On September 1st, Hogwarts students welcomed the new school year beneath a fine drizzle.
On the quiet platform, some students' families stood beneath umbrellas, giving their children final farewells and reminders.
Everything seemed the same as usual.
Yet everything had changed.
The vast station was filled with an atmosphere called unease.
"Whatever you want to do, go ahead and do it."
Neville's grandmother, Lady Augusta, gave her grandson a big hug.
"Don't worry about me. Take care of yourself too."
"I will."
Neville puffed out his chest.
"We'll be proud of what you do."
Under Lady Augusta's gaze, Neville pushed his luggage aboard the Hogwarts Express.
Looking at the crowded, boisterous students in the corridor, Neville murmured, "School's starting."
Hogwarts really was a magical place. Everyone loved that old castle and even regarded it as another home. Neville was no exception.
Especially after the DA was established, he had loved those gatherings and the time they spent practicing Defense Against the Dark Arts together.
Yet this time, Neville simply could not feel happy about returning to school.
Not only were the DA gatherings he had looked forward to gone, but his good friends were no longer at school either.
Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, and even Dean, who shared his dormitory, had all been forced to drop out.
Neville could hardly imagine what a terrifying state Hogwarts was in now.
In fact, during the summer, after listening to the Wizard Watchtower broadcasts every day, Neville had even considered dropping out and joining the Defense Association to fight The Dark Lord.
After all, there was little point in returning to Hogwarts. Hogwarts under Death Eater control was no longer that other home he had once cherished.
His crazy idea had even received his grandmother's support.
Lady Augusta believed Neville should bravely stand