Graduation Ceremony Open

Banner made by Reid Kovacs

Donning her black formal robes, which were not too far from her normal ones, Hjørdis stood to the side of the stage, holding a large book on the lectern that stood in front of her. Students would pass her as they exited the stage after they had received their certificate from the Headmaster, who was strategically placed in the centre of the stage, with their Head of House.

She gazed into the crowd, scanning the faces of the graduating seventh-years preparing to leave the school. It would be strange not to see their familiar faces around the castle after she had literally seen them grow over the years before her very eyes. Her eyes fell down to the book, which listed the names of the graduates, immortalising their journey and experience at Hogwarts over the years. In the years to come, the rest of the students who filled the tables would find their own names added to this book. Today, however, was solely about the Graduating Table in front of the stage. It was their moment, their time to shine and their time to be celebrated.

Her voice was not particularly loud but it would be heard throughout the Great Hall as she spoke. She addressed the room, bringing them in as they began the ceremony.

"We are gathered here today to celebrate a momentous occasion. It is with great honour that I stand before you today to announce the graduating class of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

On the 1st of September 2017, a class of young witches, wizards and wixes arrived through those doors. They sat on this very stage, under this very ceiling with the Sorting Hat on their head as they began their journey. Today, the Graduation Hats worn marks the culmination of years of perseverance, unwavering dedication and growth."

She paused, turning her attention directly to the table of Graduates and speaking to them. Her gaze moved from each student, looking at them directly as she addressed them.

"To each and every one of you, we are immensely proud of all that you have achieved over these years. Watching you grow into the remarkable adults you have become today has truly been an honour.

Your journey may not have been easy and at times, you may have wanted to quit. Yet, you are here today. Take a moment to congratulate yourself. You have made it. No matter what trials and tribulations life has thrown at you in these past seven years, you have made it here today and that is something worth celebrating.

For one last time, please join your fellow housemates as we present the Class of 2024."

Hjørdis waited for the graduates to line up in their houses for the last time. The students of each house would be announced one by one, giving them the opportunity to come on stage and collect their certificates from the Headmaster. They would also be able to shake the hands of their head of house if they wanted to. Whilst they walked across the stage and did this, she would go over their achievements and accomplishments over the years - letting the entire room celebrate each student individually.

"Our once young lion cubs are now ready to brave the path that lies ahead of them, handling it with chivalry that sets them apart. Graduating from the house of Gryffindor, we have:

@Xailah Alptraum, who has longevity in her role as Prefect of Gryffindor - a role that she has held since November 2019. She has been an experienced member of the Gryffindor Broom Racing team for several years and helped in the trials. Xailah has also led the Self-Defense Club for several years. She excels in numerous subjects academically.

@Alan Vanes, another Current Prefect of Gryffindor. Alan was a Chaser for the Gryffindor Quidditch team before becoming a Duellist and a Duelling Captain. He also has written for the Headliner over the years. He has an Outstanding in his Care of Magical Creatures OWL.

and

@Paracelsus Adger Myth."

After she said the student's name, they would likely start walking to the stage. Hjørdis would continue, listing out the various roles and the many achievements that they had accomplished over the years. Oh how they grew. Two of the class had been prefects for the majority of their tenure at Hogwarts, helping to shape the young minds of everyone who followed them. It was rather remarkable to hold such a role for such a long time. They were not just prefects giving out detentions, they were role models for the future generation and being examples for the younger students to look up to.

She waited for the lions to take a seat before continuing.

"Our once young snakelets have used their cunning to become the adults they are today and will, no doubt, continue to drive towards their ambitions. Graduating from the house of Slytherin, we have:

@Alexx Séverin, who has held the role of Prefect of Slytherin in her time. For several years, she held the role of Editor-in-Chief of the Headliner. She also served on the Slytherin Quidditch team, though she may have been known for her rough blatching style.

@Erin Ryan, who is best known for her skills as a Beater on the Slytherin Quidditch team. Though, not only athletic, Erin also has numerous O.W.Ls, including Outstanding in Charms, Potions and Transfiguration.

@Dmitri Jones, who held the role of Slytherin Duelling Captain for several years. He boasts of an incredible eleven streak win when it comes to Duelling, a record that appears to have been unbeaten to date and will, no doubt, be one that future duellists aspire to beat. Dmitri also helped designed the Fanged Post, a publication that Slytherin used to run.

and

@Falentra Black.

In addition to these, we also have

@Bellamy Landon, who has passed his advancement programme to graduate alongside his peers today."

