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The Ride Back Home

It's the last day of their sixth year at Hogwarts. Harry, Ron and Hermione were packing their stuff along with the rest of the school. The three friends met in the Gryffindor Common Room.

"So this is it then. Last day of school. Maybe our last day at Hogwarts," said Harry.

"Don't say that Harry. I'm sure we'll come back…someday," replied Hermione.

"We'd better get going if we don't want to miss the train," said Ron.

"Yes. Come on Harry"

Harry followed but he looked as if he didn't really want to leave Hogwarts. After all, it's the only place he's ever felt at home. He couldn't imagine never seeing it again.

"Come Harry. This isn't the last time you see that school. I promise" Hermione told him.

They went to the train station silently, all thinking about the sad events of the last few days and the ones to come.

They got in the train and found a compartment where they sat. The train left Hogwarts five minutes later. After half an hour they still haven't say anything.

Harry fell asleep after 3 hours in the train. He was lying on his seat. Hermione and Ron sat quietly next to each other when Hermione said something.

"Ron do you think we'll ever take that train again?"

"I don't know, Hermione. I really don't know. I hope this isn't our last ride in it"

"I hope so too. But if Harry goes to search for the Horcruxes, we'll have to go with him. We can't let him do this on his own"

"Yeah. You're probably right."

They fell silent until the lady with the trolley came. Hermione bought candies for Ron and her.

"Here you go Ron. I know you love these," said Hermione giving him Chocolate Frogs and Bertie Botts Every Flavour Beans.

"Thank you," he said, smiling for the first time since at least a week.

They ate quietly and watched Harry.

"He looks peaceful when he sleeps," said Hermione.

"Yeah. Hermione do you know why Ginny didn't come and seat with him?"

"Harry didn't tell you? He broke up with her. Ginny was so sad. She really loves him you know?" she said turning to look at Ron.

"He what? He broke my sister's heart? How could he? He's going to pay for that," said Ron, getting angry.

"Ron, no! He did this only for her to be safe. You have to understand. How would you feel if someone you love was in danger because of you? He loves your sister, Ron."

Ron thought for a moment before answering Hermione's question.

"I would feel like I'd want to protect her," said Ron after a few minutes.

"What?" asked Hermione who didn't understand.

"If y… if someone I loved was in danger because of me, I'd want to protect her," explained Ron.

"So you understand how Harry feels? Why he broke up with Ginny?"

"Yeah, I wouldn't want you to die because of me," said Ron without thinking and blushing when he realised what he had just said.

"Why do you care about me?" she asked turning her head to him.

"Well…Er…You mean a lot to me. You're my best friend. I'd feel awful if you died because of me," he answered, avoiding her gaze.

"Ron there's something you're not telling me."

"No! Why do you say that?" he said quickly.

"Because I've known you for 6 years. I know you and I know when you're not telling me something."

"Oh! Um, well, I like you a lot Hermione," he answered, embarrassed.

For a moment she didn't say anything. Ron panicked a bit, thinking she didn't feel the same way. But then, she smiled.

"I really like you too, Ron."

"Really?"

"Yes Ron. I do love you," she said smiling.

"I love you too."

Hermione moved closer to him, and he leaned until their lips met. It was the most wonderful thing they've ever felt. They broke apart.

"It was way better than kissing Lavender."

"Thanks. But Ron, I don't want to lose you in the war," she told him in a more serious tone.

"Me neither. I don't know how I could live without you. I'll protect you. I won't let you die in that war."

"Thank you Ron. But don't get killed by protecting me. Promise me Ron."

"I Promise."

And with that they fell asleep, Hermione's head on Ron's shoulder and Ron's head on Hermione's. They stayed like this for the rest of the ride. The train slowed down and all three of them woke up. They got down the train and said their good byes before getting through the barrier.

"Bye Harry. See you at Ron's this summer. That's where you're going when you turn 17, right?" asked Hermione hugging him.

"Yes. We'll have to pass our Apparition test and after we'll have to begin our search for the Horcruxes."

"OK. Bye. See you this summer."

"Bye Hermione, bye Ron."

"Bye Harry," said Ron.

Harry went through the barrier to the Muggle World, dreading the rest of his stay at the Dursleys. Hermione turned to Ron.

"Bye Ron." She kissed him one last time before going to her parents. "I hope we'll be all right during the war."

"See you this summer, Hermione. I'll miss you. When are you coming?"

"I'll miss you too. I don't know. Maybe after your Apparition test."

"OK. See you then."

And they went to meet their parents.

AN: This is only my second story. Hope you liked it. Review please. Sorry if there are any mistakes, English is my second language.