Graduation Ceremony: Spectators and 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 ceremony.

 

[Sophie Wilson]

Sophie was uncomfortable. Sitting in a room with a bunch of prefects, professors, staff, parents, and older students was making her feel a bit antsy. She was glad she was here because it would be a shame to miss her sister's graduation. For the first time, it really hit her that Amber would be leaving Hogwarts. Leaving her behind, as well. She was a little angry with herself for all the time she had spent being angry with her sister over the years, as she now realized they would soon be drifting apart. Amber was sure to move up in the world quickly, leaving Sophie behind on her own at school. It made her unhappy, and she glanced at Caro by her side to see if she was feeling the same. But it didn't seem that way. Caro hadn't gotten over her bitter feelings about her sister. Sophie didn't think she was completely over it, but at least they were growing closer. She listened to the Head Boy's speech, then it was Amber's turn. Sophie listened with an impassive face, but a small smile appeared near the end. It was clear Amber had worked hard on her speech, and Sophie felt proud of her sister. She applauded her and her friend Flavio, and then waited until she received her diploma. It was bizarre to think she would be here in two years as well.

 

[Caro Taylor]

Caro had longed for this day to arrive since the moment she had set foot at Hogwarts, but now that it was here, she almost felt sick to her stomach. All Caro had ever wanted was the chance to be on her own, to make her own reputation free of her sister's shadow, and she had never expected to be sad when the chance actually came. It was too late for anyone to get an impression of Caro on her own now, everyone at Hogwarts loved Lizzie, but more importantly than that, Caro was about to be truly by herself, for the first time in her life. Their entire childhood she had been surrounded by family and guests, temporary friend after temporary friend, and at Hogwarts even when Caro felt isolated and unpopular, she still technically had Lizzie, even if she resented the older girl. But now it would just be her in the middle of a school Caro barely felt part of, one she was desperate to be free of, and that thought was one she could barely stand. It was all Caro could think about as the speeches went on, barely remembering to clap for Sophie's sister. The diplomas all went by in a blur of nerves until Caro heard her sister's name called, instinctively grabbing at Sophie for support. Caro was used to always being in the audience for her sister's accomplishments, but something felt different about this. Even Lizzie looked almost scared as she approached the Headmistress, and though she smiled afterwards, Caro could see the unrest in that smile. Swallowing, she looked down once Lizzie was sitting down again. The thought of her sister getting to leave her behind forever now as an adult was... painful, and scary, and most of all, unfair.

 

[Professor Kahurangi Josephs]

Although she had seen many classes of her students graduate by now, Kahurangi didn't think she had ever had to say goodbye to as many Ancient Runes students before as she was this year. She was particularly fond of the Head Boy and Head Girl, having found them both engaged and intelligent students, and she felt a particular fondness for Amber after the girl had come to her for advice in the past. It was bittersweet, farewelling students she had enjoyed teaching immensely, but at the same time warmed by the knowledge that they would take the things she had taught them out into the real world, to enrich their future lives and careers. Kahurangi felt a little affected by both the Head People's speeches, unable to help wiping quick tears as Amber spoke about going on to make their teachers proud, and applauding sincerely when they were done. Kahurangi had no doubt whatsoever that all of her students in this graduating class were going on to do wonderful things, and she couldn't wait to see where their undoubtedly bright futures would take them.

 

[October Alcott]

This was the second graduation October had attended as a Prefect, and would be her final one before her own turn to receive her diploma. That knowledge weighed heavily on her shoulders as she took her seat, ready to listen as the speeches began. October appreciated Flavio a lot as a teammate and captain, and Amber had been one of her closest friends at school, despite their slight recent falling out. She didn't especially want to imagine life at Hogwarts without either of them around, though that was soon to become a reality. They both sounded so certain as they spoke, so put together and ready for the future. October wondered if she would feel like that when her turn came to graduate.

