Chapter Two: Home at last

After bidding goodbye to the Weasleys, Harry, Ginny and Lily left the platform just as the last particles of steam were whisked away in the autumn breeze, and the Hogwarts Express disappeared from view.

The little family drove home in silence, lost in thought. Harry stared out of the drivers' window as they went, his ability to do magic rendering concentration on driving unnecessary.

Grassy hills flew past the window in a blur as they sped further away from the city every second. Through the rear-view mirror he could still see London station, a faint, smoky blur in the distance. Ahead of him lay meadows of green pasture and the odd sprinkling of trees, their leafy fingers rustling in the wind. Harry wondered if that was what life was like. You could see behind you- into the past- or ahead of you- into the future- but the present was a blur, moving too fast for even a Firebolt or Nimbus to keep up.

Harry pondered about this thought as he looked back on his life since he'd left school. It seemed like only yesterday that he'd married Ginny Weasley, fulfilled his life ambition to become an auror, and got a place on the best Quiddich team in England.

He could hear Lily nattering to Ginny from the backseat of the car, but did not pay much attention. It was probably un-important-he didn't understand a lot of the things his youngest child said these days-she seemed to have developed a personality that could only be described as 'Luna Lovegoodish.' