D, Penny, Daisy. Archer - nice dress!" And hey... person she still didn't know the name of. She gave the mussed up guy ("Phe") a cheerful, if slightly wary smile.

Bel ruffled Derfael's hair as she walked past him and then climbed sideways into the spot next to him, casually straddling the bench with one leg on either side so that she was looking down the Great Hall towards the Staff Dais.

.... was she the only one who was GLAD that the feast was here? The FEAST being here meant the term was over! Exams were over! They were going home! They could stretch their legs and go and do fun things and not feel like they were constantly walking on eggshells! Yep, the Australian girl was in good spirits. The state of the house cup did not bother her one bit, and even the disappointment of not only losing their status as Quidditch champs but ending up dead last wasn't enough to bring her down.

SUMMMMMMER was on the horizon, and she had so many bonza plans with her mates already, and days and days to fill up still. What was one more day at Hogwarts?

Daisy smiled at Bel. "Hey, Bel. I think you did an amazing job as Quidditch captain this year. Maybe we'll win next year. How do you think you went in your exams?"

Daisy rubbed her eyes, a sign that she felt stressed about how she thought she had personally done in her exams. Maybe if certain events didn't happen, she could feel more at ease.

FINALLY.

THE END OF TERM FEAST WAS HERE.

Stephanie had been looking forward to this feast since the beginning of the year. Sixth year felt like it had really dragged out longer than other years. It was probably due to all the changes and how uneventful it was. Steph didn't understand how some students liked a quiet year at a school where something unexpected happened every year. Scoffing to herself and sitting down, her green eyes scaled up and down the table. She spotted Derf, who she'd bother laterand ask how his bowtruckles are doing. Steph still had to show him the terrariums she had created to resemble their natural habitats.

Then there was Bel; who Steph had felt put off from since her comment on their date. But the redhead wasn't sure how to tell the girl that without being blunt about her feelings being hurt. Anyways, maybe she'll just wait here until Farah shows up and saves the day. Or Steph will go look for Chris later.

When the Headmaster stepped up to the podium at the Staff table and told the congregation to rise, Daisy followed his orders and carefully stood up. She listened to his speech and her mind began to race. Daisy wasn't going to have to go through another two years of torture was she? She kept her face stoic, not letting anyone especially certain members of staff know how she truly felt.

Once Headmaster Scrimgeour permitted them to sit down, Daisy sat back down. The refreshments had appeared but the Hufflepuff didn't feel like eating or drinking anything.

Feeling a bit of a tug on his pinky finger as it hung near his pocket, the sixth year glanced down to see Picketta looking at him with her dark beady eyes as she chittered away at him. "Tell them to wait just a bit more," he hissed, hoping not to draw too much attention to things as he folded the fabric of his robes just so to try and cover things up a bit more. It was upon looking up that he caught Penny and her finger wiggling - though he did have to wonder why she was sitting SO far away. Maybe she HADN'T forgiven him yet for Divination...and she had every right, he supposed. He wasn't about to tell anyone how to feel about how treatment had gone this term, you know? He offered her a small smile and a wave in return, hoping that she was keeping with her journaling for an outlet since she had, well, seemed to isolate herself so much.

He hoped that would change next year. She was pretty neat, you know?

And then came the arrival of his curious dormmate. It had been a while now since those transfers had shown up - and no official word from his Head of House nor the Headmaster which left the sixth year surprised but not questioning since that got you in trouble, thinking - and Derf could honestly say he knew no more about him than when he had arrived. And, well, this seemed like it wasn't going to change on their last night in the castle either seeing as Phoenix was now examining the top of the table.

Wow. Hufflepuff was an absolute party tonight, wasn't it?

Derf would be lying if he said he was surprised by Sterling's appearance. He even managed to crack a small smile when she sat down across from him. Unbeknownst to himself, one of the bowtruckles had peeked its head out from his pocket (and under the table obscured from view unless you were sitting to his left) and was likewise eyeing the fifth year. Her head mostly hidden by her leaves, she was QUITE keen on the tiny little flowers she could see from across the way. She DID fancy flowers.... "You look as cunning as a sphinx," he chuckled lightly as he reached into his pocket after consideration and pulled forth that ominous black journal and then glanced over at the staff dais with a bit of a vacant expression. He had seen Professor Noble pass them by without a word, so the Hufflepuff had no personal qualms against what he wanted to do next....and pulled his wand out.

