Graduation Ceremony 2049: Guests

[Katherine Alicastell]

Out of Character:

Here is the area for invited guests, staff, professors and prefects to post while at the graduation. Please be reminded that you are also invited to start separate RPs that take place after the graduation

 

[Leda Layton]

Asides from the graduation of her sister, for which Leda had only been five years old and heard about it through word of mouth, the Slytherin has never been part of one before. This year however she had managed somehow to make prefect, which meant that she got to hang out with everyone as they said goodbye to the seventh years. She was pretty sure she’d never spoken to any of them, and the only people she knew were a handful of prefects she’d been forced to talk to at patrols, but she was curious to know what happened at the ceremony.

As she was sat listening to the speeches, she had a wide grin on her face when the Head Boy was addressing them all. Why hadn’t she noticed him much before? Even though Leda thought the school taught everyone a lot, she was a muggle born and perhaps pure bloods were being taught everything they already knew from their families. It was refreshing to see a different perspective, and the fifth year was itching to know why he felt the way he did. Unfortunately she didn’t think she’d get a chance to ask him, so all she could do after the speeches was clap with the other students, and made a mental note of his name for later.

 

[Fleur van Houten]

Fleur had nearly forgotten Prefects were supposed to be at graduation, so she only barely managed to get in on time. She found a seat near Leda and Mervyn, two of her fellow fifth year prefects. She didn't really know a lot of the students who were graduating, as they were two years above her, but she had seen them around the school a lot. Especially the prefects were familiar to her, it would be odd to see them go. Fleur listened to Professor Alicastell's speech, and then listened to the head girl too. It was a nice speech, and Fleur wondered how she would feel when it was her time to graduate in two years. But then the head boy's speech came, which seemed to leave most of the people in attendance stunned into silence. Fleur wasn't sure what to make of it. She had always thought he was one of those serious students, and had never expected this bitterness from him. She supposed Professor Alicastell hadn't either, or she wouldn't have appointed him as head boy. Fleur was glad when it was over and the graduates were getting their diploma's, that seemed a lot more normal. She clapped politely when others did, and tried to imagine what it would be like to be graduating too.

 

[Liam Waldgrave]

Liam was also dressed for the occasion in his suit and he felt handsome. He had no idea what Athena still thought of them, but he was done with their relationship. He wanted to be free and hang out with different girls. But today he was also for looking at pretty girls at graduation but also for his sister Beaubelle. She would leave the school and that ment he was the oldest now. Noel was just a first year still and Liam felt like the man around here. They did a good job with quidditch as well this year but Odette would leave. He would miss teasing her and flirting a bit, but he was still on the team! So it didnt bothered her that much it seemed. He clapped as Odette, Sofia and Beaubelle took their diploma's and smiled. '' Woeeeh!'' he than cheered and later he blew on his fingers when some pretty girls took their diploma. He was a casanova after all. He was kind of happy for Beaubelle, but was wondering if she actually would follow in her mothers footsteps. He saw Leda sitting and grinned at her for a moment. He felt good.

 

[Professor Grace Holland]

Grace had attended every graduation since she had started to work here, but for the first time she really knew one of the graduates. Her little cousin Rose was graduating Hogwarts. It was hard to believe, but the proof was right in front of her. Time had gone very fast, and Grace was very proud of Rose for how she had done over the past few years. Grace was sitting with the other teachers rather than with her aunt and uncle, but she shot them a quick smile before the ceremony began.

Professor Alicastell gave a nice little speech, and then the head girl followed suit. Grace was surprised to feel touched by her words. She'd never really interacted with the girl much. The first group of students Grace had taught were only in their third year now, so it would be a while before any students she'd had in her own classes would graduate. But she had, of course, seen older students around. The head boy's speech was a lot less touching and emotional, and a lot more angry. Grace's hand flew to her mouth in shock. The nerve of a student to say all that in front of all the teachers and the headmistress and deputy head. Grace shot a glance at Professor Alicastell and then at the other teachers to see how they reacted. She was shocked. Professor Alicastell took the stage next and managed to defuse the situation a bit, but Grace still hadn't completely gotten over it by the time students were called forward. She remembered to clap loudly when Rose received her diploma, smiling proudly. She was really proud of her cousin.

