Disclaimer? You want a disclaimer? Have you READ ALL 81 chapters? You
have? Well haven't you figured out that nothing is mine? That HP and Co.
belong to JKR and this plot and other characters belong to Dani? You have?
Then why are you reading this?
Thanks for reviewing.
Arianne: That's exactly why I posted it for Dani. It gave me an excuse to reread everything.
King Harrison: Was this fast enough? Thanks for the reprieve on my life. Wait a minute, didn't I see you with the lynch mob yesterday??
Nick-Potter7: That IS funny! EVERYDAY?? Uh.. I'll try... Probably won't be able to get one up tomorrow (Friday) but I don't have to work either job Saturday, so I'll try to get a couple chaps up.
Mergincia Phoenix: Hopefully nobody gets mad at this, but I found the disks to write this a day before your last review, and I saw your review and I was like 'oh yeah... better update before I get killed'
Now, enjoy this nice long chappie.
He went to the language class and expected to find a lot of people but he only saw a few. He was however, surprised to see...
Not only Hermione but Neville, Ron and even,
'Malfoy! What are YOU doing here?' he asked quite disappointed.
However, whatever Malfoy was about to say, Professor Lupin interrupted him by welcoming the students.
'Well, you all must have quite a lot of questions in your mind. To start off, whatever you saw in the room, you don't tell anyone yet for there's a possibility that there was a mistake.' he told them, walking in front so as everyone could hear.
Harry sat next to Hermione and Ron.
'What's this about?' he whispered.
'You're about to find out.' Hermione whispered back.
'You're about to find out, too, aren't you?'
'Nope. I remembered it all last night, Harry. I just didn't tell you because I thought it best to come from Professor Lupin.'
Harry decided to pay very close attention to Lupin for he was saying something about hidden talents.
'Now, I took a spell from a very old book and made it so that whatever special "talent" you had, you'd know. To make a long story short, whatever it is you saw in that room, you know the language. For example, as you all know, Mr. Potter speaks Parseltongue, therefore, he no doubt saw a snake, did you not, Harry?'
Harry had another dose of people staring.
'Uh, yeah. I did.' he said quietly but loud enough so that Lupin could hear.
Lupin's grin widened. He was right.
'Do you all follow me?' he asked, just to make sure.
The nods made it clear that they did. Harry noticed Malfoy had a somewhat dumbfounded look. It was almost as if he saw something in that room which he didn't want.
'Very well, if you have any questions, feel free to ask me after this.' he told the students of all four houses. There were about 20 or so students in the class, which meant that only 20 out of the whole 7th year had the "talent". It was a disappointing sight.
As they left the classroom, Harry heard Neville tell a Hufflepuff friend about what he saw.
'I don't believe it. I could talk to some sort of plant? Do plants even talk? And what was that other thing, a Kydenoe? I'm all confused. Maybe Grandma can help me out.'
Harry remembered the only thing he couldn't describe. The really weird thing he saw after the snake, dragon and Phoenix. Of course, knowing he could talk to all three animals was too much to take in, especially after the day before.
'Hey guys, can you wait up for me? I want to ask Lupin something.'
'Sure, Harry. But better make it quick, Crookshanks is getting restless. He probably misses mom and dad.'
'I'm going to see what Gabrielle's doing. Since Hermione's waiting, you don't mind, do you Harry?' asked Ron.
'No, I don't. Go break a leg, Romeo.' teased Harry.
Harry went inside and found Lupin cleaning his desk.
'Um, sir? 'he asked, making sure he wasn't going to interrupt anything important.
'Yes, Harry? Come in.'
'Um...I was wondering...the time I took the test, I saw a phoenix, a dragon and a snake but I saw something I couldn't really describe. It was really weird and it didn't take shape of any animal I've ever seen, nor did it look like one.' he said, loud and clear.
Lupin took time to wonder about this. 'I think, Harry, that the thing you saw WAS indeed an animal. However, it had not taken any shape because I don't think your ability to know the language have developed yet.' Lupin said finally.
Harry was thinking, 'What?' and Lupin noticed this.
'In short, whatever animal it was, the language it spoke, you haven't yet developed.' he said, smiling.
'Oh. I see.' Harry said embarrassingly. It was that simple and he didn't understand. 'Thanks, sir. Will you continue teaching here?'
'Maybe. I'm not sure yet. We teachers don't get the request until early August.' he joked.
'Okay. Well, you taught a great class.'
'Thanks, Harry. It was a pleasure.'
Harry was about to leave when he said that but then Lupin continued. 'So I see you took the pendant James once wore. The only person I saw wearing that other than you, was you...a few years back.'
Harry was amazed he still remembered. 'You...you recognized me?'
