Harry had not expected to return to Hogwarts so quickly. He had thought himself lucky enough if he could make it back safely before the next term began.
Although the wizarding world had just endured an unprecedented disaster, everyone inevitably felt uncertain and worried about the future.
But that did not dampen the enthusiasm the house-elves poured into their work after returning to the Hogwarts kitchens. They had turned breakfast into a feast fit for a lavish Christmas banquet.
Harry looked around. Very few students were truly able to lose themselves in the delicious food.
The Great Hall felt empty. Nearly a fifth of the students had chosen not to return to Hogwarts.
That was hardly surprising.
In its thousand-year history, Hogwarts had never suffered such severe losses among its young wizards, and many parents were understandably still shaken.
Harry had heard from Parvati, who had heard from her sister Padma, who had heard it from Professor Flitwick.
To compensate the parents of the students who had tragically died or been injured, Professor Breen had emptied half the vaults in the castle.
The Daily Prophet had sung his praises, calling it an extraordinary decision by Professor Breen.
But no amount of gold could bring those precious lives back.
Feeling despondent, Harry turned to look at the Hufflepuff table.
Cedric was surrounded by chatting students, yet his pale face made him seem abandoned by the world as he sat there silently, without moving.
Perhaps sensing Harry's gaze, Cedric, statue-still, lifted his eyelids.
The moment their eyes met, Harry sighed inwardly.
He was certain he saw deep, unforgettable hatred in those lifeless eyes.
But that hatred was clearly not directed at him.
"What's wrong, Harry?"
The girl who habitually sat beside Harry was no longer Hermione, but Ginny. As his girlfriend, she