Hermione had recovered from her disappointment with Divination—and she had no plans to take it next term.
Sylvia shrugged and stirred her iced lemon tea with a small spoon. "He's had a few things to deal with lately. He's been busy."
"But it's already the holidays," Ron said, leaning over to take a few slices of cake and pass them around the table. Their own table had little more than crumbs left, and Hermione and Sylvia didn't seem interested in eating.
"Will's researching something." Sylvia didn't elaborate, and Hermione caught the vagueness in her tone.
But she didn't press. Will always had his own plans, and the High Tower members were used to it.
"Hope he doesn't miss dinner," Ron muttered, stuffing a large slice of cream cake into his mouth. "He gets good grades and he's still that busy. Merlin's beard, he works harder than Hermione."
"That's why Will got eleven Outstandings, Ron, and you didn't get a single one." Ginny rolled her eyes.
"Ginny, I'm your brother!" Ron protested. "You could at least show me some respect."
"We're your brothers too, and you've never shown us any respect," George and Fred said, giving Ron no quarter. "Right, Little Ronnie? Come on, call us your big brothers."
Ron flushed and turned away without a word. The Twins laughed, and the air filled with merriment.
Then Fred noticed something was wrong with Harry. He looked far too serious.
"Harry, why aren't you laughing?" Fred patted Harry on the shoulder. "Go on, laugh if you want. No one will blame you. Even Ron won't—"
Before he could finish, Harry fell face-first into the cake in front of him with a splat.
"Harry! Harry!" The group scrambled to carry Harry to the Hospital Wing.
Meanwhile, in the underground library at 12