It was the end of Hermione's sixth year at Hogwarts, and it was time to board the train. A mixture of despair and joy filled her as she hovered her trunk down the large marble stairs of the Great Hall. On the one hand, she had missed her parents terribly. It seemed things had come full circle and she was once again wishing that she had spent more time with them, just like at the beginning of the year. On the other, she worried about Harry being alone all summer. He could only be protected to a certain extent with the Dursleys. What would happen if another Dementor appeared, like the summer of their 5th year?

            "Hermione!" Harry called out to her, sticking his head out from the train. "Get it here already! Do you want to be left here?"

            "Coming!" Hermione replied, smiling. More thoughts poured in.

            Why was I chosen, she thought. Why me? What did I have that Stella didn't? In all reality, Stella was the perfect person for Harry. She even knew about Quidditch. So why?

            When she finally reached the compartment, she found Harry, Ron, and Luna waiting for her.

            "What took you so long?" Ron asked.

            "Just thinking," Hermione said. "Thinking about what has happened…what is happening…what will happen…"

            "That's a lot to think about," Ron said, stuffing his face with a Cauldron Cake.

            Harry grinned. "Don't think about all that, Hermione. Just think about the here and now," he said. "Leave the future to Professor Trelawney."

            "Hmph," Hermione said. "That old fraud."

            The train whistle blew loudly and the train began to move.

            "A lot of important things have happened this year," Ron said. "Me and Luna…you and Harry…"

            At this Harry and Hermione blushed furiously, turning away. Does he forgive us? Hermione thought. I'm still not sure whether or not he does.

            "Finding out about the prophecy," Ron continued. "Why did you hide that from us Harry?"

            "I don't know. I mean…I just didn't want you to worry. I knew how you would react…and I didn't want to be a burden," Harry said.

            "Harry James Potter," Hermione said, furiously. "I'm going to tell you this one time and one time only. If you ever suggest anything in relation to the words that you just said from now until the day you die, I will hex you faster than you can say your own name."

            "I'd take her seriously if I was you, mate," Ron said, halfway into a bag of Chocolate Frogs. "She'll do it."

            "All right, all right, you win," Harry said, smiling.

            "You know that Stella character…" Ron said, starting on a package of Drooble's Best Blowing Gum, "she asked me on a date once."

            "She did?!" Hermione screeched.

            That cow…that absolute cow…she thought.

            "Yeah, but I turned her down…no matter how tempting it was…" Ron said, grinning. "After all, I had Luna." He turned to her and smiled. She returned the favor with a kiss on the cheek. Ron glowed.

            "Well thank heavens for that," Hermione said, relieved. "I mean, what low tactics…going after Harry's best friend for revenge…"

            "Wait a second!" Ron interrupted. "How d'you know it was just for revenge? Maybe she actually liked me!"

            Hermione snorted. "Right," she muttered under her breath.

            "I heard that!" Ron roared.

            "Oh shut it you two," Harry said, exasperated at the bickering pair.

            Ron sat back in his seat, scowling. Hermione relaxed against Harry's chest, matching his breathing pattern. He put his arms around her protectively and closed his eyes. She too closed her eyes and just dreamt the afternoon away.

            The train came to a halt and the sleeping pair were awoken by the loud whistle. They had arrived in Kings Cross Station.

            Hermione saw her parents waving to her happily. She smiled and waved back. She scanned the platform and saw Harry's unpleasant uncle, aunt, and cousin. She had an idea.

            "Harry?" Hermione said. "That's your cousin, isn't it?"

            "Yeah," Harry said wearily, "Dudley."

            "They treat you horribly and favor Dudley over you, right?" Hermione said.

            "Yes," Harry said, suspiciously. "Why?"

            "And does he have a girlfriend?" Hermione said.

            "No…" Harry said, even more suspicious now. "Why?"

            "No reason," Hermione said, sneakily.

            Hermione had noticed as she got off the train that a certain overweight Dursley had been giving her the eye. She waited until Harry had gone over to them and Dudley asked Harry who she was.

            Perfect, she thought.

            Hermione quickly walked over to Harry, turned him around, and kissed him hard and deeply.

            "Hermione!" Harry exclaimed.

            "See you next in September Harry!" Hermione smiled, walking away. However, not before she had seen the stunned and jealous look on Dudley's face.

            You owe me one Harry, Hermione thought with a smile.

Thanks to all my reviewers! I heart you all! Until we meet again!

DarkChild2004