Hjørdis paused for a moment as she watched each of the graduating Slytherins. It was strange but all of these students - from the other houses too - had grown over the years and she wanted to say so much more than she had. Erin's announcement was short but Hjørdis had seen her go through so much. She had caught her eating rats! She had literally spent months, if not years, trying to feed her actual food. The students of this school had managed to prevent her from turning into a hag, they had saved her life and that was definitely something worth celebrating. Erin Ryan had come so far. The Slytherin had not only almost transformed but her violent nature and strange eating habits had affected her grades. Yet, today she stood before them with outstanding results across the board. She was ready to take on the world and Hjørdis could not be more proud of the young Slytherin. But, she could not say those words. Instead, all she did was offer the Slytherin student one of her rare small smiles that would, hopefully, convey how much she wished the best for her.

She was partial to the house and these graduating students, having been their Head of House for most of their time. Their ambition had driven them far and it was no doubt only the beginning of their journey. They had success in their sports - in particularly Dmitri Jones, whose departure would likely be something the Slytherin Duelling team sorely missed - as well as good grades across the board.

As the last student crossed her, she continued.

"Our once young fair badger cubs have, without a doubt, grown over the years. Their loyalty, sense of justice and ability to work hard for their dreams will help them to carve their future. Graduating from the house of Hufflepuff, we have:

@Amadea Campbell, who has not only been a member of the Headliner but also the Hufflepost, a Hufflepuff publication. She has been avid Duelling Captain and Duellist for several years and was also a Prefect of Hufflepuff. She has several O.W.Ls, including Charms, Potions and Herbology, as well as an Outstanding in her Herbology N.E.W.T.

@Ami Procoppio, who has held numerous roles on the Headliner from Writer to Designer to Secretary. Ami has also Co-Captained both the Quidditch team and the Broom Racing team and was a valued Beater on the Quidditch team over the years. She excels at Ancient Runes and Flying.

@Howard White, who has been a Quidditch Captain and a Star Chaser for Hufflepuff for numerous years. He also held the role of Prefect of Hufflepuff and was the Hogwarts Champion for the Hexwizard Tournament, where he fought for tolerance for fellow half-breeds. Howard excels at Potions, Herbology and Care of Magical Creatures. He was also a Care of Magical Creatures Intern.

@Frost Cira, who has been a Prefect of Hufflepuff and a Hufflepost Writer. In her time, she has also been a Healer Intern and a Duellist. She has Outstanding N.E.W.Ts in Defence Against the Dark Arts and Herbology, and has Exceeded Expectations in her Transfiguration N.E.W.T.s. She also holds numerous O.W.Ls at an Outstanding level.

@Reid Kovacs, who became Head Boy of Hogwarts as well as Prefect of Hufflepuff. He also designed the Hufflepost publications. Reid was also the Beater of the Hufflepuff Quidditch team and was a part of Hufflepuff's winning sweep, where they won every match including the International Champions Game against Durmstrang.

@Serena Towers, another former Prefect of Hufflepuff and Head Girl of Hogwarts. She was the Editor-in-Chief of the Hufflepost before becoming a writer for the Headliner. Serena received an Outstanding in Flying O.W.L.s and excelled in Quidditch as the team's seeker with a 100% record for the year, part of the winning sweep and International Champions Game before sporting many wins in Broom Racing. She was also a Healer Intern.

and

@Rosie Parker".

Perhaps it was Hufflepuff's loyalty and dedication that afforded them the largest cohort amongst the graduating. Their impact would leave a lasting memory for many. Ami's Drag Persona, Chad Preoccupied, had brightened up these halls. Amadea's retelling of the story of the Silver Knight was a memory that would live with Hjørdis for a long time - the entire day was, perhaps, one of the most memorable for her. Howard had been through so much, starting with blood-baiting incidents and being discriminated against but ending as an incredible advocate for his fellow half-breeds. He had even represented the school as their Hexwizard Champion, an achievement that he should have been incredibly proud of. Frost's passion for becoming a healer was evident in her work at the hospital wing throughout the years and Hjørdis still recalled watching Reid struggle with basic magic - and almost setting a room on fire - to now have grown into a fine young man who could achieve anything he wanted.

"Our once young eaglets are now ready to use their wit, learning and keen minds to shape the world around them. Graduating from the house of Ravenclaw, we have:

@Delilah Stewart, who has undertaken numerous roles in her time at Hogwarts. She was a Prefect of Ravenclaw, a Duelling Co-Captain as well as a Duellist. Delilah has ample journalism experience, as a writer and editor for the Diadem before joining the Headliner. She later became the Secretary and now the Editor-in-Chief of the Headliner. She also mentors the younger years.

