Chapter Twenty-Five: The Beginning
Ron was the first person to notice Kilmorie's dagger, hidden away inside a discreet sheath that hung from Harry's belt, it had slipped out from under his robes as they sat down at dinner. 'What the hell are you doing with that?' he whispered urgently, grabbing Harry's arm as he tried to cover the dagger.
'Kilmorie gave it to me,' Harry replied, pulling his robe back over his belt before Hermione or Ginny could glimpse it. 'I didn't have a chance to put it away,' he whispered urgently, 'and I'd prefer not to have anyone else find out.'
Ron was about to say something back when Dumbledore rose, and a hush descended over the entire hall. His eyes twinkling, Dumbledore clapped his hands, lifting them up towards the banners that hung over the hall. With a rustling of cloth the black banners that had hung there all year exploded into gold and scarlet, the Gryffindor lion standing proudly overhead.
A massive cheer went up from the Gryffindor table, and Harry and Ron found themselves shouting as loudly as anyone else. There were roars of laughter followed shortly afterwards as Fred and George climbed onto the table and linked arms, dancing around the empty plates and bowls. As soon as Fred and George stopped dancing on the table, Dumbledore was able to begin speaking again.
'I'm sure you'll all be pleased to hear that Fred and George will be returning next year to teach Muggle Dance Studies.' Once more there was a roar of laughter, and Dumbledore's sparkling eyes radiated a humour that spread throughout the entire hall. Coughing solemnly he brought at sudden silence down upon the Great Hall, the humour lost as the headmaster raised his arms, signalling to the black drapes that once more adorned the room.
'Last year a student was lost to us,' Dumbledore began, his gaze passing everyone over the hall in turn, lingering on the Hufflepuff table a moment longer then the others. 'Gathered here now it gives me great heart to see we are all still together and I am sure that Cedric Diggory feels the same, wherever he is now. I told you last year we are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided - that many of you might be forced to choose between what is right, and what is easy.
'I am privileged to be with you all, to know that you have chosen what is right and to know I am in the company of many others who are as strong, as kind and as brave as Cedric was.' As if the previous year had been the day before, Harry took a look over his shoulder as Dumbledore spoke these words. Sure enough, Malfoy and several others were muttering among themselves on the Slytherin table, and he felt the same anger rise up in him before Dumbledore's voice called him back again.
'This year we must remember another of our friends lost to us, a wizard also a professor to you all this year. The wizard I refer to is Julian Kilmorie. His loss will come as a surprise to most of you, and it is my regret to inform you of his death. Professor Kilmorie passed away the day after the Quidditch final of this year, he passed away in defence of what is right and for that I honour him.'
Lifting his goblet he raised it to the ceiling, with a scraping of wood Harry rose holding his own goblet, followed by Ginny and Ron, then Hermione and the twins before students rose throughout the hall. Taking another look over his shoulder Harry was surprised to see several Slytherin students standing, though Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle remained seated.
'Even though I have spent most of my life in this school I still learn new things,' Dumbledore continued. 'This year has taught me the value of what we have here, about the strong bonds of friendship and trust that run deep in this school and will forever remain true to whomever should have need of them.'
Putting down his goblet Dumbledore lifted his arms once more and the black banners twisted in a breeze until they all settled down, the Hogwarts emblem proudly showing on each one. Holding his arms towards the students Dumbledore looked over them all once more before addressing them. 'This summer I once more ask you to remember something for me. Remember the friendship and trust that I have mentioned, remember what you have learnt in your time here and remember that in coming times of darkness that you are our hope.'
* * *
Harry sat on top of the hill that overlooked the lake, Ginny sitting beside him with her head resting on his shoulder. As the sun began its slow descent the light on the lake began to soften, turning a deep red that warmed the evening. A soft padding sound rang out and Harry caught the glint of sunlight on a unicorn's coat as it galloped along the edge of the forest before disappearing into its midst.
