Her friends laughed along with her, gaining a number of confused stares from the other students that they all blissfully ignored. They headed to the great hall where they separated again for the final time that night, having to join their respective House mates as per first day traditions. Dumbledore recited his speech which none of them listened to since he mentioned nothing of importance. Although, the look on his face at not being able to talk about Voldemort was quite entertaining. No matter how much he wanted to, the topic was off the table for two reasons. One, the entire population of Hogwarts would think him crazy (which, he was) and two, nobody could (nor would they) back him up. The Ministry had refused to believe his claims and had demanded he hold his tongue lest they deemed him unfit of being headmaster which would then lead to him losing the only title he had left. Of course, Ashley had no idea about this but she had close enough assumptions.