Graduation: Spectators/Invited Guests

[Cecily Rambolt]

Once more the school year was at an end and the great hall was filled to the brim with students, their family and friends. Most of the now of age teenagers had first come to this school as small, awkward children. Others had transferred at different points in their young lives. One thing they all shared was the hard work they had put in to get here. Soon they would have their diplomas in hand and leave Hogwarts for the last time. For their Headmistress, Cecily Zhefarovich, the day brought with it many mixed feelings. She was at odds happy, sad and the strongest feeling of all that filled the still heavily pregnant blonde, hopeful.

The hall was decorated with all of the house colors, the multitude of banners shining in the bright light from the enchanted ceiling. Cecily approached the podium and couldn't contain the giggle as her belly bumped it. She steadied it and folded her hands together on top of it. "Hello and welcome. I'd like to take a moment and apologize for the Headmaster's absence. Due to unforeseen circumstances at the Ministry, he and any other ministry officials who were invited as guests today will be unable to attend." Cecily did not mention the horrible and sad situation as she did not want to burden the young adults and possibly put a damper on their special day. "Graduating class of two thousand and twenty four. You should all be very proud of yourselves for the courageous effort you have all made in not only your school work but in the friendships you have made throughout the years. Hold the memories, good and bad, that you all share with you and just as if it were a photograph, pull them out on those trying days you will have as you go forth into the wizarding world." She paused to gaze about at the many faces, those she might see again, those she wouldn't as they made lives for themselves.

Elisaveta chose that moment to make her presence known by shoving her feet into her ribs. Cecily winced then rubbed at the area surreptitiously. "Next to speak is our Head Girl, Kiera Kingsley." She clapped for a moment as the gryffindor made her way up to the podium, then she stepped back.

Cecily took her seat amongst the students and guests, smoothing down the skirt of her burnt amber dress. Letting go was one of the hardest things a person could do. To watch all the bright faces come into the great hall for the first time and be sorted into their houses, to witness them all becoming the young adults they were now. It brought a tear to her eye and she wiped it away with a kerchief, smiling as she listened to the words the Head Girl and Head Boy. Kiera and Alex had both grown into talented and strong adults in their own right.

Not long after, the ceremony was over with and she had said her parting words. Her breath hitched as she watched them all cheer and start to hug one another. The graduation ceremony was over with but the celebrations had only begun.

 

[Lola Rowann]

Lola walked into the Great Hall smiling at the guests she knew and introducing herself politely to those she didn't. Her long black gowntrailed slightly after her. She had made some bit of an effort compared to her usual attire of simply throwing anything at all together. Finding a table where the faculty were sitting at was not hard to do and as she sat she reminisced on this particular class graduating. Fine students all of them, she would miss them greatly of course that simply went without saying. She had not known them all since first year but had over the past few years that she was here after getting to know them as best she could. Lola was not a particularly outgoing person, she did things her own way as much as possible. Marching to her own drum which was probably why she was not as well liked by the students here, she had never gone out of her way to befriend them in any way though if any had needed her help she was quite happy to give it.

Smiling at some of the other staff as they sat down, she clapped her hands politely as the headmistress got up to speak and then the head girl. It was hard to imagine Kiera Kingsley graduating, she seemed just such a piece of the school. Summoning a napkin from the table she kept it handy incase she began to blubber like a baby. These events often did that to her.

 

[Andromeda Fiorelli]

Andromeda Fiorelli was once again invited to the graduation celebrations at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. This time however her invite was from her boyfriend and not her ex-boyfriend as had been the case of the previous year. She was nervous and it showed. Her hands clasped tightly together as she entered the hall she looked about to discover a handful of people were there before her. Finding a seat wasn't difficult of course and she quickly went to it, trying to see if she could spot Crispin with his classmates. Her heart gave its usual erratic thump when she thought about him and smoothening down the dress she had chosen with great care, she hoped she was at least respectable or presentable enough for him. This was a huge moment in his life and it broke her heart that she was the only one he had to invite.

