Following Potter's example, Grosvenor began changing as well. By now, his teeth were chattering uncontrollably.
A short while later, all three looked exactly alike: dressed in robes bearing the Hufflepuff crest, gleaming snow-white unicorn-wool socks, and black patent-leather shoes.
"All right." Hermione drew a deep breath as though preparing to dive into water. "Harry, start hissing!"
"Open!"
After Potter spoke the password, the wall slid aside. Harry threw the Invisibility Cloak over himself and Hermione. Richard, having stuffed the shrunken glider and their wet clothes into his bag, activated his own invisibility as well. The trio of invisible children slipped out of the girls' lavatory.
The corridor was empty. The children breathed sighs of relief.
"See you," Richard whispered. "I hope nobody needs reminding? What happens at Hogwarts stays at Hogwarts!"
"You think we're stupid enough to tell anyone what happened?" Harry whispered back.
"Richie," Granger said quietly, "that was an insane day. Thank you for saving my life again. Of course I won't tell anyone anything. See you."
"Harry," Richard called after him.
"What?"
Grosvenor continued with a malicious chuckle in his voice:
"And who was it that said he'd never wear underwear made from the wool of some rare horse?!"
An indistinct grumble came from Harry's direction, bringing a broad smile to Grosvenor's face.
The three young adventurers went their separate ways. Harry and Hermione headed right, towards Gryffindor Tower, while Richie went left, towards the Hufflepuffs' lair.
***
Richard felt dreadful the next morning. His head was splitting mercilessly, his voice was hoarse, his throat was sore, and he couldn't stop sniffling.
Glancing over at the Gryffindor table, he noted that Harry and Hermione didn't look much better. Stress, overstrain, and a dip in cold water had taken their toll.
Things weren't exactly idyllic at the staff table either. All the Heads of House had acquired dark circles under their eyes and looked thoroughly exhausted. Professor Snape stood out in particular: his greasy hair was even dirtier than usual, and he glared irritably at the students through eyes as red as a vampire's.
Headmaster Dumbledore rose from his seat and tapped his fork against his goblet to attract everyone's attention.
"What happened last night is a great secret, which is why the entire school knows about it."
Richie tensed, although the Headmaster's voice was distinctly ironic. Meanwhile, having gained the attention of all the students, Dumbledore continued:
"During the night, a sinkhole formed beneath the Hogwarts lake, causing the water level to fall somewhat. As a result of this unfortunate incident, fountains began erupting from the lavatories in the Slytherin dormitories. The dormitories were somewhat flooded. Fortunately, the professors were able to resolve the problem."
The Gryffindor students cast gleefully malicious looks towards the Slytherin table, whose occupants looked somewhat battered and dishevelled.
"The giant squid was injured," Dumbledore continued. "Hagrid and Professor Kettleburn are currently tending to it."
Richard noticed Hermione breathe a sigh of relief.
A clamour rose throughout the Great Hall. Students hurried to share their thoughts and theories with one another.
"Ahem..." A light cough from the Headmaster brought everyone back to silence. "Unfortunately, water from the lake has flooded the castle's lower levels. The professors will make every effort to deal with the consequences of the flooding, but they will require assistance. I am sure you were all looking forward to some rest, but I am afraid I must disappoint you. Students in the sixth, fourth, and third years will be required to assist the staff in dealing with the aftermath of this unfortunate act of nature."
Some of the students in the affected years immediately began protesting loudly:
"Why only us? What about everyone else?"
"Yeah! Why us?"
Dumbledore raised a hand, calling for silence. Once the angry shouts had died away, he said:
"Fifth- and seventh-year students are sitting important examinations and therefore must not be distracted. The younger students are not yet sufficiently skilled to be entrusted with such work. That will be all."
Immediately after breakfast, Harry, Hermione, and Richard found themselves in the hospital wing. Madam Pomfrey diagnosed all three with colds, but the sheer number of similar cases made her suspect something contagious. She therefore put the entire trio to bed and threatened not to let them out until the holidays began.
"Oh, brilliant..." Harry drawled miserably.
Hermione put on her glasses, stretched out on her bed, and folded her hands behind her head.
"I don't understand what you're so upset about, Harry," she said. "We can lie here quietly and read books."
"Richie," Harry said quietly, "at least you tell her!"
"Tell her what?" Richard had also stretched out on his bed with his hands behind his head. "Hermione's right. I've still got so many reports I haven't read. At least I'll have a chance to catch up on things in peace."
"Have you two planned this?" Harry asked mournfully.
"No, Mr Potter," Hermione replied absently. "Intelligent people can always find something to occupy themselves with. Richie, will you help me study the Muggle school curriculum?"
"Of course, Hermione," Richard replied calmly. "No problem. Have you got the textbooks?"
"Yes, digital copies." Granger nodded. "I scanned them during the holidays."
Harry heaved a sigh and closed his eyes. Under his breath, he muttered:
"I have a feeling these are going to be a very long two weeks..."
"Definitely," Grosvenor confirmed. "The Year Ten curriculum isn't like firing a railgun—you actually need brains for this! Hermione, do you know how to calculate the discriminant yet?"
"Er..." Hermione shook her head. "No."
"This is going to be very difficult," Richard added. Privately, he thought:
I'm beginning to notice a rather unpleasant pattern: every time I'm at Hogwarts, I end up in the hospital wing at the end of the school year.
(End of Chapter)
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