Ch. 17

The Train Home

Harry had just finished his last exam, Potions, with relief. It has been two weeks since the Battle of Azkaban, as the newspapers and reporters were now calling it. Harry and his friends were constantly dodging questions dealing with Azkaban because of the warning given by their professors. Now after the last of the exams, Harry could now be located under the tree that sat infront of the lake. Next to him sat Tally, his known girlfriend of 6 months. They sat in silence for a while before Harry finally had enough courage to say what he had wanted to say.

"I heard your voice again when I was fighting Voldemort." Tally blushed deeply at this and wouldn't meet his eye, "Will you tell me what it means now or will you run off again?" Tally looked at him with embarrassment and guilt.

"I'm sorry about that, I was just caught off guard by it. See, it only ever happens when I have a strong connection with a person, a sort of emotional bond. Josh explained the whole thing to me. I guess it has to do with the fact that I'm a Feeler as well as an accomplished Legimens. I only had that type of connection with Josh, it's how we communicate without using words. If Angel were human, I would have this connection with her too, but since she isn't, we communicate throught our magical bond."

"I don't understand, why can I hear you?" Tally turned and looked him full in the face,

"I've been thinking about it a lot, and when you told me you could hear me in your head, I knew it had to be true." She paused and took a deep breath, "Harry, when I communicate with my mind without meaning to and you were able to receive it, it means that I have a strong emotional attachment to you." She paused again. Harry shot her a deeply puzzled look before she continued, "It means, Harry, that I-I'm in l-love with you." She said the last part quickly in one breath that it took Harry a moment to understand. Harry was stunned when it finally sunk in and it must have showed on his face because Tally blushed deeply again, stood, and ran quickly away. She loves me? But, how can that be? We've been going together for 6 months, but, surely, can someone fall so quickly? She even admitted not knowing that was how she felt, can she be sure of it now? Am I in love with her? How can you tell? I know that I like her, but love? Is this okay? Is she mad at me now? Where's Hermione when you need her?

Harry didn't see Tally again until the Good-bye feast the next evening. He wasn't really sure if she was the one avoiding him, or if he was the one doing the avoiding. Harry sat next Ron and Luna, who had decided to sit with them after the Azkaban incident (Harry believed it was because she was slightly miffed about not having gone with them). Tally sat across from him between Blaise and Neville. Everytime he caught her eye, she would immediately blush and look away. Harry missed their late night chats and snogs. Instead, he had spent the evening before with Ron and Hermione, who had snogged almost without taking a breath for most of the evening.

Now sitting next to them, it was no different. They had become very open about their relationship and Harry finally understood why they had been so reluctant to tell him about the two of them. Whenever Harry was around them, they were always snogging or saying sweet things to one another. They hardly ever argued. It wasn't the same, none of them were the same, and Harry missed how things used to be, when they were all single. Harry and Tally did snog, but usually when they were alone and they hardly said anything remotely corny like Ron and Hermione did. Instead, they simply held hands or laughed about nothing at all. He liked being around her, she never expected anything from him, was never very moody, and didn't like to talk as much as Ron and Hermione seemed too. Plus, she laughed...a lot and Harry liked that most about her. She laughed at everything. Harry had never been one to laugh easily, but her laugh was enough to get him to open up. Her laugh was loud, probably defined as a guffaw, but it was contangious. No matter who she was with or what the topic, if she laughed, everyone around her laughed too. When Harry was finally back with the Dursleys', Tally's laugh was probably the thing he would miss most.

Dumbledore stood and immediately the room went quiet. Dumbledore was the only man Harry knew of that could silence a room full of hundreds of teenagers just by merely standing up from his seat.

"I'm well aware that you have all been informed by now that a couple of weeks ago one of our students warned us of Azkaban's break-in." Harry could feel the eyes of every student on him. He kept his eyes on Dumbledore, though he could feel his face burning, "Because of this warning, we were able to prevent most of the prisoners from escaping and Voldemort from gaining complete access to the prison. However, I'm saddened to say that many known Death Eaters were able to escape-" Many students began whispering but were quickly silenced as Dumbledore continued, "-This war is beginning to divide our world. As Hogwart students, I urge you to look beyond blood, but rather at what is right and what is wrong. Stand together and united, witches and wizards, pure-bloods and muggle-born alike. Together we will win, divided we shall fall."

