Eve of War

Harry suddenly understood Neville and Ron a little better.

Because even by June 30, the day before Voldemort's resurrection,

there was still no hint of war at Hogwarts.

If there was anything different at all,

it was that seventh-years had been informed they could remain at Hogwarts for another month,

and the companies, shops, factories, and Ministry of Magic departments that had hired them had likewise postponed their start dates.

For the first time, when summer arrived, the school was full of students.

The fireplaces in the common rooms had gone out.

They had been replaced by magical flames that gave off cold air.

Other than the Ravenclaw Common Room, the other common rooms were packed with students all day for the first time.

Because of the scorching heat outside and the televisions in the common rooms,

they barely left except to eat, sleep, or use the toilet.

Aside from the common rooms, the second liveliest place was probably the Black Lake.

It was crowded with students from the other three schools near the Black Lake, as well as Hogwarts students who enjoyed playing in the water.

Underwater breathing tubes and scuba gear had sold out again.

Skywalker Alchemy Workshop and the Creevey brothers had made a fortune.

The Weasley twins and Ron were practically rubbing their hands together, eager to join in.

But none of these changes had anything to do with war.

The only thing remotely related was that Hogwarts had opened to outsiders for the first time today.

The students' parents and friends could come visit.

But they could not take the children away early.

The reason was that in July, Britain, France, Germany, Brazil, and their Ministries of Magic and magical schools would jointly hold

an indispensable event concerning wizarding family education.

This brought about even