On September 1, Hogwarts students welcomed the new school year amid a fine drizzle.
On the deserted platform, some students' families stood beneath umbrellas, saying their final goodbyes and offering last-minute 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, do it without holding back."
Neville's grandmother, Mrs. 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 Mrs. Augusta's gaze, Neville pushed his luggage aboard the Hogwarts Express.
Watching the crowded, boisterous students in the corridor, Neville murmured, "School's started again!"
Hogwarts truly was a magical place. Everyone loved that ancient castle and even regarded it as another home. Neville was no exception.
Especially after Dumbledore's Army was formed, he had loved those gatherings, loved the time they spent practising Defence Against the Dark Arts together.
Yet this time, Neville could not feel happy about returning to school no matter what.
Not only were the DA Meetings 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 summer vacation, after listening to the Wizard Lookout Station broadcasts every day, Neville had even considered dropping out and joining the Defence Association to fight Lord Voldemort.
After all, there was little point in returning to Hogwarts. Hogwarts, controlled by Death Eaters, was no longer the other home he had once cherished.
His crazy idea had even received his grandmother's support.
Mrs. Augusta believed Neville