'Yes. Well it's hard not to look for you if you were one of the people your mom and dad saw and disappeared mysteriously.' he said and smirked.' And someone told me who you were back then. Explained a whole lot...well not about myself but enough to convince me she wasn't making it up.'
'You talked to her, too? Was this person a middle-aged lady with um.. a husband?' he asked curiously.
Lupin laughed. 'Yes. And she told me not to tell you who she was because you will find out eventually.'
Harry was starting to hate the word 'eventually' as it came so often when the lady was mentioned.
'Yeah, I heard.' he said sarcastically.
'Well, see you around...probably on Hagrid's wedding.' he said as Harry headed for the door.
He turned back.
'Sir, my dad was thankful to have you as one of his best friends. I'm sure he's really proud of it.' he said to Lupin.
He smiled.' I know, Harry, I know.'
Harry exited but heard Lupin say one more thing.
'And make sure Ron wears something nice. I want my daughter to have a formal-looking date!' he joked.
'Took you long enough.' Hermione said, outside the classroom.
'Sorry. Just found out more things about the lady. Did you know she talked to Lupin, too? With her husband or whoever he was.'
'Really, Harry? How peculiar.' said Hermione as the two headed to the Gryffindor common room.
They got there and saw Ron talking to Gabrielle, as expected.
Hermione "accidentally" muttered, 'Sheesh, get a room!' and laughed with Harry afterwards. This laughing stopped and was replaced by silence that wasn't awkward. They were near the fireplace and Hermione was mere inches away from him. For a moment, Harry had the sudden urge to lean in and...
'Harry? Oy, mate!' Ron called.
He looked at Ron who coming and looked back at Hermione. She had a somewhat disappointed look.
'Yes, Ron?' he asked annoyed.
'Oh. Am I interrupting something?' he asked, obviously knowing he did. The look on both Harry and Hermione's faces were a give away as well. 'I am? Good.'
Hermione rolled her eyes. Harry was close to strangling him.
'Well, I just wanted to say that you two have been the best friends any Weasley or I could ever have.' he said, trying to be sentimental. Harry and Hermione both felt guilty for getting annoyed at him. 'Group hug!' he yelled.
Both were only too happy to refuse.
'I love you guys!' Ron told them, half serious and half kidding. He then muttered, 'Something you should be telling each other, not that it's any of my business.'
They broke off.
'Whoa there, Ron. You okay, buddy?' Harry asked, changing the subject.
'Yeah, Harry. Sure, sure.'
'By the way, you're going to Hagrid's wedding, right?' he asked.
'Yeah. I'm thinking of not wearing formal, though.'
'Too bad. Lupin just told me you'd better wear formal for his daughter, or Gabrielle.' Harry laughed.
'Oh they're both going? Father and daughter?' asked Hermione.
'Yeah.' suddenly Harry remembered something. 'Hey, you two didn't tell me what you both saw in Lupin's little test!'
Hermione looked as guilty as Ron.
'Ha! See? Now, why don't you tell ickle Harry?'
'Well. you see...'
'Well, what it is...'began Hermione.
'You don't feel like telling, eh? No problem. I'll squeeze it out of you later. Must pack. Don't want to be left here.. hang on...I do! I can't stand going back to those Muggles!' he complained.
Hermione had that certain smile again, but strangely, so did Ron!
'Okay, is there anything you'd both care to share?' he asked, narrowing his eyes dangerously.
'Nope.' he lied.
'Nothing in particular.' she lied.
'Sure there isn't. But I've really got to pack. I'll see you two later.'
He left them, both chuckling, and went to get his trunk and make sure nothing was forgotten. He was lucky Gabrielle found his wand before it was lost.
Harry was savoring this moment. It was the last time he'd see his four- poster bed, Ron's four-poster bed and all the other guys' four-poster beds. It was also the last time he'd get to see Dean Thomas' football posters, Neville's remembrall and Seamus' picture of his girlfriend, Rain.
He was the only person now. He was taking an awful lot of time, packing.
He made sure nothing was forgotten. From the silver hey he received on his 15th birthday to all the Quidditch cards Ron gave him, he took them all.
He finally finished packing and was about to take Hedwig. 'Well, Hedwig old girl, the last time we'll be seeing this room of ours. We've got to cherish this moment.' he told his snowy-white bird.
For a moment, Harry thought his eyes deceived him. He thought he saw Hedwig roll her eyes at him. He ignored it because she was only a bird after all.
He left his trunk in the room as it would be magicked on the train later. He went down carrying his owl in her cage, which she highly detested.
He saw Hermione, Gabrielle and Ron waiting for him near the portrait of the Fat Lady.
'Finished? So fast? My, I think it's only been a mere 2 hours! You're quite the fast packer.' Ron said sarcastically.
'Sure am. And aren't YOU the nice one!' Harry came back.