 

[Professor Matt Alcott-Ward]

Matt was here today as a father first and a professor second, so he was sitting with his husband and daughter as he watched his other daughter graduate. He had brought tissues, because he already knew he wasn't going to get through this without shedding a few tears. October had only been his daughter for a little while, but he felt immensely proud of her. She had grown so much over the past few years, and Matt looked forward to see how much more she would grow after graduating.

He waited impatiently for Katherine to finish speaking, wanting to hear October's speech most of all. When it was her turn, Matt applauded loudly, tears already filling his eyes simply at the sight of her on the stage. October's speech was wonderful and touching, and it was clear to Matt that she had worked very hard on it. He'd offered to help her with it, but she had wanted to write it for herself. It was clear to Matt now that she hadn't needed his help at all. When she got a bit emotional on stage, he felt only more proud of her. He knew the October from a few years ago would never have shown any part of herself like that. He clapped loudly when she was done. Jerara Tapsell was next, and Matt listened to his speech. He quickly realized the boy's speech was taking a turn for the worse, and he frowned as he went on, practically attacking the school and everything they had learned. Matt was angry, not just on his own behalf as one of the teachers but also for October, who had poured her heart out only to be overshadowed by this boy's bitter words. Jerara had always seemed like a smart, quiet, kid to Matt. But some of the things he said now were worrying. Matt glanced at his colleagues, wondering if any of them were hearing the same things from his speech. What he said about 'good or bad' magic made Matt concerned, but as Jerara was officially no longer his student now he didn't think he could actually do anything with that feeling. He didn't clap when the boy was done, instead watching him leave the stage with a frown.

He admired how Katherine kept her composure after this disaster of a speech. She got the ceremony back on track, and it was soon time to call the graduates forward. October's last name started with an 'A', so her turn was very soon. Matt cheered and clapped for her, trying to forget about what had just happened and focus on his daughter getting her diploma. He beamed at her when she left the stage. He was very proud.

 

[April Ward]

Not being a prefect, this was April's first time attending graduation. She was sad that October would be leaving Hogwarts, and really wished her sister could come back for one more year. That would be so much better than returning on her own. But April knew that wasn't going to happen. October had done well, as was expected of her, and would probably graduate with the highest marks in her class. April knew October's last year hadn't been the best for her, so she really hoped that she would enjoy this moment at graduation. As head girl, she would have to make a speech. April knew she had worked hard on it.

October took the stage when Professor Alicastell was done, and April let out a small whoop of joy at the sight of her. October's speech was very nice and touching, and April felt for her when she started to cry. She nearly started to cry herself. She would really miss her. When she was done, April jumped to her feet to applaud her. Then it was the head boy's turn. April was ready to tune him out, assuming he'd have some boring speech. But nothing was further from the truth. His speech was mean, and clearly meant to upset the teachers and staff. April's opinion of the boy had already been low when he sided with Tristan, but now she really realized she didn't like him. She was glad when he was done talking and people got their diploma's. She hoped October wasn't too shaken by all this.

 

[Kyle Alcott-Ward]