@Bloom Silverton, who was a Prefect of Ravenclaw and wrote for the Ravenclaw house publication, the Diadem. She has also been a member of the Ravenclaw Broom Racing team for a number of years.

@Phaedra Stavrou, who may be the most tenured Prefect graduating today. She has been Prefect of Ravenclaw since 2018. Phaedra also been a Ravenclaw Duellist and a member of the Headliner, where she has held the role of Secretary as well as Editor-in-Chief for several years. Academically, she also has an O Grade average.

@Cecily Quinn, who has been a Prefect of Ravenclaw, as well as a team leader and Editor for the Hogwarts Headliner. She is also the Captain of the Ravenclaw Quidditch team and has been a Chaser for them in every single match the house has taken part in over the past seven years.

@Adam Harringtom, who has been a Prefect of Ravenclaw as well as a member of the Quidditch team and a Duellist. He bravely defended the school against a mosp and boasts of his Snowball Fight experience."

She watched the last Ravenclaw pass her. They had the second biggest cohort of the graduating class. Their commitment to their studies had seen them excel throughout their careers and it was clear in the various roles they held, as well as the longevity of these roles. They were not only academically inclined, they had seen succeed in sports, extra-curricular activities like journalism and their creativity and wit had helped get them through many hardships. It was certainly telling that majority of the Ravenclaw graduates had contributed to journalism and they had all made a difference in sports for their house throughout the years. Somehow, they had managed this alongside their good grades and overcoming the many adversities that the school throw at them - including but certainly not limited to mosps.

As she finished, she took a step back and gazed out at the Class of 2024 once more before giving them one final nod. A Hjørdis Jensen way of saying 'well done'.

OOC: Character achievements were based entirely on what students told me about themselves.

It was amazing that the gathered students had not performed a felony by this point in the afternoon. With full bellies and hearts full of teenage angst and limited control over their inhibitions, Hogwarts was a building full of children with machine guns and ammo that was only half rubber bullets. Yet, in spite of this, the greatest perils faced by each of these students were threats placed upon them rather than chaos that was improvised.

Solomon Lear would make his way from the table he was sitting at and amble with an antalgic gait, favoring his left leg as he made his way to the podium. His armor, leather wrapped, creamy brown, embossed with runic imagery; it was a gift that required continual care and maintenance over the years. His white beard was short, neatly trimmed. It seemed like some sort of facial betrayal, it should have been left a little long. He still looked old, just the "wrong" sort of old when his hair was combed and cut, his eyes not as tired as they usually were. For the past several years, the Headmaster has remained scarce, more a figurehead that would be in quiet attendance at meetings, he never quite recovered from the "hag incident." The scars were more than physical, the deepest were left unseen.

There was an exertion, a stress that permeated his every action that his posture and expression often betrayed. Yet today there was an unusual spring, an erection to his often drooping carriage. Freedom was moments away, this uncanny dread alleviated for a single day.

A stack of scrolls awaited him on the podium and his gaze was cast doward. Along, coppery tubes wit intricate scrollwork. They were quite lovely, each embossed with a student's name. "Ahem." he cleared his throat and allowed his voice to boom through the great hall. "Good afternoon my esteemed graduates and faculty members, it is with immense pride and joy" words he actually meant, "that I stand before you today to celebrate this momentous occasion – the graduation of the Class of 2024 from the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

It was a milestone like so many others, the coming of age, a first kiss, realizing that you have a best friend. That alone should be celebration enough. But he was celebrating their survival and ultimate escape. Hogwarts was intended to be a safe haven for young witches and wizards, so that they can develop their magic in a place that was safe from muggles but their secrecy over these years had made wizarding students vulnerable. Their isolation, their attempts at security, the distance between them and theirs, left them endangered.

"As your Headmaster, I have had the honor of witnessing your transformation from eager first-years to the extraordinary young witches and wizards you are today. You have navigated the challenges" an understatement "...of your academic pursuits," nice save "excelled in your extracurricular activities, and forged bonds of friendship that will last a lifetime."

His eyes would pass over the students in their final moments as seventh years. No more guilt. No more concern besides the fact that it was likely he was graduating a few future felons and political powerhouses he could only hope would have the ethics to improve the wizarding world rather than destroy it.

"Within these hallowed halls, you have not only acquired knowledge and skills but have also embraced the values that define our magical community – courage, kindness, determination, and unity. You have learned the importance of facing your fears, standing up for what is right, and working together towards a common goal. None of you would have survived" a literal statement. They had faced numerous perils over the years and it was only because of the fact that they had one another that they survived.