'If you two children have finished whatever it is you're doing, we've got a train to catch.' Hermione said, stopping the two boys.
Harry wasn't the only one that carried an animal. Hermione was carrying her cat, Crookshanks, Gabrielle was carrying her lavender owl, Fletcher and Ron carried the small but terrible Pigwigeon,or "Pig" for short.
They all arrived at the train station in less than half an hour and gave their animals to one of the personnel. Hermione was forced to doing the same to Crookshanks. She had always made him stay in the train, however, after last year's incident, the staff made the new "no pets" rule.
One of the student's eagle owl made quite a mess and the staff were forced to clean it without using magic.
'I reckon it was Malfoy's git.' Ron said, as they boarded the train.
This was Gabrielle's first ride on the Hogwarts Express so Ron offered to escort her.
Harry made his way to their usual compartment, which was empty, with Hermione close behind. The two took the only two window seats.
'Oh fine. Don't save us window seats. It's not like we want any.' Ron complained.
'We were here, first Ron. You should've picked up your pace!' teased Hermione.
Ron gave a sarcastic smile.
'It's okay, Ron. I don't need a window seat.' Gabrielle told him. She looked at both Harry and Hermione. 'Say, could you show me where the little witch's room is?' she asked, trying to give a hint to go.
'Um...Don't you want someone else to show you? More specifically, Hermione?' he asked, not getting the hint.
'No. I. Want. To. Go. With. You.' she said slowly and even tilted her head Harry and Hermione's way so he could get the hint.
'Ohhhhhh.' he said finally. 'Well, sure. You know I'm a gentleman.'
Harry nearly busted into laughter but he stopped himself. The two left and silence found it's way into the compartment.
Harry's thoughts were, 'Okay...Should I go talk to her? I mean we ARE friends...Just the way I like it...friends...good friends...Besides, she wants this as much as I do...stay as friends!...Who're you kidding, you know you don't want to be just friends...Should I tell her?...No...She's had enough of my nonsense...But if she wanted to...I mean...I'll just pretend I don't know of my feelings...my stupid feelings. I'll wait until I'm sure I'm not the only one who doesn't want to be just friends...Wait.. that's it...you wait, Harry.'
Hermione, however, wasn't far from what Harry was thinking. Should I go over there and tell him I actually wanted to go to the dance with him?.. No. He'll just give me the old I-can't-have-a-relationship talk again. What utter nonsense!...Friends...friends is good. That's what you want. That's what you both want, right?...Nope, wrong. You know what you want. You want to just grab him and give him a kiss on his tender, soft, kissable...
'Hermione?'
'What?'
'What were you smiling about?'
'What? Oh. Nothing. I got a pass on my last test.' she lied.
'Oh. Okay. So...um...' Harry began. Quick! Think! You look silly doing this! 'Do you remember the old woman we saw when we went back through time?'
'Yeah. How could I forget? She basically read my mind...even when I asked her if...never mind.'
Harry forced himself to not ask what she asked the woman.
'But do you remember where her scar was? Was it on the left or right arm?'
'It was on the left. I remember that much. On the left.' she told him.
'So I guess to figure out who she is, we'll have to look for that scar...or slash...'
'Yeah.'
Silence yet again, came.
'Um, Hermione, what DID you see in Lupin's test?'
'Will you not give that up?'
'Just curious.'
'Well, I couldn't really describe it. I mean.. It was some sort of animal but something I've never seen before. Lupin said that my "talent" hasn't yet...'
'Developed. 'Harry continued. 'Yeah, he told me the same thing.'
The train was passing a beautiful countryside. The two took this as an excuse to not talk, just admire the scenery, even if they've seen this at least 10 times.
When Ron and Gabrielle finally came back, they were surprise to see the two looking outside.
'Sheesh! We were gone for like an hour and nothing's happened? Boy, you two have issues.' grumbled Ron.
Gabrielle laughed. Harry just looked at him with daggers while Hermione did her "tut tut".
Ron sat next to Harry and Gabrielle next to Hermione. The boys opened a Quidditch conversation while the girls talked about Hagrid's wedding. Once in a while, Ron would catch Harry's gaze "accidentally" go to Hermione. Gabrielle would pretend not to see the way Hermione would look at Harry every other minute. Ron and Gabrielle tried hard to hold their smiles or laughs. It was really funny seeing two people adore each other and pretend not to.
'Do you think the Gryffindor Quidditch team will find good replacements for us?' Ron asked.
'Yes, of course. I mean...we're mere players, There are hundreds of players out there to choose from.' said Harry.
'Okay. Well, I'll sure miss that team. It was awesome, if not radical!' Ron said. He knew the word "radical" was not his usual vocabulary, he was trying to see if Harry noticed.
'Yes. It was a great year, wasn't it?' he said, obviously not noticing. Ron tried so hard not to burst out in laughter.