 

[Kauri Morales-Tipene]

One facet of being a Prefect that Kauri hadn't really thought about was attending graduation. He had seen people graduating from school in TV shows before, but going to the real thing felt very different. He knew what to expect somewhat, having come as Xavier's guest last year, but as the people graduating drew closer to his own age, Kauri felt deeply strange. It hadn't been all that long since Flavio and Amber had sat where he was sitting, fifth years watching people older than them graduate, and it wouldn't be long until his own turn on that stage came. Flavio's speech affected Kauri strongly, the older boy's words about growing to become good people particularly resonating with him. He found Amber's speech lovely too, especially enjoying her thanking their teachers, and Kauri applauded each of them in turn when their speeches were over. He watched the rest of the ceremony, occasional pangs of sadness striking him. Kauri didn't have any extremely close friends in this year, but there were many familiar, friendly faces that he would be sad never to see around Hogwarts again.

 

[Hayley Elridge]

Graduation hadn’t really meant much to Hayley the first time she’d attended it as a prefect; a bunch of people she didn’t know or care about leaving the school, more of a chore to sit through than anything. This year, though, couldn’t be more different. It was only next year now that Hayley would be up on that stage herself, leaving Hogwarts for good. The thought played on her mind; she couldn’t wait, but also it terrified her. Today, though, wasn’t about her. Ainsley had told her, very sweetly, that she would have invited her as a guest if she hadn’t been coming as a prefect anyway, and Hayley very much considered herself here today for Ainsley. Ainsley was such a wonderful friend, and time with her had meant so much to Hayley over the years: a quiet time to be herself, a sympathetic, more experienced ear. Ainsley had helped Hayley figure out who she was and what she felt, and Hayley hoped that to some extent she’d done the same for her. She’d miss her, and she hoped they wouldn’t lose contact now Ainsley was a proper adult.

 

[Corrine Lagos]

All Corrine could think about as she listened to Amber was that that would be her next year. Not as Head Girl but as a graduate, and the thought was mind blowing. The professors were always reminding them how quickly their exams would come up, but Corrine never really paid attention to any of that. Perhaps if they'd marked time by how close graduation was, how close real life was she would have. It was weird to watch knowing that as these seventh years graduated, she and her friends, many of the Prefects sitting beside and around her, were literally becoming seventh years. "whoa" she murmured to herself as the thought pressed down on her. She continued clapping as they crossed the stage to accept their diplomas, her claps a little more enthusiastic when it was a person she knew well enough to justify it. Just a few weeks ago, Corrine's thoughts were on getting exams here and over with as quickly as she could. Now, she wanted everything to slow down and give her a second to catch up.

 

[Simon Vanity]

Simon wasn’t sure how he felt about his sister graduating. She and him had never been particularly close, though both had made more of an effort recently, an effort to get to know one another in this school context more effort to spend time getting to know each other’s lives. He hadn’t minded it, and actually felt a bit sorry he hadn’t done that before. The teen didn’t have any time left now to do it. They’d keep in contact and Simon would spend time with her during the breaks in his own schooling that he would have, but they were once again heading down different paths without the other. There was a bit of an age gap between them, not a significant one, but enough that it made their relationship a bit trickier. The boy looked towards the front of the great hall as the proceedings got underway. The head boy spoke first and he was rather happy that this year had had a ravenclaw head boy rather than anything else. Simon was rather hopeful of his own chances at becoming head boy down the line. He just had to first become a prefect and then he could begin to work towards being head boy. He listened to the speeches, though they were good and well put together, Simon couldn’t help but find them both a bit boring. He watched as the students began crossing the stage, he knew a few of them because of the positions of they held. It was quite a large class. He applauded loudly for his sister - one of the last to cross and when the event ended he decided to seek out his sister.​

 

[Zared Katsaros-Styx]