He could not say that part.

"The world beyond Hogwarts holds both great opportunities and unforeseen challenges. However, I am confident that you are well-equipped to confront them with the same spirit of adventure and resilience that has guided you throughout your time here." He had better adjectives, he just could not say them here.

He would pick up one of the scrolls, it would gleam under the candlelight. "As you embark on this new chapter in your lives, remember the lessons you have learned within these walls. Let the knowledge you have gained empower you to make a positive impact on the magical world. Let the friendships you have forged be a source of strength and support." It will help you survive in places beyond here. "And let the values you have embraced continue to shape your character and guide your actions.

He turned the scroll over and looked at the name.

"I will be calling graduates up by name so that they would receive their diploma. Adger Myth, Paracelsus."

The boy who remained hidden, rather than the boy who lived. Surely he was in Hogwarts, just he had been barely seen in years. He was a successful hider, having somehow attracted a Slytherin madwoman, he disappeared into the aether and his common face preserved his dignity and honor as look-alikes attracted the curiosity and wrath of the madwoman he evaded for years.

When the young man arrived, a Gryffindor graduate, Solomon would extend his right hand to shake Paracelsus' hand and in his left he would hand the wizard his diploma.



After he departed, he would summon a second Gryffindor. "Alptraum, Xailah."

Xailah had an interesting time in Hogwarts, but one of the most unique moments was when she came into the possession of Harry Potter's wand. She had the one item that could truly condemn or exonerate Harry Potter and she had sat on this wand for years. The situation was more complicated than simply - here is a wand and the proof that Harry was innocent. Dolores Umbridge was killed by the killing curse allegedly by Harry Potter and if they were to test Harry wand they would learn that the last spell cast was not the Killing Curse but rather something else entirely and that this fact would just open up another can of worms.

The girl would be offered a hand to shake and a diploma with her name. She was now a graduate wizard.



Once the applause died down, he would summon the first Slytherin to the podium, "Black, Falentra."

She was not on his long-list, never mind his short list of expected graduates. She sort of had this hard look to her, this teenage angst that was almost a cliche. She had also associated herself with Howard White, entered and for a time maintained a volatile relationship with the dhampir and her peers. The only problem being, her angst and her propensity to react before she could respond. Assumptions and presumptions, foregone conclusions that left her alone but fortunately also, alive.

She was unaware of the tangled mess her paramour had gotten himself involved in and what he would one day represent to the wizarding world.



"Great job young lady," Solomon would state as he handed off the diploma and saw her off. She would be followed by the first announced Hufflepuff graduate, "Campbell, Amadea."



Amadea was a muggleborn, where others had to find drama, by virtue of what she was, Amadea's life was ultimately transformed by the experience of becoming a wizard. Her humdrum life had become magical in ways that other muggles could only dream of. She made the best of her experience, attending dances and joining sports and she truly embraced the magical aspects as they were introduced in her life. She was an accomplished Duelling Captain and Duellist and for a time she was even a Prefect and wrote for the school paper. She really was a hard-worker.

"It was a pleasure to have you," Solomon would claim as he handed Amadea her diploma and offered his hand to shake.

"Cira, Frost," another Hufflepuff would be called. She had also dabbled in duelling and for the most part stayed out of trouble. It was a shame that so many other students chased their demons rather than ran from them, they could have learned something from the former Prefect. The girl embraced this school and everything it had to offer, writing for her house paper and even serving as a healing intern for a time.



"You were such a pleasure," he would comment as he attempted to exchange her diploma for a handshake.

Next would come the first Ravenclaw graduate, "Harringtom, Adam." The boy truly lived the experience - the former prefect made friends and experienced life with them. Snowball fights and gobstones, his memories were far from tragic. In those years he lived, loved and with what little time he had left over, he might have even learned something.



"I wish more of them took after you," he commented as he granted the teen his diploma. "Thank you so much."

After Adam departed, the headmaster would call out another Slytherin. "Jones, Dmitri," the second Slytherin to have graduated this year. Solomon had expected Dmitri to have made more connections, perhaps find love or what kids his age mistaken for love. But no, the boy loved regulated violence, in other words duelling. The sport was synonymous with his name. Solomon expected to one day read his name in a magazine someplace - 'famed duellist' followed by a sensationalist headline describing a harrowing romance, a business deal gone wrong or an accusation that he precharms his wand.



"Very good," Solomon nodded as he handed the graduate his diploma and offered his hand to shake. "Your duelling team is likely beside themselves without you."

