Chapter 5: Sorting Ceremony

Septermber 2, 2001 – Sunday

Great Hall, Hogwarts

Leaning against the window of the carriage, Dawn's heart raced with anticipation as Hogwarts drew nearer. Lightning streaked across the dark sky, casting an eerie glow over the castle. The rain-splattered glass added to the mystique of the moment.

Buffy, Dawn, Harry, Ron, and Hermione leaped out of the carriage with an eager energy, dashing up the steps and inside. The storm outside seemed to reflect their excitement, its fury matching the pounding of their hearts.

"Blimey," Ron exclaimed, shaking his head vigorously and sending water droplets flying in all directions, "if that keeps up, the lake's going to overflow. I'm soaked - ARRGH!"

As if on cue, a large water-filled balloon descended from above, targeting Ron's head and exploding in a watery burst. Ron, drenched and sputtering, staggered right into Harry, just as a second water bomb plummeted from the sky, narrowly missing Dawn.

"PEEVES!" Professor McGonagall's voice thundered through the corridor as she emerged from the Great Hall, her stern tone cutting through the chaos like a bolt of lightning. She skidded on the wet floor, her hand shooting out to grab Hermione around the neck to prevent herself from falling. "Ouch - sorry, Miss Grang…" she corrected herself, acknowledging Hermione's preferred name with a hint of tenderness, knowing the importance of respecting her choices. "Miss Summers—"

Hermione, still gasping for breath, offered a warm smile despite the unexpected encounter. "That's all right, Professor!" she managed to say.

"Peeves, get down here NOW!" Professor McGonagall's command echoed with authority, the stormy atmosphere outside mirrored by the tempestuous start to the school year within the hallowed halls of Hogwarts.

Peeves continued his manic laughter, reveling in the chaos he'd caused. "Not doing nothing!" he cackled, mischief dancing in his eyes. "Already wet, aren't they? Little squirts! Wheeeeeeeeee!" He gleefully aimed another bomb at a group of second years who had just arrived, their shocked expressions turning to dismay as they were doused by the water.

"I shall call the headmaster!" shouted Professor McGonagall, her patience wearing thin. "I'm warning you, Peeves—"

Peeves, ever the incorrigible troublemaker, stuck out his tongue defiantly, tossing the last of his water bombs into the air with a flourish, and then promptly vanished out of the room, leaving behind a trail of laughter echoing in his wake.

"That's something I'm not sure I will ever get used to seeing," Buffy admitted, her eyes still wide with amazement as she recalled her only encounter with a ghost.

Dawn, her voice filled with curiosity, gently probed, "Because of James?" Buffy nodded solemnly, her thoughts drifting to the ghostly figure of James Stanley, a spirit tormented by the need for forgiveness and love.

"He's a sad one," Dawn said softly, her hand patting her sister's back in a comforting gesture. She had heard the tragic tale of James Stanley, the ghost who sought redemption for the teacher he had killed and the love of his life, Grace Newman.

"Well, move along, then!" Professor McGonagall urged, directing her attention back to the students. "Into the Great Hall, come on! Well, except you, Miss Summers," she said, addressing the twin she believed to be Dawn. "Professor Dumbledore wants you to go in with the First Years since you have yet to be sorted."

Harry and Ron exchanged farewells with Dawn, their faces reflecting the excitement and anticipation of the Sorting Ceremony as they headed into the Great Hall, leaving her, Buffy, and Hermione alone with Professor McGonagall.

Dawn looked to Buffy, finding comfort in her sister's smile. "I'll wait here with you if you want," Buffy offered, her warmth and support shining through.

Dawn considered the offer for a moment, her eyes shifting between Buffy and Hermione. She then shook her head with a determined smile. "Go on. I'll be fine. Besides, who's going to keep Hermione out of trouble?"

Hermione couldn't help but chuckle at the mischievous glint in Dawn's eye. "We could always pull one on the hat," she teased her sister, though she knew they were more likely to follow the rules.

