The Potter Timeline
Chapter 54 - Third Year Begins
Hermione and Harry sat on the sofa as rain pelted the old, glazed windows of the common room with a fury. The gloomy clouds they saw the previous day had brought with them stormy weather and the bright, beautiful days of summer seemed at an end. Hogwarts castle and grounds were drenched from an icy downpour that started the previous evening and had lasted all day. This abrupt change in weather had the two wondering if it was simply the arrival of an unpredictable Scottish autumn...or if Dementors were the cause. Whatever the case, the day of the start-of-term banquet was a dreary one. But despite this, the third-years stayed warm and dry inside Gryffindor Tower.
Crookshanks sat purring in Hermione's lap as the girl scratched behind his ears while reading Ancient Runes Made Easy. Harry was stretched out on the opposite end of the couch, glancing through The Monster Book of Monsters. After Hagrid informed them they could keep the ornery books docile by stroking the spine, the teens did so and were finally able read from the book without getting their fingers bitten.
Harry was fascinated by the creatures the book described and was amused at the moving, cartoon-like illustrations the author had drawn himself: a fire-breathing dragon taking flight from a tall cliff, a mean-looking ogre hurling boulders from the top of a mountain, a bizarre-looking blast-ended skrewt scuttling along a beach by way of tiny explosions coming from one of its scorpion-like tails. Harry wondered which of the creatures in the book Hagrid was actually going teach on as most of them seemed extremely dangerous - to your average witch or wizard, that is. But no doubt Hagrid viewed the monsters as though they were cute, cuddly puppies or kittens.
The pair was silent, focused on their textbooks, when Hermione looked up at the clock above the fireplace mantel.
"I think it's time, Harry," she said while closing her book.
Harry was staring at the illustration of a school of Grindylows sporting razor-sharp teeth and looked up at the clock himself.
"Alright," he replied while carefully closing his book and stroking its spine.
The textbook gave out a gurgle as he placed it under his arm while standing from the sofa. Hermione picked up both her book and Crookshanks. The pair then went to their respective dorms and changed into their school robes. They joined back up in the common room and exited the tower, heading for the Great Hall where they would meet their schoolmates for the banquet. But when they arrived at the entrance to the hall, they found Professor McGonagall standing at the top of the landing, gazing down the stairwell at the castle's main entrance. She looked worried.
"Evening, professor," Harry spoke as the teens arrived next to the woman.
She looked at them with a frown.
"Good evening, you two."
"The others haven't arrived yet?" Hermione asked.
"Not yet," the witch said while resuming her gaze down the stairs, "though they should have been here by now, despite the weather. Where could they be?"
Another worried expression on her face, McGonagall turned and went into the Great Hall. Harry and Hermione followed. Upon entering, they saw the High Table full of Hogwarts staff, most of whom had arrived a day or two before September 1st. Professor Flitwick was in discussion with Professors Sprout and Snape, the latter having just arrived at the school that afternoon and looking as disgruntled as ever.
A few of the female teachers sitting at the table Harry recognized from seeing them at school feasts or walking the halls of the castle during his first two years, though he didn't know their names. But he was certain he and Hermione would soon know who they were. One of them was most likely Septima Vector, their Arithmancy professor, another had to be Charity Burbage of the Muggle Studies class, and one had to be Bathsheda Babbling, their Ancient Runes professor, though which one was which he had no idea.
McGonagall walked to the table to speak with the other heads of House. Harry and Hermione, meanwhile, sat down at the empty Gryffindor table.
With hundreds of floating candles near the bewitched, night-sky ceiling, the banners of each House gently swaying above their tables, the Sorting Hat atop its stool near the front, and a crackling fire in the enormous fireplace at the center wall, the Great Hall was decorated and ready for its student inhabitants to arrive. But where they were was a mystery. The only two pupils present looked at one another while trying to listen in on the staff as they were now all conversing over the strange delay.
Then, Professor Dumbledore entered.
"Good evening, Harry, Hermione," he said with a pleasant smile as he walked gracefully toward his staff.
"Good evening, sir," they both replied at the same time.
But the man said nothing further and joined the discussion with the other teachers at the table. Hermione leaned toward Harry.
"I wonder what's happened?" she asked quietly with a concerned look herself.
Harry shook his head.
"The Express must have been delayed for some reason."
The two sat in silence for a few more minutes before they then perked up at a noise coming from outside the hall entrance. Hogwarts staff heard it as well and everyone turned to look.
