It was evening now, and hundreds upon thousands of burning candles crowded the dark clouds above the Great Hall, as though it were raining candles-
But even those raindrops could not outnumber the topics the students were discussing.
They laughed and chatted about where they had gone for Christmas, what mishaps they had encountered, what new pets they had adopted, or how they had not managed to finish all their homework. "What were you two busy with over Christmas?"
Ron asked his two brothers sitting opposite him, "Those are some serious dark circles. Did you put on makeup especially? So Professor McGonagall would be a little gentler when she told you off for not finishing your homework?"
After the four Weasley brothers had gathered for Christmas dinner and spent another morning handing out sweets, Fred and George had become like plates swept clean by House-elves in the Great Hall-
They had vanished from Hogwarts.
"My foolish little brother."
With dark rings around his eyes, Fred said rather impatiently,
"Sometimes what you say is really quite adorable. It always takes me back years. Remember? Back when you were still a squalling baby."
Ron frowned, thought about it, and asked Hermione, "What does he mean?"
"He means babies don't have to think before they speak," Hermione said, suppressing a laugh. "Of course, you could also take it as him calling you adorable."
Ron immediately prepared to retort, but George, who had been ready for him, interrupted.
"Clever, Hermione. Ron, if your brain worked a little better, you'd know that finishing our Transfiguration homework is always our top priority."
George said listlessly,
"Professor McGonagall. Transfiguration professor. Head of Gryffindor House."
"I don't need you to remind me." Ron was getting angry.
Harry soothed the angry Ron and asked, just as curious,
"So how