Professor Dumbledore opened the door to his office, where Professor McGonagall had been waiting patiently. "Thank you for waiting up, Minerva," Professor Dumbledore said. "I must escort these students to Dalaran for a very sensitive assignment. I'm leaving you in charge until we return. I cannot say how long we will be gone, unfortunately."

"Please follow along, if you have to re-open the portal." Very good, Professor," she said. "I will await further information from you. Best of luck to all of you."

Dumbledore waved his wand thrice, and said "Locum arcanum." The wash-basin sized opened up near his desk. The portal is only large enough to go one at a time, and it only opens for a few minutes at a time. Mister Longbottom, would you care to lead the way?"

Neville wasn't entirely sure how to enter, as the portal was about chest height and not much wider than he was. "May I borrow a chair or a stool please? It's a little high for me to just step in." Professor McGonagall scooted a wooden chair over by the portal. Neville climbed on top of it, and stuck his head and shoulders into the opening. He felt around inside the vortex and the sides of the conduit at least felt solid, so he pressed his arms against the sides of the vortex and brought his legs up and shimmied his way into the hole.

"Mister Weasley, you next." Ron also got on the chair and carefully entered head-first into the vortex. "Wait up, Neville," he cried out.

Then Hermione went next. And then Jaina after her. Then Draco, and finally Harry. After ensuring all seven had at least entered the tunnel safely, Dumbledore entered the vortex just a few seconds before it started to close back up.

The eight wizards and witches fell on top of each other in a pile in front of some shops by a brick-paved street. "I'm home," Jaina exclaimed. The familiar scents of freshly-baked bread and Peacebloom wafted in the gentle breeze.

Dumbledore stood to his feet and dusted himself off. "We must get us to a clothier and find some more suitable attire. Your Hogwarts uniforms will likely draw too much unwanted attention. Antonidas was kind enough to offer to have any excursion-related expenses billed to him. Jaina, where do you recommend we go from here?"

"Professor, we need to find Karandonna's shop. It's about five minutes away by foot. Her wares are a bit pricey but they are high quality." Draco snickered. "That takes care of most of us, but we still need to find a second hand store for Weasley." Ron rolled his eyes but decided to hold his tongue as he had no interest in creating a scene in this new world.

The group arrived at Karandonna's clothing store. A female with long blonde hair greeted the wizards as soon as they walked in. "Good morning, welcome to Karandonna's. How may I help you?" The lady looked mostly human, but had long pointy ears.

Hermione spoke first. "Hello. Are you a high elf by any chance? Jaina has told me about the different peoples that live here. I've never been and this place is just so incredibly fascinating!" The clothier's elongated ears twitched when she hear Jaina's name dropped by Hermione.

"I am, young lady. And did you say 'Jaina'? As in Jaina Proudmoore? Oh my goodness! Its really you! I haven't seen you in YEARS! What happened to you? I didn't even notice you in those strange clothes. How in the world have you been?"

"It's a long story, Karandonna. These are my friends from Hogwarts. We're from another world entirely. The Archmage Antonidas has reached out to Professor Dumbledore as he needs our aid. We're here for a new change of clothes so we don't stand out. Could you get us all measured for some Dalaran mage robes please? Something more comfortable than our Hogwarts uniforms, at least."

Karandonna smiled at Jaina. "It would be my pleasure, Jaina." She clapped her hands and a couple of her assistants rushed over to her. "If you could please get these folks measured, I'll make sure they leave in the finest silkweave this side of Stormwind!"

It didn't take too terribly long for everyone to get measured with their new Dalaran apparel. Karandonna first walked to the back to retrieve three simple, fairly loose-fitting violet dresses for Jaina, Hermione, and Luna. "The changing area is by the wall to your left," Karandonna instructed the girls. After the three girls changed, they came returned to the rest of their group. "You three look positively lovely," Karandonna murmured.

"These clothes are so much more comfortable than our Hogwarts uniforms," mused Luna. "Much more feminine, too. I love this." Hermione and Jaina voiced their approvals as well.

One of Karandonna's assistants handed Jaina, Hermione and Luna each a matching purple pair of simple ballet flats. "Definitely more feminine," said Hermione as she slipped on her flats. "Sorry Professor, but given a choice I'd much rather wear this. Dumbledore laughed heartily. "I'm sure you would, my child."

A short while later, Dumbledore and the boys received their robes from Karadonna's assistants. The robes were similar to the black standard Hogwarts ones, except that they were purple and grey instead of black, and had gold-trimmed tabards with the Dalaran seal. Karandonna's assistants the provided the gentlemen with simple black pull-on boots that were both durable and lightweight. Dumbledore and the boys then went to the changing area to try on their new Dalaran clothing.