Professor McGonagall joined in the light-hearted banter, shaking her head with a fond smile. "You two are going to be as bad as the Weasley twins, aren't you?" She posed the question with a knowing look, aware that while Hermione might not indulge in pranks, they would certainly keep everyone guessing about their identities. "Well, maybe not on the pranks, but on us trying to decide who's who."

Buffy rolled her eyes playfully, taking Hermione by the arm as she began to lead her toward the doors that Ron and Harry had exited through. "Come on, 'Mione," she said with a grin.

Hermione followed Buffy for a moment, their steps echoing in the corridor. However, her inquisitive nature couldn't be quelled, and she turned back to Professor McGonagall with a thoughtful expression.

"Professor, I was wondering how are we going to solve the situation of Dawn and I having some of the same classes?" Hermione inquired, her concern for the potential confusion evident in her voice. "You know when it comes to…"

Professor McGonagall regarded Hermione for a moment, contemplating the challenge posed by their identical appearances. "That is a good question," she admitted. "We could either add your adopted name to yours, Granger-Summers, to differentiate between the two of you. Or we could simply add your first names when we're speaking to one instead of the other. Though it might be helpful if you two didn't attempt to pull the Weasley twins' prank of confusing the professors on who is who."

Dawn couldn't help but smirk at the suggestion. "Would we do that?" she teased, a glimmer of mischief in her eyes.

Hermione glanced at Dawn again, and for a brief moment, it felt as if their thoughts were perfectly synchronized. "She's right, Dawn," Hermione informed her twin, her expression thoughtful. "It's going to be confusing enough as it is for anyone who isn't us."

"Tell me about it," Buffy chimed in with a groan. "I think the only reason I can tell the two of you apart is because I grew up with Dawn."

Dawn sighed, her mischievous spirit momentarily subdued. "Okay," she reluctantly agreed before turning her attention back to Professor McGonagall. "Maybe we could have letters sewn onto our uniforms. D for Dawn and H for Hermione." She glanced at Buffy for confirmation. "Kind of like that old TV show Mom used to like." Buffy nodded, acknowledging the reference with a knowing smile. Dawn then turned back to Professor McGonagall. "That might help with the confusion. Would that be alright, Professor?"

Professor McGonagall carefully considered the suggestion, recognizing its practicality despite the unconventional nature. "I would have to ask the Headmaster, but I don't think that would be a problem," she conceded, her tone carrying a hint of approval.

As they spoke, the doors behind them swung open, and the sounds of approaching footsteps filled the corridor. Professor McGonagall glanced over her shoulder and nodded. "Ah, here come the first years. Run along with Professor Summers, Hermione. The sorting is about to start."

Hermione followed Buffy into the Great Hall, her excitement building as she prepared to join Harry and Ron. They parted ways, Hermione taking her place among her friends, while Buffy made her way up to the staff table.

0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0

As the first-years gathered in the chamber, Professor McGonagall addressed them with her usual authority. Her words carried a sense of tradition and importance as she welcomed the newcomers to Hogwarts.

"Welcome to Hogwarts," Professor McGonagall began, her voice steady and warm. "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. The Sorting is a very important ceremony because, while you are here, your House will be something like your family within Hogwarts. You will have classes with the rest of your House, sleep in your House dormitory, and spend free time in your House common room."

"The four Houses are called Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. Each House has its own noble history and each has produced outstanding witches and wizards. While you are at Hogwarts, your triumphs will earn your House points, while any rule-breaking will lose House points. At the end of the year, the House with the most points is awarded the House cup, a great honor. I hope each of you will be a credit to whichever House becomes yours."

"The Sorting Ceremony will take place in a few minutes in front of the rest of the school," she continued, her gaze sweeping over the eager faces before her. "I suggest you all smarten yourselves up as much as you can while you are waiting. I shall return when we are ready for you."

