"Wow," said Neville, "You look amazing."
"Do you think this will be ok?" asked Ellie. She was dressed in a lovely green dress. She looked absolutely stunning.
"I think it's more that ok," said Neville, as he leaned in to kiss her. Neville could have stayed there all night, but Ellie seemed excited.
"Ginger, be good," said Ellie. "I've left Chopped on for you."
"You leave the telly on for her," said Neville.
"Of course, I don't want her to get too lonely," said Ellie.
"Now let's go. I can't wait to see the castle."
"Isn't the castle this way," said Ellie.
"Yes, but we're using a different entrance," said Neville.
"Why?"
"Because the knights that guard the gate are insane. Trust me, this is the best way to get you in."
"Lead on Macduff," said Ellie.
"Are you sure this is the way to Hogwarts?" asked Ellie, as they turned up the walkway to the Shrieking Shack. "I mean, this place is falling down."
"No, it only appears to be falling down," said Neville as they approached the stairs.
"Neville are you sure this is safe?" asked Ellie, as they walked up the stairs.
"Trust me, on this. I've used this route plenty of times," said Neville as he opened the door.
"You know this would be the perfect set for one of those scary movies. All you'd need to do is come up with a suitable back story. Or it would be a great haunted house."
"That's actually what it is known for. According to the guidebooks, the Shrieking Shack is the oldest continually haunted dwelling in Britain. But that's a lie to keep people-muggle and wizard away."
"Lumous," said Neville, as he pointed his wand. The room list up- revealing a small fireplace, three old chairs and one bedraggled sofa.
"This place feels really eerie," said Ellie.
"Because it is," said Neville. He opened an old door to reveal a steep staircase. He murmured another incantation, and a small light hovered in the air above them, leading them down the stairs. At the bottom, he pointed his wand, and a row of torches blazed to life, revealing a large tunnel.
"Who built this?" asked Ellie.
"From what I've been able to find out, it was originally built sometime in the 1530's, expanded during the Civil War because Cromwell and ilk hated magic. However, it was really expanded during World War II."
"So, does everyone know about it? Wouldn't that defeat the purpose?"
"Actually, not as many as you'd think. There are stories about tunnels, but not everyone knows where they are. Then there's the fact that a magical tree is right over the entrance- you must freeze it to get in and out of the tunnel."
"If there is a magical tree, which can hit us, why did we come this way?"
"It's still the easiest way to get you into the castle. Don't worry, I know how to freeze the tree. I used the tunnels all the time during my seventh year."
"Is there anything I need to know before we get into the castle?"
"You've met most of my friends. However, inf anyone asks, you are a witch. You attended school in Ireland. You work at a primary school in Edinburgh."
"
"Don't freak out if the pictures or statues move. Try not to be too astounded if you see pictures move or the occasional ghost. Hogwarts can be overwhelming."
As they neared the end of the tunnel, they came to a set of very rickety stairs. "We're there. I'll open the door and freeze the tree. We'll have to run for a minute, just until we're out of reach of the tree."
"Ok," said Ellie, as Neville opened the door. The willow branches moved wildly until Neville pointed his wand and murmured something.
"Run," said Neville. Ellie followed his lead, and they stopped as soon as they were out of reach of the branches.
"If I'd known we'd be doing an obstacle course, I would have worn different shoes," said Ellie, as she followed Neville through a gate into the courtyard. As she looked at the entrance to the castle, her jaw dropped.
"Wow. This place is amazing," said Ellie, as she looked up at the castle. She'd seen plenty of castles, but none quite like this. Students chattered away in the courtyard. She could even see decorative statues moving around the garden. She'd heard stories about this place, but it was nothing like she'd imagined.
"Sorry," said Ellie. "Here I am gawking at the castle- I probably stand out like a sore thumb."
"I doubt any of the students noticed- they are all so excited about the feast and the ball."
"You didn't mention a feast," said Ellie.
"Yes, well you can't have a dance and not feed people. Don't worry- it's just dinner at the staff table."
"Neville, I see you made it, and this must be Ellie," said a woman.
"Yes," said Neville. "Ellie, this is Colleen Craft. She's a professor and the one in charge of this evening."
"Nice to meet you," said Ellie, shaking Colleen's hand. "What do you think so far?"
"I think this place is amazing," said Ellie. She looked around the room, careful to keep her jaw closed. The people in the paintings appeared to be moving around. There were little groups of students gathering and chatting, waiting to be called into dinner. Several of the students looked a little surprised.
"Professor Longbottom brought a date," said a boy who looked to be about twelve. Before Ellie could respond or take in more of her surroundings.
"Ellie, so good to see you, my dear," said Flitwick, as he kissed her hand.
"Yes, it's wonderful to see you again."
"What do you think of our humble school?"
"It's amazing. I don't think there is anything humble about it," said Ellie.
"Ellie," said Seamus, "good to see you again. This is Alex, my date."
"Hey, Ellie," said Evan. "I hope they ring the gong soon. I'm hungry."
"That makes two of us," said Neville.
"It'll ring in just a minute. You know they ring it at six," said Alex.