Draco stood in front of the mirror in his changing room, admiring himself. "Well, hello handsome," he said with a smirk. "I don't know who you're talking to, Malfoy," Harry said from the next room over. "I don't think there are any handsome blokes in your room." Draco cursed under his breath. "You wouldn't know good style if it bit you in the arse, Potter," Draco sneered.

Several minutes later, Dumbledore and the boys joined back up with Jaina, Hermione and Luna.

Ron couldn't believe how stunning Hermione looked in her new Dalaran dress. "You look beautiful, Hermione. I wish I saw you like this more often." Hermione blushed. "Thank you, Ron. You don't look half bad yourself."

Neville never saw Jaina wear anything besides her Hogwarts uniform. What also caught him off-guard was that her hair was down instead of her usual ponytail. "Wow, Jaina, you look amazing," he said. "Is this what you wore when you used to live here?"

Jaina blushed slightly. "Don't get too used to it Neville," she said with a giggle. "But yes, most of my old clothes were silkweave like this. And thank you for the very nice compliment. You look rather handsome yourself."

"Is there a hairdresser around here?" Luna asked. Before Jaina could answer, Dumbledore had to interrupt. "We are here on business. We need to go to the Violet Citadel as quickly as possible to discuss a rather important matter with Archmage Antonidas."

Karandonna gave Dumbledore a look, arms akimbo. "Why didn't you say so? Antonidas must really think highly of you to ask for help. Don't worry about the bill hun. If I know Antonidas, he handles guest expenses. I'll discuss this with him later on."

"Perfect, thank you," replied Dumbledore. "Your service was most extraordinary today."

Karandonna smiled. "It's my pleasure. Please stop by again for any clothing needs!"

Dumbledore then led the youngsters to the great hall where the Kirin Tor presided. "I was here once, three years ago," he explained to the group. "I was treated to a most marvelous banquet, much like our Start-Of-Term feast." They marched across several streets and bridges until they were face-to-face with the largest building in town. A small group of guards waited outside the door. "Please allow me to speak on our behalf, unless you are directly spoken to please," Dumbledore advised his students.

Dumbledore approached one of the guards by the large wooden front door. "Good afternoon. I am Professor Albus Dumbledore on behalf of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Archmage Antonidas has requested my assistance for a particular matter. I have brought a contingent of some of my most qualified pupils."

The guard barely blinked at Dumbledore. "Wait here." The guard whispered something to someone standing next to him. He appeared to be a high elf, wearing a similar ensemble as Dumbledore and the boys. The door creaked and opened slightly, and the high elf went in.

Several minutes later, the front doors opened much more widely. Antonidas, flanked by several lesser wizards approached the group. "Ahh, welcome back to Dalaran, Albus," Antonidas said while embracing the Professor. "While there is important business to attend to, do not burden yourselves any further today. We will discuss our situation in the morning."

"It's good to see you again, Archmage," said Dumbledore. "It's been too long." Antonidas motioned for the Hogwarts contingent to come inside. Jaina could not contain her excitement anymore. She ran to Archmage Antonidas and threw her arms around him in a wild hug. "Master Antonidas, it is so good to see you!"

Antonidas smiled at his former pupil. "Jaina, my child. It's wonderful to see you. And my aching eyes have longed to see you in traditional Dalaran regalia once again. You look positively lovely." "Thank you, Master Antonidas," Jaina replied.

"And Miss Hermione, it has been far too long. You look truly lovely in your purple Dalaran finery as well," the Archmage continued. Hermione blushed. "Thank you, sir. It has been too long. I'm very grateful to finally visit Jaina's home. Dalaran is quite lovely, really it is."

The Archmage turned toward the rest of the group. "As for everyone else, welcome to Dalaran - the Magical Kingdom! I will have a valet show you to your rooms momentarily. Please take some time to relax and enjoy the creature comforts that the Violet Citadel has to offer. At six o'clock this evening, we will have a great feast in your honor in the banquet hall." He paused and patted his belly. "And do be sure to save some room for our famous red velvet cake."

Several minutes later, a high elf came from upstairs to join the group. "Follow me please," he told the Hogwarts wizards. "I will take you to your quarters." He led them upstairs to the third floor, and down a long corridor. Each guest had their own room, complete with a luxurious four-poster with velvet curtains. The valet continued. "If any of you should require anything, please ring the bell on your nightstands, and a valet will assist you shortly."

Several minutes later, after everyone had a chance to get settled in, Hermione knocked on Jaina's door. "Hi Jaina. I was wondering if you could help fix my hair up before dinner tonight." Jaina grinned at Hermione. "I would be delighted. Let me see if I can get a hairdresser to help with that. Oh, and if you could, ask Luna if she wants to join us." Hermione got up to knock on Luna's door while Jaina rang the bell on her stand. Hermione and Luna returned to Jaina's room, while Jaina sat on her chair waiting for the valet to arrive.

