October arrived quietly, and the grounds of Hogwarts were peaceful and still.
The air carried the scent of autumn and a faint chill, as though heralding the bitter winter to come.
Raindrops rattled against the Castle windows like bullets, never letting up for days on end. The lake rose, its waves spilling over the banks, while the flower beds turned to mud. A damp chill seeped into every corner of the Castle.
An unexpected influenza outbreak spread rapidly among the staff and students.
The once-bustling corridors grew much quieter. Only occasionally did someone hurry past, looking pale and coughing now and then.
Madam Pomfrey, the school matron, was rushed off her feet, her infirmary constantly packed.
"Good afternoon, Hermione!"
"Good after..." Before Hermione could finish, white steam began pouring from both her ears like a moving train.
Her face flushed bright red as well, and she awkwardly covered her ears, trying to hide the embarrassing sight.
"Ha! You've caught a cold too!" Realizing what was happening, Jerry covered his mouth and tried his best not to laugh.
With influenza running rampant lately, many students and teachers had fallen ill. Madam Pomfrey had therefore brewed a large supply of Pepperup Potion. It worked wonderfully, but anyone who drank it would have smoke coming out of their ears for several hours afterward.
"You're awful! Jerry, stop laughing!"
Looking at Hermione's flushed cheeks and constantly smoking ears, Jerry simply couldn't hold back his laughter. He tried to compose his face and look a little more mature.
"Well, I think Madam Pomfrey said this was normal. The effects should wear off in a few hours." Jerry tried to keep his tone light and natural.
Hermione sighed helplessly.
As they spoke, Harry walked in, covered in mud and soaked through by the rain.
"Good heavens,