Harry looked out the window. The snow had piled up past this first-floor window, but Harry didn't care. "Harry?" called Hermione, "Come on, we've got Defense." Harry turned around. He looked greyer than the snow outside. Hermione sighed. Harry hadn't been the same since the holidays. "Exactly how many hours of blasted defense do we have?" asked Harry, his face changing to red for the briefest of moments. "I don't know," said Hermione, "I can't be bothered to work it out either." Harry wasn't the only person who had changed. Hermione, brilliant, perfect Hermione, hadn't been getting enough sleep. She'd spent more time in the Library arming herself than doing homework. Ron walked past, talking animatedly with another Gryfindor. As he walked past, not making any sign that he noticed Hermione or Harry, the third change hit Harry again.
Harry sat in the back of the class. They were clearing some kind of warding charm, Harry had known it for over a year. The teacher looked up and noticed that neither Harry nor Hermione were taking notes. "Potter!" he called, "Do you presume to know this, I would have thought that you off all people would want this knowledge." Harry stood up and twirled his wand in his hand like a batton. He pointed at the rats they had been practicing on and called the spell. Perfect.
Hermione sighed and looked at Harry. Harry shrugged and sat back down. The teacher didn't bother them again.