Rose Weasley and the Callamitus Clause

On an unremarkable morning in early September, a quite remarkable train sat on a set of steel tracks. Students bid their parents farewell before climbing onto the scarlet steam engine and greeting their friends. Over-spilling trunks and the smell of new textbooks testified to the fact that they were all prepared for the new school year.

One girl faded in among the rest as a small boy clung to her arm, his bright green eyes surveying the scene with uncertainty. They both briefly hesitated and glanced back at their parents before boarding the train.

"Look at her," Hermione Granger murmured to her husband, who was standing by her side. "Our little Rosie is finally off to Hogwarts."

"Ah, don't get all teary again," said Ron with a groan. "She's a big girl, she'll be fine."

Hermione wiped her eyes and sniffed. "I know," she said, "but still.."

Their daughter reappeared through a window, her green-eyed cousin still by her side. They found their parents and waved as matching grins spread across their faces.

Hermione smiled through her tears and waved back. "But what if something goes wrong?" she asked. "What if--"

"Nothing is going to go wrong," responded Ron wearily. They had been having this conversation for the past week. "Remember? This bloke's not there--" Ron jabbed his elbow at the black haired man standing by his side, "--so what could possibly go wrong?"

Harry Potter turned and smirked at his friends. "Don't underestimate our little ones, but I think I've caused enough problems to last Hogwarts a lifetime."

The train began to pull away, and Hermione let out a small yelp. Held firmly in place by her husband, she made do with waving at her daughter until the train was out of sight. Then she straightened, sniffed again, and forced an optimistic smile on her face. Rose was a bright girl. She'd get through just fine.

On the train, Rose Weasley deposited her bags into one of the empty compartments. Her cousin Albus Potter sat and immediately bore his eyes out the window. He obviously needed a moment to collect himself.

Rose poked her head out of her compartment. Students were roaming between cars, greeting friends and finding seats. She slid in among the students and let the bustling bodies move her along the train. Snips of conversation flew past her as she went.

"I can't believe Professor Randor gave us so much homework over break. Did you finish?"

"No, I--"

"Has anyone seen my wand? I think I--"

"--and then there was this explosion, and the door just flew--"

Rose turned through an open compartment door and was pulled down onto the long seat next to a grinning girl with strawberry-blonde hair. The girl hugged Rose with one arm and used the other to grab a Bertie Bott's Every-Flavored Bean from the boy sitting across from her.

"This one's grass," she said confidently before popping it in her mouth. Dominique Weasley had a talent for knowing the flavor of the mystery beans before tasting them. And, once again, she was correct.

Grinning, Dominique took another from her brother and offered it to Rose. "It's safe, just cherry," she reassured her cousin.

"Thanks," said Rose, nibbling the end gingerly. Dominique was telling the truth--cherry. She meant to ask where James was, but Louis Weasley began pelting Dominique with candy before she got the chance.

"Going at it already?" asked a girl from the door. She had light brown skin and dark, curly hair held back by multiple ties - Roxanne, one of Rose's many cousins. "I swear, you'd think Fleur would've taught you two more manners."

Fleur was Louis and Dominique's mother. Brought up in France, she had married Bill Weasley and bore him three children.

"Victoire got all of the manners," laughed Dominique, naming her elder sister. "And, as she's off crying for Ted somewhere, you're all stuck with me and Louis."

Ted Lupin had finished his seven years at Hogwarts, but Victoire was beginning her final year. They were obnoxiously in love and seemed eager to remind their family of that fact whenever they saw each other.

"I don't blame her," said a third-year girl as she squeezed into the already full compartment. "Good morning, Roxanne. Louis, stop harassing your sister. Dominique, don't provoke him!"

"And Lucy has arrived," muttered Louis, shooting a glare at the newcomer before putting down his sugary ammunition. "I heard Uncle Percy lecturing students on the way onto the train."

"Again," added Dominique.

Rose could feel a bicker brewing. She ducked out from under Dominique's arm and grabbed a handful of Chocolate Frogs as she squeezed past Roxanne. The train's corridors had cleared as everyone found their seats. The compartment she had left her bags in had one new occupant--Albus' elder brother, James.

