The Gryffindor common room buzzed with its usual energy as students lounged by the fire or hurried to finish homework before curfew. You were seated cross-legged on the scarlet rug near the fireplace, with Ginny sprawled out beside you, propped up on her elbows. Her bright red hair glowed in the firelight as she flipped through a deck of Exploding Snap cards, a mischievous grin playing on her lips.

“You’re hopeless at this game,” Ginny teased, tossing a card in your direction. “I swear, you’ve managed to lose to everyone in the common room at least once.”

You rolled your eyes, leaning back against the couch. “That’s because no one around here plays fair—especially you,” you said, narrowing your eyes at her.

She laughed, a warm, melodic sound that drew the attention of a few nearby students. “Oh, please. I’m just better, and you know it.”

“Right,” you retorted, grabbing one of the cards and tossing it back at her. “Let’s see how confident you are after I destroy you in the next round.”

Ginny’s grin widened. “You’re on,” she said, shuffling the cards with surprising skill. But before you could start, a loud crash from across the room drew everyone’s attention. Fred and George had set off some sort of fireworks display, and sparks rained down in a colorful burst.

“Honestly, those two,” Ginny muttered, shaking her head but unable to hide her amusement. “They’ll be the death of Mum, I swear.”