"Well, it's about time!" Professor McGonagall complained at someone.
The cacophony of a multitude of students could be heard coming up the stairs, but preceding them were eight in particular: the two prefects from each House. And leading them all was Percy Weasley, wearing a different and larger badge than the one Harry was accustomed to seeing on the redhead. And beside Percy was his girlfriend from the previous year, Penelope Clearwater, prefect of Ravenclaw. She wore a similar badge to his.
Hermione and Harry exchanged puzzled glances before the two professors met the prefects at the center of the hall.
"Good evening, Percy, Penelope," Dumbledore stated, "is everything alright?"
Percy straightened up and cleared his throat as though he was about to give a grand speech.
"Good evening, headmaster, Professor McGonagall," he started, a bit slow and overdone, accompanied with a slight bow of his head.
Harry and Hermione suppressed snickers, wondering why Percy was acting more self-important than usual. The redhead continued.
"The Express was delayed for a half hour just outside of Perthshire."
"For what reason, the storm?" McGonagall asked him pointedly.
"No, professor," Penelope said, "the train was stopped and boarded by Dementors."
Harry and Hermione gawked at one another as did the headmaster and his deputy.
"I see," Dumbledore answered with a solemn look, "was anyone harmed?"
"No, sir," Percy responded, "though a Dementor did try to attack a couple of Gryffindor students."
"Oh dear!" McGonagall uttered while clutching her robes.
Hermione and Harry again exchanged astonished looks, wondering who they were. Percy went on.
"But, thanks to Professor Lupin, who happened to be in the compartment next to theirs, he was able to fend off the creature with a Patronus, from what we were told."
Dumbledore nodded and a tinge of anger appeared in his expression.
"I was afraid something like this might occur. Two other pupils from Gryffindor also had a nasty encounter with the Dementors a month ago. I'm going to have to have a word with our minister about this. But, as you say, thanks to Professor Lupin, no one was harmed. And where is the professor now?"
"He's behind us, among the students coming in," Penelope replied.
Just then, the entrance was flooded by said students from all Houses, entering and moving to their respective tables, conversing with one another loudly. Ron Weasley, his buddy Sean McManus, and several of their friends from Hufflepuff were the first ones inside. Ron held a shabby-looking rat in both hands which he then placed in one of his robe pockets as the group moved toward the badgers' table.
"...and when it peered inside our compartment, I felt like I'd never be cheerful again," the redhead told a couple of wide-eyed second-year girls from his House, apparently regaling them of an encounter with the Dementors on the train.
As more students filed in, Hermione and Harry both waved at Mandy Brocklehurst and Terry Boot as the two moved to the Ravenclaw table. The third-years waved and smiled back.
And no sooner had the students made their appearance inside the Great Hall than Hogwarts' ghost made theirs. The House ghosts flew to their respective tables while Peeves floated upside down between the candles near the ceiling, just like he did with Harry. The old poltergeist was gazing around below him, twiddling his fingers, trying to select a student or two for his next prank.
Then, the telltale whitish-blond hair of one Draco Malfoy made its appearance as he, Goyle, Crabbe, Parkinson, Zabini, and Bulstrode arrived and walked toward the table of the snakes. Like Harry and Hermione, Malfoy had grown a little taller and his voice was deeper.
"I don't see what all the fuss is about," Draco sneered with disgust, "those Dementors don't frighten me a bit. I'd say Hogwarts is just full of pansies, if you ask me."
The third-year Slytherins snickered. But Harry and Hermione exchanged their own looks of disgust. After Lucius Malfoy was arrested and sent to Azkaban the previous term, Harry wondered how Draco was going to behave this term and from this brief glimpse of the third-year brat, he was going to be a pain to deal with once more - perhaps even more so.
"Hiya, Harry!" Colin Creevey squeaked with that cheery, high-pitched voice of his.
The mousy-faced second-year arrived with a couple of his Gryffindor dorm mates. His appearance hadn't changed a bit from the previous year, and he still wore that enormous camera around his neck. Harry smiled despite the knee-jerk reaction of annoyance he felt at seeing the boy.
"Hi, Colin. Welcome back," he said pleasantly.
"Thanks! Those phantom things on the train and outside the castle are wicked!" the blond uttered excitedly, "have you seen them yet?"
"Yes, we have," Harry replied with a grimace while looking at Hermione. The girl smirked back at him.
