The next day was the weekend. Outside, fierce winds howled and rain poured down, leaving everything cold and damp. After a day of intensive training, Harry was soaked through, chilled to the bone, and almost frozen stiff. He hurried back to the Common Room, changed into clean, warm clothes, then rushed to the Great Hall.
The Quidditch match was fast approaching, and they had to make every moment count in their final training sessions. Though the process was grueling, everyone was pleased with the progress they had made.
Harry entered the Great Hall and dropped into a chair beside Ron. His cheerful mood vanished the instant he heard them still discussing their trip to Hogsmeade.
Hermione seemed to notice his disappointment and comforted him softly. "Harry, you'll definitely be able to go next time," she said firmly. "They're bound to catch Black soon."
"Black isn't an idiot. Why would he be stupid enough to risk going to Hogsmeade?" Ron chimed in. "Harry, ask Professor McGonagall during your next Transfiguration class. See if she'll let you go this time, too. Otherwise, who knows how long you'll have to wait?"
Determination rose in Harry as he listened. He nodded and said firmly, "Maybe you're right, Ron. I'll definitely ask Professor McGonagall during our next Transfiguration class."
After thinking it over, Hermione still believed staying inside Hogwarts Castle was Harry's safest option. But when she saw that he had made up his mind, she silently swallowed the words she had been about to say. She was certain Professor McGonagall would never agree to let Harry go to Hogsmeade.
Harry pulled his schoolbag closer and took out some parchment, Ink, and a Quill, ready to settle down to his homework.
"You can copy mine if you need to." Ron generously pushed his homework toward