Author's Note: Reminder to anyone doing the reader's challenge, please send your answers in the form of a review. I am going to wait for more responses before doing another chapter like that, so there aren't really any songs included in this chapter, except for one, let me know if you find it. LOL
Thanks to everyone who reviewed, I enjoy reading them, and it encourages me to write more. I owe an extra debt of gratitude to some of you, as your comments have posed a lot of questions that are forcing me to re- evaluate the plot. You've given me a lot work to do in order to improve the story, but you should notice a few changes after the next chapter or so. Hopefully you will get the answers to some of your questions. I will be writing more about the different events that are occurring. I felt I had a good deal to cover with Harry's grief, and I admittedly took up a lot of the plot with that. I will apologize now for not including Mark Evans into this story. I may be wrong, but I think JKR added him as a hoax, so I will not be trying to define the personality of a character that I don't think will actually be featured in her sixth book. Anyway, a special thanks to miss_ray, Marcello, and Meh your thoughts have been a big help. Please review again and let me know if I've improved.
I have a state inspection for work coming up in one month, so I will most likely update only twice in the interim, after that I may have more time to concentrate on this story. Also I apologize for this chapter, I feel, especially in light of some of your reviews, that I haven't really done a good job. While it gives some information for future chapters, I am disappointed with the way that it has turned out, but as I have tried three times to rewrite it I don't think I am going to come up with anything better. At least not now while I am distracted. Anyway, I'll try harder in the upcoming chapters, and hopefully I can get out of this slump. Criticism is always helpful, so please tell me how I am doing.
Also thanks to Jedi's Honor Bound Witch, Jennifer for your; as well as miss_ray, paintingAmystery and Alexis-Lee (for reviewing the story Lose Yourself)
Disclaimer: I don't own any rights to Harry Potter or any characters or places in this story, they belong to JK Rowling. I am making no money from this story.
Chapter 12 The Road Home
Harry woke up to the sound of pouring rain. It must have started sometime in the middle of the night. As he lie awake last night he could hear the distant rumbling of thunder. The air had been heavy with the anticipation of the storm. There had been little chance of a decent nights rest with the aching in his scar, but he had put forth a valiant effort in attempting to sleep. Harry couldn't remember what time his mind had finally given in to slumber, but even with the uneasy feeling leftover from the nightmares, he was glad that he managed some rest.
September first dawned to the usual hustle and bustle that occurred every year as the students prepared to leave for Hogwarts. Ron was scurrying madly about their room. It appeared that Ron had left a few things to the last minute and couldn't find them. Harry shook his head with a smile and quickly stepped up to help his friend find the misplaced items. There was a small bit of joy he found in the yearly routine, which almost always ended with them being behind schedule. And so it was that after a short breakfast and some other last minute searching the four students were packed and leaving for school.
At twenty minutes to eleven they pulled up at King's Cross Station in a car driven by Madeye. Remus, Bill, Moody, along with Mr. and Mrs. Weasley accompanied the students as their guard. Harry made no objections because he knew it was a necessary evil. Besides, it could be fun to try and spot the other order members who were protecting the station. They were all well disguised, although one was particularly difficult to distinguish.
Harry was shocked when a short, school-aged girl, that he didn't know, with straight blond hair and pale blue eyes put her arm around his waist and squeezed him while she winked. Harry flushed with discomfort at the apparent stranger who was groping him until she leaned over to his ear and gave a familiar greeting, "Wotcher Harry!" A wave of relief swept over him when he realized it was Tonks, even if all the others were biting back their laughter. He put his arm around her shoulder and whispered back, "Very amusing Tonks. I suppose you and Remus planned this together late last night eh?" He finished with a wink of his own. Now it was her turn to blush. She tried to pull away from him, but he only pulled her in closer. "Relax, I'm only kidding." he sniggered.
With that they turned down platform nine and walked to the hidden entrance to platform nine and three quarters. Bill and Tonks stepped casually through first to make sure the way was safe, and the others followed a moment later.
