A Surprise from the Sky

Ever since the large notice announced that representatives from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang would arrive at Hogwarts at six o'clock on the evening of Friday, October 30, the House-elves in Hogwarts Castle had become busy. Besides their usual work, they also had to give the entire castle a thorough cleaning. No matter where one was, everyone wanted to show others their best side.

Unfortunately, with Hogwarts hosting guests from other schools for the first time in years, the professors were inevitably rather nervous. They had all forgotten one very important thing: Beauxbatons and Durmstrang would be spending the remainder of the term at Hogwarts, not merely staying for a few days. There was more than enough time for them to see Hogwarts for what it truly was.

"You were right. This whole thing has driven everyone a little mad."

Watching Argus Filch fly into a rage, George had to admit that Albert was right. It was not just Filch; the other professors' nerves were stretched taut as well. And the reason Mr. Filch was furious with the student before him was simply that the student had forgotten to wipe his shoes clean.

There had been quite a few similar incidents recently. Several girls had already been frightened into hysterics and sent to the School Hospital.

"You can't expect everyone to stay clear-headed at all times like Albert." Fred wore a strange expression. "You have no idea. In Transfiguration Class, Professor McGonagall seemed to think every Hogwarts student ought to be as outstanding as Albert, so that the Beauxbatons and Durmstrang representatives would be shocked by Hogwarts' teaching standards. What was it Albert called that again?"

"Ahem, Professor McGonagall simply doesn't want to see Hogwarts looked down on by others," Albert explained with a light cough. "In truth, lots of people like