Thick of it : reboot

The morning air inside the castle was thick with the scent of parchment, candle wax, and the occasional waft of something suspiciously burnt—likely a first-year botching a spell. Sunlight filtered through the tall, arched windows, casting golden streaks along the stone corridors as students bustled towards their classes. James, Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Neville made their way down the hallway, their footsteps echoing off the ancient walls.

The chatter of students filled the air, but none were as animated as their group, primarily because Ron was still reeling from the trauma of his howler experience.

James smirked, giving Ron a nudge. "So, you really got a howler, look like i won the bet ."

Neville shuddered as if reliving the horror. "It was brutal, James. Proper terrifying. I mean, I've had my gran yell at me before, but that thing? It shook the whole Great Hall."

Harry grinned. "Sirius was giddy when he heard about it. Said it was a rite of passage or something."

Ron groaned, rubbing his face. "Why is it always me? Every time, every bloody time."

James chuckled, slapping him on the back. "Tough luck, mate. Having parents and all."

Ron frowned, glaring at him. "I didn't mean it like that."

James grinned. "Relax, Ron, I'm just pulling your leg."

Hermione shushed them, shooting them a warning glance. "Shhh! We're nearly at Lockhart's class now."

James ignored her, turning back to Ron. "Mate, you do know you could've just shut the howler up with a spell, right?"

Ron stopped dead in his tracks. "Wait… really?"

Hermione sighed, exasperated. "James, are you seriously teaching them how to dodge consequences now?"

Harry grinned. "A true brother, I'd say."

James placed a hand on his chest in mock humility. "I try my best."

Ron's eyes narrowed in suspicion. "So, what spell, then?"

James waved a hand. "Oh, nothing fancy. Just a quick Silencio would've done the trick. Or you could've covered it with a bucket and hoped for the best."

Ron groaned even louder. "You're telling me I sat through all that humiliation when I could've just shut it up?"

Hermione huffed. "Maybe if you actually read your books, you'd know that."

James chuckled, his tone suddenly shifting to something more serious. "Actually, that reminds me. Harry, your enthusiasm for magic has been feeling a bit… off lately."

Harry blinked. "Huh?"

James gestured vaguely. "Come on, mate, we both know how unique magic is. We should actually learn it properly. You've got so much potential, but if you don't push yourself, you'll never reach it."

Ron scoffed. "We're Gryffindors, James. We don't have to be Ravenclaws."

James rolled his eyes. "We're wizards, Ron. Wizards blessed with the ability to wield magic. Let's not waste it, yeah? You might regret it later."

Hermione practically beamed, looking at James like he had just declared that exams were being moved forward a month. "Finally! Someone who understands!"

James grinned. "Hey, I've always studied, Hermione. Did you see my results last year?"

Ron smirked. "Mate, you got the same marks as me in Herbology, History of Magic, and Astronomy."

James shrugged. "Because I've got no interest in them. Didn't even bother reading the textbooks outside of class. Learned everything during class."

Ron narrowed his eyes. "Really?"

James smirked. "What can I say? I consume knowledge like no other." He turned to Hermione, smirking smugly. "See? Even you were below me in Potions, Charms, and Transfiguration."

Hermione crossed her arms, scowling. "I was only two points behind you."

James waved a hand dismissively. "Hermione, you got 98 because that's all you could get. I got 100 because that's all there was to get."

Harry let out a low whistle. "Never knew one could use marks to roast someone like that."

Ron smirked. "Hermione, next time?"

Hermione's eyes gleamed with determination. "Just watch, James. This year, I'll get more than you."

James grinned. "Keep dreaming."

Neville, who had been silent for most of the conversation, suddenly piped up. "I think Herbology is really interesting."

The group fell into silence for a moment.

Then James patted Neville's shoulder, nodding solemnly. "Good for you, mate."

With that, they reached the door to Lockhart's classroom. James took a deep breath and sighed. "Well, let's get this over with."

Ron muttered under his breath, "Reckon we'll have to listen to a two-hour monologue about his own greatness?"

Hermione huffed. "You lot should give him a chance!"

James exchanged glances with Harry and Ron before rolling his eyes. "Yeah, sure, Hermione. We'll give him a 'chance'… after he stops grinning at his own reflection."

With that, they stepped into the classroom, bracing themselves for whatever ridiculousness awaited them.