The familiar sights and sounds greeted Harry and his friends. The Hogwarts Express stood shining on the tracks, surrounded by families saying their farewells. Much like the end of last term, Harry could feel the eyes of the students trained on him. It was odd how easily their opinions changed, at this time last year many of the other students believed that he was insane, or a liar. Now he was their hero again, at least that's how they saw him. Harry certainly hadn't felt the part in a long time. He caught his mind slipping into these old thoughts and quickly pushed them back. He had his friends and that was all he really needed. A few of the young wizards and witches who actually knew him were waving or calling to him. Harry shook his head smiling and waved politely back.
The four friends loaded their trunks onto the train and said goodbye to their escort. However several members of the order had stepped onto the train, apparently they were there as a safety precaution. Mrs. Weasley gave them all a deep hug farewell. Harry could see the grief and pity she felt for him pass in the motherly warmth of her eyes. "Do try and take care of yourself, alright dear?" she said to him before he stepped onto the train.
Ron peered over Harry's shoulder and smirking at his mother said , "Sure thing Mum, I'll be sure to give him a lump on the head if he puts so much as one toe out of line." He finished the statement in his best imitation of her voice.
The glare she shot him could have melted steel, "You'd better hope I don't give you a lump on the head Ronald Weasley!" He cringed at her reprimand, and Hermione further avenged Mrs. Weasley by smacking Ron in the back of the head.
They started down the hallway with a chuckle as the train began to pull out. Harry grinned broadly at Ron, who was rubbing his head and said indignantly "Ouch. You didn't have to be so rough you know Hermione. I was only joking." Ginny continued to giggle at her brother's misfortune.
Harry shook his head again and said, "Come on let's go find a compartment." Then he turned to lift his trunk and Hedwig's cage.
"Sorry Harry, but we have to go to the prefect's compartment for our first meeting before we do anything else." Hermione responded looking dolefully into his eyes.
If anything Ron looked even more depressed and was muttering something to himself before looking up at Harry. "Hey sorry mate, but save us a seat would you? I'm sure we won't be too long. Maybe when we get back you and I can get a game of chess," he said expectantly, hoping to abate whatever emotion was stirring inside his best friend.
For his part Harry resigned his gaze to the floor. "S'alright, I'll go find us a compartment. I'll see you in a little while," he finished and began to walk down the hall. Turning into a compartment on the left, he received a sharp push in the back. Glancing over his shoulder he saw Ginny laughing even harder now as she followed him into the otherwise empty compartment.
"Oh come on you prat. It's not like you're being left all by yourself you know." she said jokingly, but it was as though she were reading his mind. Harry turned to her with a forced grin and nodded his head. She could read a very lost expression that shadowed every other part of his face. He gently took the trunk from her hands and lifted it into the rack and then placed his own trunk and Hedwig next to it. Hermione had sent Crookshanks along with Ginny, who released the ginger cat from it's basket. She looked at Harry again and rolled her eyes. "Really. It's not like they're not coming right back. Besides, this will give us the chance to talk."
Harry reluctantly smiled. He knew the reason he was feeling this way was a bit selfish, but he couldn't help it. He didn't have much time left with his two best friends. Ginny continued her banter, but Harry wasn't paying attention. His focus was on his own problems. Soon enough they would be leaving Hogwarts, and then what? If Harry even survived that long would they still be as close as they were now. Harry was now responsible for saving everyone from Voldemort's destruction. His life was all but spent now, whereas they could simply go on worrying about prefect meetings, or homework and things. It dawned on him just how much he resented Dumbledore for telling him about the prophecy, but then again he did keep it from Harry for so long, just to give him some hope at happiness. He obviously cared a great deal for Harry. It was very difficult to stay angry at the aging wizard who Harry had placed so much faith in. Perhaps that was it, Harry was unsure whether he could still trust the man as he once had. He resolved to speak to his headmaster. He wished that he had Sirius to talk to about these thoughts. This sent him straight into his past thoughts, his finger moving thoughtlessly to the lightning bolt scar on his forehead. That is until his eyes traveled to meet Ginny's, who had been silent for a minute now.
