Closed Graduation Boats & Carriage Ride (Part I) Only Graduates

Spring may have come, but that did not mean that the air was free of its chill. The northerly wind blowing over the Great Lake was chilled by the water before it buffeted the castle and those assembled by the dock. A series of floating lanterns illuminated the surrounds in a comfortable glow, offering some semblance of warmth to those who came close. Dawn was peaking over the horizon, dying the sky shades of gold, vermilion and rose, and Helios had only just begun to peak his head over the highland ranges. It was to this sunrise that the assembled seventh years would be gathered, their last true moment as students of Hogwarts. Some would murmur amongst themselves, others would blink bleary-eyed, desperate for some sort of coffee or other such caffeinated beverage.

Magdalena Wickham-Deakin, Head of Slytherin, sipped from her own flask of brown ambrosia as she had led the group to the dock. But it was tucked away into a robe coat pocket now, hidden amongst wool lining and reminders.

“Seven years ago,” She spoke to the assembled crowd, “You came here for the first time by boat. At that time, you were wide-eyed and tiny, only taking your first steps out of childhood and into wizardry. Beneath the moon and stars, you made your journey to Hogwarts.

“For some of you, I’m sure you were filled with wonder and merriment. For others, I’m certain you were just desperate to get to the banquet. The same way I am sure some of you are desperate to get something to drink once you reach the Express.

“But if you’ll let me stand on ceremony for a moment… The boat ride here, the ride you’ll take this morning represents you coming full circle. You arrived via boat under the moon, and you will depart via boat under the sun. Now, the boats may be a bit more cramped now that you’re bigger and your voices no longer resemble the squeaking of chipmunks, but I do hope that it brings you some memory of your first step through our doors.

“Of the magic that you learned, charms, hexes, flying, of course, but most importantly, the magic of the friendships that you forged. Allow an old woman her clichés, but the bonds you have made here at our humble school will stay with you forever.

“My dear class of 2024, it has been an honour teaching you. I do hope to see you all again, who knows, now that you’re of age, you can buy me a drink.”

Magdalena stepped to the side, allowing free passage to the boats, “Mr Browne… the younger Mr Browne, will see you to the train proper.

“Bon voyage, and good luck!”

The Head of Slytherin spoke her last, and drew the maple pipe from her pocket, stuffing a small muttering of tobacco into it, she lit it with a simple charm and watched the scene before her.

The students had been an odd bunch, an utterly esoteric assortment of young men, women, and everything in between, but she’d grown quite fond of them. But this was not her moment. This was a chance for them to take one final journey, one last voyage across the waters of the Great Lake and to be released into the world, fully realised wizards. It had not been an easy journey, far from it.

But this near last leg would offer some respite. As the students boarded the boats and set off, lanterns following them into the fog of dawn, the water sat still and tranquil, utterly peaceful. The sole, small, wave being caused by the rising of one of the Giant Squid’s tentacles. A farewell from the Lake’s erstwhile protector.