"Also, remember to write a monthly House report and submit it to the Student Council, and to accompany the Heads of House for management meetings in the faculty lounge. If a Head of House is absent, remember to relay the information afterward. I recall that Professor Snape is often absent, so Slytherin might require more attention."
Marin was clearly very familiar with Prefect affairs and had considered every detail. The other Prefects nodded in agreement as he spoke.
"Oh, that's right." Marin couldn't help but glance at Alan. "This year, Slytherin's two seventh-year Prefects, Wilkes and Kelly, both chose to graduate early, so..."
Alan immediately understood. Wilkes and Kelly, as pure-blood wizards, had been effectively 'suppressed' by Alan for two years. Now, hearing that Alan was becoming a Prefect, they had likely been scared into fleeing early.
However, this meant Slytherin would only have four Prefects left. Missing two people would cause inconvenience for both House management and the Student Council. Besides Alan, the remaining Prefects were two sixth-years—the pure-blood Louis Orleton and the half-blood Wendy Dart—and a fifth-year half-blood witch, Jenny Moriah.
They had no previous history with Alan. Louis and Wendy had been Prefects since their fifth year, but their relationship was poor due to the internal divisions within Slytherin. Louis was one of the more easygoing pure-bloods and had never provoked Alan, but due to the animosity created two years ago, he felt a natural distance from the half-blood Prefects.
"It's fine, Marin," Alan said indifferently. "Even though Slytherin is short two Prefects, it won't delay the Council's work."
Such a statement should have come from Louis or Wendy as the seniors, but Alan naturally took charge, and the two sixth-years didn't object. Louis had heard of Alan's formidable reputation from other pure-bloods, while Wendy had a gentler personality and didn't mind Alan interjecting.
"That's good." Marin looked at Alan, then at the other Slytherin Prefects. As the Student Council President, he knew about the fractured atmosphere in Slytherin and was worried something might go wrong.
But Alan's presence relieved him. As a member of the Charms Club, Marin was well-acquainted with this "junior." Beyond being a decorated combat hero, Alan was a celebrity in academic circles. His work on new runes had been praised by masters like Professor Flitwick. Marin even knew that at the latest International Alchemy Conference in Cairo, Alan's Echo Location Mirror had been nominated for a Pioneering Contribution Gold Award. Though he hadn't won—the work was co-signed with Professor Bones and the award favored individual contributions—Marin believed Alan would be a dominant force in alchemy within a few years.
With him there, Slytherin should be fine, right? Still, seeing the Slytherin Prefects ignoring each other made Marin feel conflicted.
"Alright, that concludes the meeting. If you wish to hold internal House meetings, please return to your respective compartments. I've placed the patrol schedule in each House's room," Marin explained before ending the session.
The Prefects began to file out. Because the number of Slytherin Prefects was so small, their private compartment felt cavernous. Once inside, Wendy and Jenny huddled together to whisper, clearly sharing a close bond. Louis sat awkwardly to the side, unfamiliar with the girls and afraid to speak to Alan.
Since their appointment in fifth year, Louis and Wendy barely spoke outside of necessary business. They had grown accustomed to slacking off on their duties because the problems in Slytherin felt unsolvable. Now, suddenly finding themselves the most senior Prefects, they were ready to give up entirely.
As the three of them sat in a daze, Alan spoke.
"The three of you, come closer. There is work I need to arrange for you." Alan pulled a clipboard from his robes and spoke without expression.
"What?" The three Prefects exchanged confused glances.
Louis and Wendy were taken aback. Was this new Prefect really so arrogant that he would order his seniors around the moment he arrived?
"Didn't you hear me?" Alan swept his gaze over them.
"Are you talking to us?" Wendy asked. As a sixth-year, she had more confidence than Louis and wasn't as intimidated by Alan. "We aren't familiar with you, and we don't have an understanding. Even if you're a combat hero, you're still a junior who just became a Prefect."
"Wendy Dart. Sixth-year, half-blood. Mother is a half-blood witch, father is a pure-blood wizard currently serving as the Head of the Goblin Liaison Office. Best subject: Herbology. Secondary subjects: Charms and Potions. Last year, only those three passed the O.W.L. level. Hobbies: researching beauty potions. Currently in a relationship with Nord Beron from Ravenclaw. Did I miss anything?"
Alan checked his clipboard, then looked back at her. "I know you very well."