'I wonder who the bride of honor is. Maybe it's that Fleur Delacour people have been telling me about. I hear she and Madam Maxine are really close.' said Gabrielle.
'Yeah. Probably.' Hermione said flatly.
Gabrielle knew Hermione wasn't paying attention now. She was busy trying to look at Harry and not get caught. She didn't mind. She was going to have some fun.
'I have three legs and seven fingers on each hand.' she stated loud and clear enough for Hermione to hear.
'Really? That's great.' she said, and still not paying attention.
Gabrielle merely giggled.
'You're hair's on fire!'
'It is? What?'
That got her.
'Why would you say that?' Hermione asked, wanting an explanation.
Gabrielle smiled.
'You don't think I saw where your eyes were? 'she giggled.
'You saw?' she whispered.
'Why are we whispering?'
'Because!'
'Ohhhh. I see. It's pretty obvious. I mean, he looks at you, too...once in while. We've both...hang on.. we've ALL noticed it. It's only you two that need convincing.'
She had a scheming grin.
'Well, sorry to burst your bubble but we're both just friends again. That's all. That's what we want and that's what we'll be.' she whispered to Gabrielle.
'Sure you will. I so believe that you are just friends.' she teased, in a whisper, of course.
'Why do you two keep whispering? What are you talking about?' asked Ron, Harry agreeing.
'Wouldn't you like to know?' asked Gabrielle playfully. 'I need to tie my hair, don't mind me.' she said, tying her hair.
Harry didn't mean to look but as soon as he saw what he saw, he stood up.
'Um, Hermione, could you help me with something? I think I hear Hedwig.' he lied.
Hermione did as he asked, thinking she needn't have to do the first move.
Harry lead her to an empty compartment.
'Why all the secrecy?' she asked once inside.
'Did you see her scar? It was on her arm! And it looked like a slash!' he exclaimed.
'You mean...?'
'Yes! She's the old lady! She's the one from the future! I saw her scar!'
'I didn't see it. Maybe you're over exaggerating. Maybe it wasn't really a slash. Maybe you just want so much to see a slash, you imagined it was.'
'I didn't. See for yourself.'
'Okay. I will.'
And with that, the two left the empty compartment to joined Ron and Gabrielle, who was possibly the old woman who made them go back in time. The two of them entered the compartment. Harry couldn't stop staring at Gabrielle. Hermione thought that this was inappropriate.
She took the same seat next to Gabrielle, near the window.
The four of them shared a short silent moment until Hermione decided to speak up.
'So.. um.. Gabrielle, I saw the scar on your um...arm. What happened to it?' she asked. 'I mean if you don't mind telling.'
'Oh. No, not at all. You mean this scar?' she said, raising her right arm and showing them the slash looked like it was made quite a while ago. Hermione smiled and Harry was astounded. 'I got it when I rode my first bicycle. I was riding it and suddenly this big willow tree came out of nowhere and hit me. It left me with quite a big cut, too. Hence, this.' she told them.
'Oh. Well, you still look good, anyway.' said Ron.
'Cool it, Romeo.' joked Harry.
Before Hermione could ask Harry out, the Train had reached King's Cross Station.
'Wow. That was fast...kinda. 'said Ron.' What say you come with me, fair lady?' he asked Gabrielle.' Let us leave these two alone.' he said and winked at them both.
Harry got up, letting Hermione go out first.
'Harry, you got it wrong...'she began but was interrupted by Colin Creevey.
'Harry, could I take a picture of you and your girlfriend?' he asked. He was a 16 year old boy with a camera. Some things never change.
'Uh, Colin, she's not exactly my...'he began.
'Oh shut up, Harry and let the young man take a picture of you and your girlfriend.' interrupted Ron.
'Actually, could the four of you all stand together? I want to take the picture of Harry Potter's friends. Especially the guy who stood up to You- Know-Who.. I mean, Voldemort.' he said.
Ron liked being called "the guy who stood up to Voldemort". It was his pleasure to take a picture with his friends. After the "click", Gabrielle made a small request.
'Say Colin dear, do you mind taking four other pictures? I'd really love to have me one of those.'
'Oh. Sure, no problem.' said Colin.
After a minute of flashes, the four took their pictures and thanked Colin.
They went out and took their trunks and their animals. Hermione still trying to get Harry alone. Once Harry got his things and was set, he saw that Hermione, Gabrielle and Ron were all set as well.
Ron and Gabrielle went through the barrier first with a last look of the Hogwarts Express.
I gave you a REALLY long chapter to celebrate the END of the story. Don't worry, if I haven't said it yet, I'll say it now, I have over 100 (probably at least 200) pages in pt 8 font. Yeah, there will be more. I have no idea what the sequel's title will be yet. Dani and I agreed that 82 chapters was a good stopping point, and then I had to figure out where to stop it. That line looked good to me.
