Heavy raindrops battered the train windows as the wind howled. A gray haze covered the glass, blurring the distant scenery.
The train shuddered to a stop. Banging came from inside the carriage—luggage must have fallen from the racks. Then, for no apparent reason, every light went out, plunging them into complete darkness.
"Lumos!" Light flared at the tip of Harry's wand, illuminating the carriage. Closest to the door, he stood and looked down the corridor. The light also revealed the mess around them.
Several students who had gathered in the carriage while George and Fred promoted their little products now lay sprawled across the floor.
"Ow!"
"Ah!"
Groans filled the carriage. George and Fred were still picking themselves up off the floor.
"George, watch our money!"
"Harry, what happened?"
"I don't know. Something's wrong with the train!"
By Harry's light, the students helped one another to their feet. All along the carriage, countless heads poked curiously out of their compartments.
Not far away, a red-haired boy appeared, wearing a Head Boy badge. "Back to your compartments! Younger students, don't panic! I'm a prefect. Get back to your compartments!"
"What's going on?" Ron stuck his head out of the neighboring compartment. A toad hopped out, then promptly leaped back inside.
"No idea." Harry turned his head.
"Do you think the train's broken down?" Hermione appeared in the doorway of another compartment.
"I don't know, but I think Fred twisted his ankle." George dragged Fred into Will's compartment.
The whole train was in an uproar.
"Yawn—" Only then did Will stretch and open his eyes. He found the compartment packed with people. It took him a moment to realize what was happening—he had slept through the Dementors' arrival.
Will draped the robe he had been wearing over Sylvia, who sat by the