Zared had been very surprised that his sister would invite him to her graduation, him and his wife, but he wouldn’t ever turn down seeing them graduate. So, he’d dressed up, proper wizarding robes, styled his hair nice and gone back to hogwarts so soon after leaving. Zared liked being back at the school when he wasn’t having to be a part of it. He had graduate the year before and built a nice life with his wife. They had a beautiful home, he had a good job and they had fun. He had integrated well to the wider family on her side and he was pretty thankful for that. He was also pretty happy that having been graduated a year, married for two that Professor styx didn’t make him anywhere near as nervous as he had once. He held his wife’s hand lightly and took a seat in the hall. He looked up at the front, noting that not much in that line up had changed. Nothing about Hogwarts had seemingly changed in the year he’d been away. He wasn’t sure if he liked that or not, but it was the way it was. He looked up as the headmistress began the ceremony, almost exactly as she had started his and welcomed the head boy and girl up to speak. He wasn’t too surprised with either option, remembering from when he was a prefect. The man listened along to the speeches, finding them long and dull, but that was the same as the one at his. He was polite and applauded for them. He did so for all the students as they crossed the stage. He would deny that he had clapped any louder for his sisters, but he had perhaps, just a little. ​

 

[Marcos Morales]

Marcos was very proud to be a Morales that day, not only was he surrounded by his siblings, but he was watching Flavio graduate. He was so proud of his brother. He knew that he would never achieve as highly as his brother had during his schooling, but the gryffindor knew he’d managed to do a little better than he had in prior years, the hard work and study session with Flavio would really pay off and he could take those lessons forward and make his siblings as proud of him as he was of them. The gryffindor was sat amongst the rest of the family and friends that were attending this event. Since he’d been specifically invited to celebrate this day, not just be here because he was a student. The teen was looking up at the front of the hall as the proceedings finally got underway. He sat up straight and leaned forward a little in his seat as Flavio moved to the podium and began speaking. Marcos nodded and listened closely, absorbing the words that his brother was saying. He applauded loudly for him and listened too to the head girl as she spoke. He nodded along to that one too, clapping loudly. He felt for a moment the keenness of how close his own graduation would be to this one. There wasn’t much time left for him. He had to make the most of it, while also being sure that he didn’t spend too much time having fun. There would have to be a balance. He applauded loudly for all the students as they crossed the stage, making sure to applaud extra loud for Flavio. It wasn’t a long ceremony really, it felt like it had been going only a minute when the last name was called and they crossed the stage. He’d miss having Flavio at school with him. ​

 

[Jerara Tapsell]

Jerara straightened out his uniform as he took his seat in the great hall, this was the second graduation ceremony that he was attending, and it seemed that every time he went to one, it became more important. The prefect could feel the weight of his own graduation beginning to loom, he still didn’t know what he wanted to do after school. He wanted to keep learning, there were so many things that he was curious about that he doubted would get solved by the end of the following year. It was fortunately right now not about him. He was thinking about who might be the head girl and boy in his year group. He could assume that it was likely Tristan who would get it, but he couldn’t help himself from being curious about how good his own chances at the position might be. Though he could admit that Tristan was far more suited to the position, he thought he’d be okay at it too. However, that wasn’t really what this day was about, it was about the year above them. He looked to the head boy as he began speaking. He nodded along to the two speeches applauding for them, he thought they were a little kind to the school, a little too positive, but it wasn’t like it was his speech yet or necessarily ever so he would just to just have to take what they were saying. He sat through the rest of the ceremony, applauding politely until it was finally over. He had books to get back to. ​

 

[Signy Forstrom]

Signy was so excited for the graduation ceremony, though she’d be sad to say goodbye to so many great people, she loved the fanfare of the whole event, and knowing how much closer she was to the event made it all the more exciting. The teen took a seat in the great hall, glancing around, trying to see if she could match parents with their respective children, whose friends were at it. She just liked seeing the whole event for what it was. A huge celebration of the achievements of the graduates. She was distracted from her people watching as the ceremony got started. The girl looked towards the headmistress as she call the ceremony into order and the speeches began. This was something she had really like in the last year and would continue to enjoy in this year. She had given some thought of who could be the head people for her year group and she had a whole host of names for it. Though not her own name, she was happy with her prefect position and was sure that they would pick someone, anyone better. The teen applauded loudly for all of the students, this ceremony was so nice and though she would miss the people who had graduated she was happy that she’d been able to watch them graduate. ​