The last time Kyle had set foot at Hogwarts had been his own graduation, what felt like a lifetime ago. He barely remembered the ceremony, it felt as though it had all gone by in a blur; the book on seven years of his life closed, just like that. He hoped October would relish this more; take in these last minutes with her classmates and teachers, before it was all over. He knew he would be trying to remember every moment of this; his baby had left for school seven years ago, and every holiday she had been older and older, and now it felt as though he had blinked and become the parent of an adult. It brought a tear to Kyle's eye as he watched October take the stage for her speech and reached for Matt's hand, squeezing it tightly for strength as he listened to October. Her speech was beautiful, and Kyle felt his heart bursting with pride for his daughter, standing up to applaud as she finished. Kyle didn't much care if he was being the embarrassing dad right now, (and he was short enough that standing up didn't make all that much difference anyway,) he felt moved by the moment. He sat back down to listen to the Head Boy's speech, that warm feeling evaporating at once. What could have made the Head Boy so bitter about Hogwarts?! He looked at Matt, trying to see if this was expected, but Matt looked as surprised as Kyle felt. He was relieved when the speech was over and the headmistress had a tactful response, trying to forget about the Head Boy's speech and focus on the ceremony. The moment had come all too quickly and October was stepping up to the stage. Kyle wiped a few tears as he applauded for his daughter, watching as she accepted her diploma. Kyle hadn't even thought he was capable of feeling this much pride, feeling almost as though his heart would burst. He watched October step down from the stage and wiped his eyes, hoping the rest of the ceremony would be over quickly so he could go congratulate his daughter.

 

[Maria Madison]

Though Maria had gotten used to attending graduations as a member of staff the last few years, this year everything was different. She had expected to have a couple more years before watching one of her own children graduate, but Odette had changed everything, and Maria couldn't be happier for that. It meant, though, that the occasion of having to watch one of her children graduate had come much sooner than Maria had expected. She did her best to remind herself to stay composed as she took a seat with Emily and Matthew, not wanting to distract Odette on what was no doubt a stressful day. She listened to the first couple of speeches and clapped politely, thinking they were nice speeches, and had expected the Head Boy's speech to follow the same vein, but was shocked when he quickly went off on a different tone entirely, her eyes widening as she listened to him speak so negatively of Hogwarts. Some of it could be written away as teenage rebellion, but some of the things he was saying about good and bad magic concerned Maria, and she wished the boy had come to see her before the end of his time at school, giving Katherine a concerned look. She was relieved when he finished and equally relieved that Katherine took it well, responding with all the poise and tact Maria had grown to expect from her employer. She clapped for Katherine's speech, and then sat back to watch the graduations, applauding the students politely. Maria was particularly pleased to see students who had visited her office graduating - it made her proud the things they had overcome to get this far, and she was glad to have been able to help. And then it was Odette's turn. Maria drew a nervous breath as she watched Odette step onto the stage, blinking back tears she couldn't quite control. It had only been a couple of years, but Maria felt as though Odette had been her daughter forever, and she clapped loudly as she accepted her diploma, incredibly proud of the girl for making it this far.

 

[Matthew Harper]

It was a strange feeling to be back at Hogwarts, especially during a graduation ceremony. It didn't feel that long ago that he'd been here himself to graduate, but it had been three years now. Matthew was doing well at Uni and was enjoying his life at the moment, but the nostalgia of being in the great hall made him realize he did miss Hogwarts a lot. He'd only gone here for the last three years of his school career, but it was still a place he had called home.

It was difficult to believe his little sister was graduating. She had been the reason he'd transferred to Hogwarts all those years ago, and even though he'd lost a lot of other family over the decision, he couldn't regret it. He felt proud as he watched her sit with the other graduates from her year. She looked so grown up, and much happier than she had when he'd first met her. He knew a lot of that had to do with Maria and her children. Matthew was very grateful to them for taking her in.

The speeches began, and it reminded Matthew a lot of his own graduation. The head girl's speech was nice and a bit touching, and Matthew applauded for her. The head boy's speech, however, was baffling. Matthew couldn't believe a seventeen year old kid had the nerve to say things like that. It was rude and daring, and he couldn't imagine saying anything like that himself. He wasn't sure what to do after the speech was over and settled for a weak clapping that quickly died down. He was glad when the ceremony went on, feeling oddly embarrassed about this situation. He watched each of the graduates receive their diploma, a smile spreading over his face when it was Odette's turn. He was very proud of her, and hoped he could tell her that soon after the ceremony.