He returned Daisy's solemn smile with a bit of a forced cheerful one of his own. He, well, he wasn't sure how she still felt about....all this. So he swallowed a bit apprehensively as she took her seat next to him. "....everything okay?" he asked, unsure if MORE hurtful things had happened.

The arrival of Bel was welcomed, hair ruffle and all, as it always was. "Hey, Bel..." The pair of them had mostly been ridding on the same hippogriff all term with how things were going at Hogwarts, so he was certain the visual of his black journal on his plate and wand in hand may be a bit...surprising. But she didn't know about Aster and what he had gone through - unless she heard word-of-mouth - and the fact that Petrov was still here meant this Headmaster condoned the behavior which made Derf officially done. And Bel's position on the bench, if she just so happened to take a fascination with looking at the pockets on his robes, she would be able to see the green leafy heads of two bowtruckles popping their heads out.

He was a little disappointed that Stephanie had opted to sit...a bit of a ways away, but he waved at her all the same. Those blanket fort sleep overs and such had really been life savers this term, especially towards the end of it all.

Then his bright blues were forced back to the dais and the Headmaster's speech. Rising when instructed, Derf's jaw uncharacteristically set and the hairs on the back of his neck stood. The words of the ex-Auror essentially went one in and out the other, much of the Hufflepuff's attention FIXATED on Petrov. A long way to go for Hogwarts....Hogwarts wasn't going anywhere good with monsters like THAT on staff.

Which was why as soon as the speech ended and they were allowed to sit, his head snapped back around to his plate. He was not hungry and he could afford the additional laps or whatever punishment came. So, taking a deep breath, he pointed his wand at the heinous black book. "Forgive me...Professor Noble..." he muttered mostly to himself. That man had been the only reason he had tried so hard and not turned in his badge when Professor Fletcher had first taken it. But now? Well, now he would rather be expelled that instructed by someone who took pleasure in the torment of helpless creatures.

There was no path for him at Hogwarts like this and he had come to terms with that.

"....Incendio."

....and up in flames it went.

Oh for the love of Merlin’s left sock.

Phoenix eyed the headmaster warily as they all had to stand and listen to that joke of a person give a speech. Really? They all needed to think of a way to “contribute to the progress.” Uhh, no. No thank you. Nope not happening. Phe really hoped Old Scrimmy would not be back next term or he might beg his parents to transfer him back to Ilvermorny, even if he was a..

Gag..

Puckwudgie.

Worst name for a house.. ever.

Ever.

And he was Hufflepuff, which legit sounded like it had come out of a Muggle children’s book about pigs and big bad wolves. To be honest, he had been excited to be sorted into that house, cause he had hoped he would get to huff and puff and blow things down.

Alas.

With an over exaggerated eye roll Phe settled back down onto the bench and sighed rather heavily. What he had been about to say, was stuck in his throat as he watched Derf set his prefect book on fire. A sort of watery sparkle came into his brown eyes for a moment before he looked at the boy and nodded. “I don’t blame you man, I would do it too.” Down with the man and all that.

He waved at Bel and then smiled a bit at Archer and Daisy “I don’t know about you all, but that speech sorta made me lose my appetite.” He said to the table in general. “I wonder how much trouble I’d get into if I lobbed some of these mashed potatoes up at the head table..” He said thoughtfully as he pondered the bowl in front of him.

He had heard that gravy was excellent for the hair. Perhaps he should test the theory out?

Also.. hmmm while fire was nice and all that.

Should they put it out before the table caught fire? Maybe?

Bel blinked once in slight confusion, nor really sure why Dsisy was suddenly mentioning Quidditch out of nowhere and trying to tell her she was amazing (when Bel herself had a far more realistic view of it). It felt a bit random when the season had ended a few months ago and she saw her dormmate several times a day every day in that intervening time. She was never quite on the same wavelength as Daisy it seemed, nevertheless she smiled faintly. "Maybe!" She echoed. "I don't know about exams, I tried my best." But that academic stuff was hard for her. Passes would be the best she could hope for in most subjects. " I'm sure you did amazingly!"

Bel spotted Steph and gave her a big grin, always happy to see her of course. And Bel would have waved her over to come sit close to her and Derfael but Derfael.... and the speech...

Bel has no problem attending up for the speech, even if these professors had no respect for the students she had been brought up to respect her adults - and other people in general of course. She listened to the speech and sat down once they had permission and then.... Fire. Nothing crazy exactly, but still a little dramatic.

