After stuffing themselves with whatever came to mind, the five children headed back to the hall. The prefects were just leaving with their respective houses following. The kids slipped inconspicuously into the line and followed the others up dozens of staircases. They were dragging their feet when they finally reached the top. The prefect instructed them to watch closely, then turned to the large painting, and said clearly
"Asphodel"
The woman in the painting sighed, and let her painting swing forward to reveal a tunnel. All of the first years clambered in and let their mouths drop open in awe. The common room was adorned with red and gold decorations. It had a cackling fireplace and drapes everywhere. The first years were sent straight to bed, but not before James lept atop one of the couches and yelled
"Behold! Your ruler has arrived!"