"Oh I see that you decided to join me again. Harry what's going on?" she stated in a more pressing tone than when they had first entered the compartment.
"I'm sorry about that. I was just thinking how weird my life is. I really didn't mean to not pay attention to you. I'm sorry Ginny, honest," he said trying too hard to make up for ignoring her.
Ginny grinned wickedly as she accepted his apology, "It's alright Harry. Although it is kinda funny to watch you sit there squirming. Anyway, are you going to tell me what happened with Kreacher, or should I beat it out of you?"
Harry was sure he could survive whatever she could dish out, but decided not to tempt fate. "No no, we can talk," he said waving his hands to ward off the onslaught.
Harry explained what had happened that night. Ginny was utterly shocked when he relayed how Kreacher had betrayed Sirius by telling Harry his Godfather was at the Ministry last June. Cupping her hand over her mouth she looked concernedly upon Harry with a new understanding of his actions.
As Harry recalled how she had covered for him he felt a bit embarrassed. He thanked her profusely as a tinge of red crept up his neck. Harry also remembered to ask what had been bothering her almost a month ago, just as Ron and Hermione returned. She was reluctant to answer at first, but seeing as how Harry, who was always very tight lipped, had shared his troubles, she began to answer, but Ron started to complain before she could utter a sound.
"Unbelievable!" exclaimed Ron as he plopped himself down next to Harry. "That was the longest, most useless meeting I have ever attended in my life." Hermione didn't object, but looked on in silent agreement. Both of the prefects looked slightly disheveled. "And how about the new Head Boy?" he continued, "That bloke is a nutter if I ever met one. Jason Watson or something, he's in Hufflepuff. They kept going on and on about how You Know Who was back, and we needed to be extra careful, like nobody knew any of that, or we needed fifty reminders or something."
"So who's the new Head Girl?" asked Ginny, still a little disgruntled at her brother for interrupting her.
Hermione glanced thoughtfully at Harry for a moment and then answered, "Cho Chang."
Harry knew she was watching him for a reaction, but he didn't feel any. His feelings for her had changed in the past year, and his lack of expression only confirmed Hermione's suspicions. Just to get her to stop staring he said, "Well that wasn't unexpected was it? Still good for her I suppose." Hermione studied him for another second before turning to the window. The storm from the previous night had renewed itself and raindrops were pattering against the window.
The plump old witch pushing the lunch trolley came past a short time later as the friends gave a detailed description of the Prefect's meeting, talked over their courses for the year, and what Ginny should expect for her O.W.L.s. Harry bought a bunch of chocolate frogs as well as cauldron cakes and several other treats to hold them over until the feast later that evening. Hermione turned her head away from Ron as he stuffed a chocolate frog into his mouth. "So anyway, what were you two talking about when we came in?" she said directing her attention to Ginny and Harry.
"Actually Ginny was just about to tell me what was bothering her the day Diagon Alley was attacked," Harry replied. "Did you still want to tell us Ginny? I understand if you don't, I mean whatever it was you were pretty upset at the time."
Ginny looked warily at her brother for a moment before she answered. "Actually it's not a big deal or anything," she started, still eyeing her brother, "I just got a letter from Dean that Day. We broke up." Ron reacted much as anyone who knew him would have expected. He sat bolt upright and his temper seemed to rise with the blush that advanced across his cheeks. Before he could respond though Ginny cut him off with an angry glare. "Sit down Ron! I said we broke up, because it was partly my fault. We are both still friends, but it just wasn't working out. Besides that, it's none of your business," she finished with a huff and folded her arms across her chest.