The headmistress stood up to say her speech and Andromeda clapped, she was looking radiate. Completely glowing and Andy allowed her thoughts to wander briefly down the road of babies and pushchairs. The moment was too brief for she quickly shrugged it aside, there would be no babies in her future. It was just not worth the grief and stress especially with her condition. As much as she believed that Crispin deserved all the children in the world because he would make simply a wonderful father, Andy was of the firm belief that she would not be their mother. She clapped her hands vigorously when Kiera got up to say her speech. She knew she would miss her friend greatly, soon there would only be herself and Kat left from the original dorm 4 group of girls. Well, Cyndi was still technically here but as a professor. Quickly scanning the room to see if she was here too she smiled before turning her head back to listen to the speeches.

 

[Professor Cyndi Kingsley]

Cyndi stepped into the Great Hall and nervously brushed her dress she was wearing down. It was an odd feeling to be in this place attending a graduation seeing as just one year ago, she had been here attending her very own ceremony.

Slipping into a seat a few rows behind Andy, Cyndi smiled as the headmistress walked to the front of the room and began addressing the group. Her belly was huge and Cyndi wondered how close she was to her due date. The headmistress looked positively radiant, however, and another smile crossed the young professor's face. She was determined not to cry at this ceremony, seeing as she had shed many a tear at her own a year before. The message that the headmistress gave to the graduating class was one she applied to her life everyday and she hoped they would as well. The friends she had made during her own years at Hogwarts were people who were very dear and special to her, especially the headgirl who was being introduced.

As Kiera was introduced, Cyndi clapped her hands enthusiastically. At that moment she saw Andy turn her head and Cyndi gave her a small wave and a smile before giving her attention back to her friend.

 

[Dominik Marinescu]

It had been three years since Dominik had been within the walls of Hogwarts New Zealand and as he recalled that particular time he hadn't been the nicest person to grace the establishment. This time however was different...he was here to watch his beautiful girlfriend walk across the stage as a graduate from the magical institute. Dom was so proud of Rhyspa he couldn't stand it.

Placing his hand in his pocket to make sure that he had her present close on his person he entered and took his seat with the other guests and sat quietly as the graduates took the stage.

 

[Pierre and Strella Richarde]

Pierre Richarde walked into the Great Hall with his wife's hand in his, his daughter was graduating and while this should be joyful for he and his family, he was solemn and wished that he had gotten the opportunity to see Julia graduate with Alexis but of course it was too late for that so he settled down beside a young blonde woman his daughter had told him through letter who this was. He looked over to her and asked, "Leah Finch I presume?" He did not give her opportunity to answer as a blonde woman began making a speech for the class of 2024 at which the President of Magic smiled.

He stayed silent as the remainder of speeches were spoken and clapped gently as Alexis' class mates got their diploma but did not truly mean it, but as his red headed daughter walked up he grinned pridefully and smiled down at Strella before looking back up at the stage as the rest of the students got their diplomas and took the first step to their futures into what ever their little hearts desired.

---

Strella felt nauseous, the pit of her stomach was in knots as she walked into the Great Hall of Hogwarts New Zealand. She felt anxious for her eldest daughter and sorry for the one that had not made it this far. Her children were all moving onto their lives and she was already a grandmother, she felt too young to be in this position. But soon Mariella would also be off to school and then in a blink of an eye all of her children will be graduated from their respective schools and there would be nothing left to do. This was such an unsettling thought to the woman, she was relieved that Alexis was going to university and would make something of herself rather than being a simple house mother like she was, standing in the shadow of her husband (who she did love with all of her heart, don't get her wrong).

Her curly red hair was straightened and sleek today and her hazel eyes scanned the room. Beautifully decorated, not unlike her own graduation from Salem, and she noticed some children taking seats to watch graduates and she wondered fleetingly if her daughter knew any of them. But her mind was distracted as she saw a glowing young woman who looked very much like her daughter's boyfriend who she remembered vaguely meeting once or twice. It was the eyes. Strella smiled daintily at the young woman as she sat down and crossed her legs at the knee and waited for the ceremony to commence.

Strella's watched with wide eyes as a blonde woman approached the podium and spoke with pride as if she was watching her own children walk up those steps and picking up their diplomas. As a mother, she appreciated this. The fact that the educators cared about their students was important, even if Alexis had not gone to this school for all of the seven years. Unlike Pierre, she did not clap at all, not when the speeches had ceased and not when any of the children got on stage, no she did not.

