Harry sat with his forehead pressed against the cool window of the Hogwart's Express. Staring silently out the window and seeing nothing he sighed and sat back. Leaning his head against the chair Harry closed his eyes and was absorbed in thoughts. Earlier that day he stood on the lawn of Hogwart's looking over the Black Lake with Ron and Hermione, remembering that there was hope left in the world. But here alone everything assaulted him. Dumbledore was gone, he'd let Ginny go, and he had to track down Voldemort and his horcruxes, the future of the wizarding world rested on his shoulders, these thoughts whirled in his mind making his head swim. The compartment door flew open and Hermione stuck her head in.
"Harry, are you certain you're okay?" She asked looking at him quizzically, "You could always come and join us in the corridor if you'd like."
"Thanks Hermione, but really I'm okay. I need time to think." Harry automatically responded.
Hermione slid the compartment door shut and walked away to find Ron. He had chosen to come on the Hogwarts Express with Hermione and Ron for two reasons: one was that it was virtually empty. Most students had traveled directly home from the funeral with family, Hermione and Ron as prefects were expected to keep an eye on those who had not. Although the Weasley's had offered to take Harry directly to the Burrow for the Wedding, he opted out. Mainly because being around Ginny while wedding plans were being finalized would not be easy, so he'd wait until at least Ron and Hermione were there too.
Harry sat back and again began thinking of all that had passed in the past weeks. So many things that he needed to deal with and sort through. He remembered a year ago and all of the feelings he had let boil until he'd exploded in Dumbledore's office. He could not let that happen again. Too much was dependent on him, he had to figure out a way to deal with everything that was happening, and would happen. The most important issue that needed to be dealt with was the information he had learned about horcruxes. For a year he had been going to Dumbledore's office and learning about Voldemort through Dumbledore's memories. That information was valuable and Harry knew he would have to start recording what he had learned from Dumbledore.
Taking out a piece of parchment and his favorite eagle quill, Harry began to write down different snippets of information that he had learned from Dumbledore. Scribbling as fast as he could remember Harry continued to write as the parchment began to spill onto the floor. Time quickly passed and Harry was surprised to feel the train rumble to a stop. Standing up and stretching Harry glanced over as the compartment door slid open.
"Harry mate are you ready to go?" Ron Weasley said sticking his large red head through the door, "Mum and Dad are bound to be waiting on the platform for us."
Harry quickly rolled up the three feet of parchment he had written and stuffed it into his bag. Grabbing his trunk, and Hedwig's cage Harry followed Ron and Hermione to Platform 9 ¾.
There on the platform stood Mr. and Mrs. Weasley continually glancing about them. Harry recognized a few members of the Order of the Phoenix lurking about in the crowd, disguised and keeping a low profile. Upon seeing Harry alight onto the platform many of the Order members walked quickly over to him and shook his hand. Something else, however, had caught Harry's eye. In bewilderment Harry turned to see Uncle Vernon, Aunt Petunia, and Dudley Dursley all standing uncomfortably glancing around them. Smiling despite himself Harry hurried over to them.
"Uhhh, Uncle Vernon. I won't be coming to Number 4 Privet Drive today." Harry said struggling to choke back laughter. "I forgot to, erm, tell you that well a lot has happened. My best mate's brother is getting married and I am on my way to his place for a few days."
"But I remember what that…that…that man Dumbedory said last summer, you have no choice but to return to our home." Uncle Vernon stammered out, his face turning a nasty shade of violet as his vein throbbed in his forehead.
"That is right, and I will be returning to Privet Drive in a few days' times. My friends Ron and Hermione will be coming with me. We won't be there more than a couple of nights. They can camp out on my floor. I'll be collecting my belongings and moving out for good." Harry explained matter of factly to his uncle.
Vernon's face contorted many times through out Harry's explanation. He thought to himself, how dare he talk to me like that. But he saw the depth of meaning in Harry's eyes, and after all he would be rid of Harry for good after this visit. He knew he would be unsuccessful to try and bully Harry. Something, although he was not quite sure what had changed since the last time he had seen his nephew. Curtly he nodded at Harry, and turned to storm out, Petunia and Dudley followed as Vernon turned one last time and looked directly at Harry.
Smiling with relief that his Uncle had not made a scene Harry turned to find the Weasley's and Hermione. They all stood and looked at Harry in astonishment and amazement. Harry Potter was no longer a boy. He was finally coming into his own. Harry was ready for the task laid out before him.