The students of Hogwarts rose. Gone was the usual chatter of the first night back at school. There was a gaping hole left by the missing students whose blood status had not permitted them to return, despite the few new students who had previously been home-schooled and the class of first-years was noticeably smaller. There was also the obvious prejudice in that Draco Malfoy and Pansy Parkinson had been appointed Head Boy and Head Girl, respectively.

"Ravenclaws, follow us." Anthony Goldstein announced.

Outside the entrance to the Ravenclaw common room, Padma Patil turned to the small cluster of first-years.

"In order to get into the Ravenclaw common room, you must answer a riddle."

Padma demonstrated by turning and knocking on the door.

The bronze eagle spoke its riddle and Padma gave the correct answer. The door swung open, and the Ravenclaws streamed into the common room.

The majority of students hurried straight up the stairs leading to the dormitories.

The sixth and seventh years, however, remained in the common room of Ravenclaw Tower, sensing the need to discuss an important issue.

"We can't let them take over." Terry Boot spoke up.

"Ginny mentioned they wanted to start up Dumbledore's Army again." Luna chimed in.

Michael Corner snorted. "Of course they do. They're bloody Gryffindors, aren't they? They'll risk their necks without a second thought, the lot of them."

"Well, it's a little different this year isn't it?" Terry Boot said. "Potter hasn't come back. He's probably running off somewhere safe. Granger and Weasley in tow of course. Can't have the Golden Trio separated."

"And you're supposed to be a Ravenclaw." Padma said derisively.

"Anyone familiar with Muggle history?" Luna asked the room at large.

"Not particularly, and I don't supposed you would either, considering you met the criteria to return to Hogwarts this year." Michael Corner responded.

"Hitler-" here Anthony Goldstein started a little, "he was a German dictator. Before he began mass-murdering Jews, he disposed of the intellectuals."

"Why on earth would he do that?" Terry Boot frowned.

"Honestly, did you misplace your brain over the break? Or get hit in the head with a Bludger multiple times?" Padma shot at him.

"Oh, for god's sake you two, get it over with and shag." Michael Corner said.

Both Padma and Terry's faces flamed. Terry recovered first.

"Well, since you seem to know, why don't you enlighten us Padma?"

"So that," Padma answered with an air of superiority, "theoretically, there'd be no smart people to question him."

"You're saying you think You-Know-Who would do away with all the past and present members of Ravenclaw?" Terry Boot questioned suspiciously.

"Anything's possible, mate."

Anthony Goldstein jumped in. "Considering we were all in Dumbledore's Army the last time around, I doubt we're on He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named's list of sympathisers."

"That is, unless you're Marietta Edgecombe." Michael Corner snickered.

"Yes, well. Why don't we take a vote?" Padma asked pragmatically.

"It has to be unanimous." Terry stated firmly.

"Fine." Anthony agreed. "All those in favour, raise your hand."

Slowly, the hands of the assembled Ravenclaws went in to the air.

"That's that, then." Michael Corner said.

"You'll tell Ginny, won't you Luna?"

"What? Oh yes. I must go off to my dormitory. Drink Dirigible Plum juice. They say it's good for the skin, you know?"

"Absolutely barking." Terry muttered with a shake of his head.

And so, it was decided. The Ravenclaws of Dumbledore's Army would, so to speak, renew their memberships.