"I tried to take a picture of one, but it hissed at me," the kid went on, "probably wasn't a good idea, huh?"
"No, Colin. Probably not," Harry responded.
"Oh well. See you at the twins' party tonight!" the twelve-year-old uttered with a wave as he and his friends moved to the second-year section of the Gryffindor table.
Then, finally, among a group of fifth and sixth-year Gryffindors who were discussing what happened on the Express, Harry and Hermione saw their fellow third-year lions all arrive in a bunch.
Padma, Parvati, and Lavender walked next to Dean, Seamus and Neville. All six had mum expressions and Longbottom's face was pale, as though he'd been spooked by a ghost. And with an arm around Neville's arm, Luna Lovegood strode, staying very close to the dark-haired thirteen-year-old with her usual dreamy expression. And to Harry and Hermione's surprise, also next to Neville walked Ginny Weasley, her hand on Longbottom's shoulder, as though comforting him. Hermione and Harry exchanged concerned looks. All of their Housemates, save Luna, appeared either disturbed, frightened, or both. Harry could only guess they were the Gryffindors Percy spoke of.
"Harry! Hermione!" Dean uttered wide-eyed, "are we ever glad to see you two!"
The Gryffindors sat down across from them.
"Hey guys," Harry spoke, the expression on his face echoing their own, "what happened on the train?"
"One of those Dementors came into our compartment!" Seamus said.
"It first went for Luna," Parvati said.
"But Neville stepped in front of her, and the thing tried to...suck out his...soul or something!" Padma stated with a sad look at the boy.
"If it wasn't for that man on the train who used that spell, we don't know what would have happened to him," Dean said.
Everyone stared at Longbottom.
"Being brave again, were you Neville?" Harry asked with a slight grin.
Longbottom's cheeks turned pink briefly and Luna beamed at him.
"How are you feeling?" Hermione asked the boy.
Neville frowned.
"I'm okay," he muttered, "it just made me feel...bad inside, that's all. It made me think of my...parents."
This was a curious statement. Harry didn't know a lot about Neville and wondered what he meant by that. According to Auror James, as the Dementors were drawn to bad experiences in a person's life, something bad must have happened to Neville's parents - just like something bad happened to his. Harry would definitely ask him about it later. Neville continued.
"But that man gave me some chocolate and I feel better."
Everyone grinned at the teen. Harry then looked at Lovegood.
"And...you're okay, Luna?" he asked.
She sat up straighter and tightened her grip around Neville's arm.
"Oh, yes, Harry," she said with a smile in that high-pitched voice, "Dementors are a lot like the Grey Shadelings that live in our attic. If you think of something cheerful, they go away."
The others threw puzzled looks at one another.
"I see," Harry said with a nod.
Harry now glanced at Ginny. She had also sprouted and seemed to have matured a good bit. But the girl's cheeks turned pink as she smiled at him, her eyes softening. Harry smiled back.
"Hi, Ginny. Welcome back."
The girl blushed even deeper.
"Thanks, Harry," she uttered meekly, still throwing him that doe-eyed look.
Harry felt Hermione's arm suddenly wrap around his. Though she was listening in on a conversation between the Patils and keeping her eyes on them, she had a perturbed look on her face. Harry suppressed a laugh. Surely she wasn't jealous of Ginny Weasley, was she?
Just then, a man in a disheveled, brown wool suit with a black tie entered the hall surrounded by several students from Ravenclaw listening to him explain something. His presence and appearance among the students, who were all dressed in black Hogwarts robes, was striking.
He seemed young and yet the flecks of grey in his messy, light brown hair and in the matching mustache he wore, along with a few wrinkles under his weary-looking eyes, made him appear to have aged prematurely. Harry and Hermione exchanged knowing looks, immediately guessing who he was. No doubt lycanthropy would make someone age prematurely. Harry could only imagine what the poor man had gone through under that condition.
"That's the man who helped Neville," Seamus said as the Gryffindors turned to gaze at him.
"We were wondering who he is as adults don't normally ride the Hogwarts Express," Parvati stated.
Harry and Hermione exchanged glances.
"He's our new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Lupin," Hermione informed them.
They all gawked at the thirteen-year-old.
"Really?" Dean uttered.
"You mean we have a DADA teacher this year who actually knows what he's doing?" Seamus joked.
