Apparition Teaching Class

In mid-January, on a peaceful evening, the Express Train arrived at Hogsmeade Station once again.

The Christmas Holidays had ended, and Hogwarts' new term had begun.

Thanks to the headmaster's active replies and reassurances, the students' parents had been willing to trust Dumbledore. Thus, no students missed the opening feast, and the four House tables in the Great Hall were once again filled with students.

"Old Tom wants to retire, and no one in the family wants to inherit The Leaky Cauldron, so I was thinking, perhaps..."

"Whatever you want to do, Hannah, I'll support you."

"Thank you, Neville."

"..."

The young couple, reunited after a long separation, spoke of how much they had missed one another. Then they returned to their respective House tables, where their friends gathered around them again to share stories from the holidays. The joy of reunion overcame their worries about the current situation. With the young wizards back together, the ancient Castle became lively once more.

Neville met the gazes of several roommates and smiled shyly. "Loren, Harry, Ron, and Seamus, long time no see."

"Long time no see, Neville."

"Happy New Year, Neville."

"..."

The roommates all grinned.

Perhaps the Longbottom family ate better than the school did, because Neville had put on a little weight over the holidays. He wore a brand-new robe with fitted sleeves—not too loose, not too tight. The stitches and loose threads bore the marks of hand-sewing, unlike store-bought ready-made clothing.

It was clear that he cherished the outfit. Throughout dinner, he was extremely careful not to let any grease or soup drip onto it.

"You seem a little different from before the holidays..." Harry looked him over from head to toe, scratched his head, but could not say exactly what had changed.

After observing him for a