One essay down, one to go. It was definitely time for a break, Matt decided. He dropped his quill wearily and then leaned back in his chair. Inkbottles, parchment, and all sorts of books surrounded the table he sat at. The hours had ticked away relentlessly, but in the Reference Center everything seemed to stay the same. It was a time sucking place of despair, ruled by a definitely insane Madame Toladaeri. Matt had made the mistake of asking her for help with his research and had found himself trapped for two hours as she led him on a tour of the library.

As much as he wanted to leave, he still had an essay to finish. He let out a big sigh and then pulled a Rubiks cube out of his bag. It had been a Christmas gift from Aerin’s parents. Her father had insisted the game would interest him. At the time, Matt had been amused by how easily muggles were amused. What an innocent he had been! The fourth-year now found himself obsessing over the cube’s secrets. It was a most diabolical puzzle, and one he had only solved once so far.

Matt tipped his chair onto its two back legs and fiddled with the toy. He had one side almost completed – just one stubborn square refused to listen. Fed up, he grabbed his wand and used a quick spell to change the color of the lone square. He grinned happily to himself. Magic would always win in the end.

The Cetus leaned even further back on his chair and then let out a yelp as he crashed to the floor. He lay there and gave a dazed stare to the ceiling. Sleep would be wonderful right now. After a few minutes he decided he probably ought to get up and start working again. Matt rolled onto his knees and was about to stand up when he noticed a pair of feet in front of him. “Er, hello.”