"D?" She queried softly, noting the extra bowtruckles peeking out of his robes.



Wait a minute though, Bel side eyed the random Phe kid. Was he seriously so inconsiderate as to try and selfishly ruin the feast for everyone else? For all the kids who had suffered through the entire year and only wished to go home in one piece? She spoke up, calmly but firmly.

"How about you not bring trouble down on the whole house just because you feel like misbehaving? Its Phe, right? Some of the kids here just want their last night to go peacefully so we can go home. And mashed potatoes won't help a single thing, so please just behave. Even if you have no respect for them, you respect us, don't you?" The house he had randomly joined out of nowhere, the kids who were innocent in all this?

Daisy shook her head at Derf when he asked if she was okay. "I am so tired of this school year. I haven't told my mum and aunt about it and I'm worried about what will happen once they find out." She gave a small sigh just as she saw him aim his wand at his black book. As he set it alight, Daisy's eyes widened and she recoiled.

At Phoenix's suggestion of throwing mashed potato and Bel's response, Daisy addressed both of them, focusing mainly on the exchange student. "Phoenix, whilst I agree about what you said regarding the speech, I do not condone the idea of throwing food. Bel is right in what she has just said. I just want to have a peaceful end-of-year meal without thrown food, fire or any other signs of chaos!" That last sentence was said in a deadly whisper that showed that this Prefect how tired she had gotten. Her stoic facade was beginning to reveal itself.

After calming down a bit, she spoke again. "I don't like how certain new staff members have acted and that beloved teachers were fired so I understand the frustration felt."

"Thanks!" was Archer's reply to Bel's compliment on her dress. And no, Headmaster, she absolutely would not be changing her clothes nor doing laps. And if he got the idea that he could keep her at the school over the summer for doing neither, well, her mother would come get her, and then raise all kinds of hell over it. Not that she was typically that kind of person (also, she knew her daughter could be a handful sometimes), but really. So basically, this was Archer's way of drawing in the sand a line.

"I try," she smiled back at Derf. She returned Daisy's small smile before turning back to Derf just in time to see him pull out his prefecting book and set it ablaze. "Welcome to the dark side," she commented with a grin. She hadn't exactly (read: not at all) stood for the dictator's speech, plus most of it had gone in one ear and out the other. Though, she had caught the word 'progress'. "Sure, if progress means slowly turning into a soulless dictatorship, there's been progress made."

And then the light comradery was broken. Honestly, she had no problem if Phoenix wanted to throw his mashed potatoes at the staff table as long as they hit one of the minions and not, say, Professor Marchand. Sure, it may be immature and it definitely wouldn't further the anti-Scrimgeour cause any, but..... "Think how amusing it would be to see the Headmaster covered in 'taters!" The thought had her chuckling again. Besides, he deserved something for all the crap he'd put them through this term.

He didn't feel any better watching that blasted thing burn. There was nothing satisfactory about this gesture for the sixth year. In fact, he felt defeated if anything else. Defeated and on edge, more so than he had after the inferi and portal and every other life threatening term before. This was as a defeat of the spirit, which was perhaps a worse fate for a sensitive soul like himself. So he gave no real outward expression when Phoenix and Sterling praised his actions...and he didn't hear the concern in Bel's voice. In fact, his jaw set at the term 'dark side.' "DON'T call it that," he said gruffly, almost like the growl of a crup being cornered by an unknowning muggle. "The only dark side is the side that monster," his eyes darted back up to the dais, eyes once again locked on Petrov. "Is the one that man is on. Torturing helpless creatures for his own amusement and sick experimentation. And they hired him to teach us how to care for creatures....it's RUBBISH!"

Professor Fletcher was strict, but not cruel. He had honestly learned more Divination this term than any previous term. Even the Headmaster himself, while unreasonable still in the Hufflepuff's eyes, clearly knew what he was doing with his subject and was a very efficient professor. Defense Against the Dark Arts with red caps had been a huge learning experience for everyone. He had no kind words to say about Ainsworth. Not after helping mend Sylvie physically and made some attempt to aid her emotionally. Shamelessly hexing students for pleasure, getting caught, but not getting fired. RUBBISH. Le Roux had provoked his mentor and role model to lash out, so of course Derf had no kind things to think about him either. He was also still hurt that Professor Wayland had allowed himself to be provoke and subsequently fired. The outcome may have been inevitable given how it was clear - to him at least - that they were trying to push the 'old Hogwarts' out of the school as much as possible - but it still hurt. A lot. And he was trying to be understanding still...but he couldn't shake the feeling of being abandoned. Especially in light of what had happened to Aster...