With that, Professor McGonagall turned her attention to Dawn, who was now the eldest student awaiting the Sorting. She made a request with a hint of trust in her voice. "Since you're the eldest to be sorted, would you be so kind as to do me a favor and make sure they wait quietly?"

Dawn nodded with a sense of responsibility. "Sure," she replied.

0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0

"Good evening," Nearly Headless Nick greeted them, his ghostly form beaming with a friendly demeanor.

"Said who?" Harry quipped with a playful grin. "Hope they hurry up with the Sorting. I'm starving."

Hermione, on the other hand, displayed her usual patience and curiosity. "I'd rather it take a little bit. I want to see what house Dawnie gets sorted into."

Harry's curiosity got the best of him as he inquired, "Why do you call her Dawnie?"

"It's her nickname," Hermione replied casually, her tone affectionate. "It's what Buffy's friends call her among other things."

Before the conversation could continue, they were greeted by the enthusiastic Colin Creevey. "Hiya, Harry!" he exclaimed, his camera at the ready, eager to capture every moment of the magical evening.

"Hi, Colin," Harry responded cautiously, not entirely comfortable with the boy's boundless enthusiasm.

Colin's excitement was palpable as he continued, "Harry, guess what? Guess what, Harry? My brother's starting! My brother Dennis!"

"Er - good," Harry replied, his response polite but somewhat reserved.

"He's really excited!" Colin continued, barely containing his enthusiasm. "I just hope he's in Gryffindor! Keep your fingers crossed, eh, Harry?"

"Er - yeah, all right," Harry said, offering a half-hearted agreement as he turned back to Hermione, Ron, and Nearly Headless Nick. "Brothers and sisters usually go in the same Houses, don't they?"

Hermione, the voice of reason as always, chimed in, "Oh no, not necessarily. Parvati Patil's twin's in Ravenclaw, and they're identical. You'd think they'd be together, wouldn't you? Though I have to say I do hope Dawn gets into Gryffindor."

Ron, never one to hold back his hunger, let out a groan of impatience. "Oh, hurry up," he moaned, his stomach growling loudly. "I could eat a hippogriff."

0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0

Dawn stood at the back of the line, quietly observing the new first-year students as they chatted nervously among themselves. She overheard their questions and worries about the Sorting Ceremony, the uncertainty of where they would belong in the wizarding world.

Professor McGonagall returned, and Dawn listened attentively as she gave them instructions. "Now, form a line," McGonagall instructed. "Miss Summers, if you could be last, it would be appreciated as you will be sorted last due to your circumstances as a transfer student." Dawn nodded, acknowledging the arrangement. "Okay, follow me," McGonagall added.

Walking behind a boy with sandy hair, Dawn entered the Great Hall, a place that never ceased to amaze her. The sight of thousands of candles floating in midair, illuminating the hall with a warm and enchanting light, filled her with a sense of wonder. It was a sight she had seen before but still found captivating.

She recalled Hermione's words from her first visit to the Great Hall, the young witch's excitement evident in her voice. "It's bewitched to look like the sky outside. I read about it in 'Hogwarts, A History.'"

As Professor McGonagall led her and the first-year students toward the front of the Great Hall, Dawn felt a wave of anticipation wash over her. The eyes of hundreds of students, like pale lanterns in the candlelit room, were fixed on the newcomers. It was a moment of transition, a journey into the unknown, and Dawn couldn't help but wonder where her place in this magical world would be.

Dawn stood with the first-year students, her heart pounding with a mixture of anticipation and nervousness. As Professor McGonagall silently placed the four-legged stool and the old, patched wizard's hat in front of her and the first years, Dawn realized that she was about to experience something entirely new - her own Sorting.

The hall fell into a hushed silence, and then, unexpectedly, the hat on the stool sprang to life. Its long tear near the brim stretched wide like a mouth, and the hat began to sing, its voice filling the hall with a mysterious and captivating melody.

