The End of Term festivities were a complete success, what with the dance in the Great Hall all weekend, the kickoff of the Hogwarts Has Talent competition, and the announcements of new staff members, honor students, and the winners of the House and Quidditch Cups. Our Headmistress and each of the Deputies each delivered a speech at the banquet� and they were well worth the wait! In case you missed out hearing them or want to read over them again, here are all the speeches given during the banquet. Enjoy!
Professor Alba Dumbledore
Headmistress of Pads Hogwarts
The End of Term Banquet for the 2007 - 2008 term was finally here. Preparations had been taking place for weeks, & the entire school had worked really hard all term for this one last big shebang. The winners of the House & Quidditch Cups would be announced, as well as who got house staff positions for the new term & any other announcements that needed to be made. PAD was up in her office putting the final touches on her speech when she realized it was time for the banquet to begin. "I'll just have to wing the rest I suppose" she muttered to herself as she tucked her note cards in her robe pocket & rushed out of her office.
Descending the stairs as quickly as she could, she reached the entrance to the Great Hall & entered. A hush fell over the room as she walked past the student tables & up to the podium in front of the staff tables. Taking a minute to pull out her notes & clear her throat, she looked up & smiled at everyone. "Good evening to you all," she said in greeting. "It's been quite a year, hasn't it?" She looked down & shuffled her cards for a moment before she spoke again. "I almost hate to see it come to an end." A look of sadness washed over her face for a brief moment. Fiddling with her cards once more, she regained her composure & continued on with her annual End of Term speech. "So many great things have happened this year, far to many to name! You've all worked so hard this term to earn points for your houses, & I know I speak for the entire staff when I say how proud of all of you we are!" She began to clap & the staff chimed in, followed by all the students as well.
When the applause died down, she continued. "I think the first order of business for tonight is to announce everyone who received house staff positions for the upcoming term! I know you've all been anxiously awaiting the announcement! So without further ado, I will call out the names of all those lucky students who were accepted. When I call your name please stand up until I'm finished & I'd appreciate it if everyone would hold their applause until I'm through. Thank you." PAD cleared her throat & began, "For the house of Gryffindor, we offer our congratulations to Senior Prefect Kristin Johnson, Prefect Gawyn Crossguard, & Prefect Hilary Stevens! For the house of Hufflepuff, we'd like to congratulate Senior Prefect Ronald Weasley, Prefect EmmaMay Isaak, & Prefect Zoey Taylor! For the house of Paddington, we'd like to extend our congratulations to Senior Prefect Jenii Chang, Prefect Yaxley Chambers, & Prefect Brady Lennox! For the house of Penshire, we'd like to congratulate Senior Prefect Samuel Craft, Perfect Sapphire Lyze, & Prefect Keato Abbot! For the house of Ravenclaw we'd like to extend our congratulations to Senior Prefect Will Potter, Prefect Luna Lovegood, & Prefect Arya Drottningu! And finally, for the house of Slytherin, we'd like to congratulate Senior Prefect Jess Dark Wing, Prefect Eltanin Weymess, & Prefect Beonca Aims! Last but not least, we'd like to send out a special congratulations to our returning Head Boy, Cedric Cenn F�elad, & our new Head Girl, Bryony Casten! Congratulations to all of you!" PAD began clapping & everyone else chimed in.
When all the applause stopped, PAD wiped her brow & said jokingly, "Shoo-ey! Now that that's over with!" A small eruption of laughter burst out & quickly died back down. She smiled & continued saying, "Now it's with great pleasure that we would like to welcome our newest house edition, Paddington, to our Hogwarts family. Professors Riddle & Haddington, could you please stand for a moment?" The professors stood & PAD continued, "The two of you have done an amazing job getting Paddington off the ground & we'd just like to say thanks to you for all your hard work! We know you'll make us proud!" She began clapping & everyone else did, too, then she added, "And now let's welcome all the new Paddington students. Could you all please stand up?" The students all rose in unison & everyone clapped for them as well. A banner that said "Welcome to Hogwarts, Paddington!" appeared out of no where behind the staff table & confetti & balloons filled the air.
