Chapter Twenty-Nine

Until Next Year

"I can't believe I didn't almost die this year." Harry said, sounding slightly disappointed.

"Getting to be an adrenaline junkie, Potter?" Serena asked laughing.

"I think so. Facing death all the time, you get used to it. After five years, you actually expect it!" Harry said laughing now.

"Well if it makes you feel better you did die about nine times." Serena said smiling.

"True, but Voldemort ran away before he got a chance to do me in!" Harry joked.

"Honestly, Harry, I think sometimes you want to die." Hermione said matter-of-factly.

"She might be right mate. You are a bit reckless at times." Ron said.

"He's always reckless. That's how he always saves the day." Ginny said laughing.

"Actually I don't want to die. Just think it might be preferable to the Dursley's." Harry said. It appeared he had no choice but to go back. "Any chance you could sneak into my trunk?" he said looking at Serena hopefully.

"Sorry, dear, but it appears Moony was told to check the trunk if I didn't appear. Besides someone has to annoy the hell out of him to go get you early." Serena said, grinning. "And we both know I can annoy the hell out of him."

"Serena I think we all know that by now." Ron said, laughing.

"I will curse you, or kiss you and let Harry curse you after you start to blush!" Serena said cheerfully.

"Good threat, that." Harry said smiling. His smile faded quickly though.

"What's wrong Potter?" Serena asked.

"One more year, then its all over." Harry said sadly. "I'm actually going to miss Hogwarts."

"Well, then look on the bright side." Serena said.

"What is that?" Harry asked.

Serena put her mouth close to his ear and whispered. "The ministry can't track the magic you do. Dumbledore told me that. Guess he knew I'd tell you."

Harry laughed loudly. "Well then the Dursley's will have a whole new problem." he said. Then his face lit up even more. "I've got it!"

"Got what, Harry?" Hermione asked quickly.

"Can't tell you, you're a prefect. Start taking house points you will." Harry said laughing while Hermione rolled her eyes. "I just figured out how this is going to be the best summer ever." He said.

He began whispering his plan to the others quickly. At points they would gasp, most times they were laughing, and soon they were almost all agreed. All that was left was the convincing of Hermione. That was not an easy task, taking most of the ride home.

"Come on Hermione!" Harry said. "What could be better?"

"Having a nice quiet time of it." Hermione said cheerfully.

"No fun, Mione. No fun at all." Serena said.

"Right like you'll be able to pull it off." Hermione said.

"Are you kidding? My guardian is Moony." Serena said laughing.

"Padfoot's got a point. She has the easiest go of all of us." Harry said, laughing.

"Look, much as I love my dad, I don't think Padfoot is such a sweet name to call your girlfriend, Snuffles." Serena said laughing.

"Would you rather be Snuffles then love?" Harry said, laughing at this.

"Oi! We still gotta get Hermione to agree." Ron said getting them back to the point.

Suddenly Serena's eyes lit up and she whispered really closely in Hermione's ear. Hermione blushed quickly and started nodding. "Alright I'll do it." She said quickly.

"What did you say?" Harry asked, perplexed at the quickness that Hermione accepted. Serena started whispering in Harry's ear as well. Soon he was laughing. "Right little charmer, our Hermione is!"

"What?" Ron said. When no answer came he said it again. "What?"

"Trust me Ron, if I told you, your ears would turn red till we returned to school." Harry said laughing.

Now that they were all agreed upon the plan, they had no more worries. They were the Marauders. They may not succeed in making teachers agree with them, but they always succeeded in carrying out a plan. Harry relaxed again, leaning back on his seat while Serena rested her head in his lap. Seeing everyone smiling and talking happily, he knew his life was perfect again. Nothing could change it, Not even Voldemort.

As they exited the train, they were getting in their last jokes. The parents of the group were watching them shaking their heads. All were thinking the same thing. These children are going to be trouble at home, maybe even worse since they would be separated. No one dared pry them apart till they were ready, however. Everyone saying their last goodbyes. Harry and Serena were shocked when they pulled away from each other to see Ginny stuck in a strong kiss from Neville.

"Oh my god, we just switched off boyfriends!" Serena said laughing.

"Never would have known Neville was a charmer." Harry said laughing as Neville turned red.

"Sod off you two, you aren't the only ones who deserve a happy ending." Ginny said smiling. Harry and Serena looked at Ron and Hermione and started laughing.

"Agreed!" Harry and Serena said.

They walked up to their parents now, except for Harry who was grimly facing the thought of another summer at the Dursleys. Before leaving the platform all five Marauders looked at each other and smiled.

"Until Next Year!" They said in unison.