The twin furthest from the door, Terra, responded, "Well Hogwarts was founded by four powerful wizards." Astrid leaned forward and held out her hand for the kitten to sniff, while Terra launched into a small lecture about the founding of Hogwarts. "Each house is named after one of them. Gryffindor takes the brave. Hufflepuff the hardworking and loyal. Ravenclaw the smart and witty. Slytherin the cunning and ambitious." It was the first time Richie had heard Terra speak and she sounded exactly like her twin sister, except her voice was a bit softer. 

"Yeah and we all know you'll be in Ravenclaw." Astrid nudged her sister. Terra rolled her eyes at her. 
"Not necessarily. It is about what you value, not just what you are. You can value bravery without being brave. Or you could be very brave, but value book smarts more." Terra shrugged. 

"Well I'm sure I'll end up in Gryffindor if that is how it works, and you better too. We have never been separated before." The twins looked at each other and a play of emotion crossed both girl's faces. 

"So," Terra turned to Toby, "What is your name and where do you think you'll end up?" 

~~~
"It's a ministry issue." McCarthy grumbled. "But of course it's not like they sent anyone to watch the gate. I've already had to confund a few protesters, and Shinawatra
punched a muggle I had to Obliviate him and convince him he walked into a wall. I'm debating giving him a detention, but school hasn't technically started." McCarthy waved his head as if to explain the rest of his thought process. 

"Anyway, if you can just keep an eye on the protesters and make sure none of them get too close to the barrier. We may have to consider a different way of getting students to Hogwarts in the future." McCarthy sighed and shook his head, but stopped and moved quickly to break up what was about to become a full on fight. A parent was drawing their wand at one of the protestors. 

"Don't-" He clapped his hand on the parent's shoulder. "We can't escalate to that. Get your kid through to the train." McCarthy gave the parent a look that told him plainly that arguing with him would be pointless. McCarthy caught Phelix's eye and nodded to the family as if telling Phelix to make sure they got through the barrier without further incident.