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Harry stared up at the castle. They’d just gotten into the grounds and everyone else was streaming into the school. It was the precipice of his eighth year and Harry was alone. Ron chose to join the Aurors early and Hermione was on a mission to retrieve and restore her parents and their memories.
Harry hoped this year would be different. No more megalomaniacs trying to kill him. No more Headmasters pulling him along by the nose. No more expectations of saving the world, at least for now.
He was ready for a change.
Harry let the crowd pass around him. He noticed Malfoy stop and eye him curiously. Even he was different. Less… something. They locked eyes briefly before Zabini got Malfoy’s attention and led him into the castle.
Yeah. Harry was ready for a restart.