"Look over there."
Ron straightened his Quidditch captain's badge, then nudged Harry's arm.
"Over there? What about it?"
Harry followed Ron's gaze and drew a sharp breath.
Taylor stood out at the center of the staff table. He was sitting right beside the four Heads of House, with Professor Flitwick and Professor McGonagall next to him!
"He just went and sat down there?"
Sixth Year hadn't even begun, and the Sorting hadn't taken place yet. He had simply gone over and sat down?
Then who was going to lead the students through the Sorting?
And what was with the reporters holding Dream Orbs? What were those faintly glowing mushrooms above the Hogwarts Great Hall?
"Keep it quiet."
Harry heard a familiar voice. Taylor, whom he had just been watching, hurried over and lowered his voice. "Prefects, pay attention and maintain order. The Sorting won't be broadcast, as usual, but a recording of the Headmaster's speech will be kept in the Dreamscape."
"Yes, I'll keep an eye on things."
Harry answered quietly, then watched Taylor move on to the other Prefects, giving them careful instructions.
His sharp eyes caught the absence of the Head Boy badge from Taylor's clothes.
That was odd. If they were keeping a recording as a memento, why was that piece missing from his formal wear?
Harry quietly pointed it out to Ron beside him. One advantage of being Quidditch captain was getting to stand near the front.
"He doesn't care about medals. You've seen that suit of armor he has covered in them."
Ron looked unconcerned.
"True. He has piles of badges. Even Sirius doesn't have that many."
Harry spoke softly as he watched Taylor deftly direct the students, pulling the First Years out and handing them over to Professor McGonagall for the Sorting. She gave