The only sounds that could be heard in the library at Hogwarts were the soft rustling of pages being turned and the occasional whisper of students as they discussed their various classes and assignments. Harry, Ron, and Hermione sat together at a large oak table near a window, where they could see the leaves that had turned from their fresh green to the burnt amber and reds of autumn. They were surrounded by towering shelves filled with books of all shapes and sizes.
Hermione was engrossed in a Charms book. She slipped through the pages with fervor as she took notes meticulously. Ron leaned over his Potions text as he squinted at the complicated brewing instructions.
Harry meanwhile had a Defense Against the Dark Arts book in front of him, but his focus was on the window. It was one of the few days left with good weather before the snow started to fall, and instead of being outside enjoying the autumn breeze, they were cooped up in the library.
"Did you know that the Levitation Charm was first invented in the Middle Ages?"
Ron looked up from his text, baffled, "Did they also manage to invent a way for us to understand this Potions nonsense?"
She frowned at the redhead, but Harry chuckled. Hermione then turned towards him and asked, "Have you figured out that defensive spell yet?"
Harry, wide-eyed, stuttered out, "Not quite. Still researching."
Hermione narrowed her eyes at him but seemed to take him at his word and began studying her text once more. They continued in silence before Ron suddenly shut his book and leaned back in his chair.
"I don't get why we need to learn all these potions anyways, we can just use spells."
"Ron, we can't just rely on spells to solve everything. There are many instances where potions are the superior option," lectured Hermione.
"But it's all I'm decent at," Ron whined.
Harry sat back in his chair and watched the bickering happen. He was well used to how Hermione and Ron interacted, and he knew it wasn't going to change anytime soon, both were far too stubborn.
Hermione shook her head and went to reply before she was interrupted by Madam Pince.
"Quiet in the library, please!" she shushed.
The three friends shared a look before they returned to their studies. Hermione flipped to the next section in her Charms book. Ron opened his potion text once more. And Harry flipped the page in his Defense book, but his gaze drifted back to watching the red and brown leaves float through the air on the warm autumn breeze.