Chapter 2: All Aboard!

Ginny looked around the Platform as she and her great aunt came through the barrier as she pushed her trolly with her trunk on it. The Platform was a large expanse of tan-colored stone bricks stretching along the tracks. The high arches looked like the tops touched the sky. An enormous red steam engine sat on the tracks waiting for her to board. The Platform was crowded with people, more people than Ginny had realized were Wizards and Witches. Great Aunt Muriel started complaining about the amount of people that were there and how they were coddling their children by hanging around until the train left. Ginny sighed as she started searching the crowd for Harry and Luna.

Harry spotted Ginny the same time she spotted him. They waved at each other before Ginny set off away from her great aunt toward the Potters. Muriel noticed this and started complaining she was too young to be anywhere near a boy, much less be friends with one. Knowing her aunt was behind her, and won't see, Ginny rolled her eyes at her aunt's complaints. Erica turned as Ginny stopped by them. One look at Ginny's aunt, even from a distance, told Erica all she needed to know. She shared a quick look with Harry before hugging Ginny.

"You'll write to me, right?" Erica asked.

"I don't have…" Ginny started.

"Oh, I'm sure you can borrow Harry's owl," Erica smiled sweetly at Harry.

"Yeah, no worries," winked Harry as he played along with Erica's misdirection. "This is Hedwig, by the way. She's a bit temperamental about who she listens to."

"Hi, Hedwig," Ginny smiled at the beautiful white snowy owl in the cage on top of Harry's trunk. Hedwig looked up at Ginny with her large amber eyes, just staring for a minute. Ginny thought the bird was looking into her very soul and thoughts as she couldn't turn away from that look. Suddenly, Hedwig blinked, letting out a soft hoot. Ginny could have sworn the owl bowed to her slightly. She blinked rapidly to regain her senses. "You're a beautiful owl."

Hedwig preened her feathers out slightly, looking proud. Harry chuckled. "She likes you."

Ginny smiled as she reached out stroking Hedwig through the bars. Out of the corner of her eye, Ginny saw her aunt approaching with a glare on her face that disappeared as her aunt got closer. James and Lily had just joined them, both greeting Ginny with a quick hug. As Muriel arrived, she sniffed and huff quietly. Ginny could tell she didn't approve of her growing friendship with the Potters.

"Madam Prewitt, how nice to see you again," James smiled. From just the short time Ginny had known James Potter, she could tell he was not being genuine, but she could hardly blame him.

"Lord Potter, a pleasure," Muriel smiled. Ginny knew that tone. Objectively false politeness and kindness. Ginny narrowed her eyes slightly.

"How are you?" Lily asked. Ginny noticed the same inflection in Lily's voice. She could tell that the Potters really didn't think much of her great aunt. Lily glanced at her with a genuine smile before turning back to Muriel.

"I am as well as my old body allows, Lady Potter." The sickly-sweet tone was enough to make Ginny nauseous. "I hope you make more friends than just the young Lord and Lady Potter, Ginevra."

"Oh, I already have, Great Aunt Muriel," Ginny smiled slightly. "We ran into an old playmate of mine while in Diagon Alley. By the way, Harry, have you seen Luna, yet?"

"Luna?" Muriel's face paled slightly.

"Yes," Ginny answered sweetly. "You may remember her. Luna Lovegood."

"L…Lo…Lovegood?" Muriel stammered. She glanced at Lily and James, schooling her expression. "Well, that's good to know. Since you are such good company, I shall take my leave. Have a good term, Ginevra. Listen to your professors, and stay out of trouble. And above all listen to Professor Dumbledore."

"Thank you, Great Aunt Muriel, I will," Ginny smiled. Without another word or even a hug, Muriel nodded at the Potters before apparating away.

"I thought she'd never leave," Ginny whispered to Harry. He couldn't help the snicker that escaped his lips.

"Just by her reaction, I'd say she remembers Luna, or at least her father," Harry smiled.

"What about us?" Luna asked as she and her father arrived. Luna was carrying a ferret in a cage while her father pushed her trunk on a trolly.

"Hey, Luna," Harry smiled.