'Packed already?' a voice asked softly in the peaceful silence, startling Harry and causing Ginny to jump against him. Turning round Harry saw Sirius standing there wearing a familiar grin before he pulled his robes about him and sat down on the ground.
'Should you be out?' Harry asked, ignoring the jibe from Sirius and casting a glance around him as Ginny settled back down against his shoulder.
'No one else is around, and no one else is likely to be around given the amount of noise coming from your common room.' Sirius paused for a second before continuing, 'why aren't you two up there?'
Ginny giggled and replied before Harry could, 'Because we're not a 'two' when we are up there.'
'Big brothers don't know yet?' Sirius asked, his grin widening to a smirk as he glanced back at Harry who was now studiously gazing at the grass on the slope. 'I heard Dumbledore's address, nice to see he hasn't changed tack this year.'
'Scaring a whole new year,' Harry mumbled under his breath, but he looked up when Sirius's head turned around sharply.
'What makes you say that?'
'Because it's not them Voldemort's after,' Harry replied, feeling Ginny flinch against his shoulder when he said the name. Giving her shoulder a squeeze of reassurance Harry continued talking to Sirius as he stared out over the lake. 'So far Voldemort has come after me, specifically me and Ginny - but always to harm me in some way.'
'So you think everyone else is safe?' Sirius began, nodding to himself as Harry nodded in answer to the question. 'Listen to me, both of you, when I say this - no one is safe. Voldemort may only have struck out at you now, Harry, but that will change, pretty soon he'll be everywhere and striking out against everyone.anyone.'
Standing up Sirius put his hand on Harry's shoulder, giving it a small squeeze before turning to walk away. 'I'll try and contact you soon, keep Hedwig free if you can,' he added with a smile towards Ginny. 'Remember what I've said as well, Harry, this year.this year was just the beginning.' With a smile to them both Sirius began walking away and they turned back to the lake. As the sun finally disappeared Harry heard the padding sound once more as Sirius retreated away in his Animagus form and the shadow of night fell over the grounds.
* * *
'Hey, daydreamer - you with us?' Ron's voice cut into Harry's thoughts as the countryside rushed past in a blur of hazy colours. Harry looked round to see Ron grinning like a loon with one of his eyebrows smoking, a deck of cards was scattered over their compartment and Fred's cheeks were a bit scorched.
'Maybe when I bring a pack of Muggle cards,' he said reaching forward to pull a smoking card out of Ron's hair where it was threatening to set him alight.
'I didn't think they'd allow such things on the Express,' Malfoy's drawling voice echoed into the compartment as he stepped around the doorway, Crabbe and Goyle at his side. 'There are enough filthy Mudblood things here already,' he said, sneering at Hermione before Ron stood up and interposed himself between the two. 'Back off,' he growled not caring or not noticing the cracking of knuckles coming from Crabbe and Goyle.
'You don't want to do that anymore Weasley,' Malfoy spat, 'what good is it going to do the Mudbloods and Muggles when the Dark Lord comes back?'
'He's had a whole year to do something about us,' Hermione replied, her voice icy and calm, 'and so far he hasn't managed a thing.'
'Things change,' Malfoy snapped back, his hand moving swiftly to pull his wand out as Ron and the twins also drew theirs.
'Stop.' Harry said softly, directed not to Malfoy but to Ron and his brothers. Ron turned in surprise, but Harry's eyes were focused on Malfoy's own in deep concentration.
'Always the hero,' Malfoy muttered, but instead of taking advantage he also lowered his wand as Harry stood up and walked to the doorway, finishing opposite Malfoy. Pale blue met emerald as their eyes locked for a second before Malfoy spoke again, his voice dangerous and low. 'This could be your last chance Potter, I offered you my hand in friendship before and you refused, take it now.'
Harry took his gaze away from Malfoy's face to stare calmly at the hand that was extended towards him. Before Malfoy could raise his wand again Harry had reached into his robes and drew Kilmorie's blade from within sending a flash of light over Malfoy's eyes as it reflected the sunlight from the windows.
