"As you are all well aware" echoed the voice of Godric Gryffindor across the great hall; wearing his finest hat and most elaborate robes, "Professor Slytherin, as of the events of last night, is no longer a teacher at this school and all those students who aided him in the battle have been expelled.

"But none of the remaining heads of house are able to deem students eligible for Slytherin house as we all have our own preferences in students". Helga has returned with the students early in the morning via the carriage that she had so gratefully escaped the battle in and was now perched quite proudly at the staff table. Rowena didn't feel like facing the students who had lost older brothers and sisters amongst the fighting but she had been warned by Gryffindor that failure to make an appearance would result in immediate departure from the grounds. So she stood in the corner by the rear exit from the hall, feeling strangely empty inside.

"That is why we will no longer be selecting our students independently; but instead with an impartial adjudicator" and at that he removed the fine wizard hat from his magnificent brown hair. He cast a charm on it than none of the other staff members had ever heard before and within the seconds a slit appeared above the rim as if it had come to life.

"This, students, is the sorting hat; it has the interests of the four original founders' preferences in mind and this is how first years will be placed into the houses of Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin".

A sudden round of applause erupted from the crowd of students; the news was accepted as remarkable after the tragic events of the previous night. They had lost Wynona Pomfrey as well as a number of brave seventh year students who had stayed to fight, and Rowena was sure she had suffered another loss but no matter how much she thought about it she couldn't think what it was. Aloysius and Seraphine Black had both been apprehended and given to the prison guards who have seen taken their souls and disposed of the remaining corpses. Unfortunately the two sons had escaped, so there was a chance the ancient Black family would continue for many more years.

Rowena hadn't even realised that the students were exiting the hall and suddenly it was just the three heads of house left in the room.

"Dear Rowena" whispered Helga's operatic voice, "you look positively morbid! Has there been another event which has made you so glum?" But before she could respond Gryffindor came striding towards the two women.

"I have appointed myself as headmaster of the school until further notice; which means that whilst I convene with the governors I expect both of you to recommence normal teaching practices immediately"

"But-"

"You are very lucky to still be a teacher at this school Miss Ravenclaw and so should refrain from arguing with me. Now I don't remember all the events of last night but I found you dozing in the hall as Slytherin as escaping so you had better hope the aurors find him before I let them find you!"

Without another word he stormed out of the great hall and his footsteps could be heard ascending the stairs. Rowena had no idea why but nevertheless she was crying as if someone she loved didn't love her anymore.

End.