The team just stared at the boy, not exactly sure how to react to that greeting, for they were still confused as to what was going on. Russ was trying not to laugh as he whispered something to Fulton. Dwayne was staring at the ceiling that reflected a grey sky with low clouds.

"Nice isn't it? The ceiling shows what it is really like outside. I read all about it in Hogwarts: a History." A brown-haired girl walked up to the team and stood next to Dwayne. "You can even see the stars at night sometimes."

"I'd like to see them there stars with you!" Dwayne blushed after he realized what he has said while Averman and Guy started snickering. They had never seen Cowboy go head over heels before.

"I'm Hermione," The girl held out her hand and gave Dwayne a toothy sort of smile.

He blushed and shook it, "I'm Dwayne, but they call me Cowboy."

"Nice to meet you, and the rest of you as well," she said, finally paying notice too the rest of them standing there.

"Way to be stand-offish, Hermione, that's a fantastic greeting to Hogwarts." A boy with flaming red hair and freckles walked up to the group. "The name's Ron Wesley."

The Ducks nodded, except for Fulton, who had been staring at Harry for a full five minutes now. "Dude…" he lowered his voice to Harry, but everyone could still hear, "I don't want to be rude or anything, but you got some dirt on your forehead."

Ron snorted as Harry searched for the dirt, "It's not dirt Harry, that's for sure." Realizing what Ron was talking about he rolled his eyes and shook his head.

"Be nice Ron! How are they supposed to know, they've only just got here!" Hermione shot Ron an incredulous look.

Suddenly a tall man appeared. He had a long white beard and twinkling eyes. "Good, I am glad to see that you three are getting to know our new guests." He smiled at Harry, Ron, and Hermione, and then turned to the team, "I am Professor Dumbledore, your headmaster here and the reason why you have been brought here. If you will follow me, I will take you to more private quarters and attempt to explain everything to you."

Suddenly, water balloons came from above their heads and a voice laughed, "It's time for the Duckies to go swimming!"

"Ouch!" Connie yelled as one smashed on her head. Water balloons were flying around the team. McGonagall came back into the room, quite angry, and quite soaking wet, "PEEVES!" she bellowed, wait until I get my hands on you!" The ghost only laughed in return and floated off down another hallway smashing balloons on other Hogwarts students.
"That's Peeves; he tends to cause lots the trouble around Hogwarts." Hermione explained as an angry McGonagall was running after him.

Dumbledore lead them to an empty classroom and the Ducks filed in quietly behind him (maybe for the first time I their lives) and sat down. Dumbledore set into a very long speech about how Voltemort ("don't be afraid of calling him by his true name" Dumbledore said) has taken over the magic world with a dark force and Harry was the first person to survive thus the scar…a sorcerer's stone…spells…chamber of secrets… Quidditch…dementors…spells, his speech seemed quite long, but when it was done, they felt they had only been sitting there for a few minutes.

Soon they were being fitted for their wands and robes. Ollivander was paying a great favor to Dumbledore by coming to the castle to fit them for their wands. And some how, quite magically of course, the Ducks new how to use them. They suddenly knew that the third floor corridors were off limits and that Filch had a cat named Mrs. Norris and Sirius Black could turn into a dog. How did they know all this they wondered? Spells, curses, and riding a broomstick seemed easy in their minds. Something about being a 5th year student…how did this all happen?

"Now it is time for the sorting ceremony! A very special occasion to sort you into your respective houses." Dumbledore announce with a glimmer in his eye.

"What? You mean we aren't going to be together?" Charlie questioned, both surprised and angry as he held onto his brand new wand, (12 ¾ birch with unicorn hair, perfect for spells.)
"It depends on what the hat decides." Dumbledore replied somewhat mysteriously.

The team was lead back to the great hall where now it was fully assembled with students at long tables with banners representeding the houses. A long table in front held all the professors with empty seats for Dumbledore and McGonagall. As the team walked by Harry, Ron, and Hermione waved hello and whispered good luck. McGonagall held a parchment and next to her on a stool, was a very old and battered hat.

Dumbledore raised his hands in silence as the hall buzzed in excitement and curiosity on which these new students were.
"Mudbloods?" a voice rang out, "this is Dumbledore's big solution? Getting these ragtag kids to stop Voltemort?" A group of Slytherins were snickering. While many Gryffindor's shot evil looks in the direction of the pale blond boy.

There was not much else that could be done, for Dumbledore was introducing the team explaining that these are new students brought in to help Hogwarts in it's time of trouble, and that they should get the respect as if they had already been at Hogwarts or several years.

Then McGonagall started to call out names. "Averman, Les." Looking petrified, Averman timidly stepped forward and sat on the stool and the hat was placed onto his head. It thought for a moment and opened its mouth. "Well-it's got to be," before anything else could be said, Averman fainted.

A/N: OK, here's where I need some advice? Do you guys think it would be better if the Ducks are all in the same house or if they are separate? Also, any other ideas? Thanks for the reviews, it makes my day! J