0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0

"That's not the song it sang when it sorted us," Harry remarked, clapping along with the rest of the students once the hat had finished its song.

"Sings a different one every year," Ron explained with a shrug. "It's got to be a pretty boring life, hasn't it, being a hat? I suppose it spends all year making up the next one."

Professor McGonagall, now holding a long roll of parchment, stepped forward to begin the Sorting ceremony in earnest. She announced, "When I call your name, you will put on the hat and sit on the stool to be sorted. When the hat announces your House, you will go and sit at the appropriate table."

As the ceremony began, a boy named Ackerley, Stewart, stumbled out of line, placed the hat on his head, which promptly fell down over his eyes, and took a seat on the stool. The hall waited in anticipation for the Sorting Hat's decision.

"RAVENCLAW!" the hat declared, and the Ravenclaw table erupted in applause and cheers for their newest member.

Hermione couldn't help but smile as she spotted Dawn looking at her nervously. She leaned in slightly and mouthed words of encouragement, "You'll be fine," offering reassurance to her twin as the Sorting continued.

Dawn returned Hermione's reassuring smile with a grateful nod, appreciating her sister's support during this pivotal moment.

As the Sorting Hat worked its way through the first-year students, Dawn stood alone, drawing the attention of the Gryffindor students who recognized her resemblance to Hermione. Whispers and curious glances filled the air as they wondered about the connection between the two.

Dumbledore, with his characteristic twinkle in his eye, rose to his feet and addressed the gathered students. "We have one more student to sort," he began, garnering the full attention of the Great Hall. "She is a transfer student from America and is joining us in her fourth year. For the Gryffindors who noticed she looks like one of their own, Hermione Summers… and you will notice I called her by the wrong surname to what you all know. There is an explanation for that, and I will allow her to tell it when she is ready. The young lady standing before us waiting to be sorted is her identical twin sister, Dawn Summers. They were separated at birth due to reasons beyond their parents' control. Hermione was only recently reunited with Dawn and their elder sister, Buffy, when she learned of her adoption." Dumbledore's words were met with a mix of surprise and curiosity from the students. He smiled at Dawn and waved toward the stool. "Miss Dawn Summers, if you will please have a seat so you can be sorted."

Dawn, feeling a sense of unity with her sisters as they smiled and waved, stepped forward to face the Sorting Hat. Though she was older than the first years, the hat was still a bit large on her head, obscuring her vision as it dropped over her eyes. She waited patiently, knowing that this was a moment that would determine her place at Hogwarts.

The Sorting Hat's voice, small but filled with wisdom, spoke directly into her ear. "Hmm, another Granger."

Dawn couldn't help but chuckle, her voice soft as she responded, "You got that backwards. I'm not a Granger. Hermione is a Summers." The words held a touch of amusement as she clarified her identity to the hat.

The Sorting Hat, perched atop Dawn's head, chuckled softly as it considered her qualities. "Yes," it mused, "you are correct. So where to put you. Where to put you? Difficult. Very difficult. Plenty of courage, I see. Which is not surprising given who your eldest sister is. Not a bad mind either. Again not surprising given who your twin is. You have potential both as a witch and a Slayer. And, of course, you have a nice thirst to prove yourself, again not surprising with who your eldest sister is. So where shall I put you? You could do well in most houses. Though Slytherin would possibly fit you best, given what you are, the vessel that was created to hide the Key."

Dawn's determination shone through as she emphatically declared, "Not Slytherin. With Hermione, please. I want to be in Gryffindor."

The Sorting Hat seemed to consider her choice one final time before acquiescing, "Not Slytherin, eh?" Dawn nodded firmly. "Well, if you're sure—better be GRYFFINDOR!"

With that proclamation, the Sorting Hat shouted the house name to the entire hall. Dawn removed the hat, her heart filled with relief and satisfaction as she waved at her elder sister, who beamed back with pride. She then made her way toward the Gryffindor table, where Hermione awaited her. The Gryffindor students welcomed her with cheers and applause, celebrating the arrival of their new housemate.