As Ron finished chewing he cast around the compartment for any sign of what to do, but Harry looked lost, and Hermione was trying to console his sister. "Sorry Gin, I'm just worried about you. I want you to be happy, with someone who is going to take care of you." Ron surreptitiously glanced at Harry, who didn't really notice. Ginny nodded her understanding of her brother's intent, however overbearing and misguided it was, it was only because he loved her. The conversation changed slowly to a few other topics over the next hour and finally settled on the upcoming Quidditch season.
Around this time Neville and Luna joined the group in their compartment. Neville proudly displayed his new wand for everyone to see, and began talking animatedly about some of the plants he had studied over the holiday. A sense of growth stemmed from the young man who had found some confidence over the last year. Luna on the other hand was staring blankly out the window lost in her own world. Harry wondered at the group of friends who surrounded him, speaking lightly with each other, and how innocent they all seemed. Concern traced through his mind thinking of the reasons they stood by him. His hand slowly found it's way to his scar and began trailing up and down the lightning bolt shaped cut while he closed his eyes. Before he sank too far into his thoughts though the door to their cabin opened again. Harry groaned as he heard Ron say, "What do you want Malfoy?"
The drawling voice hung in the air as he mockingly entered the room. "Well, well, if it isn't Potter and company. Had a nice summer have you? Just as a reminder Potter, we still have a score to settle." Draco was flanked on either side by Crabbe and Goyle, who were growling in Harry's direction.
Harry found that he couldn't care less though. "Sorry, I thought the ride home last year would have settled our differences. Forgive me, I just feel so sluggish today," he replied coolly, earning several chuckles from his friends, as they recalled the three Slytherin's being turned into something much resembling giant slugs the last time they tried to attack Harry. A tinge of pink glowed on Malfoy's otherwise pale and placid complexion. Malfoy made the mistake of reaching for his wand though, and before he could pull it from his robes Harry was on his feet with his wand already leveled at Malfoy's face. Harry's friends rose to their feet nearly as quickly, but it was Harry who took control, as he began to speak in soft, deadly tones. "Give me a reason Malfoy. After all you have done to taunt and embarrass me and my friends, and the times your father has tried to kill us, give me an excuse to destroy you. It will matter very little what consequences there are, because the next time you threaten any of my friends, or myself, there won't be enough of you left to enjoy any punishment I might receive. Get Out." Harry could feel the blood pulsing through his veins as the blond haired boy recoiled and backed his way out into the hall.
"Say hi to Daddy for me," called Ron pointing his wand over Harry's shoulder. Ginny punched him in the arm as they all returned to their seats enjoying a good laugh.
Harry smiled widely, but it faded almost immediately as he thought about what had just transpired. "Good one mate. Still, I think we had better keep an eye on him this year. There isn't much that will keep him from turning into a Death Eater, but we don't want him practicing around school." Everyone nodded in agreement, but it felt strange that they sat there thinking of protecting the school from Death Eaters and such.
As the darkness fell about the countryside the students changed into their robes. Neville and Luna had returned to their carriage leaving the four Gryffindors to themselves. Harry caught Ron peaking at Hermione as she read a book, and elbowed his best friend in the ribs with a grin. Ron looked slightly put out, but Harry wasn't sure if it was for being poked, or because he got caught eying up Hermione. As they pulled up to the Hogsmeade Station Harry peered outside at the black night sky. The clouds from the storm that had followed them most of their trip had now peeled back. Their pale gray-white shapes hovered miles away on the horizon. Stepping out onto the platform he looked up to see the brightly shining stars that glimmered above the heads of all the students, and breathed deeply the clean fresh air of the countryside.
The cutting wind crossed his exposed face, but it was summer yet and the air was still warm enough that he was no worse for having felt it. Several students brushed past Harry as he realized that he was home. He turned up the platform and waved to the towering man at the other end who was holding a lantern and calling out, "Firs' years, follow me." Hagrid grinned broadly at Harry and his friends and waved genially back at them, "All righ' there you lot?".