The members of the new house sat back down as well as the professors, & then PAD continued. "We've also seen additional staff added to each house this past term with the appointment of Assistant Heads of House in each house. This was something experimental since we weren't sure how it would work out, but I think everyone's been delighted with it so far so that will be continuing on for the next term. There have been a few staff changes here & there, & now that I think we have it perfected, let's introduce all the Administrative Staff Teams for each house, shall we?" With a smile, she turned to the staff & said, "Please stand as your names are called." Then turning back to the students she added, "Please hold all your applause until I'm finished. Thank you." She cleared her throat & said, "For Slytherin we have Prof. Snape as the Head of House & Prof. Bliss as the Assistant. For Ravenclaw we have returning Prof. Fairydust as the Head of House & Prof. Simbi as the Assistant. For Penshire we have Prof. Guildhall as the Head of House & Prof. Macintosh as the Assistant. For Paddington we have Prof. Riddle as the Head of House & Prof. Haddington as the Assistant. For Hufflepuff we have Prof. Lockhart as the Head of House & Prof. Dickinson as the Assistant. And finally for Gryffindor we have Prof. Opal as the Head of House & Prof. O'Connell as the Assistant. Let's give them all a great big round of applause!" PAD began to clap as well as everyone else while the staff that stood congratulated each other.
Once everyone took their seats the applause died down & PAD continued. "Another staff change that needs to be announced..." She paused for dramatic effect & then said, "Prof. Wallace went MIA around Halloween & she hasn't been seen or heard from since. Prof. Morgan's been filling in for her Muggle Studies class for the last few months now, & since Prof. Wallace has yet to return we've given the permanent job of Muggle Studies Professor to Prof. Morgan. Let's give her a warm welcome to the permanent staff at Hogwarts!" Everyone clapped for Prof. Morgan who stood briefly & then sat back down again.
Once the cheering stopped, PAD continued. "Another announcement I'd like to make regarding our staff is that our dear Prof. Lockhart will be doing quite a lot of traveling this Summer & into early Fall taking some classes & such to better his education for teaching purposes, of course." PAD winked to the students who chuckled among themselves as she went on, "So I'm sad to say that Prof. Lockhart will be giving up his classes for next term. Now, don't worry! He'll still be here with as & Head of Hufflepuff & one of the Deputies, but he's taking a sabbatical from teaching for the upcoming term since he's not sure how long his travels will last. Due to this, there will be some other teaching assignments that will change as well, so please bear with us during the summer as we get it all sorted out. Some of your favorite classes may be taught by other professors this coming term than what you're used to, but I assure you that change is often good & we're sure you'll all still be pleased."
Students began whispering among themselves speculating the upcoming changes as PAD kept going. "One more thing I'd like to announce before we get down to the real business at hand of awarding the Cups." She winked to the students again as she smiled & said, "We're getting a new library! Unfortunately, due to ill-timed events, it's not quite ready yet for use at this time as was originally planned, but I'm sure when it's unveiled to all of you you're going to absolutely fall in love with it! We're very excited about the changes that are being made & we should be able to present it to you very soon. Please be looking for an announcement about that on the bulletin board in the few short weeks to come."
Students whispered among themselves again excitedly in anticipation of the new library when PAD said finally,"And now the moment you've all been waiting for!" She paused & looked down at her notes, & then said slightly flushed, "Well, not quite yet. I apologize but I've forgotten one other thing!" She laughed as did everyone else & when the laughter died down, she said, "We've hired Prof. Opal as our interior decorator so as the summer unfolds you're going to see quite a lot of changes around the castle! All the common rooms are going to be redone as well as all the halls & corridors redecorated! Even the dungeon, the grounds & our very own main entrance will be getting facelifts! I hope you're all just as anxious for the changes as we are! She's also redone our house crests & has done a wonderful job! If you'd like to see a sample of her work, you can check out the common room for Paddington as that was her first stop! I think you'll all agree she's extremely talented & very kind-hearted to take on such a task for all of us. Let's show her how much we appreciate her sharing her wonderful talent with us all!" Everyone stood & clapped for Prof. Opal as she stood quickly & then sat back down again, waving to students here & there.