Later that evening Harry sat in the common room with Ron and Hermione.

"Things are different now." Harry told them.

"How so?" Ron asked.

"Everyone has chosen a side now. No one can hide, no one can pretend anymore."

"You shouldn't bugger about that, mate."

"Harry, this war forces people to either follow or lead. You were never given the choice, but you're a great leader and a great wizard." Harry frowned at Hermione.

"We've changed."

"We had to change." Hermione stated. Harry sighed quietly, "Is it so bad that we did?" Harry looked up at her and Ron. Both were watching him closely. The adventures and burdens they had brought a deeper maturity to their eyes. Harry sighed again. He was the reason their lives weren't as carefree as they should have been. "Harry, we had to grow-up at some point. It's true that the things we've been through and the lives we live forced us to grow-up quickly, but it has only made me that much more stronger that much more of a better person."

"Don't you realize that it's because of me you two have to live this way? Constant fear, surrounded by war and death." Ron snorted while Hermione sighed.

"Listen Harry, you've been my best-mate since the first day on the train. You didn't care that I didn't have any money or that I was a Weasley. I'll admit that at times I was jealous of you, but I know you never wanted any of it. You stuck by me, you wanted me as a friend, and for that I owe you everything." Harry watched Ron in surprise, he had never heard him speak like this before.

"Ron's right, Harry. The two of you were my first real friends, my best friends and I love you both very much."

"Still, if you had never-"

"Just stop, Harry! We made our choices. We choose you and there isn't anything you can say to change that." Ron said firmly. Harry chuckled but gave up on trying to break himself away from them. He knew he needed them in his life if he was to fight against Voldemort.

"What's going on with you and Tally?" Hermione asked. Harry shrugged,

"It's a bit complicated at the moment "

"What happened?" Ron asked, eager to change the subject.

"She told me she's in love with me." Ron's jaw dropped and Hermione gasped.

"Really?" Hermione breathed, "And?"

"And nothing. She just ran away after that." Hermione's face fell,

"You didn't say anything back? You didn't even chase after her?" Harry shook his head, "Oh Harry, she's probably upset, thinking you don't feel the same."

"How do you feel?" Ron asked. Harry thought about it for a moment,

"I'm not sure. I don't know if I feel love or not." Ron and Hermione were silent.

"Don't worry mate, you'll figure out before you know it."

Harry waved good-bye to Hagrid before hopping onto the train to head back to King's Cross. Harry, Blaise, Tally, Neville, and Luna walked to the back of the train to an empty compartment. Ron and Hermione went to the Prefect compartment and Ginny joined Dean, Seamus, Parvati, and Lavender.

"Hey Nev, are you sure your Gran is okay with me staying for a few days?" Tally asked.

"Yeah, she's excited to have you and Blaise come to stay."

"Why are you both staying with Neville?" Luna asked, reading Harry's thoughts.

"I'm only staying for a couple of days then I'm going to Aiden's and LuLu's. Josh has to stay a couple more weeks at Hogwarts."

"I'm staying for the summer. I refuse to stay with any of my family. They are supporters of Voldemorts." Everyone nodded in understanding. They chatted for awhile or sat in companionable silence while the train travelled back to London. Ron and Hermione turned up half-way through the ride and the food trolley turned up shortly afterword. Harry took to playing chess with Ron while Hermione and Tally talked about their plans for the summer. Luna stayed hidden behind her father's magazine and Neville and Blaise played Exploding-Snap. Harry, Ron, Tally, Neville, and Blaise were going for their apparation licenses in mid-August after Tally's 17th birthday (August 12th). Hermione wouldn't be 17 until late September and was planning on taking her test during the Christmas Holidays.

"When Josh returns from Hogwarts, where will you two go?" Hermione was asking Tally.

"Probably to another hotel like last summer. He promised to go house-hunting but who knows for sure. Where will all of you be?"

"Ron and I will be at Headquarters for the summer and Harry is obviously going to be with his Aunt and Uncle, at least for a couple of weeks." Hermione answered. Tally nodded her head at her and smiled at Harry.