Kneeling swiftly Harry scored a line into the carpet in front of Malfoy that stretched across the doorframe and he rose just as rapidly. 'Cross it,' Harry whispered, his eyes matching the piercing gaze that Dumbledore used to his own great effect. Turning his back on Malfoy, Harry went back to his seat by the window and with his head in his chin continued staring out, the blade still in his other hand. Turning his head ever so slightly he winked at Ginny with a small smile, a gesture that no one else in the carriage noticed as Malfoy backed out, his eyes darting around in confusion.
When Malfoy had gone Harry pulled the scabbard out of his robes and slid Kilmorie's dagger back inside, with a rueful glance he offered the blade to George. 'Give it to your dad, if Uncle Vernon finds it there'll be hell to pay.' George could only nod in silence while Ron, Hermione and Fred were still staring at Harry with a mixture of wonder and fear. 'How about that game?' Harry whispered with a small smile, breathing out a sigh Ron shuffled the rest of the deck together as the others handed him the cards.
'Anything else you want to tell else about this year?' Fred asked as Ron started dealing out the cards.
'Not right now,' Harry looked up and flashed a grin at everyone, 'I have to keep some secrets.' Fred grinned back as he picked up his cards, and everyone missed the wink that passed between Harry and Ginny.
* * *
In a rush of steam the Hogwarts Express pulled up to platform nine-and- three-quarters. 'Wait a second,' Harry whispered to Ginny as the others started filing out of the carriage and onto the platform, 'I have a brilliant idea.' He finished with a grin, then whispered into Ginny's ear until she was bright pink from giggling. Lifting her trunk down from the rack Harry balanced Pig's cage next to Hedwig's, much to her annoyance, and followed Ginny off the train.
Piling Ginny's trunk onto Ron's trolley Harry saw Fred and George disappear through the gateway followed by Hermione and Ginny a few seconds later. With a nod from the guard Ron and Harry pushed their trolleys through into Kings Cross, blending into the crowd almost immediately despite the owls that adorned their trolleys.
Looking around Harry was surprised to see Uncle Vernon exchanging a few words with Mrs. Weasley, until Fred and George arrived by them and he backed away hurriedly. Walking alongside Ron, Harry was in time to see George pass Mrs. Weasley a small bag that he'd slipped the dagger into. Splitting apart Harry stopped his trolley by Uncle Vernon, 'Go and say goodbye, boy' he said firmly, being careful to avoid looking at the Weasleys.
Walking back over, Harry went to Fred and George first, smiling back at them as he approached. 'I'll see you during the summer?'
'Who knows?' Fred asked, a grin springing onto his face.
'We'll be off, far and wide,' George continued, matching his brother's expression. 'Thanks to a little help from our secret sponsor.'
'Just remember to start producing those jokes some time,' Harry replied, grinning back at them, 'and to get Ron his dress robes.'
'Mind if we charm them?' George asked, a wicked smirk appearing on his face.
'I will.' Hermione cut in, punching George gently on the elbow before turning to Harry, and before he could say anything she put a hand over his mouth. 'Just take care of yourself,' she said with a smile on her lips.
'I promise,' Harry replied with a grin as she hugged him, kissing her on the cheek in a return of the gesture from the year before. 'Look after yourself as well, and him if you're around.' He added the last part with a nod to Ron as he left his mum's side where Ginny was still being hugged. Shaking Ron's hand warmly Harry clasped his shoulder, 'Have a good summer,' they said at the same time prompting a grin from each of them. Standing back Ron took Hermione's hand in his despite the cooing noises the twins were making.
Finally Ginny made her way through the throng, walking straight up to Harry and hugging him warmly, her eyes twinkling as she looked into his. 'See you in the summer as well,' Harry said, his voice wavering slightly as she smiled up at him.
'Don't I get a kiss goodbye as well?' she asked, putting on a sweet voice that had the twins laughing and Ron grinning while she fluttered her eyelids outrageously.