Once the hall grew quiet once more, PAD said, "Ok, now for the moment you've all been waiting for FOR REAL this time!" Everyone laughed as PAD added, "Time to award the House & Quidditch Cups! I'm happy to say that the competition between houses was fierce this term, but we're all still talking to each other so at least we didn't kill each other!" She laughed & then continued, "The winners of the House Cup for the 2007 - 2008 term is............................Ravenclaw!" The hall burst with applause & everyone at the Ravenclaw table stood & started hugging each other. Blue & bronze confetti fell from the ceiling as balloons in the same colors rose high in the air. As the celebration died down, PAD continued, "And the winners of the Quidditch Cup is............................Penshire!" More applause erupted as all the Penshires stood & hugged each other through confetti of teal & gold & balloons of the same color rising to the ceiling. Over the celebrations, PAD said loudly, "Congratulations to both houses! Your battles were well-fought!" She raised a goblet to everyone & took a drink.
Once things quieted down, PAD said, "I know you're all anxious to celebrate with each other now & eat, so I won't keep you any longer. In closing I'd just like to say that it's been a great term & I look forward to the next! Cheers, everyone!" She raised her glass once more, drank, & then said, "So, let's eat!"
Head of Penshire, Deputy Headmistress, and Mom to some.
*Sniff, sniff, Ripley wipes tears away from her eyes, as usually, she is emotional, this is, of course, no surprise to her Shirelings.*
I can�t believe another term has past, getting as old as I am, I have lost count as to how many years we have been open, 5 or 6, are we going on our 7th year? Always at this time of year, I reflect back to the beginnings and remember all the students who have come and gone and those who have gone and return, and of course, the new students. This place has so much to offer, but I think the biggest is the �family� atmosphere and how much everyone really takes and interest in making this a great place and a safe place to come! We cannot do this without all of you!
Penshire has been blessed with so many wonderful active students and my outgoing staff, staff staying, and new staff. Ava Black was a huge part of the house as Head Girl, dividing her time with her duties to the whole school and then with her own house. Ava not only earned her share of points for classes, but also built the Wizard Diegest every month! Thomasina has gone MIA, but I would like to mention the girl was a posting maniac and set the pace for the rest of us, a tradition that lives on today. Samuel Craft, what can I say, the guy is my number 1 in the house and I have seen him grow into someone I am very proud of and would have no problem going on leave and having him watch over things. Bryony and Sapphire, my two work horses! I have seen them both increase their participation ten-fold this term and I wouldn�t want to lose either one! Amanda has been a great �buddy� to all new students; you couldn�t have a better experienced student to set an example and assist so many in their first days at Hogwarts!
We had an opportunity to work with an Assistant Head of House, Professor Simbi, and he certainly was a big help, but was needed elsewhere. So we gave a hearty welcome to a new AHOH, Professor Delia and again we are blessed with a hard working staff member and someone who has a Shireling heart and experience to be a great assistant.
We now have Keato, Cauly, and Evan on staff, and of all the applications, these stood out due to their posting, hard work, and house activities. When I think of Penshire, I think of these three because I have seen them pick-up their participation and start new projects and are active in games, RPGS, lessons, and other things. Oh, I have some great staff, but we couldn�t be great without all the Shirelings! Each and every student in my house has a voice, an important roll in the house and such wonderful personalities; it is just fun to be around them all!
We have seen a lot of new things at Hogwarts and have grown, why? Because of all the different students and staff who come in our doors. We have new professors, who were students, we have a new house, and boy do I know what that is like! And we have new classes and always new things going on. Both the Quidditch and House Cup were hard fought this term as students take their education seriously, and we see a lot of writing for house magazines, Writing Club, Poetry Club, and the Owl Gazette. The Art Club is also pretty popular and we hope to see other clubs form or getting busy.
Now, summer! Ah! We have so much planned and although many will lament the closing of classes, there is going to be so much to do, you will be sorry summer ends! So, let us celebrate the ending of another great term and the beginning of another!! This new term will be exciting with the new houses as will the point�s race!
