The Hogwarts Express rolled smoothly along the tracks, just as it always had.
But the students aboard the train weren't all as delighted about the holidays as they had been in previous years.
The despondent group had gathered around Compartment C at the rear of the train.
"Hermione, you'll find us somewhere we can practice magic, won't you?"
Dennis Creevey, younger brother of the late Colin Creevey, asked Hermione in a low voice.
He spoke quietly enough, but in the silent carriage, everyone still heard him.
"I haven't found enough places yet, but I'll try contacting some more wizarding families and see if they can take in more students. Of course, I'll keep writing to the Ministry of Magic, too," Hermione said, frowning.
She really had been run off her feet all year.
Between her studies and the Candle-holding Society, she'd barely had a moment to herself.
And now that the holidays were approaching, the Society was once again facing the problem of not being able to practice magic over the summer.
In the past, that wouldn't have mattered much. Everyone was used to putting their wands away in their trunks during the holidays.
But things were different now.
The desire to fight stirred up at the Maple Training Ground aside, the rivalry between the three societies had also made these Muggle-born wizard apprentices unwilling to waste an entire summer.
They had even applied to the Headmaster to stay at school, but their request had been ruthlessly rejected.
"Maybe we could ask Percy. I heard he has connections at the Ministry of Magic," a student suddenly said, making everyone perk up.
They began discussing everything about the older student.
His excellent grades, his early graduation, and all the rumors about his work at the Ministry of Magic.
But what they