'If you insist,' Harry replied, and staring into her eyes as she put her arms around his neck, he gently brushed his lips against hers and enfolded her gently in his own arms. Holding her tenderly Harry was aware of the twins laughter suddenly stopping and Ron beginning to make a weird choking noise as Hermione let out a small giggle. Eventually he pulled out slowly letting his lips linger on hers for as long as possible before they parted.
As they stepped apart there were two matching smiles on their faces, and Harry knew that Ginny's Liefgema would be dancing the same swirl of colours and light as his. Walking past the open-mouthed twins and the still gasping Ron, Harry let his eye catch Hermione's and saw her fighting back on a grin as Ron's eyes started darting between Harry and Ginny. Giving Mrs. Weasley a swift hug Harry felt her return it just a little longer than normal before she released him with a gentle push towards Uncle Vernon.
Walking with slightly shaky steps Harry took the trolley handles and muttered quickly to Uncle Vernon, 'We need to go, very quickly.' Looking at him in surprise Uncle Vernon started walking alongside Harry, but a strange coughing and gagging noise made him turn around as Harry continued wheeling the trolley onward, if a bit faster.
Turning back Vernon caught up to his nephew who was now moving at a brisk pace, 'Did you know that your friend is turning purple?' he asked, his moustache twitching in both irritation and amusement.
'Just tell me you left the car running,' Harry quipped back as they walked out into the bustling streets. As he loaded his trunks into the boot Harry took a quick glance back through the window and into the station.
Both the twins stood where they had been for the last five minutes, their mouths still open in slack-jawed amazement. Hermione and Mrs. Weasley were by Ron, Hermione trying to hold his shaking shoulders steady and Mrs. Weasley plucking his wand out of his hand as he tried to disentangle it from his sleeve. And standing by herself, soft brown eyes focused on Harry, was Ginny, the same small smile still on her lips as she watched him climb into the car, and followed it as they drove away from the station.
'Good year?' Uncle Vernon grunted, his tone gruffly light for once.
Harry turned and a rare smile was shared for a second between them. 'I can't wait for next year,' he replied.
Ron was the first person to notice Kilmorie's dagger, hidden away inside a discreet sheath that hung from Harry's belt, it had slipped out from under his robes as they sat down at dinner. 'What the hell are you doing with that?' he whispered urgently, grabbing Harry's arm as he tried to cover the dagger.
'Kilmorie gave it to me,' Harry replied, pulling his robe back over his belt before Hermione or Ginny could glimpse it. 'I didn't have a chance to put it away,' he whispered urgently, 'and I'd prefer not to have anyone else find out.'
Ron was about to say something back when Dumbledore rose, and a hush descended over the entire hall. His eyes twinkling, Dumbledore clapped his hands, lifting them up towards the banners that hung over the hall. With a rustling of cloth the black banners that had hung there all year exploded into gold and scarlet, the Gryffindor lion standing proudly overhead.
A massive cheer went up from the Gryffindor table, and Harry and Ron found themselves shouting as loudly as anyone else. There were roars of laughter followed shortly afterwards as Fred and George climbed onto the table and linked arms, dancing around the empty plates and bowls. As soon as Fred and George stopped dancing on the table, Dumbledore was able to begin speaking again.
'I'm sure you'll all be pleased to hear that Fred and George will be returning next year to teach Muggle Dance Studies.' Once more there was a roar of laughter, and Dumbledore's sparkling eyes radiated a humour that spread throughout the entire hall. Coughing solemnly he brought at sudden silence down upon the Great Hall, the humour lost as the headmaster raised his arms, signalling to the black drapes that once more adorned the room.
'Last year a student was lost to us,' Dumbledore began, his gaze passing everyone over the hall in turn, lingering on the Hufflepuff table a moment longer then the others. 'Gathered here now it gives me great heart to see we are all still together and I am sure that Cedric Diggory feels the same, wherever he is now. I told you last year we are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided - that many of you might be forced to choose between what is right, and what is easy.