Several minutes later, another high elf knocked on Jaina's door. "Hello, Miss Jaina. How can I help you today?" the high elf drawled. "Hello, Chauncey. I was wondering if you could get us in touch with a hairdresser before dinner this evening." Chauncey glanced at the grandfather clock at the end of the hall. "Dinner starts in three hours, but if Miss Katrina has any immediate openings, I believe that would be possible. Please wait here and I will inform you momentarily."

Less than ten minutes later, Chauncey returned. "Miss Katrina said that the three of you can be seen immediately. Please, follow me." He led Jaina, Hermione and Luna down to the second floor and through a brightly lit corridor. He stopped near the end of the corridor and gestured to his right. "Miss Katrina's assistants will be more than happy to style you however you wish." Three female high elves greeted the girls. "Hello, lovelies. Please follow me to the back. We'll get started with a perfectly soothing hair wash."

By five thirty, the girls were finished. Jaina received a halo braid with Stratholme lilies weaves into it. Hermione's hair was French braided with lilies weaved into the braids. Luna's golden hair was wrapped into a circular bun on the back of her head, but her lilies were draped over her neck like a Hawaiian lei.

The girls thanked their hairdressers for their service, and made their way back to their quarters. At ten minutes till six, Dumbledore knocked on everyone's door to remind them that they were to go downstairs for the great feast. The Hogwarts contingent made their way downstairs where Antonidas stood waiting in the foyer. Jaw agape at the sight of his one-time apprentice, he managed to say, "Jaina, my child, you never cease to amaze me. And Hermione, my child, you look stunning as well. And who is this other lovely young lady? I don't think I've had the pleasure."

"Hello sir, I'm Luna. Luna Lovegood," said Luna. "A genuine pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Lovegood," said the Archmage. "Dinner will be served momentarily. Please follow me to our royal banquet hall, and a valet will show you to your seats."

The group followed Archmage Antonidas to the banquet hall, where Chauncey received them. "Everybody, please follow me. Professor, the Archmage has asked if you would care to join him at his table up front, along with the other Kirin Tor." Dumbledore bowed his head respectfully. "I would be most privileged to join him," he replied.

Chauncey nodded his head. "Very good, Professor," he said. "Everyone else, please take your seat at the table to my left. Dinner rolls and a light house salad will be served momentarily, and your drink options this evening will be water for wizards young and old, and flamewine for mages that are of age." The children took their seats at the long table that was quite reminiscent of their respective house's tables in the Great Hall of Hogwarts. For Luna and especially Draco, it felt quite strange sharing a table with students from other houses, but they knew that for the purposes of this mission, they knew that they had to act as if they all belonged to the same house. It wasn't a big deal for Luna, but Draco had to swallow some of his pride.

The decor was rather different than the Hogwarts Castle great hall, but was arguably more impressive. Although it lacked the floating candles, it had many crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. The goblets were also real crystal, and the silverware was pure silver. The Dalaranians also seemed to be somewhat more old-fashioned in the sense that they used valets instead of magic, and they cooked their food in a kitchen. But none of the Hogwarts guests minded - in fact, they were all quite impressed with the service - even Draco. "I could get quite used to this kind of service back at Hogwarts," he thought to himself.

One of Archmage Antonidas' associate mages clinked a fork on her goblets. "May I have your attention please? Our esteemed Archmage Antonidas would like to share a few words before we feast." The Archmage stood to his feet and cleared his throat. "Good evening everyone. First and foremost, could you all please join me in welcoming our friends from Hogwarts to the Violet Citadel?" The great hall erupted into thunderous applause. "Professor Dumbledore here is a dear friend of mine, and has pledged his assistance in locating Kel'Thuzad and having him answer for his transgressions. His fall is a most painful loss, as I have considered him a talented associate and a personal friend for over fifty years, but we must do what must be done. Let this be a lesson - there is a time and place for delving into the dark arts, but only in moderation. He unfortunately found himself addicted and enthralled by its corrupting powers."

The Archmage paused for a moment, before continuing. "But let us not dwell on our losses. We are here to rejoice - not only do I have a great personal friend with us today, but he has brought seven of his most capable students to assist. The magic they use at Hogwarts may be different than what we use here on Azeroth, but it is a powerful magic that should prove most useful for the task at hand. And among them is one of our very own, Miss Jaina Proudmoore. She is such an inspiring young witch - she is learned in both Azerothian and Hogwarts magic and is a most perfect ambassador for our two worlds. She is a shining beacon of hope, and so bubbly and effervescent. Would you please stand for us, Jaina?" Jaina stood and curtsied as the great hall gave her a standing ovation.

"And with Miss Jaina is another most talented young witch, Miss Hermione Granger. She is from Earth, the world where Hogwarts is located, but she and Jaina have forged a strong, unbreakable friendship from the day they met. She has every bit of Jaina's spirit and talent, and I would have been just as honored to tutor her as I once tutored Jaina. Hermione, could you please stand for us as well?" Hermione stood to her feet and curtsied. Once again, everyone in the great hall gave her a standing ovation.