"Hi, Luna," Ginny hugged her quickly. "You just missed my aunt."

"Oh, darn," Xeno commented dryly. The girls giggled as Harry laughed. "I apologize, Ginny. Your aunt and I don't get along."

"Believe me, Mr. Lovegood, I know the feeling," Ginny replied. Xeno nodded in understanding.

"Harry, why don't you help the girls with getting their trunks onto the train?" Lily asked. "Yes, Erica, you can go with them. Maybe you'll find Neville and Amber."

"Alright, mum," nodded Harry.

"Who?" asked Ginny as they start for the train.

"Oh," Harry realized. "My godbrother and sister. Neville's starting this year, too."

"Amber and I start next year," Erica added. Ginny nodded. She was about to ask more, but an odd sound came from Luna's ferret.

"Who's this, Luna?" Ginny asked.

"Oh, this is Whiskers," Luna held the cage up slightly. "Daddy got special permission for me to bring him with me to Hogwarts. He's been my pet for years."

"Hi, there, Whiskers," Ginny smiled at the ferret, leaning down to look at him properly. It had a reddish-brown coat of slick fur with a black ring on its tail and around its eyes. One ear looked like it had been sliced off at the tip a long time ago. The ferret tilted its head, looking at her strangely. Harry noticed the unusual actions of the ferret, but couldn't place where he had seen an animal act like that before.

After claiming a compartment towards the front of the train, they made their way back out onto the Platform to say their farewells to the Potters and Luna's father. Ginny did her best to ignore the curious stares from the rest of the students. After a round of hugs and promises from Luna to write to her father, Harry and the girls boarded the train as the whistle blew. They waved at the Potters and Xeno Lovegood from the window. Harry smiled and waved at another couple with a girl that was standing with his parents and Erica.

"Neville's parent's and Amber," Harry answered Ginny's questioning look. Before Ginny or Luna could reply a knock at the door drew their attention. Harry smiled as he waved another boy in. "About time."

"You know my mum," the boy rolled his eyes. He was about the same height as Harry with a slightly larger build. "She had a breakdown three times on the way to the station."

"Yeah, that's my godmother," Harry chuckled. Harry glanced behind the other boy. "Who's this?"

"Oh," he turned. "Muggleborn we helped at the barrier. Uh…who should go first."

"Huh? Oh!" Harry realized what he meant. "Luna Lovegood, Ginny, this is Neville Longbottom."

"Oh, your godbrother," Luna smiled. "We heard you would be joining us."

Ginny smiled, absently brushing her hand through her hair to make sure it covered her scar. It had not escaped her that Harry had failed to use her full name or even mention her last name. Neville took a step to the side, revealing a bushy brown-haired girl behind him.

"Harry Potter, Luna, Ginny, this is Hermione Granger," Neville introduced. As the girls greeted each other, Ginny noticed the odd look Neville had given Harry after he had shaken her hand, and the slight shake of Harry's head as he glanced at the open door. Neville nodded, then politely excused himself as he passed behind Hermione to close the door. He turned back to Harry with a raised eyebrow as Harry sat next to Ginny.

Harry looked at Ginny, asking her silent permission to tell the two newcomers who she really was. Ginny took a steadying breath before giving Harry a nod. Harry placed a reassuring hand on her arm. "Only if you're sure. But Neville won't say anything. You can trust him."

Ginny looked at Neville again. She saw only curiosity and kindness from him. Hermione looked confused. Luna sat across from her. With a slight nod, Luna let her know she was there for Ginny if needed. Ginny turned back to Harry with another nod. She steeled herself for the reactions.

"Nev, Hermione, please," Harry pleaded as he turned back to them, "don't freak out. This is Ginny Weasley."

"It is?" Neville asked wide-eyed. He shook his head to recover from the shock. He smiled as he extended his hand again. "It's great to meet you."

"You, too, Neville," Ginny smiled as she shook his hand again.

"Ginny…The Ginevra Weasley?" Hermione asked in shock.

"Yes," Ginny answered quietly. Harry placed a hand on her arm again.

"Ginny doesn't like the fame," Harry shook his head. Hermione blushed at her reaction, looking down quickly. Ginny smiled to herself as Harry came to her aid. Her feelings for this young man grow exponentially at that moment.

