Many of the young wizards stared blankly at the words. They understood each term individually, but together, they made little sense. “I’ll explain each step,” Alex said firmly. “First, the organizational structure.” He pointed at the words, and the line “Organizational Structure” enlarged. “A new structure will help us manage things better and ensure everyone can improve steadily.”
“There are seven grades in the school. I will appoint a grade leader for each year. These leaders, along with the three prefects and myself, will form a Slytherin committee. The prefects may also serve as grade leaders. These leaders will assist with managing their respective grades. They’ll handle disputes, organize meetings, maintain discipline, and ensure fairness. If something goes wrong, I’ll hold the grade leader responsible.”
Alex’s gaze was as sharp as a blade. “If you have problems, you’ll first go to your grade leader. If they can’t resolve it, then you come to me. Leaders must act with fairness and integrity. I will personally appoint the first leaders, but if they fail, they’ll be replaced through re-election.”
A murmur of approval spread through the room. The crowd was beginning to understand. The grade leaders would act as mediators and organizers—a system that could reduce chaos and help everyone focus. “Now, I’ll announce the leaders. If your name is called, step forward.”
Alex looked at the seventh-year students. “Seventh-grade leader: Welen Higgs!” Welen stepped forward confidently, standing at the front of the room. He wasn’t the type to back down from responsibility. The seventh-years exchanged glances. Most seemed satisfied with the choice—Welen had a strong personality and got along with many of them. A few pure-bloods looked less pleased, but none dared to voice their discontent. Everyone knew Alex wasn’t someone to cross.
“For sixth-year: Wendy Dart. Wendy, although you’re a prefect, your focus this year will be on managing your grade.” Wendy nodded calmly. She had already discussed this with Alex on the train ride to Hogwarts. She stepped forward, her posture neat and composed.
Alex’s confident demeanor left no room for argument. The crowd began to see a glimmer of hope—perhaps this system could really work. As Alex continued to explain "The fifth-year prefect, Jenny Moria, you’re in the same position as Wendy. You need to step up and take responsibility," Alex announced firmly, his sharp eyes making it clear he wasn’t joking. The announcement stirred an undercurrent of unease among some pure-blood wizards present. A half-blood wizard as prefect again? Whispers and exchanged glances revealed their discomfort. Why were positions of responsibility always handed to those with "good relationships" or half-bloods? Were pure-bloods really being overlooked?
Before these thoughts could settle, Alex named the next leader. "Fourth-year prefect, Joey Hickman." The room fell silent, and the shock was almost tangible. Joey himself looked up at Alex, utterly stunned, as if wondering whether he had misheard.
"Yes, you," Alex confirmed. "Though you've caused trouble for the house, you’ve also shown loyalty. This is your chance to prove you can change. Be a role model, take care of your classmates, improve your grades, and stop being a disruption. I’ll be watching." His words carried both weight and expectation.
Joey’s face turned red with excitement. Trusted—he was actually being trusted! "Yes, Prefect Alex!" he shouted, his voice brimming with enthusiasm.
Alex gave him a small nod before moving on to the next announcement. "Third-year leader, David Gamper!" "Second-year leader, Suzanne Sissoko!" He paused, glancing at a list of names for the first-years. "First-year leader, Shadi Sidibe. This appointment is temporary, so prove yourself. If you don’t, I’ll find someone else."
Sadie, the newly-named first-year leader, nodded earnestly, a mix of excitement and pressure evident on her face. When she glanced back, the encouraging smiles of her classmates gave her confidence. Alex continued without pause. "These appointments are not set in stone. If any of you fail to meet expectations, you will be replaced." Turning to the crowd, he added, "Everyone else, support your leaders. If I hear about anyone undermining them, I will deal with it myself. Trust me, you don’t want that."
The atmosphere grew tense. Both the chosen leaders and the rest of the students felt a mix of nervousness and anticipation. This was new, and no one knew what to expect. "Now, let’s talk about the second part of the house structure," Alex said, ignoring the ripple of uncertainty his words created.
"Second part? What does that mean?" The question hung unspoken in the air.
"Aside from grade leaders, we’ll also have subject representatives," Alex explained.
The students leaned forward, intrigued. "Grade leaders are in charge of discipline and everyday matters, but subject representatives will focus on academics. Each class will have one representative per subject, selected for their excellence in that field. They’ll help their classmates with studies and provide guidance. Think of them as assistant teachers for our house."
Gasps and murmurs rippled through the room. "There are seven core subjects and five electives at Hogwarts, so we’ll need twelve representatives. To keep things fair, each representative will come from a different class. No doubling up." He glanced around the room, gauging their reactions. "These representatives will also oversee study sessions in the common room every evening. If you’re struggling with homework, they’re your go-to. However, only fifth and sixth-years will be eligible for these roles. Seventh-years are exempt because of their NEWT preparations."
The students whispered amongst themselves, a mix of relief and disappointment on the seventh-years' faces. Alex raised a hand, silencing the chatter. "I understand there might be conflicts between grade leaders and subject representatives, so I expect all of you to handle your responsibilities maturely. Now, I’ll announce the appointments."
"Herbology representative, Wendy Dart." Wendy nodded seriously, already bracing herself for a busier year. Between this, her prefect duties, and her personal interests, she knew sacrifices would have to be made.
"Transfiguration representative, Leo Malcolm," Alex said with a small smirk. "Your talent in this subject hasn’t gone unnoticed." Leo stiffened, recalling a certain Christmas incident two years ago when he had challenged Alex and ended up humiliated. He hadn’t expected to be chosen for anything, let alone something this important.
"Potions representative, Randall Rozier." This was a surprise to many. Two pure-blood wizards appointed in a row? Whispers of approval filled the room as Alex’s decisions seemed less biased than some had feared. Randall, however, remained impassive, merely nodding in acknowledgment.
"Charms representative, Welen Higgs. I don’t usually assign seventh-years to these roles, but this subject is crucial. Consider this an opportunity to review for your NEWTs while helping others." Welen nodded solemnly, though he didn’t seem overly invested.
"Astronomy representative, Louis Ollerton."
"History of Magic representative, Vivian Bulstrode."
Vivian's jaw practically dropped when Alex announced her appointment. "Wait, what? Why am I involved in this? Can I even be a department representative at my level?" she stammered.
Alex gave her a steady, almost fatherly look. "Vivian, let’s be honest. In the history of magic class, there’s no one in the academy who can hold a candle to you. The problem is, you’re usually too laid-back. Now it’s time to step up and take responsibility. Sure, some of your other subjects need work, but you’re capable. You’ll tutor students in the history of magic, but you should also put more effort into improving in other areas. This year, I won’t make any exceptions for you. Keep that in mind," he said, his tone firm but earnest.
Vivian looked like she might burst into tears. ‘Why is it so hard to just be a lazy bystander?’