Everyone laughed. Just at that moment, Professor Lupin glanced at the Gryffindor table. In particular, he stared right at Harry. Something in the man's eyes and his gaze was piercing, as though he was attempting to read Harry's thoughts. Harry swallowed hard at the severe stare Lupin gave him. But then, the stare was replaced by a kind smile as Remus nodded. No doubt he recognized the son of his best friends.
Harry returned the smile and nodded back. A couple of Hufflepuff students asked Lupin something and drew his attention away.
Harry felt Hermione's hand wrap around his. He glanced at the girl to find a warm, sympathetic look and he smiled back, squeezing her hand in turn. She apparently saw this brief exchange between Harry and his father's old friend.
"Harry!"
"Hermione!"
The teens looked over to find Fred and George arrive at the table, both with cheery expressions.
"Hey guys!" Harry uttered. Hermione waved at them.
"So how was it at the castle during the summer?" George asked as the twins stopped before moving to the fifth-year section.
"Hope you had loads of fun and...learned a lot," Fred added.
Harry chuckled, understanding what Fred was getting at.
"Oh, yeah! I...we definitely had fun," he replied with a grin at Hermione, "and discovered some hidden passageways in the process."
Hermione chuckled.
"Excellent!" they both uttered at once.
"When we get a chance this term, we'll show you a few more," Fred said.
"No doubt they'll come in handy," George threw in.
Harry nodded.
"By the way, you two, what's with Percy?" Hermione asked.
"Yeah, he's acting more...formal than usual," Harry said.
"Oh, you haven't heard, then," Fred stated, "Percy's been made Head Boy."
"And his girlfriend, Penelope's been made Head Girl," George added.
"As you can imagine, his head is now bigger than ever," Fred continued.
"So, we decided to help him spread the word," George said.
The twins turned to look at their brother engaged in discussion with the prefects and Professor McGonagall at the center of the hall. When Percy turned, the third year Gryffindors snickered.
A parchment was tacked on the back of Percy's robes with flashing words.
BIG HEAD BOY
Penelope, listening intently to her boyfriend, caught sight of the parchment. Her eyes widened as she snatched it from Percy's back and showed it to him. The pair then glared at Fred and George. The twins stared off at nothing while whistling to themselves and moving toward the fifth-year section. The Gryffindors quietly laughed.
Just then, there were two loud claps. Everyone in the hall went silent and gazed at Professor McGonagall.
"Will you all please take your seats! We're running late as it is!" she uttered.
The students still standing did so and began filing into their sections of the tables. Luna and Ginny shifted down to the second-year section. Professor Lupin made his way to the High Table and sat down next to Snape who appeared annoyed or angry. McGonagall then marched toward the entrance and left the hall. There were but scattered whispers and hushed conversation among the students now as they all waited. Then, after several minutes, the witch in emerald-green reappeared inside the hall, walking briskly toward the front. She looked displeased.
Behind her strode the first years, following the woman toward their destiny at the Sorting Hat stool. But nearly everyone in the Great Hall was stunned. Only six new students had come to the school this year, the smallest class anyone had seen before. Hermione and Harry exchanged puzzled looks with their fellow lions. Was Sirius Black and Dementors the reason?
Among the new students there were four girls and two boys. All but one of them appeared frightened and shell shocked, their robes disheveled as was their hair - like they'd just been blow-dried. Several faces among them were pale and wide-eyed. Harry quickly thought back and realized why they might seem so out of sort: being greeted at Hogsmeade station by a fierce-looking, half-giant with a wicked goatee and ponytail, having to the cross the Black Lake in one of those tiny boats in a cold, miserable downpour, not to mention seeing the Dementors hovering around the castle grounds. No wonder the new pupils appeared so traumatized.
Behind the students came Hagrid. He walked cheerfully past the bunch and took his seat next to Flitwick at the High Table. McGonagall, her arms crossed and a perturbed look on her face, stared over the six kids before her. She shook her head, turned, and picked up the Sorting Hat, then gazed at the pupils once more.
"When I call your name, please step forward and sit on the stool," she told them.
Producing a sheet of parchment from her robes, she began.
"Corcoran, Derek."
The ginger-haired boy, who looked not a day over eleven, hesitantly stepped forward and sat down.
"HUFFLEPUFF!" the Sorting Hat uttered as soon as it touched his head.
The badgers cheered and the boy walked to their table. The next two, a girl and boy, were both sorted into Ravenclaw to the cheers of their new House mates.
"Greengrass, Astoria."
The thin girl with pale white skin and dark brown hair walked to the stool and sat down.