'I am privileged to be with you all, to know that you have chosen what is right and to know I am in the company of many others who are as strong, as kind and as brave as Cedric was.' As if the previous year had been the day before, Harry took a look over his shoulder as Dumbledore spoke these words. Sure enough, Malfoy and several others were muttering among themselves on the Slytherin table, and he felt the same anger rise up in him before Dumbledore's voice called him back again.
'This year we must remember another of our friends lost to us, a wizard also a professor to you all this year. The wizard I refer to is Julian Kilmorie. His loss will come as a surprise to most of you, and it is my regret to inform you of his death. Professor Kilmorie passed away the day after the Quidditch final of this year, he passed away in defence of what is right and for that I honour him.'
Lifting his goblet he raised it to the ceiling, with a scraping of wood Harry rose holding his own goblet, followed by Ginny and Ron, then Hermione and the twins before students rose throughout the hall. Taking another look over his shoulder Harry was surprised to see several Slytherin students standing, though Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle remained seated.
'Even though I have spent most of my life in this school I still learn new things,' Dumbledore continued. 'This year has taught me the value of what we have here, about the strong bonds of friendship and trust that run deep in this school and will forever remain true to whomever should have need of them.'
Putting down his goblet Dumbledore lifted his arms once more and the black banners twisted in a breeze until they all settled down, the Hogwarts emblem proudly showing on each one. Holding his arms towards the students Dumbledore looked over them all once more before addressing them. 'This summer I once more ask you to remember something for me. Remember the friendship and trust that I have mentioned, remember what you have learnt in your time here and remember that in coming times of darkness that you are our hope.'
* * *
Harry sat on top of the hill that overlooked the lake, Ginny sitting beside him with her head resting on his shoulder. As the sun began its slow descent the light on the lake began to soften, turning a deep red that warmed the evening. A soft padding sound rang out and Harry caught the glint of sunlight on a unicorn's coat as it galloped along the edge of the forest before disappearing into its midst.
'Packed already?' a voice asked softly in the peaceful silence, startling Harry and causing Ginny to jump against him. Turning round Harry saw Sirius standing there wearing a familiar grin before he pulled his robes about him and sat down on the ground.
'Should you be out?' Harry asked, ignoring the jibe from Sirius and casting a glance around him as Ginny settled back down against his shoulder.
'No one else is around, and no one else is likely to be around given the amount of noise coming from your common room.' Sirius paused for a second before continuing, 'why aren't you two up there?'
Ginny giggled and replied before Harry could, 'Because we're not a 'two' when we are up there.'
'Big brothers don't know yet?' Sirius asked, his grin widening to a smirk as he glanced back at Harry who was now studiously gazing at the grass on the slope. 'I heard Dumbledore's address, nice to see he hasn't changed tack this year.'
'Scaring a whole new year,' Harry mumbled under his breath, but he looked up when Sirius's head turned around sharply.
'What makes you say that?'
'Because it's not them Voldemort's after,' Harry replied, feeling Ginny flinch against his shoulder when he said the name. Giving her shoulder a squeeze of reassurance Harry continued talking to Sirius as he stared out over the lake. 'So far Voldemort has come after me, specifically me and Ginny - but always to harm me in some way.'
'So you think everyone else is safe?' Sirius began, nodding to himself as Harry nodded in answer to the question. 'Listen to me, both of you, when I say this - no one is safe. Voldemort may only have struck out at you now, Harry, but that will change, pretty soon he'll be everywhere and striking out against everyone.anyone.'
Standing up Sirius put his hand on Harry's shoulder, giving it a small squeeze before turning to walk away. 'I'll try and contact you soon, keep Hedwig free if you can,' he added with a smile towards Ginny. 'Remember what I've said as well, Harry, this year.this year was just the beginning.' With a smile to them both Sirius began walking away and they turned back to the lake. As the sun finally disappeared Harry heard the padding sound once more as Sirius retreated away in his Animagus form and the shadow of night fell over the grounds.
