Graduation 2046

[Katherine Alicastell]

From the end of the hall, the Headmistress stood waiting for graduates and guests alike to enter and take their appropriate seats. Gone were the long tables that usually resided in the hall, leaving a large empty space for rows upon rows of padded chairs. Gone too, where the usual banners and drapes depicting the four individual houses and their respective colours, replaced now by banners depicting only the Hogwarts insignia on a plain, black background. Today, the seventh years weren't Gryffindors, Ravenclaws, Hufflepuffs or Slytherins. They were the class of 2046. They were one.

As everyone settled into their seats, Katherine strode across the stage to take her position at the podium. With a raise of her hand, the murmur and chatter of those present ceased, and she spoke. "Welcome all of you, family and friends, students and staff, to the graduation ceremony of twenty forty-sox. Thank you for joining us in celebrating the long journey of our honoured graduates, and in commending their seven years of growth and dedication at Hogwarts New Zealand. Truly, they have been the heart and soul of this school." There was a brief moment of applause, and once that too had died down, Katherine continued. "To the class of twenty-forty six, remember that your lives are only just beginning. You are all the future of wizardkind, and it is your actions and achievements that will continue to shape the world we live in. With that said, I'd like to call upon our head students, Tholomyes Fontaine and Charlotte Owens to take the podium. Please give them a warm welcome." The Headmistress finished, stepping off to the side to allow the two students to take her place and present their speeches.​

Out of Character:

This thread is for Graduates and Speakers to post in. Guests and Spectators can post in the 'Guest' topic.

 

[Tholomyes Fontaine]

Tholomyes Fontaine would hardly believe that his schooling was at an end. This was his graduation. He would be leaving and entering the real world. It was surreal. It was going to be just fine. He knew him and Emma would have a whole host of new issues to deal with. But he was certain that they would figure it out. Theo was dressed in his best suit, his hair as calm as he could get it, and just an overall feeling of calm. He was proud of himself, of his class. He hadn't thought he would be head boy. The teen had assumed the position would go to the gryffindor quidditch captain, but he felt honoured nonetheless to have held a position. The ceremony itself began shortly, and he noticed Victoire in the crowd before turning his attention to the front. He had prepared a few words, not much but enough to be able to say a few things. He hadn't known what Charlotte would say and wanted to keep his as brief as he possibly could. Though he had been in several positions in the school, the thought of saying more in front of so many people was not something he wanted to do.

Finally, he and Charlotte were called upon to speak. Theo made his way up and stood at the podium, looking out and over the site before him. All the faces looking up at him. He felt like he was a first year again, about to be sorted into his house to start the crazy ride all over again. "Graduates, guests, professors, I won't keep you long," he had lost much of the pompousness his accent had once held, there was even a little kiwi twang, "It seems like yesterday we all came up to this stage for the first time to be sorted, and yet seven years have passed. We've all grown into smart, creative, driven, motivated witches and wizards. The school gave us all the opportunities we could ever need to excel. Now, it's over, we're on our own," Tholomyes took a small breath, "But with the words of wisdom our professors have given us over the last seven years, I know we will all leave Hogwarts and go on to make the world a better place. Here's to us, the class of 2046. Thank you" Tholomyes stepped back, and allowed Charlotte to speak, before returning to his seat, another little step closer to graduating.
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[Charlotte Owens]

Charlotte felt slightly nervous as her time at Hogwarts was quickly coming to an end. It was hard to believe that she had finally made it and that within a matter of hours she will be graduated and stepping out of the castle for the last time. It was a new chapter for her and she was looking forward to what was ahead, as well as the new memories and experiences along the way. Her time at Hogwarts had to end at one point and she felt honoured to be included in so many parts of the school, including the Quidditch Team and as prefect and Head Girl. It was sad to let it all go but it was also exciting to enter the unknown and something inside of her could not wait to do so. Charlotte tried to think positive thoughts as the ceremony began and she looked around at the crowd, noticing a few familiar faces, including her own family, sitting amongst them. She hadn't been to a graduation ceremony at Hogwarts before, and as her and Tholomyes were called on to speak, Charlotte watched as Tholomyes stood up first, listening as he spoke and nodding along at his words.

