A/N: Thanks to my betas, you are a constant inspiration. Also, thanks to my readers. I was convinced that writing fanfictions was stupid and I promised I was over it. So now this story is a forbidden activity.
Harry and Hermione crossed the threshold into the compartment with their friends. Ron was reading a Quidditch magazine and Luna was perusing the latest issue of the Quibbler. Ginny was reading the Daily Prophet and Neville was examining a copy of Advanced Herbology by Maradriel Noocty. Luna and Ron were sitting together on one side of the compartment and Neville and Ginny were together on the other side. After putting up her trunk, Hermione sat down next to Ginny and pulled out Hogwarts: A History. Harry sat next to Ron and stared out the window. He could see clouds gathering above the mountains; their color darkened as the train sped along. Before very long, rain was pounding down upon the Hogwart's Express. The lamps lit in their respective compartments and Harry looked away from the window. He noticed that none of his friends were really reading; they were idly flipping the pages, but Harry could tell they were not absorbing the material they read. He couldn't blame them, the death of their beloved headmaster weighed heavily on them all.
A thought crossed his mind about breaking the silent tension, but he quelled it immediately. Letting his friends reflect on the events was the best course of action; time heals all wounds. That was profound, Dumbledore would be proud. He smiled at the thought and resumed staring out of the window.
The train arrived at the station long before any of the passengers had realized. The boys quickly left the compartment as the girls changed and the girls did the same for the boys. The six friends then retrieved their luggage and trudged off the train. All the students were very subdued as they greeted their families. Neville's grandmother was crushing him in a silent hug and Mrs. Weasley was whimpering over her two youngest children. He walked over to the Weasley family and Mrs. Weasley darted towards him and snatched him up. Hers arms wrapped around his torso quickly and she pulled him into a rib-cracking embrace. I guess no matter how old I am, she'll always be able to do this.
After Mrs. Weasley released him, he smiled and stepped back. He glanced over to see Hermione and Ginny conversing friendly. He walked over to them and was joined by Ron.
"So, when is the wedding?" Harry inquired.
"Phlegm says she's a summer. She insisted that the wedding be on the first day of summer," Ginny responded.
"Which is when?" asked Ron.
"June 22," Hermione simply stated.
"Oh," said Harry. He did not want to bring up the question of when he would be coming over. He couldn't figure out how to phrase it.
"Oh, and Mum said you'd be coming over two days before the wedding and staying for the rest of the summer," Ron stated nonchalantly. Harry smiled broadly knowing he would only be spending a few days at the Dursley's. I'll never need to go back to that place after this. His grin broadened even more. The four friends said good-bye to Luna and Neville as they departed. The Advance Guard then arrived; Lupin, Moody, Tonks, Mundungus, and Shacklebolt all appeared disheveled and exhausted.
"Damn Death Eaters always complicate things," growled Moody.
"Death Eaters!" asked Harry.
"We were ambushed on the way over from your Aunt and Uncle's house. We were doing a preliminary check. They're at the Ministry right now, being interrogated," sated Lupin calmly.
"We need to leave soon, finish up your good-byes Potter. We're leaving in five minutes," stated Moody.
Harry then said good-bye to Ginny, Ron, and Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. He walked over to Hermione who was talking with her parents. "Hey Harry," she beamed.
"Harry Potter, what a pleasure to meet you," stated Mr. Granger, sticking out his hand.
Harry took it and was greeted by Mrs. Granger, "Harry, dear, nice to meet you also." She reminded him faintly of Mrs. Weasley, but was more business-like.
"We've heard so much about you from Hermione," said Mr. Granger.
"Dad…" said Hermione, sounding embarrassed. She grabbed Harry's hand and pulled him away from her parents; Mr. and Mrs. Granger exchanged knowing glances.
"So, I'll see you at the wedding then…." Harry pointed out.
"Yea…" she replied. Then she leapt at him and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Please stay safe Harry." Harry was surprised at Hermione's actions, but did not regret it. He inhaled quietly and smelled Hermione's hair: a mixture of fresh air and newly bloomed roses. Hermione also could not resist smelling the aroma of Harry's preferred brand of shaving cream.
"I will, 'Mione," he said, smiling. This time, she did not reprimand him for using that petname. She stood up on her tip-toes and quickly kissed his cheek. She let go of his neck and took one step back. They both grinned awkwardly until someone cleared their throat. Moody stood behind them, magical eye darting around in his head.
"Well, bye," said Harry.
"Bye," said Hermione. She walked back towards her parents and Harry walked towards the Advance Guard.
A/N: Please Read and Review!