#2 Peeves-Free Reading

The quiet of the library was interrupted by a loud sound outside the castle. Studies abandoned, many students rushed to nearby windows to stare as an explosion of coloured sparks were seen. Madam Pince rushed through the crowd, staring in shock and outrage that anyone would have dared to set off fireworks from one of the courtyards below.

Adeline had been looking around the library for books relating to enchanted instruments, looking for something that may be useful for practicing ballet while away from home. She supposed that's what she missed most during the school year--not being able to dedicate the time she typically would to further her dance studies. Sure, she practiced while at school, but it was never the same as it was in the studio, where she could focus just on her art and really feel the music. Not that Mathias didn't try to provide her with appropriate music whenever possible...but she hadn't seen him much this term at all, much to her disappointment.

She was distracted by her search, however, when the explosion of fireworks disrupted the sacred silence of the library. She quickly made her way to the window, staring in awe out the window and wondering who had been brave enough to do such a thing. They were going to get in so much trouble if they were caught! She couldn't wait to go to dinner so she could hear what people were saying about it, she could only imagine that even if the professors didn't catch who was behind this, the students would know. Not much went on that they didn't know.

She spotted someone she was casually familiar with from class, Jasper Flynn, also peering out of a nearby window and she asked eagerly, "Isn't it amazing? Afternoon fireworks should be a thing done here... The only thing that would make them better would be if it had been night, where they'd stand out even more in the sky. Who do you think is behind it?"

Ryan fidgeted in his seat. All those options sounded really hard and scary, though he wondered where Ruby got the impression he wanted to work for the Ministry. Did he say that? Ryan was just curious about the job names and meanings. It was very interesting though, and now he know where to find it if he found hsis way back here again and wanted to do more research.

Unable to find words, he simply nodded at Ruby and considered what she'd said. His eyes widened at the fact that there were charms to wipe peoples memories though. How was that allowed? He guessed that explained why he'd never heard of magic existing until recently. Why did it have to be a big secret? He opened his mouth with Ruby asked him questions, then was relieved when a bell went somewhere to signal the start of dinner.

'Finally,' Ryan said, eagerly getting up from his seat. 'Let's put these books back and go eat.' He turned to the older Ravenclaw boy, then stared at his shoes. 'Can you please show us the way back to the Great Hall? I really don't want to get lost again.'