Chapter 8

A Long Train Ride

September 1st had finally arrived, and Kings Cross Station was crowded with both magical and Muggle parents seeing their children off to school. Harry and Hermione were already on the train, poring over the new Defense Against the Dark Arts book they had been assigned when Ron and Mandy Brocklehurst peeked in.

"Hey, guys," Ron said. He frowned when he saw the book and shook his head. "So, Harry, now that toad Umbridge is gone, are you playing Quidditch again this year?" Harry looked up and shook his head. Mandy had left to use the bathroom, so now was the perfect time to tell Ron about the prophecy. Harry took a deep breath and began.

"Ron, when we were in the Ministry last year, there was a Prophecy...a real one...about me and Voldemort. To put it simply, one of us has to kill the other. I need to train, to prepare...for when that day arrives."

"So, what does that have to do with Quidditch. You're still going to play, right?"

"Ron...I can't play. Not because of the ban, but because I won't have time."

"But, Harry, we need you. I mean, Ginny's good, but you've got to play. Gryffindor needs you." Ron was practically begging, and it didn't seem like he had heard a word that Harry had said.

"Ron, if I don't train, I won't be able to kill Voldemort...he'll kill me. If I die and he doesn't, then he'll be free to take over the world. I love quidditch, you know that, but this is something I have to do."

"But, Harry, this is crazy...you knocked him out of his body when you were a baby, and he was at full power then. You shouldn't have any problem now. There isn't any reason why you couldn't play." Harry took a deep breath.

"Ron, between 6 classes, DA, Prefect, and all my training, I'm barely going to have time to eat or sleep. There's no way I can fit quidditch in."

"Six classes? What are you taking?"

"Defense Against The Dark Arts, Transfiguration, Weaponry and Alternative Self-Defense, Potions, Charms, and Muggle-Wizarding Relations/Muggle Studies."

"Potions? Why would you want to take Potions. Two more years with that greasy git?"

"I need it to become an Auror."

"Okay, but if you gave up Prefect, you could still play quidditch."

"Ron, even if I wanted to, Dumbledore wouldn't let me. Even if I did, I still wouldn't have time. I have to study so I can prepare for DA."

"Harry, I can't believe this. You're acting like Hermione." Harry looked up and smiled.

"Thanks." Ron turned to Hermione, frowning.

"What have you done to Harry? What did you do, put him under Imperius or something?" At that Harry slammed his book shut and glared at Ron.

"How dare you, Ron? I hate to tell you this but the world doesn't revolve around quidditch. In case you forgot, Hermione is my girlfriend, and she would never do such a thing. Anyway, Imperius doesn't affect me, remember." Ron turned beet red and muttered "sorry". Harry nodded and returned to his book. An uncomfortable silence filled the compartment, which was finally broken when Ernie McMillan stuck his head in the door to tell Harry and Hermione that they were needed in the Prefects compartment. They didn't return until the train was at the Hogsmeade station.

Finally, after a brief carriage ride, they were at Hogwarts. Ron turned to Harry in a last effort to change his mind.

"Harry, are you sure about quitting? Running out on the team?" Harry nodded, and Ron frowned. "Harry, I hope you think before telling McGonagall. You need to get your priorities straight." At this Harry and Hermione glared at Ron.

"She already knows. As for priorities, MINE are fine. YOU are the one who needs to think about what's important. Surviving Voldemort or a damn game." With this spoken, Harry and Hermione entered the Great Hall, leaving a stunned Ron at the door.

A/N: I know it's short...but you'll see why in the next few chapters.