After Dmitri left, the former magizoologist would call out "Landon, Bellamy." Another Slytherin that seemed to dip beneath the radar for the most part during his time in Hogwarts.



"Congrats," Solomon would state as he handed the teen his diploma.

"Parker, Rosie," she never seemed to seek trouble but she regularly found it. She seemed to make friends with people larger than her, and this proved to not only be advantageous for her but also contributed to her survival.



"I'm glad you made it here," Solomon would claim as he handed her the scroll case with her diploma inside and offered his hand.

"Procoppio, Ami" he was rather certain he butchered her last name. She was a hard-worker, the hat chose well. She had done a great deal for the school paper, but more tan that the girl was an athlete - serving as a captain for two sports Quidditch and Broom Racing which is essentially unheard of. The girl also had a strong arm on her, he saw what that little girl could do with a bat on the pitch. Also, the medical reports he had to sign off on after from the school nurse.



Perhaps the school would be slightly safer with her graduated. That said, she would be a massive loss for the broom-based teams. "You did good," he claimed.

"Quinn, Cecily," another Ravenclaw would be called to the front of the Great Hall. The former Prefect and Hogwarts Headliner editor was notably passionate about quidditch for which she was a Captain of for some time. It was really something, how the students who got into the least trouble were the ones that made it to the end. It was as if making bad decisions had consequences.



"Congratulations," he would state as he offer the girl her diploma.

Next was "Reid, Kovacs," the son of one of his former peers. He was well-liked by Professors and the young ladies at the school. It is amazing the boy survived. He shook his head slightly. There were worse ways of dying.



He would offer the former Head Boy his diploma, "Great job. Tell your dad I said hi."

Next came one he did not expect to graduate or even find the great hall to accept her diploma. "Ryan, Erin," a part Veela that seemed to have a few too many screws loose. Somehow she kept it together enough to get a passing grade but he was not entirely sure how.



"I'm glad you made it," he would claim as he handed her a diploma. After her was another Slytherin. "Severin, Alexx" Sever - in, he hoped that was how it was said. He had no idea in truth, wishing that these kids could have had easier names like Smith or Baker.



He offered the former Prefect and Beater her diploma. "You're going to be missed," he claimed.

This would be followed by one of the more stable graduates. "Silverton, Bloom," a Ravenclaw who seemed to excel more in keeping herself out of drama and danger. A knowledge-set that too few other teens possessed. Not to say she was danger-free, broom racing was no-joke. The girl might not seek conventional death but she went eye to eye with severe injury and disability on a quarterly basis. She was in fact one of their best riders.



"The team wont be the same without you," he claimed as he extended his hand to shake and offered the Ravenclaw her diploma. "Good job, I know you will do well."

The next student was a Ravenclaw stereotype, an overachiever. "Stavrou, Phaedra" was a long-standing Prefect, top duellist, and editor for the school paper. She did everything right and she is getting to walk across this stage.



"You did great," he claimed as he exchanged a diploma for a possible handshake. He had a feeling that he would see her in a few years in a Professor role but he was not entirely sure where.

After her was another Ravenclaw, "Stewart, Delilah."

She was another Ravenclaw that got the most out of Hogwarts. The former Prefect and duelling co-captain made a mark for herself as a duellist and as a writer. He imagined that she would one day write professionally.



He would offer Delilah her diploma and offer to shake her hand. "I look forward to seeing where you go and what you do next," he claimed.

The final Hufflepuff for the ceremony, "Towers, Serena" came next. She was likely the smallest of the graduates and the first part goblin graduate in memory. It was a momentous occasion for more reasons than she realized. She was an unwitting example that it was possible to include part-breeds into Hogwarts studies. Hogwarts is built on legacy and tradition and that often lends itself to racism and elitism. However, Serena and Howard would prove to be stand-outs. Hard-workers, oddly enough both of them were Hufflepuffs,and they proved to be quick and capable wizards that contributed far more than they demanded of others.

He smiled when she made her way up onto the stage. She almost did not survive her first year. Without her, this might not have been possible.



"I am so proud of you," Solomon announced as he handed her a diploma. There was an eagerness in his voice that sounded less practiced than it had for the many others. She did not stay out of trouble, but she never chased it, she never caused it and she never asked for it. She worked hard, helped others and was such a good friend. "You are going to do great things."

While there were other, more accepted part-breeds, such as part-Veela, that had been in attendance at Hogwarts for decades. There was a difference. It was easier to accept pretty, pleasant things, even if they belong to unpleasant people such as Erin. It was different when a historically marginalized class makes it where she had, and did so on their own thanks to their hard work and dedication to their craft.