Soon it was Charlotte's turn to speak and she stood behind the podium, smiling out at all of the faces before she began her speech. "I am happy to welcome everyone here today, including those graduating and those who have come here to support them." She spoke clearly and confidently, not wanting to give away how nervous she felt. "I have made so many memories here and many friends. There have been times here that have been rough for all of us, but it is with these bad times that we can go into life with more experience, ready to take on anything that is thrown our way. Everything happens for a reason and every single day we are all going to learn something, whether that be in school or out there in the real world where we are free and independent." Charlotte paused before concluding. "So it is today that we shall see the depart of a strong group of individuals as they take on a new chapter in their lives, whatever that may entail. Here is to the class of 2046. Thank you." With that, Charlotte made her way back to her seat with Tholomyes, excited for what was ahead.

 

[Katherine Alicastell]

Katherine stood quietly to the side as the two head students gave their speeches, applauding each in turn as they finished and stepped down from the podium to make their way back to their seats. With all said and done, the Headmistress took their place once more to address the hall. "Thank you, Mr Fontaine and Miss Owens for those words. To the class of twenty-forty six - the future is yours - don't be afraid to leave your mark in the history of wizardkind. I look forward to seeing what each of you bring to the wizarding world. Now, let's move on to why we're all here. When I call your name, come up to the stage to receive your diploma." The woman said, taking a moment to look across the sea of faces in front of her, many for the last time. Her eyes dropped to the parchment she held, and she called up the first of many names.

Out of Character:

It's time Graduates. You can now RP your character coming on stage, getting his or her diploma and then sitting back down until the end of the ceremony.

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[Kimmyeon Kendall-Wu]

To Kimmy, seven years had felt like a lifetime. Although she had grown and matured a little since her eleven hear old self, she still felt such the same as she had when she first stepped through those doors, moments before being sorted into Slytherin. As she watched the headmistress and the head boy give their speeches, her mind drifted to what her life was going to be like once she left. Her seventh year had been the most interesting, and not just because for the first time since they were children, she was able to spend time with all her siblings. If nothing else she had come to realise what was important to her, and as she listened to Charlotte, her dorm mate, team mate and friend, present a speech to the hear group, she smiled to herself in gratitude. It was only in her last few years that she'd made efforts to engage with others, and while she wasn't leaving the school with much she at least felt as though she was on the right path in her future. When he name was called, a sense of deja vu flooded through her but this time mixed with a sense of sadness to leave the comforts of her now former student life. Taking the diploma from the Professor with thanks, she retook her seat with her classmates. She attended the ceremony alone as she'd been unable to distinguish who would be best to join her, although she looked forward to the party hosted by her parents in the summer. Kimmy sat quietly as the remaining students were presented with their awards, and felt an usual sense of unease as the incoming change in her life was finally setting into her mind.
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[Tholomyes Fontaine]

Tholomyes listened to Charlotte's speech, he was rather glad that after all this time, in the days before graduating they'd actually spoken to each other, he knew that after this day when they left the school, their paths would never cross again, but he felt better about leaving knowing he'd done what he'd needed to. He'd at least learned a little about her. He took his seat once they were done, looking back up at the stage, as the final part of his school was to happen. He clapped for others, smiling as others that he knew crossed the stage. He smiled softly for the others, and then his name was called and he crossed the stage one final time. He had worked hard for this, he had spent years learning all the different things about magic he needed to, he had followed his sister, but very much carved his own path. He had at times in the first year thought about going back to muggle school, but he was happy he hadn't. It was perfect. Hogwarts had had it's ups and downs, but he was happy he'd stuck around. The head by shook the headmistresses hand, thanked her and continued across. He was a fully qualified wizard now. He had gotten through it all. Theo's smile grew, he'd done it. The teen took his seat as others got their awards, clapping especially loudly for Emma, but all too soon it was done, more quickly than sorting had ever felt, he was done.
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[Amy Rosemary]

Amy almost couldn't believe it. She was graduating, finishing her school career. The last seven years of her life had been wonderful, she had grown up with the best people she could be surrounded by and she sincerely hoped they would stay in touch after school. She was feeling a mix of emotions, and she didn't even know how to express it. She had a smile on her face, and it was a genuine smile. She still didn't know entirely well what she wanted to do after she left Hogwarts, but she was excited to get to know the real world out there, to begin her life as an adult.

