She stepped out onto the landing at the top of the stairs leading from the boathouse. Already, the sound of a hundred children, unsure of what awaited them, was drifting up from the room below.
"Fine work, Mister Diggory, but do please try not to Transfigure your desk again."
As the incoming horde of new First Years ascended the stairs towards her, she set herself into a stern, haughty posture. Even the distant sound of Peeves preparing some surprise didn't break her demeanour. First impressions are important, after all.
"Mister Creevey, would you please not wave that infernal device about in my classroom?"
So many innocent faces looking up at her, eager to find out what was ahead but nervous about being sorted into their Houses. Which of their new friends were brave Gryffindors, which quick Ravenclaws, which loyal Hufflepuffs, which shrewd Slytherins?
"Miss Brown, please take this box of mice – don't be silly, girl, they won't hurt you."
"Welcome to Hogwarts. The start-of-term banquet will begin shortly, but before you take your seats in the Great Hall, you will be sorted into your houses." As she gave her usual welcome speech, she kept her face a studied, neutral mask.
"I must say I'm surprised. Even for the pair of you, this was a step too far. Twenty points from Gryffindor for each of you, Messrs Weasley."
"Please, follow me. The Sorting Ceremony will begin momentarily." As she turned to lead the new students to the Great Hall, her back to the students, there was a momentary flicker on her face of the thoughts inside, the question that haunted her still, the question she'd never before thought to ask. "Hurry along now!"
"…"
Which of these students might not survive to their graduation?