"Where's Angel going to stay?" Neville asked Tally.

"She's staying at Hogwarts with Josh for a couple of weeks. She's going to help the house-elves clean up the castle. I really think she's staying because she fancies a house-elf there. What's his name...Dopey, Dorky-"

"Dobby?" Harry asked. Tally's face lit up at the name.

"Yeah, that's it! Meant him once, eager little bugger if you ask me, but nice as any creature I've ever met."

"Harry got him freed from the Malfoy's in our second year. Dobby's been idolizing him ever since." Ron said with a snicker.

"Just remember that your my Weezy!" Harry shot back making Ron abruptly stop laughing and his ears turn red. Everyone else chuckled at their little bicker. Suddenly Ron and Hermione stood up,

"We better do our rounds, be back in a bit." Hermione said before they headed out the door. Blaise, Neville, and Luna stood up too,

"We're just going to pop in to say good-bye to Dean and everyone." Blaise said, but he shot a wink in Harry's direction. Tally looked confusingly at them before frowning in their wake.

"Think they set that up?" She asked Harry, raising and eyebrow at him. Harry smiled back,

"Probably, you know that can't help but get involved." Tally chuckled and then sighed.

"Are you mad that I said anything?"

"Are you mad that I didn't?"

"Yeah, a little bit." She replied, but smiled at Harry's worried face. "I shouldn't have said anything and put that much pressure on you and I'm sorry..." Harry listened to her babble on about being sorry, smiling at her as she stuttered through it.

"TALLY! I love you too!" He spoke over her.

"It was such a stup-what? What was that?" Harry laughed and stood,

"I'm in love with you. I just didn't realize that was what I was feeling until you said something." He walked over to her.

"Really?" She asked, he could see the want in her eyes. He smiled and sat beside her, resting his arm around her shoulders and drawing her closer.

"Yes, really." Harry heard her sigh. He kissed the top of her head as she rested it against his chest. They sat in silence for awhile, waiting patiently for their friends to return.

"Who do you think thought of this?" Tally asked, breaking the silence.

"Hermione, who else?" Tally chuckled again.

"Hey, do you think maybe I can come and see you during the summer?" She asked looking up at him.

"Do you really want to meet my Aunt and Uncle?"

"Its only fair, isn't it? You know my family and you like them. Plus, you know Aiden and LuLu. Besides, I don't think Josh will let me stay with you guys at Headquaters."

"Why not?" Tally smiled, but her eyes widened slightly.

"Because of you and me, Harry. He doesn't trust us to be completely alone!" Harry laughed at that. He had never tried anything with Tally, he never even let his hands explore her without her absolute permission. Just after that, All of their friends trooped back in and smiled at the couple. Harry looked at Tally, who rolled her eyes in response. "How is it that Josh doesn't trust the two of us, but your parents will trust the two of you?" Tally asked Hermione and Ron. They both blushed deeply before responding.

"They don't actually know." Hermione said.

"What? How can they not know?" Harry exclaimed.

"We haven't told them and we are begging you guys to not say anything either!" Ron pleaded.

"You do realize that we aren't the only people who know, don't you? The entire school knows as well as the staff, including my brother. They are all in the Order, you don't think one of them will slip?" Tally said calmly.

"We already talked to them and they said they wouldn't tell." Hermione said. There was an awkward silence then, everyone unsure of what to say.

"Why dont' you want anyone to know?" Neville asked. Ron shrugged.

"Because we will never hear the end of it. I mean, look how you all reacted!" He said. This statement caused Harry, Tally, and Blaise to laugh and Neville and Luna to smile. Soon the train began to slopw down and the seven of them gathered their things together.

"You will all write to me this summer, won't you?" Tally asked them. Everyone nodded at her causing her to smile. "Wonderful. My life won't be such a complete bore then like last summer." Everyone laughed again as the train came to a complete stop.

