Graduation Ceremony 2047: Graduates

[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, were 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 stood together as one, the graduating class of 2047.

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-seven. 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, each and every one of you 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-seven, 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, Leo Benivieni and Bethany Zanders 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.

 

[Bethany Zanders]

Bee was not usually the type to get nervous for many things, but she had to admit today her stomach was in knots. She looked out at the sea of faces, looking for her family and Ari in the crowd but at the sound of her name she looked up at the Headmistress as she spoke. She couldn't help but smile at the mention as they were introduced to give their speeches soon. Once the Headmistress stepped down to let them start, she decided to go first and walked up to the podium, fiddling with her notecards. Public speaking wasn't hard for her, but she felt a lot of weight on her shoulders in this moment. She was the first black Head Girl at Hogwarts New Zealand, ever. She knew this because she had done her research. There were a few other people of color as Head Girl or Boy in the past, but they were few and far between, and none of them had been like her. She was the first. Maybe it didn't matter to most people, but to those like her, they would understand its significance.

"I'm sure we all want to celebrate so I'll try not to keep us too long," Bee said with a smile, and then looked down at her notecards briefly. She could feel her nerves beginning to into adrenaline which usually turned her into an excited mess. "I used to think everything about Hogwarts was so magical, the ghosts, the changing staircases, the hidden doors. But now I realize it’s the people that make this place so spectacular. Professors don't just teach us magic from textbooks, they show us the magic we have within ourselves. They see the potential in us and push us to be better people, even when we may try to push back. And if it wasn't for them taking a chance on me, I never would've had the opportunities I got," she said with a smile at the professors. "This place is all about taking chances. I wouldn't be up here today as Head Girl, or even as a prefect or anything else if they hadn't taken a chance on someone like me," Bee tried to keep it light and vague on purpose as she continued proudly. "I wouldn't have been given the amazing opportunity to intern for Claudia Holland's campaign, who is now our Minister of Magic. Speaking of which, in ten years, when elections for Minister come around again, you all should vote for me, Bethany Zanders," Bee said, going off on a tangent, posing with her head held high as she campaigned for her future self, before laughing and continuing on with her speech.

"No offense to our professors, but OWLs and NEWTs are not the most important thing we have to show from our time here at Hogwarts," she said. "What matters most is the chances we took along the way and the growth we experienced outside of the classroom. It's not our talent that makes us magnificent, it's our tenacity. I know not everyone's experiences at Hogwarts are the same, but I hope you enjoyed some the last seven years as much as I did. And I hope your time here has inspired you all to go on and take more chances and bigger risks because you are capable, you can do it!" Bee took a moment to breath and then concluded her speech. "Thank you to all the guests for coming to celebrate with us today, and to the class of 2047, you are what makes Hogwarts so magical," she said to the crowd of her peers, smiling brightly before leaving the podium for Leo to take the stage now.​

 

[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, Miss Zanders and Mr Benivieni for those words, and for your contributions to this school as Head students. It's been a pleasure to have you both. To the class of twenty forty-seven - 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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[Sianna Djordjevic]

Sianna couldn't quite believe that it had come to this moment. She was graduating. She was finally graduating. She had said goodbye to all of her accio friends, and was ready to bust out and do something more with her life. The teen had always been a hard worker in school and she had taken the time to invite her brother rather than anyone else from her family. Almost to flaunt in his face and to the rest of the family about where she had gotten where the rest of them hadn't done nearly as well. She had spent so much time frustrated by having to be the only girl with three brothers and yet here she was, graduating, having done hopefully well in her NEWTs. Certainly more than she could say about Casimir. Proving herself had always been a goal of Sianna, but she'd gotten pretty lucky with it. She was smart and she was determined, she hadn't gotten involved with sports but with the yearbook, building on her old passions and allowing her to really flourish. ​

