Cover Blown

The Thestral Carriage stopped before the castle's oak door. Fred, George, and Lee Jordan climbed down, each holding up a wand to support an umbrella against the rain as they watched with interest the students hurrying toward the castle through the downpour.

Albert casually helped up a Hufflepuff girl who had accidentally fallen, then entered the castle with Shanna, who had been waiting beside him.

"I read in the papers that something happened at the World Cup." Shanna frowned at the students ahead, who were pushing and shoving one another and screaming.

"Something bad did happen." Albert lightly tapped a water bomb Peeves had thrown with his wand, turning it into a deflating balloon. "All right, Peeves, stop causing trouble here."

"You nosy little brat!"

Hovering above everyone's heads, Peeves made a rude gesture at Albert and cackled. Somehow, he produced another two water bombs and hurled them toward the densest part of the crowd, then flew away with a harsh cackle amid a chorus of screams.

"Peeves is as awful as ever." Watching Peeves leave, Shanna called to the students drenched like drowned rats, "Get into the Great Hall. Don't crowd around here."

"How did you do that?" a boy came over and asked.

"Do what?"

Albert turned his head and glanced at the boy with light brown hair and a strong Irish accent.

"Make Peeves behave."

Everyone knew that Peeves listened to no one except Bloody Baron and Dumbledore.

"I can't make Peeves behave." Albert shook his head. "Go inside. The Sorting Ceremony should be starting soon."

The Great Hall looked much the same as before, though the school had decorated it specially for the new term's feast.

The house tables were already packed with chattering students. Fred, George, and Lee Jordan had saved him a seat. When