 

[Monty Pendleton]

There were many familiar old faces in the great hall that day. Monty made a point to greet as many of them as he could before the ceremony started, when he found a spot at the edge of the hall to stand and watch the proceedings. This was probably a bad idea. He couldn't recall a graduation he hadn't shed a few tears at, and with Margo and Odette among the graduates, he was sure it wouldn't be long before he started crying. But most of the end seats had already been filled, and between squeezing his way into the middle of a row and a few people seeing him get emotional, he would choose the latter any day.

After Katherine's warm opening, October took to centre stage. Her speech was touching from beginning to end, but once she began to cry - well, Monty was gone, too. He was so proud of what she'd achieved, how she'd turned her experiences into lessons that were equally as valuable as those taught by her professors. She was so mature already. How did they grow up so fast?

Then October stepped down and Jerara took her place. The curious silence that fell over the hall as he paused at the podium turned into a shocked silence the moment he opened his mouth. The warmth vanished, replaced with an icy chill. Monty couldn't believe what he was hearing. How dare he ruin October's heartfelt speech? Not to mention the disrespect for his school, his peers, his professors, the latter of which devoted their lives to helping students like him achieve success in life. Monty had half a mind to take to the stage after him - and was relieved when Katherine put into words all of the things he would never have been able to say half as fluently. He tried to relax and enjoy the ceremony after that, but he was shaken and angry and couldn't reclaim the sense of pride he had felt when it began. He was sure he had never been so disappointed with a student in his life. What a way to end the year.

 

[Professor Kahurangi Josephs]

Graduation always made Kahurangi sad, but this year felt different. She was still getting used to watching students she had taught through all three years of her class graduate, and now she had the added connection of being Head of House for some of these kids. Although she had spent this year adjusting to the new position, Kahurangi still felt more connected to the Ravenclaws who would be saying goodbye to Hogwarts today, and as sad as she was to be seeing them off, she was proud that both head people for this year came from her house. A bright blue korowai tied around her shoulders over her robes, she settled in to listen to the speeches, gaze flicking over the graduating class as Katherine spoke. Faces she knew well, faces she didn't... all of them faces who would no longer walk the halls of Hogwarts after today. She returned her attention to the stage as October took to the podium, listening to her speech. Both of the head people were good students she enjoyed having in her classroom, and she was glad to hear that October felt so fondly about her time at Hogwarts. Jerara had always been a quiet student and Kahurangi was curious to hear what he would have to say, but almost as soon as he started speaking her heart dropped into her stomach. How long had he felt this way? Why hadn't he talked to someone?! Kahurangi was horrified at his words, and almost surprised that Katherine let him speak. She was relieved when the headmistress retook the podium, responding to Jerara's attacks with grace. And then it was time for the graduation. She sat back, trying to put Jerara's words out of her head as she watched, clapping for each student as they recieved their diploma.

 

[Ainsley Lynch]

Ainsley had thought only a year ago that she was leaving Hogwarts for good, so it had been quite a surprise when she recieved an invitation to Hayley's graduation. She was excited to attend, of course, but it felt very strange setting foot on Hogwarts grounds once again. It still felt like home; a home she hadn't visited in a long time, but one that brought up powerful feelings of warmth and nostalgia. Hogwarts had changed everything in her life, and Ainsley didn't think she would ever feel anything but emotional about this place.

It felt strange, sitting in the guest area to watch graduation, when her own still felt so recent and yet so distant all at once. Like stepping back in time. Ainsley didn't know many students in the year below hers, but she was mostly here for Hayley, clapping politely as she listened to the speeches. Professor Alicastell's speech was nice, and the head girl's speech got Ainsley a little misty-eyed, but that emotion was short-lived as the head boy took the stage. Ainsley's heart sank as he spoke, though at the same time she felt like he had a point. She had been studying wandlore for work and the more she learned about aspects of magic they had never even touched on at Hogwarts, the more she felt that gap in her education. Ainsley had thousands of questions about magic that had gone unanswered during her time at Hogwarts - where did magic come from? Did you really need a wand to use it? Were there different spells or different kinds of magic developed by people in different countries that didn't speak english? There was so much Ainsley didn't know about magic, and she could understand the head boy's dissatisfaction with his time at Hogwarts, though she couldn't quite believe having the audacity to say it in front of his entire year and all his teachers. It was a relief when the speeches were done and Ainsley sat back to watch the ceremony, clapping politely for each graduate.