"Finally, if everyone can join me for a toast." He raised his goblet. "To Dalaran, and to Hogwarts!" All of the diners in the great hall raised their goblets, and exclaimed in unison, "To Dalaran, and to Hogwarts!" Antonidas then grinned broadly. "And now - let us feast!"

The servers soon placed hot, freshly-baked dinner rolls on everyone's plates. Professor Dumbledore took a small sip of the firewine in his goblet. He smiled at Antonidas. "This is a good wine. My palate finds the little kick quite pleasing," said the Professor. "I figured you would enjoy sampling our famous firewine," the Archmage replied.

Not long after that, the servers arrived with the main course. The options were all delectable: fire-roasted chicken, prime beef rib, smoked terrorfish, with sides such as corn on the cob, steamed carrots, and mashed potatoes. The children marveled at how delicious their meals were. "This is as good as any Start-of-Term feast that I've ever had," said Neville to Jaina. Jaina smirked. "Just you wait until dessert, Neville," she said rather cheekily.

After everyone had finished with their main course, several servers with covered trays entered the hall and gave all the guests a large slice of the famous Azerothian red velvet cake. Hermione stuck her fork into the cake and took a bite. Her eyes lit up almost right away. "You're right Jaina, this is quite heavenly," she sighed. Draco nudged Jaina gently. "Not bad, Proudmoore, not bad at all," he said silkily. "I would dare say this is worthy of the Malfoy Manor."

Jaina gave him a look, with an eyebrow cocked. "Did... you just give me a compliment, Draco?" Draco chuckled as he dug in for another bite of the red velvet cake. "Perhaps. But don't get too used to it... Jaina." He gave her a little smile back.

Jaina looked somewhat stunned. "So, are we on a first-name basis now, Draco?" Draco, still with a lopsided grin, replied, "I don't know, but again, don't get too used to it. But really, you're all right, for a Gryffindor." Jaina couldn't help but giggle. "And you're not so bad yourself," she said.

"Jaina," Draco replied. "I have a reputation to maintain back at Hogwarts, but I can let my hair down a little bit here. While we're on Azeroth, we're all one house. But that doesn't mean that we're besties or anything," he added, gently waving a fork towards Jaina. "We don't need to be besties, Draco. But we do need to be able to get along and work together. We need you." Draco gave Jaina a little smirk.

Ron was positively smitten with Hermione all evening. He could barely say a word, even though he badly wanted to tell her how beautiful she looked with her braided hair. Hermione noticed that Ron was having a hard time keeping his eyes off her. She was somewhat annoyed that he couldn't find the courage to speak to her, so she decided to break the ice. "Oh for Merlin's sake Ron, stop putting me on a bloody pedestal and just tell me what's on your mind! I'm the same Hermione that you met three years ago on the Hogwarts Express," she said with a hint of exasperation.

"I - I'm sorry, Hermione," Ron stammered. "I guess I was trying to think of what to say without sounding like an idiot. But I really like what they did to your hair, you really do look beautiful tonight." Hermione's cheeks turned bright red. "You really think so, Ron?" she asked.

Ron nodded. "I know so. And you're only partly correct. While you are the same girl that I met on the train, you've become so much more than a bushy-haired bookworm. You've blossomed into a truly beautiful young lady. One I'm honored to call a friend, and a very special one at that. You bring out the best in me, Hermione, you really do."

Hermione's cheeks flushed bright red again. "And you are completely right about one thing," she giggled. "You ARE an idiot, but you're a very likable idiot." She gave him a silly grin. "And you are also one of the best friends I've ever had. Until I met you, most of the friends I've had were characters in adventure novels. I never made real friends easily, but you, Jaina and Harry have been with me through thick and thin. You don't need to ever feel embarrassed, or not good enough, to talk to me, Ronald Weasley." She leaned over to give him a gentle peck on his forehead. This time, it was Ron that turned red.

Dumbledore turned to Antonidas. "That was a most exquisite meal indeed, Antonidus," the Professor said. "I must say that the best part was that luscious red velvet cake." Antonidas laughed like a schoolboy. "The red velvet cake is always the best part, Albus."

Dumbledore's face then shifted to an expression of confusion. "That red velvet cake you sent me before we arrived in Dalaran... I don't think there's going to be much left when we get back." Antonidas looked at Dumbledore. "Why do you say that, Albus?" Dumbledore smiled weakly. "I'm certain that Minerva has found that tasty dessert by now, and if she finds it as tasty as we do..." The professor's voice trailed off slightly. Then both wizards laughed at the thought of the prim-and-proper Professor McGonagall downing an entire cake.