Why Ainsworth and Petrov were still here...was unforgivable. And even if the Headmaster had been efficient in teaching and practical activities that truly did hone students' skills...it was unforgivable that he had not fired either of those two. Not after what they had done. Which meant he condoned their behavior and found intentional cruelty more acceptable than hot chocolate in a lesson. And Derf was tired of the subjective manner in which rules felt to be enforced.

He was just....tired. And now the journal was nothing more than a pile of flameless ash on his plate.

And then he hears Phoenix talk about throwing mashed potatoes up at the Headmaster. To which, thankfully, Bel and Daisy spoke out against. He wasn't surprised that Sterling encouraged it more and he really didn't blame her. He understood her frustrations. "Hasn't anyone learned ANYTHING from what's been happening?" Derf snapped at the two, clearly exasperated. "Fighting bullies with more bullying, more pseudo scare tactics, hasn't solved anything. In fact, things have only gotten worse since you lot showed up." His eyes looked mostly to Phoenix now, and sadly at that. "Your friend got my best friend tortured as retribution for destroying Petrov's tent. He hexed her so furiously that she received very VERY serious burns. I don't know how they do things from whatever school you all came from, but all your encouraging has done is caused more damage and proven these people RIGHT. That there is a problem at Hogwarts and students deserve to be punished."

He had snapped. Completely. The image of that mutilated bowtruckle resting on the table and that menacing grin on Petrov's face sending any icy chill through his spine and eyes to go a bit unfocused. Everything in front of him blurred ironically helped him to calm down a little. "Mashed potatoes and lack of proper uniform...vandalizing school property...none of that is going to change anything. It's our last night in the castle. Tomorrow we get to go home and then we have all summer to spread the word...and if our voices aren't heard and the Board...or Ministry...or whoever doesn't enforce change ........... then we don't come back. Take away the source and have one of those...those walk out things. No students. No Hogwarts. That's how we need to rebel. Not breaking any rules. Not looking like a bunch of gnomes in a garden. Using our voices where we will be heard most. In our lack presence."

The two large doors of the Great Hall opened with a boom unexpectedly. As they slowly opened, the figure of Regina Hawthorne became present. The woman looked just as she had when she left months ago, appearing refreshed as ever and no longer needing to drink a potion every hour. Though that had to do with the envelopes that she was keeping safe in her robe pockets.

Without a word, she walked forward. The last of her mission was to get to the staff table to make a specially delivery.

But she had been sidetracked as she made her way along the Hufflepuff table. There were a number of things that she was disappointed to see and hear, even more than the sight of the low amount of gems in their House points counter: dresses, talk of throwing potatoes, ash on a plate, Derfael's speech (which was a bit too late if you asked her), and she swore she saw something green poke out of his pocket (so much for not breaking school rules).

She paused at the table, looking at many of the Hufflepuffs with a no-nonsense look. Their behaviour right now was unnecessary, especially when everything -- student accounts, memories, photographs, and even a formal staff complaint -- had been collected and brought to the right people. Rules were meant to be followed, some currently being broken had already been well established long before the change in leadership.

"Mr. Ashburry-Hawthorne, I recommend you calm down and sit quietly. Everything is under control," she said sternly. "And I expect everyone here to be following the school rules that have been in place. So, if you happen to be breaking any of them right now, you had better change that immediately." Otherwise they were all continuing to prove that Scrimgeour was right.

Not waiting for any response and having nothing else to say, Hawthorne took a moment to collect herself and made her way up to the dais. There was a job she had to finish.

And then Hawthorne appeared out of nowhere. Bel was too surprised to be glad of it (where had she come from??), though she didn't at all like that Derfael was getting a callout when he hardly deserved it. She wasn't sure if that 'Phe' kid even knew who Regina Hawthorne was, but still at least she was saying exactly what Bel, Daisy, and Derfael had been saying too about NOT breaking the rules right now, so hopefully he'd see how doing something so immature as throwing potatoes was a bad idea as well as a disrespectful and petty one, but she didn't know the boy at all so she had no clue if he'd act as unpredictably as the other strange arrivals seemed to.

