When Gavin emerged from the chilly dungeon, the sunlight in the corridor seemed almost blinding.
At a bend in the stone stairs leading to the North Tower, Justin was leaning against the railing, picking his teeth.
Rolf stood beside him, yawning, a few stray breadcrumbs still clinging to the corner of his mouth. Clearly, he too had just finished a second breakfast in the Great Hall.
Ernie clutched a brand-new copy of Unfogging the Future, checking the class time with his head lowered.
Justin's eyes lit up the moment he saw Gavin coming up the stairs.
He hurried a couple of steps toward him, craning his neck and giving Gavin's face a shifty once-over.
"Well? Snape didn't shove your head into a cauldron, did he?"
Gavin remained perfectly composed.
"No, but he did give me a T at first."
At the mention of that T, the corners of Justin's mouth rose uncontrollably. He was just about to flash his teeth when Gavin gave him a knowing look.
"Think about next year's Transfiguration Resit Exam before you speak."
Justin's glee caught abruptly in his throat.
He hastily cleared his throat, straightened his expression, and changed tack with righteous indignation.
"That's so unfair to you! Seriously, Professor McGonagall let you be an examiner. What right does Snape have to give you a T?"
Gavin raised an eyebrow. "I thought you'd say you wouldn't fail next year."
"That might be a bit difficult. I haven't passed yet." Justin smiled awkwardly. "So you'll still help me next year, right?"
"Not necessarily."
Justin froze. "Why? Aren't we good roommates anymore? Good mates?"
"Because at next year's finals—" Gavin's tone was calm. "I probably won't miss the exam."
Justin stopped dead.
His mouth hung half-open as his expression slowly froze. He had been so delighted to