[Hogwarts' latest outsider has found herself with some free time! And how is she going to use it? Studying, perhaps? Working on adjusting to the new culture and surroundings she's suddenly found herself in? Learning her way around the school? Doing anything even remotely productive?

No, she's going to tear the tinsel lining the hallway as a Christmas decoration off the wall and roll around in the middle of the hallway, kicking at it like she's at a cat.

Meet Nepeta Leijon, the living picture of public behavior and getting things done, by which I mean somebody stop this girl before she starts tripping people up and/or desecrating every shiny Christmas decoration in the castle for her own amusement.]

[Before supper one evening, Touma stands at the front of an empty classroom, small items such as books, still photographs, quills, and bits and pieces from his potion-making kit on the tables.]

Accio spine of lionfish!

[The small container jerks slightly, but doesn't come to him. His subsequent attempts barely get the container across the table.

[He tries something else, aiming at a still photograph of a blue boxer on a table near the door.]

Accio Gaomon photo!

[That doesn't do much better either. How nice, his actual dog listens to him but he can't Summon a photo of him. Irritated, he tries again, only for the photo to actually fly out the door away from him instead.]

After Monday's announcement that Hogwarts would play host to several Outsiders, the school was a hub of gossip, and the break-in of Sirius Black during the Hallowe'en Feast had almost been forgotten. Everywhere you went, there were people talking about the Outsiders in hushed voices, almost as though it was forbidden. Many of the rumours sounded ridiculous - apparently, Outsiders could throw houses, fly without aid, and turn invisible at will. Some students would try to discredit the rumours by explaining how such things were impossible, but it was to little avail.

Saturday was the day Hogwarts would open its doors to Outsiders, through a small Sorting Ceremony. It wasn't expected to be a large event, as reports indicated only a few Outsiders had accepted the offer, but it still seemed as though the entire school came to the Great Hall for the feast that evening.

The Great Hall was laid out the same way as the start of any Sorting Ceremony, though the tattered, frayed Sorting Hat had already been placed on the stool that stood before the staff table. The Outsiders - a mere four of them - were already present, lined up near the Sorting Hat.

Once all students and staff had arrived, Professor Dumbledore stood, raising a hand to quell the chatter and noise. Once all but a few quiet murmurs had ended, he addressed the school.

"Today," he said, "we welcome four new students into our school. I am sure you are all aware of the circumstances that have brought them here, and ask only that you treat them the same as any other student in this school. They are here to learn, just as you are."

Some couldn't help but wonder how Dumbledore could expect this, when one of the four Outsiders didn't even look human.

"Our four new students will be placed in a suitable House in the same manner as our First Years were at the start of term. Their House will be their home for as long as they remain at Hogwarts.

"Professor McGonagall, if you please?"

And the Headmaster took his seat. Professor McGonagall stepped forward.

"When I call your name and year, you will wear the hat and sit on the stool. The Sorting Hat will select the most appropriate House. You will then seat yourself at that House's table."