New Clubs and Advisors

"Two more things before we get to the feast," Hermione said. "First, advisors. If you write your name on the top blank on your yellow paper, it will automatically add your advisor's name. This advisor will be with you through the year, and will determine both your class schedule and physical education rotation."

"Note your advisor as we call their name, as they'll be seated among you now," Neville warned. "Advisors for the first years are Professors Bell, Fawcett, MacMillian, and Marchbanks!" The four stepped forward as their names were called, and then left the dais, taking the seats left empty at the students' tables.

"Second years get Professors Burbage, Granger, Spencer-Moon, and Ziegenbart" Harry declared. "Third years have Professors Abercrombie, Hopkins, the less attractive Tonks, and Zhang." Hermione smacked Harry upside the head, but Ted Tonks just laughed good-naturedly as he stepped forward and waved to his students.

"I'll go by Healer Tonks, instead of Professor," Andromeda declared, smirking at Harry, "to spare my husband any more of your nick-names." The whole hall laughed at that, and Harry took the ribbing in stride. He had met the Tonks while at Sirius's bedside, as they were cousins, and knew that both could handle his teasing, and just as easily dish back some of their own.

Neville cleared his throat. "Back to advisories. It was decided that the fourth years would be broken into advisory groups like the younger years, but that they would still be split by House, like the upper years. Therefore, the Fourth year Ravenclaws will have Professor Su, the Hufflepuffs will have Professor Reyes-Applebee, the Gryffindors will have Professor Wiggleswade, and the Fourth year Slytherins will have Professor Spudgeon."

"The fifth through seventh years will remain in their Houses, with their Head of House," Hermione said. "However, in anticipation of when this system will be phased out over the next few years, those House Heads will have two assistants. Professor McGonagall remains the Gryffindor Head, assisted by Professors Buttermere and Peasegood. Professor Sprout of Hufflepuff will be assisted by Professors Diggory and Patil."

Neville spoke up before Harry could. "As he is now the Headmaster, Professor Flitwick had to turn over his Head of House duties for Ravenclaw to Professor Babbling, assisted by Professors Vector and Tintwistle. And finally, Slytherin House will be Headed by Professor Sinistra, assisted by Professors Greengrass and Moody."

Choosing to be serious for a moment, Harry said. "You will notice that not all of the Professors up here are to be advisors. That is because they will be assisting in other ways around Hogwarts. I'm sure all of you are familiar by now with the new gardens, fields, and orchards?" The students cheerfully agreed. "While not teaching, Professor Acacia is heading up our grounds and gardening department, assisted by Professors Lupin and McTighe."

"You might also have noticed the herds and flocks of animals I've been importing?" He continued. About half the students confirmed that. "Well if not, you'll get quite familiar with them during your first creatures class and any detentions you may earn. Their care will be headed by Professor Yarrow, assisted by Professors Kettleburn and O'Dowd."

"Similarly, we are expanding our physical education program." Hermione said. "First through fifth years, you will notice that twice a week after classes your schedules list a physical education slot. The back of your papers have your advisory's particular rotation. These rotations include flying, taught by Head of the Physical Education department Professor Hooch, swimming, taught by Professor Kesa, Quidditch, taught by Professor Wetherby, Football with Professor Bell, and Cycling with Professor Spencer-Moon, just for starters!"

Neville added, "You've also got Cricket with Professor O'Dowd, Dance with Professor Vane, Yoga with Professor Su, and two different styles of fitness training with Professors Wiggleswade and Moody."

These professors also acknowledged the students and joined them at their tables as Hermione took the fore again. "Various teachers have agreed to lead clubs this year. Some tie into your classes, such as the reading, science, astronomy, charms, dueling, weaponry, gardening, animagus, and zoology clubs. Some are for those interested in the arts, such as the music, performing arts, fine arts, cooking, art history, choir, and journalism clubs."

"Some are for those interested in learning more about our world," Neville added, "such as the Magical traditions, centaur history, goblin culture, lakelore, world runes, and travel clubs."

"Some are purely for fun, such as the movies, chess, gobstones, and muggle games clubs!" Harry added.

"And some, like the speech and debate club and student government will give students a voice in Hogwarts," Hermione concluded. A wave of her hand had a stack of green paper appearing on each table. "This paper lists all of the clubs, which teacher is sponsoring them, and when the first interest meeting will be held."

After giving the students a moment to look over the papers, Harry stepped forward again. "Finally, we've got the really important folks!" he warned with a smirk. Hermione looked ready to hit him again, but she refrained for the moment. "You already know Headmaster Flitwick, but I am pleased to announce that the Assistant Headmaster position has been taken by Professor Kettletoft! Our Head of Discipline - that's the one ultimately in charge of punishments - is Professor Clearwater."

"As always our Head Healer is Madam Pomfrey, but now she will be assisted by… Healer Tonks." Hermione looked relieved that Harry hadn't made another joke at the Tonks' expense. Of course, having met them for the first time with Sirius in the room, Harry was quite aware of how well they could take a joke. "And, for our upper years interested in figuring out what they want to do with their lives, or just interested in making a little extra pocket money, may I introduce our new Internship department, headed by Professor MacDougal!"

With the last Professor off the dais, Harry slumped theatrically. "Now then, let's eat!" He declared, prompting the elves to send up their dinners. Hermione finally gave into her urge to smack him as the trio made their way to their own table.

Despite appearing to only concentrate on their meals, the trio kept a close eye on the other tables. They were pleased to see the teachers welcomed by the students they sat with, and also happy to note that, for the most part, the younger years were sitting at mixed-house tables. It was a good sign for the new Hogwarts they intended to launch the next day.