The Great Hall was as big and awe-inspiring as everybody had imagined, if not more so. Beautiful tapestries of figures who looked vaguely familiar adorned every rich green wall, and elegant plaques bearing the names of the desired occupants were artfully placed at even intervals along the long mahogany dining table.

It was these occupants that were the anachronism. They had straggled in one by one, wearing jeans or sweatpants and T-shirts, eyes widening with every passing second, and finally plopped down into his or her designated chair looking dazed.

The only one not looking dazed was a tall, red-haired girl whom they could only assume was Anita, as she was sitting at the place in the center of the table entitled "HRH Anita Skeeter, Princess of Snape and Slytherin, Wanton Woman Extrordanaire, Original Scepter Girl, Differentriax of Stalactites and Stalagmites, Eater of Kung Pao Chicken, And A Whole Bunch Of Other Titles She Can't Think Of Right Now". She had apparently overcome her initial shock and was half-slumped at her place, drumming her fingers on the table and glowering in marked contrast to the unmasked amazement of everybody else. A forest-green duffel bag she seemed to have brought along had placed in front of her in an obvious but unsucessful attempt to hide the huge plaque stating her grandiose title.

A small figure darted in, did the usual gaping routine, and slid into the seat marked "Alexi". Everybody suddenly held their breath. There were now no more empty chairs. Everybody who was meant to be here, was.

What would happen now?

They did not have to wonder for long. The cloaked figure - the mysterious one with hypnotic powers who had led them all here in the first place - strode into the room. He scanned the places at the table. Yes, all who had been chosen were here, and all in the correct order. The three thrones in the center of the table were set up perfectly, with Anita in the center. A brown-haired teenage boy and a quiet-looking blond girl were arranged in positions of state on thrones next to hers, labeled "His Majesty Chris of Slytherin, Archduke of the Great Serpent, Prince of Purebloods, and Chief Guardian Against the Dragon of Unnecessary and Nauseating Flirting" and "Her Queenliness Sabbrielle, Official Grand Chief in Supporting Snape and Slytherin to Her Majesty Queen Anita". Next to them were Padfoot on the left and PH19 on the right, and on down to the ends of the table in order of rank. Across from the table the situation was similar but without thrones, with Royal Historian Moony in the centre. It all looked vaguely majestic despite the disgusting condition of most of the teenagers. Had these people never heard of robes?

"Citizens of the message board,"he intoned. The heads of those who were not already transfixed swiveled towards him. "You have come a long way and trusted those common sense would have told you not to. You have shown much bravery. For that, you shall be rewarded.

"This castle is completely secluded and completely yours. You may explore as you will. The house-elves will attend to your every need. Everything is exactly as you designed it, and you need not fear your own creations.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome - to the Secret Adobe."