He was powerless to resist everyone's decision, so he could only ramble on about their "compensation" to Scabbers, hoping the poor rat would be encouraged enough to survive the darkest time of his life.
In Ron's view, Scabbers seemed fairly satisfied, because halfway through his speech, the rat, which had been half-dead moments ago, climbed to its feet and began squeaking loudly, full of energy!
Breakfast was over, and another painful day of classes began.
Hogwarts seemed far more restless than usual today, partly because everyone was still focused on the Duelling Club.
Thanks to Malfoy shouting about it everywhere these past two days, every young wizard in the castle knew that the Duelling Club had once again drawn the Board of Governors' attention. The Board had even convened at the castle, and according to Malfoy, the situation looked grim.
Everyone was worried about the club's future.
On the other hand, the professors—especially the heads of the four Houses—seemed not to have slept well because of the Board of Governors.
During the second-years' first Charms class that day, everyone noticed that Professor Flitwick had enormous dark circles under his eyes and looked utterly dazed.
While teaching them a spell, he even accidentally swallowed a syllable and abruptly vanished from the classroom.
Ten minutes later, he returned through the door, drenched from head to toe. Apparently, the out-of-control spell had transported him into a toilet in the bathroom.
Professor McGonagall's Transfiguration class that afternoon was much the same.
The already stern Deputy Headmistress was even more oppressive today. Though she did not lose her temper with anyone, everyone could feel the rage building within her thin, wiry frame, like a volcano on the verge of eruption.
No one dared provoke Professor McGonagall like this—not even the most mischievous twins.
"I'd bet