The library was as crowded as ever on the weekend, filled with students furiously scribbling away—paying the price for their week of leisure.
At that moment, everyone hated their Monday-to-Friday selves, wishing they could slap their past selves and demand, "Why couldn't you just finish your homework after class? Why leave it for the weekend?"
Among them, third-year students suffered the most. Unlike first- and second-years, they had not only difficult required courses but also electives of their own choosing.
Though called "electives," these subjects weren't unimportant—they simply emphasized different skills and knowledge depending on a student's intended career path.
If a student wanted to pursue a certain profession after graduation, they'd need to present their grades in the relevant courses when applying. And if they hadn't taken those subjects—well, too bad. No eligibility.
However, that didn't mean older students always carried heavier academic loads. Starting from third year, if students felt overwhelmed, they were allowed to drop one or more courses—as long as they kept at least two.
Still, many third-years who thought they were being clever often ended up regretting their second-year decisions.
But misery wasn't limited to them.
The fifth-years were even more anxious. Although their schedule was slightly lighter than that of some third-years, they were preparing for one of the most important exams in their school life—the Ordinary Wizarding Level exams.
Poor marks could bar them from taking certain sixth-year classes, indirectly determining their future careers.
Sixth year was the most crucial stage. With fewer classes but far more advanced and specialized content, it demanded intense focus and effort.
Then came seventh year—the final hurdle—the Advanced Wizarding Level exams, far stricter and decisive, shaping each student's professional future.
So, studying at Hogwarts was anything but easy. The timetable might look relaxed, but anyone aspiring to a respectable future—to work in the Ministry of Magic or to become a leader in their field—had to study diligently.
Unless, of course, you had a savior for a friend—someone who could help you defeat Voldemort and save the world. In that case, even if you were a complete slacker, you'd still graduate with top marks after the school nearly got blown up in your final year. Then you'd smoothly join the Ministry and climb your way up the ladder of power.
And that savior friend, naturally, was none other than Harry Potter—who was, at that very moment, waving wildly at Leonard from across a table.
"Is that Harry Potter? Is he your friend?" Padma asked curiously.
"...Yeah." Leonard hesitated for a moment before managing to squeeze out a single word.
Let's just call him a friend—for now. Who knew, maybe someday he'd need to borrow the Chosen One's fame for something.
"Perfect! My sister's over there too. Let's go together," Padma said, grabbing Leonard's arm and tugging him along.
Sister?
Leonard blinked and looked toward Harry's table. Sure enough, he saw a figure that was both familiar and unfamiliar.
Familiar, because from behind, she looked exactly like Padma—except she was wearing Gryffindor robes. Unfamiliar, because Padma herself was right next to him.
Leonard immediately understood. That must be Padma's twin sister—Parvati Patil—sorted into Gryffindor. She was sitting beside Hermione, and from the looks of it, the two seemed to get along quite well.
Impressive, Leonard thought.
He couldn't help but feel like a proud old father watching his daughter finally learn how to make friends.
Making friends already. Good for her.
Padma pulled Leonard all the way to Harry's table.
"Sis, and everyone—hello." Padma greeted them with a bright smile.
Hermione looked up in surprise, her gaze shifting between Padma and Parvati, who was sitting right beside her. She froze for a moment, and just as she began to process it, she noticed Leonard standing next to Padma—her mind stalled again.
After a few long seconds, Hermione finally managed to speak, sounding slightly dazed. "This is your sister? You two look so much alike."
"That's right. This is Padma, my sister."
Parvati, who was a bit more composed than her sister, stood up and nodded politely to Leonard. "Hello, I'm Parvati Patil, Padma's sister. You must be Mr. William?"
"That's right. Hello." Leonard returned the nod.
"My sister talks about you all the time," Parvati said with a friendly smile.
"But… Leonard's in Hufflepuff, isn't he? And your sister's in Ravenclaw? How did you two even meet?" Hermione asked suddenly.
"Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff often have classes together," Padma said with a small laugh. "I was the one who went up to talk to Leonard first. May we sit here?"
"Of course," Harry said quickly, with Neville nodding beside him—both wearing the kind of eager expressions that suggested they were ready to enjoy the show.
They might not have understood the situation fully, but judging by Hermione's tone, they could sense the tension.
A good show was brewing—and they were here for it.
Hermione hesitated for a moment, glaring at Harry and Neville's expectant faces. Then, through gritted teeth, she muttered, "Fine."
The group shuffled things around to make space, and Leonard and Padma sat down.
With six people squeezed around one table, it was a bit cramped—but the real problem was the strange atmosphere hanging over them.
Hermione kept sneaking sharp glances at Padma, who sat beside Leonard, clearly displeased. Parvati, noticing her friend's irritation, looked a little uncomfortable herself.
Leonard glanced at Hermione, who was pouting slightly, and quietly sighed.
Don't look. What's the point? We're not suited for each other anyway.
Meanwhile, Parvati turned her attention from Hermione to Leonard, studying him curiously before speaking. "Mr. William…"
"Just call me Leonard," he interrupted lightly. "No need to be so formal."
As he spoke, he smoothly drew out his parchment and dipped his quill into ink. His movements were so fluid and practiced that Harry and Neville, who had been expecting drama, just stared in surprise.
That posture…
Wait a second—is he seriously about to start writing his homework right now?
They weren't wrong. Leonard did intend to finish his assignments as quickly as possible—though not to make an escape.
By coming to the library with Padma, he had already shown he didn't dislike her and was willing to spend time with her. In a way, he was even allowing her to show him off a little.
He just didn't want to waste too much time on homework.