They strode over to the coaches and before entering Harry glanced through his glasses at the Thestrals that were pulling what, to most others, appeared to be horseless carriages. He took another deep breath, and sighed, "Yes, it's good to be home."
Thanks to everyone who reviewed, I enjoy reading them, and it encourages me to write more. I owe an extra debt of gratitude to some of you, as your comments have posed a lot of questions that are forcing me to re- evaluate the plot. You've given me a lot work to do in order to improve the story, but you should notice a few changes after the next chapter or so. Hopefully you will get the answers to some of your questions. I will be writing more about the different events that are occurring. I felt I had a good deal to cover with Harry's grief, and I admittedly took up a lot of the plot with that. I will apologize now for not including Mark Evans into this story. I may be wrong, but I think JKR added him as a hoax, so I will not be trying to define the personality of a character that I don't think will actually be featured in her sixth book. Anyway, a special thanks to miss_ray, Marcello, and Meh your thoughts have been a big help. Please review again and let me know if I've improved.
I have a state inspection for work coming up in one month, so I will most likely update only twice in the interim, after that I may have more time to concentrate on this story. Also I apologize for this chapter, I feel, especially in light of some of your reviews, that I haven't really done a good job. While it gives some information for future chapters, I am disappointed with the way that it has turned out, but as I have tried three times to rewrite it I don't think I am going to come up with anything better. At least not now while I am distracted. Anyway, I'll try harder in the upcoming chapters, and hopefully I can get out of this slump. Criticism is always helpful, so please tell me how I am doing.
Also thanks to Jedi's Honor Bound Witch, Jennifer for your; as well as miss_ray, paintingAmystery and Alexis-Lee (for reviewing the story Lose Yourself)
Disclaimer: I don't own any rights to Harry Potter or any characters or places in this story, they belong to JK Rowling. I am making no money from this story.
Chapter 12 The Road Home
Harry woke up to the sound of pouring rain. It must have started sometime in the middle of the night. As he lie awake last night he could hear the distant rumbling of thunder. The air had been heavy with the anticipation of the storm. There had been little chance of a decent nights rest with the aching in his scar, but he had put forth a valiant effort in attempting to sleep. Harry couldn't remember what time his mind had finally given in to slumber, but even with the uneasy feeling leftover from the nightmares, he was glad that he managed some rest.
September first dawned to the usual hustle and bustle that occurred every year as the students prepared to leave for Hogwarts. Ron was scurrying madly about their room. It appeared that Ron had left a few things to the last minute and couldn't find them. Harry shook his head with a smile and quickly stepped up to help his friend find the misplaced items. There was a small bit of joy he found in the yearly routine, which almost always ended with them being behind schedule. And so it was that after a short breakfast and some other last minute searching the four students were packed and leaving for school.
At twenty minutes to eleven they pulled up at King's Cross Station in a car driven by Madeye. Remus, Bill, Moody, along with Mr. and Mrs. Weasley accompanied the students as their guard. Harry made no objections because he knew it was a necessary evil. Besides, it could be fun to try and spot the other order members who were protecting the station. They were all well disguised, although one was particularly difficult to distinguish.
Harry was shocked when a short, school-aged girl, that he didn't know, with straight blond hair and pale blue eyes put her arm around his waist and squeezed him while she winked. Harry flushed with discomfort at the apparent stranger who was groping him until she leaned over to his ear and gave a familiar greeting, "Wotcher Harry!" A wave of relief swept over him when he realized it was Tonks, even if all the others were biting back their laughter. He put his arm around her shoulder and whispered back, "Very amusing Tonks. I suppose you and Remus planned this together late last night eh?" He finished with a wink of his own. Now it was her turn to blush. She tried to pull away from him, but he only pulled her in closer. "Relax, I'm only kidding." he sniggered.
With that they turned down platform nine and walked to the hidden entrance to platform nine and three quarters. Bill and Tonks stepped casually through first to make sure the way was safe, and the others followed a moment later.
