A torrential rain disrupted Harry and his friends' usual routine. After dinner, the floodwater still pooling at the Marble Staircase completely dashed their hopes of going for a run.
But it also brought the young wizards some fun. Fred and George were the first to take off their robes and jump into the vast expanse of water to splash around, followed by Neville Longbottom and several Hufflepuff students. Then more and more boys leaped into the water and went wild.
Dozens of heads bobbed amid the rolling waves. Professor McGonagall, who had returned to her office after dinner to work overtime, saw the young wizards "struggling" in the water from her window and was so frightened she nearly jumped out of her office window.
When she rushed downstairs and learned the truth, the burst of fury that followed made even the flames in the Entrance Hall's torches tremble.
Every young wizard who had gone into the water lost ten points and faced a week of detention.
Judging by the number of students punished, Filch would not have to worry about finding help until the end of term.
"Where are Potter and Weasley? Don't tell me they're still in the water!"
In the Entrance Hall, the young wizards dragged out of the water lowered their heads obediently and endured the lecture. But when Professor McGonagall's sharp gaze swept across every face and failed to find Harry and Ron—whom she was certain had joined in this dangerous game—her heart skipped a beat.
"Oh, we're here, Professor McGonagall!"
Harry and Ron, who had been watching the spectacle with their classmates from the stairs leading to the second floor, raised their hands. Ron spoke up.
"Oh, you two didn't go in?"
Professor McGonagall looked at the dry-clothed Harry and Ron with great surprise. Then