Jason woke up feeling surprisingly refreshed. For once, he wasn't scrambling to get dressed while cursing his inability to hear the alarm spell Vik had set the night before. Instead, he calmly threw on his robes and turned to find Vik lacing his shoes.
"Good morning, mate," Jason said with a grin.
"Morning, Jason," Vik replied, adjusting his tie. "Looks like you finally managed to wake up on time. Miracles do happen."
Jason laughed. "What can I say? I'm a changed man. Let's go tackle the day."
The two boys headed out at a leisurely pace, enjoying the crisp morning air as they made their way toward the Great Hall. Along the way, they spotted a group of familiar faces—Simon, Josh, and Tobi—chatting animatedly near the corridor.
"Oi, Simon!" Jason called out, waving.
Simon turned, his face lighting up when he saw Jason. "Hey, Jason!"
"Let's all go to the hall together," Jason suggested, jogging to catch up.
"Sounds good," Simon said, gesturing for Josh and Tobi to follow.
When Jason reached the group, he extended his hand. "I know we've already introduced ourselves, but just in case you've forgotten—I'm Jason."
Josh, who always seemed to carry himself with a certain pureblood poshness, shook Jason's hand firmly. "Josh Bradley, but I'm sure you remembered that."
Tobi, ever cheerful, grinned as he shook Jason's hand too. "And I'm Tobi. Good to see you again."
Vik joined in, offering his own handshake as the group began walking together.
As they reached the Great Hall, the smell of bacon and eggs filled the air. The group took their seats at the Ravenclaw table, helping themselves to toast and sausages while the conversation turned to the day's classes.
Josh adjusted his napkin and spoke in his usual measured tone. "I've always been fascinated by history. As a pureblood, I believe it's our duty to understand the legacy of the wizarding world."
Vik nodded in agreement. "History is important. It helps us understand how the present was shaped and gives us context for the future."
Jason, chewing thoughtfully on a piece of toast, shook his head. "I don't see the point in going back hundreds of years to learn about some random wizard's birthplace and relationship drama. What's the use? Recent history, sure. But ancient history? Waste of time."
Simon chuckled. "History's not just about facts, Jason. It's about understanding what people thought and felt back then."
Tobi chimed in, "And it gives you stories to tell, mate. Like Goblin Rebellions. Those sound like epic battles."
Jason smirked. "Epic battles? If they wanted me to care, they should've thrown in a dragon or two."
The group laughed as they finished their breakfast and made their way to the History of Magic classroom.
The classroom was cold, the walls lined with dusty portraits of wizards and witches from centuries past. As the students settled into their seats, a ghost materialized at the front of the room, his translucent figure wearing an old-fashioned robe.
"Good morning, class," the ghost intoned in a droning voice. "I am Professor Binns, and I will be teaching you the intricate and fascinating history of the wizarding world. Today, we begin with the Goblin Rebellions."
Jason, having anticipated this monotony, discreetly pulled out a textbook and a pair of cotton earplugs. As Professor Binns droned on, Jason stuffed the earplugs in his ears and began reading the book instead.
Vik, sitting nearby, glanced at Jason in shock. "What are you doing?" he whispered.
Jason flashed a grin and whispered back, "Surviving."
Tobi, sitting beside him, noticed and gave Jason a fist bump, muttering, "Legend."
Meanwhile, Hermione and Josh, seated in the row ahead, turned around and caught sight of Jason. Her eyes widened in disbelief. "Is he… ignoring the professor?!" she whispered to Josh, who merely raised an eyebrow and returned to his notes.
As the students left the History of Magic classroom and headed to their next class, Hermione marched up to Jason with her usual bossy determination.
"Hey, you!" she said, pointing at him.
Jason raised an eyebrow. "Hello. My name's Jason. And you are?"
"Hermione Granger," she replied briskly. "And you should know that not paying attention in class is a terrible habit. You'll fail your exams if you keep that up!"
Before Jason could respond, Ron appeared beside him, his ears already pink. "Oi, leave him alone! He's in Ravenclaw, isn't he? My brother says no Ravenclaw's failed an exam in fifty years."
Hermione huffed, crossing her arms. "Then he'll be the first in half a century." With that, she stormed off toward the next classroom.
Jason stood there, stunned. "Well… that was something."
Ron clapped him on the shoulder. "Don't mind her, mate. She's like that with everyone. But you've got me on your side. That was a bold move, ignoring Binns."
Jason chuckled. "Thanks, Ron. But for the record, I wasn't ignoring him. I was reading the book about the Goblin Rebellions."
Ron blinked. "What? I thought you were drawing or something."
"Nope," Jason said. "Making notes. I figure if I study ahead, I won't have to suffer through his lectures later."
Harry, who had been quietly listening, smiled. "That's... actually pretty smart. Planning ahead, huh?"
Jason nodded. "Exactly. I'd rather get history over with early than scramble to catch up later."
Ron grinned. "Bloody brilliant, mate. Truly Ravenclaw."
The trio reached the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, where a faint smell of garlic hung in the air. Professor Quirrell stood at the front, nervously adjusting his turban as the students filed in.