 

[Simon Vanity]

Simon liked graduation, his sister’s graduation had been the first he’d attended and he’d attended that as family rather than as a prefect. The teen sat down in the great hall, in his uniform with the prefect badge firmly placed on his chest. His gaze settling to the front of the room. He thought this would be nice, graduations probably tended to be, they wouldn’t really divert from what was to be expected from it. He looked to the headmistress as she got started, bringing the whole event to order and letting the speeches begin. He liked to think that in a few years he would be giving a speech like this of his own, following the speeches that had come before it. The teen nodded along with what the head girl said, perhaps not feeling the same sentiment as she might’ve felt but still enjoying the speech nonetheless. He could figure that in the years to come he might understand the sentiment, but he applauded the nice speech. Then the head boy. He didn’t know a whole lot about the head boy, unlike the head girl he hadn’t said much in the prefect meeting at the beginning of the year and though he shared a house with him, he’d never spoken to him. Only ever seeing him with his noise in a book. So, the tone that the head boy took and the words that he said were surprising, they were stunning even. And while Simon might agree with a little of it, he couldn’t ever imagine actually saying any of it. He couldn’t help but think that the head boy sounded so typically Ravenclaw, so keen on knowledge for knowledge’s sake that he’d deride the school which taught him. He applauded at the end, though joined in the more lacklustre applause that followed his speech. The headmistress did some fairly obvious damage control but then moved on. He applauded for each of the names as they were called out. He couldn’t help but think by the end of all the names being called that the whole event was completely overshadowed by the head boy’s speech. ​

 

[Norton Gillespie]

Norton thoroughly enjoyed graduations, they were just a nice time, everyone felt sentimental about Hogwarts, people felt warm and open. It was just a nice round off of people’s schooling, something he knew people would remember well into the future. He was looking forward to graduating himself at the end of the next year. It would be fun, to finally finish his schooling and be able to just round off his education. He would make the most of the time he had left in school and then be pleased to leave at the end. He hoped that he and April would still be together. He couldn’t see why they wouldn’t be, he loved her and he couldn’t ever imagine ever feeling any different. The boy was listened to the head mistress as she got started and then to October as she got started too. He sort of knew October, because of both school but also because of April. He listened and smiled easily at her speech, it was nice, filled him with a warmth and he couldn’t help but want to give her a hug after. Then the head boy, this was a very different speech from October, it was filled with an odd tone, something he didn’t entirely like. One that didn’t fill him with much joy. It was harsh and critical of the school that he loved. It made him almost sad that this boy just didn’t get the same enjoyment out of the school as he did. Made him feel sorry for the whole year group who were being sent off with such a statement. The headmistress said some extra words but otherwise the whole ceremony seemed keen to move on from the incident. He applauded loudly for each of the students, for all the hufflepuff and October in particular. He hoped his graduation next year would be a lot more normal than this. ​

 

[Claudia Holland]

It was strange for Claudia to feel nostalgic while in a place she had never been before, but Hogwarts still felt like home to Claudia even if she had attended the school in a different part of the world. She wondered if it was as strange for James to be back here, and gave her husband a small sideways glance. After the birth of their baby, Claudia had taken a bit of time off. But now, she was starting to pick up work again, and James was the primary caretaker of little Lucy. There was some guilt Claudia felt over this, but she also knew that Lucy was loved and well taken care of. If things had been the other way around and James had been minister, no one would have batted an eye at her staying home to take care of the baby. Even though Claudia knew this, she had to remind herself of it occasionally.

