Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.

Dahlia Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

Chapter Twenty

The feast was just over that they realised that the time they had spent in the Hospital Wing was a time lost to pack their trunk. After the festive ambiance that lasted all night, it was really hard to work efficiently and silently with Leanne and Megan sleeping beside them. If Dahlia had an almost compulsive obsession with tidying her clothes, Hannah simply put them in a random manner in her trunk before sitting on it to close it. Susan was between the two, rolling her robes and her skirts and putting the rest where it could fit. When they finally went to bed, it was way past one in the morning, but that didn't bother them as the train would leave at eleven o'clock.

During breakfast, notes were handed out to all students, warning them not to use magic over the holidays. Dahlia also received her summer homework by Professor Sprout, who updated her on the others. Maisie had woken up this morning, but her brother and her friend were still in coma. Today, when all the students would be gone, they would be transferred to St. Mungo, where Healers specialized in Dark Magic could help them. The parents had been already notified and while the Byrnes were not happy at all that their only daughter was gravely injured, the O'Connors couldn't care less. All the Hufflepuffs listening to the news expressed their support and their sympathies.

At ten, the first-years separated from the rest of the school. Hagrid was there to take them down to the fleet of boats that sailed across the Black Lake. Watching the castle fading in the distance was as impressive as seeing it coming into view. In plain day, the muddy path they had taken at the beginning of the year was more friendly and welcoming. They didn't feel the sensation of oppression or the feeling of uneasiness. Same thing for Hogsmeade Station. This time, no parents to cheer for their departure, but that didn't mean the tiny platform was quiet, quite the contrary.

Dahlia was sweltering in her black robes and took them off as soon as the Hogwarts Express departed. She was much more comfortable in a skirt and a shirt, appropriate for the hot weather of London. Her more Muggle friends imitated her, though dirty looks were thrown their way by Pure-bloods. During the train ride, they finished the sweets she had received in the Hospital Wing, including the entire packages of Bertie Bott's Every-Flavour Beans. It was a great time to talk and to laugh, to put school behind them and to think of the summer holidays. The ones who didn't have owls, like Leah and Justin, exchanged their phone numbers, even if it was useless to call him as he would be abroad.

As the time passed by, the countryside became greener and tidier. They sped past Muggles towns, seeing once in a while a city, Leeds and Sheffield to name them. The more they went south, the more they saw farms and animals. As always, Dahlia had freed Hedwig before she boarded the train, counting on her pet to find her in London. Even with her little knowledge about magical owls, she knew that they shared a bond together and distance would not affect it. Let her enjoy a few days of freedom before loading her with letters for her friends.

When they pulled into platform nine and three-quarters at King's Cross station, they were welcome by a swarm of adults. There were shouts and cries and tears, but tears of joy as children embraced their parents for the first time in five months. Some she saw she had met before, some she saw for the first time. Half-plans of seeing each other during summer were made, with the promise of writing often.

It took quite a while for them all to get off the platform. A wizened old guard was up by the ticket barrier, letting them go through the gate in twos and threes so they didn't attract the attention by bursting out of a solid wall at once and alarming the Muggles. As a matter of fact, only Dahlia, Justin and Leah crossed together, as the wizards took the Floo network or apparated away to get home. People jostled them as they moved forwards towards the gateway back to the Muggle world. Some of them called:

"Bye, Dahlia!"

"See you, Potter!"

She made sure to thank each of them, even if it was just a friendly nod to someone she didn't know. She was still a little bit sheepish under all the attention, even if it was for a good reason this time.

"You must call me this summer," said Leah. They hurrying through King's Cross, both of them having to take a train quickly. "It will be incredibly long without you guys."

"Of course. Although I don't have unlimited access to the phone of the orphanage. I'm more likely to send you Hedwig."

"It's alright. My parents are accustomed to seeing owls. I even bought a few treats for when Maple, Shakespeare or Billy visit me."

"Let me guess. Cedric, Simon and Aaron."

"Got it," laughed Leah. "I even saw Farewell and Ashes a couple of times, though a lot less than the three others."

"I'll miss you guys," said Justin. "I wish I had bought an owl before."

"You can always pass to Diagon Alley when you come back," suggest Dahlia. "That way, you will have one for next year."

"I would have done it today if I had the time. My flight is in six hours and I got to get to Heathrow."

"It doesn't matter. We'll see you on the first of September."

"Goodbye!"

The two girls gave a hug to Justin and he departed with one last wave, to the beaches and the heat of Cuba. He disappeared into the ever continuous flood of people coming and going in King's Cross. After a second of searching him into the crowd, they began to run through the station, slaloming between businessmen in suit, families with big luggage and guards in uniform. They attracted a few annoyed looks from some people as they hurried up, but the sight of two teenagers running in King's Cross was not an unusual one. Leah's train was leaving soon and its platform was at the other end of the building. Dahlia's trunk was tapping against her leg at each steps and she nearly dropped Hedwig's cage several times. They arrived just in time, breathless but happy.

"Well, it's a goodbye," said Leah. "I'll miss you, Dahlia."

"You already said that before," she answered playfully. "I'll miss you too."

They shared another quick hug. The older girl went to board her train, but at the last moment, she turned around.

"Listen, I'll probably come to London a week or so before school starts, you know, to buy my stuff at Diagon Alley and all, so maybe we could see each other? I could meet your sister."

"Of course! That's an excellent idea. I know Anne Elizabeth has been eager to meet more witches and wizards. I'm sure she'll love the idea."

"Good! I'll be staying at a cheap hotel near King's Cross. I'll send you the address when I'm there."

"Wonderful!" She clapped her hands excitedly. "I can't wait. Letters are not the same thing than meeting in person."

"It's going to be a great summer."

To conclude perfectly their exchange, the train horn blew at this precise moment, making Leah jump on the train with her trunk swaying behind her. The door close with a gliding sound, separating the two girls by a glass panel. Leah smiled at her and mouthed a goodbye. As the train started to move, Dahlia raised her hand and waved slowly, until it was no longer in sight. At this moment, the spell was broken and she was aware again of her surroundings. She felt herself smile broadly, full of confidence for the weeks to come.

"Yes… it's going to be a great summer."

Thank you all for sticking with me until the end! As always, I love reading your reviews. See you soon for the second instalment, Dahlia Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

Lady Midnight 10205