"They're at it already, aren't they?" James guessed as Rose closed the compartment door. He took a Chocolate Frog from her, and then began tossing it from hand to hand.

"For brothers, Albus and James Potter are radically different," Rose thought with a smirk as Albus remained silent and James chatted excitedly.

"I knew they'd start as soon as the train was moving," he continued. "Victoire wasn't even there to shut them all up, was she? Off crying about Ted, no doubt."

"She was probably in the Prefect's compartment with Molly," said Rose, sitting and giving her yearmate a frog. Albus accepted it with a silent nod of thanks. He was the most nervous about starting his first year at Hogwarts.

Molly Weasley was Percy's eldest daughter, and his legacy. She was currently Head Girl of Hogwarts, and stayed with the prefects as an example of what they should strive to be. Victoire, her closest friend, would most likely be with her at a time like this.

"Did you see Desmonda Flint?" asked James, changing the subject. "I've seen her father and, trust me, those two are nearly identical! I think she got uglier over the summer."

Rose relaxed as James continued to list the people he had already seen on the train. "The twins added it," he mentioned, "though Lorcan managed to turn his hair blue. McGonagall's going to fly off the handle!"

Minerva McGonagall was Headmistress of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. She had her hands full when it came to Lorcan Scamander. His mother, Luna Lovegood, had been a quiet, if quirky, girl, but her son was a bit noisier.

Lorcan seemed to have taken his twin's share of mischief; Lysander Scamander was quieter and more studious than his eccentric counterpart. Last year, Lorcan had managed to break most of the windows on the fourth floor with one of his many experiments.

"He'll fix it up by tomorrow," Rose pointed out. "Remember the time they both did their hair in their house colors?"

"They had each other's house colors," corrected James. "Confused most of the professors, and when they had it figured out, the boys switched!"

Though Lorcan was in his mother's house, Ravenclaw, Lysander had been sorted into Gryffindor. They thought it was the most marvelous of all jokes, and often switched places to see if anyone would notice. The students did, but most of the professors were clueless.

At that moment, a blue head popped into the compartment. "Any room for us?" asked Lorcan.

"Come on in," said James, and Lorcan entered, throwing himself to sit cross legged on the floor. Lysander followed in a slightly less conspicuous fashion, smiling at Rose and Albus before sitting next to James.

"Mum's thrilled about the hair," said Lorcan, rifling through his pockets and pulling out what looked to be thin silver straws. "She and Dad helped me with the herbs."

"It washes right out," added Lysander, grabbing a straw. "I was planning to do mine as well, but I lost track of time this morning and didn't get a chance."

"What do those do?" asked Rose as Lysander took the straw and placed it between his pursed lips. She soon had an answer--Lysander inhaled sharply, and one of the Chocolate Frogs flew up and stuck to the end of the straw.

"They're Finders," explained Lysander as he unwrapped his treat. Lorcan inhaled and grabbed the Frog that flew to him before it even touched the straw. "They're what I was finishing up today. They're not much more than little charmed tubes, really."

"Do they only work with chocolate?" asked James, leaning forward to get a closer look at Lorcan's.

The twins glanced at each other, and then shrugged in unison. "That's all I charmed them for," said Lysander, beginning to unwrap his frog. "I suppose they could find other things."

Albus smiled to himself, running his fingers along the edge of his Wizard's Card. "Which one did you get?" asked James, leaning forward.

Albus pulled it back, shoving it in his pocket. "No one," he said quickly. "Tell me about the Sorting, again?"

This set James off on one of his favorite stories. The way he told it, his Sorting was the most important event of the century. It involved mystery and adventure, and (depending on when he was telling it) possibly even a dragon.

"But no one got hurt," he concluded, stretching lazily. "Victoire was crying, though, and McGonagall was furious."

"Hmm.." Lysander tilted his head. "I don't remember all of that. Hmmm.."

