The whole train ride, surprisingly, was the best one. Rather than mourn, they all reflected on the good times throughout their years together.

"You idiots shouldn't have ever let me do that prank," Aly said, sipping her pumpkin juice.

"It's not our fault," Hayden grinned.

"You blackmailed her," Amanda said plainly.

Damien scowled at her.

They talked about the good times, first kisses, good grades, great games, great times. They didn't think anything of the future.

Of course, once they arrived at King's Cross, the atmosphere changed abruptly.

The laughter in them died down quickly as they stepped off the train. Aly looked around for her mother, and then stopped when she saw a man standing next to Joy.

Joy smiled at her. And so did the man next to her. He was dressed in a light brown turtleneck, jeans, and loafers.

Aly gulped and slowly walked to them, carefully studying her father.

The same age as her mother, Darien Trevelyan had very dark brown hair, if not black, and piercing green eyes.

Aly gasped quietly when she recognized those eyes. The same ones she saw every morning.

"Hello, Aly," her father said quietly. "It's nice to see you." He had a slight Scottish accent.

"You too," Aly said nervously. He reached down to her hug her. It was awkward. Aly smiled slightly after letting go.

Char walked over to them.

"Hello," he said to Joy. He looked at Aly.

"Oh, right then. This is Charmont Boyle...my...boyfriend."

Char shook hands with Darien. "Hello, sir."

"Boyfriend? That'll be kind of hard to continue, huh?"

Aly fell silent, looking at the tiled ground.

"Whoops. There's an awkward moment," he grinned. Aly surprised herself by laughing. She hadn't laughed in a while.

"It's nice to meet you," Darien said, smiling quickly. "Sorry about my lack of ignorance."

"It's quite alright," Char smiled. Darien smiled back and then took Aly's luggage.

"I'll wait over here. But we must leave soon," Darien said, walking over to the door. Aly turned to Char and walked to the side.

He smiled slightly and drew her into a hug.

"I love you," he whispered. "We'll see each other, I promise."

"Got that right," Aly whispered back. She reached up and wrapped her arms around his neck, playing with his hair. For once he didn't go insane. His eyes merely showed more love than usual. Char sighed with amusement and looked down at Aly.

"Try for me," he said quietly.

"I will."

"Thank you." Char bent down and kissed her slowly. Aly's arms tightened and then she let go slowly, opening her eyes. Char smiled crookedly.

"We'll be together. I promise." They hugged.

"Write. I mean it. Write to me, or I'll come stomping after you," Aly said, wiping her eyes.

"I will," Char chuckled. He stepped back and Aly turned to leave. She walked over to her father, who stood up.

"Ready to go?" Darien asked.

"Yeah," Aly said shakily.

Darien bent down to eye-level. "Aly, remember. Your mother knows what's best. I will let you visit. You won't be separated from your friends forever, I promise."

Aly mustered a smile. "Thanks...Dad."

Darien smiled, and they slowly exited King's Cross.

***

Char watched them go, his eyes filling with unshed tears. I love you.

He sighed, gritted his teeth, and walked over to the others.

"Is she...?" Hayden asked.

Char nodded.

Amanda wiped her eyes. "She'll be back. She promised. Her mum promised, her dad promised. We'll be together again. Don't worry, guys."

"Yeah," Damien agreed. Mrs. Boyle walked over to them, followed by Mr. Boyle.

"Where are we...?" Char asked, but his mother cut him off.

"We'll explain on the way there," Mrs. Boyle answered, taking his arm. They walked out of the door in the opposite direction.

***

Aly watched the hills roll by.

We'll be together again.

Voldemort can't hold us down.