"Wait," Luna looked at Hermione quizzically, "if you're a Muggleborn, how do know about Ginny?"

"Oh!" Hermione looked up in surprise. "I read a lot. When Professor McGonagall came to my house to talk to my parents, she took me to Diagon Ally. I bought several books that weren't on the list but had to do with our history. I wanted to know everything I could find out about the Wizarding World before I started Hogwarts, so I wouldn't be clueless."

"And I was in your books," Ginny nodded with a frown. "Don't believe everything you read, Hermione. I'm not the hero they make me out to be."

"I understand," Hermione nodded. "I always reserve opinions of people until I know them. I knew you were famous, but…"

"Not like the books say," Harry nodded. Hermione nodded with a smile.

"This might be a bit personal," Hermione slowly commented, "but could I see…?"

"My scar?" Ginny asked with a raised eyebrow.

"I'm just curious to see if it matches the books' description," Hermione added quickly.

Ginny sighed with a slight nod. She lifted her red ponytail off her left shoulder to reveal the lightning bolt-shaped scar on her neck. The door burst open suddenly, revealing a blonde boy with a sneer on his face and a dark-haired girl with a pug nose. The girl glanced around with a look of disgust on her face. The boy gave Hermione a look of revolution before turning back to Harry and Ginny.

"So, it is true," the blonde boy sneered.

"The redheaded trash is coming to Hogwarts," the girl stared at Ginny's scar.

Harry stood up in front of Ginny glaring at the two unwelcome visitors. Neville quickly stood with him. Somehow both of their wands were in their hands. Ginny glanced at Luna, who only shrugged at her.

"What do you want, Malfoy?" Harry growled. "You and your girlfriend having trouble finding your own compartment to sit in?"

"Watch your tone with me, Potter…"

"Or what? You gonna run to daddy like always?" Neville asked with disgust.

Malfoy turned a purplish color as he reached for his wand. He stopped when he saw two wands pointed at his face before he could even lift his robes. The girl cackled at them.

"Now, now, boys," she laughed. "This is girl talk, not male posturing." She patted Malfoy on the chest as she stepped in front of him. "Step aside, Potter, this is my chance to meet the Girl-That-Escaped-Death."

"Excuse me?" Ginny shot to her feet with a blazing look in her eyes.

"Ah, she speaks," the girl chirped. "Hello, dearie. I'm Pansy Parkinson. I'm sure Draco and I can introduce you to better people than this rabble."

"Rabble?" Ginny repeated. Her look turned fiery as Ginny stepped around Harry, standing eye to eye with Parkinson. "My great aunt may be out of touch with a lot of things, but Death Eaters and their children's names isn't one of them." Pansy looked shocked at the venom in Ginny's voice. She poked Pansy in the collarbone to emphasize her words. "Yeah, I know who your parents are. You can take your offer and shove it up the darkest part of your snow white…"

"Ginny!" Hermione admonished.

"You'll regret that, Weasel," Malfoy snarled. He went to raise his hand as if to slap Ginny when he was pushed back hard out of the door, completely into the corridor.

"I wouldn't…" Harry's voice was low and dangerous as he slammed Malfoy into the far wall. "It's scum like you that's the problem in our World."

"My, what strength," Pansy admired, looking at Harry like he was a delicious dessert. The next thing Pansy knew she was beside Malfoy against the wall.

"Eyes off, Pug-face!" The vicious sound of her voice even surprised Ginny. With a last push, Ginny backed her way back into the compartment.

"I'd listen to her if I were you," Harry added as he slammed the door shut. He waved his wand at it a few times mumbling a few incantations. "Should've done that before."

"What…? What did you just do to the door?" asked an aghast looking Hermione.

"I locked it," Harry breathed heavily as he glared at Malfoy and Parkinson as they left.

Ginny placed a hand on his arm. "Thank you," she whispered to him.

Harry turned to her looking visibly calmer. He smiled at her, "Anytime."

Ginny and Harry returned to their seats. Ginny looked up at an open-mouthed Neville and wide-eyed Luna. "What?" she asked after sharing a look with Harry.

