Harry Potter stopped to look around, checking to see how many muggles were walking nearby. When he was satisfied that no one would notice, he turned and pushed his trolley through the barrier and onto Platform 9 3/4. Right behind him came Hermione Granger, pushing her trolley and watching behind her. As they approached the scarlet engine of the Hogwarts Express, they both grew slightly more somber. This was their final year.

Summer vacation had gone by quickly. Harry stayed briefly with the Dursleys and then moved to his own home at Grimauld Place. Hermione spent a good part of the summer with him, visiting her parents periodically. They were very understanding, recognizing that she had responsibilities in the wizarding world. They did not yet know, however, that her primary responsibility was (at least in her mind) being Harry's fiancée, although she did drop some hints.

Very shortly, the platform and train began to fill as students and parents congregated to say goodbye. Harry and Hermione sat together in their compartment, waiting to start their new duties as Head Boy and Head Girl, appointments they had received from Dumbledore during the summer. Shortly after the train left the station, they met with the Prefects and provided some basic instructions. As the Prefects left to patrol the train and see their friends, Harry and Hermione went for a walk, also looking for their friends.

They quickly came across Neville, sitting with Mandy while Ginny and Ron were off doing their Prefect things. Neville brightened significantly when he saw them and motioned them to come in.

"Hello, Neville. Hi, Mandy," Harry said as they both entered the compartment. "How was your summer?"

Neville spoke up. "Good. I spent a lot of time practicing spells and charms when I was visiting the Weasleys. Mandy was there too." Both Harry and Hermione knew that Neville and Ginny were dating, although it somehow escaped her parents. Everyone knew that Ron and Mandy had been together since last year. The Weasleys had invited Neville to the Burrow because Ginny and Ron told them he might like to see his friends during the summer and he had nowhere else to go. He had never been away from his Grandmother during the summer, and he truly enjoyed his time with the Weasleys, and with Ginny in particular. Hermione smiled, knowing that they had been practicing more than just spells and charms.

Suddenly, Neville turned more serious. "When do you think it will begin?"

"Soon," Harry responded. "It just depends on whether he's willing to take on Dumbledore at the school."

Neville looked very nervous; Mandy just stared. "Do you think he will…I mean, will…will he come to Hogwarts?"

"He might. It's real hard to tell." Neville knew nothing of what the prophecy said., and this was not the time or place to tell him. Harry certainly didn't want to suggest that Neville might be at risk also. Mandy wasn't quite used to being involved in these serious conversations and she didn't understand what all of them had done in earlier times. Hermione broke the awkward silence.

"We need to check the rest of the train. We'll see you later, Neville. Bye Mandy." They all nodded, and Harry and Hermione moved on. A short distance away, she stopped and pulled Harry aside.

"Are you going to tell him?"

"Not yet. I mean, what's the point. It would only scare him, and it won't change anything. Dumbledore's right. According to the prophecy, the scar means it me and not him. I can't see any reason to…." His voice trailed off, but his meaning was clear. It would only terrify Neville to know what they knew.

They continued on down the train, stopping at most every compartment to say hello. The reactions were predictable. Old friends said hello and compared notes on the summer, students they didn't know said hello and then stared at the famous Harry Potter, and first years just looked uniformly terrified. Finally, they reached the end and went back to their compartment, ignoring the taunts of Malfoy as they passed the compartment where he was holding court with Crabb and Goyle.

As they entered their own compartment, Hermione closed the door and pinned Harry against the wall, slowly moving her mouth to his. After a long, wet kiss, she pulled back an inch and looked at him.

"Have you decided?" she asked.

"Decided what?"

"Your room first, or mine?"