"I suppose a Jellywink got in your ear," said Lorcan gravely, to which Lysander nodded thoughtfully. Rose and James exchanged a grin. As Rose's father said whenever the Scamander twins mentioned Jellywink--or Flubbergans, or Potiliks--some things never change.

The train ride was a calm one. Albus and Rose fell asleep while James and Lysander played Wizard's Chess. Lorcan sat on the floor, sketching what appeared to be a large, wooden door.

Rose woke when the sun was beginning to set. She had hardly slept the night before. She and Albus had sat outside, staring up at the stars in silence. Albus had been too nervous to go to sleep, but, for Rose, it was the pent-up excitement.

The group changed into their school robes. Besides Rose, they had all preferred to travel in Muggle clothing. She leaned against the door and smoothed out her collar until she was certain it would stay flat. No one wanted to bother Albus, who looked like he was going to be ill. James sat next to his younger brother in silent support as Rose continued in his place in the chess game with Lysander. Lorcan finally took his glasses off and examined his completed drawing.

"This is interesting," he said, turning it upside down. "I wonder where it leads to.."

"Look for it in the school," said Rose absently. "Pawn to E three. Have you ever seen it before?"

Lorcan shook his head, flipping the door over again. "No, but I will," he said confidently.

Rose took Albus by the arm as the train began to slow. "Come on, you," she said. "Time to go see Hagrid."

This cheered him up a bit. He stood up straight and kept his head up as they climbed off the train. The twins waved goodbye as they headed for the carriages that would bring the older students to the castle. James followed them, climbing in next to Lysander and another Gryffindor in their year, Callum Reese.

"Firs' years this way!" a voice boomed. "Come on, now, follow me! Inter the boats with yeh!"

Rose grinned up at the huge man before them. Hagrid was groundskeeper at Hogwarts, and every year, he took the first years across the lake in boats. "Good to see you, Hagrid!" she called up.

"Rosie!" he exclaimed. "An' if it isn't my Albus, why--no, yeh don' go with them!" he yelled, suddenly noticing a first year student climbing into a carriage. "Git down from there!"

Rose waved goodbye as Hagrid went to redirect the confused first year. She and Albus climbed into one of the small boats that floated on the dark water of the lake. "We're almost there," Rose breathed, not sure if she was comforting Albus or herself. "Almost there."

Albus looked over his shoulder at the carriages nervously. "They are too invisible," he muttered, seeing no sign of the thestrals James had taunted him about earlier. "I knew it."

A familiar face joined their boat. "Hello," he squeaked. "I--are these things sturdy?"

"They're fine, Briar," said Rose. "They've carried centuries of students. I don't think they'll break now."

"Oh." Briar Longbottom nudged his glasses up his slightly bent nose. "Well, as long as you say so-- oh!"

He emitted a small squeak of surprise when the boat jerked into motion. Rose let her eyes wander--from the ripples running across the dark water to the shimmering orbs atop the spires of the castle. Outlines of the landscape were barely visible, lit by the faint glow of the moon. A shadowed figure moved over the swell of one hill, then disappeared into the darkness.

The students climbed out of the boats, staring up in wonder. Many of them had never seen the castle before, and those who had were amazed to see the small details that books like Hogwarts, A History failed to recognize.

A low gasp went through the students, followed by a ripple of murmurs. The inside of Hogwarts was even grander than the façade. Briar stared up at the ceiling, which was barely visible beyond the edge of the torchlight. Albus tentatively tapped the arm of a suit of armor, jumping back in alarm when it twitched.

"They're ticklish," a passing man said. He looked to be a professor--dressed in plum robes trimmed with shimmering grey, and he had an air of relaxed authority. "Don't worry, though, they're friendly."

"Thank you, Professor Evariste!" another voice trilled. Rose craned her neck and spotted a squat man with a curling grey beard that hung nearly to the floor. He stood in front of the group and was clearing his throat noisily. "Attention, please. Attention, please, students! Come now!"

The hum of student voices died down as the first years focused on the small man before them. He cleared his throat once more. "Thank you, Professor Evariste, for stopping by to visit the incoming students."