The familiar sights and sounds greeted Harry and his friends. The Hogwarts Express stood shining on the tracks, surrounded by families saying their farewells. Much like the end of last term, Harry could feel the eyes of the students trained on him. It was odd how easily their opinions changed, at this time last year many of the other students believed that he was insane, or a liar. Now he was their hero again, at least that's how they saw him. Harry certainly hadn't felt the part in a long time. He caught his mind slipping into these old thoughts and quickly pushed them back. He had his friends and that was all he really needed. A few of the young wizards and witches who actually knew him were waving or calling to him. Harry shook his head smiling and waved politely back.
The four friends loaded their trunks onto the train and said goodbye to their escort. However several members of the order had stepped onto the train, apparently they were there as a safety precaution. Mrs. Weasley gave them all a deep hug farewell. Harry could see the grief and pity she felt for him pass in the motherly warmth of her eyes. "Do try and take care of yourself, alright dear?" she said to him before he stepped onto the train.
Ron peered over Harry's shoulder and smirking at his mother said , "Sure thing Mum, I'll be sure to give him a lump on the head if he puts so much as one toe out of line." He finished the statement in his best imitation of her voice.
The glare she shot him could have melted steel, "You'd better hope I don't give you a lump on the head Ronald Weasley!" He cringed at her reprimand, and Hermione further avenged Mrs. Weasley by smacking Ron in the back of the head.
They started down the hallway with a chuckle as the train began to pull out. Harry grinned broadly at Ron, who was rubbing his head and said indignantly "Ouch. You didn't have to be so rough you know Hermione. I was only joking." Ginny continued to giggle at her brother's misfortune.
Harry shook his head again and said, "Come on let's go find a compartment." Then he turned to lift his trunk and Hedwig's cage.
"Sorry Harry, but we have to go to the prefect's compartment for our first meeting before we do anything else." Hermione responded looking dolefully into his eyes.
If anything Ron looked even more depressed and was muttering something to himself before looking up at Harry. "Hey sorry mate, but save us a seat would you? I'm sure we won't be too long. Maybe when we get back you and I can get a game of chess," he said expectantly, hoping to abate whatever emotion was stirring inside his best friend.
For his part Harry resigned his gaze to the floor. "S'alright, I'll go find us a compartment. I'll see you in a little while," he finished and began to walk down the hall. Turning into a compartment on the left, he received a sharp push in the back. Glancing over his shoulder he saw Ginny laughing even harder now as she followed him into the otherwise empty compartment.
"Oh come on you prat. It's not like you're being left all by yourself you know." she said jokingly, but it was as though she were reading his mind. Harry turned to her with a forced grin and nodded his head. She could read a very lost expression that shadowed every other part of his face. He gently took the trunk from her hands and lifted it into the rack and then placed his own trunk and Hedwig next to it. Hermione had sent Crookshanks along with Ginny, who released the ginger cat from it's basket. She looked at Harry again and rolled her eyes. "Really. It's not like they're not coming right back. Besides, this will give us the chance to talk."
Harry reluctantly smiled. He knew the reason he was feeling this way was a bit selfish, but he couldn't help it. He didn't have much time left with his two best friends. Ginny continued her banter, but Harry wasn't paying attention. His focus was on his own problems. Soon enough they would be leaving Hogwarts, and then what? If Harry even survived that long would they still be as close as they were now. Harry was now responsible for saving everyone from Voldemort's destruction. His life was all but spent now, whereas they could simply go on worrying about prefect meetings, or homework and things. It dawned on him just how much he resented Dumbledore for telling him about the prophecy, but then again he did keep it from Harry for so long, just to give him some hope at happiness. He obviously cared a great deal for Harry. It was very difficult to stay angry at the aging wizard who Harry had placed so much faith in. Perhaps that was it, Harry was unsure whether he could still trust the man as he once had. He resolved to speak to his headmaster. He wished that he had Sirius to talk to about these thoughts. This sent him straight into his past thoughts, his finger moving thoughtlessly to the lightning bolt scar on his forehead. That is until his eyes traveled to meet Ginny's, who had been silent for a minute now.
