Disclaimer: Harry Potter's not mine…

Author's Note: Oh, man! I know it's been like 4 months! I'm so sorry! I really am! I just didn't know where to go with the story, so I skipped into the school year… I'm not doing review responses anymore either, because I was just told they're not allowed on here. I may go put them on my LiveJournal again... Link in my profile. I'll do that later or tomorroe. Feel free to e-mail me any questions, or to push me to update faster. Thanks to all my reviewers! Onto the much awaited chapter!

Chapter 18: Back to Platform 9 ¾

The last week and a half of summer went by surprisingly fast for Harry. When September 1st rolled around that Wednesday, he was sad to leave. Him and Remus had had a great time together, as well as with James and Lily. He couldn't believe how much he was really going to miss them. Just three weeks ago he couldn't wait to go back to Hogwarts again. It was only six weeks ago that him and his parents had been reunited. Time seemed to have passed by so quickly.

There has been one Order meeting since the Induction, but nothing new had been going on with Voldemort. It seemed as if he was planning something big and secretive at the moment. Other than the attack on Harry's family at least. It was obvious Voldemort would never give up on getting his revenge on the Potters. He was probably just keeping under cover for a while though.

Fudge announced that the election of Minister of Magic was going to be held September 5th last Friday. It was obvious to Harry that that git was just afraid now that he'd seen Voldemort, and couldn't handle faking his position any longer. Dumbledore had, once again to the disappointment of many, refused to run, claiming he already had too much to deal with at the moment. Amelia Bones, Susan Bone's aunt, would be running though, along with a man Harry hadn't heard of by the name of Phillip Phears. Percy, being too young, couldn't run yet, which Ron said was for the best anyway.

"Harry, hurry up, you're going to miss the train!" Lily called from downstairs.

Harry set his copy of Advanced Potion Brewing into his trunk, leaving nothing else to pack, and closed it. He grabbed the handle and dragged it down the stairs, where Remus and Lily were waiting. James hadn't been able to make it, claiming to have something important to do for Dumbledore that morning. Him and Harry had said their goodbyes the previous night, because of that. Harry looked around after each step, taking in what he was leaving from his house. Wow, it felt odd saying his house. For once, he'd actually be looking forward to coming home for the holidays.

"The car is here, Harry. Hurry!" Lily called again.

"Coming," Harry said, descending the last step.

Remus grabbed a hold of Harry's trunk, and drug it the rest of the way to the car. The Ministry had provided Lily the car use as a sort of welcome back type gift. She didn't really care for the Ministry, but it was an easier way to make it to King's Cross. The three crowded into the backseat of the car, comfortable because of the fact that the interior had been magically enlarged to be bigger on the inside. The journey didn't take long, in Harry's opinion, and they only made a bit of small talk along the way.

They arrived with only five minutes to spare. The trio dashed out of the car, and through Platform 9 ¾, luckily not seen by any Muggles. Harry couldn't believe he was finally going back to school. He wouldn't see his parents until Christmas break. The thought made him a bit sad. It'd be nice to talk to Ron and Hermione again though. He'd only seen them a few times this summer. The warning whistle blew; Harry gave him mum a hug goodbye, and began to board the train. He wasn't going home this time, he was leaving it.

"Be sure to write, Harry!" she yelled after him.

"I will." he promised, waving to his mum and friend from the door of the train.

Harry vanished, and just a few moments later, the Hogwarts Express began departing. Lily felt tears well up in her eyes. That was the first time she sent her son off to school. She never thought she'd get to do it. She wouldn't see him again until the holidays. Remus turned to Lily.

"Harry doesn't know, does he?" Remus said seriously.

"He wanted it to be a surprise-" Lily said.

"Well, I think he'll be surprised alright, but knowing Harry, he might also be mad." Remus said.

"Why?" Lily asked.

"Because he doesn't like being kept in the dark like that."

At this, Lily silently agreed, but it was too late to turn back now.

As Harry felt the train leaving the station, he couldn't help but feel a bit homesick. He knew it was childish, but he missed his family. He put that thought in the back of his mind and went to look for his two best friends. It took him a moment to realize they'd be in Prefect carriage though, so he'd have to wait to talk to them. Harry settled for sitting with Neville. He wasn't sure where Luna and Ginny had gone to.

"Mind if I sit here?" Harry asked.

"Not at all," Neville said, eager for some company.

Harry sat across from Neville, "Have a good summer?"

"Great," Neville said excitedly. "Me and Gran went to France for a few days. You?"

Harry was about to ask what Neville did there when he didn't know French, but decided against it. "Yeah, with my parents back and all… It was nice."

The two continued with some small talk for a while, until Ron and Hermione returned. Ron, as usual, was complaining about Malfoy.

"I can't believe he's still a Prefect… Dumbledore shouldn't get him there after his alliance with Umbridge and all the rules he's broken!" Ron ranted.

Hermione let out a long sigh. She must had heard Ronald complain like that a million times by now. Harry didn't know how the two of them had put up with it all this time, but they had. That was just how Ron was.

"Like any of the other Slytherin's would be better." Hermione muttered.

"Did I tell you Ginny was made a Prefect? Fred and George were a bit disappointed in her, but mum and dad were ecstatic."

