Ron Weasley awoke late, as usual, that morning. After doing this for so many years, his mother thought, surely they should be able to wake up on time and not have to rush to get ready to send the children off to school on their first day. Yet, this morning Ron had slept in, and was now paying for it by running around as quickly as possible, trying to get ready and gather everything he needed for the upcoming school year.

This was Ron's seventh, and final year at Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Though still unsure as to what he wanted to do after the completion of this year, he was looking forward to his life after school. Ron knew his mother also was feeling a little nervous about his final year. After the exit his brothers had made in their final year, she was worried Ron would try a similar stunt.

But Ron wasn't planning on this year being much different from his first six years at Hogwarts. He couldn't wait to see his two best friends, Harry and Hermione, again. He hadn't had a chance to see them all summer. Harry, who was still living with his muggle aunt and uncle, had been forced to work at a nearby fast food restaurant, Circus Burger, all summer. Hermione had volunteered at St. Mungos the entire summer, while Ron worked in his brothers' joke shop in Hogsmeade.

Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes was a fairly new addition to Hogsmeade, as was a new six-screen cinema. All seventh years at Hogwarts were allowed to venture out into Hogsmeade on weekends, and these new businesses were sure to benefit from the students.

Ron packed a few last minute items into his trunk and hurried out the door. His father was already waiting in the family car, a shabby old Honda that Fred and George had lovingly christened the "Weasley Wagon". Ron quickly shoved his trunk into the back of the car and jumped into the backseat. Ginny was also headed out the door, followed by Mrs. Weasley.

"Ron, you haven't forgotten anything, have you? You have all your books and everything?" Mrs Weasley asked for what seemed like the seventeenth time that morning.

"No, Mum, I'm sure I've got everything, books, wand, cauldron, everything."

"Did you pack enough socks and underwear? I don't want you to-"

"Mum! I've got everything, I swear!!"

The ride to Kings Cross station went by quickly, even with Mrs. Weasley lecturing Ron and Ginny on how they should behave, and keep their grades up, and set an example, and so on. When they arrived, they all said quick good byes to each other, and Ron and Ginny quickly ran through the barrier to platform 9 3/4.

"10:56. Why do we always cut it so close to the time the train leaves?" Ron asked Ginny as they jumped on the train.

"It's a Weasley family tradition, Ron you know that." Ginny replied jokingly. "I'm going to look for Neville. I'll see you at school."

Neville was Ginny's boyfriend. Neville was in Ron's year, and Ginny was very upset that this would be his last year at Hogwarts, for she was still in her sixth year.

Ron did not have a girlfriend, though for years he had had a crush on his best friend, Hermione Granger. He was torn between telling her truth before the end of their final year or continuing to keep his feelings secret. He was worried about causing drama between himself and his two best friends.

Harry and Hermione were already settled into a cabin towards the back of the train. Hermione was the first to spot Ron as he headed towards them.

"Ron!" Hermione exclaimed as she jumped up to hug him "I'm so glad to see you again! How was your summer?"

Ron couldn't help but think that this was shaping up to be a pretty good year already.