Shades of crimson, yellow, and orange leaves littered the grounds of Hogwarts, signaling the changing of the season and the start of a new school year. Faculty bustle around finishing up the last touches to welcome the first year students as well as the joyous return of various other years. One would think from the state of the grounds, that the battle of years gone was only just a dream, or yet- a nightmare. Professors and headmasters alike exchanged greeting and praise of the hopes of this year, and exclaimed how the train was to be arriving quite soon.

Back at the station, the train roared it’s heavy engine. Witches and wizards alike gathered around it’s red exterior, bidding their families goodbye and gathering their belongings for the long journey ahead. Most of the older years were found with their friends they had made and kept the previous years, while the first years seemed a bit lost in the haze. With direction from some of the older men and women, they seemed to be getting the hang of it- and would hopefully be able to return this favor when the time came for it. Tradition had always been an important aspect about Hogwarts.

It was closing in quickly on the time for the train to depart and the loud whistle signaled to everyone that what they meant by quickly was 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.