Chapter One

Harry sighed to himself as he hurried through the train station, making his way through the mass of people walking to and from the platforms. In a few minutes summer would be officially over, and he would be traveling on the Hogwart's Express on his way to his seventh and final year at Hogwart's School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Not that he minded particularly, especially since he had been forced to spend yet another holiday with the Dursleys. He felt relieved when his eighteenth birthday had come a few days ago. Not only was he now free from his horrible relatives, but he would be seeing his friends again soon!

Ron and Hermione had owled him frequently over the summer. Harry had wanted to spend time at the Burrow, but the Weasleys had taken their entire family on a tour of Europe. Ron had been so excited when he'd received his parent's letter at the end of the last term telling him about what they had planned. However, he'd felt guilty at leaving Harry to fend for himself, and had kept his promise to send him postcards from every place they visited. Hermione also felt badly that she wasn't going to see Harry over the summer break, but she'd been planning to stay with some Muggle friends and then she was going to Bulgaria to visit Viktor. The brief romance that the two had over their fourth year had slowly developed into a strong friendship, and the two kept in regular contact. Since both of his friends thought that they should make their absence up to Harry they'd all decided to stay over Christmas break and have some fun together.

Hermione cried as she jumped up and down and waved at him excitedly as he approached her. I've been looking everywhere for you, Ron, and Ginny! she said as she hugged him fiercely.

Careful Mione, you're cutting off my air supply. It's great to see you too Harry replied as he returned her hug before stepping back from the embrace.

Guess what? she asked as she helped him move his trunk and other belongings to the loading area of the train.

Knowing that his reply was unnecessary to hear her news, Harry nonetheless asked

I'm Head Girl this year Hermione said as she grinned at Harry.

Harry grinned back and replied, What kind of surprise is that? We all knew you'd be Head Girl since the first time we met you. Then you were a prefect fifth year too, just like we expected. I bet you even beat Percy's record high scores when you take the NEWTS at the end of this year!

Hermione laughed and said, Thanks Harry, you have no idea how much I needed to hear.....Hey, there's Ron and Ginny now! And they've got someone with them! I wonder who she is?