On a personal note, thank you everyone for the kind words and support during our family�s recent loss. This place never ceases to amaze me with it comes to supporting each other, if you question me, take a look at the Support section of the BB and the �I Meant to Tell You� thread in the General section. At heart, we are all human and do care about each other!
*She wipes her nose and sits back down.*
Professor Cecilia Opal
Head of Gryffindor, Deputy Headmistress
*Standing up, Professor Opal looks out at the hungry and eager faces of the Hogwarts students and begins her speech.*
First, I would like to thank the entire school for another fine and successful year at PAD's Hogwarts. The school continues to grow, and I'm sure it will be even bigger and better next year! I for one am looking forward to seeing our new house grow and become apart of our tight knit family. I wish Paddington, Professor Riddle, Haddington and all the Paddington students the best of luck this new year. I hope you grow into an amazing house!
Speaking of new additions, there are a few more happening with the school. Not so much administrative, but more changes that involve the look of the school. As you might know by now I'll be working with PAD to update the school artwork. It will be a long project, but you can look forward to new school images on a regular basis!
*Turning to the Gryffindor table, Professor Opal smiled as she continued on with her speech.*
I�d also like to thank my Gryffindors for another wonderful year. You�ve made me a very proud Head of House, and every day I�m so thankful to have such great students. All year long you�ve worked hard, and I know how much dedication and strength you have. The effort and work so many people contributed to the house, can�t even be summed up. All I can say is thank you for showing your lion pride, and having the courage and strength. The house wouldn�t be the same without the help from each student, and I wish I could thank each and every one of you, but I�ll try and make this as short as I can.
The Gryffindor staff will be welcoming three new students. Each of them have been very hard workers in the house, and I look forward to seeing the fresh ideas they'll bring to the house staff. Roxanne Whitez, Lynn Jennings and Hermy Granger will be the three new Prefect Assistants. Welcome to the staff, girls! Kristin Johnson will continue as the Senior Prefect, as well as Hilary Stevens staying as Prefect. Gawyn Crossguard will also be our third Prefects. Congrats everyone! I know you all will make the house proud.
No trophy could express how amazing you all are, and I�m so happy to be your Head of House. Lets make next year even better, and bring the cups to the Lion�s Den so we can show Hogwarts how awesome Gryffindor really is. Go, go Gryffindor!
*Professor Opal cleared her throat and smiled.*
As for the Art Club, I�d like to thank all the members for their art contributions. The club would be nothing without its members, and I continue to look forward to all the great art the students will be submitting this upcoming school term. I would also like to thank my Art Assistants, Hilary Stevens and Jacyn Corbin for their help in the club. You two have contributed some great ideas so far! We're also planning some new things that will start in the summer. Look forward to more contests, challenges and changes to the club. It's going to be a fun summer, so be prepared! Also, my two classes, Astronomy and Astrology will be returning next term, and I hope to add some new lessons to them. They'll focus on history for Astronomy, and the Chinese Zodiac for Astrology. So look forward to that!
With the summer finally upon us, it�s important to remember that there are still plenty of things to do around the school. So there�s no excuse to lay around your common room until September! Be sure to check the Bulletin Board for all the latest updates, and keep yourself active. The staff is planning a lot of activities for the summer, so stay up to date on the news!;D
We�ve finished a great year, and I can�t wait to see what the 08�-09� term will bring us!
*Raising her goblet, Professor Opal toasts to the past term and takes a seat.*
Now lets dig in! =D
Head of Slytherin, Deputy Headmaster
Well�the end of term�again. Slytherin certainly has had its ups and downs this term, but we are a strong house with students who have stuck with it and worked hard to finish the term out with pride. We saw some staff leave, and one staff member leaving us, Jenii Chang, who has been a huge part of the keeping the house from failing, will be moving on to the new house. We wish her well in her efforts to help make that house a success, but not too much of one�
Our new or adjusted staff for this new term already works well together and I see some great things from them in supporting the house and working on some in-house activities. The ideas for the new term are already coming and with the addition of our Assistant Head of House, Professor Kelina Bliss, there will be no stopping us from becoming one to be reckoned when it comes to activity and points earning. I could not be more pleased with my staff.
