The reunion took place in a shabby little pub, finally bringing a touch of life to the gloom-shrouded Hogsmeade.
Under Voldemort's rule, everyone had come to terms with reality overnight. Since hope was already so far out of reach, they might as well enjoy their final days to the fullest, so they would not look too pathetic when they stood before the Death God.
Neville clearly seemed to have come to such a realization. His eyes no longer held cautious probes at the world, but shone with determination.
Neville took the initiative to give Ron Weasley a big hug, leaving Ron at a loss for what to do. Clearly, Neville did not just want to "torment" Ron. Next came Harry, then Hermione Granger. Standing at the far right, Eli tugged at Neville unhappily. "All right, all right. One hug is enough." Neville was dragged into a hug by Eli.
After the simple yet warm greetings, Neville's expression darkened slightly. "You're finally here. Everyone has been waiting impatiently." Holding an oil lamp, he led them into the passageway.
"The Carrows control discipline at the school. They have plenty of methods. If you offend them even slightly, they'll drag you into the dungeons and torture you viciously."
Neville pointed to his face. Under the flickering firelight was a scar that had not fully healed. "They made us practice the Cruciatus Curse on first-year students. I refused, and this was the consequence. They even forbid Madam Pomfrey from giving us effective treatment. Madam Pomfrey has clashed with them more than once over this. If Snape had not kept them in check, who knows what they would have done to her."
As they listened to Neville, a single thought surfaced in all their minds: Hogwarts had changed.
The passageway was long and winding. It