Chapter 10 – Rumour

The time that Hermione and I got to spend in Sydney was the best time ever. I've never had a vacation before. I was extremely happy. Hermione's parents took us out often. When her parents were working, we would explore the city and the beach ourselves. We explored even the wizarding section of Sydney – beautiful. We snorkelled and checked out the Great Barrier Reef. We would take small weekend trips away from Sydney. We checked out the 'Uluru'. We went on hot air balloon rides. I learned to surf. It's a nice sport. I might just move to Sydney after finishing school.

Each day that I spent in Hermione's company was just beautiful. Being with her was so easy. I didn't try to make a move on her but I was very tempted to. I didn't want to ruin the good time we were having. But when I'm with her, I feel like she likes me too. I hope, I'm right. She learned surfing with me. Hermione is more willing to give sports a try now. She's become a bit adventurous since we got here.

Soon, it was time for us to leave for Hogwarts. Her parents were in two minds about moving back to London. At present they decided to stay in Sydney. We took a portkey from the Sydney Ministry Office to The Ministry of Magic. From there, we apparated to Platform Nine Three Quarters.

We quickly found a compartment and settled in it. We waited for the train to move. Hermione took out a book and began reading. I started observing the people moving in the train, finding compartments and friends. I couldn't wait to be at Hogwarts. I am totally excited to begin my seventh year. People who passed by our compartment looked at us with contempt, some with surprise on their faces, some sneered and some smiled cheerfully at us. I couldn't understand this.

"Harry, you look confused. And the classes have not even begun yet." Hermione teased.

I thought of a retort but couldn't think of any, "Every one is looking at us funny."

"Maybe, it's because we weren't for around for almost two months." Hermione guessed.

"May…"

I started to say something but the compartment door opened and in came Neville, Hannah and Luna.

"Hi." The three of them said together. Neville and Hannah started going out last year before the war broke out.

"Hi, you guys." There was a round of hugs.

Once we settled down, Neville asked, "Where were the both of you?"

"We were in Australia." Hermione answered. Hermione had requested Kingsley to keep it under wraps about finding her parents.

"Oh, so you found your parents then? How are they?" Luna asked.

Hermione smiled a dazzling smile, "Yes. They are well and everything worked out."

"Sydney is a beautiful place." I told them.

"I guess congratulations are in order." Hannah said out of nowhere.

"Oh yes." Neville said. "Congrats both of you. I'm unhappy that I was not told about this in person but I'm happy for the both of you."

"What are you congratulating us for?" I asked. Am I going to be Head Boy?

"On your wedding of course." Luna said as a matter of fact. "Congrats both of you."

"What? Wedding? Who's wedding?" I got scared.

"Harry and I didn't get married. Who told you something like that?" Hermione asked. She looked relatively calm.

"It's been all over Daily Prophet and other magazines for the past two months." Neville said.

"Ya. It said you both wanted a quiet wedding so you both eloped. Since no one has been able to get in touch with you for the past two months everybody assumed it's true and that you both are on a long honeymoon." Hannah said. "Ron and Ginny gave statements saying that they had no clue where you both were. Their statements made it seem like you both broke their hearts. You both are being projected as heart-breakers and them as victims."

"Ron and Ginny knew we were in Australia." I said angrily.

"So, you both are really not married?" Hannah asked. I glared at her.

The door opened and it was other friends who had come to congratulate on 'our supposed nuptials'. After a while, it became annoying to explain to people that we were not married. It was even more annoying when people asked us to prove it.

"How's the married couple?" Ron asked when he came in.

"Get lost." Hermione said. She voice was filled with venom.

"Hermione or should I say Mrs. Potter, I'm being civil and you're being completely rude. That's no-"

Before he could speak further, Hermione had punched him. "You knew all along this was not true. Yet you projected yourself as the victim, you dipshit! You were the one who cheated on me."

"Ron, before anymore damage is done, I want you to leave." I told him. I was very close to hitting him as well.

Yup, I'm definitely moving to Sydney.

I'm really truly sorry for not updating for so long! Please forgive me! I hope you this chapter can satisfy you and make you happy!

Warning - some people may not like the direction the story will take, please don't hate me for it! Initially, I wanted to something completely different but the story took its own course and I'm taking this direction now!

Please please read and review! Thanks for reading the chapter! Enjoy!

Neepa :-)