The Ministry of Magic Is Rotten to the Core

He said "Dissendium" toward the end of the secret passage, and the humpback of the one-eyed witch statue outside opened.

Vincent was the first to poke his head out.

After climbing down, he raised his hands high, making things a little easier for Hermione and Daphne.

Since he was being so gallant, they graciously decided not to dwell on his earlier embarrassment.

They passed through Goshawk's Gunhilda Corridor, where the statue stood, then went past the Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor's Office.

Just as they were about to enter the stairwell, four bizarre faces suddenly appeared inside, lit by the light.

"Sur~pri~sed~?"

Vincent's expression did not change in the slightest. He did not even say a word as he squeezed past them.

Fred and George fell over with absurd exaggeration.

Clutching their chests, their pitiful big eyes blinked nonstop.

"Ah—did you abandon us because of them?"

Seeing how utterly heartbroken they looked, Hermione walked past them with considerable sympathy.

Cedric pretended not to notice the looks the twins were giving him.

What sort of date involved three people?

Still, Vincent really was popular.

They were all outstanding students, so why was he especially popular with girls?

Their sudden wailing startled Daphne.

Once she made sure there were no tears, she walked past them at ease.

Rolf pulled the twins to their feet. "See? I told you it wouldn't work."

Fred pulled out the Marauder's Map. "They were gone for so long. They must have gone off together to do something very exciting."

George slung an arm around Cedric's shoulders. "Come on, let's follow them."

When they reached the first floor, Vincent habitually headed toward the basement.

He had felt hungry as soon as he came up from the secret passage.

Hermione and Daphne were too.

They arrived at the