“I want an essay on what today’s lesson was about, and how it may be useful in our practical lives. Twelve inches, or more. Class dismissed.”

There was the general uproar that most ends of class saw, as everyone stood up and dispersed. I stood up too, packing up my belongings as Harry and Ron did the same, when Professor McGonagall’s brisk voice diverted my attention.

“Miss Granger?”

I dropped my book in surprise, and it fell on Ron’s toe. He yelped in surprise, and Harry quickly bent to retrieve it.

“Sorry Ron, thanks Harry,” I said, throwing Ron a quick, apologetic glance and Harry a grateful one, as I accepted my recently-picked-up book from the latter. “Yes, Professor?”

Professor McGonagall’s eyes wandered over the still glowering Ron and a Harry who was resisting his laughter - but who immediately sobered up at her look - for a moment, before finally resting on me.

“There is something I need to discuss with you, Miss Granger. If you could follow me to my office, right now. Or in the evening, if that should be more convenient.”

I exchanged a fleeting glance with Harry and Ron, both of whom looked pretty curious. Why did Professor McGonagall need me? Had I done anything wrong that day, anything I should not have? At once, everything that had happened to or around me during the day flashed through my mind. Nothing struck me.

At least, nothing struck me as very punishable. Of course, there were the birds I had accidentally set free during Charms but, essentially, it had not been my fault: Ron had carried the box they were caged within into the class for Professor Flitwick, and he had half lifted its lid to have a sneak peek inside. I had merely been pulling him away, during which struggle the birds had availed their chance, and all flown away.

Besides - Professor Flitwick had already excused me on account of my generally excellent performance in his class.

“I –“ I opened my mouth to ask the reason behind the meeting, but I closed it immediately, realizing such an action might not have the very best results. “Um, of course, Professor. We have a free period right now, and I’m already up-to-date on everything, so there’s no real study I need to do.”

Professor McGonagall nodded briskly. “Very well, Miss Granger. If you will follow me.”