Thanks for reviewing.
Arianne: That's exactly why I posted it for Dani. It gave me an excuse to reread everything.
King Harrison: Was this fast enough? Thanks for the reprieve on my life. Wait a minute, didn't I see you with the lynch mob yesterday??
Nick-Potter7: That IS funny! EVERYDAY?? Uh.. I'll try... Probably won't be able to get one up tomorrow (Friday) but I don't have to work either job Saturday, so I'll try to get a couple chaps up.
Mergincia Phoenix: Hopefully nobody gets mad at this, but I found the disks to write this a day before your last review, and I saw your review and I was like 'oh yeah... better update before I get killed'
Now, enjoy this nice long chappie.
He went to the language class and expected to find a lot of people but he only saw a few. He was however, surprised to see...
Not only Hermione but Neville, Ron and even,
'Malfoy! What are YOU doing here?' he asked quite disappointed.
However, whatever Malfoy was about to say, Professor Lupin interrupted him by welcoming the students.
'Well, you all must have quite a lot of questions in your mind. To start off, whatever you saw in the room, you don't tell anyone yet for there's a possibility that there was a mistake.' he told them, walking in front so as everyone could hear.
Harry sat next to Hermione and Ron.
'What's this about?' he whispered.
'You're about to find out.' Hermione whispered back.
'You're about to find out, too, aren't you?'
'Nope. I remembered it all last night, Harry. I just didn't tell you because I thought it best to come from Professor Lupin.'
Harry decided to pay very close attention to Lupin for he was saying something about hidden talents.
'Now, I took a spell from a very old book and made it so that whatever special "talent" you had, you'd know. To make a long story short, whatever it is you saw in that room, you know the language. For example, as you all know, Mr. Potter speaks Parseltongue, therefore, he no doubt saw a snake, did you not, Harry?'
Harry had another dose of people staring.
'Uh, yeah. I did.' he said quietly but loud enough so that Lupin could hear.
Lupin's grin widened. He was right.
'Do you all follow me?' he asked, just to make sure.
The nods made it clear that they did. Harry noticed Malfoy had a somewhat dumbfounded look. It was almost as if he saw something in that room which he didn't want.
'Very well, if you have any questions, feel free to ask me after this.' he told the students of all four houses. There were about 20 or so students in the class, which meant that only 20 out of the whole 7th year had the "talent". It was a disappointing sight.
As they left the classroom, Harry heard Neville tell a Hufflepuff friend about what he saw.
'I don't believe it. I could talk to some sort of plant? Do plants even talk? And what was that other thing, a Kydenoe? I'm all confused. Maybe Grandma can help me out.'
Harry remembered the only thing he couldn't describe. The really weird thing he saw after the snake, dragon and Phoenix. Of course, knowing he could talk to all three animals was too much to take in, especially after the day before.
'Hey guys, can you wait up for me? I want to ask Lupin something.'
'Sure, Harry. But better make it quick, Crookshanks is getting restless. He probably misses mom and dad.'
'I'm going to see what Gabrielle's doing. Since Hermione's waiting, you don't mind, do you Harry?' asked Ron.
'No, I don't. Go break a leg, Romeo.' teased Harry.
Harry went inside and found Lupin cleaning his desk.
'Um, sir? 'he asked, making sure he wasn't going to interrupt anything important.
'Yes, Harry? Come in.'
'Um...I was wondering...the time I took the test, I saw a phoenix, a dragon and a snake but I saw something I couldn't really describe. It was really weird and it didn't take shape of any animal I've ever seen, nor did it look like one.' he said, loud and clear.
Lupin took time to wonder about this. 'I think, Harry, that the thing you saw WAS indeed an animal. However, it had not taken any shape because I don't think your ability to know the language have developed yet.' Lupin said finally.
Harry was thinking, 'What?' and Lupin noticed this.
'In short, whatever animal it was, the language it spoke, you haven't yet developed.' he said, smiling.
'Oh. I see.' Harry said embarrassingly. It was that simple and he didn't understand. 'Thanks, sir. Will you continue teaching here?'
'Maybe. I'm not sure yet. We teachers don't get the request until early August.' he joked.
'Okay. Well, you taught a great class.'
'Thanks, Harry. It was a pleasure.'
Harry was about to leave when he said that but then Lupin continued. 'So I see you took the pendant James once wore. The only person I saw wearing that other than you, was you...a few years back.'
Harry was amazed he still remembered. 'You...you recognized me?'
'Yes. Well it's hard not to look for you if you were one of the people your mom and dad saw and disappeared mysteriously.' he said and smirked.' And someone told me who you were back then. Explained a whole lot...well not about myself but enough to convince me she wasn't making it up.'