He might have lingered too long before he relinquished that diploma. she would be followed by the final Gryffindor, "Vanes, Alan". Alan's tenure could be best defined by numerous friendships, celebrations, bad choices and drama caused by their friends. There were a few close calls during their time in Hogwarts where luck and courage saved his skin. Alan did not look for trouble, but the lad could certainly handle himself if his duelling record had any say in the matter.



The young man would be offered a pat on the back and a warm smile. "Congratulations young man," Solomon would state as he granted the lion his diploma.

And finally, "White, Howard."

Solomon did not know the terrible truth behind Howard white's dhampirism. Howard did not understand the details either. That he was a tool, a flag. That he was intended those years ago. That his change, that his 'undeath' and blood resurrection made him different. Made the once normal boy into something people were naturally inclined to fear. Yet in spite of his pallid flesh, he became a symbol for Hogwarts during the Hex tournament. While suspicious incidents caused the games to shut down, media attention was focused on the school and on the half-breeds that Hogwarts boasted as their representatives both to the interest and chagrin of wizards around the world.



Little did Howard know, his successes here were about to change the world. "Great job," Solomon would almost exhale as he offered Howard his diploma.

After Howard walked away, Solomon would clear his throat and draw this portion of the ceremony to a close. "Graduates, the future lies before you, brimming with infinite possibilities. Seize every opportunity, embrace every challenge, and never cease to dream. The world needs your magic, your passion, and your unwavering belief in making it a better place.

On behalf of the entire Hogwarts faculty and staff, I extend our heartfelt congratulations to each and every one of you. As you depart from these familiar corridors, know that you will always hold a special place in our hearts.

So, with great pride and affection, I bid you farewell and wish you all a lifetime of happiness, fulfillment, and magical adventures.

Congratulations, Class of 2024!" He exclaimed with a vigor that belied a man decades younger.

Galahad, resplendent in scarlet for the occasion, got up from his seat at the head table and walked over to the lectern. He had a small roll of parchment in his hand, just some remarks he'd written down. He'd never done this before, so he really wasn't sure what he was going to do, even as he stepped up there. He was told it was his job to send the graduates off to their last boat ride with suitable fanfare, and that's what he was going to do.

He stepped up to the lectern and unrolled his parchment, peering around the hall between the students he would be seeing next year and the graduates getting ready to embark upon their journey through life. He cleared his throat, more to settle his nerves than anything, and began, "Good afternoon. Given the number of speakers and the length of the ceremony, I shall endeavor to be mercifully brief." He looked down at his remarks again before continuing, "Over the last seven years, we've taught you how to wield your magical gift responsively, but that is only the beginning of wizardry. The key to being a good witch or wizard is in how you carry yourself."

He paused again before continuing into the meat of his speech, hoping the pause would make it resonate. "All the magical training in the world will make no difference if you don't exemplify the best virtues of our kind. Kindness. Dignity. Respect. If those words are at the heart of your actions, then you will have a fine life and career, no matter what you choose to do with your life." He took a deep breath before delivering the last lines: "You have a responsibility to yourself, to this school, and to the world to wield the gifts you've given for the betterment of not just wizard kind, but for all of humankind."

His remarks finished, he rolled the parchment back up and put it in the pocket of his robes, withdrawing his wand and stepping around to the other side of the lectern. "And now, I would ask that our new graduates stand." He gave the new graduates a moment to stand as he kept his place, wand at the ready. As he'd read his speech, he'd been thinking of what to do to give the new graduates a proper send-off, and he had decided that these black school robes simply would not do. A nifty bit of transfiguration was required to make them look as fabulous as they deserved to as they set off into the wizarding world.

As he waved his wand towards them, each graduate would discover their robes were transforming into something new. Though the house colours remained the same, each robe had a new feature as well as an aligning element.

xxxx

Ravenclaw's robes twinkled as if they had been kissed by a thousand stars, the image of a cityscape night sky embroidered onto their robes, several eagles flew above the scenery. Their sash was blue, and sported a vintage Ravenclaw badge.

Hufflepuff's robes were adorned with flowers that bloomed and grew with each step the graduate took, creating a unique living tapestry. Hidden among the flowers were two embroidered badgers. Their sash was yellow, and sported a vintage Hufflepuff badge.

xxxx

xxxx

Slytherin's robes gleamed with the image of an emerald-tinted ocean, the fabric seemed alive with rhythmic rolling of waves. Their sash was green, embroidered with a snake and sported a vintage Slytherin badge.

