Perhaps it was fate, but it always seemed to rain when term began at Hogwarts. Today was no exception. In fact, a downpour started not long after the train left the station.
Raindrops drummed against the train windows, streaking the glass with water and turning the world outside into a blurred painting. The sky grew steadily darker, at times almost black.
It was perfect weather for sleeping, but Will had no time for that. As usual, he had a book in his hands. The others were used to it by now. Sylvia took several bottles of grape juice from her new Extension Charm Handbag and gave one to each of them.
Sylvia told Neville and Hannah about the Quidditch World Cup, occasionally breaking into a soft laugh.
The rain, the train, the compartment, her friends. Looking at the slender young man reading, Sylvia felt wonderfully at ease. She wished life could always feel this way.
Several hours later, they reached Hogsmeade.
Thunder rumbled. Cold, damp air poured into the train as the doors opened, making quite a few people shiver.
"Impervius!" The experienced students cast the spell on themselves in advance. Some used Transfiguration to make umbrellas or raincoats.
The First Years stared at the older students with pitiful expressions. Getting soaked on their first day of school was hardly a pleasant experience. Will's year had been lucky by comparison; the weather had been fine when they were First Years.
The Hogwarts students stepped off the train into the pouring rain. It came down hard and fast, and this was the Scottish Highlands, where the temperature was now in the single digits. The soaked students could hardly have been comfortable.
Wearing an oversized raincoat, Hagrid called to the miserable First Years. As usual, he would ferry the new students