1 Oct 1997 | 6:30pm WHO: Staff & Students WHERE: Great Hall WHEN: 1 Oct - 6:30pm WHAT: Start of year feast! Intro the Carrows.
OCTOBER 1, 1997
Welcome to another year at Hogwarts
Severus Snape
Headmaster
Amycus Carrow
Deputy Headmaster
Alecto Carrow
Deputy Headmistress
Minerva McGongall
Head of Gryffindor
~~~~ The Hogwarts Feast ~~~~
"I understand that the events that transpired an hour prior may be confusing to some of you," Headmaster Snape informed at the start of his speech after students had settled into the Great Hall, sang the alma mater, and the new 1st years were sorted. "Be aware that Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry will remain a safe haven for all those who seek it as it has been for many generations." A round of cordial clapping left the student body.
"This year the Hogwarts Board of Governors has appointed duel Deputy Headmaster positions with our newest staff, Professor Amycus Carrow and Professor Alecto Carrow. They will be teaching the newly mandatory courses of Defensive Theory and Muggle Studies." Snape's tone was dry and lingering as it had always been.
Professor Alecto and Amycus Carrow stood in their seats and Headmaster Snape seated himself so that they could speak. Another round of cordial applause followed. The adult siblings seemed to boost in color at the sight and sound of the welcome applause.
"Thank you! Thank you for that very kind welcome. I am Professor Amycus Carrow, I will be teaching Defensive Theory to each of you. As some may or may not be aware, this subject will be replacing Defense Against the Dark Arts and will be mandatory for all students this term," he explained in a confident tone. A round of whispers and only mild objections rose amongst the students. His voice rose to speak over them, "I assure you the curriculum that will be taught will surpass any Defense Against The Dark Arts and Defensive Theory material you have experienced in the past. It has been brought to my attention that former Professor Umbridge focused mostly on theoretical, I assure you there will practical education in my class. I believe you can only learn by experience when it comes to life or death situations." Tame applause followed and he nodded motioning for the woman at his side.
"I am Professor Alecto Carrow, I will be teaching the now mandatory course of Muggle Studies, but I assure you I will not be teaching the trivial benefits of muggle culture. The course will shed the true nature of history between muggles and wizarding kind," she informed. Her voice was higher pitched than her form would suggest. Her diction was sharp and short. "The Hogwarts Board of Governors believes it is important to understand where we have come to in our current history. As political standings rise in a dangerous fashion it is important for you, the future of wizarding generations, to truly understand the relationship that has formed between us and them. I look forward to engaging you in future lectures this year."
The applause that followed was staggered and confused but were quickly cut off when the woman stepped up again to add, "Oh yes, and in accordance with the Muggleborn Registration Act, for those students who have yet to register you may stop by my office to fill out the appropriate paperwork. Be advised that Hogwarts will not tolerate students who fail to comply with laws set forth by the Ministry of Magic."
Slytherin house made sure to accommodate the lack of appreciation for the announcement from other houses. The clapping quieted as Professor Minerva McGonagall stood. She looked tightlipped and particularly annoyed as though she'd been clenching her jaw tightly through the entirety of the previous speeches.
"I welcome you to another year at Hogwarts Witchcraft and Wizardry," she began nodding to the house tables in the same powerful presence she had always carried. "It was decided I be the one to inform you all that the Board of Governors would like to re-establish the presence of the Inquisitorial Squad this year. As a precautionary measure, our newest staff additions will be hand-selecting the best and brightest to join the team." She paused a moment as the student body rose again in mumbled conversation. She took that time to shoot Alecto and Amycus a glance that looked the same way she did when dealing with class clowns. "If interested in joining this .... elite ... squad of students you may fill out an application with your heads of house. In addition, following this meal you will each find more information in your newly updated Student Handbooks that will be available in your dormitories."
Awkward but cordial applause followed the announcement. It had been blasted in the paper that Professor McGonagall was not deemed qualified to take on the role of Headmistress at Hogwarts by the board of governors. Anyone who read the papers would also know that the beloved transfigurations teacher was also demoted from her position as deputy administrator because of her "lack of control" during the proceedings that followed Headmaster Dumbledore's death the summer prior.
Headmaster Snape did not bother to rise to say another round of speeches. He instead raised his hand and the food for the Start of Term Feast filled the tables. The student body, tired from the travel and dramatics of the day dove into the meal and back to school conversations as they had every year.
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Feel free to participate in activities following the announcements in the comments. Assume that the spread is as wonderous as it is every year.