Chapter 584: Harry’s Protective Spell
The day after the end-of-year banquet marked the official start of the holidays at Hogwarts. Kyle and the others made their way to the platform to board the train back home.
Perched on Kyle's shoulder was Ratton, the ever-intimidating owl, behaving as if he owned the platform. Ratton stared down every passing owl, causing a cascade of chaos. Wherever Kyle passed, owls screeched and flailed in their cages, their feathers flying.
Even Cho's owl wasn't spared.
"Hey, Kyle, can't you do something about him?" Cho said, trying to soothe her distressed owl. "Saya's been startled three times already!"
"Sorry about that," Kyle said with an apologetic shrug. "Ratton doesn't like being in a cage."
At that moment, Ratton spread his massive wings and flew off toward the train, sparing the platform from further turmoil.
This year, the group chose a regular compartment instead of the more comfortable and spacious Prefect's carriage. They had opted to stay together to keep an eye on certain mischievous members of their group.
As soon as they sat down, Cedric stretched out with an exaggerated groan. "Oh... these seats are so hard."
Fred and George's faces darkened immediately. They knew exactly what Cedric meant.
"My deepest apologies," Fred drawled sarcastically, "that we weren't made Prefects, forcing you to endure this unspeakable hardship in the regular compartment."
"If it helps," George said smoothly, removing his robe and folding it neatly, "you can sit on this. It's not velvet, but it's better than nothing."