His heart sank as he packed away the last of his things into his trunk. He had lived here for so many years – it seemed as if he would never leave. But he was leaving. He wasn't a boy anymore. He was a man.
Ron walked over to him, and put a hand on his shoulder.
'Harry, mate, everyone grows up. You've got a fresh new start ahead of you. Anyway, I'm sure you can come back and visit sometime. I know I will.'
'Thanks, Ron.' Harry replied, and dragged his trunk off the four-poster and across the floor.
Harry and Ron trudged downstairs into the common room – the room that was no longer theirs. It seemed so strange. All the other students seemed so much younger than them, although some were only a year younger.
Hermione was waiting for them. She gave a small sob, and stumbled over to Ron. Ron, instead of flinching, held out his arms and pulled her into a tight hug. Ron sniffed. They let go of each other, and Ron stroked her cheek.
Yup. They weren't gawky kids anymore.
The three of them trudged into the Entrance Hall, silent. Mr and Mrs Weasley were waiting for them. Mrs Weasley embraced Ron and Harry, and held Hermione's hand. Mr Weasley shook hands with Harry, and they departed.
Harry walked up the driveway of the Dursleys' house, opened the front door and stumbled up the stairs. He met Dudley on the way to his room.
'Are you leaving, then?' Dudley asked.
'Yeah.' Harry replied, his voice toneless and unemotional.
'Where are you gonna go?'
'I'm going to learn to become an Auror.'
'What's that?'
'Someone who works for the Ministry of Magic, and is sent to deal with wizards of the Dark Side.'
Dudley was impressed, and his mouth opened in surprise as he stepped aside, letting Harry pass. Harry entered his room, and packed away the rest of his things. He paused as he caught sight of his chart, which he had used to count down the days until he went back to Hogwarts. He felt tears welling in his eyes, and he stowed it away in his trunk.
Ten minutes later, the Knight Bus turned up on the kerb. His aunt and uncle watched him leave. Neither of them spoke – he wasn't a schoolboy anymore. He had power and he could use it.
With one glance behind him, Harry stepped on the bus and left his childhood behind.