Harry paced back and forth in the Entrance Hall outside the Great Hall, watching the students who had just finished dinner leave in groups, laughing and chatting.
There were only two days left before the Christmas holiday. Even the fifth-years had finally relaxed, radiating the joy of the coming festival.
But Harry's heart felt heavy, and as he waited, he could not stop pacing.
In one of the portraits hanging on the wall, a lady wearing an elaborate headdress noticed him and shrieked, "Oh, look at that miserable little fool! I'd wager he's been dumped!"
A red-haired wizard in another portrait leaned cheerfully against his frame and said, "Oh, come off it, Cassandra. In my experience, he must have gotten himself into terrible trouble and is waiting to be thrashed! Isn't that right, little Potter?"
Harry had no mind to deal with them, so he pretended not to hear, while doing his best to ignore the glances cast his way by passing students.
Suddenly, Harry spotted Wade coming out of the Great Hall. He hurried over and called, "Wade!"
Wade stopped and looked at him.
But at that moment, Harry did not know where to begin, nor did he think the Entrance Hall was a suitable place to talk.
Wade saw his discomfort and took the initiative. "The weather's nice. Want to take a walk by the lake?"
Harry nodded at once. "Okay."
They went down the steps, crossed the snow-covered grass, and headed toward the Black Lake.
The lake was covered in thick ice that gleamed white beneath the sunlight. Even the withered grass along the shore was coated in frost and thin ice, crunching beneath their feet.
Wade drew his Wand and gave it a casual flick. Several clusters of warm flames appeared out of thin air, floating