Several "educational inspectors" stood before the great oak doors, gazing up at Hogwarts Castle in admiration. "What an imposing place!"
They followed Wizet and Luna into the entrance hall and were immediately drawn in by the sight before them, unable to resist looking around.
Torches blazed brightly, and the towering stone walls seemed even more mysterious beneath the flickering light and shadow.
Rows of gleaming suits of armor stood silently along either side, while the figures in the magical portraits turned their heads one after another, curiously studying the strangers.
"They really move... incredible!" Samuel Drake, an occult expert, murmured in amazement. She could not help taking a few steps forward, wanting a closer look.
Before she had gone more than a few steps, however, she received Peeves's "welcome."
Peeves wore a brightly colored formal suit and a polka-dot hat hung with bells.
He wore a mischievous grin, his mouth nearly split to his ears. With his hands on his hips, he swayed his head back and forth, making the bells on his hat ring in a crisp series of chimes.
"Ohoho! What nerve! A few little Muggles actually dared to barge into Hogwarts! Did you forget which way home was, to go find your daddies? Let me take you home! Hahaha!"
As he spoke, he reached into his pocket, pulled out several chalk stubs, and prepared to hurl them at Samuel Drake.
Just as Hermione and the others were about to enter the Great Hall, Peeves's crude laughter caught their attention.
"Peeves!" Hermione's brows knitted tightly again. "I almost forgot about him!"
Harry shook his head with a wry smile. "That's why Wizet said we didn't need to do anything special..."
"If you tried to hide anything..." Ron picked up, "Peeves would definitely serve up every secret like