Gryffindor's robes blazed to life with a roaring fire, the harmless image of flames crackling and dancing across the fabric. The arms of their robes sported red stripes with bright golden sun decals. Their sash was red, embroidered with more flames and sported a vintage Gryffindor badge.

xxxx

NOTE: Robe descriptions and images were written/provided/edited by Orion Lécuyer.

Their transformation complete, with another swish of his wand, fireworks erupted over the enchanted ceiling of the Great Hall. A Serpent, Badger, Lion, and Raven made of their respective house colours soared through the air for a few moments before combining into the Hogwarts crest for their grand finale, hanging in the air for a moment before exploding in one more burst of color.

"Class of 2024, congratulations!" He said, beaming down at them before addressing them one last time, "But enough talking, the sweet smells wafting off the tables will have been teasing your noses long enough." With one last wave of his wand plates, goblets, cutlery, and napkins all appeared on the tables.

Thread Guidelines:

• This thread is open to everyone and is for students to interact with each other after the ceremony.
• Please do not approach the Professors, unless a professor has explicitly permitted you OOC to do so. We are not open to interactions (unless we say otherwise) and will likely not be replying after this post.
• Only the graduating PCs will be able to go on stage. Graduating PCs may be able to do minor interactions with the Headmaster, Deputy Head or HOHs but please do not expect a reply.
• Graduating students can also join the final boat ride and carriage ride.

Music: The Epilogue (Leaving Hogwarts) by John Williams

English, French, Bulgarian, Staff
Mentions: @Solomon Lear, @Hjørdis Jensen, @Magdalena Wickham-Deakin, @Galahad Browne, @Caradoc Browne, @Xailah Alptraum, @Delilah Stewart, @Bloom Silverton, @Phaedra Stavrou,@Paracelsus Adger Myth, @Alan Vanes, @Alexx Séverin, @Erin Ryan, @Dmitri Jones, @Falentra Black, @Bellamy Landon, @Amadea Campbell, @Ami Procoppio, @Howard White, @Frost Cira, @Reid Kovacs, @Serena Towers, @Rosie Parker, @Cecily Quinn, @Adam Harringtom

Saturday

Date: June 29th, 2024

Lunchtime

Jacob was seeing the Seventh-Year students graduating from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. It was almost unthinkable to see students who had been there for a long time no longer around. In a few years, he will be leaving Hogwarts's hallowed halls. That will be a sad day, though there are a few things that he will not miss Peeves for one thing. He seemed to pop up in the school wherever the students went, causing chaos wherever he would go. He especially liked messing with first-year students and trying to make them late for class. This behavior became apparent during Jacob's first year at Hogwarts when Peeves appeared out of nowhere, making him late for Defense Against the Dark Arts. He would never forget that day and made sure that whenever he got near Peeves, he would go straight to the Bloody Baron and tell him of the activities of Peeves. Even on a day when Jacob didn't want to get the Bloody Baron, Jacob said that he would get the Bloody Baron involved if he continued trying to make first-years late for classes. He meant every word of that conversation.

Thankfully, Peeves wouldn't dare if Solomon Lear was nearby; the Headmaster Solomon Lear, whom Jacob respected, started to list off the seventh-year students; the first was Paracelsus Alger Myth. Jacob didn't know about this particular student but hoped to find out later. The second is Xailah Alptraum; he had long suspected that Xailah had possession of Harry Potter's wand. If his suspicions were correct, that wand would clear Harry Potter's name, and they would finally be able to get Harry Potter out of Azkaban. Jacob's suspicion will hopefully be proven true if he asks Solomon Lear if this is true. He can do that when he sends a letter to Solomon after school ends. Next was Falentra Black; he didn't know much about her, but he did have a volatile relationship with Howard White, and she was in Slytherin.

Amadea Campbell was next, a muggle-born captain of the Hufflepuff dueling team and a duelist for her team. She made quite the name for herself. Next was Adam Harringtom, which Jacob didn't know much about him but knew he deserved a chance to be happy. Dimitri Jones was next, and he made quite a name for himself. Next was Bellany Landon, who was under the radar for years until his graduation. So Jacob didn't know much about him. Next was Rosie Parker, who Jacob didn't know. Next was Ami Proccoppio, who became a prominent Quidditch and Broom Racing player. Next was Cecily Quinn, a Ravenclaw student, and a Hogwarts Headliner Editor. After that was Kovacs Reid, whom Jacob suspected was the son of one of Lear's peers while he was attending Hogwarts. Next was Erin Ryan, a part of Veela; he didn't know much about her other than she had a few screws loose. Afterward, she was Alexx Severin, editor and chief of the Hogwarts headliner, and she served on the Slytherin Quidditch Team just after she was Bloom Silverton, who served on the Ravenclaw Broom Racing team.

