A tall, thin figure materialized from the mist surrounding the pre-dawn hour. The hooded head turned slowly, taking in the closed shops of Hogsmeade. Satisfied that he was alone, the figure pocketed his wand and strode purposefully up the road towards the castle that rose impressively against the lightening sky, his heavy traveling cloak trailing behind him.
When he reached the massive entrance gates, he leaned towards one of the winged boars and spoke in a clear voice, "Harry Potter to see Head Mistress McGonagall."
A moment later, the boar nodded and the gates swung open. Harry had hardly passed through them when they immediately shut again, clanking loudly.
Harry lowered his hood as he continued to walk towards the front doors of the castle. He looked towards the Quidditch pitch and fought memories that came to mind of happy hours flying overhead in search of the Golden Snitch. He could not afford thoughts of such a simpler time right now.
Instead, he looked over towards the Forbidden Forest and saw Hagrid's hut nestled among the trees. His heart swelled as he spied a thin line of smoke rising from the chimney. It was oddly comforting. At least some things never change, he told himself.
As he reached the large front doors he found his eyes straying against his will to the white tomb near the lake which gleamed in the newly risen sun. His already swollen heart throbbed painfully and he swallowed hard, trying to regain focus. There would be time later to think about Dumbledore, he told himself sternly.
He pulled his invisibility cloak out of one of his pockets and hastily wrapped it around himself. He then retrieved his wand from another pocket and tapped the doors which obediently opened. Taking a deep, steadying breath, Harry crossed the threshold and walked into the Entrance Hall.