 

[James Potter]

James entered the Great Hall wearing his black Dress Robes. James had hoped that he would be able to see his wife before the ceremony began but didn't seem to have time as he quickly found a seat near Cyndi Weasley and sat down. James watched as Professor Zhefarovich spoke and clapped when she finished. As Kiera came up to the podium James smiled his breath taken away as always when he saw his beautiful wife. James listened as she spoke and locked his eyes with her happy to say that he was spending the rest of his life with her. James had seen that Professor Zhefarovich was pregnant and had to wonder how long would they wait until Kiera and himself were bringing a child into this world. James knew they both had plans and he didn't want to change them but couldn't help but think that when it came to him and his wife plans were often thrown out the window and sheer impulse was ready and willing to take over.

James smiled though as the thought brushed out of his mind, the wizarding world itself still didn't know that they were married. James definitely didn't want to get her pregnant anytime soon, especially since he knew she wanted to continue Gymnastics. James clapped loudly when Kiera finished and listened politely as Alex began to speak, James knew that there would probably be bad blood between them for a while but still couldn't help but smile at the guy. Less then a year ago James knew that he would end up with Kiera and now here it was that not only was she no longer with Alex but married to him. James listened to the speech and while he may have felt a bit long winded afterwards still clapped for the guy.

 

[Leah Bennet]

Leah Finch was seated in one of the many chairs that had been set up for this very special occasion, smoothing her palms gently over her floral-patterned maternity dress and smiling with all the excitement in the world as she felt the baby kick around inside of her. Her azure eyes lifted and flitted quickly across the room through the sea of graduates, seeking out the one in particular she was here for, a certain strawberry blonde. It didn't take long to find her and once she did, Leah graced her with an encouraging smile. The younger girl already had so much potential, so many fantastic places she could be headed and Leah, although maybe a little harmlessly jealous of all the opportunities that had opened up with her acceptance into Oxford, was so very proud of her little sister.

The sound of a man's voice, deep and reeling of natural confidence, jolted Leah away from her thoughts. She turned too seek out the source and saw that there was not only a man but a woman too. Alexis' parents, of course. Knowing now who they were and why they knew her name, Leah smiled gently and nodded. But the gesture was seemingly lost as the Headmistress rose to the podium and began to relay her best wishes for the class of 2024. Though it was not until Alexis stood to receive her diploma that Leah really and truly smiled. For the briefest of moments she caught her eye and suddenly she knew everything would be just fine. Her and Izaak's break-up might have shaken her friend but it was not going to stop her from pursuing her dreams and it was most definitely not going to put a damper on their friendship.

 

[Moko Craven]

Moko arrived at the entrance to the school and marveled at it. She had heard so much about this place and to now be standing right at its giant doors seemed surreal. Even more surreal was that she would be meeting Alex again. It seemed crazy that she would have butterflies but she did. He would be surrounded by all his friends and family today and yet he had wanted her there as well. She had of course felt honored but now felt nothing but nervous tension build up inside her. Corinne had helped her get ready earlier on which had been great, considering her mother would have done the same had she been alive. It was nice to have someone look out for her again. Of course both Corinne and Samson were extremely curious as to how she knew this boy and so far she had managed to fob them off with dumbed down versions of exactly how. She wasn't exactly going to tell them on a mad night out clubbing or in a snow drift while he'd been plastered drunk. They seriously wouldn't have left her out the door.

As she made her way into the entrance hall she was directed to the Great Hall and took a deep breath as she entered. Morrigan Kolina Craven was always particular about her appearance but today for Alex she had made a huge effort. Even though his last letter had made it obvious that there was no need. The long pink gown skirted just above the ground, showing just a hint of the beautiful silver pumps she wore beneath. She had let her long brown hair hang loose about her shoulders and had applied just a careful amount of makeup. Her features had never needed over painting. A pair of diamond encrusted ear rings belonging to her mother finished off her ensemble. Once again she was directed to a table for guests and as she knew no one else there felt completely out of place. She brought into practice her composure and breeding, sitting with an elegant posture. She was grateful the speeches were not long awaited for and listened first to the headmistresses and then to the head girls. She frowned slightly wondering just who exactly this Disney character was and judged by some of the other people about her that they had no clue either. Moko could only surmise that the person was a muggle and instantly thought how irrelevant that had been for someone graduating from a magic school. As soon as she saw him she let out an audible sigh. A smile spreading from ear to ear. His speech was wonderful, perfect for him and his use of the magical spotlights was funny and gimmicky enough to be remembered. She felt a surge of pride flood through her and when his speech finished most likely clapped louder than anyone else.