But today wasn't about their youngest daughter, it was about their oldest. Claudia could still hardly believe Rose was really graduating. Her little girl officially entering the real world after Hogwarts. She was immensely proud of her daughter, and looked over at where she sat with her friends with a fond smile on her face. But it didn't take long for the ceremony to begin, and Claudia focused her attention on Professor Alicastell, Hogwarts' headmistress. She was hoping to get the chance to talk to the woman after the ceremony. She short speech she gave was nice, but Claudia was more curious about the speeches of the head boy and girl. Neither were students Rose had mentioned a lot, so Claudia wasn't sure what to expect. The head girl's speech was very well constructed and touching. It was clear the girl was affected by her emotions, and it only made her speech more charming. Claudia applauded politely when the girl left the stage. The mood immediately shifted, however, when the boy started to talk. Claudia was startled by the venom in his speech, the bitterness that was clear from every word. She kept her expression carefully blank as she listened. She knew that any sort of reaction from her would be read into by anyone watching her. If she looked like she approved of what he said, they could spin it like she agreed with him and thought Hogwarts needed changes. But if she looked too disapproving, Claudia was sure the rumor would soon start that she disapproved of Katherine's choice for head boy. Her opinions about Hogwarts weren't something she wanted to be speculated about. Hogwarts wasn't part of the Ministry, and she didn't want anyone to think she wanted it to be. She kept herself neutral during the speech, even if the words frustrated her. The boy had clearly waited for the last possible second to voice his concerns in the most public way possible. Too late for anyone to help him or do anything with his criticism.

It was a relief when the boy's speech was over and it was time for the graduates to take the stage. Professor Alicastell did an admirable job of turning the boy's words around, and she appeared unfazed by it all. Then students were being called forward to accept their diploma's. Claudia's expressionless facade had long faded away when Rose stepped onto the stage, tears now filling her eyes. She was so proud of her daughter, and couldn't wait to hug her after the ceremony.

 

[Ruby Morales]

Ruby couldn't believe she was sitting here. She kept a tight hold on Ignacio's hand as she watched the stage, mind reeling slightly. Her sweet, quiet little boy had become a man while she had been busy working, and now here they were, watching him graduate. Not being as involved as she had wanted in Vivian's childhood would always be one of Ruby's greatest regrets, but she was glad to at least be here for him now. Ruby couldn't quite pay attention as the speeches began, thinking back to the sweet, tiny boy she could swear she had held in her arms so, so recently.

Though she hadn't paid much attention to the first couple of speeches, it was hard not to hear the third one. Ruby had been wondering if these head people were friends of Vivian's, wishing she knew more about his life at school, but as the boy began to complain so openly about everything Hogwarts had given him, she found herself hoping Vivian didn't know this boy. It was a relief when his speech was over and the headmistress pulled things together, and Ruby tried to relax as the ceremony began. Vivian was called to the stage far earlier than Ruby had been prepared for and she tensed, gripping Ignacio's hand tightly as she watched him accept his diploma. This was really it. Her son, all grown up, about to begin his own life as an adult.

 

[Kauri Morales-Tipene]

Kauri was growing used to attending graduation ceremonies, but every year they grew a little bit sadder. First he had been saying goodbye to Xavier, then Flavio and his entire year, and now it was the year above Kauri's own, a year group he knew plenty of people in. He wouldn't especially miss having Tristan around, but Kauri knew he would miss Corrine, and October and Jerara, and of course Rose. It was a strange, complicated cocktail of emotions, knowing that his girlfriend was graduating so soon after she had done something that disappointed him so deeply. Kauri didn't know why someone as kind as Rose would see any appeal in pranks, but he was trying not to think about it now. His girlfriend was graduating, and Kauri should be sad.