Amy entered the great hall with her year group, and she sat down. After some excited whispering between her classmates (Amy herself included), the Headmistress began to address them. Amy couldn't stop smiling. She was graudating. It was a strange, yet pleasant feeling. She beamed at Professor Alicastell‘s speech, and once she was done speaking it was the headpeople‘s turn. Their words made Amy a little more confident about the future. When her name was called, the blonde took a deep breath before she stood to get her diploma, and sat back down shortly afterwards. Her seven-year long journey was closing, and Amy was slightly scared but ready for the next chapter of her life to begin.

 

[Rome Savage]

In all seriousness, Rome had thought this day would just never come, it just seemed like, despite her best efforts, she would be perpetually stuck at hogwarts until the day she either murdered everyone else or herself. But, the day eventually came, and she couldn't admit to being unhappy about it. In fact, it was more than likely that this was the happiest most people had ever seen Rome, but at the very least, unlike a number of people in their year group she had actually managed to graduate. She would be leaving the school with actual grades and that had to account for something in the competition with others. She hoped that she would never see this place again. If her own children one day did ever come to this school, she would not come back, not even for this day for them. After all, if they took after her, they wouldn't enjoy this day much either. The teen listened to the speeches, dull as speeches ever were, but she was just wanting the entire thing to be over. Thankfully, each was blessedly short and they were called upon to cross the stage. As ever, with a surname like Savage her name was one of the last to be called, though the list of those graduating was far shorter than that of those she'd been sorted with. Finally after Cairo crossed the stage it was her turn. She had to stop herself from racing across though she wanted. She took the school diploma and went back to her seat. Finally! She could leave this damn place.
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[Falon Urie]

Falon never thought that she would be graduating without her brother. Sure, he was there in the crowd, but he wasn't next to her. Falon hadn't put any thought towards Graduation, and hadn't thought about how weird it was going to be. The Gryffindor girl knew what she wanted to do when she left school, for sure, but to actually be at the day where it was time for them to leave was bizarre; especially as she felt she was doing it alone. Lyra had been her best friend, but now she couldn't even spend the day getting ready with her - or even Link. Still, Cairo was there, looking as handsome as ever and that helped put Falon in a better mood. Falon found her mind drifting while the speeches were being made, before finally it was time for them to be called up. She clapped politely for Lyra, before cheering loudly for Cairo, and then, it was her turn. Falon went up and received her diploma, proud of how far they had all come since first year.

 

[Charlotte Owens]

It wasn't long before everyone's names started to be called out and Charlotte clapped happily along with everyone as people one by one went up to collect their diploma. The list of names was much shorter than it was when they were getting sorted in their first year and Charlotte's name was called rather quickly. Beaming, Charlotte walked across the stage, shaking the headmistress' hand as she collected her diploma and made her way back to her seat. As more names were called, Charlotte made sure to clap loudly for Daniel and Madeline as they collected theirs, genuinely happy to see so many people finally graduating so they could pursue bigger and better things. In no time the ceremony had ended and finally Charlotte was graduated along with all of her classmates and she couldn't be happier, excited to see where this new chapter would take her.

 

[Matthew Harper]

Everything about this day felt surreal to Matthew. With every portrait, suit of armor or window he had passed he kept thinking this was the last time he would see this particular thing, as he was leaving the school. It wasn't perhaps a home to him as it had been to most of his classmates, as he had transferred in in his fifth year, but it still felt like a loss. He didn't feel ready to go. But it was time.

