Chapter 474: New Business Opportunity
To be honest, if Kyle had a choice, he wouldn't have wanted to be a Prefect. On the train to school, he'd much rather have stayed in the compartment chatting or playing a few rounds of wizard chess instead of pacing around on Prefect patrol. Fortunately, the students were cooperative; apart from Fred and George, who seemed intent on causing a bit of mischief, most were pretty quiet.
Finally, by evening, the Hogwarts Express slowed and came to a halt at the dark Hogsmeade Station. The doors opened just as a rumble of thunder echoed from the sky, and icy rain poured down in torrents, drenching everyone almost immediately.
Kyle clipped on his waterproof badge, which kept him and his belongings dry, and the others did the same or conjured umbrellas for themselves if they didn't have similar charms. In short, everyone had their own way of keeping dry... except for the first years, who had to follow Hagrid across the Black Lake by boat. They were quickly ushered off the platform.
"Oh, taking a boat in this weather isn't exactly ideal," Cedric shivered, glancing at the first years. "I hope this doesn't spoil their first impression of Hogwarts too much."
Moving with the crowd, Kyle made his way to the carriages and climbed into the nearest one, with the others following. A few moments later, with a rough jolt, the carriage started along the path to the castle, splashing through puddles as it went.
They soon arrived at the castle and quickly climbed out, hurrying up the stone steps into the warm, torch-lit foyer. Just as they stepped inside, Kyle caught sight of a large water balloon dropping from the ceiling, exploding with a splash over Ron's head.
One after another, more water balloons fell from above, splattering the crowd below. Screams and laughter filled the air as students pushed each other, trying to dodge the relentless onslaught.
"Peeves!" shouted an angry voice. "Get down here right now!"
Professor McGonagall strode out of the Great Hall, looking furious. The floor was so wet that she slipped slightly, and to keep from falling, she instinctively grabbed the person nearest her—who happened to be Hermione.
"Ouch... I'm sorry, Miss Granger..." she said, catching her balance.
"Ahem... it's alright, Professor..." Hermione replied, rubbing her throat, wide-eyed.