And he was sad. As he listened to October's speech his heart broke. He couldn't imagine what it actually felt like to leave Hogwarts behind forever, though his own turn was rapidly approaching. He thought she spoke beautifully, and applauded loudly when she was finshed. Kauri had expected Jerara's speech to be along similar lines, but as the Head Boy spoke, Kauri felt his jaw drop. How could someone be so horrible about a school that had done so much for them?! Kauri had never known Jerara personally, just looked up to him as an older student and Head Boy, but now Kauri was glad to have nothing to do with the Ravenclaw. He frowned, eyeing the boy as he finally stepped back from the podium. Kauri was relieved when Professor Alicastell spoke again and managed to pull the ceremony back on track, giving Jerara far more credit than Kauri thought he deserved. And then it was time for the ceremony, and Kauri watched in sorrow, clapping for the graduates as they crossed the stage. Just a year until it would be his own turn to take to that stage, and Kauri felt a few tears brimming at his eyes as he watched. Time seemed to go faster and faster these days, and it made his heart ache to think about.

 

[Jason Harper]

Hogwarts was a place Jason had never expected to set foot in his life, an expectation that was silly now that he considered it. Of course, he would be invited to his sisters' graduations. The invitation from Harley had come with a thoughtful note, one that was so emblematic of his sister's big personality that he couldn't help but smile. It wasn't a surprise to Jason that Harley had elected not to invite their parents, though he was certain she would never hear the end of that particular snubbing. The rest of the note though, had been more thoughtful than Jason generally expected from Harley. She had added a little note that he shouldn't feel any pressure to attend if being at Hogwarts was going to be too difficult for him.

And honestly, Jason didn't know if it would. He liked to think he had long grown past the little boy who dreamed a wand would find its way to him years after the fact, wishing for magic he knew he didn't have to suddenly show itself. Walking up to the gates of Hogwarts though, Jason had to pause a moment to collect himself. In another world, he was returning home. In this one, he was walking into a world he could never be part of. It was a lot to set aside but he did his best, following the rest of the guests to a location they seemed more familiar with than he ever could be. Making his way into the hall Jason spotted Matthew, and gave the other boy a small wave in greeting before finding a seat. He beamed when Zoe joined him a while later, glad to have a sister to distract him from how out of place he felt. It was hard not to gawk at everything - the floating candles, the ceiling he had heard about in dozens of letters... this place that had felt unreal to him for so long, simply sitting here and existing as it always had.

Jason barely listened to the first couple of speeches, forcing himself to tune them out. If there was anything that could possibly make him feel more miserable about today, it was definitely going to be people talking about how much they loved Hogwarts, how sad they would be not to come back here. Jason tried not to be bitter about his lot in life, but it was... difficult, sometimes. He barely listened to the first two speeches, and would have tuned the third out had the crowd around him not started reacting in horror. Jason tuned in to listen, eyes widening a bit at the tone of the speech. This was the Head Boy, and he was talking about Hogwarts that way?! Maybe Jason hadn't missed all that much after all. No, that was stupid. The speech only made Jason more curious about the world he couldn't be part of, and he was relieved when the speeches were finally over and the ceremony began. He watched in silence, wondering what it would be like to know these people. Which ones were his sister's friends, her enemies? He had no idea. Jason clapped when Harley was called up, proud, and frankly a little surprised at his rebellious sister managing to graduate, but once the ceremony was over a wave of relief rushed over Jason, hoping he could get out of this place as quickly as possible.

 

[Zoe Westwick]

Zoe had been miserable every step of the way up to today. Harley was graduating, and next year it would just be Zoe at Hogwarts all by herself. She didn't think she had ever been alone before... when Harley first went to Hogwarts, she had had Jason around to keep her company, and ever since coming to school it had been the two of them together. Now, though... Harley would be going away, and Zoe would have to keep coming to Hogwarts for two years, with neither of her siblings around. Sure she had friends, and a boyfriend, but she was going to be very lonely without a big sister watching over her.

