Originally Posted by Wilber Winterbottom (Post 12537724)

But, time and dinner waited for no man, and the social customs of this particular illustrious institution called for a speech! "Please excuse me, my dears. I must speak to the young people now." Wilber adjusted his robes as he rose, although they still fell slightly askew. "Young people! Good evening to you, and may I say that I am most gratified to be joining you for this celebration. I haven't been to a Sorting Feast in... well, it's been a few decades, admittedly. But we are here, starting this grand adventure of a year together, eyes fixed on the horizon and stalwart in our dedication to educational greatness. Your professors are gathered here on each side of me, eager to bring the joy of their expertise directly to your thirsty young minds. I envy you all this moment, for it will never come again."

He paused, considering. "Except, of course, it will come again, won't it? Each moment in these esteemed halls is a chance to start anew, so each new day is a fresh step on this educational journey. But there is not a feast each day, and the more I blather on about the excitement of things to come, the more your stomachs rumble despairingly. My lovely wife used to remind me..." Well, no, because that wasn't pertinent and because talking about dear Clove usually choked him up.

"Eat your fill, my dears, and welcome back to Hogwarts." Wilber began to sit before recalling a crucial part of speech-making that he had overlooked. "Ah, yes, and my name is Headmaster Wilber Winterbottom. You are all invited to my office at your leisure for more informal introductions. Now, truly... you must eat!"

Originally Posted by Wilber Winterbottom (Post 12543332)

"Now, don't jinx us, Javier, my dear boy," Headmaster Winterbottom settled into his seat with bit of a groan. What was that quaint phrase the Americans said? Ah, right. His 'dogs' were barking. The castle was just full of long hallways and staircases, and the stone floors were unforgiving on his old feet. Perhaps he'd take up roller skating to cut the travel time in half next term.

The older man dawdled over thoughts of his sore feet while the professors chattered around him. He could tell they were delighted that the term had ended safely and with everyone fully maintaining their own arms and legs (and eyeballs), and everyone seemed ready for the summer. Wilber was ready for the summer as well, time enough to spend with his extended family and to stock up his library before another term came around.

But, alas, he could only dawdle so long. With an even greater groan, the Headmaster shoved back to his feet and raised a hand for quiet. He didn't need to shush, because young people were respectful when treated with respect, and when silence fell, he raised his voice. "Hello for the last time this term, young people. I hope that you will eat your fill and chatter with your classmates until your hearts are as full as your bellies, and then you will safely away to your beds for one last night. The trains will take you home in the morning, and for some of you, it will be your last farewell for Hogwarts."

Wilber paused a moment to let the full import of those words settle in for the seventh years. They had a big next step. "We wish those graduating a wonderous future. For those returning next term, enjoy your trip home and the summer months with your family and friends. When you return in the fall, we shall fill your noggins with many new amazing things, I'm sure."

Was he forgetting anything? Something cheerful or rousing? Something that captured the tone of the term that had ended quietly and safely? Or perhaps they were all a bit tired and a bit nostalgic, as he was, and the sooner the food appeared, the better. "Eat, drink, and be happy little chipmunks. Thank you for a lovely year."