Next was Phaedra Stavrou, top duelist and editor for the school paper. Next was Deliah Stewert, dueling co-captain, who made a mark for herself as a duelist. The next one was the final Hufflepuff student, Serena Towers; Howard and Serena were both standouts for that year. Then was Alan Vanes, the final Gryffindor to be graduating that year. Finally, the most accomplished student of Hogwarts that year, Howard White, made it into the Hexwizard Tournament, which he wanted to be in so badly, but he didn't cut it. He then saw the next graduation robes that the graduating class had on. Then there was the food, a burger, and some chips, which the Americans called fries, and Jacob made sure that he ate with dignity; he sat near the pizzas and sat alongside a fellow Gryffindor. Then he waited for the right opportunity after he ate. Then, talked to one of his fellow students and asked with sincerity. "Do you think one of them will be an Auror." He speculated that at least one of the class would become an Auror.

All those years ago, he stood in this hall ready to turn heels and run. What scared him was magic, falling behind, and being overshadowed in a world that otherwise felt like had no place for him. He was a measley child at the time, towered over by his peers and the others in his grade. Magic came to him violently, lacking grace and poise that made him a liability to many of his friends rather than an asset. But it would be a discredit to his effort if he didn't say that he make a place for himself regardless. In the pure happenstance of his youth, Reid excelled physically in places his friends did not at the time. Once it actually came in handy, that's when he saw his potential.

But the young wizard reinvented himself again, even after his shared triumph with the Hufflepuff team, even after Durmstrang. Knowing more about his wizarding family, as opposed to his muggle one, was an obstacle that took a few years to overcome. It was only around a few years ago that he truly found a way to level with them, to open himself up to the possiblity of what could be. It made it hard to simply be a child, like it was such a sin to enjoy his youth. Yet a fine line was drawn and he walked both sides, even up to now. As his uncle's guiding hand aided him in keeping and strengthening relations with his grandfather, life became much more bearable.

Instead of shutting himself out completely of being a wizard, intense focus was put onto his academics. Practice was facilitated at home and that discipline his family imposed on him made the pathway to where he was now. Along with the help of people such as Headmaster Lear and Professor Jensen, he'd be more than lost to the world.

In short, everything fell right into place eventually, even through it all, they made it. Standing shoulder to shoulder with his fellow Seventh Years, he held in a lot of his emotions about them finally graduating. All that stress had sloughed off, the year came to an end and he got through his exams. A grin broke through the tall badger as his name was called, coming up with an eager step in each stride.

' Thank you, Headmaster Lear. ' As he stepped away, he shot a polite smile to the Deputy Headmaster. After all, those boxing lessons stuck with the boy ever since, even the detentions he had to serve. ' Thank you as well, Professor Jensen. '

He proceeded to shake the hands of the rest of the faculties; namely Caradoc Browne as he was his Head of Hufflepuff ever since Lear had departed from the position. ' And thank you as well Professor Browne. Seriously, you have no idea. ' Throughout the years, Reid has tried to stay in good standing with him and avoid too much trouble. Of course, it was hard to always behave when Hogwarts was the way it was. After he shook the hands of any of the other adults who were offering, he went to go sit with the other graduates.

WC: 537

x._{kim aoki (sato), prince of sweets⠀⠀──────────────────────────}

She'd also shown up during a walk with Sophia back in the past too. As for Dmitri, the two of them had only met briefly and Kim didn't remember much about him and suspected the same was true for him. Their relationship was pretty much just passing acquaintances. Who might or might not remember eachother. Today, Kim's current health state was decent enough, although he knew there was still something wrong with him, it wasn't hitting him as badly as it had been before. So that was a small relief to him. As he sat at one of the tables, the ceremony began as each of the graduating students went up on stage to take their diploma parchment from Headmaster Lear.

At the end of it, the Head of Gryffindor House transfigured the robes of each of the students into something truly breathtaking. As a fashion lover, Kim had to admit, they looked pretty damn good. He didn't intend on speaking to anyone at the moment but when a male voice was heard by his side, Kim glanced over at him. It was Jacob, the one who ran Lear's Army and who Kim had agreed to become co-leader of for him. He hadn't taken any food, mostly because the dark haired teen just never felt like eating anymore. Or doing much of anything for that matter. So he was sitting there with an empty plate in front of him. As Jacob took a seat next to him, Kim thought.

About his words. "Probably. It's an honorable profession and they are all talented in their own regards." Kim said. He wouldn't be at all surprised if this took place.