The Company

A group of 12 boys sat in the courtyard, scrolls spread out before them as they hurried to finish their assignments.

In Gryffindor, there were Kíli and Fíli, first-years; Bombur, fourth-year; and Dwalin, fifth-year.

In Slytherin, there was Thorin, in sixth grade; Glóin, in fifth grade; and Nori, who had missed a year and was in fourth grade.

In Ravenclaw, there were Balin, a seventh and final year student; Óin, also a seventh year student; and Ori, a first year student.

In Hufflepuff, there were Dori, from seventh grade; and Bifur and Bofur, from sixth grade.

Someone's shadow passes by and a dozen heads look up.