 

[Norton Gillespie]

This was the first graduation that Norton had ever gone to, he wasn’t sure what they were like but he was excited to go to his first. He noted all of the friends and family’s of he graduates as he took a seat in the hall. He wondered who he would probably invite. He wasn’t sure if his dad would be allowed to come to such an event, given that he was muggle but Gilly could come surely! The boy was sure gilly would come back for his graduation, she could spare the time for that, plus it was far enough in the future that she didn’t have an excuse for not creating the time for him. The teen smiled as the ceremony got started. He looked up at the headmistress and listened to the two speeches given by the head boy and girl. He liked them both, both the speeches and the people, he could get behind what they were saying. With that it moved on, as each student walked across the stage to get their diploma. It was interesting, much like the sorting ceremony, though this time there was no hat. In fact it was a surprisingly muggle-esque celebration. There was very little about it that was strictly magical. However, Norton just celebrated loudly for each of those students.​

 

[Aonghas Fergusson]

Aonghas felt frustrated. He had sent a few letters to his parents, so Bonnie, to their cousins, asking any one of them to reconsider his brother’s banishment. But the resounding silence and the eventual letter from his father to stop pestering everyone about someone who didn’t matter anymore had been enough for Aonghas to stop. Aonghas knew that his father had forbidden him to go to Rory’s graduation, but Aonghas couldn’t imagine anything worse than crossing the graduation stage with no one in the auidence for them specifically. He wasn’t having it. So in an act of rebellion against his parents he was in the great hall, fully kilted out. The family tartan proud, the fake dagger in his sock, the wand in his sporran, a little thistle flower as a pocket square on the jacket. Aonghas was be there for his brother, even if no one else was, especially if no one else was. He sat amongst the other guests, his gaze steeled towards the front, occasionally glancing towards his brother. He was listening to speeches but, he didn’t really pay attention. He didn’t applaud for them either. The only thing he applauded for was his brother, watching as his brother crossed the stage. He knew what would come after, so he made his way out to the entrance hall for his brother. ​

 

[Professor Misha Haden]

The professor had spent some time at hogwarts, quite a few years. He’d been teaching for so many years, but he hadn’t often gone to the graduation ceremonies. It was just a little sad and he hated saying goodbye to the students that he had been teaching for seven years. He tended to have taught the kids who were in his class from the first day at the school till now. The professor felt different about this one. He had gone to this one because he felt like he should. The man had mixed feelings about it. With Cyzarine at the school, he felt a little differently, like one day he just knew she would be the one to be crossing the stage. It was still very far away but he couldn’t really get it out of his head. He smiled as the ceremony got started. Listening along as the speeches were given. He applauded loudly for all of the students. They had been a good bunch of students. He was sad to see them go, but he knew this group would go far. ​

 

[Professor Cyndi Kingsley]

Professor Kingsley was a mess by the time the first student crossed the stage to accept their diploma. She'd been that way since Flavio had given his speech. Cyndi had long nursed dreams of her firstborn son being Head Boy at Hogwarts, but he wouldn't even be graduating here. Instead, they'd be heading to Durmstrang to watch him cross that stage and be declared a graduate of that school. The woman had worked hard to come to a begrudging acceptance of her son's decision, but watching him cross the stage would be tough as it was without that added layer. The woman's heart went out to all of the parents and guardians in the crowd watching their loved ones cross the stage. Cyndi clapped when she could, in between dabbing at her eyes with her tissues. Making a mental note to call her parents tonight and thank them, Cyndi clapped some more, taking advantage of her momentarily dry eyes.

