Unfortunately for Vinnie, somebody else had also spotted the empty benches in the shade and had taken it upon themselves to go and occupy one of them. It was far too hot and sticky to study indoors; if you really had to get sweaty, there were better ways to reach that goal than by revising for your exams.

Avery adjusted his sunglasses and pulled the strap of his bag over his head in one fluid movement, dumping his satchel unceremoniously on the bench. He didn't even look at who had been approaching.

It was only when he turned to seat himself that he saw Vinnie. He scoffed, then twisted his mouth into a smirk. "This seat is taken. Why don't you scurry back to your little otter den and do your fingerpainting there. Important wizards need to study."