* * *
'Hey, daydreamer - you with us?' Ron's voice cut into Harry's thoughts as the countryside rushed past in a blur of hazy colours. Harry looked round to see Ron grinning like a loon with one of his eyebrows smoking, a deck of cards was scattered over their compartment and Fred's cheeks were a bit scorched.
'Maybe when I bring a pack of Muggle cards,' he said reaching forward to pull a smoking card out of Ron's hair where it was threatening to set him alight.
'I didn't think they'd allow such things on the Express,' Malfoy's drawling voice echoed into the compartment as he stepped around the doorway, Crabbe and Goyle at his side. 'There are enough filthy Mudblood things here already,' he said, sneering at Hermione before Ron stood up and interposed himself between the two. 'Back off,' he growled not caring or not noticing the cracking of knuckles coming from Crabbe and Goyle.
'You don't want to do that anymore Weasley,' Malfoy spat, 'what good is it going to do the Mudbloods and Muggles when the Dark Lord comes back?'
'He's had a whole year to do something about us,' Hermione replied, her voice icy and calm, 'and so far he hasn't managed a thing.'
'Things change,' Malfoy snapped back, his hand moving swiftly to pull his wand out as Ron and the twins also drew theirs.
'Stop.' Harry said softly, directed not to Malfoy but to Ron and his brothers. Ron turned in surprise, but Harry's eyes were focused on Malfoy's own in deep concentration.
'Always the hero,' Malfoy muttered, but instead of taking advantage he also lowered his wand as Harry stood up and walked to the doorway, finishing opposite Malfoy. Pale blue met emerald as their eyes locked for a second before Malfoy spoke again, his voice dangerous and low. 'This could be your last chance Potter, I offered you my hand in friendship before and you refused, take it now.'
Harry took his gaze away from Malfoy's face to stare calmly at the hand that was extended towards him. Before Malfoy could raise his wand again Harry had reached into his robes and drew Kilmorie's blade from within sending a flash of light over Malfoy's eyes as it reflected the sunlight from the windows.
Kneeling swiftly Harry scored a line into the carpet in front of Malfoy that stretched across the doorframe and he rose just as rapidly. 'Cross it,' Harry whispered, his eyes matching the piercing gaze that Dumbledore used to his own great effect. Turning his back on Malfoy, Harry went back to his seat by the window and with his head in his chin continued staring out, the blade still in his other hand. Turning his head ever so slightly he winked at Ginny with a small smile, a gesture that no one else in the carriage noticed as Malfoy backed out, his eyes darting around in confusion.
When Malfoy had gone Harry pulled the scabbard out of his robes and slid Kilmorie's dagger back inside, with a rueful glance he offered the blade to George. 'Give it to your dad, if Uncle Vernon finds it there'll be hell to pay.' George could only nod in silence while Ron, Hermione and Fred were still staring at Harry with a mixture of wonder and fear. 'How about that game?' Harry whispered with a small smile, breathing out a sigh Ron shuffled the rest of the deck together as the others handed him the cards.
'Anything else you want to tell else about this year?' Fred asked as Ron started dealing out the cards.
'Not right now,' Harry looked up and flashed a grin at everyone, 'I have to keep some secrets.' Fred grinned back as he picked up his cards, and everyone missed the wink that passed between Harry and Ginny.
* * *
In a rush of steam the Hogwarts Express pulled up to platform nine-and- three-quarters. 'Wait a second,' Harry whispered to Ginny as the others started filing out of the carriage and onto the platform, 'I have a brilliant idea.' He finished with a grin, then whispered into Ginny's ear until she was bright pink from giggling. Lifting her trunk down from the rack Harry balanced Pig's cage next to Hedwig's, much to her annoyance, and followed Ginny off the train.
Piling Ginny's trunk onto Ron's trolley Harry saw Fred and George disappear through the gateway followed by Hermione and Ginny a few seconds later. With a nod from the guard Ron and Harry pushed their trolleys through into Kings Cross, blending into the crowd almost immediately despite the owls that adorned their trolleys.
