16

Chapter 16: Time Waits for No One

"What?" Michael looked puzzled.

Hogwarts operated on a seven-year system, but failing any Ordinary Wizarding Level Examinations (OWLs) by the end of fifth year meant leaving school. Michael couldn't fathom why Wade raised such a question that seemed common knowledge.

"Seven years," Wade sighed. "There are only 52 weeks in a year. Subtracting summer and Christmas breaks, we're left with about 38 weeks annually. Over seven years, that's merely 266 weeks!"

"Hmm..." Michael pondered for a moment. "That's true, but what's your point?"

"Well, even if I could devour a book a week, that's just 266 books in our entire Hogwarts tenure! Yet, the library houses thousands. It's like having access to a vault of treasures but walking away with only a handful of Galleons. Don't you think it's a shame?"

Michael found Wade's argument compelling, feeling a sudden urgency that "time was slipping away".

"Consider this," Wade continued earnestly, "in these seven years—or rather, in 266 weeks—we can consult the foremost wizards of our time, right here in the safest place on earth. Our Transfiguration teacher is Professor McGonagall, one of the seven registered Animagi in the 20th century; Spells is taught by Professor Flitwick, a dueling champion; and Potions by Professor Snape, a master of the craft... Even if Defense Against the Dark Arts is a bit hit-or-miss, where else will you find such a conducive learning environment after Hogwarts? Who else will selflessly guide us through advanced magical theories and potent potions? When we yearn to learn formidable spells in the future, won't we rue the missed opportunities of Hogwarts' library?"

Not only Michael but also the surrounding students, who had fallen silent, nodded in agreement.

"So, Michael," Wade asked solemnly, "do you still think that skimming through just eight books in one-seventh of our time is enough?"

Fully convinced by Wade's reasoning, Michael vigorously shook his head. He wanted to say more but held back, troubled by the two weeks he felt he had "squandered".

He ceased chatting with the girls and retrieved the "Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration" from where he had discarded it, diving back into study.

Soon, Ravenclaw Common Room descended into a hush, punctuated only by rustling pages and scratching quills. Two fifth-year students, returning just before curfew, mistook the studious atmosphere for a Snape-induced inspection, tiptoeing past with bated breath.

---

**Later, at Dinner in the Great Hall...**

"There's something off, Fred."

"Yeah, something's definitely up, George."

The red-haired twins exchanged looks and simultaneously grabbed a Ravenclaw student, dragging him to their table before he could protest.

"What's this about, Weasley?" the Ravenclaw boy grumbled. "I don't have time for your pranks."

"Huh? What?" Ron mumbled through a mouthful of chicken leg, bewildered.

"It's none of your business, little Ronnie!" Fred pushed Ron's head back into his plate, while the twins playfully restrained the Ravenclaw boy. "Davis, what's been going on with Ravenclaws lately?"

"Eating while reading—"

"Reading while walking—"

"Fewer Ravenclaws in the courtyard during lunch—"

"Even Quidditch practice seems lackluster—"

"No dates on weekends!"

"Weren't you lot less bookish before?"

"Is Snape slipping you some secret 'love of learning' potion or what?"

The mention of Snape and a pink-scented love potion made Roger Davis shudder. "Don't be ridiculous. Professor Snape wouldn't... I mean, there's no such potion... We just... realized suddenly—life's short, and study time even shorter."

"Huh?" The Weasleys exchanged baffled glances.

Roger took a deep breath, meeting their eyes earnestly. "Fred, George, do you know how long we get to stay at Hogwarts?"

Fred dramatically checked his forehead temperature.

"I'm not feverish!" Roger slapped his hand down, launching into a serious discourse about "266 weeks", "thousands of books", and the regret of squandering the opportunity to learn amidst a treasure trove of knowledge.

With that, Roger returned to the Ravenclaw table, dinner in hand and a book tucked under his arm. The Weasley brothers shared a look, even Harry and Ron momentarily distracted from their meals.

A subtle shift towards diligent study began to ripple through Hogwarts.

Of course, most reverted to old habits soon after. Ron, for instance, diligently drafted a History of Magic essay, then promptly returned to his animated game of wizard chess. The twins split their time between pranks and mastering new magical tricks. Yet, a few were quietly inspired to strive harder.

Michael belonged to the intermittent diligent type. Brilliant yet easily distracted, he occasionally mirrored Wade's zeal, only to be lured away by more captivating pursuits—like charming paper figures into duels or discussing music and fashion with fetching girls.

In the practice rooms, it was usually Wade, Hermione, Theo, and Ryan who remained engrossed.

Professor Sprout, occasionally visiting from Herbology, eyed their activities warily, concerned they might be up to something dangerous. After inspecting their setup and noting their progress, she praised their dedication, awarding five points to each House and offering herself for questions when free. Known for her gentle demeanor, Professor Sprout treated all students fairly, favoring only those particularly skilled in Herbology. Before long, she recommended a Gryffindor student to their group—Neville Longbottom.

The round-faced, earnest boy struggled with spells more than most but compensated with unwavering diligence. He swiftly assimilated into their small circle.

On a weekend evening, an announcement in the common room stirred all first-years: Flying lessons would commence the following week!