She put her hand on D's wrist and tugged gently and didn't let go either because she was here for him and she definitely wanted to hear more about what he'd apparently been going through lately. But for now, despite the random detour that Hawthorne had made to the Hufflepuff table for reasons unknown, the former headmistress was heading up to the staff table and Bel was pretty sure the best thing to do would be to watch and wait. She tugged D again gently and jutted her chin in the direction of the staff table.

This was something to pay attention to, if for no other reason that it could effect their educations.

You know, again.

It didn't take long for Noble to reach the Hufflepuff table, scowl still in place. He folded his arms across his chest as he levelled with where Archer sat, wand still in his hand. He span it between between his fingers as he considered his choice of words.

"I've just been reliably informed that no dinner and laps are the Headmaster's preferred punishment of choice for disregarding the uniform rules tonight, Sterling." His tone was serious, gaze narrowed. "Uniform rules, might I remind you, that have always applied to the last feast." So, really, this was a needless rebellion. All it did was make her look bad. "I'm also disappointed that you didn't even bother to adhere to house colours." Maybe then he might have been more tempted to let it go. "I suggest you go get changed...pronto." Laps might not be his preferred choice of punishment, nor would taking points be of use at this late hour, but he was sure he could permanently transfigure her outfit easily enough if she refused.

His gaze moved up to the staff table now, as everyone was asked to rise. The Potions Professor saw no need to return to his seat during the speech, instead remaining stood where he was. His gaze surveyed the students' reactions, first at his own house table, and then the others. It was hardly the most rousing or celebratory of speeches, but thankfully, it was kept short. And yes, he'd noted who had remained seated, and was about to say something when he caught a sniff of smoke. He turned his head to find where, only to be greeted by frayed tempers.

A flick of his wand solved the burning book problem on Derfael's plate. "I wouldn't if I were you, Phoenix." There was a warning tone in his voice. He knew the Headmaster wouldn't hesitate to put them under lockdown, even if he doubted that the sixth year could actually throw it that far. It was more likely to land at Noble's feet, and he was wearing fine Italian leather shoes tonight, thank you very much. As for what the others - Bel, Daisy, Derf - said...well, he was inclined to let them say their piece.

This wasn't a black and white issue, as he well knew.

It was one of the reasons he wasn't completely reassured by the dramatic entrance of Regina, and he pursed his lips. It hardly seemed the time to pick on the Hufflepuff prefect. He did agree on one thing, however. "I suggest you heed the former Headmistress's words, lest I have to start giving detentions ready for next term."

And he meant it. After this term, it would be almost be weird not having to give a detention every evening of the holidays, and he'd have plenty of time to make sure they were extra special ready for September.

Phe’s brown eyes went wide as he rubbed his neck and blinked a bit. “Sorry guys, I was just joking. ” He said as he tugged on his tie and rubbed his neck more.

“It was a joke Professor, Sir” He said as he looked up at Noble and then his brown eyes caught their former headmistresses entrance.

“I think I left something in my dorm.” He said as he looked up at Noble and then quickly he slid from his place at the table and hurried out of the hall.

Was Archer bothered by Derf's sudden outburst of emotion? No. No, she simply sat silently while he said his piece. "Where was this side of you hiding all term?" she asked calmly. Because it would have been useful. And yes, she was aware most of the uniform stuff had been her. But before she could say anything else, Professor Noble happened. Sigh. Why, oh why, on the final night of this horrible term? "Now, how on Earth was I supposed to know that final night robes rules were a thing even before Scrimgeour when this time last year I was having this meal at Illvermorny? Not to mention, the regime changed before I could even get a proper footing here." Seriously, Hawthorne had been fired right in front of them during the opening feast. By this time, she had carefully turned around on the bench so that she was facing her Head of House. "And technically, I am wearing one of our house colors." Her dress was mostly black. "Black and yellow, black and yellow, black and yellow," she finished, imitating a hip-hop song from long ago.

Speaking of regime changes, was that the former Headmistress? Yes, it did look like her from what Archer could remember from the fateful feast all those months ago now. And she definitely looked no-nonsense, though from she'd heard over the term, she wasn't the type to give them exercise as punishment. Which made the Hufflepuff actually want to follow her instructions. At the same time, she didn't want to miss what was about to go down at the staff table. Dilemma. Also, where was Phoenix going so fast? Had they scared him off??

She quickly Accio'd her school robes and pulled them on over her dress, deciding to deal with the rest when whatever was about to happen had happened.

