Author's Note: I apologize soooo much for the wait, and the short length of this chapter... I went to Mexico, then came back and started soccer, along with college classes. Plus some family stuff going on, I sincerely apologize. I will never go that long without updating again, here is a new chapter and I hope I didn't lose too many readers!
Today was the finally the day. The day I would return to my true home: Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I woke up earlier than anyone in the Burrow, I was as impatient as a child waiting to go to a candy store. I had my trunk completely packed and organized, as I was also already dressed for the day. I was waiting downstairs, starting to feel bummed that no one else was up when I heard footsteps coming down the steps. I turned around to see Harry walking towards me groggily.
"How long have you been up?" He asked with a chuckle.
His voice was deep from just waking up, I loved the sound of it. Just him asking me a question sent chills through my body and increased my heart rate. I couldn't help but blush.
"A while," I bit my lip. "I'm excited. I want to go home.. the home where I feel safe."
Harry sat next to me and put his arm around me, pulling me into a quick side hug.
"I completely understand, Alex. That's the only home where I feel safe, too." He said, looking down and taking a deep breath. "How are you?"
I hesitated.
"Honestly?" I asked, and he nodded. "I don't know if I'll ever get better, Harry. I feel bad, almost pathetic for being the way I am. You lost both of your parents and live with horrible people, yet you're still here with me. Hell, you're even helping me. I just don't know how you do it. You're the strongest person I know, Harry. I could only wish to have half of your strength."
"Listen. You're not pathetic, Alex. Its different for me. I hardly knew my parents. You knew your father, you had years to love him and be with him. But, that was taken away from you. You have every right to be the way you are, you're hiding it so well. You're hiding all of this new information so well. You're so much stronger than you think," Harry told me, putting his hand over mine with a warming smile.
I smiled back at him, and that was the first time I remember smiling in a while. Harry always brought that out in me. He always has known how to bring out a smile in me, know matter how low I feel. He has always managed to make me keep trying, no matter how bad I want to give up. He's perfect in every way, shape, and form. Without Harry, I wouldn't be myself. He's more myself than I am. I only wish he was mine, but its my fault he's not.
"That's the smile I wanted to see," Harry smiled, squeezing my knee, and left to go upstairs.
We all arrived at the wall between Platforms 9 and 10. Everyone began saying their goodbyes to Mrs. Weasley. Hermione and Ginny went first, then ran straight through the wall. Ron went by himself, then Mrs. Weasley asked to speak to Harry and I from the side.
"Listen, you two. I know Alex is still very upset and is going through a lot, I know how close you are. Alex, you're a strong girl and I want you to stay that way. You are more than welcome to join us for the holidays, my family and I are always here for you. I want you to take care of her, Harry. And don't you dare hurt my daughter," She lectured quickly.
Before I even had time to respond to her, she urged Harry and I to charge through the wall with our trolleys, straight for Platform 9 3/4. I smiled wide when I saw the train. It's long red and black cars, the famous four numbers of '5972' on the front that I'll never forget, the beautiful roar of its engine, the perfectly loud horn, the dark gray smoke it releases as it takes us home. I love it all, every single part of it.
We got on the train, but soon were separated. Harry was captain of the Quidditch team, and Hermione and Ron were prefects. I was so proud of all 3 of them! Obviously Ginny was all over Harry, being so proud of him as well. I hated how this ripped at my heart. Soon, it was just Harry and I in the compartment we all sat in. The other three decided to go chase down the trolley full of snacks.
"So.. I know you and Ginny kissed." I told him, awkwardly.
"Yeah.. We're together," He shifted uncomfortably.
"Why didn't you tell me?" I asked. "I thought we were closer than that."
"Alex, your father just died." He whispered. "I wasn't going to burden you with my personal life at that time, you need to focus on you and I am going to help you do that."
I couldn't describe my feeling. I was happy he was concerned about me, but.. he's dating Ginny. Do I lie and say I'm happy for him? I mean, of course I do. What else would I do? Tell him I've loved him for as long as I've known him and he should dump her? I don't want to get him in trouble with Molly. I mean, of course I'm being selfish.. right? Ugh. I was tired of having my mind in a jumble over this. Maybe Harry is right.. I should focus on myself. So that means, I should be a good... friend.
"You're right," I took a big sigh. "I need to focus on myself. And by the way, I'm happy for you."
"Thank you, Alex. That means a lot, you're my best friend." He smiled, playfully punching my arm.
Ouch. Was I just friend-zoned by Harry Potter?
The other three soon joined us, Ginny sat next to Harry and I don't think I've ever felt so awkward. Once she returned to the compartment, it was like everything shrunk. Suddenly everything was in my face, I felt so crowded, it was almost like I couldn't breathe. Everything was weighing on me, the thought of them being together forever and being happy. I want Harry to be happy, but... I want him to be happy with me.
"So.. you guys are like, dating?" Ron asked.
"Yes," Ginny said with a wide smile, which made me roll my eyes.
"Don't hurt her, Harry. That's my sister," Ron said. "Ugh this is weird."
Hermione chuckled slightly, but grabbed my hand to assure me that she was on my side and cared about me. I liked that. After that, it was dead silent. I felt awkward. The silence left me to drown in my own thoughts and feel like a fifth wheel. Finally, the silence was finally broken by Ron.
"Look, guys! Hogwarts!" He exclaimed.
Everyone gathered around the window to awe at the marvelous castle. I was always mesmerized, no matter how many times I've seen it. Just by seeing it, all of my negative thoughts washed away and were replaced by a warm feeling in my stomach. The feeling of safety, and security. This is my home.