'You talked to her, too? Was this person a middle-aged lady with um.. a husband?' he asked curiously.
Lupin laughed. 'Yes. And she told me not to tell you who she was because you will find out eventually.'
Harry was starting to hate the word 'eventually' as it came so often when the lady was mentioned.
'Yeah, I heard.' he said sarcastically.
'Well, see you around...probably on Hagrid's wedding.' he said as Harry headed for the door.
He turned back.
'Sir, my dad was thankful to have you as one of his best friends. I'm sure he's really proud of it.' he said to Lupin.
He smiled.' I know, Harry, I know.'
Harry exited but heard Lupin say one more thing.
'And make sure Ron wears something nice. I want my daughter to have a formal-looking date!' he joked.
'Took you long enough.' Hermione said, outside the classroom.
'Sorry. Just found out more things about the lady. Did you know she talked to Lupin, too? With her husband or whoever he was.'
'Really, Harry? How peculiar.' said Hermione as the two headed to the Gryffindor common room.
They got there and saw Ron talking to Gabrielle, as expected.
Hermione "accidentally" muttered, 'Sheesh, get a room!' and laughed with Harry afterwards. This laughing stopped and was replaced by silence that wasn't awkward. They were near the fireplace and Hermione was mere inches away from him. For a moment, Harry had the sudden urge to lean in and...
'Harry? Oy, mate!' Ron called.
He looked at Ron who coming and looked back at Hermione. She had a somewhat disappointed look.
'Yes, Ron?' he asked annoyed.
'Oh. Am I interrupting something?' he asked, obviously knowing he did. The look on both Harry and Hermione's faces were a give away as well. 'I am? Good.'
Hermione rolled her eyes. Harry was close to strangling him.
'Well, I just wanted to say that you two have been the best friends any Weasley or I could ever have.' he said, trying to be sentimental. Harry and Hermione both felt guilty for getting annoyed at him. 'Group hug!' he yelled.
Both were only too happy to refuse.
'I love you guys!' Ron told them, half serious and half kidding. He then muttered, 'Something you should be telling each other, not that it's any of my business.'
They broke off.
'Whoa there, Ron. You okay, buddy?' Harry asked, changing the subject.
'Yeah, Harry. Sure, sure.'
'By the way, you're going to Hagrid's wedding, right?' he asked.
'Yeah. I'm thinking of not wearing formal, though.'
'Too bad. Lupin just told me you'd better wear formal for his daughter, or Gabrielle.' Harry laughed.
'Oh they're both going? Father and daughter?' asked Hermione.
'Yeah.' suddenly Harry remembered something. 'Hey, you two didn't tell me what you both saw in Lupin's little test!'
Hermione looked as guilty as Ron.
'Ha! See? Now, why don't you tell ickle Harry?'
'Well. you see...'
'Well, what it is...'began Hermione.
'You don't feel like telling, eh? No problem. I'll squeeze it out of you later. Must pack. Don't want to be left here.. hang on...I do! I can't stand going back to those Muggles!' he complained.
Hermione had that certain smile again, but strangely, so did Ron!
'Okay, is there anything you'd both care to share?' he asked, narrowing his eyes dangerously.
'Nope.' he lied.
'Nothing in particular.' she lied.
'Sure there isn't. But I've really got to pack. I'll see you two later.'
He left them, both chuckling, and went to get his trunk and make sure nothing was forgotten. He was lucky Gabrielle found his wand before it was lost.
Harry was savoring this moment. It was the last time he'd see his four- poster bed, Ron's four-poster bed and all the other guys' four-poster beds. It was also the last time he'd get to see Dean Thomas' football posters, Neville's remembrall and Seamus' picture of his girlfriend, Rain.
He was the only person now. He was taking an awful lot of time, packing.
He made sure nothing was forgotten. From the silver hey he received on his 15th birthday to all the Quidditch cards Ron gave him, he took them all.
He finally finished packing and was about to take Hedwig. 'Well, Hedwig old girl, the last time we'll be seeing this room of ours. We've got to cherish this moment.' he told his snowy-white bird.
For a moment, Harry thought his eyes deceived him. He thought he saw Hedwig roll her eyes at him. He ignored it because she was only a bird after all.
He left his trunk in the room as it would be magicked on the train later. He went down carrying his owl in her cage, which she highly detested.
He saw Hermione, Gabrielle and Ron waiting for him near the portrait of the Fat Lady.
'Finished? So fast? My, I think it's only been a mere 2 hours! You're quite the fast packer.' Ron said sarcastically.
'Sure am. And aren't YOU the nice one!' Harry came back.
'If you two children have finished whatever it is you're doing, we've got a train to catch.' Hermione said, stopping the two boys.
