Open End of Year Feast

[Katherine Alicastell]

It was the end of the school year, a final goodbye for some, but merely the start of a long, well deserved break for most. Students and staff alike could enjoy some quality time at home without the stress of exams and study looming over their heads. The castle would be uncharacteristically quiet with most of them gone, a reprieve from the antics and rivalries, but there was still work to be done over the course of the holidays for at least some members of the staff, and the house elves employed to ensure Hogwarts remained presentable for the coming year.

As the students filed in, the banners adorning the Great Hall rippled and changed to reflect the signature yellow and black colours of Hufflepuff house, signifying their outstanding victory for the year. Rising from her seat at the staff table, Katherine slowly made her way up to the podium, waiting for everyone to settle into their own seats before speaking. "Welcome one and all to this year's final feast. Before we begin, I'd like to say a few words. First of all, a round of applause for the winners of this year's House Cup - congratulations to Hufflepuff!" The woman announced, producing the cup in question seemingly from thin air, to be presented to Professor Carter on behalf of his house.

"Of course, we can't forget those students who's dedication and ambition earned the most points for their respective houses. Our top house point earners this year are - in first place, Analei Louw of Hufflepuff, with a grand total of nine hundred and thirty two points. In second place, with a total of seven hundred and forty six points - Kauri Tipene, of Gryffindor. In third, Jerara Tapsell of Ravenclaw, with a round six hundred and fifty points. Last but not least, we have Rory Fergusson of Slytherin, with four hundred and twenty eight points. Congratulations to our winners." The Headmistress joined in the applause for each of them, commending their efforts and achievements toward their house.

As the applause died down, the woman moved to wrap things up and allow them to commence eating. "A quick reminder, as per the Decree for the Reasonable Restriction of Underage Sorcery, you are not permitted to use magic underage outside of Hogwarts. I do not want to receive any letters from the Ministry of Magic over this end of year break. Now, enjoy this feast and have a safe travel home. Until next year."​

 

[Amber Chou Wilson]

This was it. The final event at Hogwarts. Amber tried to take everything in from her position at the Hufflepuff table. She had the urge to take in every detail, as it would be her final chance to do so. It suddenly seemed very important to her that she remembered every detail she could. Her attention was caught by Headmistress Alicastell as she started to speak. A smile appeared on Amber's face as she congratulated Hufflepuff. It was nice that her house had won in her final year. She clapped for the top house point earners, impressed by Analei. Amber had won that title for her house in her first four years, but she had never received as many as the blonde had. Then the professor wrapped up the speech with a reminder that they were not permitted to use magic outside of Hogwarts. Amber realized with a jolt that no longer applied to her. She grabbed Ainsley's hand under the table and glanced at her friend, feeling a jolt of pain as the Professor said 'until next year'. She swallowed nervously. "We'll be okay, right?"

 

[Lauren Carter]

Lauren entered the Great Hall and wished this could last forever. She was not ready to go home. Hogwarts felt more like a home than with her parents. But she couldn't let that know right? They were her parents after all and raised her in a special way. Hufflepuff had won the housecup, her house! But not that she really helped with doing anything. She would lose points more quicker than earn them. But the fact that her house won and not Gabriella's would not be special enough for her parents, because not she but Analei from her house had scored the most points. And Gabriella didn't even made the list. Nothing was too good enough for her parents. The blonde clapped along as their house was named the winner and some students were getting called of how many points they had. Lauren searched for her friends but didn't spotted Aonghas yet. She would just enjoy the food for now than. That was something to comfort her perhaps. She would delay walking out of this castle in any way she could. But Gabriella would sure drag her along if needed.

 

[Analei Westwick]

Analei's eyes grew as she walked into the Great Hall. She had a feeling that Hufflepuff might win the House Cup this year, but seeing it in person was incredibly exciting. It had been a really hard year for the girl, and she was glad to see the end of it - but going out with a bang was exciting. The blonde took her seat next to Arvel, listening to the Headmistress before cheering loudly with the rest of her House for their win. Analei looked at Arvel happily, proud of their house. Tuning back into what the Headmistress was saying, Analei felt her eye widen again when she heard her name being called out. A top point earner - no, not just a top point earner - the top point earner. She couldn't help but grin widely, feeling immensely proud of herself. All of the classes that year must have paid off! Analei hoped she'd be able to get top points again the following year, even without taking as many classes. But she didn't want to think about it now. Instead, it was time to celebrate and enjoy the rest of her year - finally.