Disclaimer: I do not own any characters, places, ideas, etc. that are contained within Harry Potter books. J.K. Rowling does. The only thing I can even remotely try to claim ownership of is my part of the plot. So please don't sue me, remember I am a lowly 17 year old girl, I have no money, so you wouldn't be gaining anything. Anything else you recognize from any other place, I don't own that either, sometimes these ideas fly into my head before I realize where it came from. Thank you. I think that covers everything, I hope.

A/N: For those of you who have stayed with this story through my neglect, thank you, I do not know where you get your patience. I don't know how soon I'll be able to update. I do have some plot penguins running, or rather waddling, through my brain. Lucky for you, I actually have a study hall this year. My Senior year and a study hall. Don't look at me, I didn't want it. I wanted to take Physcology/Sociology and Physics. But noooooo, the schedule had to suck so I got stuck in study hall and Geography! So shoot me I'm an overachieving nerd, in a good way of course. Similar to our own Hermione here. Anyway, I hope you enjoy this.

Chapter Eight: Carriage Conversations And Coming Home

All too soon the train ride ended and with it our fun. We were ushered out of the train and led to the thestral drawn carriages. Danny, Ron, Harry, and I went into one carriage while Parvati, Lavender, Neville, and Luna crammed into the next. Draco, Blaise, and Ginny filled up the last carriage of our mini caravan. It was hard not to notice the narrowing of eyes and the negative vibes radiating off of Ron when he noticed his baby sister was riding with the Slytherins.

"Relax Ron, Ginny's a big girl. She can handle a couple of boys, besides that Draco and Blaise are okay. Remember?" I told him, amused as his ears turned scarlet at the mention of their names.

"But Mione," Ron whined, "They're Slytherins. They're sneaky and slimy and, and, well, I don't trust them."

"You don't trust Ginny you mean." Harry said. "Mione's right, Ginny's a big girl. She can take care of them."

"But, but, but, Slytherins." Ron whined. We all just stared at him. That argument was getting old. Sure it worked before the war, but now, well things are different.

"Might I remind you Ronald, that you are currently riding with a Slytherin, this very moment?" I reminded him.

"Oh, right. Errrm, sorry man," Ron said blushing even more. "So errr, those thestrals were creepy looking weren't they?" He said trying to curb the conversation.

"Yeah, a bit. Though they are rather interesting," I said.

"You get used to them after a while," Harry replied.

"Let me tell you, it's a shock the first time," Danny chimed in. Wait a second, Danny could see them? This calls for an explanation.

"You can see them?" I asked him.

"Yeah," he replied slowly, he didn't know why but I could tell that he was in trouble. Well, nt trouble per say, but due for interrogation.

"When did this happen?" I asked him, getting a bit more frantic.

"Mione, seriously isn't that kind of personal," Ron said.

"Yes but-" I started but Danny cut me off.

"No she has a right to know. It does involve her," Danny replied. I glanced around the carriage and noticed Harry shifting uncomfortably.

"Danny, what…" I asked taking on a sober expression.

"I don't think that this is the right time or place Mione," Harry said leaning over and taking my hand in his.

"I guess, but I want to know by the end of the day," I said pouting slightly. Harry smiled at me and gave my hand a squeeze.

"Okay, deal." He said.

"Oy! Look, we're here," Ron said pointing out the window drawing us out of the serious conversation.

"You are going to enjoy this year Danny, I just know it," I told Danny.

"I know I will, Miss Tour-Guide," He said back.

We all jumped out of the carriages and reconvened in our original group. As we walked up to the stairs Harry stopped in front of us and looked up. I went up to him. "What is it Harry?" I asked.

"Home," He replied, "Its home."

Subtlety, ahhh isn't it great? If you don't know what I mean you probably have the subtlety of a bull in a china store. If you wouldn't mind, could you review. I just want to gauge how many people have stuck with this story. I promise cookies to whoever reviews. What? Cookies can't travel through the internet! Hmmmmmmm, then I promise…………a joke next chapter. I know, I know, not as cool as cookies, but work with me people.

Until next time, Ciao!