Halloween passed, and November arrived.
November in the Scottish Highlands always felt cold and harsh. A gray veil hung over the sky and the surrounding mountains most days, while the darkness inside the Castle carried a biting chill.
The students spent most of their time in their dormitories or Common Rooms, huddled around the fireplaces for warmth.
The members of the High Tower were no exception, though they preferred staying there. It felt more relaxed than any of the house Common Rooms.
Anco also brought everyone hot tea, other warm drinks, and assorted snacks while they rested.
"Brr—" A gust of cold wind swept away the warmth on the High Tower's Eighth Floor.
Everyone looked toward the window and saw two people climbing in, both of them soaked.
"Anco, quick, get me a cup of hot Black Tea!" Ron, still wearing his helmet and riding his Broomstick, clambered through the window, panting. His face was white with cold.
Harry followed close behind, looking little better. "I... I'll have one too."
Anco promptly brought out two cups of hot tea from the Kitchens. Ron and Harry sat by the fireplace and sipped them until some color returned to their faces.
"What happened to you two?" Neville asked, putting down the thick book in his hands.
"Don't ask." Harry shook his head and pointed at the window. "Freezing rain started falling in the middle of practice. We nearly froze to death."
"Where's Ginny?" Hermione asked.
Ginny was on the Gryffindor Quidditch Team too.
Ron looked helpless. "We were coming straight to the High Tower, but she insisted that wouldn't be proper. She went back to the dormitory to get changed."
"Is that how you look after your Sister?" Hermione said in exasperation. "She's your Sister!"
"Oh..." Ron drew the word out. "I'm