The smell of rain-soaked earth heralded the start of the third school year.
Harry sat beside Hermione, still chewing chocolate. She had just told him that sweetness could stimulate the release of dopamine and make people feel happy. The chocolate Lupin had given him was sweet, and Harry felt he needed that right now.
Harry put away the umbrella he had conjured with Transfiguration and climbed into the carriage. The smell of straw and faint mildew, mingled with the damp air, set him somewhat at ease. A few minutes later, the Thestral carriage lurched and swayed toward Hogwarts Castle.
As the carriage passed through a pair of imposing wrought-iron gates, Harry looked out the window and saw two terrifying Dementors in hoods, one standing guard on either side.
That awful, creeping chill swept over him again. He quickly sank into the uneven seat and shut his eyes until they had passed through the gates.
In another carriage, Will narrowed his eyes. A cold anger stirred inside him, bringing with it a thought: I'm going to destroy the thing that's controlling my emotions.
Fortunately, the carriage passed quickly, and the Dementors did not come any closer.
Lupin was already standing in the rain beneath an umbrella. His robes were still brand-new, and he looked quite respectable. Malfoy even greeted him as he passed. "Professor Lupin."
Lupin glanced once more at Malfoy's platinum hair and nodded, then turned his attention back to the carriages behind him. He wanted to keep the students as safe as he could. Those Dementors had better not get greedy now.
Only when the last carriage stopped and the students began making their way toward the steps in groups did Lupin nod to Will, Harry, and the others waiting nearby. Together, they headed into the castle.
They had