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The girl was dressed well, choosing good polite clothing, suitable for this event. She listened to the head girl as the girl gave her speech, likely better than anything Sianna would've said but still, she couldn't help but roll her eyes at the girl's declaration that she was going to need their votes in the future. Finally though the girl came to an end and Sianna clapped along with all the others. Thankful that it had been short and to the point. Now, it was over to the rest of them. She clapped at others and then finally her name was called. She rolled her shoulders back and held her head up high as she walked across the stage. She shook the professor's hand and took the diploma. She had finally done it. Graduated. It was a nice feeling and she had so much of her life left to go, so many avenues to explore the world was opening itself up for her, and goodness was Sianna ready for it. She didn't particularly know what her next step really would be either photography or maybe some dumb office job for a bit, but she knew no matter what it was she'd work her way to being the best. She took her seat, and clapped politely for the rest of her class, until the ceremony was over.​

 

[Zared Katsaros-Styx]

Zared had been looking forward to this moment a lot, he had always been looking forward to graduating, but the goals he had had when he entered the school were not really the ones he'd taken forward during the years and completed. Primarily he had never imagined that he'd be married by this point in his life, that he and Elysia would be celebrating one year of marriage. Certainly not that. Zared had always been an independent person, never enjoying any of the group projects he'd been tasked with, but she had been the one he had fallen for, and fallen hard. Her offer of leaving school at the end of the last semester had been tempting and throughout the semester he missed her, he longed to go back to their home and start life together, but sitting there about the graduate he knew he'd made the right choice. He would have his NEWTs and his graduation, they both would. He would maybe be set for life if he just turned to her family, but Zared wasn't going to rely on any else for his future. Zared had known that securing his future by his own means would be better than just relying on the Styx's to provide for him. ​

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Zared was eager for this day to be over, he'd dressed well, suiting up properly for the event, wearing his hair politely. He was ready to be done with this place. He could almost feel the soft mattress of his bed in his home already. The spaceous area in which they could live, no longer restricted by roommates and dozens of other students. He kept his gaze forward as the head girl spoke. He didn't particularly agree with any of her sentiments, he thought the professors had done their job and he was entitled to what he got. He'd worked for it, it hadn't been chance. The teen was glad when that part was wrapped up and the names were read out. He clapped softly for most, only perking up when his wife's name was called out and he applauded more soundly for her. Though there wasn't a whole lot of time for him to do that, since his name was immediately next. He walked across the stage, taking the diploma with a handshake and giving Professor Styx a pointed look, a small respectful look of thanks before he continued of stage to reclaim his seat. Soon this was would over. It would all be over. ​

 

[Ares Jeffreys]

Ares felt like he could finally breath. It was all over, no more exams, no more school pressures, no more leading a quidditch team, no more brotherhood, no more organising events, or having to revise. it was all stripped away now, he was just like any of the other seventh years, graduating. He could feel his stress slipping away. He had a near secure spot on a professional quidditch team, and everything was definitely going to fall into place. Ares could relax a little and enjoy the moment. No matter how badly he'd done on his exams his future was somewhat set. He could breath now. Ares was even eager for what the future might bring him. School had been good to him, giving him endless opportunities to better himself and though he hadn't always excelled he could now aim to do better, and be better. He was eager for the opportunities that were going to be in front of him from now on. He was sat in the great hall with the rest of the students, he had spotted Isaiah before the ceremony had gotten underway and couldn't help but think of the last time they'd been at a graduation. The roles had been reversed, and Ares had been thinking of his own graduation which was now here. ​

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The hufflepuff quidditch captain - or was that now former - looked up at the head girl as she was introduced to speak, finding himself nodding along with her, he certainly hadn't cared about the election before, but maybe if she was going for it, he might pay more attention to it. Ares had been happy with all the chances the school had taken on him. Certainly half the time he didn't understand how they could've, why he had been picked. He'd been young and inexperienced when he'd taken over as captain of the quidditch team, and he hadn't wanted the control of it. Though he was happy with all he had managed, Ares wouldn't have said yes if he knew how hard it would've been, if he had known the work and pressure it would put on him, the disappointment he and his team felt every time he failed them. But, that was in the past now. He looked to the head mistress as she moved the ceremony along and the names were called out. He felt less nervous about this as he had in first year, with all the dreams of what might be. He certainly dreamed like that a lot less, even if reality wasn't much fun. He heard his name called and Ares stepped across the stage, accepting the diploma and shaking the woman's hand as he did so. It was surprisingly disappointing he found as he sat down. He had liked school, he hadn't thought he was ready to leave really, but the pressure of it wasn't worth sticking around for anything. It was finally over and he could breath easy and head into what was next for him. He knew he had left the hufflepuff team in good hands and could trust that they would do just fine without him. Ares applauded for his brother and let a satisfied smile sit on his expression. It had been a good seven years, despite everything, it had gone well. ​