There was one perk to Harley's graduation though. Seeing Jason at Hogwarts was a strange sight but a welcome one, and Zoe ran into her brother's arms for a hug as soon as she saw him. Harley was great, but she had always been the independent one. Zoe had always gotten along the best with her big brother, and it was a relief every time she got to see him. Comforting, like when he had been the only person to play with Zoe when she had been little. Harley had been much too busy fighting their parents, who had been much too busy loving Harley, and Jason and Zoe had lived in their own little imaginary world. It was a relief to have him around again.

There wasn't any time to catch up though, as they had barely taken their seats when the ceremony began. Zoe had always wondered what graduating was like, and she settled in to listen curiously, though she quickly grew bored. This was all probably very sad and meaningful for the people graduating, but Zoe couldn't understand why the Head Girl got as emotional as she did. Zoe expected she wouldn't be able to wait to get out of here upon her own graduation, she definitely couldn't imagine crying. The Head Boy's speech shocked Zoe out of those thoughts though... he had a definite point, and Zoe wondered what kinds of things he was talking about. There had to be so many secret magics they weren't being taught at school, and Zoe found herself itching to ask him questions. How had he found this out? What secret magic did he know about that they didn't learn in school? Zoe was half out of her seat with yearning to go ask more when Professor Alicastell took the stage again, and Zoe slumped back, disappointed. Her mind was still buzzing with questions though, and Zoe found herself not for the first time itching to find out what was hiding in the restricted section. She was so distracted she forgot to pay any attention to the ceremony until she heard Harley's name, looking up with a jolt. This was it - her big sister was leaving Hogwarts forever. Zoe teared up slightly as she clapped loudly, jumping to her feet and giving a whoop as Harley accepted her diploma.

 

[James Holland]

James had known today was coming for a long time, and yet it didn't feel real now that it had arrived. He felt as though he was standing with one foot in each end of the journey of fatherhood - his oldest daughter an adult, about to leave her youth behind forever and step into the world, and his youngest daughter bundled up in blankets, sleeping peacefully in his arms. It felt like only yesterday that Rose had been the baby sleeping in his arms; a bundle of promise and potential with an entire future stretched out in front of her. And now in what felt like the blink of an eye, she was an adult, the first of James' daughters to step out into the wide world.

James cradled Lucy as he settled into his seat next to Claudia, hoping the baby would stay asleep throughout the ceremony. She could be a bit fussy when the mood struck, and James didn't want to miss a moment of Rose's graduation. He was relieved that Lucy stayed settled as the speeches began and settled in to listen, interested in learning more about the people who were part of his daughters' lives at Hogwarts. James had heard the Headmistress speak way back at the education debates, but it was interesting watching her in her capacity at work, and he was glad someone who seemed so capable was in charge of his daughters' education. The Head Girl spoke next, and James found her speech quite heartwarming, wondering if this was one of Rose's friends. The Head Boy's speech was next, and James had been poised for more of the same, getting a thorough shock when the boy started to speak. He couldn't believe a representative of Hogwarts would speak so disrespectfully, and James felt his disapproval starting to show on his face before he was reminded of who he was. People would look to him expecting to see Claudia's opinions on things, and he didn't want to show disappointment she wasn't endorsing. Glancing at his wife James recognised the carefully constructed neutrality on her face and did his best to emulate it, keeping his expression as blank as he could until the speech was over.

It was a relief when the Headmistress took the stage again, doing in James' opinion a very smooth job of recovering the ceremony from that boy's disrespectful screed. He relaxed back in his seat and listened, relieved that none of the proceedings had been enough to disturb Lucy so far. Finally the ceremony got underway and James watched the students each take the stage in turn and accept their diplomas, a little bit relieved that the baby in his arms meant nobody could expect him to clap for every single graduate. They seemed to go on forever, and yet at the same time almost no time at all passed before Rose was being called. James took a shaky breath, feeling himself tear up as he watched his oldest baby take to the stage for her graduation; finally an adult. Now James deeply regretted not being able to clap, but he knew he would make it up to Rose with a hug as soon as she was free.