Matthew listened from his seat as the Headmistress talked about the graduation ceremony. She reminded them that their lives were just beginning, which only made him feel more nervous. There was pressure on them to do something amazing after school, and he didn't know if he would be able to achieve that. Then the Head boy and girl took the podium, Tholomyes going first. He listened as he spoke, and then listened to Charlotte as well. Both speeches were nice, but he was mostly happy he didn't have to give a speech himself. He was sure he would have stumbled over his words if it had been him on there. It was bad enough that they had to get up there to get their diplomas. He watched as a few of his classmates went up to get them before his own name was called as well. He got up, walked over to the Professor and took the diploma with a muttered thanks. He quickly found his seat again, his mind flashing to his parents. He wondered if they were thinking of him, even if he didn't want them to be here today. He was sure his sister would tell them everything about it, so they wouldn't miss much. He glanced at Leah, who was one of the spectators, and gave her a grin. She was here for him today, and he was happy about that.

 

[Madeline Walden]

The day had finally come, Madeline Walden was graduating from Hogwarts. Her life at Hogwarts seemed to have flashed by so quickly and she wished that she could have paused the most enjoyable times that she had experienced at the school. She would be forever grateful for the people she had met; her best friends, her Professors and her incredible boyfriend. The two had been through so much; half the time hating each other and the other half in love with each other before inevitably ending up together.

Walking into the Great Hall took Maddie's breath away, the hall had been transformed to make room for the graduating class and everyone's guests. Maddie saw her parents and Aaron across the hall and she waved and grinned at them. She was so pleased that they could be here to see her graduate. She was a little sad that her youngest siblings and her cousins couldn't be there to see her too but the Walden extended family would have taken up the whole of the hall! It was the reason why the Walden's had decided to throw a party after the ceremony at their farm so the whole extended family could be involved.

There were no house allegiances any more, they were all in this together, graduating as the class of 2046. It was overwhelming to think that this was the last step at the school and then it was a new chapter in her life. She tried to keep the lump in her throat and the tears in her eyes back as she took her seat next to James, naturally, and kept her fingers interlocked with his throughout the ceremony. She listened as her best friend gave her head girl speech and cheered her on, she was so proud of Charlotte and felt so lucky to call her a best friend.

The Headmistress called them up one by one to collect their diploma's and Maddie clapped and cheered for all of her friends as they walked up to the stage. It was soon Maddie's turn and she took a deep breath and she walked to the front of the hall. The butterflies in her stomach were similar to the ones she felt when she first stepped into this hall when she was eleven to be sorted into her future house, Gryffindor. She shook the Headmistress's hand and took her diploma before leaving the stage, quickly glancing at her family as she walked back to her seat where she sat until the ceremony finished all while trying not to cry, it was an end of an era. An era which Maddie wasn't ready to leave yet, she hugged James' arm and lay her head on his shoulder trying to stifle her tears in his gown.

 

[Professor James Cade]

On more than one occasion James had considered what would happen if he just flunked all his classes. Maybe they'd let him stay another year? Then he wouldn't have to give up all the things he had come to hold so dear. His team, his brotherhood, seeing his sister everyday, his life, but no. It was time to grow up and move on with his life, to bigger and better things and the parts of him that weren't terrified were actually looking forward to it. As James made his way into the beautifully decorated Great hall he couldn't help but look back on his time at the school. The friends he had made, the things he had accomplished, the trouble he'd caused and of course the shining beacon that outshone everything. His girlfriend. James considered himself to be the luckiest man on the planet for being able to call himself Maddie's boyfriend, most days he couldn't quite put into words how much he loved her so he always made it his mission to show it.

James looked around the Great hall to take in his surroundings. Gone were the house colours, gone were the tables. House allegiance wasn't important anymore, they were all one graduating class. Though James knew he'd always be a proud Gryffindor. James spotted his mother and sister in the crowd and smiled at them. He knew it was hard for Jess to be there knowing who was missing which made her presence all the more special to him. James took his seat next to Maddie. One hand was interlocked with hers, the other resting on his pocket to check a little something was still there. A lot about that day was making him nervous but his post graduation surprise was the worst of it.

