New Year

More than half the beef stew in the casserole had already been served out. Only a layer of dark brown gravy remained at the bottom, its edges congealed into a thin gelatinous film that gleamed amber in the candlelight.

Ron dipped the last roast potato into the gravy and put it in his mouth. After chewing and swallowing, he leaned back in his chair and let out a satisfied breath.

Hermione was still eating slowly, cutting the beef into small pieces and dipping every piece in gravy before putting it into her mouth. She ate without the slightest hurry.

Neville's plate was already empty. He was drinking warm water from his cup, his gaze resting on the night outside the window as though he were thinking about something else.

Pansy tore the last piece of bread in half, putting one half into her own mouth and setting the other beside Seamus's plate. Seamus glanced at her, said nothing, and picked it up to eat.

Pabbie stood up and began clearing the empty plates.

Ron got up to help as well, stacking several empty bowls together and carrying them into the Kitchen.

Hermione set down her fork, folded her napkin and placed it on the table, then got up to fetch the teapot from the Kitchen.

"What are your plans for tomorrow?" Neville asked, leaning back in his chair. "It's New Year's Day. Pabbie said she might roast a turkey."

"Tomorrow is New Year's Day," Seamus said, finishing the last sip of water in his cup. "Today is the thirty-first."

He turned to glance at Pansy. "The lease on your little cottage expires tomorrow. Do you want to just move back to the castle?"

"Sure," Pansy said. "There's no one in the Common Room anyway, and the library is open."

"I'll