 

[Roswald Holland]

Roswald and his wife Lila Hollawarth made their way towards Hogwarts great hall. It had been once when Roswald had actually step foot in this school, besides the grand tour the parents received before their children enter the school curriculum. It had been a distant memory now, and all that matter was that he was here for his beautiful daughter, even though that memory had held a lot a pain. Roswald looked around the massive hall to see if they could find a seat for the both of them, when he saw his step daughter Kasey waving at them both. "Hola preciosa." he greeted Kasey with a kiss on the cheek as he sat down, Lila his wife taking a seat right besides him. Once the headmistress had announced the ceremony, and the head boy and girl had done their speech it was finally time for their diploma. Roswald smiled when he heard his daughter name being, called. She looked nervous to him, but had walked the stage so smoothly as if she was floating on air. "She looks a bit anxious." he commented with a light chuckle as he held a gift within his blazer pockets. It was his mother Marlana pearl earrings, Maddiie favourite grandmother when she was a little girl. Maddiie was promise this as a gift once she had graduated from school. Roswald knew this would make Maddiie happy, yet sad though. Marlana had died when she was around six, still Maddiie had loved her, even when she was gone. Onced Maddiie had crossed the stage, and celebrated with her friends, Roswald had clapped and cheered for his daughter, and her fiancé Alexander as well. It was a big day for the young couples. Maddiie had finally made her way over towards them, as Roswald stood with teary eyes. Hugging his beautiful daughter, he presented her with the gift, "For you princessa." he smiled. It held a lot of momentums, and knew it was something special to give to Maddiie. She was happy, tears flowing down as she held the old gift boxed which held the old pearl earrings. Roswald gave Alexander a firm shake hand, and noted with a stirn but playful look. "You take care my daughter now, I know that you will make her happy."he smiled patting his shoulder, as Roswald finally felt complete. He just wished his sons have been here, it would have made a better day with Ben, Jon and Jay around. Still he was happy for them both.

 

[Eden Silverback]

Eden was at Chase's graduation doing her best not to cry. This was a very sad moment for her. This would be the last time they would be able to be together under the roof of the castle. Eden was proud of Chase and happy to be engaged to him but it was still very sad. They would married as soon she was of age but that was almost four years away. Clapping as the head girl and boy made there speech's. Eden smiled they looked so happy and relieved that it was all over. Looking at Chase as he stood when his name was called for the last time to get his diploma. Eden stood and clapped. Eden felt the tears running down her cheeks but she brushed them away knowing that no matter what they would be together.

 

[Kasey Blake]

Kasey was so happy to be invited to Maddiie's graduation. She had never been to a graduation ceremony and thus being a Ravenclaw she took it that there was lot to learn from this event. Next year she would be graduating from Hogwarts and thus she was very happy that she was going to see what it would be like. Dressed nicely she walked down to the Great Hall where only the graduates and the invitees would be allowed for today.

She gave a wide grin to her mom and Roswalld who looked like total love birds and she was so happy that their family was getting happiness again. Sitting beside them she greeted the newly-weds and teased them for a while until the ceremony actually begun.Although she was here for Maddiie but she knew all the graduating batch and supported and cheered for everyone as their name was called.

She cheered loudly for Alexander, Maddiie's fiancée, Lily her favorite Qudditch captain and Maddiie herself. Booing for once when Alex gave his speech she muttered "As if". It was no surprise that Kasey and Alex had been enemies since he got to this school and thus for once without caring about the heads that turned her way, Kasey booed for the Head Boy.

Then once the ceremony was over she went to Maddiie and Alexander and congratulated them with big hugs and smiles. "I got you this" Kasey said with a wide grin as she handed her a picture frame. Kasey had a hidden talent of drawing and she had kept it a secret but after not being able to get anything for Maddiie she decided it would be best to draw her picture.

