The train sped north, the rain falling harder and harder until the windows had become a watery gray blur.
The lights in the corridor and above the luggage racks all came on at once.
Outside, the wind howled and rain pattered against the windows.
After Draco and his cronies spread the news aboard the train that the previous Professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts was Harry Potter's maternal cousin,
the children of the Weasley family no longer had any reservations. They had originally worried that Douglas and Harry would not want their relationship publicized.
In particular, while two of them were vividly recounting their experiences in Egypt to their classmates, they suddenly exchanged a look upon hearing the news.
The two said dismissively:
"Oh, we knew about that ages ago."
"Over the telephone. That's a Muggle thing..."
Some people also came to question Harry, but when they saw the new Professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts sitting in the compartment, they promptly scattered...
Just as Harry and his two friends were congratulating themselves on choosing such an excellent compartment, the train began to slow.
Ron said excitedly:
"Are we there? Brilliant, I'm starving. I can't wait for the feast..."
Hermione glanced at her watch and said with a frown:
"I don't think we're there yet..."
The train slowed more and more until the sound of its wheels could no longer be heard.
Harry, who was closest to the door, stood up and looked into the corridor. Countless heads were poking curiously out of compartments.
Then, for no apparent reason, all the lights went out, plunging them into complete darkness.
Ron stood up and accidentally stepped on Hermione's foot. Both of them screamed.
Harry felt his way back to his seat and asked, looking toward Ron and Hermione's indistinct