Katherine Bright was the first to arrive at King’s Cross Station. A surge of excitement bubbled within her as she anticipated her seventh year, especially after the trials of the one before.
The war… she wished no one had to endure such horror. She’d watched a friend, a dear friend, fall to a Death Eater’s curse right before her eyes, helpless to intervene. Nightmares still clawed at her sleep, replaying the scene in vivid, agonizing detail.
Somehow, she’d survived. She clung to gratitude, a fierce determination to *live* – so much life still unlived.
The past was a shadow, impossible to truly escape, but she forced herself to move forward, to rebuild a semblance of happiness, or at least the illusion of it.
As the station filled with returning students, Katherine scanned the crowd, searching for familiar faces.
A flash of red hair caught her eye. Hope flickered – Annie, her Hufflepuff friend. But the hope dissolved as she recognized the figure beside her.
Ginny Weasley walked alongside a blonde girl… and then, unbelievably, *him*.
“Is it possible?” she murmured under her breath.
They were back. All three of them. The Golden Trio, reunited.
She watched them, brow furrowed in thought, when a familiar warmth enveloped her.
“Annie!” Katherine’s grin widened as she embraced her friend.
“I missed you, Kat,” Annie sighed, her eyes searching Katherine’s. “How are you holding up?”
“I’m doing my best,” Katherine offered a small smile. “What about you?”
“I’ll be fine,” Annie nodded, mirroring the gesture.
Annie glanced around the bustling station.
“Oh, my! Kat, have you heard?”
Katherine turned, intrigued by the excitement in Annie’s voice.
“Heard what?”
“Last year’s seventh years have been called back to Hogwarts to repeat their final year. Isn’t that amazing?”
So *that* explained their presence. It made sense.
“Yeah, a second chance for them,” Katherine nodded.
People began boarding the train, and Katherine and Annie joined the flow. They found a compartment with two other Hufflepuff girls, and they fell into easy chatter, trading terrible jokes only they understood. They deliberately sought lightness, a collective effort to bury the horrors of the past.
After arriving at Hogwarts, they walked toward the castle, waving to familiar faces.
Katherine’s heart sank at the sight of so many blank expressions. It was understandable, of course, but the pervasive grief weighed on her. She hated seeing people so broken.
They entered the Great Hall, and everyone settled at their House tables. The Sorting Ceremony began, and Katherine clapped enthusiastically with each new Hufflepuff’s name announced.
A first-year girl, shy and hesitant, took a seat beside Katherine. Annie and Katherine immediately focused on making her feel welcome. By the end of the feast, the girl – Emma, Katherine learned – was laughing and chatting with everyone around her.
Katherine glanced around the Hall, a wave of warmth washing over her at the sight of the vibrant House colors.
Her gaze drifted toward the Slytherin table. Her eyes locked with *his*.
Grey eyes, piercing and unforgettable. Platinum blonde hair, a familiar silhouette. He stared at her for a heartbeat, then averted his gaze, turning to speak with his companion.
“It must be hard for him,” Katherine thought, a small frown creasing her brow. The other students treated Draco Malfoy like a pariah. Understandable, given his past actions, but she couldn’t help but feel a flicker of sympathy. Everyone deserved a second chance, didn’t they?
He reminded her of Kovu from *The Lion King* – Annie had introduced her to Disney during her Muggle-born years – he just needed his Kiara.
The thought brought a smile to her lips. She shook her head and returned her attention to her friends, who were excitedly discussing Herbology. Katherine nodded along, feeling the same anticipation. She loved plants.
Just before students were dismissed, McGonagall cleared her throat.
“Attention, please! Thank you. Now, before you return to your Common Rooms, I have an announcement.”
Annie and Katherine exchanged curious glances.
“There will be no classes tomorrow. You will receive your timetables after breakfast, then you will have a free day to yourselves.”
A murmur rippled through the Hall as students began planning their day off.
“However,” McGonagall continued, her expression grim, “all seventh-year students will be required to stay after breakfast for a further announcement.”
Katherine wondered what it could be. The tension in McGonagall’s voice was palpable.
They were dismissed, and Katherine followed Annie towards the Hufflepuff Common Room.
She loved the Common Room. It was a haven, a place of comfort and warmth. She could spend hours in the yellow armchairs, lost in books and sipping tea. She truly believed she could never be sad in that room.
“What do you think the announcement will be?” Mary asked, another returning seventh year.
A small group of seventh years were already speculating in the Common Room.
“I have no idea, but judging by McGonagall’s face, I don’t think it’s good,” a boy named Tony shook his head nervously.
“Come on, guys, it can’t be worse than… you know,” Katherine shrugged, reluctant to voice the nightmare they all shared.
“I guess you’re right, Kat,” Annie sighed, forcing a smile. “But no matter what happens, we will always be here for each other.”
Everyone in the group nodded, smiling at each other.
Annie was right. Whatever the announcement might be, they would have each other’s backs. She was certain of it.