The car ride to platform 9 ¾ was dreadful. It was as though we were going to a funeral. But what was worse, was when we actually got there. The children weren't running up and down the platform, the parents weren't talking to each other about their work and families, instead I saw parents silently crying, hugging their children as though they would loose them at any second. The children's eyes were full of fear instead of the sparkle of excitement. That's when I knew Hogwarts wasn't going to be the same. Hogwarts was going to become our prison.
When I turned around to face my family, for what seemed like the last time, I took in their faces. They all seemed to tell me the same thing: keep your head down, don't do anything stupid, and be safe.
I hugged all of them assuring each of them I would be good. I waved to them and slowly made my way up to the train.
Going through the train, looking at everybody's faces, I saw questioning looks as they stared at me. I knew what their silent question was: Where is he?
Harry. I wish I knew. I wish I could tell them all he was fighting You-know-who right this very minute and soon we would all be free of the horror that awaited us. But I couldn't. I couldn't tell them that everything was going to be all right. I couldn't tell them that once we are at Hogwarts, everything will be the same. I couldn't tell them even though I wished with all my might I could. But I couldn't lie.
I walked into the compartment with Luna, Neville, and Seamus. The ride to Hogwarts was uneventful, other than the death eaters coming aboard to see if Harry was here. I wish.
I couldn't sleep. No matter how hard I tried, sleep would not overcome me. I could hear the distant snores of my fellow room mates and I envied them. Sleep had hit them all like a drug from the moment they entered the warm cocoon of their beds.
I looked at the clock on my bedside table and it read: 12:48. I knew it would be no use trying to fall asleep now. So I got up and grabbed some parchment, a quill, and some ink and climbed up into bed again. There, I started my letter I knew I would never send.
Dear Harry (Wherever you are),
I can't deny it, Harry, I'm scared. Everything is different here at Hogwarts without you. When you were here I felt protected, safe. Now all I feel is grief and sorrow. The Great Hall isn't full of laughter anymore, Harry. It's as though somebody has died. But I suppose somebody has died. People are dying everyday, Harry. Every minute I hope it isn't my family or friends. And every second I hope it isn't you. You're our only hope, Harry. I believe in you. We all do.
Love,
Ginny