The afternoon passed quickly.
This also meant that the first half of the term had come to a complete end.
Winter break was about to begin.
The students practically rushed to their dormitories to gather the luggage they would be taking home.
Tonight, they would board the Hogwarts Express and return to their warm homes. By tomorrow morning, the train would likely arrive at Platform Nine and Three-Quarters, where their families would be waiting to welcome them.
The first-years raced madly toward their dormitories. Hogwarts had many wonderful things, but they had not seen their parents for four months. Their feelings were understandable. After all, they were only eleven-year-old boys and girls.
This was the first time in their lives that they had been apart from their parents for so long.
The upperclassmen were much calmer. They chatted and laughed as they headed toward their house dormitories, discussing things quite different from the younger students. They were already capable of being independent, so during winter break, they could arrange outings with their friends.
Although Harry was not saddened by having no family, seeing the eager looks on his classmates' faces still left him feeling a little deflated.
He wondered whether he should travel around the world during winter break, but when he thought about making the journey alone, the loneliness would probably feel even stronger. He dismissed the idea.
Harry stood in the bedroom, watching the four of them rummage through their things.
"What are you all in such a hurry for? The train won't be here for another hour or so!"
Suddenly, a black shadow flew toward Harry. He nimbly dodged it, and when he saw what it was, his face darkened.
"Which bastard threw his underwear over here?!"
The dormitory fell silent.
They followed Harry's