Harry gathered his things and followed his friends out onto Platform 9 3/4. They quickly crossed the barrier. He looked around and saw the Weasleys' waving at them. Beside them stood Remus, Tonks, Moody, The Grangers, and Neville's Grandmother. Standing a few feet away and eyeing them nervously stood Harry's Aunt, Uncle, and cousin. Harry and the others made their way over to where the Weasleys' and everyone stood. Mrs. Weasley immediately drew Harry into a warm hug. After releasing him, the rest of the Weasleys' clapped him on the shoulder. Fred and George leaned in to chat with him,

"So Harry-"

"Do anything exciting while away at school?"

"Test anything out-"

"Find out anything useful?" Harry laughed.

"Yes, it worked on Ron, but it didnt' seem to work on Hermione." Harry whispered back. The Twins grinned wickedly and winked before turing their attentions onto their younger brother. Harry then hugged Tonk and Remus.

"We'll try to get you to Headquarters as soon as we can. Be patient." Remus said warmly to him. Harry nodded in understanding.

"I already delivered a warning to your Aunt and Uncle before the train arrived. Remember to keep in touch every 3 days or we'll send some people out." Moody warned Harry. Again he nodded before being pulled into a hug by Hermione and again by Ginny.

"Dont' worry mate, we'll try to keep you posted with what we can." Ron said as he clapped his shoulder. Blaise made his way over to him.

"I'm glad I became friends with you, Harry Potter."

"And I with you, Blaise Zambini." They both smiled before embracing briefly.

"I'll see you at the ministry my friends." Blaise said as he walked back over to where Neville and his grandmother stood. Neville waved good-bye to them and Harry returned the gesture.

"Do I get a goodbye?" Asked a smiling Tally. Harry pulled her into his arms without comment and kissed her passionately. At first she was startled but kissed him back only after a brief hesitation. When he pulled out of the kiss, he held her for a few minutes before someone cleared his throat. Tally giggled and pulled away. All eyes were on the two of them. Harry could see the adults looking at them with both shock and happiness on their faces. "I'll see you then?" Harry smiled.

"You better." She giggled again and kissed him quickly. She whispered gently into his ear,

"I love you, Harry. You and only you."

"I love you too, Tally." They broke apart once more and Tally turned to leave. As she walked away Harry called out to her, "Good-bye Tally Adams and thank you for everything!" She turned and smiled at him. She waved good-bye as she followed Neville and cried out,

"Good-bye, Harry. Thank you for giving me hope!" And with her last remark she was gone. Harry turned his attention back to his friends. They were all looking confused but happy. He shrugged his shoulders to them. They didnt' know of his and Tally's conversations and inside jokes when it came to hope and love. Remus, Ron, and Hermione walked him to his Aunt and Uncle. He embraced them all briefly before finally turning his attention to his family.

"So, I've been told that you have been warned. We can leave now then." Harry said to them. Uncle Vernon swelled slighly while his face turned purple. Aunt Petunia merely nodded in agreement. Dudley, however, was watching Harry curiously, "What?"

"Was that girl your girlfriend?"

"So what if she was." Dudley's eyes went wide for a moment.

"Only can't understand why she would want you that's all." Harry smiled wickedly at his cousin and walked towards the exit. He looked over his shoulder at his family.

"Why, jealous are you Dudikins?" Hary laughed at the look on his cousin's face and continued on his way with a little bounce in his step.

A/N:

Alrighty, I finsihed! How'd I do? So, I'll start on the sequel soon. I'm thinking of calling it either Harry Potter and the Battle of the Worlds or Harry Potter and the Final Battle. Which sounds better? Or for that matter, anyone have any suggestions?

Indigo Feline: I love the fact that you review so much! Anyway, YAY to me portraying Harry well! I love the character Tally. Granted I did create her, but I love her nonetheless. She's meant to help Harry find his way in life while still allowing him to be the person is he. I see her as a strong individual who kinda influences a lot of people along the way. I made up the name. It came to me one day and I couldn't get it out of my head. I hope you read the sequel and like that one just as much as this one.

Chibi Chingo: OOO, you reviewed more than once, so cool! I always see Harry standing up more for himself and truly believing that the reason for the secrets and the Adults always treating him the way they do, he would feel it was because they wanted to control him. So that's how I wrote it. I'm glad you liked his reaction. Hope you read the sequel!