Sinistra (Re: Question re "little hint" in Book 2 of what is yet to come)

[quigonginger]

No: HPFGUIDX 101557

Carolyn asked: (re: Sinistra)
> For some reason, your question brings this to my mind:  where does 
she sit at the head table, in relation to Snape?

Ginger:  Hem, hem.

Sorry, wrong book.  I am quoting from GoF, US hardcover, p.175.

"Tiny little Professor Flitwick, the Charms teacher, was sitting on a 
large pile of cushions beside Professor Sprout, the Herbology 
teacher, whose hat was askew over her flyaway gray hair.  She was 
talking to Professor Sinistra of the Astronomy department.  On 
Professor Sinistra's other side was the sallow-faced, hook-nosed, 
greasy-haired Potions master, Snape- Harry's least favorite person at 
Hogwarts.  ............
On Snape's other side was an empty seat, which Harry guessed was 
Professor McGonagall's.  Next to it, and in the very center to the 
table sat Professor Dumbledore."

Later, after the sorting, when Moody arrives, Dumbledore has him sit  
in the empty seat at his right-hand side.  McGonagall was seated at 
this time, but it isn't clear if Harry had been correct in his 
assumption that McGonagall was to be seated in the empty chair 
between Snape and Dumbledore. (As an aside, I never noticed that all 
the other teachers were referred to by JKR as Professor with Snape 
being the exception.  Hmmm.)

Assuming Harry was correct, the order would be Flitwick, Sprout, 
Sinistra, Snape, McGonagall, Dumbledore (centre), DADA teacher.  This 
leaves Vector, Muggle Studies, Runes, (in some order) and Hagrid (who 
sits on the end in SS after leading in the first years).  Trelawny 
and Binns don't seem to join the feasts.  Can't blame Binns.

I have a feeling that this is not necessarily an assigned order, as 
one would think that Harry would know by his fourth year where McG 
sits.  On the other hand, the next year Umbridge is sitting next to 
Dumbledore.  Snape and Quirrel were talking after the first feast, 
but that would be easily accomplished my Dumbledore getting up and 
moving. 

Unfortunately, I don't have time to go back and check every dining 
experience, so this will have to do for now.  I hope it answered your 
question, Carolyn.  I have a bit of a soft spot for you as Carolyn is 
the name of one of my very good friends.

Ginger, waving big happy hellos to Jenny from Ravenclaw, Darrin, and 
Irene.  It's been too long, folks!

Sorry, Darrin, no good band names here.