After their trip to Diagon Alley, Ron suggested that they go to the train station early. "You know, to catch up with everyone," he said.
Harry thought it was more than that though. He had a suspicion Ron wanted to meet someone in particular. Not that he'd say it out loud of course. Poor Hermione had a huge crush on him since her third year and he finally noticed her. He wasn't going to be one to ruin her happiness.
Once they rounded up all their luggage, they bid farewell to the Weasley family. Harry had grown quite attached to them and treated them like he would treat his own parents. Or he thought.
"You lot take care and STAY OUT OF TROUBLE!" Mrs. Weasley said while saying goodbye.
"Meet you at the train station!" Ron said and apparated.
Hermione and Ginny followed, leaving Harry alone.
He sighed. This was his last chance to have a normal year in Hogwarts. No more searching for anything and getting in trouble. This year he was going to be a good boy.
Harry quickly apparated to the train station and was surprised to see Hermione and Ginny standing near a pillar.
"Where's Ron?" he asked, generally concerned.
Ginny rolled her eyes and pointed towards a corner.
Ron was standing there with Hannah Abbot and Lavender Brown.
"What's he doing there?" he asked bewildered.
"Catching up," Hermione said sarcastically. It looked like was holding back tears, but Harry was none to press on the subject.
The train came near the station, leaving the familiar smoke in the air. Harry coughed quietly.
"Come on, let's go find a seat," Ginny said dragging Hermione away.
Harry quickly made his way to Ron. "What are you doing?!" He asked.
Ron looked annoyed. "What does it look like?" he asked.
"Flirting with these two and hurting Hermione, " he said ignoring the 2 girls trying to get his attention.
"Well, maybe you should tell Hermione to chill. She isn't the only girl in the world you know. Besides, I spent the whole summer with her." He said nonchalantly.
Harry was furious. What was Ron saying?!
"Well, maybe you should tell her that yourself. I don't want her getting hurt because of a scumbag like you!" Harry screamed and stomped off.
Once he was in the train, he quickly found Hermione and Ginny and made his was into their compartment.
"Where's Ron?" Hermione asked.
Harry felt a stab in his heart. He wasn't going to be the one to break her heart.
"He had something else to do. Aren't you a Prefect?" He asked changing the subject.
Hermione shook her head no. "Ms. McGonnagal suggested that I take this year easy."
Harry nodded his head understandingly. "She is right, besides I felt lonely without you and Ron last time." He said trying to make a joke out of it.
Suddenly the train lurched forward sending Ginny flying towards him.
Harry quickly caught her, placed his hands on her waist, and smiled. "If you wanted to come to me you could always have walked over!"
Ginny rolled her eyes and sat on his lap making small talk with Hermione.
Harry smiled.
This was going to be quite an eventful year.