"Hi Satine!" Laura said. "I'm Laura! I can't believe how many Ravenclaw firsties there are, and I know that at least two more have to come," she added, thinking of her friends Isabella and Shaunee. "Are there as many in the other houses?" If there are, Laura thought, it's no wonder the Great Hall is so big!

Looking around, Laura saw that one of the older students had sat down with them. Hearing his welcome, she smiled back and stuck out her hand. "Thanks," she said, "I'm Laura by the way!"