"Oh I see that you decided to join me again. Harry what's going on?" she stated in a more pressing tone than when they had first entered the compartment.
"I'm sorry about that. I was just thinking how weird my life is. I really didn't mean to not pay attention to you. I'm sorry Ginny, honest," he said trying too hard to make up for ignoring her.
Ginny grinned wickedly as she accepted his apology, "It's alright Harry. Although it is kinda funny to watch you sit there squirming. Anyway, are you going to tell me what happened with Kreacher, or should I beat it out of you?"
Harry was sure he could survive whatever she could dish out, but decided not to tempt fate. "No no, we can talk," he said waving his hands to ward off the onslaught.
Harry explained what had happened that night. Ginny was utterly shocked when he relayed how Kreacher had betrayed Sirius by telling Harry his Godfather was at the Ministry last June. Cupping her hand over her mouth she looked concernedly upon Harry with a new understanding of his actions.
As Harry recalled how she had covered for him he felt a bit embarrassed. He thanked her profusely as a tinge of red crept up his neck. Harry also remembered to ask what had been bothering her almost a month ago, just as Ron and Hermione returned. She was reluctant to answer at first, but seeing as how Harry, who was always very tight lipped, had shared his troubles, she began to answer, but Ron started to complain before she could utter a sound.
"Unbelievable!" exclaimed Ron as he plopped himself down next to Harry. "That was the longest, most useless meeting I have ever attended in my life." Hermione didn't object, but looked on in silent agreement. Both of the prefects looked slightly disheveled. "And how about the new Head Boy?" he continued, "That bloke is a nutter if I ever met one. Jason Watson or something, he's in Hufflepuff. They kept going on and on about how You Know Who was back, and we needed to be extra careful, like nobody knew any of that, or we needed fifty reminders or something."
"So who's the new Head Girl?" asked Ginny, still a little disgruntled at her brother for interrupting her.
Hermione glanced thoughtfully at Harry for a moment and then answered, "Cho Chang."
Harry knew she was watching him for a reaction, but he didn't feel any. His feelings for her had changed in the past year, and his lack of expression only confirmed Hermione's suspicions. Just to get her to stop staring he said, "Well that wasn't unexpected was it? Still good for her I suppose." Hermione studied him for another second before turning to the window. The storm from the previous night had renewed itself and raindrops were pattering against the window.
The plump old witch pushing the lunch trolley came past a short time later as the friends gave a detailed description of the Prefect's meeting, talked over their courses for the year, and what Ginny should expect for her O.W.L.s. Harry bought a bunch of chocolate frogs as well as cauldron cakes and several other treats to hold them over until the feast later that evening. Hermione turned her head away from Ron as he stuffed a chocolate frog into his mouth. "So anyway, what were you two talking about when we came in?" she said directing her attention to Ginny and Harry.
"Actually Ginny was just about to tell me what was bothering her the day Diagon Alley was attacked," Harry replied. "Did you still want to tell us Ginny? I understand if you don't, I mean whatever it was you were pretty upset at the time."
Ginny looked warily at her brother for a moment before she answered. "Actually it's not a big deal or anything," she started, still eyeing her brother, "I just got a letter from Dean that Day. We broke up." Ron reacted much as anyone who knew him would have expected. He sat bolt upright and his temper seemed to rise with the blush that advanced across his cheeks. Before he could respond though Ginny cut him off with an angry glare. "Sit down Ron! I said we broke up, because it was partly my fault. We are both still friends, but it just wasn't working out. Besides that, it's none of your business," she finished with a huff and folded her arms across her chest.
As Ron finished chewing he cast around the compartment for any sign of what to do, but Harry looked lost, and Hermione was trying to console his sister. "Sorry Gin, I'm just worried about you. I want you to be happy, with someone who is going to take care of you." Ron surreptitiously glanced at Harry, who didn't really notice. Ginny nodded her understanding of her brother's intent, however overbearing and misguided it was, it was only because he loved her. The conversation changed slowly to a few other topics over the next hour and finally settled on the upcoming Quidditch season.
