On the first day of term, the fifth-year Gryffindor students had to face Binns, Snape, Trelawney, and Umbridge in succession.
Not long after the Little Lions arrived at the Great Hall, hundreds of owls flew in through the high windows.
They brought not only letters and parcels, but also dripping raindrops. Clearly, it was still pouring outside.
The Daily Prophet, as usual, reported on the latest progress in the hunt for Vincent.
"According to reliable sources, Wayne was once spotted in the Hong Kong Wizarding World. Head of the Auror Office Rufus Scrimgeour will personally lead a team to Hong Kong tomorrow..."
Hermione folded up the newspaper and happily took a large gulp of milk from her cup.
At the British Wizarding World's pace, they probably would not discover that Vincent had been staying in Britain until next year.
After breakfast, the listless Little Lions headed to the largest classroom on the second floor.
History of Magic had always been universally acknowledged as the most boring subject in the Wizarding World.
Professor Binns always spoke in a wheezy, drawn-out voice, enough to make people drowsy within ten minutes.
If the weather was hot, perhaps five minutes would be enough.
His teaching style never changed. He always droned on from the textbook, while the students below took notes—or, more accurately, stared blankly through half-closed eyes.
"Today, we will be discussing the Giant Wars..."
One minute passed, then two. Before the third minute was even halfway over, Ron could no longer hold on.
No, he was a prefect now. He had to concentrate!
Another two minutes passed, and Ron surrendered completely.
Other than Hermione, who was in an exceptionally good mood today, no one could withstand the hypnotic power hidden in Binns's voice.
The torturous hour and a half finally ended. Binns