Harry arrived at Platform 9 and ¾ soaking wet. He wasn't feeling the usual delight that returning to Hogwarts brings. In fact, he was feeling quite melancholy. It was his seventh year and he didn't particularly feel like going. Harry knew that once he stepped foot on that long, scarlet train, his seventh year would fly by and he would no longer be able to return to Hogwarts, his safe haven and home. As Harry separated himself from the torturous Dursley's, he trudged on looking specifically for two faces. He inwardly smiled as he saw flashes of red.
"Hey mate!" Ron called running towards Harry. "Have you seen Hermione?" Ron looked past Harry searching for the last third of their trio.
"Well my summer was great how was yours?" Harry asked sarcastically.
"Sorry, Harry. I just have some great news and I want to tell you and Hermione together! Well, while we're waiting how was your summer?" Ron asked turning to face Harry completely.
"You know the answer to that. I was with the Dursley's and that is torture in one of the oddest forms. And yours? You said you wanted to tell me something." Harry looked over his best friend as Ron spoke of practicing Quidditch all summer. Bill and Fleur took Ron and Ginny to France. Ron hadn't grown that much more. To Harry's surprise, he was almost Ron's height. 'I guess that means I've grown' Harry thought to himself. Ron's flaming red hair wasn't so long anymore but had obviously been cut. The only difference in Ron was his now fit body and increase in freckles.
"My goodness! These people are so rude!" Hermione huffed from behind Harry. Harry turned and faced Hermione. Her normally frizzy haired had smoothed down somewhat, and she was beginning to fully enter into womanhood. Harry quickly embraced Hermione and let Ron and Hermione hug. Harry could feel the awkward tension between the two and didn't understand why they tried to act like they didn't know they mutually liked each other. However, he was still happy that they weren't dating yet.
"HARRY!" Mrs. Weasley cried, sweeping Harry into a bear hug. "Oh my goodness! You've grown so much! And they finally fed you!" The plump Mrs. Weasley continued to gush over how much Harry had grown. Harry had gotten much taller and was no longer skinny but lean and muscular. His jet black hair was still as unruly as Mrs. Weasley remembered and she ran a chubby hand through his hair, her eyes lingering on his lightning-bolt shaped scar.
"Hey Harry!" Fred and George said coming over to Harry followed by Bill, Mr. Weasley, Ginny, and Charlie. "Ready for your last year"
"Eh. I guess so. Another year of"
"We take N.E.W.T.'s this year so you'd better start paying attention in class Harry!" Hermione scolded. Ron snorted in the background earning a "you too Ron!" from Hermione.
"How's the business going?" Harry asked Fred and George.
"It's booming! We're already becoming a franchise and are hoping-"
"To extend our business further into Europe" George finished for Fred.
"We may even open a shop for muggles!" Fred said excitedly. At that moment puffs of smoke began to emanate from the train, signaling departure. Mr. Weasley hurriedly came forward and pulled Harry aside.
"Harry, m' boy how are you?" Mr. Weasley asked Harry anxiously.
"I'm good"
"Good. Good. Look please be careful. It's your final year and well…you know how things are each and every year. You never know who's lurking around the corner" Mr. Weasley stammered, nervously raking a freckled hand through his red hair. Harry had no idea what Mr. Weasley could possibly be getting at but he wished he would get to the point. Hermione and Ron were already getting on the train and Harry wanted to follow suit.
"Harry please tell me you won't go looking for trouble!" "I don't. It finds me!" Harry said becoming alarmed by Mr. Weasley's nervous and concerned behavior. Mrs. Weasley quickly came and pulled Harry away towards the pole which Harry had to walk through.
"Harry! Don't stray to far off grounds and always beware of your surroundings!" Mr. Weasley called after him. "You know He's always-" Harry never got to hear the rest of Mr. Weasley had to say since he was pushed through Platform 9 and ¾. Harry quickly got on the train and began to search for Hermione and Ron. Unfortunately, he walked into a trap. Green began to blur his vision and a cold voice filled his ears.
"Well, if it isn't Potty Wee Potter."