With a puff of smoke the Hogwarts Express moved out of Hogsmede Station, gathering speed as it left the wizard village behind. The compartments, usually full of chatting excited students on their way home after a year at Hogwarts School Of Witchcraft And Wizardry, were quiet, the atmosphere subdued and sad.
In a compartment near the back of the train Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley and his sister Ginny, were sharing the loss together. By now the pain had numbed, as the funeral had been yesterday, where they had said their goodbyes and shed tears for the loss of their headmaster, Albus Dumbledore.
Harry smiled to see his two best friends sitting opposite him, Hermione sleeping with her head against Ron's shoulder, Ron looking strangely pleased with himself, occasionally glancing affectionately at her pretty face and bushy nut-brown hair. As far as Harry knew they weren't officially together yet, but it seemed that in their comforting each other since the funeral, they had become closer than usual. This gave Harry a lonely feeling as he thought of Ginny, his girlfriend for six blissful weeks, until he had broken up with her for her own safety.
Glancing at her now, she was looking at him with her bright brown eyes, but looked away when she met Harry's gaze, causing her mane of glossy red hair to gleam in the sunlight that was streaming in through the window. Attempting casualness she said quietly, 'you alright Harry?' Knowing full well that he wasn't.
'Ye,' muttered Harry in reply, not knowing quite what to say to her. Even the sound of her voice was enough to bring doubts flashing into his mind, enough to want to give in and hold her in his arms again.
Ginny sighed. 'Harry-' she began, desperately wanting to say something to make it right again but breaking off when she saw his pained face. She knew it was no good, they'd had this discussion before. 'I'm going to see Luna,' she said, getting to her feet.
Harry nodded. 'See you later,' he replied as she slid the compartment door open.
Hermione stirred and sat up. 'Where's Ginny gone?'
'To find Luna,' answered Harry as cheerfully as possible.
'Oh, right.' She gave Harry a questioning look. He quickly changed the subject.
'So, um, are you guys still coming to Privet Drive with me? I wouldn't blame you for not coming, its-'
'We're coming with you Harry,' interrupted Ron.
'Definitely,' agreed Hermione. Harry looked at Ron's freckled face and red hair, then at Hermione's serious face and smiled gratefully. It was good to have their support.
'Thanks guys.' He paused, 'oh I can't wait to see the Dursleys' faces!'
Ron grinned, and Hermione tried to look disapproving, soon failing with a smile.
'Mum and Dad will be disappointed. They should understand though. I suppose your parents wont be too pleased either, Ron.'
'Mum'll come round,' he replied. 'I'm of age now, she can't boss me around too much any more!' Harry laughed, knowing all too well that Ron's being of age would make little difference to Molly Weasley's care over her sixth son!
The train slowed to a halt in King's Cross Station later that afternoon, and Harry, Ron and Hermione lugged their heavy trunks onto platform nine and three quarters, joining the queue to the barrier which would let them through to the muggle station. Harry's heart leapt as he saw Ginny's flaming red head up ahead with Luna's long straggly locks. 'Stop it,' he said to himself, 'you broke up with her. Caring for her would put her in danger from Voldemort.'
They emerged through the barrier together, and made their way over to where Mr and Mrs Weasley were waiting with Ginny. Mrs Weasley embraced her son first, then Harry. 'How are you Harry dear? And Hermione?'
'Hello Mrs Weasley,' they both said, smiling at her. Hermione spotted her parents standing back a little and waved them over.
'Of course, you must come to us as soon as possible Harry,' Mrs Weasley was saying.
Ron looked at Harry then broke the news to his mother. 'Mum- Harry's invited me and Hermione to stay at Privet Drive with him while he's there. We promised him we'd go.'
Thinking that Ron was best left to it, Harry looked around him. He saw Hermione talking gently to her parents, having a similar conversation, and all around them other Hogwarts students greeting their families. A little way behind the Grangers Ginny was with Luna, who was introducing her to Mr Lovegood. She was laughing, and Harry remembered the first time he'd set eyes on Ron's young sister, here at this very spot six years ago…
'Harry!' called Ron, bringing him back to the present. 'Mum's said yes!'
Harry turned back to the Weasleys. 'Brilliant! Thanks Mrs Weasley!'
Ron's mother hugged Harry again. 'You're all to come back to The Burrow in a week's time, Harry dear, for Bill and Fleur's Wedding. Arthur and I will be in touch about the arrangements. But will this be ok with your aunt and uncle?' she gestured to a portly man standing well back from everyone, looking impatient and wary of the wizards nearby.
'Ye…ye it will be,' Harry replied confidently.
'Harry!' called Hermione. He turned to see her beckon, and joined her and her parents.
'Mum and Dad have agreed.' She smiled warmly at them.
Harry shook Mr and Mrs Granger's hands. 'Lovely to see you again Harry,' smiled Mrs Granger. She had her daughter's eyes and bushy hair.
'And you,' replied Harry. 'Thanks for letting Hermione come and stay.'
'No problem son,' said Mr Granger.
'We know how important her friends are to our Hermione, though we'll miss her of course.'
Hermione smiled and hugged them both a last time, kissing them on the cheek. 'Write often darling,' said her mother, and Hermione and Harry waved as they left through the crowd and moved out of sight.
Harry turned back to the Weasleys. 'Well I guess we'd better go meet uncle Vernon,' he said gloomily.
Ron's Parents smiled. 'We'll wait for you all to go Harry,' said Mr Weasley, 'make sure you're all safe.'
Missing something, Harry looked round for Ginny. She was just returning and ran to them. She looked up and into Harry's eyes with a blazing look of love. He hugged her tight, letting go quickly. 'I'll see you soon, Gin,' he said, looking deep into her eyes.
She kissed him on the cheek. 'Bye Harry,' she said cheerfully, though Harry could hear the sadness in her words.
Turning away, he led Ron and Hermione over to his uncle, who was now very annoyed at the wait. His moustache bristled. 'Finally,' he barked, breaking off as he saw who was with his nephew.
'These are my friends, Ron and Hermione,' announced Harry cheerfully, watching his uncle's face turn deep red. 'They're coming to stay!'
A/N: Please review! This story is complete, and I will be posting regularly!
Rose :)