CHAPTER 1

HARRY

"It's good to be back, isn't it?" Hermione smiled looking out the widow from in the Hogwarts Express train compartment. She rested her head on Ron's shoulder.

"Blimey, Hermione. Harry and I could've been Aurorers!" Ron grumbled.

"Ronald! You said that you were okay with us returning for our 7th year!" Hermione exclaimed.

Ron chuckled and said, "Mione, I'm only messing with you. I'm fine with finishing my last year." He kissed Hermione on the head.

"Anyways, we'll be in the same year as Ginny. I suppose that this year will be jam packed with students. Poor, Professor McGonagall," I said.

"Everyone I know is returning. Even, Malfoy," Ron said.

We shared a look of mild surprise, and then escaped to our thoughts, enjoying the steady beat of the train. I thought about how only last year we finished the war. Everyone was still getting back to their feet. After the war, I went to live with Ron's family. Of course since I left the Dursleys long ago, I had no where to go when the war had ended. I remember having to rebuild the Burrow with the Weasleys. It wasn't a fun task, but everybody had bonded close together. A week later after the new Burrow was finished, Hermione ended up staying at Ron's home with me as well. It was awfully gloomy at the Burrow for weeks on end. The ever-present sorrow drifted in the air, like a cold wind. Slowly, the Weasleys began to pick themselves up and started to attempt at things they used to do. Such as George. Fred's death was the absolute hardest on him. After a while, he started to create items for his joke shop. Ron had said that he would help out time to time after he finished his education at Hogwarts.

I, myself have a responsibility I need to take after I finished. Teddy Lupin. The poor boy was with his grandmother. He would come under my care after I finished at Hogwarts. I would send him some gifts and letters here and there, and he would send me scribbles.

I was brought out of my reverie when the train compartment slid open to reveal Luna, Neville and Ginny.

"Hi Harry," Neville greeted. He repeated the same to Hermione and Ron.

Ginny plopped down next to me and slipped her thin hand in mine. I smiled at her and gave her a light kiss on her head. Luna had sat next to Neville, and Neville next to Hermione.

"Have you heard about the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher?" Luna asked.

"No," Hermione frowned.

"Oh, well he's supposed to be from America," Ginny said.

"He's also supposed to be really powerful. Best one," Neville grinned.

"Hmmm, well then, I guess we'll see," Ron winked.