The few lines of advertising in the sky sent all of Hogwarts into an uproar.
From red-cheeked first years to older students pretending to be composed, even several professors who enjoyed a spectacle were full of anticipation for this public pressure test.
Early that morning, the Academic Affairs Office set up a temporary registration point outside the entrance to the Quidditch Pitch.
Comrade Sirius Black, director of the Academic Affairs Office, personally presided over it in well-fitting, dark casual robes.
Rather than sitting behind the desk, he leaned lazily against a tall stool, one leg draped casually over it.
He wore that distinctive Marauders smile, combining a merchant's shrewdness with the smug satisfaction of a successful prank.
He looked nothing like the director of the Academic Affairs Office, and far more like a big-time merchant peddling curious new wares.
A long registration queue stretched out before him, winding almost as far as the path to Hagrid's Hut.
"Hey, Director Black!"
A fifth-year Hufflepuff student called out excitedly.
"If I use our house's exclusive, secret weed-clearing spell to dissolve one corner of your shield, does that count as a success?"
"Of course! But right here and now, you can call me sir!"
Sirius winked at him, a hint of enticement in his voice.
"As long as you can do it. A friendly warning, though: our shield may have a particular allergic reaction to the words 'exclusive' and 'secret.'"
"Next!"
All of Hogwarts was in an uproar.
The challenge officially began that afternoon, and the scene was as chaotic as a festival.
Fred and George had procured a lofty commentary platform from somewhere and stood before a magical loudspeaker in extravagant, bright orange dress robes.
With their distinctive sense of humor, they turned the challenge into a comedy double act.
"All right,