The man who had spoken to Albus was busy straightening his robe, tugging the bottoms of the sleeves so they hung straight. "My pleasure," he said. "Was just on my way to the feast myself. Running a bit behind, I must say." Proving his point, he began to edge backwards towards the eastern doors.

"Run along, then," said the elderly man, as he would dismiss a student at the end of class. Professor Evariste offered the group a hurried wave before turning and heading for the feast, reminding Rose even more of a chastised student. The remaining man cleared his throat again and continued.

"I am Professor Flitwick, Deputy Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I would like to..to welcome you all to your first year at our academy, and extend the warmest wishes that you will have a..a productive year."

Professor Flitwick seemed to be distracted by something in the crowd. His eyes kept shifting to one spot, directly to the right of Rose. "We have a..a ceremony in store for you today. Now, there are four houses..houses.."

Some of the students were starting to look around--nervous, confused, even stifling laughter. Professor Flitwick took one last glance towards Rose's side before his focus floated above the center of the group.

"There are four houses in Hogwarts: Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin. The sorting process will assess your strengths and weaknesses, then place you in the house that will best suit your needs. In a moment, I will escort you into the Great Hall for the Sorting--there it is now, just to your right there--but until then, feel free to--to chat amongst yourselves."

The students broke out into quiet discussions, the professor's apparent inattention providing a safe topic of conversation for those who had arrived alone. Professor Flitwick disappeared from view as the first years began to reorder themselves, none of them wishing to be in the front when they entered the Hall. Rose turned to Albus, who was looking paler than usual.

"You'll be fine," she reassured him. "James will be right there, remember? It'll be over before you know it."

Professor Flitwick appeared beside the pair, teetering nervously on his short legs. "Excuse me," he breathed, his pale eyes flickering around before resting on Albus. "You wouldn't--You wouldn't happen to be--" He tugged the bottom of his beard, then adjusted his conservative black hat.

Albus's green eyes were wide with alarm. "I'm sorry, sir?" he said hesitantly.

"It's just--well--" Flitwick fumbled for the words, still looking at Albus. "I'm sorry, young man, you just reminded me of--you look extraordinarily like your father."

A blush rose on Albus's cheeks. "Thank you, sir," he said, not as uncomfortable as a he had been a moment earlier.

"Well, it's time to--I gather we should--" bumbled Professor Flitwick. "I'll just check and see if--the feast should be--" Without finishing the thought, he tottered away.

When Professor Flitwick finally called the new students to order, Rose gave Albus's hand a reassuring squeeze before falling into line. The first years passed through the double doors leading into the Great Hall, gaping at their magical surroundings. The enchanted ceiling projected a perfectly clear starry sky, and several first years stumbled into each other while tipping their heads back to take in the view.

The older students shifted at their tables, trying to get a better look at their prospective housemates. Some knelt on their benches; one boy even stood up by the Gryffindor table and began waving furiously. Albus grinned--it was Louis Weasley, one of his many cousins. Louis's sister Dominique yanked him down, catching a glare from Victoire, who was sitting at the head of the table.

In front of the Head Table stood a plain wooden stool holding up a tattered wizard's hat. The fabric was patched and part of the cloth above the brim was torn. The students stared at it apprehensively, their nervous murmurs dying down as the Headmistress stood.

Before she could speak, however, the hat opened its folds and began to sing.

When Hogwarts first began, it was a

Time so dark and vacant

Magic had no study; it was

Only what one made it

Then along came Hogwarts' founders

Scholars to the bone

Said they, "We need an institute

A school to call our own"