 

[Evie Brennan]

Professor Evie Brennan walked into the Great Hall. Her eyes widened at the scenes before her. Even after a few days of living here, she still could not get over how magical everything was. She saw a few teachers she recognized and quickly stepped over to them, taking a seat by them. She was still shy, and barely spoke to anyone, but she was here, and would now be seeing her first ever graduation.

 

[Alexis Richarde]

After the last of the students recieved their diplomas, Alexis gave a tight celebratory hug to the few of her friends that were there before rushing over to Leah and her parents knowing that they would have to leave soon and that it would be a little while before she saw her parents again. Finding the blonde, blue eyed girl she gleefully and playfully commanded, "Leah Samantha Finch! Come here and give me a hug!" She laughed quietly as she put her hands on her hips, waiting for her to come give her a hug. It was inane just how much she missed Leah of course it wasn't as much as she missed Izaak but she was slowly allowing her heart to mend as she was sure he was but she felt hollow almost like the chocolate Easter bunnies that she and her siblings would get every year.

Today, however, was not a day she was going to think about Izaak. This was all about her and celebrating it with her family and her best friend. Alexis had been looking forward to this for a long time and next she would have her university graduation to look to.

 

[Dominik Marinescu]

After the ceremony was over Dominik waited patiently, and nervously, for his love to find him. When he spotted her he slipped up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist as he whispered in her ear, "I'm so proud of you!" Dom turned Rhyspa to face him and knew that he had to ask her now. He took her hand in his and lead her just outside the doors of the Great Hall. Pulling the small black box from his pocket, Dominik hit one knee and opened the box revealing a beautifulantique ring that he'd picked out just for her. "Rhyspa Aireous, I love you with every fiber of my being and I don't want to ever have to live a day without you. Would you please do me the honor of becoming my wife," he said with a shaky voice, praying that her answer would be yes.

 

[Rhyspa Marinescu]

Rhyspa walked into the Great Hall after the ceremony in search of her boyfriend, Dominik. She was so glad that he came to one of the most important days of her life. A pair of muscular arms slinked around her waist and Rhyspa rested in them, knowing exactly who's they were. She was turned around and looked at her boyfriends beautifully familiar face and knew exactly where she belonged. "Thank you," Rhyspa said, her freckled cheeks becoming a slight shade of pink. Rhyspa squeezed his hand as they left the room and just as Rhyspa was about to lean in for a kiss when he put his free hand in his pocket. Slightly confused, 'Spa backed away and gasped as Dom knealt down on one knee. Tears instantly welled in her eyes as he showed her the gorgeous ring in the black box and she already knew her answer.

"Yes, yes, yes," Rhyspa whispered, a smile across her face. "A thousand times yes."

 

[Dominik Marinescu]

Hearing her answer Dom was ecstatic. She was all his forever now and nothing could take her away from him. He would go through hell and back to make her the happiest woman on the planet. Picking up his fiance and spinning her around he said, "I'm going to make you so happy Rhyspa...you won't ever regret this. I love you so much." He kissed her fiercely, his heart filling to the brim and spilling over with the love he felt for her at this moment.

Dom grabbed her hand and lead her back to the doors of the Great Hall. "Come on, this is your day. We have the rest of our lives to be together." With that they went back into the celebration.

 

[Courtney Potter]

Courtney sighed as she took a seat in the Great Hall. This was the second graduation ceremony she was invited to attend, and being at the school brought back many memories. She looked around at the others already seated, hoping to spot a familiar face. There were a few invited guests she recognized, and she wondered if some of her friends still attending Hogwarts would appear in the next little while. However, she was invited by one of her best friends and room mate, Lily, and Courtney had a pink gift bag that held a present sitting by her feet for the graduate.

Once the formal ceremony had started, Courtney turned her attention to the headmistress, her former herbology professor. The speech was sweet and Courtney was glad she remembered to bring tissues, just in case the speeches given by the head girl and boy brought on any tears. After the speeches were finished, Courtney watched the graduates collect their diplomas. Some of the graduating students were Courtney's friends, but there were a few students she did not recognize at all. When it was Lily's turn to grab her diploma, Courtney clapped, waved, and hooted at her friend. It was strange to hear the name Lily Patricia Drage instead of Lily Potter, but Courtney knew she would get used to it in due time. She could not believe that Lily was graduating, it seemed like just yesterday they were hanging out in the sorority common room. She smiled to herself, excited that Lily would soon be co-owner of Gladrags. Once the ceremony was over, Courtney wandered around the Great Hall, ready to mingle and congratulate the graduates.

