Coming in from the pouring rain, [Harry, Ron, and Hermione are only drenched more when they discover Peeves tossing water balloons across the [entrance hall]. McGonagall finally drives him off, and the students file into the [Great Hall].

While waiting for the school [Sorting], Harry says hello to Nearly Headless Nick and, soon thereafter, [Colin Creevey]. He also scans the staff table, trying to figure out who the new [Defence Against the Dark Arts] teacher is, but has no success.

All of a sudden the first years burst in for the [Sorting], including [Dennis Creevey] who apparently fell in the lake. The [Sorting Hat] sings about the founders of [Hogwarts], the first years are sorted (with Dennis becoming a new [Gryffindor]) and the feast begins.

During the feast, Nearly Headless Nick tells of Peeves causing trouble in the [kitchens], and lets slip to Hermione that house-elves work down there - prompting her to refuse to eat another bite.

Following the feast [Dumbledore] gets up to speak, and announces that this year [Hogwarts] will be hosting the [Triwizard Tournament], and therefore students of [Durmstrang] and [Beauxbatons]. He also announces, to some anger from students, that they must be seventeen to enter. Meanwhile, mid-speech, Mad-Eye Moody also makes a dramatic entrance, and is introduced as the [Defence Against the Dark Arts] teacher for the new school year.

Fred and George complain about the age restriction on the [Triwizard Tournament], plotting to find a way around it as they continue up to [Gryffindor Tower]. Ron and Harry make it to their [dormitory] and go to bed, each dreaming about entering the tournament as well.

At breakfast the fourth years receive their course schedules, and Harry and Ron are disappointed to find double [Divination] on Monday afternoons. Hermione also begins eating again, deciding there are "better ways" to protest house-elf rights.

Classes begin with [Herbology] and a lesson on [bubotubers].

The second class of the day is [Care of Magical Creatures], which Hagrid begins by showing strange creatures he calls Blast-Ended Skrewts. Malfoy complains about them and secretly, Harry and Hermione don't blame him, as they don't seem to do anything but bite, sting, and burn.