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Leaves in shades of crimson, yellow, and orange littered the grounds of Hogwarts, signaling the changing of the season and the start of a new school year. Faculty rush to complete plans and add the finishing touches before the students, old and new, arrive. 

One would think from the cheerful mood upon of the grounds that the battle of Hogwarts, where so many great wizards and witches had died, was only a dream… or a nightmare.

Professors and headmasters alike exchanged greetings, congratulations, and praise. They were all excited for the arrival of the Hogwarts Express.

Meanwhile, that very train waited on platform nine-and-three-quarters at Kings Landing Station. The train roared it’s heavy engine, while witches and wizards gathered around it’s red exterior bidding their families goodbye and gathering their belongings. It would be a long journey, it would seem longer for the first years! Timid and curious things! 

Most of the older students had already found their friends. They gathered close to their trusted companions, while the first years seemed a bit lost in the haze and glory. Kind adults and older students nudged them in the right direction when needed. The young ones would get the hang of things soon enough, and perhaps next year they could pass the same kindness along to the next generation of students. Tradition has always been important at Hogwarts.

It was closing in quickly on the time for the train to depart and the loud whistle signaled to everyone that what they were to leave this instant! The remaining people hurried onto the train and found a compartment of people to sit with. Once all aboard the train began to smoke, pulling forward steady as a sea of heads and hands stuck out the windows, waving goodbye to their loved ones.

This would be a year at Hogwarts they would soon not forget.