Though your perception of Slytherin may be what you want to see, in our house, things are certain different, though that is none of your business. Now the school as a whole, we saw a lot of newer students, and those who continue to be a great part of the place. I will say, everyone who has taken my classes, DADA, Potions, and Magical Myths, were some of the best and brightest. I am please most of you stuck it out through the year and hopefully learned something.
Classes are the pride of each professor here and even if there are so many things at this school to keep you busy, garner points, and participate in clubs�lessons should be one of your priorities. Your education here is as important as that Quidditch game or published article in the Owl Gazette.
This place is for you, it should not be something to take advantage of, nor disregard others for selfish reasons. All rules were made to keep you safe and all houses on an equal playing field. Be mindful of others, and show respect for each other and especially for those on staff. They got there because they earned it, and everyone has the ability to be a big part of this successful site.
*The professor crossed his arms, raised his left eyebrow and while glaring at the group of students, he sat down.*
Professor Gilderoy Lockhart
Head of Hufflepuff, Deputy Headmaster
*Professor Lockhart sat through all five speeches before it was his turn. Five times he had been promised that he could eat before the next person stood up. Determined to eat he could feel his stomach rumbling, just 3 more minutes he said to himself holding his stomach. Finally it came to him. He stood up*
"Lets Eat!"
*As he sat back down he felt Pad's glare on the side of his head. Sighing he stood up and pulled out his little speech notepad. Knowing his stomach was bouncing around like Slytherin Chasers, he checked his hair in the metal cup and cleared his beautiful voice.*
"Where to start...Well first of all I would like to say a huge congratulations to everyone who was mentioned in Professor Dumbledore�s speech. I know that this year especially we have had our ups and we have had our downs, but as always as a school and as a family we have stuck through it together! Something which is most heart-warming to watch."
*Professor Lockhart looked round at the Slytherin table, smiled, looked at the Gryffindor table and gave a little wave, he looked at the Ravenclaw table and gave them a little nod, he then glanced a the Penshire table and blew them a kiss, To the newly created Paddington table he threw out hundreds of signed autographs and finally to the Hufflepuff table he said with a smile...*
"We are good!!! This year its been great fun! Never before have I ever been ashamed of my house or had dreaded going into the Common Room, and this year is no different! Everyone in the house is fantastic, from my current staff, Maya, Zoey, Emma-may, Natalie and Elizabeth! without you all I would be no-where! I would also like to thank everyone new and old in the house who has made this year extra special, including Darby, Ron, Julia, John, DJ, Harmony, Ciria, Kamron, Sen and Teagan, just to name a few. Its been a wonderful year for me! As well as all this I would like to say a special thank you to Professor Dickinson, for being my Assistant and supporting the house!"
*Professor Lockhart racked his brain for something else to say...*
"I would like to also say a massive congratulations to Cedric for doing such a fantastic job with Quidditch! He has completely out-done himself and soared past any expectations I had of him this year. And to think he still has more ideas to applied to the sport its amazing. Congratulations also to Professor Riddle and Professor Haddington who both will be heading our brand new Paddington House. I would also like to welcome my new staff this year which is Ron, Zoey, Emma-May, Harmony and DJ. I�m sure you will all do me proud!"
*Professor Lockhart changed to his serious face...*
"Now as you heard from Pads Speech I will be going travelling this term. After a very long chat with both Pad and the other HoH's, I felt it was best to give up both of my classes due to the time restraints which allows me to focus on Hufflepuff and my Admin duties. So if you see me go MIA during the term then don�t panic I will try and return as soon as possible! However both my staff, the other Admins and Professor Dickinson have been briefed and are fully capable of dealing with things if that unfortunate event should arrive! Pads Hogwarts has been my home for many years now and I will never forget anyone who I have met from the past, present and from the future!"
*Professor Lockhart looked around at the food...*
"Well that�s me for now! Its all I can muster saying, so talk to me after I�ve finished eating!"
*Professor Lockhart sat down while the claps of hungry students in the background rung. He thought as he ate "another successful year and one more to come this term."*