"You…Harry…calm…" Neville stammered out. Ginny shrugged not understanding. Harry was looking at Neville with an odd look. Neville seemed to shake out of his stupor after a few seconds. "Sorry. Harry's usually really hard to calm down, especially after dealing with those gits."

"Just a gift, I guess," Ginny shrugged.

"I'm still confused here," Hermione spoke up. "Just who were they?"

"Sorry," Neville breathed. "Draco Malfoy, unfortunately, is Harry's god-cousin. Pansy Parkinson is his betrothed. They're both kids of Voldyshorts' followers."

"Betrothed?" Hermione shrieked. "At eleven?"

"Hermione," Harry sighed. "Crash course in the Wizarding World: Some of the purebloods still believe in archaic nonsense, like arranged marriages. Purebloods like them don't like Muggleborns, or most half-bloods, like me."

"Pureblood? Half-blood?" Hermione looked confused.

Neville sighed. "Purebloods come from all Magic families, like mine. And no, I don't think that way."

"I'm a half-blood because my mum is a Muggleborn," Harry stated. "Follow so far?"

"I get it," Hermione nodded with a frown. "Like the old Nobility?"

"Exactly," Ginny answered. "My great aunt had me study the old ways. She's not a bigot like those two, but she wouldn't say 'no' to an arranged marriage for me if one came up."

"My dad thinks their kind are all fools for not embracing change," Luna put in. "Just so you know, they have a dirty name for Muggleborns. It's mudblood."

"Mudblood?" asked Hermione.

"It means, dirty blood," Harry gritted his teeth. He wasn't aware he had clenched his fists until Ginny placed a hand on his arm. Harry turned, his anger melting away as his eyes met Ginny's.

"Would you two like to be alone?" Neville smiled with a raised eyebrow.

"What?" Harry gulped, blushing.

"Is there something we should know about?" asked an amused Luna.

"Huh?" Ginny jumped turning the same color as her hair. The others laughed as Harry and Ginny looked away from each other, squirming in their seats.

As the ride wore on Harry and Neville taught the girls how to play Exploding Snap. They all laughed as the cards singed Neville's eyebrows, much to his chagrin. Harry looked up just before the trolley lady stopped at the door.

"Match ya for paying?" Harry looked at Neville.

"Only if loser takes the Hols trip, if we don't stay," Neville offered.

"Or the trip home," Harry agreed with a nod. Neville nodded.

Ginny and Luna watched in confusion as the boys faced each other, slapping their fists on their other hands. Harry counted to three then extended two fingers. Neville left his hand in a fist.

"Ha!" Neville cheered.

"Fair's fair," Harry shrugged. He flicked his wand at the door as the trolly lady came to it.

"Anything from the cart, dears?" she asked sweetly.

"Come on, girls," Harry waved them out to the trolly. "Don't be shy. Grab whatever you want, it's my treat."

Ginny's eyes grew wide at all the sweets and snacks on the cart. Her great aunt never allowed her to have anything like this, ever. She looked at Harry to make sure he wasn't joking. Harry gave her a smile and nod. Ginny smiled back before grabbing anything that looked good. Luna and Neville were explaining everything on the cart to Hermione, who had never seen Wizarding snacks and sweets before. Ginny was reaching for a Cauldron Cake when her hand brushed against Harry's. They looked at each other as they both blushed and smiled. Luna giggled as she noticed her friends' accidental flirt. Ginny shot Luna a frown that last its effect with her blushing cheeks.

After returning to their seats with their armloads of sweets and snacks, they sat talking more about their respective families. Ginny didn't really listen to this part of the conversation or comment on it. She really didn't want to talk about her great aunt or her lost family. That was until Luna said something odd sounding to them.

"What was that, Luna?" Ginny asked.

"Oh, I asked Harry if he knew my father and his dad have known each other for almost ten years?" Luna replied.

"Almost…" Ginny paled. "Ten…?"

"You didn't know my mother was killed the same night as your family?" Luna asked.

"No," Ginny responded weakly. Harry placed a hand on her arm, giving her a look of concern. "I'm okay," she smiled just as weakly. Harry nodded before turning back to Luna but kept his hand on Ginny's arm.

