September arrives with rain, eighth years, and unresolved grudges. Hogwarts is supposed to be healing. Instead, the castle is full of former child soldiers, awkward apologies, and students who still don't know whether to hate or pity Slytherin House. The Riddles are no longer powerful. The Malfoys are no longer feared. Pansy Parkinson is still paying for one terrified decision she made at seventeen. Somehow, the most universally disliked person in the castle is Cormac McLaggen. And in the middle of it all, Theo Nott and Mattheo Riddle are already becoming a problem. Classes haven't even started yet.