Chapter 2: Hogwarts Express

Harry looked around at his friends as they sat together in the rumbling train compartment. Ron was digging through a box of Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans which he'd just purchased on the trolley, as he enthusiastically recounted some of the "spectacular" saves he'd made as the Gryffindor Quidditch Keeper to Neville, one of the only people somewhat willing to listen. Neville however, judging by the rather dazed look on his face, understood only a little of what Ron was saying, though he kept nodding just the same. Then, as Ron recalled a particularly tense part in the match, he gestured wildly, knocking over the box of sweets and scattering the beans all over the floor. He quickly grabbed the overturned box to prevent the rest from falling, and shoved it towards Neville. "Here, hold this for a minute". Harry could not help but smile as he watched Ron drop to the floor and crawl around scrambling to gather up the fallen beans.

As Ron was moving about on the ground, he bumped into Hermione, but she merely shushed him without even looking up. It seemed she was focusing too intently on what she was doing to find the time to scold him for causing such a disturbance. Ever since they sat down, she'd had her nose buried in a book entitled, Advanced Magical Defensive Techniques. She was frowning slightly and chewing her bottom lip as she concentrated on figuring out the latest spell. When Harry had asked her earlier why she was still studying on the first day of summer vacation, she merely shrugged. "It might come in useful". Apparently, she thought she was still coming with him to find the Horcruxes. She and Ron were both being so stubborn. Couldn't they see that he didn't want to put them in even more danger? Every time he'd tried to bring it up, she interrupted him, saying firmly, "We're coming with you, Harry. That's all there is to it."

Although he never really intended to allow them to come with him, he kept quiet about it for the time being. At least they weren't treating him like Ginny was. During their most recent meeting in the train's corridor, she and Hermione had struck up a small conversation. Although Ginny had greeted him with a "Hi, Harry", as usual, she clearly avoided meeting his eye, which left him standing there awkwardly. Why didn't she understand that telling her that he didn't want to be with her was one of the most painful things he'd ever had to do? He couldn't bear to have another one of the people he cared for die because of him. Because in the end, it all boiled down to one thing: Voldemort. He was the one who had caused all this grief and heartache. Only after he was gone could Harry really be happy again.

Every moment, the train brought them closer to their destination. Although Harry knew what it was he had to do, he was no closer to understanding how to do it. Undeniably, having Ron and Hermione with him would make the job loads easier. But would he ever be able to forgive himself if something happened to them? He immediately answered the question in his mind. Even if he did succeed, it wouldn't be worth living without them. They were all he had left. And so, Harry came to the grim resolution that he would have to complete the task alone. They would never let him leave by himself though, so how was he going to get away without them noticing? Perhaps he could head to the Dursleys first and leave from there. But just then, he remembered his promise to attend Bill and Fleur's wedding. That meant he would have to pay a visit to the Burrow first. It might be best if he went home with Ron now, and then worked out where to go from there. He wasn't quite ready to say goodbye yet anyhow. However, it was going to be difficult, to say the least, residing in the same house with Ginny, given what had happened between them.

"You've been awfully quiet, Harry". Neville's quiet voice broke into his thoughts. Undoubtedly, he was attempting to change the subject before Ron, who had just finished collecting the beans from underneath the seats, went back to bombarding him with information about his Quidditch career.

"I've just been thinking over a few things", Harry explained. At this, he saw Ron and Hermione exchange a pointed look. Was it possible they knew what he was planning to do? Even though he had never mentioned sneaking out before, he had a feeling they suspected what he was up to. After all, Hermione wasn't the cleverest witch of her age for nothing. Well then, he would just have to be more careful. He couldn't risk any delays.

"Hey, Harry", Ron began hesitantly, "you're coming home with me right? Because I've already told my mum you were, and everyone's expecting you to be there".

"Sure", Harry replied," I couldn't miss the wedding".

Ron visible relaxed at his words, and shot a sidelong glance at Hermione. He continued, this time addressing Neville. "Don't forget that you're invited to the wedding too. Mum's already sent your Gram an invitation". Neville thanked him, promising to try and remember. He was still having trouble with his memory, especially since he'd lost his Rememberall.

Just then, Hermione turned to Harry, and asked him the very question he'd been avoiding. "Where are you planning to go after the wedding?"

Harry tried to act casual. "Oh, well I suppose I'll be going back to the Dursleys first". He didn't want to give too much away, particularly since Neville was present. Although he had been a member of the DA, Neville had no idea about the Horcruxes or the content of the prophecy which had come so close to being about him. But Hermione knew all that, so why was she asking him in front of Neville in the first place?

Suddenly, loud gagging sounds made them all turn towards Ron, who was now spitting into a napkin. "Yuck", he said looking absolutely revolted, "That was bloody disgusting. I'm never eating these things again". He gestured to towards the box of Every Flavor Beans. "I don't even want to guess what that was supposed to be. But I'd say there's a pretty good chance it was vomit."

Hermione shuddered, giving Ron a nauseated look. Harry and Neville on the other hand, burst out laughing. At first, Hermione looked at them disapprovingly, whilst Ron looked offended. But soon, the two of them couldn't help but laugh along with them. What a relief it was to finally ease the tension of the past few days! They soon fell quiet again, as they realized that the train was beginning to slow down. "Oh, we're nearly at the station", Hermione declared as she stood up. "We'd better collect our things". The train came to a halt, and the four of them exited the compartment, entering the now busy corridor. After a group of younger students moved aside (with some prodding from Ron), the way to the platform was clear. The trio said goodbye to Neville at the bottom of the steps, then proceeded through the barrier. They reentered the Muggle world and walked straight into Mrs.Weasley's outstretched arms.

Author's Note: Thank you for the reviews! If you read this please don't forget to review. They are one of the things that encourage me to keep writing.