Looking around Harry was surprised to see Uncle Vernon exchanging a few words with Mrs. Weasley, until Fred and George arrived by them and he backed away hurriedly. Walking alongside Ron, Harry was in time to see George pass Mrs. Weasley a small bag that he'd slipped the dagger into. Splitting apart Harry stopped his trolley by Uncle Vernon, 'Go and say goodbye, boy' he said firmly, being careful to avoid looking at the Weasleys.
Walking back over, Harry went to Fred and George first, smiling back at them as he approached. 'I'll see you during the summer?'
'Who knows?' Fred asked, a grin springing onto his face.
'We'll be off, far and wide,' George continued, matching his brother's expression. 'Thanks to a little help from our secret sponsor.'
'Just remember to start producing those jokes some time,' Harry replied, grinning back at them, 'and to get Ron his dress robes.'
'Mind if we charm them?' George asked, a wicked smirk appearing on his face.
'I will.' Hermione cut in, punching George gently on the elbow before turning to Harry, and before he could say anything she put a hand over his mouth. 'Just take care of yourself,' she said with a smile on her lips.
'I promise,' Harry replied with a grin as she hugged him, kissing her on the cheek in a return of the gesture from the year before. 'Look after yourself as well, and him if you're around.' He added the last part with a nod to Ron as he left his mum's side where Ginny was still being hugged. Shaking Ron's hand warmly Harry clasped his shoulder, 'Have a good summer,' they said at the same time prompting a grin from each of them. Standing back Ron took Hermione's hand in his despite the cooing noises the twins were making.
Finally Ginny made her way through the throng, walking straight up to Harry and hugging him warmly, her eyes twinkling as she looked into his. 'See you in the summer as well,' Harry said, his voice wavering slightly as she smiled up at him.
'Don't I get a kiss goodbye as well?' she asked, putting on a sweet voice that had the twins laughing and Ron grinning while she fluttered her eyelids outrageously.
'If you insist,' Harry replied, and staring into her eyes as she put her arms around his neck, he gently brushed his lips against hers and enfolded her gently in his own arms. Holding her tenderly Harry was aware of the twins laughter suddenly stopping and Ron beginning to make a weird choking noise as Hermione let out a small giggle. Eventually he pulled out slowly letting his lips linger on hers for as long as possible before they parted.
As they stepped apart there were two matching smiles on their faces, and Harry knew that Ginny's Liefgema would be dancing the same swirl of colours and light as his. Walking past the open-mouthed twins and the still gasping Ron, Harry let his eye catch Hermione's and saw her fighting back on a grin as Ron's eyes started darting between Harry and Ginny. Giving Mrs. Weasley a swift hug Harry felt her return it just a little longer than normal before she released him with a gentle push towards Uncle Vernon.
Walking with slightly shaky steps Harry took the trolley handles and muttered quickly to Uncle Vernon, 'We need to go, very quickly.' Looking at him in surprise Uncle Vernon started walking alongside Harry, but a strange coughing and gagging noise made him turn around as Harry continued wheeling the trolley onward, if a bit faster.
Turning back Vernon caught up to his nephew who was now moving at a brisk pace, 'Did you know that your friend is turning purple?' he asked, his moustache twitching in both irritation and amusement.
'Just tell me you left the car running,' Harry quipped back as they walked out into the bustling streets. As he loaded his trunks into the boot Harry took a quick glance back through the window and into the station.
Both the twins stood where they had been for the last five minutes, their mouths still open in slack-jawed amazement. Hermione and Mrs. Weasley were by Ron, Hermione trying to hold his shaking shoulders steady and Mrs. Weasley plucking his wand out of his hand as he tried to disentangle it from his sleeve. And standing by herself, soft brown eyes focused on Harry, was Ginny, the same small smile still on her lips as she watched him climb into the car, and followed it as they drove away from the station.
'Good year?' Uncle Vernon grunted, his tone gruffly light for once.
Harry turned and a rare smile was shared for a second between them. 'I can't wait for next year,' he replied.