"SLYTHERIN!"
The snakes erupted in applause and one student stood and clapped vigorously, beaming at the first-year. It was Daphne Greengrass who had been in a couple of Harry and Hermione's classes the previous year. Astoria had to be her younger sister.
The next girl was sorted into Hufflepuff which left only one first-year standing before McGonagall. She was equally thin as Astoria and sported long, jet-black hair with dark eyes. Harry was stunned at her prettiness and couldn't help but notice a certain air of confidence about her. She was the only new student who didn't seem shell shocked, in fact. But her appearance, the smirk on her face, and her demeanor had him guessing she would wind up in Slytherin House. No doubt about it.
"Vane, Romilda."
The girl gracefully stepped up to the stool like a pro. She then sat down with a smug look.
"GRYFFINDOR!"
Nearly everyone was as surprised as Harry. But after a hesitant look at one another, the lions burst into cheers. Romilda, the only new Gryffindor first-year, strode to the table. Along the way, she gazed at Harry and threw him a sly grin, then promptly sat down next to Ginny Weasley and the second-years. Hermione's arm wrapped tightly around his again. Glancing at her, he saw the same perturbed look on her face as she glared at Romilda. Harry chuckled.
Professor Flitwick took the Sorting Hat and stool away and everyone took their places. Professor Dumbledore rose.
"Welcome! Welcome to another year at Hogwarts!" he said loudly.
The Great Hall exploded in cheers. The headmaster raised his hand, and the hall went silent.
"Now, before we begin our magnificent feast, I have a few important announcements to make. No doubt all of you either witnessed or heard about the Dementors boarding the Hogwarts Express. And no doubt you have seen said Dementors outside the castle roaming the school grounds. They are here by request of the Ministry of Magic to be on the lookout for Sirius Black, whom I assume you also have heard about.
While I was assured by our dear minister that the Dementors would not interfere in our school activities nor would harass any of our pupils or staff, already two unfortunate incidents have occurred between the Dementors and some of our students."
Harry and Hermione exchanged looks and the third-year Gryffindors all glanced at Neville, whose cheeks burned momentarily. The headmaster continued.
"As such, I am planning to lodge a formal complaint to both the minister and the Wizengamot. My hope is to have them replaced by a contingent of Aurors similar to the ones we hosted here last year."
The students began whispering to one another in surprise...and elation. Dumbledore raised his hand once more and the students fell silent.
"In the meantime, however, whilst the Dementors are still present, no student is to leave the school without permission and no student should leave the castle alone. I have requested that the prefects of each House, as well as our new Head Boy, Mr. Percy Weasley..."
At this, Percy straightened up and puffed out his chest slightly, throwing a serious gaze about him.
"...and our new Head Girl, Miss Penelope Clearwater, ensure compliance with these policies. You may rest assured, dear students, that the Dementors will not enter the castle. But they will be stationed at all known entrances to the school and may be, as I mentioned before, roaming the grounds. As such, let me give you a word of caution.
If you happen to encounter a Dementor, do not provoke it and do not give it any reason to harm you. It is not in the nature of Dementors to be understanding or forgiving. Do I make myself clear?"
Everyone nodded.
"Excellent. Now, leaving that disagreeable topic, we have the pleasure of welcoming two new additions to our teaching ranks this year. First, Mr. R.J. Lupin has kindly agreed to fill the post of Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher."
The headmaster turned and opened his hand toward the man. Lupin rose from his seat with a humble smile, his hands clasped together. Several enthusiastic claps came from Gyrffindor, mostly from the third-years, Hufflepuff, and Ravenclaw, but only a few from Slytherin. Dumbledore continued.
"From what I was told, Professor Lupin has already demonstrated his skill and knowledge in the Dark Arts field by successfully intervening in the Dementor incident on the Express. I daresay then, we shall all benefit from his excellent service this year. Good luck, professor!"
More claps ensued as Lupin bowed his head slightly then sat back down. To Harry's eyes, Snape seemed even more put out than before. It was widely rumored that he wanted the DADA teaching position himself. But his ill behavior seemed even more heightened around Lupin for some reason. The headmaster continued.
"Secondly, as our dear Professor Kettleburn has finally retired in order to enjoy his remaining limbs, the Care of Magical Creatures teaching post has been offered to and accepted by our own caretaker, Mr. Rubeus Hagrid."