"Yes, I did," Harry replied to hear. "My dad and godfather were two of the Aurors that came that night."

"My parents were too," Neville added. "And Mad-Eye Moody."

"Dad and Sirius had shown up a little late, they…" Harry trailed off, looking back to Ginny. "They were…the ones that…arrested your uncle…" he finished quietly.

"Arrested?" Ginny asked. Her face changed from sadness to anger. "My great aunt said all three of them were dead!"

"Wait, what? Uncles?" Hermione asked confused. "The books never said anything about uncles in them!"

"That's what I meant earlier, Hermione," Harry answered. "The books don't give the whole story and things were left out."

"Wh…what…?" Ginny asked in a shaky voice. Harry turned back to her with a look of concern on his face. Ginny swallowed before meeting his eyes. "What else was left out?"

"I'm not sure," Harry told her gently. "All I or Nev know is what our parents have told us."

"What…exactly is…" Ginny trailed off. Harry wrapped her in a quick hug before turning to face her fully. Ginny nodded at him. "I want to know. My great aunt lies so much about it that I don't know what really happened."

Harry looked at Neville. "Help me fill in the gaps?"

"You bet," nodded Neville.

Luna moved to Ginny's other side. "I'm here for you, too."

"Thank you," Ginny gave her a weak smile. She turned back to Harry, giving him a small nod.

"From what my dad has told me," Harry started, "your family's house was under a protective charm that you had to get the location from someone to get there."

"The Fidelius Charm?" asked Hermione.

"That's the one," Harry affirmed. "Sorry, I can never remember the name of it. Anyway, one of your uncles was the Secret Keeper, but no one knows which one. On that night, the three of them got into a big fight."

"My great aunt told me they were drunk," Ginny ground out. "But your mum told me otherwise."

"My dad told me the same. They were not drunk," Harry shook his head. "They dueled, there was an explosion. The oldest of your uncles was blown to nothing, except for a piece of his ear. One of the twins was caught on the edge of the blast and end up in a deep coma. Dad doesn't know what happened to him. The other twin is in Azkaban. The only thing he said was 'He found them', as he was laughing and crying."

"Azkaban?" Hermione asked.

"Wizarding prison," Neville answered. Hermione nodded. "About the same time, my parents were called to Luna's house. But by the time they and Moody got there, her mum was already…"

"It's alright, Neville," Luna gave him a small smile. "She was killed by a Death Eater while covering my father's escape with me."

"Harry's dad and godfather got there just after and helped my parents take the four Death Eaters into custody," Neville went on. "It was not a good night for anyone."

"Someone sent my dad and godfather over to Ginny's," Harry took a deep breath. "They didn't get there until after everything was done. They talked to Dumbledore about it, but even he got there too late. Moldyshorts had already been there and everything had already happened, but dad really didn't believe Dumbledork's story. He told them you were the only survivor, that your oldest two brothers ran into the burning house in their grief just before the stairs collapsed. But that didn't make much sense to him. Still doesn't, even after all these years."

"That lying two-faced hag!" Ginny blurted out. "She told me my uncles were drunkards and my family would listen to Dumbledore about hiding! She told me they were too stubborn to take any precautions! They were betrayed! That's the only truth!"

Ginny stood to run out of the compartment but only ran as far as into Harry's arms as he stood to follow her. Luna jumped up, wrapping both of them in a hug with her tiny arms as Ginny cried on Harry's chest. Hermione sat in utter shock with her eyes wide, hands over her mouth. Neville stood slowly, placing a hand on both Luna and Ginny.

"No matter what, neither Harry nor I will ever lie to the two of about things like this," Neville soothed.

"He's right, Gin," Harry whispered to her. "And I will always be here for you."

Ginny nodded as she looked up at Harry slightly. She put on a weak version of her best smile. "Is that because I'm a redhead or one of my best friends?"

"Oh, you cheeky…" Harry huffed as Ginny giggled a little. Harry tickled her sides making her truly laugh. The serious moment broken, they all dissolved into laughter, although Hermione was a little confused as to why that was so funny.