After listening to the speeches by the head people. James mostly ignored what Dan had to say but he was so proud of Charlotte and enjoyed hearing her thoughts on the occasion. Then it was time for the students to get their diplomas. As James would be one of the early ones called he lifted Maddie's hand up and kissed a few kissed on the back of her hand and wrist before he made his way to the front of the line. Walking across the stage felt like a strange moment, one he never thought would come. He was sad for the people who weren't there, his father was missing yes, but so was his best friend, the years at school without Rudolf had been the hardest and to not share the moment with him was heartbreaking, he was also sad that Felix wasn't there, as an ex of Maddie's he was the most surprised that he had come to think of him as a close friend but there he was missing him.

Once his name was called James took a deep breath and crossed the stage. Ever the showman he waved to the crowd and pumped his fist before he reached the Headmistress, shook her hand and took the diploma which he gleefully displayed to the crowd. He'd done it. James Cade had graduated.

 

[Alessio Benivieni]

Alessio had spent his first few years at Hogwarts not sure whether he actually fit in in the wizarding world, and had spent a long time trying to figure that out. He realised as he headed to the great hall with the class of 2046 that he did, in fact, belong here. It struck him all at once, and a part of him wished he could go back in time to start over, to have a different attitude towards magic and himself, his own abilities. Another part of him, however, was happy with how his years had turned out and he wouldn’t trade what he had now for the world. Great friends, and family, who loved and supported him. He smiled as he saw Sara and Leo, and as he took a seat on one of the chairs he made sure to sit next to Marcella. Although she hadn’t been at the school for the entirety of their last year at Hogwarts, Alessio was so glad to have her by his side right now, while they got their diplomas and moved on with their lives, closing a very important chapter of their life.

Alessio’s eyes flickered to where Celebi was sitting, and he smiled warmly at her. She was a year below him and would only graduate next year but he knew that it was going to fly for her, too. And Alessio would wait for her, he didn’t feel this way about anyone like he did with her, and it made him feel a little helpless that he couldn’t just stay another year to spend more time with her. Or better yet, that she could come with him. Al wouldn’t do that to her future, though. She needed to finish school and as much as he was going to miss her he was going to make sure to see her as often as he could during the holidays.

When Tholomyes spoke, Alessio was reminded of when he had first spoken to the boy, in the antiquated lavatory. It felt so long ago now. He was somewhat proud of him for achieving what he had, when the first things that were said between the two boys was the fact that magic was hard and they were sure it wasn’t right for them. And yet, they were here, they had arrived and had made it to graduation. Charlotte spoke next, and he smiled a little. They sure had a lot of words of wisdom which Ale was sure to take with him after this day. The Headmistress began to hand out the diplomas, and when the Hufflepuff's name was called, as he was one of the first people, he squeezed Mari's hand before he went to the stage and shook the Headmistress’ hand. Once he had received his diploma, he went to sit down as others went to get theirs. Alessio Benivieni had officially graduated from Hogwarts and he couldn’t be prouder.

 

[Isabelle Marie]

Graduating. Isabelle Marie was graduating. From the place she was so used to calling her home, a place where she had such good memories and the not-so-good ones, and experiences that allowed her to grow and mature. Of course, in life there was always something new to learn, and there were going to be things Izzy needed to look out for, opportunities, anything she could to live her life to the fullest. But right now, all she could reflect on were the years she spent at Hogwarts here in New Zealand. The friendships she had made and Quidditch. Heta Omega. Becoming Prefect. Working hard to ensure she had a good future ahead of her.

The Ravenclaw Seeker had never thought of not sharing this moment with her mother, and the years she had lost when she thought she had passed. But she knew that she was going to cherish this day forever, as it was an important step in her life where a chapter was closing and another was beginning. As she entered the Great Hall for the last time, her eyes landed on the guests, in particular Olivia, and she had to fight the urge to squeal because she really wanted to share this exciting moment with Liv, her best friend and girlfriend. The people she looked up to and those she held close.