Many more enthusiastic claps went up and the twins whistled. Harry, Hermione, and their fellow lions all rose with huge grins and clapped vigorously. Hagrid's cheeks burned and he sank in his chair slightly.
"Further, as I consolidated the Keeper of Keys and Grounds position, as well as the Gamekeeper position into the Hogwarts Caretaker role last year, teaching class has made, if you will, Hagrid's plate quite full. Thus, to fulfill a promise I also made last year, I will be hiring an assistant this year who will aid Hagrid with his many duties, giving him more time to focus on his classes. So, good luck to you as well, professor!"
Practically the entire place burst with cheers and claps. Hagrid, overcome with emotion, wiped his eyes on his napkin while Professor McGonagall warmly smiled and gave him a pat on the back. The headmaster gazed around as in thought. He then smiled.
"I believe that's all for now. Let the feast begin!"
Food appeared on the tables and the students and staff plowed into their cheery meal. While eating, Dean, Seamus, and Neville told Harry and Hermione what they did over the summer holidays. They also asked about their summer and in particular their time at Hogwarts. Hermione told them about her vacation in Italy. And Harry regaled them about his adventures around Hogwarts, minus the excursion to find the Gaunt ring, of course.
While eating, Harry glanced at the High Table occasionally, looking at Professor Lupin. The thirteen-year-old had a lot of questions for the man - about his parents, about their friendship, about...Sirius Black. Hopefully, between his schoolwork and Quidditch, he'd find some time to speak with the man.
As he gazed at the professor, Harry noticed him look up and glance at the Hufflepuff table every so often. In particular, the wizard seemed to be staring at the third-year section, where Fred and George's younger brother and his friends sat. However, Harry couldn't tell exactly who the professor was looking at. But this was curious.
After a while, when nearly everyone was at the dessert stage of the meal, Professor McGonagall made her way down the Gryffindor table with an armful of parchments, handing them out to each pupil as she went.
"Third-years, here is your class schedule this term," she stated upon reaching their section.
She first handed parchments to Padma, Parvati, Lavender, Seamus, Neville, and Dean from the top of the stack. She then reached under and pulled two sheets out from the bottom, handing one each to Harry and Hermione, giving them a knowing look. The pair took theirs and nodded at the woman. She smiled and moved on to the second-years.
The teens, both very curious, glanced at the parchment. McGonagall told them ahead of time she wouldn't know until almost the last minute exactly which classes would be offered at which times. Thus, they might have to do some "on the fly" adjusting to their use of the Time Turner. But Harry's eyes went wide, and he gulped at first sight of the schedule.
Third Year Class Schedule ~ First Term
~Hermione Granger, Harry Potter~
1st Session ~ 9:00 am
Arithmancy, Septima Vector
2nd Session ~ 9:00 am
Muggle Studies, Charity Burbage
3rd Session ~ 10:00 am
Intermediate Transfiguration, Minerva McGonagall
4th Session ~ 11:00 am
Potions - Grade 3, Severus Snape
5th Session ~ 11:00 am
Study of Ancient Runes, Bathsheda Babbling
Lunch ~ 12:00 pm
6th Session ~ 1:00 pm
Care of Magical Creatures, Rubeus Hagrid
7th Session ~ 2:00 pm
Intermediate Herbology, Pomona Sprout
8th Session ~ 2:00 pm
Charms - Grade 3, Filius Flitwick
9th Session ~ 3:00 pm
Defence Against the Dark Arts, Remus Lupin
All those classes! All that classwork! And three of them would require the Time Turner to attend. Taking extra classes in theory seemed daunting enough. Now, staring at it in reality, it seemed...harrowing. His third year was going to be hectic to say the least.
He looked at Hermione who returned a similar expression to his: apprehension. But despite the workload requirements, they would certainly give it a go. Hermione leaned in toward him.
"Instead of Fred and George's party, perhaps we should go to the Spellroom and finalize our plan, before going to bed tonight," she whispered.
Harry nodded.
"Agreed," he replied, "the more prepared we are, the better."
Hermione nodded.
They stashed their parchments into their robe pockets. Hermione resumed eating her slice of caramel pie and Harry his treacle tart, both of them silent while thinking about their first classes the following morning.
Their academic schedule was going to be an adventure in and of itself. But he also wondered what else might happen this year. If their first two years at Hogwarts were any kind of precedent, what crazy or dangerous adventures would they find themselves in this year?
Whatever the case, Harry Potter's third year had officially begun.