 

[Leah Bennet]

Excitement that she was seeing Alexis for the very first time in what had felt like forever, because forever was how far normality felt ago, began to vibe through Leah and even through her baby as it steadily grew restless inside the walls of her womb. But her cheeky demand and the happy green glint in those hazel green eyes of hers drowned Leah in such vast, open waters of emotion that she feared she may begin to smile. A beautiful yet wobbly smile trembled delicately on the cusp of her lips as she stepped into the arms of her best friend, laughing meekly as her baby seemed insistent on obstructing their embrace every time Leah attempted to move closer. And then it suddenly seemed as if she had became a million things at once.

First and foremost she was proud of Alexis, so proud that she had had the will power to stick it out and keep to her studies when Leah knew that all she had really wanted to do was jump the boundaries and land back on Australia’s doorstep once more. She was relieved because she would no longer be alone during the last stages of her pregnancy. Of course Izaak was always there for her and Keith too had offered his support but at the end of the day they were men. And that there was the very reason she was in this deep in the first place. Leah was frightened of the strain that might be placed against their friendship, she was sorry that Izaak couldn’t be here and guilted by the suspicions that had risen over his and Isabella’s relationship status. Not wanting to ruin such a special day for the younger girl, Leah squeezed her tight instead as her emotions got the better off her, snatching a few glistening tears from her eyes. “I’m sorry, I’ve been getting so emotional lately.” Leah traced her fingertips carefully beneath the rims of hers eyes and sniffed back more tears as she pulled from their embrace. “I am so proud of you Alexis. And hey, congratulations! Feel any older, or smarter should I say?” The baby jolted out then as if demanding the spotlight back on it and Leah reached gently for Alexis’ hand and placed it palm down against her st0mach. “I’ve been thinking Alexis, and I wanted to know if you’d like to be this baby’s godmother.” The fact that she did not want to get pregnant aside, Alexis was a born natural around Jay and knew she would be with this baby too.

 

[Moko Craven]

Moko smiled and clapped as each person received their diploma's eventually everyone was cheering and people stood up to mingle, going directly to their loved ones to congratulate them. She hung back not sure if he would want her to approach him so soon after, he would probably want to chat and mingle with his class mates and the others he had invited. So she stayed at the table she had been through out the ceremony until time seemed to tick by and she became restless. She hadn't come here to sit on her own, Moko stood up and weaving her way through the throng of people attempted to find Alex. It wasn't easy at all.

She wondered not for the first time what had possessed her to come today, he would probably make some snide comment again or make fun of her. She seemed to leave herself wide open to it and it was wholly unfair. Turning about she scanned the crowd realizing she couldn't see him anywhere. Perhaps sitting down until he found her had been the best choice, so slowly she attempted to weave her way through the students, faculty, family and friends once more.

 

[Maddiie Holland]

Maddiie finally was able to pull away from the graduates celebration. With her massacre already running down, she had used her wand to clean up her makeup, as well making her yellow gown vanish so by the time she reached her parents she was wearing something simple. "Hi papi!" she greeted him with a hug and a kiss on the cheek doing the same thing with Lila and Kasey. "And mummy Lila and sissy Kasey." she chuckle embracing them into a group hug. Maddiie was just so happy to at least have them there, it had been a emotional day so support made things a lot easier for Maddiie. When her father had presented her with abuela Marlana pearl earrings, fresh tears sweeped down her cheeks again. "Thank you dad, they mean a lot." she smiled looking at the ancient antiques that has been passed down from grandmother to granddaughters for many years, now they were finally Maddiie. "I will cherish them forever." she smiled. Maddiie than turn to Kasey, with a smirk now gracing her lips. "Heard you from my seat." she nearly choked laughing, hoping she knew what she was referring to. Netherless, Maddiie chatted with Kasey for a bit, till she presented her with a gift of her own. "Oh wow Kasey this is beautiful." she never knew of Kasey talent again a few tears escaped from the corner of her eyes. "Never knew you had such talent." she grin hugging her sister tight. This had turn out to be one of Maddiie's best day ever, besides their parents getting married and her engagement with Alex she would always cherish these moments the most.

