Chapter Twenty-Six – The Train Ride Home

Two weeks later, school ended for the year. The train back to the station left at 1:00pm. On the train, Draco, Hermione, Ron and Aries sat together. About a half hour into the train ride, Hermione was asleep. She had her head in Draco's lap and he had his arms around her. Aries and Ron were playing Wizard's Chess, and Draco was watching them.

"Good afternoon, sleepyhead," said Draco as Hermione began to wake up.

"Good afternoon," Hermione mumbled. "What time is it?"

"About 2:10," answered Draco.

"I'm hungry!" said Ron.

"Ron, you're always hungry," said Aries, laughing.

"The food cart is coming pretty soon," said Draco.

"Oh good," said Ron, happily.

"Yeah. I'm sorta hungry, too," said Hermione. She then began looking through her purse, then frowned.

"What's wrong?" asked Draco.

"I wanted to get something from the food cart, but all I have is three knuts," replied Hermione, distractedly, still looking through for money in her purse.

"I'll pay for you," said Draco.

"Thank you, Draco," said Hermione, zipping her purse back up.

A couple of minutes later, the witch with the food cart came by. Draco bought a few types of candy and pastries that he and Hermione ate. Ron and Aries bought some pastries too. The rest of the time they talked. At some point in time, Harry, Ginny, Neville, and Luna, who were sitting a few compartments away, came to visit and they all talked for a few minutes. About fifteen minutes before the train got to the station, everyone changed into muggle clothing.

"Bye Harry!" said Ginny, Ron, Aries, Hermione and Draco as Harry walked towards the exit of Platform Nine and Three-Quarters. Ginny walked with him to the exit, kissed him, and came back.

A few minutes later, Aries' parents came. "Bye, Ron. I'll write you!" said Aries as she walked off with her parents.

"Ron, you never told us what Aries is going to study to become!" said Hermione.

"Oh yeah. I meant to," said Ron. "She's studying to become a Healer!"

"That's neat," said Ginny. Just then, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley appeared behind Hermione.

"Hello Hermione," said Mrs. Weasley. "How was your school year?"

"Wonderful!" replied Hermione.

"Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley," said Draco, kindly.

"Hello," said Mrs. Weasley, sharply.

"What are you doing here?" said Mr. Weasley.

"He's my boyfriend," said Hermione.

"He's what?" said Mrs. Weasley, shocked.

"He's my boyfriend," said Hermione, again. "We've been dating since December."

"Hermione!" said Mr. Weasley, sharply. "Do you have any idea who his father is?"

"Yes, and he's nothing like him!" said Hermione, angrily.

"How can you be so sure of that?" asked Mrs. Weasley.

"I don't know, but I believe he's a good person, and just because his father is a horrible person doesn't mean he is!" said Hermione.

"What about how horrible he was to you?" asked Mr. Weasley.

"He's not anymore! He's changed!" said Hermione. "I truly believe people can change, and he has!"

"Yeah, right! I'm expected to believe that! There is no possible way I'm going to believe that!" said Mr. Weasley.

"Well, he has!" said Hermione angrily.

"Yeah, right! A leopard never changes its spots!" said Mrs. Weasley, disbelieving.

"Mom, I've been around him, and he's changed! Hermione's right! He's a really nice person now!" said Ginny.

"I still don't like it, but I can't keep Hermione from dating him. I can, however, prevent you and Ron from being friends with him!" said Mrs. Weasley, grabbing Ginny and her stuff.

"Goodbye!" said Mr. Weasley, sharply, grabbing Ron and his stuff.

"Bye Hermione! Bye Draco!" yelled Ron and Ginny as they exited Platform Nine and Three-Quarters.

"I'm sorry about Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. They're just stubborn," said Hermione, apologetically, to Draco.

"I don't blame them for their reaction. Both my father and I have been horrible to their family! They have every reason to dislike and distrust me!" said Draco, matter-of-factly.

"But, you've changed!"

"Yeah, but I was mean to them. There are some relationships with people you can't repair, no matter how hard you try!"

"I guess."

Stay tuned for the LAST chapter... A slightly sad conclusion! Thanks to all of my reviewers!