"Knew Dumbledore was sure to pick her." Harry said. "Who else?"

"Well, that Colin Creevy was the other Gryffindor Prefect." at this, Harry cringed. "Luna and some other Ravenclaw I don't know are Prefects… I don't know any of the Slytherin or Hufflepuff Prefects. Cho is Headgirl though."

"That's a surprise," Harry mused.

"I know, I can't believe it." Ron muttered. "Don't understand why on Earth Dumbledore would pick her…"

"Yeah…" Harry said distractedly… 'Dumbledore… The Prophecy…' "Ron, Hermione, I have to tell you something before Ginny and Luna get here. Let's go to the next compartment, I don't want anyone to overhear this." Harry paused and added in a louder voice. "We'll be right back, Neville. Save our seats, okay?"

"Sure," Neville said eagerly.

As they left, Hermione gave Harry a look, but did as she was told. She and Ron looked at Harry expectantly. What was so important that only they could know?

"What is it, Harry?" Hermione asked once they were in the empty compartment, the door shut. She sounded like a mother trying to comfort a child. Harry nearly laughed at the thought of that, but then remembered why he had to talk to them.

"I… I heard the prophecy from the Department of Mysteries. I know what it says."

"What, when? What does it say? Oh god…" Hermione said, eyes wide.

Ron just stood there waiting for Harry to continue. He wasn't good with things like this. It was, and always would be, Hermione's role.

"After Sirius… After Dumbledore sent me back. He came back and told me the contents. It was told to him all those years ago…"

"Oh, Harry, what did it say?" Hermione asked.

"Killed or be killed," Harry whispered. "I've got to kill Voldemort," at this, Ron flinched, but Harry ignored it. "Or he kills me and the whole wizarding world is doomed… It all depends on me."

All three remained silent, unsure of what to say. Harry began idly moving his foot around.

"I'll understand if you don't want to be my friend anymore. I just ask Dumbledore if-" Harry said when no one responded.

"Of course we still want to be your friend!" Hermione cut in.

"Yeah, mate, it's crazy to think we wouldn't." Ron added.

"But what if I get you killed?" Harry asked. "I'm a huge target for the Death Eaters now… Voldemort knows of part of the prophecy."

"Then we'll die." Hermione said strongly.

"It's war, Harry, these are the risks we have to take." said Ron. "If I have to risk my life for my friends and family, then I will."

Harry felt a huge weight being lifted from his chest. They were willing to stick by him. They wouldn't ditch him, because of the prophecy. He wasn't in this war alone, and now he knew it. He smiled, and Hermione embraced him in a hug. Harry awkwardly hugged her back, and they broke apart.

"So…" Ron said, unsure of whether or not they were done with their conversation.

"We better go back before Ginny and Luna arrive… They might find it suspicious if they walk in and we're not there." Harry replied, answering Ron's unasked question.

"Yeah," Hermione agreed. "So you're not going to tell them?"

"Not yet," Harry said, shaking his head. "I'm not ready to tell them yet. But I probably will eventually. It's just… Too soon."

She nodded in understanding and they re-entered the compartment. Luna and Ginny were already there. When Ginny questioned where they had been, Harry just shrugged and sat down. Surprisingly, the redhead dropped the subject. Ron and Hermione took their seats after a quick look at Harry. Ron, Harry noticed, was sitting unusually close to Luna, but ignored it. He had more important things to worry about. Something seemed suspicious to him. Why would Dumbledore have given him, of all people, a mission right before term started?

The rest of the ride continued uneventfully with just a bit of small talk. Luna reading her Quibbler, and Ron reading it over her shoulder. Hermione had her nose buried in her new school books, Ginny and Neville were chatting and Harry was just thinking. All six were surprised to find that Malfoy and his cronies did not make their usual visit to their compartment. Though Harry felt a bit suspicious about it, the other six figured the slug incident after 5th year had scared them off.

Neville, Ron and Harry moved to another compartment just a few minutes before they arrived in Hogsmede Station, so the girls could change into their robes. They changed in there and re-joined Hermione, Ginny and Luna just as they pulled into the Station. It definitely felt weird to be back at Hogwarts. The first thing Harry noticed was a familiar voice shouting, "Firs' Years thi' way! C'mon, don' be shy. All firs' years ova' 'ere."

Harry waved to Hagrid as they passed. He saw the thestrals, and immediately thought about Sirius's death. Sirius had fallen behind the veil, never to return again. Dead just like Cedric. Harry pushed these thought aside and got in the carriage with Ginny, Luna, Hermione, Ron and Neville.

The carriages took them up the roads and to the castle. They got out near the entrance and walked into the Great Hall. The First Years hadn't arrived yet. Ginny, Neville, Ron, Hermione and Harry sat down at the Gryffindor table and Luna headed down to sit with the Ravenclaws. Harry was beginning to enjoy being back, until Ron said something that changed it all…

"Harry, isn't that your dad up their at the staff table?" Ron asked.

Harry looked up and his jaw feel open. There was his dad sitting at the staff table talking casually to Professor Flitwick and Dumbledore.

End note: Oh... I know exactly where I'm going with this! The next chapter I will have fun writing! You all with have to wait and see though.