 

[Professor Cyndi Kingsley]

As she listened to Kiera's speech and then Alex's, Cyndi was struck by how closely their speeches mirrored their personalities. Kiera's was much more sentimental and about reflection, while Alex's, although sentimental in its own way, clearly showed his funloving personality. She clapped heartily at the end of both speeches.

So far, Cyndi had been successful in not tearing up as the graduates sat in the front, their excitement clear in their faces. When they began to walk the stage, she began to feel the first signs though. As Kiera received her diploma, Cyndi glanced at James and saw how proud he looked of his wife. It was a wonderful sight to see. Turning her attention back to the stage, Cyndi watched as the other graduates crossed the stage, some she knew and others she didn't.

As the ceremony ended, Cyndi turned toward the new professor, who was sitting beside her. She looked nearly as young as Cyndi did, and although she hadn't had a chance to speak with her yet, it was clear that the professor was struck by the awesomeness of the graduation. "It was a beautiful ceremony, right?" she said with a smile as she stood up. There were many people she wanted to congratulate, but first she knew they would want to see their families.

 

[Sumner Drage]

Sumner straightened his thin dark blue tie and smoothed his hair, giving Lily's bum an affectionate and playful pat as she rushed in ahead of him. Sumner could not have been more proud of his wife on this day. The Ravenclaw had worked so hard for seven long years to reach this moment, he couldn't believe he had only known her for so few of them. They had come such a long way in a small amount of time yet he didn't think he'd ever met anyone like her that could make him this happy. She was beautiful, smart, strong and wicked fast on the quidditch pitch. He raised the camera he'd ordered just for this moment and snapped off a few silent shots during the ceremony. It was over and she was walking toward him, her diploma in his hand. Slowly the camera lowered after one last shot and he placed it in his jacket pocket. Coming forward, he gathered her within his arms and hugged her close, tightly, his eyes prickling from the proud tears he held at bay. "I am so damned proud of you baby," he whispered into her ear.

 

[Lily Drage]

Lily couldn't believe it. Graduation was over. She was officially leaving Hogwarts and moving on to be an adult, though she felt like she really had been one already for years. Her family was not a part of her life, hadn't been since the day she left to come to school here. She would have loved to have her mom and sister here, to introduce them to her husband, but that was just not meant to be.

Searching the crowd as soon as the ceremony ended, she finally found the head of hair she was looking for. Sumner. Though she had other friends there, she wanted nothing but to go to him and share her happiness with him. She was a bit surprised to see a camera in his hand, but after giving him a few quick poses, she was happy to see him put it away and take her in his arms. "I love you, Sumner. I am so glad that I have your last name on my diploma," she whispered back, then kissed him deeply on the lips, her hand snaking up to bury in his hair. Pulling back after a few minutes, she turned to see some of her friends waiting on her. She attacked Courtney with enthusiasm, giving her roommate a huge hug and laughing.

 

[Alex Cullen]

Alex was so glad after all the diplomas were received. He had practically been bored the whole way through, extremely fidgety and restless at having to sit so long. Never had to sit that long before in silence and by the end of it, the relief of being able to stand up and speak was extremely clear on his face. His diploma meant nothing to him; just a sheet of paper with fancy words on it.
He shot up from him chair in one fluid movement and stretched slightly. He remembered the night before about the bet him and Kiera had made before the whole mess between them and knew it best to go sort that out first. At least one of them would not be accused of breaking promises made. SHoving his diploma into his back pocket, he slipped out his wand and found some chairs, changing them with his transfiguration skills into a table, 2 sheets and a quill.
Taking the quill, he scratched their names on them before leaving it for people to decided whose speech was best. But now, he wanted to find Moko before she murdered him. His eyes scanned the room finding no sight of her. He weaved through a few people, smiling to them before a bright pink color flashed before him. Widened eyes and a jaw falling towards the floor, he couldn't believe how good she looked. Not too mention, sexy. A smirk appeared on his face as he finally noticed she looked slightly uneasy.
Typical. As he made his way, he flourished a lil' jesters bow in front of her in a joking manner. 'My, my. You do tend to overdress overly much,' he stated but there was no meaning behind it. His wide grin was now in place as he straightened up in front of her.