And thus were born the Hogwarts Four

The founders ever-strong

And though they strived to teach, they found

They could not get along

So I was born to end the feud

And though their plan did fail

Their school still stands, and in these walls

The Sorting Hat prevails

This night I will divide you all

For I've yet to be wrong

So listen closely to my words

And heed the Sorting Song

I soon shall perch atop your head

And all I shall divide

Just know that I can see your skills

I peek inside your mind

I'll find a Ravenclaw with brains

That far surpass the rest

The clear of head and sure of mind

That falter at no test

A Gryffindor with heart of gold

Who knows his wrong from right

Though trials and strife we all shall face

He'll keep the truth in sight

A Slytherin who dreams of power

Money and success

The will and passion to succeed

Will push them past the rest

A Hufflepuff, the surest friend

The noble sort, and true

If you are gentle, caring, loving

Then Hufflepuff's for you

And though there are these different kinds

These houses where you sit

Keep in mind that that's not all

Again, I'll mention it:

The founders put me here to split

Divide and sever, yes

But there is more than red or green

Or blue or yellowness

You are wizards, are you not?

And you are here to learn

Not fight, or quarrel as you do

And ev'ry year, return

For this year, things are different, for

There's been a change of plan

But without any more from me

It's time this year began!

There was appreciative applause from around the room, but the students were also speculating amongst themselves. What did Sorting Hat mean by saying there had been a change of plan? But the Headmistress was still standing, and she only had to clap her hands twice to get the room's attention.

"Good evening, students," greeted Professor McGonagall. Her dark grey hair was pulled back into a tight bun, and her unnervingly cat-like eyes took in the whole room at once. "It is a pleasure to see all of you for another year at Hogwarts. We will begin with the Sorting Ceremony. If the first years could step up to the Sorting Hat when their name is called, we shall commence immediately."

Professor Flitwick stood next to the hat with a scroll of parchment. Unfurling it, he read the first name. "Aberna, Debora."

A girl stepped forward, tucking a lock of dark hair behind her ear before sitting on the stool. Flitwick placed the Sorting Hat on her head. The rip over the brim lifted and the fabric flapped together like a large pair of lips. Some of the first years jumped in surprise, while the older students laughed.

"RAVENCLAW!" the hat boomed, causing more students to jump. Debora slid off the stool, looking embarrassed but deeply relieved as the second table from the left began to cheer.

Flitwick continued with Baxton, Nocarn, who went straight to Slytherin. Rose grew uneasy as Berger, Kieron and Blackwell, Odessa followed suit. What if the Sorting Hat decided that she wasn't brave enough to be in Gryffindor? What if there was something in her that she hadn't found yet, something that made her a Slytherin?

She played out scenarios in her head until she heard "Longbottom, Briar," and saw Briar stumble forward. He clenched his eyes shut as Flitwick put the hat on his head. His father, sitting at the Head Table, looked equally nervous. It was only a moment, however, before--

"HUFFLEPUFF!"

Briar sighed with relief as he joined the grinning Hufflepuffs. Neville Longbottom nodded, and the professor next to him clapped him on the shoulder.

"Malfoy, Scorpius."

Someone on the right side of the room snickered but was hurriedly hushed. A small, pale boy stared straight ahead as he walked to the stool. He closed his eyes as soon as the hat touched his head, sliding down over his white-blonde hair. Silence filled the hall as the students waited for the decision to come. Over half of the first years had yet to be sorted.

Finally, when the silence was just becoming uncomfortable, the Sorting Hat announced, "Slytherin!" But the declaration sounded a bit uncertain. Rose knew she was not the only one who noticed; students all over the room turned to their friends and began to whisper, and even the teachers glanced at each other with raised brows.

Scorpius slid off the stool and kept his head down as he walked to the hollering Slytherin table, set against the left wall. The students patted him off the back and slid over to make a spot for him.

At the head of the Slytherin table sat an older boy. He tilted his head and nudged one of his friends. Rose tried to catch the rest of their silent exchange, but "Marsh, Tia" had just been sorted into Gryffindor and the clapping distracted her.

When she looked back, the conversation was over. Both boys were watching the Sorting, and Scorpius was staring down at the table.

Rose then spotted a few friendly faces. She had seen Loren Nicosa on the train, and clapped when she was sorted into Gryffindor. Hansini Patil was a surprise to see--over the summer, the Weasleys had heard that the Patil twins were considering moving back to India after the death of Padma's husband. Naturally, Hansini and her older sister Disha would have gone with them. Rose waved after Hansini ("RAVENCLAW!") hopped off the stool with a shy smile.

