Howlers, Hand-Holding, and a Social Funeral
After a while longer, Keith finally loosened his embrace.
Hermione looked up at him, cheeks still warm.
They didn't say anything—just interlaced their fingers and walked together toward the Great Hall.
The moment they pushed the doors open—
"RONALD BILIUS WEASLEY—!!!"
The roar shook the hall.
A massive Howler hovered above the Gryffindor table, red and furious, unmistakably Molly Weasley's voice echoing through every corner.
Ron sat frozen, pale as a ghost.
"HOW DARE YOU BRAG ABOUT THINGS YOU DIDN'T DO, EMBARRASS YOUR BROTHERS, AND SHAME THIS FAMILY—"
Fred and George were already halfway out of the hall, sliding sideways like criminals escaping a crime scene.
Percy sat stiffly, face hidden behind a dinner plate.
Beside him, his girlfriend—Penelope Fairbairn, a composed sixth-year Ravenclaw prefect—patted his shoulder sympathetically while pretending she did not know him.
Ginny Weasley sat silently, eating her lunch as if nothing was happening.
When her eyes met Keith's—
He waved.
Ginny nearly dropped her fork.
Her ears turned bright red.
Hermione smiled faintly, then let go of Keith's hand.
"I'll see you later," she said softly.
She headed to the Ravenclaw table, posture calm—face still faintly pink.
Keith went to Hufflepuff.
Lunch at Hufflepuff
The moment Keith sat down, food appeared.
Rias placed a plate in front of him with practiced ease.
Susan hurried over with a drink.
Helena added dessert.
Keith blinked.
"…Thank you."
He smiled and added, "It looks great."
Susan's face lit up.
Helena looked away, flustered.
Rias smirked knowingly and leaned closer.
Cedric Diggory slid into the seat opposite him.
"So," Cedric said, grinning,
"you heard that?"
Keith nodded calmly. "What happened?"
Cedric lowered his voice.
"Ron was bragging again. Loudly. Very loudly."
"Someone—probably Fred or George—sent a letter home."
Keith hummed.
"And the ending?"
Cedric laughed.
"Molly praised Ginny for getting into Gryffindor… right at the end."
Keith nodded slowly.
"…He's socially dead."
Cedric raised his glass. "Completely."
Across the hall, Ron bolted out the doors the moment the Howler finished.
Keith took a bite of his food.
Didn't care.
The Great Hall slowly returned to normal.
But rumors spread fast.
And somewhere between whispered laughter, blushing glances, and one spectacular public scolding—
Hogwarts had officially decided:
Keith Argus Runcandel's second year was going to be anything but quiet.