The First Lesson

During the lunch break, many sixth-years chose to finish their coursework in the common room. The "free" periods when sixth-years had no classes were nothing like the time Ron Weasley had hoped to spend relaxing to his heart's content; instead, they had to be used to slog through the huge piles of homework their teachers had assigned.

The N.E.W.T.-level students not only worked as desperately as if they had exams every day, but the professors had also assigned their work without any consideration for the fact that they had just finished a pleasant summer holiday and had yet to adjust to such intense study. Even Hermione, who could understand the material perfectly well, found that because of the sheer amount, by the time she had just finished her Potions assignment, it was almost time for afternoon classes.

"Quick, it's Professor Harris's first Ancient Magic Class. We absolutely can't be late." Ginny quickly stuffed her textbooks into her bag. All around the common room, many wizards were hurriedly gathering their books, homework, quills, and ink.

"Ginny, you're taking Ancient Magic Class too?" Ron, still agonizing over his Potions homework, looked up and asked his sister in surprise.

"Of course." Ginny raised an eyebrow. "Professor Harris only teaches Ancient Magic twice a week. Every wizard from every year who chose this course has to attend. Harry and I need to move quickly, or we definitely won't get good seats."

"All right, go on, go on, all of you go. I can just play some Wizard's Chess in the dormitory." Ron crossed his hands behind his head and leaned heavily back in his chair, putting on a comfortable, carefree air.

Harry, who had just finished packing up, heard Ron as he stood and asked back, "Didn't you just say you were planning to