 

[Madlyn Ateara]

Madlyn was not all sure what to expect today. It's been ages since she last saw a proper graduation ceremony. The last time it had been her crossing that very stage, sticking out from the rest along side with Chayton dressed in ceremonial gown. There was an uncertainty in the air, kinda how it was during her graduation ceremony. Madlyn could read in their faces, their expressions. The uncertainty, and the determination and willingness was somewhere mixed in their gaze. The giant witch can understand those feelings, had she been given a chance to talk to them she would've told them not to worry and things work out if you stick with the things you loved and value what's more important to you. Madlyn never been a witch of wisdom, she knew what she knew and what worked. And what she knew and what worked, Madlyn loved and valued with all her being. The tall witch stood and clapped for both head students, and continue to clap as the others cross the stage to retrieve their diplomas. Madlyn couldn't wait for Chante, Willow, and little Linden to be up there some day. There was no rush, but at the same time there was no harm imagining it.

 

[Rose Holland]

Rose had attended the graduation ceremony last year too, but this year it felt different. It was strange, knowing that that would be her next year. The idea of having to leave Hogwarts was still kind of scary, and Rose felt especially unsteady without her best friends by her side. What was she even going to do after graduation? She was sure most other people in her year had figured it out by now, but she definitely hadn't. She watched as the head boy and head girl gave their speeches, applauding for both politely. Then it was time for the graduates to get their diplomas, and Rose felt a bit sad to see them all leaving. Especially Lizzie, who she definitely considered a friend. The ceremony was nice, but to Rose, it mostly made her feel anxious. She wished she could stay at Hogwarts for a few more years.

 

[Tristan Collins]

Tristan sat with a few other prefects, his back straight and his expression serious as he watched the graduation ceremony unfold. He knew that this would be coming for him too, soon, and he had to stop himself from thinking about it too much. He wanted to graduate, to be done and move into the world. But he still had a final year to complete, and he definitely wanted to do well. As he listened to the head boy's speech, Tristan couldn't quite stop his imagination, though. In a year, that could be him. He wanted it so desperately, but knew better than to outwardly show any sign of that. He clapped politely for Flavio and Amber both, though he couldn't quite stop himself from glancing at Jerara by his side. It could be him instead of Tristan next year, and that thought made him feel bitter towards his friend. But that was all still some time away, and there was nothing Tristan could do about it now anyway. He watched as the students in the year above him accepted their diplomas, feeling no small amount of envy. He clapped politely for every one of them, even Rory Fergusson. He couldn't wait until next year, when it was his turn.

 

[Emilia Manning]

Emilia was close to tears from the moment the graduation began. She was sitting near her uncle, as both of them were Evelyn's guests. She was honored to be chosen by her cousin to attend, but also sad. Emilia didn't want Evelyn to graduate. She wanted her older cousin to stay at Hogwarts so she could be someone Emilia leaned on. Evelyn was someone she looked up to and someone she respected a lot, someone she went to for advice. What was she going to do without her? Tears filled Emilia's eyes as she watched her cousin accept her diploma. She felt sad, and even a little angry. But she knew she was being selfish. Evelyn had worked hard for this, and even with her bitter feelings, Emilia was also proud of Evelyn. She clapped loudly for her, and tried her best to smile at her, even through her tears.

 

[Jorgen Manning]

Jorgen was invited to be there for the graduation for Evelyn. He felt so proud of his princess and now she wasn't little anymore. She would spread her wings and be sucessfull as he thought she would. He was a bit dissapointed to learn that Evelyn didn't want to work on the ministry, but he just wanted her to be happy after all. And she was good in what she wanted to do in the future. And Jorgen his sister had some contacts into the fashion world so they could still help her out if needed. He went sitting next to Emilia and gave his cousin a hug. He noticed she was becoming so grown up too. Jorgen knew that the headgirl was a friend of Evelyn's and he applaused for both of the students that gave an emotional speech. Jorgen thought of the words there were said and he was moved by it also. Next to him Emilia seemed to be feeling even more bad than he was and perhaps Evelyn even thought. And he put an arm around his cousin and smiled towars her and said some comforting things to her. Family ment a lot for him too and he knew how fond both Emilia and Athena were on Evelyn. When Evelyn got on stage he applaused and the smile on his face didn't left. Look how beautiful she looked and so grown up. He saw at her face that she had a hard time leaving this place, but she was proud of herself too. And he was too.

