escapism.

The day before Harry’s first Quidditch match the three of them were out in the freezing courtyard during break, and she had conjured them up a bright blue fire which could be carried around in a jam jar. They were standing with their backs to it, getting warm, when Snape crossed the yard. Harry noticed at once that Snape was limping. Harry, Ron and Hermione moved closer together to block the fire from view; they were sure it wouldn’t be allowed.

Unfortunately, something about their guilty faces caught Snape’s eye. He limped over. He hadn’t seen the fire, but he seemed to be looking for a reason to tell them off anyway. ‘What’s that you’ve got there, Potter?’ It was Quidditch through the Ages. Harry showed him. ‘Library books are not to be taken outside the school,’ said Snape. ‘Give it to me. Five points from Gryffindor.’ ‘He’s just made that rule up,’ Harry muttered angrily as Snape limped away. ‘Wonder what’s wrong with his leg?’ ‘Dunno, but I hope it’s really hurting him,’ said Ron bitterly.