Opening Feast: Staff Table

Staff Table

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The Staff table is situated at the very back of the room on a platform. Everyone sits side-by-side so they can see the students.

This term felt different from the last, and not in a way Galen could easily explain. He knew the reasons; while the staff table was the same, and the Great Hall was the same, and the students were the same. The difference was something he didn’t agree with, and he’d said as much, but his opinions fell on deaf ears. Or ears of the man who decided this was what the students needed.

Galen had voted against the man.

But here he was.

MacLean looked at the final student as they were sorted into their house, not really paying enough attention to know if they were happy to be sorted into Gryffindor or not. Blackwood took his seat, Galen took a sip of his water, then stood to his feet.

He looked out at the newly sorted first years, almost laughing at the way little Fiona Blackwood was scowling at the Hufflepuff table when he saw her.

“Good evening,” he said and the hall quieted immediately. “For those of you who are new, welcome to Hogwarts. For those of you who are returning, welcome back.”

His blue eyes skimmed the room momentarily.

“Several updates for those who are returning. Many of you have been asking incessantly when Quidditch will be making its return, and I am pleased to announce that this term it is back. Professor Roisin Blackwood will be the coordinator for that, so please see her to sign-up.”

He paused, letting students get their excitement out.

“Additionally, a new course has been added to the curriculum this term. Wizarding Civics, taught by Professor Julia Barlowe, is mandatory for all Muggleborn students. It will be held on Wednesdays following your regular classes,” he said matter-of-factly. James Laurence had called it support. Galen called it something else.

Despite how he felt, nothing in his face moved and his voice gave nothing away.

“Every term, we select the students that you will look to for guidance. These students are as follows for this term: For Gryffindor, your Prefects are Eugene Miller* and Matilda Nordstrom. For Hufflepuff, your Prefects are Rodger Wilco* and Maevie Golding. In Ravenclaw, your Prefects are Brooks Garren and Kaitlyn Dwyer*. And in Slytherin, your Prefects are Robert Goldburg* and Elowen Blackwood*.” Galen waited for applause to die down. “Your Head Boy this term is Benji Laurence, and your Head Girl is Ruth Elliot.”

More applause. He waited.

“Now that is out of the way, enjoy your feast.”

As he sat, the tables filled with food.

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* indicates NPC