It was a very chilly night as the three made their way to the thestral-drawn carriages. Hermione entered the carriage first, followed by Harry, but when Ron tried to get in, a silent, freezing, iridescent wind-like light pushed him back, thrusting him all the way into the steel gray lake.

"RON!"

Harry and Hermione lept out of the carriage and ran over to the lake, pushing a group of horrified first-years aside.

"Where is he?"

Hermione yelled for help while Harry tried to fish around for Ron. But it was no use. Professor McGonagall rushed over, followed by Dumbledore.

McGonagall and Dumbledore started to talk hushed about something; Hermione was humming quietly and biting her nails; Harry was staring at the lake, half expecting Ron to pop up and say "Ha, fooled you all!"

But this obviously was not a joke.

Dumbledore yelled over the small crowd who remained, "All students will report immediately to their dormitories. First years, follow Hagrid across the lake. No fussing. Just go."

Assuming Dumbledore had meant all students except Harry and Hermione, the two of them stayed put.

"Miss Granger, Mister Potter, that includes you." Professor McGonagall said sharply.

Harry and Hermione glanced at each other worriedly, then jogged their way to the only remaining carriage.