Harry Potter looked back at Hogwarts once last time as the train departed. The imposing castle stood out against a background of gray; rain was lightly falling against the train window. Harry turned away from the window and looked up to see another student joining him in his compartment."Luna?" Harry said, surprised to see her."Hi, Harry," Luna replied, seating herself across from him. She slid her giant purple bag onto her lap and began rummaging through it. She pulled out the latest issue of The Quibbler and a bright green pen with scales.

"Why are you on this train? Why aren't you with the rest of the students on the normal train?" Harry had chosen to take the train that would get him to the countryside. He had learned recently that his parents had a vacationing home out that way.

Without looking up, Luna replied, "My father wants to meet me in the country. He says the other train's not safe, what with the narguls and such."

"I see," Harry responded. At school, many had referred to Luna as 'Loony,' but Harry felt some kind of connection to her. She didn't always make sense, but there was a riddle behind her words, and Harry found it intriguing. Besides that, Luna had never doubted him, had never judged him when everyone else had.

Luna had begun writing in the magazine with her pen. It appeared she was doing some sort of crossword but in the form of a chess game. Characters were jumping across the page; a broom swept a gargoyle onto the other page. "Why are you on this train, Harry?" Luna asked, surprising him.

Normally Harry wouldn't have told anyone where he was going, but for some reason it felt good to tell Luna. "I need to clear my head, figure some stuff out. I found out my parents owned a small house in the countryside, so I thought I would go there."

"That sounds wonderful," Luna exclaimed. "Do you know how to get there?"

"I think so. I'm planning on taking a cab, so as not to raise any suspicion."

Luna looked up from her magazine, then, and with her already large eyes widened, said, "Why don't you ride with me? My father wants to go deep in the countryside, so I'm sure it wouldn't be any trouble to take you to your house." She clapped her hands in excitement.

"It's nice of you to offer, Luna, but I'd rather be alone. And I don't want anyone in danger because of me. It wouldn't be fair." Harry watched as the magazine characters began to duel; Luna remained oblivious, letting the magazine close and slide to the floor. Looking back up at Luna, Harry noticed that for once her eyes were focused, not clouded with dreams as usual.

"Harry, it's not safe for you to be alone." Luna actually looked concerned.

Harry laughed bitterly. "Luna, it's not safe for me anywhere. No one's safe, anymore." He looked out the window briefly, deep in thought, then continued softly, "But it doesn't matter to me; nothing really does." It was a true statement; since Dumbledore's death, Harry felt he had nothing. No one understood him; he doubted anyone ever would. Ron and Hermione hadn't understood; Ginny had no clue.

Luna smiled sadly back at him in understanding. She nodded once, then returned her attention to the magazine. Harry was thankful she didn't press the matter.


"I can't believe Harry would just leave like that!" Hermione fumed. "He's deliberately putting himself in danger."

"I know, Hermione," Ron replied. "He's being an utter ass."

Ginny just sat there looking sad and useless.

"How could he do this? He must realize that he can't pull himself out of the game now. He is a key player." Hermione was distraught.

"I think he knows that, Hermione. My guess is that he's off to do something rash, like find Snape and other Death Eaters," Ron responded.

Hermione looked at him. He could see tears forming in her eyes. "Ron," she whispered, "if that's true, then Harry's on a death mission."

Ron didn't say anything. Hermione's eyes darkened; she looked away. Ron reached out a hand to comfort her, but pulled it back, unsure of what to do. He looked over at Ginny. She was staring at the passing scenery, her knees tucked up under her.

Hermione also noticed Ginny's desolation, and said, "Everything will be okay, Ginny. Just think about the ending."

At that, Ginny's eyes smoldered. "What future?" she demanded. "Harry's going to die and the world's gone to hell. This is just the beginning of the end."

Hermione was taken aback by Ginny's fire.

"Jeez, Ginny, when did you become such a cynic?" Ron asked, confused by his little sister's pessimism.

"Ron, you are an idiot." And with those parting words, Ginny got up and left the compartment.

"Where are you going?" Ron asked, completely clueless.

"Away from you," she replied haughtily.

"What's her problem?" Ron asked Hermione.

"It's a girl thing," Hermione replied wisely, and then snapped her fingers.