After a few more, it was Albus's turn to be sorted. To his credit, Flitwick did not stumble over Albus's name, but his nose did turn an interesting shade of red. Albus took a quick breath before marching forward and setting himself on the stool, keeping his back rigidly straight.

Rose waited with crossed fingers. It was something her mother had taught her, and something her father hated. "What is it supposed to do?" Ron had often wondered, crossing and uncrossing his fingers, looking around for a visible effect. Hermione just shook her head and explained that it was a Muggle thing and just a wish for good luck.

Apparently, the Sorting Hat heard Rose's silent wish. "GRYFFINDOR!" it bellowed, and the entire Gryffindor table exploded in applause. Rose clapped as loudly as the rest of them, a wide grin spread across her face. A relieved Albus walked to the Gryffindor table and sat next to his visibly ecstatic brother.

There was only one more part to be nervous about. Rose waited anxiously as the sorting continued. The next three students were all put into Hufflepuff before she was called. There were a few murmurs, and a loud hoot from the Gryffindor table drew laughter from the entire room. Grinning, Rose sat on the stool and closed her eyes.

A voice in her ears made her flinch from surprise. Another Weasley, the Sorting Hat said, and Rose could have sworn it sighed. Let's see what we have here. You certainly have your mother's brains--she was a bright one--and both of your parents were good-hearted. You could excel in Ravenclaw, where intelligence is cherished above all else.

I was--Rose began, but then stopped herself. She wanted to say that she was hoping to be in Gryffindor, with her friends and family, but she wasn't sure if she was allowed to make a comment at this point.

Gryffindor? the Sorting Hat questioned. A fair point. Your parents were fine Gryffindors--and you could do great things in the coming years--but I fear your surroundings might hinder... Well, as your lineage is superb, I suppose I will allow it.

"GRYFFINDOR!" the hat roared into the room, but the applause fell on Rose's ears as a muffled, hollow sound. Her legs carried her to the Gryffindor table and into the embrace of her cousins as she replayed the conversation in her head.

The sorting drew to a close as the final two first years to be sorted joined the Gryffindor table. Rose relaxed into a group that contained Albus, James, and Lysander. George's daughter Roxanne was across from them, and nearby were both Dominique and Louis. Even Victoire came over and congratulated Rose and Albus on their sorting before returning to her group of friends at the head of the table.

McGonagall said something about making all relevant announcements after the feast, but no one was listening. The dishes had already filled themselves with an assortment of food both magical and Muggle in origin. Rose was surprised to find that a mouthful of what had appeared to be harmless mashed potatoes contained small rock candy bits that burst open when she bit down on them.

An array of desserts followed the main course, covering the table with an assortment of biscuits, puddings, and candies that Rose had never encountered before.

"Be careful with that one," the girl next to her advised, giving one of the bowls containing brightly coloured candies a wary glance. "My aunt told me once that when you bite into them, they shoot steam up your nose and out your ears."

"They do," said Rose, passing over the bowl and picking up a Pumpkin Pasty instead. "My cousin gave me one when I was seven. Mum wasn't pleased."

"I'm Tia Marsh," said the girl with a grin. "You're Rose Weasley, right?"

Roxanne had warned Rose that people at school would recognize her as soon as she arrived. "Don't let it bother you," she had advised. "Everyone will get used to you after a few days. It'll be worse for Albus. James, on the other hand, loves the attention."

Rose and Tia talked until the desserts disappeared from the table. The room quieted as McGonagall stood, her expression calling for absolute silence.

"Another year has begun at Hogwarts," she began, "a year in which we will all grow and learn in our magical abilities. I would like to extend the warmest greetings to our new first years, and advise our older students to remember the rules that our Filch so ardently enforces."

A grizzled man with oily grey hair grunted from the back of the room. Part of his face looked as if it had been seared off, then hastily reassembled. Rose thought back to her parents' stories of Argus Filch and shuddered. She would be avoiding him as much as possible.

