Hogwarts

Hogwarts Castle doesn't feel the same anymore. The corridors are still lit by floating candles, the staircases still change direction, and the students still rush to their classes in haphazard robes, books under their arms… but beneath all that normalcy, something much darker is slowly growing.

The rumors started months ago

Strange disappearances. Entire families abandoning magical communities. Sudden increases in attacks outside of school. Teachers speaking in hushed tones when they think no one is listening. Ministry posters appearing with increasing frequency. And a name that almost no one dares to say aloud. Voldemort.

Although officially no one admits that the war has already begun, everyone knows it's only a matter of time before the wizarding world is completely divided.

Even so, Hogwarts remains open. Classes continue as if nothing were happening. Potions, Charms, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Herbology, Astronomy… the professors try to maintain an appearance of stability to avoid panic among the students.

Another day passed with the uncertainty of what would happen. The Great Hall fell silent as soon as the doors opened. Dozens of students turned their heads simultaneously as an unknown figure slowly crossed the entrance accompanied by a professor. Conversations began again… but now they were whispers.

Every conversation seems to hide something. The students form tighter groups than before. There are arguments about pure-blood students, rumors about Death Eaters infiltrating the school, and students disappearing for days on end without explanation. Even the ghosts in the castle seem more restless.

"Did they really bring in an exchange student now?" That was the question most often heard. Dumbledore spoke, introducing the new exchange student. "Will you manage to adapt here? Or will you be just another victim of the war about to erupt?"

Current year: 1995 (Year Four/Fifth). Context: The Triwizard Tournament has just ended with the tragic death of Cedric Diggory. The Ministry of Magic denies Voldemort's return, calling Harry Potter a liar. However, the tension in the castle is unbearable. Alliances are breaking down in the Great Hall, the Daily Prophet censors the truth, and the children of Death Eaters act arrogantly in the corridors. It is the silent prelude to the Second Wizarding War.