Harry wasn't the only one that carried an animal. Hermione was carrying her cat, Crookshanks, Gabrielle was carrying her lavender owl, Fletcher and Ron carried the small but terrible Pigwigeon,or "Pig" for short.
They all arrived at the train station in less than half an hour and gave their animals to one of the personnel. Hermione was forced to doing the same to Crookshanks. She had always made him stay in the train, however, after last year's incident, the staff made the new "no pets" rule.
One of the student's eagle owl made quite a mess and the staff were forced to clean it without using magic.
'I reckon it was Malfoy's git.' Ron said, as they boarded the train.
This was Gabrielle's first ride on the Hogwarts Express so Ron offered to escort her.
Harry made his way to their usual compartment, which was empty, with Hermione close behind. The two took the only two window seats.
'Oh fine. Don't save us window seats. It's not like we want any.' Ron complained.
'We were here, first Ron. You should've picked up your pace!' teased Hermione.
Ron gave a sarcastic smile.
'It's okay, Ron. I don't need a window seat.' Gabrielle told him. She looked at both Harry and Hermione. 'Say, could you show me where the little witch's room is?' she asked, trying to give a hint to go.
'Um...Don't you want someone else to show you? More specifically, Hermione?' he asked, not getting the hint.
'No. I. Want. To. Go. With. You.' she said slowly and even tilted her head Harry and Hermione's way so he could get the hint.
'Ohhhhhh.' he said finally. 'Well, sure. You know I'm a gentleman.'
Harry nearly busted into laughter but he stopped himself. The two left and silence found it's way into the compartment.
Harry's thoughts were, 'Okay...Should I go talk to her? I mean we ARE friends...Just the way I like it...friends...good friends...Besides, she wants this as much as I do...stay as friends!...Who're you kidding, you know you don't want to be just friends...Should I tell her?...No...She's had enough of my nonsense...But if she wanted to...I mean...I'll just pretend I don't know of my feelings...my stupid feelings. I'll wait until I'm sure I'm not the only one who doesn't want to be just friends...Wait.. that's it...you wait, Harry.'
Hermione, however, wasn't far from what Harry was thinking. Should I go over there and tell him I actually wanted to go to the dance with him?.. No. He'll just give me the old I-can't-have-a-relationship talk again. What utter nonsense!...Friends...friends is good. That's what you want. That's what you both want, right?...Nope, wrong. You know what you want. You want to just grab him and give him a kiss on his tender, soft, kissable...
'Hermione?'
'What?'
'What were you smiling about?'
'What? Oh. Nothing. I got a pass on my last test.' she lied.
'Oh. Okay. So...um...' Harry began. Quick! Think! You look silly doing this! 'Do you remember the old woman we saw when we went back through time?'
'Yeah. How could I forget? She basically read my mind...even when I asked her if...never mind.'
Harry forced himself to not ask what she asked the woman.
'But do you remember where her scar was? Was it on the left or right arm?'
'It was on the left. I remember that much. On the left.' she told him.
'So I guess to figure out who she is, we'll have to look for that scar...or slash...'
'Yeah.'
Silence yet again, came.
'Um, Hermione, what DID you see in Lupin's test?'
'Will you not give that up?'
'Just curious.'
'Well, I couldn't really describe it. I mean.. It was some sort of animal but something I've never seen before. Lupin said that my "talent" hasn't yet...'
'Developed. 'Harry continued. 'Yeah, he told me the same thing.'
The train was passing a beautiful countryside. The two took this as an excuse to not talk, just admire the scenery, even if they've seen this at least 10 times.
When Ron and Gabrielle finally came back, they were surprise to see the two looking outside.
'Sheesh! We were gone for like an hour and nothing's happened? Boy, you two have issues.' grumbled Ron.
Gabrielle laughed. Harry just looked at him with daggers while Hermione did her "tut tut".
Ron sat next to Harry and Gabrielle next to Hermione. The boys opened a Quidditch conversation while the girls talked about Hagrid's wedding. Once in a while, Ron would catch Harry's gaze "accidentally" go to Hermione. Gabrielle would pretend not to see the way Hermione would look at Harry every other minute. Ron and Gabrielle tried hard to hold their smiles or laughs. It was really funny seeing two people adore each other and pretend not to.
'Do you think the Gryffindor Quidditch team will find good replacements for us?' Ron asked.
'Yes, of course. I mean...we're mere players, There are hundreds of players out there to choose from.' said Harry.
'Okay. Well, I'll sure miss that team. It was awesome, if not radical!' Ron said. He knew the word "radical" was not his usual vocabulary, he was trying to see if Harry noticed.
'Yes. It was a great year, wasn't it?' he said, obviously not noticing. Ron tried so hard not to burst out in laughter.
