Another short and sweet chapter :)

"Harp! Harp! Over here!"

I looked up at the loud voice, and felt a grin break out on my face. Running forward, I stopped to let go of the trolley before throwing myself into someone's arms. "George!" The boy laughed joyously. I felt him press his lips to my head as he swung me around in a circle. Finally he let go and grabbed hold of my trolley, ignoring the sudden scowl I sent his way. I couldn't stay mad at him for long though-I was too happy to see him. "I've missed you." The words suddenly tumbled out of my mouth.

George released the trolley to cup my cheek in one hand. "I've missed you too," he replied, joy burning in his eyes. I felt myself glow from the fire.

Hermione and Ginny had been received in similar fashion. Quickly we walked over to join them, me leaning into the arm George had put around my shoulders. "Come on, let's go. Everybody's waiting outside," said George, as Bill walked up, pushing his own trolley.

"So, Professor," I said, stressing his title, "how did you find the school year?"

Bill smiled. "It was a rather interesting experience. I'm rather glad my house won the House Cup-that was definitely the highlight of it all." He paused to chuckle with us. "I'll be glad for the holiday-I don't have to see another homework essay for another month or so. Still, I'll be quite happy to go back." When I blinked up at him, he said, "The place grows on you. I forgot how much I missed it." He sighed. "And the friends you make there…they're friends for life. It's true," he added as George snorted, "no matter how corny that sounds."

I paused as I spotted a friend of mine who was just about to disembark. "Hold on a minute."

"Where are you going?" George asked, startled. I just smiled at him over my shoulder.

"I'll be right back!" I called as I slipped into the crowd of students, families, and friends.

"Did you find out what you wanted?"

Blaise looked around as his feet hit the platform. "Huh? Oh," the dark-skinned boy exclaimed, then smiled ruefully. "Sort of. I think I might apply for a position at the Ministry. Or maybe as a Healer. I haven't quite decided yet. What about you?"

"A Healer? That's a pretty good idea," I said, meaning every word. "I was thinking of becoming an Auror. I want to help people. And I guess I still have some fight in me."

Blaise chuckled. "Cool. Well, maybe I'll see you at the Ministry. Or at St. Mungo's." He offered me a hand. "Or maybe not-your dueling is great, I'll probably see your opponents instead. Good luck."

"I'll tell them to pass on any greetings," I chuckled, shaking his offered hand. "Thanks Blaise. You too."

"Keep in touch."

I couldn't help but smile as we stopped in front of the barrier. "Don't be silly Blaise. You correspond with Draco, remember? We already keep in touch," I said, tapping my head. The boy laughed, gave me a quick hug, then ran through the barrier, waving at Draco on the way out. My brother grinned and returned the wave.

I waited as my adopted family caught up with me at the barrier. Draco slung an arm over my shoulder. "It's nice to see Blaise again," he remarked. "What were you two talking about?"

I grinned. "Future appointments at St. Mungo's," I joked, startling a laugh from my older brother.

As we approached the barrier, I slowed and looked back at the scarlet steam engine for one final time. I sighed as a pang echoed through my chest. I was going to miss that train every single day.

Aww, everyone's back together again :)

The school year is over, and with it starts a new phase in life!

Blaise has a path before him, as does Lyra, but is it the path she takes? Stay tuned for more!

Love MagicalLeaves