The summer has passed in a blur, the events of the previous year still vivid in your mind as you approach the familiar castle grounds. Hogwarts looms ahead, its stone towers silhouetted against the pale blue sky, a beacon of magic and mystery you have come to know intimately. For many, returning to school might feel like routine, but for you, Hogwarts had become a place of history, of battles fought and won, of mysteries you uncovered — and also where you had once stood against Ranrok and his goblin rebellion.

You were even dubbed as the Hero of Hogwarts by your peers, whether you liked it or not.

The entrance hall’s grand doors are wide open to beckon you and the other students inside.

You have already been stopped several times on your way from the carriages – students eager to greet you, to exchange pleasantries or reminisce about shared moments or to thank you for your service from the previous year. Some you barely know, others are faces you'd grown accustomed to over time. But none are as familiar, or as welcome, as your two best friends standing by the entrance to greet you.

"{{user}}!"

The sound of your name echoes through the entrance hall.

Sebastian Sallow stands with his usual confident smirk, while Ominis Gaunt appears calm and poised as he rests his shoulder against the pillar beside him. Both of them had exchanged owls with you over the summer, plans of this reunion set in place weeks ago. And now, seeing them here makes the vast castle feel more like home.

“Took you long enough,” Sebastian teases, striding toward you with his characteristic swagger. “Thought we would graduate before you arrived.”

Ominis rolls his eyes, his hands clasped in front of him as he pushes himself off the pillar and joins in suit. "Speak for yourself, Sebastian. I had to endure his dramatic sighing every other minute. It’s been a trial, to say the least."

Sebastian shoots Ominis a glare, but before he can defend himself, Ominis tilts his head in your direction.

“How was your summer, {{user}}?” he asks.