Ron, never one to let food go to waste, couldn't help but quip, "About time," as Dawn took her seat next to Hermione. He wasted no time and started preparing his plate with enthusiasm.

Professor Dumbledore, standing tall and radiating warmth, addressed the students with a smile. "I have only two words to say to you," he announced, his deep voice carrying throughout the Great Hall. "Tuck in."

As the empty dishes vanished and were replaced with a new course of delicious food, the four friends—Harry, Ron, Dawn, and Hermione—dug into their plates with hearty appetites. The magical feast provided an abundance of culinary delights, and Ron, in particular, expressed his satisfaction with a mouthful of mashed potatoes. "Aaah, 'at's be'er," he mumbled, savoring the meal.

The students enjoyed the sumptuous puddings that followed, devouring them with equal enthusiasm. The joyful chatter that had filled the Great Hall quieted as Dumbledore rose to his feet once more, commanding their attention.

Dumbledore's warm smile enveloped the room as he addressed the students. "So!" he began, his voice carrying a sense of authority and camaraderie. "Now that we are all fed and watered, I must once more ask for your attention while I give out a few notices."

He continued, relaying the caretaker Mr. Filch's request, "Mr. Filch, the caretaker, has asked me to tell you that the list of objects forbidden inside the castle has this year been extended to include Screaming Yo-yos, Fanged Frisbees, and Ever-Bashing Boomerangs. The full list comprises some four hundred and thirty-seven items, I believe, and can be viewed in Mr. Filch's office, if anybody would like to check it."

Dawn's eyes widened in disbelief at the mention of the extensive list of forbidden items. "Four hundred and thirty-seven items that are forbidden? Isn't that excessive?" she asked Hermione, seeking her perspective on the matter. Hermione, with her deep knowledge of Hogwarts rules and regulations, shook her head in response.

Dumbledore's speech continued, delivering both expected and unexpected news. "As ever, I would like to remind you all that the forest on the grounds is out-of-bounds to students, as is the village of Hogsmeade to all below third year. It is also my painful duty to inform you that the Inter-House Quidditch Cup will not take place this year."

Harry couldn't hide his surprise. "What?" he gasped, clearly shocked by the news.

Dumbledore continued, "This is due to an event that will be starting in October, and continuing throughout the school year, taking up much of the teachers' time and energy - but I am sure you will all enjoy it immensely. I have great pleasure in announcing that this year at Hogwarts -"

Before Dumbledore could reveal the exciting event, a sudden and deafening rumble of thunder reverberated through the Great Hall. The heavy doors at the entrance slammed open, drawing the attention of every student. In the doorway stood a mysterious man, leaning on a long staff and cloaked in a shroud of black.

Dawn, Hermione, and the rest of the students in the Great Hall turned their attention to the mysterious man as he lowered his hood and made his way toward the staff table. The tension in the air was palpable as they awaited an explanation for his presence.

Upon reaching Dumbledore, the stranger extended his hand, which Dumbledore shook warmly. The headmaster then gestured for the man to take a seat between himself and Buffy at the staff table.

As the stranger settled in and helped himself to a plate of sausages, Dumbledore introduced him with a bright smile, breaking the silence in the hall. "May I introduce one of our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teachers?" Dumbledore announced, "Professor Moody."

Harry couldn't contain his surprise, muttering to Ron, "Moody? Mad-Eye Moody? The one your dad went to help this morning?"

Ron, equally astounded, replied in a low, awed voice, "Must be."

Hermione leaned in closer, whispering, "What happened to him?"

Dawn's curiosity got the better of her, and she couldn't resist asking, "What happened to his face?" Her raised eyebrow mirrored her intrigue.

Ron, who was equally fascinated by Professor Moody's appearance, replied with a shrug and a quiet, "Dunno."

