In a storage room, Georgiana found a round table and a rectangular one. She had both carried out and placed in the middle of the dance floor.
The round table reminded her of the one at 12 Grimmauld Place. It was actually a little too large; anyone seated around it would have their back against the wall, making it inconvenient to change seats. Yet only a table that large could seat every member of the Order of the Phoenix. Albus had insisted on it.
The Hogwarts Great Hall used long tables. Other than Slytherin, students simply sat beside whomever they wanted to eat with, and only at the start-of-term feast were they separated by year.
Sitting down to eat together was a form of division. The Sorting Ceremony was like the dubbing of knights: one was assigned to a group, united with and trusting its members, while accepting that group's rules, responsibilities, and authority.
The Spartans went further, tying one's "seat" to full citizenship. Without full citizenship, one could not attain honor.
"Can't make up your mind?" Julian said as he drank.
"No." Georgiana looked at the two tables.
"Which one will you choose?" Julian asked.
"Both," Georgiana said.
"All right, then which table are we sitting around today?" Julian asked.
"I was thinking about Sieyès," Georgiana said, "and his abolished constitution."
Julian said nothing.
"Don't worry, I won't do anything foolish. When Hannibal comes, I'll choose this table." Georgiana pointed to the long table. "It represents rank and order."
"In peacetime, I'll choose that one." Georgiana pointed to the round table. "Like King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table."
"Whatever you want," Julian said indifferently, turning to leave.
"Did you water down the wine?" Georgiana asked.
Julian turned back to look at her.
"Not everyone shares his