 

[Chacen Chevalier]

Chacen Chevalier did not know what rested after school for him, but he was certain that modeling was in his future. After all, that was what he wanted to do. He definitely had the appearance for it. He listened to the Head people give their speeches, and soon enough, it was time for others to go up and get their diplomas. Chacen did not get the best grades, but academics were not his thing. His parents supported him throughout whatever decision he had made. He walked up once he heard his name, and shook the headmistress' hand, and took his diploma. He could not wait until he could celebrate with his father and sibling. Shame he could only invite two, and he picked the two that he could anyway.

 

[Daisy Parker-Taylor]

Daisy was sad to be leaving the school behind. It held so many memories for her, and it was depressing to think that there wouldn't be any more memories made at the place. Still, she was excited about what was coming up in her future. The fact that she was going to be able to spend all day outside was a dream come true, especially seeing as it was with dogs. Daisy couldn't wait to get started.
The Gryffindor girl cheered and whooped for the Head Girl as she finished her speech, it was such a great speech, and she was sure everyone was feeling excited and good about themselves because of it. She definitely was going to vote for Bee. Daisy waited, cheering for each person that went before her before it was finally her turn. Taking to the stage, Daisy grinned and shook the Headmistresses hand enthusiastically before turning towards the Hall and giving everyone a great big smile and thumbs up before skipping off the stage.

 

[Gavin Kovac]

The Ravenclaw had so much more to dream about after school. He planned on going out and becoming a doctor. That was his main goal, and nothing could stop him. He did feel somewhat bad that he would be leaving behind his baby sister, but she could easily take care of herself. Aria seemed to have their mother within them, and was feisty enough. She also had Colton's personality within her as well. Aria should be okay without him. Gavin listened to the head people, a little taken aback with the head girl's speech about advertising about herself. But, he would keep her in mind. And if he even lived in New Zealand at that point. He heard his name soon enough, and walked up to get his diploma. He went back off the stage to see who else would get theirs. His cousin already got his. Once everyone had theirs, he went back to find his sister and his dad, to finally celebrate one long season of schooling.

 

[Elysia Katsaros-Styx]

As much as Elysia Katsaros-Styx wanted to go home early to get started on her life with her husband, he made the right choice to keep them both here to finish their schooling. As much as she missed him throughout the times, at least they could graduate together. She politely clapped her hands at the speeches that were given, unimpressed overall with how the head girl pretty much campaigned a bit too soon for the graduates. Elysia's own vote, as much as she kept it to herself, she wanted Ioan to win opposed to someone like Claudia, who seemed to favor muggles and their ilk. As the graduates lined up to get their rightful and well-earned degrees, it was her time. She walked up to the stage with her black gown flowing behind her. She took the diploma and nodded toward the headmistress. She went to sit down and saw her husband go up, clapping harder than she had for others. She looked back at her grandfather, who seemed to be content. Well, he didn't look happy but he didn't seem to be in a bad mood like he normally did. Once everyone was done, they could get up and go to their families. She reached for her husband's hand and squeezed, giving him a subtle smile. Her dad was there, watching, and she felt it was time to go and mingle with their united families.

 

[Xavier Jeffreys]

Xavier couldn't believe he was graduating. The seven years that had passed since he first arrived to hogwarts for the sorting ceremony felt like yesterday, and even when he recounted how much time had passed, and how many fond memories had been made between his first year and that day, he wasn't able to comprehend it. Graduation had been a long time coming and Xavier knew it would happen, but it felt too soon, and in the same league he felt too unprepared for the mostly uncertain future ahead of him. Unlike Ares who was leaving with some sort of spot on a professional quidditch team, Xavier was leaving school with no career opportunities nor any idea what he wanted to do as a career, and it made him all the more reluctant to leave. He was thankful for the reassuring thought Signy would still be part of his future in some way, but other than that, more time in school to say proper goodbyes to the few friends he did have and to figure out his life was all he really wanted as he sat in the great hall with the other students in his year. But it was of course inevitable that he was graduating that day no matter how he wished he wasn't.​