Daisy was about to offer her advice/opinion on Derf's idea of a mass student boycott when at that precise moment, the large doors to the Great Hall opened with a resounding BANG! She turned and saw Regina Hawthorne making her presence known. She watched with a gleam in her eyes as she saw the former Headmistress make her way to the staff table, delivering envelopes to Scrimgeour and the teachers that had been recruited by the Headmaster. As Petrov and Le Roux exited the Great Hall, Daisy was feeling as happy as a Niffler that had ownership of a vast amount of treasure, hoping that the rest of them would vamoose as well.

When Phoenix quickly disappeared out of the hall, Daisy thought to herself, "I wonder what's all that about." Daisy was pleased to see that Archer had donned her school robes and gave her an approving smile and nod.

Two rounds of goodbyes down, two more to go... and the ones left were the ones Gaston was dreading most. There was no way he would make it through the Hufflepuff and especially the Gryffindor table without being reduced to a blubbering mess! Still, he couldn't leave without saying goodbye to half his students, just to spare himself the emotional turmoil. Somehow, miraculously, he was able to keep a smile - or at least a facade of a smile - painted on his face as he approached the Hufflepuff table. "Good evening, HUfflepuffs!" he greeted the group. Nothing was said about any rule violations. Noble and Hawthorne had already handled that, and besides, he had more important matters to discuss. "i hope you're enjoying your feast."

His blue eyes scanned the length of the table, darting across the students' faces... Derf, Penny, Archer, Daisy, Bel, and Stephanie... all good students and even better people. Memories of the good times he had at Hogwarts once again flooded his mind, and the smile vanished from his face as realization hit home that those good times were nearly behind him forever. "I won't keep you long," he said, "I just wanted to let you know I-I won't be back next term... I don't want to leave, but I've found out I'm i-ill..."

Gaston tried to distract himself from the sudden onslaught of emotion by digging in his jacket pocket. He pulled out several small boxes and handed one to each student; inside they would find a sleek black quill. "Since I won't be here to hand these out when you graduate, I'd like you to have them now," he said. "And I'd like to apologize to you all... I'm sorry for leaving. I'm sorry I couldn't protect you from Scrimgeour; I'm sorry I wasn't a better teacher and Deputy Headmaster to you..." He bowed his head as his voice broke, pinching at the corners of his eyes.

When he looked up again, he saw Archer. "I'm sorry this was your first impression of Hogwarts," he said. "Those men - their regime - are not what Hogwarts stands for; I hope you'll see that for yourself in time."

Then he came to Daisy. It was funny... even after all they'd been through, despite the kind, strong young woman she'd become, there were times he still saw her as that little girl in the flapper costume from that Halloween lesson so long ago. The memory brought a tear to his eye and a bittersweet smile to his face. "I think I owe you an apology too," he said. "I shouldn't have given you that reprimanding look in Le Roux's classroom. I was trying to protect you - I didn't know how he'd react to seeing you smile, and I didn't want you to get hurt. But that doesn't make it excusable... so I'm sorry."

Gaston saw Derf next. Good Godric Gryffindor, where had the time gone?He'd come such a long way from that stuttering kid who was always causing accidents in his class! He managed a small smile for the prefect (and the bowtruckles in his pocket). "Don't think I've forgotten the promise I made you," he said. "I haven't -and won't keep quiet about what has happened here. No matter where I am, no matter how long it takes, I will never stop fighting to bring Petrov and the others like him to justice!"

He took one last look back at the Hufflepuffs. "It's been a pleasure teaching you. If any of you ever need anything, I'm just an owl away..." Without another word, he turned away, wiping his eyes, and headed toward the last house table.

Daisy had started tucking into some food, having gained some of her appetite back after the departure of Scrimgeour and his goons, followed by the return of Hawthorne and the teachers that shouldn't have been forced to depart in the first place. Soon Professor Marchand approached the table and Daisy had a feeling as to the reason he was there.

"Hello, sir! I am enjoying the feast now," Daisy replied with a small but sad smile. "However, I wish the events of this year did not happen."

When Professor Marchand revealed the fact that he was ill, Daisy bit her lip to cease her voice from shaking. She had lost her father about two years prior and now the man she regarded as a second father was ill. "What is the seriousness of your illness?"

She placed the gift that Marchand had given her inside her pocket as he spoke to her personally. "Sir, I understand that as always you were trying to protect me. I would love for you and me to owl each other whenever we can."