As the head people finished speaking - Isabelle cheering loudly after Tholomyes had spoken - the Headmistress began to call out the names of her year. Izzy had to wait since her surname was basically in the middle of the alphabet. For some reason, she was feeling nervous, maybe it had nothing to do with receiving her diploma and it had to do with the life-changing decisions she would have to make after she stepped out of Hogwarts. She knew mostly what she wanted to do and now it was just a matter of planning everything thoroughly.

The French girl walked up to the stage and smiled brightly at the Headmistress as she shook her hand and took her diploma, thanking the woman before she returned to her seat. Izzy had finally arrived to the end of her school career and she could not be prouder of her hard efforts. She was eager to start the next phase of her life.

 

[Stella Stilinski]

Everything happens for a reason, hooked on that line, and Stella like to believe that it was true. What Charlotte said, that, this all took place in her life because it was meant to be? On purpose or accident, and it gets harder to tell these days. What was meant to be or purely accidental? From her dad to Silas, to her, and then Syrus. Stella, very much trying to make sense of this all. Unfortunately, Hogwarts didn't exactly answer all her questions. There were too many to tackle, and too much of her times wasted not accepting this part of her that was real. Not made up like in fairy tales, but a genuine part that she tried to rebuke for the past seven years. Possibly, if there had been another approach, possibly, all that happen would've existed outside these realms. Surely, the outcome would be different, surely?

There she goes, exhausting herself again. Stella sighed, rolling her eyes. She placed the flower crown over her head, and held tight to her robes. She wore a dressed fashioned by her best friend Erin, from back home. She promised her friend she would wear it, and be happy that she had happened to make it this far. Right now, she was doing one from those two things. And, it's time she be more ecstatic, than be the quiet one in the room. Writing had done some wonders to her mood, lately. Professor Pratt to joining Hogwarts Monthly, and finally leaving Hogwarts, she would think the funky fog would be lifted. It'll be another thing to work through. For the time being, she was taking one day at a time.

Stella stood up when her name was called. Somewhere, where all visitors sat, both her brothers and her mom cheered for the Hufflepuff. She glanced in their direction, a smile lifting at the edge of her mouth. She took her diploma, thanking the headmistress. Stella joined the rest until it was all over and she could happily join her family. And for the remainder of her day, she would try her hardest to be positive, no matter the cost. She just graduated, after all.​

 

[Ari Desai]

A, blurring red mark is pressed at the center of his forehead. While he may have done some early morning meditation, he didn't dare to disturb the tilak on his temple. For several reasons he wished not to think about at the moment. If traditions taught him anything, it was to put forward faith in what you are taught. And he was, he relying on the mark to keep him center and focus. To get him through the ceremony without causing any form of disturbance. Ari, wasn't known for that. But, one never knows when fate wanted to challenge the day.

In all seriousness, he was nervous and also joyous this day had come. Nervous, for his disrupted plans and to see if his family would be here. Joyous, for the ceremony of course. And all his classmates who were officially graduating. All the hard work and sacrifice they've all made. He overwhelmed with emotions, the usual calm Ari, had mist in his eyes as the speeches were read and students would collect their diplomas. Ari was feeding off from all of it, today the red mark wasn't working in his favor. Ari, stood up and made his way across the stage. Thanking the headmistress and when he turn instead of looking for his family, he was searching for his girlfriend. He briefly waves at Bethany, who he found sitting with the other prefects. The Ravenclaw, teasingly winks and walks off stage with his diploma.

Ari found his way back to his seat to join the rest. Once the ceremony concluded, he went to Bethany and then his family. There was no better place but here for them to get acquainted. ​

 

[Daniel Rosemary]

Daniel wasn’t sure how he was feeling as the time neared for the graduation class to leave Hogwarts behind and begin their lives out there in the big world. He was looking forward to it, that he was sure of. Though, he wasn’t one hundred per cent ready to leave what he knew here, as he had become used to living in the school during term time like any other seventh year. Having to get used to a completely different lifestyle once he stepped foot out of Hogwarts one last time was a big change. He wasn’t one to complain however, because he also knew that eventually he was going to figure out that life out there wasn’t be so bad after all.