'I wonder who the bride of honor is. Maybe it's that Fleur Delacour people have been telling me about. I hear she and Madam Maxine are really close.' said Gabrielle.
'Yeah. Probably.' Hermione said flatly.
Gabrielle knew Hermione wasn't paying attention now. She was busy trying to look at Harry and not get caught. She didn't mind. She was going to have some fun.
'I have three legs and seven fingers on each hand.' she stated loud and clear enough for Hermione to hear.
'Really? That's great.' she said, and still not paying attention.
Gabrielle merely giggled.
'You're hair's on fire!'
'It is? What?'
That got her.
'Why would you say that?' Hermione asked, wanting an explanation.
Gabrielle smiled.
'You don't think I saw where your eyes were? 'she giggled.
'You saw?' she whispered.
'Why are we whispering?'
'Because!'
'Ohhhh. I see. It's pretty obvious. I mean, he looks at you, too...once in while. We've both...hang on.. we've ALL noticed it. It's only you two that need convincing.'
She had a scheming grin.
'Well, sorry to burst your bubble but we're both just friends again. That's all. That's what we want and that's what we'll be.' she whispered to Gabrielle.
'Sure you will. I so believe that you are just friends.' she teased, in a whisper, of course.
'Why do you two keep whispering? What are you talking about?' asked Ron, Harry agreeing.
'Wouldn't you like to know?' asked Gabrielle playfully. 'I need to tie my hair, don't mind me.' she said, tying her hair.
Harry didn't mean to look but as soon as he saw what he saw, he stood up.
'Um, Hermione, could you help me with something? I think I hear Hedwig.' he lied.
Hermione did as he asked, thinking she needn't have to do the first move.
Harry lead her to an empty compartment.
'Why all the secrecy?' she asked once inside.
'Did you see her scar? It was on her arm! And it looked like a slash!' he exclaimed.
'You mean...?'
'Yes! She's the old lady! She's the one from the future! I saw her scar!'
'I didn't see it. Maybe you're over exaggerating. Maybe it wasn't really a slash. Maybe you just want so much to see a slash, you imagined it was.'
'I didn't. See for yourself.'
'Okay. I will.'
And with that, the two left the empty compartment to joined Ron and Gabrielle, who was possibly the old woman who made them go back in time. The two of them entered the compartment. Harry couldn't stop staring at Gabrielle. Hermione thought that this was inappropriate.
She took the same seat next to Gabrielle, near the window.
The four of them shared a short silent moment until Hermione decided to speak up.
'So.. um.. Gabrielle, I saw the scar on your um...arm. What happened to it?' she asked. 'I mean if you don't mind telling.'
'Oh. No, not at all. You mean this scar?' she said, raising her right arm and showing them the slash looked like it was made quite a while ago. Hermione smiled and Harry was astounded. 'I got it when I rode my first bicycle. I was riding it and suddenly this big willow tree came out of nowhere and hit me. It left me with quite a big cut, too. Hence, this.' she told them.
'Oh. Well, you still look good, anyway.' said Ron.
'Cool it, Romeo.' joked Harry.
Before Hermione could ask Harry out, the Train had reached King's Cross Station.
'Wow. That was fast...kinda. 'said Ron.' What say you come with me, fair lady?' he asked Gabrielle.' Let us leave these two alone.' he said and winked at them both.
Harry got up, letting Hermione go out first.
'Harry, you got it wrong...'she began but was interrupted by Colin Creevey.
'Harry, could I take a picture of you and your girlfriend?' he asked. He was a 16 year old boy with a camera. Some things never change.
'Uh, Colin, she's not exactly my...'he began.
'Oh shut up, Harry and let the young man take a picture of you and your girlfriend.' interrupted Ron.
'Actually, could the four of you all stand together? I want to take the picture of Harry Potter's friends. Especially the guy who stood up to You- Know-Who.. I mean, Voldemort.' he said.
Ron liked being called "the guy who stood up to Voldemort". It was his pleasure to take a picture with his friends. After the "click", Gabrielle made a small request.
'Say Colin dear, do you mind taking four other pictures? I'd really love to have me one of those.'
'Oh. Sure, no problem.' said Colin.
After a minute of flashes, the four took their pictures and thanked Colin.
They went out and took their trunks and their animals. Hermione still trying to get Harry alone. Once Harry got his things and was set, he saw that Hermione, Gabrielle and Ron were all set as well.
Ron and Gabrielle went through the barrier first with a last look of the Hogwarts Express.
I gave you a REALLY long chapter to celebrate the END of the story. Don't worry, if I haven't said it yet, I'll say it now, I have over 100 (probably at least 200) pages in pt 8 font. Yeah, there will be more. I have no idea what the sequel's title will be yet. Dani and I agreed that 82 chapters was a good stopping point, and then I had to figure out where to stop it. That line looked good to me.