It was almost time to go. He didn't bring anything but his wand. He felt much too old to be carrying a trunk full of school supplies. Mentally he was felt like over-worked, old man. He knew he had to finish though. At least for his parents sake. They would want him to finish his education. He would figure out his school supplies later. Maybe ask for permission to leave the grounds and apparate to Diagon Alley. He was sure no matter who the headmaster was they wouldn't deny him anything. He smiled as he remembered he couldn't apparate or disapparate on Hogwarts ground. As he was always reminded by Hermoine who was the only one in their generation who read Hogwarts, A History, let alone cover to cover. His friends, would they go back as well? He hadn't spoken to them in weeks. Not because he couldn't, but because for some odd reason he couldn't bring himself to. The only friend who was always by his side every year on this platform was Hedwig, she would be next to him in her cage drawing attention to him. He missed her. In the muggle world he was a nobody, but Hedwig's snowy fur made sure he was noticed. Not that he wanted attention, although it always seemed to find him. Not today though. He checked his watch. Five minutes. *sigh* He checked around and walked through platform 9 3/4. He wondered how many would gawk. He didn't want to answer questions. Why was he doing this? He was just going to be ostracized again. And this time he didn't even have his friends. He even kind of missed Draco. Draco was doing charity and humane work to atone for his crimes. A much better life than Azkaban. No longer guarded by dementors, but an awful place just the same. He wavered. Three minutes. HAGRID! He would still have his beloved oaf of a friend Hagrid. He was like the uncle Harry never had. Two minutes. And he could always go visit Dumbledores Portrait, his Godfathers could be brought to Hogwarts as well. The only good thing about his fame was he always received special treatment. Good and bad. He stepped onto the train. One minute. He walked down the hall, every time he passed a booth the kids stopped talking and stared. He passed by Ginny and Luna, they stopped and stared too. He didn't bother to say hi. He doubted they would respond. He found a booth way in the back alone where he sat and looked out the window. Things hadn't ended well with Ginny. She was much too childish and irritable. Harry couldn't handle taking care of someone else, he was much too fragile. He was the one who needed to be pampered. A fact he would never admit. "180 days Harry. It's only 180 days." He couldn't believe it, but he was anxious for the exams to come and pass. He laughed. He sounded just like Hermoine. He sighed. He missed her. He looked out the window. "This was a mistake."

"What was a mistake?"

His head whipped around. "HERMOINE!" He jumped up and hugged her tight. She let go of her trunk. Obviously Hermoine was still Hermoine and got all her school supplies none the less. Harry looked over her head. "Wheres Ron?" She blushed and looked a bit angry.

"He refused to come. Said that the best friend of the boy who lived does not need to finish school. 'Whose going to deny me a job?! I helped defeat you know who too ya know!'." She scoffed. Harry wasn't surprised Ron didn't want to go back. He never was the ambitious type. But still a little voice in the back of Harry's mind..."You didn't wish to go back either." He argued with the voice, "But I have. And that's what matters. I CHOSE to come back, our choices define us."The little voice shut up. "Harry. Harry. You can let go now." He realized they were still in an embrace. He let go and blushed. Hermoine's cheeks were pink. Maybe she was cold... "Ron still can't say his name huh?"

She ignored the question. "Where are your things Harry?"

"Oh, I thought I could apparate to Diagon alley before the term started." Harry replied.

"How many times do I have to tell you you can't apparate or disapparate on the g-." Harry grinned, she took the bait. "I know I know." He interrupted her. You're haven't changed. He laughed. She tutted. "Seriously though, Harry. This is our last year, we should set the example."

"Fine, I'll ask the Headmaster and see what to do. Blimey, Hermoine are you going to demand that I eat all my vegetables too?".

She blushed. "I know I'm not your mother Harry but I can't help but worry." She pouted. "God, she is cute." the little voice inside his head said. Harry was stunned with himself. He made sure to shut those thoughts out. Hermoine was Ron's girlfriend. And his best friend. "Why isn't Ginny here Harry?" He snapped back to reality. Hermoine was staring at him, she craned her head out the door. "She and Luna ignored me when I said hi to them as I walked past, why aren't they in here?"

"Could Ginny know?" The voice returned. "KNOW WHAT?!" his mind shouted back but he tried to ignore it. Even in the wizard world hearing and arguing with voices inside your head was not normal. "Me and ginny broke up. Three weeks ago."

"What?! Why?! I don't care if its personal I'm your best friend and I demand to know." She interrupted the "but" that started to form on his lips. "She was still a child Hermoine, and I can't take care of a child. I love her but I came to realize I adored her as a little sister. I couldn't see her like a man. So I ended it. She didn't take it very well. Took me three days to recover from that hex." Harry shuddered. Hermoine tutted. "That wasn't avery mature way to handle it." She scowled, "But why is she mad at me? Just because we're friends doesn't mean I would tell you to break up with her. And I don't understand why Luna is..." He wasn't listening. His heart hurt. "Friends"the voice was echoing. "Friends." It hurt.

"Harry..HARRY! Honestly what is with you?! Have you been listening? Is cloud 9 so fascinating? I would love to join!"

"Sorry Hermoine."

"Anyway Harry, we have arrived." He looked out the window, it was dark. How did time pass so fast? Whenever he was with Hermoine time always passed too quickly. STOP he reminded the little voice in the back of his head. I'm lonely and I'm misplacing my affections on my best friend. He had read that in the psychology book he read over the summer. "Alright, LOCOMOTOR" Hermoine said. They stepped out and ignored the stares and whispers.

"Alrigh firs' years firs' years this way!" Harry spotted Hagrid and grinned. "All righ' there Harry, Hermoine?" Hagrid beamed. All the first years turned around and started whispering excitedly.

"Never going to get used to that."Hermoine sighed.

"I tend to ignore it. All these years and I still am not used to it." They walked up to the castle. "I can't wait for the sorting." Hermoine chuckled.

To be continued...

Please, please, please be gentle. _ this is my first fan fiction and I plan to drag it out. A LOT. I really really believe these two have a future. And i am a novice writer so any CONSTRUCTIVE criticism is appreciated. I shall try to write a chapter a night. :) So long as my muse doesn't leave me. POTTERHEAD 5EVUR!