There was far too much rain in the United Kingdom, Harry thought as he looked out the window.
It had suddenly started raining just moments ago. It was not heavy, but it had come without warning.
As for Draco Malfoy and Pansy Parkinson, who were standing at the door holding gifts and smiling rather awkwardly, Harry had no desire to acknowledge them. Professor Slughorn did not seem particularly fond of Malfoy either, offering him only an ordinary smile.
He was noticeably warmer toward Pansy Parkinson, however.
"Pansy, what a rare visit! Come in, come in. Oh, and Draco, come in as well." Professor Slughorn nodded to the two of them and ushered them inside.
The two were rather embarrassed to come in, too. Clearly, they had not expected that, after deliberately choosing a Hogsmeade weekend to visit Slughorn, they would find not only other people here, but Harry, the person they least wanted to see.
Harry was full of hostility toward them, and naturally, they could not possibly have any fondness for him either.
Especially this year, Draco and Harry could practically be said to be completely at odds. Draco had even used the Imperius Curse on Harry before, and knowing that Harry was watching him had made Draco much more cautious in his actions.
Still, although he had made some progress over the past two months or so, it fell far short of his original plans.
Things seemed much harder to accomplish than he had originally imagined.
Malfoy had originally thought that, with Voldemort giving him a chance, he could easily accomplish something and gain the Dark Lord's recognition, something even his father had never received. Yet when he actually began working, he discovered that it was not easy.
"Professor, since you have more guests, I'll be going." Seeing