Disclaimer: I sadly do not own any of the original Harry Potter characters, those belong to the wonderful JK Rowling.
A/N: I'm new to this so the last chapter was quite short but please R&R.
As the Hogwarts Express sounded its horn as a final warning to the surrounding crowd, students and parents alike were rushing around, trying to say their final goodbyes before the students were whisked off until the holidays. Fleur and Bill stood with Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny as the train blew steam behind them.
"Zank you zo much for being at ze wedding. You are veery kind," Fleur gushed. Bill stood by her side, looking slightly wolfish and smiling down upon the quartet.
"You're very welcome, Fleur. It was a beautiful ceremony. I hope you have a fabulous time on your honeymoon," Hermione replied with a polite smile. Ron rolled his eyes.
"We will, don't worry. Have a good year and stay out of trouble," Bill warned. The horn sounded again and everyone said a last goodbye. Harry, Hermione, Ron and Ginny headed toward got onto the train and headed toward a compartment near the back of the train. Harry put everyone's trunks overhead and the group sat down exhausted from waking up so early.
"I wish we had more time to say goodbye. It seems like forever until we'll see everyone again," Ginny mumbled sadly. Harry looked across the compartment at Hermione and Ron with a knowing glance. He already felt guilty for what they had to do, but it had to happen. Harry would never live out the prophecy if he was sitting in a place kept safe from Voldemort. Hermione looked at Ginny and muttered an "I know."
"Harry, Ron. I need to find Neville and ask him about a questionable herb in the new book Professor Sprout requested. Will you help me?" Hermione asked. Harry jumped up enthusiastically.
"Of course. C'mon Ron, we'll cover the front half of the train," Harry suggested. Ron looked longingly around the compartment. What he would give to stay there and just return safely to Hogwarts, but his loyalty made his feet lead him halfway out of the compartment.
"Oh, I haven't seen Neville yet myself. I'll help you look for him. I want to see how his summer has been," Ginny offered cheerfully.
"NO!" Harry, Hermione, and Ron shouted at once. The three glanced around at each other awkwardly, with Ginny eyeing them with interest. She of course wanted some explanation of this odd outburst.
"What we mean, Ginny dear, is that we need someone to hold the compartment for us. God knows who could come along and steal it from us," Hermione explained nervously. She automatically crossed her fingers behind her back in hopes that Ginny would fall for her white lie.
"Oh, okay, well bring Neville back to me then, will you? I would love to catch up with him before we get to school." Hermione saw Harry visibly relax. Ron still looked a bit nervous, as if Ginny my suddenly have an epiphany and realize it was a trick and hex them all.
"Well, bye then. We'll see you soon," Ron said. Harry gulped and proceeded out of the sliding door without a goodbye. He was bad with goodbyes and he was afraid that if he did, Ginny would see right through him. The last whistle sounded overhead and as the train pulled out of the station, Harry, Hermione and Ron all jumped out of the train, one by one.
"My feet are killing me," Ron whined as Harry led him and Hermione through London. The trio had been wandering aimlessly for three days and had they still had no clue where they should go. Harry liked to pretend that he knew where they were headed, but he was sure that Hermione, at least, had picked up the fact that this was the 5th time they had passed the Babcock Inn. Ron, however, seemed oblivious to this fact and had resorted to whining.
"Oh, dear, Ronald, can you please stuff it for 5 minutes? We all are tired," Hermione snapped. They had barely slept, for fear that they would be mugged. Not that there was much to take. All three young wizards had only brought their wands and the Invisibility Cloak. It was becoming quite dark out and the wind had began to blow softly. It was cool out and the stars shone brightly. But not one of the three cared to notice this. Ron and Hermione bickered for another five minutes while Harry trudged on and lead them to a corner where they could sleep.
"Let's sleep. We'll have watch shifts. I'll watch first. Ron, you're second and Hermione third," Harry interrupted monotonously. Hermione and Ron stopped fighting and looked at their friend. It was the first thing he had said all day. Ron dropped down first and balled up his cloak to make a pillow. Hermione surveyed the ground for the cleanest spot before gently lowering herself to the ground and laying down. She studied Harry's back. He was sitting up and looking straight ahead. He looked to be deep in thought, as usual. Hermione only wanted to know what he was thinking and if he was okay. She didn't worry too long, however, before she drifted off to sleep.