As Dan crossed the Great Hall to take a seat in one of the chairs, he cast a glance in the direction of his friends, then to the professors and guests. He briefly wondered if they would remember him in years to come. The Slytherin Prefect, who would soon be a former Slytherin, which was odd to think, didn’t hesitate to cheer for Charlotte as she said her speech. He was so proud of her, and of everyone he cared about sitting in this room.

When his name was called, Dan went to the stage and shook the hand of the Headmistress as she gave him his diploma. A sign of him graduating, proof that he had done it. He nodded to her politely before he returned to his seat. The last seven years of his life were years he was going to treasure. He was happy to be able to reunite with his family, his cousins, without having to worry about the school holidays and when he was going to have to return to Hogwarts. This day signified the end of something, and the start of something better.

 

[Hilton Tiwari]

Hilton Tiwari was ready for graduation. She was so ready to leave, but she was sad at the same time. Her brother was going to be sorted in the new school year, and she was worried for him. She really wanted to be able to guide him through his years at Hogwarts, but she was going to put Kishen in Professor Monty Pendleton's hands. She may not have done as well as she had hoped in school, but she had did enough to please herself. Hilton prayed to the gods that her brother would do better than she had. Her name was called, and she stood proudly and walked across the stage to receive her diploma. Today was her day, and there was nothing that was going to be able to ruin that.

 

[Cairo Savage]

Graduation did not arrive soon enough for Cairo, and as he sat with his sister, waiting for the ceremony to begin and for everyone in his year to shake the headmisstress's hand and receieve their diploma he could barely wait to leave. School, while beneficial to him for knowledge truly was the stressful ordeal he thought it would be when he arrived for to be sorted seven years ago. Throughout the years there had been many things he was thankful for, relationships and friendships formed he never would have seen himself being in otherwise, but he generally could not wait to get away from the confines of the castle walls and start his own life. Where he could live on his own terms, spending time the way he wanted to instead of forcing himself to study subjects he no longer cared about and fitting to a daily schedule dictated to him by others. That was what Graduation symbolized to him; a way to escape being told what he could and could not do and finally become the person he wanted to be. He listened to Tholomyes and Charlotte's speeches and politely clapped for each of them although was still counting the minutes until he could get out of there. Cairo listened for his name as everyone was called to the stage, standing up when it was his turn. He breathed out as he approached the headmistress, and continued his polite facade as he shook her hand. When he was given the diploma he left the stage and headed back to his seat, immediately feeling a weight lifted off his shoulders. He clapped genuinely as Rome walked on stage, then later for Falon as her name was called. Out of all the people he met in school, Falon was one of the few people he wanted to stay close with. He was sure of that even if he did not know where his life would go from that point onward. Not knowing was daunting to him but he was happy to leave everything to fate for the time being. ​

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[Lyra Potter]

Over the years, Lyra had thought occasionally about graduation, but it had always seemed years and years away. When she had pictured it, she had imagined Felix next to her, holding her hand, smiling, and sharing it with her. Link was always sitting on the other side of her. Lyra had imagined Falon getting ready with her in the dorm room one final time. She had imagined her mother standing and cheering for her with Carter, Cyndi, and Cameron at Kiera's side. Nothing was as she had imagined it.

Carter, Link, Cameron, and Cyndi were all in the crowd. Lyra knew she would see them after, and they would hug her and congratulate her, but it wouldn't replace the one she really wanted to see. Lyra only half paid attention through graduation. She clapped at the appropriate times and cheered for her friends. Soon enough, it was her turn to walk across the stage. As she looked out across the crowd, one face immediately attracted her attention. How stupid. How foolish of her to overlook something so obvious. Lyra faked a smile and thanked the headmistress before returning to her seat. She had to avoid him. She was determined to do so.
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