Ron and Hermione had made up again.
Harry did not know how it had happened, but as he followed Professor Lupin from the Defense Against the Dark Arts office to the Great Hall for the Halloween Feast, he saw Ron and Hermione walking toward the Great Hall together.
Ron was even carrying Hermione's schoolbag for her.
Since she had chosen to take every subject, Hermione's schoolbag was particularly large that year. Whenever Harry saw her small figure carrying such a huge bag, he felt tired on her behalf and often offered to carry it for her.
Hermione refused most of the time, only accepting Harry's help when she was utterly exhausted.
Today, Ron was carrying Hermione's bag, so their relationship must have improved somewhat.
"Harry, I haven't seen you all afternoon. Where have you been?" Harry had spotted Hermione, and naturally, Hermione had spotted him too, so she greeted him with a question.
Harry turned his head and discovered that Professor Lupin had disappeared at some point without his noticing.
Why was he coming and going like a ghost?
Harry shook his head, then greeted Hermione and Ron with a grin before saying:
"I went to Professor Lupin's this afternoon. You know he was friends with my mum and dad. I went over for a chat, and, well, he gave me a little guidance with magic while I was there."
"Harry, you've been sneaking off for private lessons." Ron grinned and punched Harry lightly.
"Harry, if you ask me, you're already pretty good at magic, aren't you?" Hermione pursed her lips, looking a little unhappy.
Among the four of them, Hermione was the undisputed leader when it came to learning speed, exam results, and completing homework. But when it came to the effects of their magic, she fell a little