Chapter 1: On Platform 9 and ¾.
1st September.
Harry wheeled his trolley onto Platform 9 and ¾. He looked around feeling strangely alone, as he had almost always met his two best friends, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, on the Platform. He loaded his stuff into the luggage car and was about to board the Express when he heard a
"Harry, Harry, HARRY!"
He suddenly saw three people rushing towards him. Ron, Hermione, and Ginny squashed him in three flying hugs.
"Hi Harry! Haven't seen you in AGES!"
"Hey Harry! How are you!" Ron and Hermione shrieked.
"Hi guys!" Harry said weakly, in shock. He smiled at Ginny. "How's everyone been? What's been happening?" Harry questioned.
"Well, Hermione here has been very busy." Ron replied. "She's ENGAGED even. To Draco."
"Hermione's ENGAGED!? Since when!? To Draco!" Harry exclaimed. Hermione blanched and her face turned a deep pink.
"Ron, you promised you wouldn't tell him yet!" Hermione yelled. "Anyway, Ron has been going out with PARVATI. You know, Parvati Patil. She's now working as a Divination teacher along with Trelawney and Firenze." Ron flushed, and Ginny decided to change the subject, much to Harry's relief.
"We're all working at Hogwarts this Year Harry. Ron is a second quidditch teacher (oh no!), Hermione is Head of Ravenclaw and is teaching Ancient Runes as Professor Vector retired last year, I'm Herbology teacher as Sprout has retired, and from what I've heard, Draco is co-teaching Potions and being co-Head of Slytherin House with Snape. Yes, Snape is still there Harry." She added, seeing the look on Harry's face.
"What are you teaching Harry?" Ron asked.
"Defence against the Dark Arts, for obvious reasons, and I'm to be Head of the Gryffindors and Gryffindor Tower. I heard that Professor McGonagall's injuries are being troublesome, so she doesn't want the job anymore. She is still Transfiguration teacher though."
"The train will leave soon, we'd better board" Hermione cut in as she loaded the Weasleys luggage.
Harry climbed in a carriage and headed for their old usual compartment, but Hermione grabbed him back. "You're a teacher now Harry, not a student, remember? The teachers have their own compartment at the front of the train." The other three followed her to where they should be.
They walked in to see Proffessors McGonagall and Dumbledore talking. At the site of the four former students they stood up.
"Hope you have all been well." McGonagall said.
"Good to see you all together again." Dumbledore commented.
"Hi Proffessors." Harry greeted them.
"Harry, it's Minerva now, you aren't a student anymore, no need for such formalties."
"Yes Harry, I'm Albus to you now, not Proffessor Dumbledore." He said, smiling warmly. "Now, you will have many things to catch up on, and an old enemy-turned-friend should be here soon. We shall see you all later. Minerva, after you." The two Professors walked out, and Harry, Ron, Ginny and Hermione sat down. Ginny sat next to Harry but was careful not to sit to close, incase Hermione guessed something about her and Harry being 'more-than-friends'. They had just began discussing what had been happening lately, when Draco walked in.
"Draco!" Hermione yelled, and jumped up to hug him. Harry noticed Ron looking slightly uncomfortable at the fact Hermione loved Draco, who was once Ron worst enemy though now turned best friend, and winced inwardly. Ron had loved about Hermione for years, but she had never returned that affection.
"Hi Harry." Draco said.
"Hey Draco. I head about you and Hermione's engagement, congratulations!" Hermione turned scarlet and a pink but proud look flushed across Draco's face. Ginny privately threw a murderous look at Harry over Ron's shoulder for mentioning engagements. Then she changed the subject.
"Hey Draco, remember when Peeves chased Umbridge out of the Castle, whacking her with things? How funny was it!" The five then fell into talking comfortably about their teenage years together. Time passed quickly, and soon they reached Hogsmeade station and boarded the thestral driven carriages that would take them to Hogwarts.