McGonagall continued. "As you all know, this is the year in which the magical community will be celebrating the Triwizard Tournament. This event brings together three of the leading schools in magical learning in hopes to better our students and, thusly, better our schools."

Only a few students in the room expressed interest at the mention of the Tournament. It was scheduled to be hosted by Beauxbatons, and only the oldest students would make the journey to put their names into the Goblet of Fire, the enchanted cup that chose one champion from each school. Victoire had spent a large part of the summer expressing how ridiculous it was for anyone in their seventh year to go abroad instead of finishing their education. (This opinion was mainly shared among her cousins, as her mother was a former Triwizard contestant.)

"As the Sorting Hat announced, however," continued McGonagall, "there has been a slight change of plans." At this, muttering started up throughout the hall, curious and excited. "Beauxbatons, this year's host school, has encountered a bit of a dilemma. A herd of manticores took it upon themselves to migrate across the Beauxbatons grounds, and.." There was a twitch at the corner of her mouth that suggested a repressed smile. "Well, I have visited the school and it is sufficient to say that there is not much left to be called 'grounds'.

"Taking such circumstances into consideration," she said over the noise of students who had already figured out where this announcement was leading, "I have the pleasure to announce that, by mutual agreement of all three involved schools and their affiliated Ministries, the Triwizard Tournament will be held at Hogwarts this year!"

Cheers rang up from all sides of the hall. Molly Weasley craned her head above the yelling students to find Victoire, who had begun to cry again. James clapped along with the rest, already conferring with his friends on what mischief they could create with this new circumstance. Lysander sighed, shaking his head, and returned to the small book he had been reading under the table. Glancing at Lorcan, sitting at Ravenclaw and obviously delighted by the prospect of disruption to classes, Rose wondered idly whether the Hat had got the twins' houses the wrong way round.

"Students!" cried McGonagall, calling the room to order once more. "Please, this is not to be taken lightly! Unfortunately, this means that certain activities must be sacrificed. There will be no Quidditch Cup this year--" The students groaned. "--but we will all have to move past that! The Quidditch pitch will remain open, so keep practicing for next year.

"You will find informative packets in your common rooms describing the risks and rewards of participating in the Tournament. Any questions should be addressed to your prefects or the Head Boy and Girl." Molly straightened in her seat, tilting her chin up in a way very reminiscent of Uncle Percy when he was feeling important. "However, it is now getting late, and as you all have classes in the morning, I suggest the prefects lead you to your chambers."

The candles dimmed, giving the room more of an evening ambiance. Rose found herself yawning as she got to her feet and followed Tia Marsh out of the Great Hall.

"Wait until my dad finds out," whispered Albus as he climbed the stairs next to his cousin. "And Teddy will be furious he missed it by a year!"

They arrived on the seventh floor and set their eyes on the Fat Lady for the first time. Their parents had told them about the large portrait that served as the protector of the Gryffindor Common Room.

"Venatus Suscipio," declared Victoire, and the grinning portrait swung open. As Rose climbed through the round hole, she heard the Fat Lady cry, "Welcome to Hogwarts!"

In the common room, the large fireplace was lit, but the exhausted students passed by the plush furnishings and split into two groups. Rose followed the girls up their staircase, stopping when she reached a landing labeled First Years. She pushed the door open to find three girls already inside. Tia Marsh also entered, plopping down on the bed next to Rose's.

"So here we are," she sighed. The girls did not start up a conversation; by mutual, unspoken consensus, they were too tired to be social. Rose settled into her bed, fingering a silver locket around her neck. It bore a letter P for Prewett, which was her grandmother's maiden name. The elder Molly Weasley had found it while going through an old jewelry case over the summer.

"Fabian must have left it with his things," she had told Rose, naming one of the brothers she had lost in the first war against Voldemort. "He was left Mum's things to divide... Ah, well, you may have it if you like. It is rather pretty, now, isn't it?"

Rose debated taking the heirloom necklace off to go to bed. She was overtaken by sleep before she reached a decision, and she faded off into dreams with one hand still wrapped around the locket.

16