 

[Syrus Stilinski]

Invited to this year's graduation ceremony, this technically will be Syrus second time around to see another group of students graduate from Hogwarts. The first time it was Stella, and now it was Rama's turn to cross that very same stage and get her diploma. Syrus dressed up in a grey buttoned up collar shirt with a black tie and black jeans to give him a look that said dressy and cool as he was wearing a leather jacket too. Syrus threw on whatever best suited this occasion and what he thought Rama would like to see her boyfriend in. Syrus felt like he would do anything to impress his girlfriend. He was learning what it means to have someone like Rama actually like someone like Syrus, it was a learning experience. While he enjoyed the attention of walking around the school with Rama at his side, Syrus secretly fear his stupidity will take over and he'll do something to ruin the relationship. He'll say something or do something, anything stupid and she'll regret ever giving him a chance. That kind of stress bugged him, and yet, he was here masking it away as he waited for his girlfriend. Syrus sat to hear what the headmistress had to say and paid some attention to the speeches made. If he was wise he would listen, but none matter. He came for Rama, and Rama only. Syrus really didn't know much of the other seventh years, except Lizzie. Syrus clapped for both witches when the time came for them to get their diplomas. He clapped the loudest for Rama, he couldn't wait for the school year to end so they can be together alone. He was thinking of taking her back to Ohio with him and spend some time alone together in his old family house. It would make for a better school break than what New Zealand had to offer. Ohio or New Zealand, it really didn't matter as long as they were together and all this unneeded stress will bypass him. That's what he was hoping, that's what he was counting on.

 

[Pia Morales]

Pia knew she would return to Hogwarts for her brother's graduation, but she didn't know she would return so soon. It felt like only yesterday she was making a graduation speech herself, sad she was about to leave Hogwarts behind but thankful her time at the school was so positive. At the time Flavio was reaching the end of his second year and she felt worried over how he would fare on his own when she wasn't around to take care of him. But five years had passed since then that felt like five minutes, suddenly he was head boy, a seventh year, and soon to be a graduate, as well as an adult ready to begin the next stage of his life. As Pia sat with Marcos and Ignacio for the ceremony, she felt nothing other than proud for Flavio. Smiling, Pia clapped at Flavio's speech, and also at the speech the head girl made, impressed at how well written their words were. She continued politely clapping as each student walked on stage to receive their diploma, clapping a little harder when Flavio was finally on stage again. She had seen her brother grow so much as a person and knowing he had become someone independent and confident was reassuring to her. She knew from this point onward she wouldn't need to worry about him, despite the challenges he had faced during the years and the challenges he would likely face in the future, she believed was a capable person who could handle anything.​

 

[Ignacio Morales]

Ignacio was familiar with graduations, having attended a graduation ceremony for each of his sisters in the past. Though that didn't mean he was any less excited to attend Flavio's graduation. Seeing his younger siblings grow into kind, successful people was one of the things Ignacio wanted most, and what motivated him to work so hard to keep them happy and safe over the years. Attending Flavio's graduation and realizing his success as he listened to his speech was proof the work Ignacio had done over the years was worth it. He couldn't keep tears from welling in his eyes as the speeches ended, feeling overwhelmed and incredibly proud of his brother, for not only being dedicated enough in school to achieve good grades, but also for growing into a genuinely good person. Ignacio clapped when each student received their diploma, and clapped louder as Flavio walked on stage again. He knew this was only the beginning of the rest of Flavio's life, but he was still entirely proud and couldn't wait to see what the future held for him.​