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Xavier tried to keep a brave face and clapped absent mindedly as the head people finished their speeches, continuing clapping for each of the students called upon to receive their diplomas. He didn't properly pay attention until Ares' name was called before his own, and smiled proudly at his twin before standing up and walking on the stage himself. Smiling at the headmistress and shaking her hand, Xavier accepted the diploma she handed to him and quickly walked off the stage, keeping his head down as the next person's name was called. When he returned to where Ares was, Xavier nodded before looking around the room in search of Isaiah who he was sure would be somewhere nearby. He always appreciated advice from his eldest brother and knew in the coming months as he discovered how he wanted to spend the rest of his life, this advice and the support from all of his family would be needed more than ever.​

 

[Eleanor Hope]

Eleanor couldn't believe it would be her last day as a student at Hogwarts before she had to graduate and take on the world. She still felt like a helpless first year sometimes and did not know whether or not she was really ready to leave everyone and everything behind. The main thing on her mind was Jerara. Eleanor felt more and more comfortable with their relationship as each day went on, but now she had to leave him and they would spend fewer days together until Jerara finally graduated too. It would be hard but Ellie was sure that she was able to handle it. After all, she really liked him and was sure it will turn out good in the end.

The hall was decorated spectacularly. Ellie sat next to her sister as they waited for the guests to enter. She quickly found Jerara with the other prefects and smiled at him before turning her attention to the front of the hall as the ceremony began. As the professor spoke Ellie's mind was still thinking about what she would do when she left, wondering where she would be headed and how she would get there. She wanted to start it all now, even though she knew she would miss the place, but for now was stuck listening to stupid speeches. Ellie was relieved when they were all finally done and beamed as the professor started calling out names and people went on the stage to collect their diploma. Ellie jumped up at her name right before her sister did, smiling brightly as she shook hands with the headmistress and collected the diploma. She then made her way back to her seat, cheering loudly as Lilyanna collected hers. It was then that it all felt so real. Ellie was now officially independent and was now having to fend for herself in the real world. It would be hard but Ellie was confident that life would take her where she needed to go.

 

[Lilyanna Hope]

Lilyanna could feel her hands shaking as she sat in the great hall for the last time dressed in clean robes and a silly hat on her head. She had never seen the great hall designed as it was before and what unsettled her the most was the fact that people weren't sitting with their houses and everyone was instead sitting in one group, graduating together as one. People after people entered the Great Hall in large groups, taking seats behind the graduates as everyone waited for the ceremony to begin. Lilyanna nervously scratched her right hand in her lap, hearing nothing but white noise around her as she tried her best to look straight ahead, counting down from 100 in her head. She didn't want to graduate and leave Hogwarts behind and it made her think of Tholomyes and she wondered where he was now and how he had managed to make it through the ceremony, especially considering it was his job to give a speech with his role of Head Boy. She hoped that once she graduated she could see him again and they could hang out together just like they did before. It was going to be a daunting few years ahead of her but the thought of Tholomyes relaxed her.

As the Headmistress began the ceremony, Lilyanna was thankful for the absence of the white noise but cupped her palms over her ears as her voice echoed around the hall. She didn't understand why her voice had to be so loud and how others did not care much for this. Lilyanna did not want to go deaf before she graduated and so kept her hands over her ears as the Headmistress spoke, followed by the Head Girl and the Head Boy. The speeches went on for a long time and Lilyanna slightly rocked back and forth in her seat as she rested her head in her lap, hoping they would be over soon. When they finally were, names started to be called from a long list and people stood up one by one to collect their diploma. There seemed to be lots of smiling faces, but Lilyanna was definitely not one of them. She watched as her sister went to collect hers first, and when Lilyanna's name was called, she hesitated before jumping out of her seat and tentatively walking towards the older woman to collect her diploma. She took it quickly from her without making any eye contact before she followed her sister back to where they started as they waited for everyone else. She looked up momentarily as Diane was called as one of the last ones, watching as she took her diploma. Lilyanna was thankful when everything had finally ended but wished more than anything that she didn't have to leave.