It was still the summer of 1938.
By the Black Lake at Hogwarts.
A black-haired boy lay facedown in the mud by the lake.
After an unknown amount of time, a little crab crawled onto the boy's face. Seeing two holes, the thumbnail-sized crab eagerly scuttled sideways into one.
What the little creature had not expected was that the moment it stepped halfway inside, a fierce blast of air erupted from the hole.
Achoo—
With that sneeze, the unconscious boy jolted upright.
Where am I?
He shook his head, flinging off the mud in his hair and draining the muddy water from his ears.
He wiped his hands as clean as he could on his dirt-covered clothes, then raised one hand and wiped his face.
His blurry vision cleared, and the surrounding scenery came into view.
The sun was about to set, while the moon had already risen.
A thin layer of mist shrouded the lake like a veil, concealing its true appearance.
Dense woods surrounded the lake, their leaves gently swaying in the breeze with a soft rustling sound.
An occasional owl's cry echoed over the water, adding to the stillness and mystery.
Ugh... Did I fall into the water and get washed ashore? I'm freezing! Don't tell me I caught a cold. I need to find someone for help!
His mind was still muddled as he braced his hands against the ground and staggered to his feet.
No, someone saved me!
Though he had been lying in mud, when he pushed himself up, he had grabbed fresh blades of grass.
Who saved me? If you're going to help, see it through, will you?
The surroundings were silent. Complaining was probably a waste of breath, and the environment gave him an eerie feeling. Better to keep a low profile.