Dumbledore, always a master of timing, cleared his throat and decided it was time to proceed with introductions. "Before I return to what I was saying, we might as well finish with introductions," he began. "This year, we're lucky to have two people sharing the duty of Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. Let me introduce to you Professor Buffy Summers."

The Gryffindor table looked from Dawn to Hermione and then finally to Buffy. Dumbledore's announcement had clarified that Hermione and Dawn were sisters, but it had kept the whereabouts of their elder sister a secret until now.

"Now, as I was saying," Dumbledore continued, his eyes twinkling with anticipation, "we are to have the honor of hosting a very exciting event over the coming months, an event that has not been held for over a century. It is my very great pleasure to inform you that the Triwizard Tournament will be taking place at Hogwarts this year."

The announcement left Fred Weasley so stunned that he couldn't contain himself and blurted out, "You're JOKING!" His exclamation resonated through the Great Hall, reflecting the shock and disbelief of the entire student body.

The tension that had gripped the Great Hall since Professor Moody's arrival was suddenly dispelled by Fred Weasley's exclamation, and laughter rippled through the room. Even Dumbledore joined in with an appreciative chuckle.

"I am not joking, Mr. Weasley," Dumbledore responded, "though now that you mention it, I did hear an excellent one over the summer about a troll, a hag, and a leprechaun who all go into a bar."

However, Professor McGonagall's loud throat clearing brought Dumbledore back to the matter at hand. He continued, "Er - but maybe this is not the time…no… where was I? Ah yes, the Triwizard Tournament…well, some of you will not know what this tournament involves, so I hope those who do know will forgive me for giving a short explanation, and allow their attention to wander freely."

"The Triwizard Tournament was first established some seven hundred years ago as a friendly competition between the three largest European schools of wizardry: Hogwarts, Beauxbatons, and Durmstrang. A champion was selected to represent each school, and the three champions competed in three magical tasks. The schools took it in turns to host the tournament once every five years, and it was generally agreed to be a most excellent way of establishing ties between young witches and wizards of different nationalities - until, that is, the death toll mounted so high that the tournament was discontinued."

Hermione's eyes widened in alarm as she turned to Dawn, whispering urgently, "Death toll? Please tell me you wouldn't think of entering." Her concern was evident, and she hoped her twin sister shared her reservations about participating in such a perilous competition.

Dawn sighed, "No I wouldn't enter. I don't have a death wish." She leaned in to whisper to Hermione, "I don't want to bring attention to myself anyways with Glory looking for me."

Relieved by Dawn's response, Hermione offered her sister a warm smile and pulled her into a comforting hug. It was clear that they both shared concerns about attracting unwanted attention, especially considering the looming threat of Glory.

"There have been several attempts over the centuries to reinstate the tournament," Dumbledore continued, "none of which has been very successful. However, our own departments of International Magical Cooperation and Magical Games and Sports have decided the time is ripe for another attempt. We have worked hard over the summer to ensure that this time, no champion will find himself or herself in mortal danger."

"The heads of Beauxbatons and Durmstrang will be arriving with their short-listed contenders in October, and the selection of the three champions will take place at Halloween. An impartial judge will decide which students are most worthy to compete for the Triwizard Cup, the glory of their school, and a thousand Galleons personal prize money."

"I'm going for it!" Fred Weasley hissed down the table.

"Eager though I know all of you will be to bring the Triwizard Cup to Hogwarts," he said, "the heads of the participating schools, along with the Ministry of Magic, have agreed to impose an age restriction on contenders this year. Only students who are of age - that is to say, seventeen years or older - will be allowed to put forward their names for consideration. This -" Dumbledore raised his voice slightly, for several people had made noises of outrage at these words, and the Weasley twins were suddenly looking furious - "is a measure we feel is necessary, given that the tournament tasks will still be difficult and dangerous, whatever precautions we take, and it is highly unlikely that students below sixth and seventh year will be able to cope with them. I will personally be ensuring that no underage student hoodwinks our impartial judge into making them Hogwarts champion." His light blue eyes twinkled as they flickered over Fred's and George's mutinous faces. "I therefore beg you not to waste your time submitting yourself if you are under seventeen."

