1 ½ year Later

Looking out at the grey skies Laurali couldn't believe she was back. Back in London and going back to Hogwarts of all places. She was so nervous that her hands were shaking slightly. Her stomach was churning and she felt hot everywhere. Swallowing and breathing deeply Laurali tried to calm herself down before entering King Cross Station.

Taking one last deep breathe, Laurali walked through the doors and into the loud, dirty, busy station. Walking past the platforms, quickly Laurali spotted Platforms 9 and 10. Staring at the wall that split the two platforms, Laurali felt a wave of nostalgia.

Looking over both shoulders Laurali looked to see if any muggle was watching before running towards the stonewall head on. With a rush Laurali was on Platform 9 ¾, surrounded by the noise of people and animals and the train itself. Checking her watch Laurali saw that it was 5 till 11. Hurrying over to the train Laurali took her trunk and pet carriage (she had gotten a Norweigan Forest Cat) and hurried on to the train, silently thanking that no one recognized her.

She had grown out her hair, so now her dark brown locks fell down her back in big loose curls. She had grown another 3 inches (she had been very excited by this), and overall grew up. Laurali walked down the aisle keeping her head down when people passed by but for the most part people were so consumed in their own lives that they ignored her.

Walking down the aisle, looking for an empty compartment Laurali stopped when she spotted him. Laurali's heart stopped when she saw James. He was laughing at something Lee Jordan had said. The smile lighting up his face and eyes. It was the most handsome she had ever seen him.

He had grown up as well in the past year or so. His hair was cut shorter, making his hair look neat now rather than a messy mop. His jaw was more defined, and had stubble creating a nice shadow over his face. But his blue eyes were just the same, sparkling with laughter and containing the innocence of a child.

Then there was Fred who had cut his hair so that it only a inch stood on the top of his head (laurali had to admit that he looked a lot older without his afro). His freckles had faded so that now his caramel skin was perfectly even and contrasted beautifully with his sky blue eyes. That was when Laurali noticed those same crystal blue eyes were staring at her.

Looking down immediately Laurali started walking down the aisle again. Without looking back Laurali hoped that Fred didn't recognize her just like everyone else had. She wasn't sure she could handle the reunion.

-o-O-o-

Fred couldn't believe whom he had just seen. It was impossible. Laurali had left over a year ago. Vanished in fact. Why was she back now? Where had she been for the past year and half? And why hadn't she written him? "Mate are you ok? You look like you've seen a ghost." James laughed while clapping him on the back, not realizing how close his statement came to the truth. Fred continued to wear his expression of comical confusion. "Mate…" James trailed off.

Shaking his head Fred stood up suddenly mumbling something about the bathroom. Not waiting another second Fred raced out the compartment after the ghost of the girl he once knew.

Looking in every compartment for the beautiful girl he had just seen, Fred was becoming more desperate as he neared the end of the train. But just as he thought he had passed her, he saw Laurali sitting alone petting a grey cat on her lap. Afraid to make any sudden movements Fred slowly opened the door staring in wonder at her.

She had become even more beautiful than when she left. Her had gotten darker, and longer so now it fell to her mid-back in loose curls. Her skin had a golden hint to it, making her brown eyes pop. She took Fred's breath away.

"It's really you." Fred whispered.

-o-O-o-

"It's really you." She heard from the compartment door. Snapping her head in the direction of the voice, Laurali saw Fred standing in the doorway staring at her. As soon as she saw him, a smile broke out on her face.

Laurali barely had a second to set down Storm (her cat) before Fred wrapped her in a massive hug. They stayed there for a moment taking comfort in the other (with Storm mewing indignantly at their feet.)

When they finally broke apart Laurali just smiled broadly at Fred, who in turn smiled at her. "Hi Fred." She greeted breathily. She had missed him so much since she had left fourth year. Laurali was extremely happy that he had recognized her, she hadn't realized how much she had missed him.

"I can't believe you're back! You're actually back and going to Hogwarts no less!" He said excitedly. Laurali nodded but not nearly as excited with a frown pulling her lips downward.

"Yea…." Fred's smile started to fade.

Looking down uncomfortably, Fred asked quietly, "So where did you go Laurali? Somewhere owls can't reach you." He quipped.

Laurali bit the inside of her cheek. Not quite sure how to respond. She knew she should've replied to Fred's dozens of letters when she had left, but she never knew how to reply or what to say. Laurali had anticipated these questions; although, she had never thought of answer to them.

Just as she was about to answer him, The compartment flew open, drawing both their attentions away from the subject.

"Oi! Fred I've been looking all over for—." A girl yelled from the doorway. Laurali just stared at the redhead, giving her a shy smile.

"Hullo Rose." She said quietly. Rose just stood there speechless, her mouth hanging open slightly. Rose had changed too. She had grown a couple inches, (and grown into her figure rather well). Her sense of fashion had dramatically improved. She was wearing a beautiful deep green blouse, and dark blue jeans that hugged her legs nicely, with cute flats. Her freckles still speckled her face, but now they seem to compliment her creamy skin rather than mar it. Her hair was no longer bushy but held sleek curls, and (if possible) become even more of fury red.

"Laurali?" She whispered.

Laurali's smile grew, "Miss me?" She asked laughter lacing her words. Rose just walked over and hugged her, it was bone crushing and had lauri gasping for air by the end.

"You're back! And you-you look fantastic! Bloody hell!" She exclaimed as she held Laurali out to examin her. Laurali just laughed. "Where've you been. I mean some of us thought you had died or... I don't know what we thought." Rose said, amazement still displayed on her face. However it slowly turned to hurt, "why didn't you tell us you were leaving, or at least write us back?" Laurali was once again faced with questions that she was unwilling to answer.

Looking down at Storm wrapping himself around her legs, Laurali picked him up but still wouldn't look at Fred or Rose. "I had my reasons. And right now I can't say what they were but I had to leave Hogwarts, besides Albus and James were mad at me I was behind on my school work. I just needed a fresh start. So I went to America to live with my dad." Laurali finished, hoping no one could tell the overwhelming sadness that rushed through her. She continued to pet Storm. But when she brought her gaze up Rose's face had warped into anger indignation.

"Are you bloody serious? You had me and Fred! We would have helped you through everything and anything! WHO CARES IF ALBUS AND JAMES WERE MAD? THEY GOT OVER IT. THEY GOT OVER YOU! I mean for God sakes James is dating Clarisse now and Albus has hooked up with about every damn girl in school! So don't give me that bullshit!" Rose shouted, frustration and anger dripping from every word,her chest heaving.

It was Lauralis turn to have her mouth drop. Rose had always had a temper but she had never been one for confrontation. Laurali didn't know what to say. Fred gave rose a look before putting his arm around Laurali, "look Laurali I really wish you had owned me when you left and rose is right we were there for you. But I am glad you're back. And I'm sure Rose is too." He finished pointedly. Rose shook her and crossed her arms.

"I am glad to see you Laurali. I actually really missed you, but you left without a trace, and that hurt. Life went on without you, and everyone moved on." Rose told her disappointment filling every word.

Welcome back to Hogwarts Laurali...she thought in despair.