Around this time Neville and Luna joined the group in their compartment. Neville proudly displayed his new wand for everyone to see, and began talking animatedly about some of the plants he had studied over the holiday. A sense of growth stemmed from the young man who had found some confidence over the last year. Luna on the other hand was staring blankly out the window lost in her own world. Harry wondered at the group of friends who surrounded him, speaking lightly with each other, and how innocent they all seemed. Concern traced through his mind thinking of the reasons they stood by him. His hand slowly found it's way to his scar and began trailing up and down the lightning bolt shaped cut while he closed his eyes. Before he sank too far into his thoughts though the door to their cabin opened again. Harry groaned as he heard Ron say, "What do you want Malfoy?"
The drawling voice hung in the air as he mockingly entered the room. "Well, well, if it isn't Potter and company. Had a nice summer have you? Just as a reminder Potter, we still have a score to settle." Draco was flanked on either side by Crabbe and Goyle, who were growling in Harry's direction.
Harry found that he couldn't care less though. "Sorry, I thought the ride home last year would have settled our differences. Forgive me, I just feel so sluggish today," he replied coolly, earning several chuckles from his friends, as they recalled the three Slytherin's being turned into something much resembling giant slugs the last time they tried to attack Harry. A tinge of pink glowed on Malfoy's otherwise pale and placid complexion. Malfoy made the mistake of reaching for his wand though, and before he could pull it from his robes Harry was on his feet with his wand already leveled at Malfoy's face. Harry's friends rose to their feet nearly as quickly, but it was Harry who took control, as he began to speak in soft, deadly tones. "Give me a reason Malfoy. After all you have done to taunt and embarrass me and my friends, and the times your father has tried to kill us, give me an excuse to destroy you. It will matter very little what consequences there are, because the next time you threaten any of my friends, or myself, there won't be enough of you left to enjoy any punishment I might receive. Get Out." Harry could feel the blood pulsing through his veins as the blond haired boy recoiled and backed his way out into the hall.
"Say hi to Daddy for me," called Ron pointing his wand over Harry's shoulder. Ginny punched him in the arm as they all returned to their seats enjoying a good laugh.
Harry smiled widely, but it faded almost immediately as he thought about what had just transpired. "Good one mate. Still, I think we had better keep an eye on him this year. There isn't much that will keep him from turning into a Death Eater, but we don't want him practicing around school." Everyone nodded in agreement, but it felt strange that they sat there thinking of protecting the school from Death Eaters and such.
As the darkness fell about the countryside the students changed into their robes. Neville and Luna had returned to their carriage leaving the four Gryffindors to themselves. Harry caught Ron peaking at Hermione as she read a book, and elbowed his best friend in the ribs with a grin. Ron looked slightly put out, but Harry wasn't sure if it was for being poked, or because he got caught eying up Hermione. As they pulled up to the Hogsmeade Station Harry peered outside at the black night sky. The clouds from the storm that had followed them most of their trip had now peeled back. Their pale gray-white shapes hovered miles away on the horizon. Stepping out onto the platform he looked up to see the brightly shining stars that glimmered above the heads of all the students, and breathed deeply the clean fresh air of the countryside.
The cutting wind crossed his exposed face, but it was summer yet and the air was still warm enough that he was no worse for having felt it. Several students brushed past Harry as he realized that he was home. He turned up the platform and waved to the towering man at the other end who was holding a lantern and calling out, "Firs' years, follow me." Hagrid grinned broadly at Harry and his friends and waved genially back at them, "All righ' there you lot?".
They strode over to the coaches and before entering Harry glanced through his glasses at the Thestrals that were pulling what, to most others, appeared to be horseless carriages. He took another deep breath, and sighed, "Yes, it's good to be home."