"The delegations from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang will be arriving in October and remaining with us for the greater part of this year. I know that you will all extend every courtesy to our foreign guests while they are with us, and will give your whole-hearted support to the Hogwarts champion when he or she is selected. And now, it is late, and I know how important it is to you all to be alert and rested as you enter your lessons tomorrow morning. Bedtime! Chop chop!"

As Dumbledore settled down and engaged in conversation with Mad-Eye Moody, the students in the Great Hall rose to their feet, their excitement palpable. The prospect of the Triwizard Tournament had stirred their curiosity and ambitions.

George Weasley, expressing his frustration, exclaimed, "They can't do that! We're seventeen in April, why can't we have a shot?"

Fred, undeterred, insisted, "They're not stopping me from entering. The champions'll get to do all sorts of stuff you'd never be allowed to do normally. And a thousand Galleons prize money!"

Ron, clearly tempted by the thought of the prize money, murmured, "Yeah, yeah, a thousand Galleons…"

Hermione, always pragmatic, urged her friends to move along, saying, "Come on, we'll be the only ones left here if you don't move."

With that, Dawn, Harry, Ron, Hermione, and the twins, Fred and George, began their journey toward the entrance hall.

Dawn exchanged a final wave with Buffy, silently communicating their plans to head up to the dormitory. Buffy smiled and mouthed, "See you tomorrow," to which Dawn nodded before turning to follow the others.

Harry, ever inquisitive, couldn't help but inquire, "Who's this impartial judge who's going to decide who the champions are?"

Fred, always one step ahead, pondered the situation. "Dunno," he replied, "but it's them we'll have to fool. I reckon a couple of drops of Aging Potion might do it, George…"

Ron, however, pointed out a significant obstacle. "Dumbledore knows you're not of age, though."

Fred, showing his cunning side, countered, "Yeah, but he's not the one who decides who the champion is, is he?" He grinned as he continued, "Sounds to me like once this judge knows who wants to enter, he'll choose the best from each school and never mind how old they are. Dumbledore's trying to stop us from giving our names."

Hermione's concern was evident in her voice as she interjected, "People have died, though!" She leaned into Dawn, who offered her comfort and reassurance.

"Yeah," said Fred airily, a mischievous glint in his eyes, "but that was years ago, wasn't it? Anyway, where's the fun without a bit of risk? Hey, Ron, what if we find out how to get 'round Dumbledore? Fancy entering?"

Ron, his face torn between excitement and caution, looked at Harry, searching for his opinion. "What d'you reckon?" he asked, his voice tinged with anticipation. "Be cool to enter, wouldn't it? But I s'pose they might want someone older….Dunno if we've learned enough…"

Harry, his heart pounding with the thrill of the idea, weighed the possibilities. "I'm not sure," he admitted, a sense of adventure creeping into his voice. "It would be incredible, but we should be careful."

"I definitely haven't," said Neville, his voice filled with a mix of determination and nervousness. "I expect my gran'd want me to try, though. She's always going on about how I should be upholding the family honor. I'll just have to - oops…" His foot had sunk right through a step halfway up the staircase, and his voice cracked with embarrassment. Harry and Ron seized him under the armpits and pulled him out.

Dawn, her curiosity piqued, looked at the step with a hint of concern. "Is that normal? The step I mean."

Hermione, ever the knowledgeable one, nodded with a touch of superiority. "Yeah, there are several trick steps throughout the castle," she admitted as they made their way up to the entrance to Gryffindor Tower, which was concealed behind a large portrait of a fat lady in a pink silk dress.

"Password?" the portrait demanded as they approached, her voice echoing with authority.

"Balderdash," said George with a mischievous grin before looking at the others around him. "A prefect downstairs told me."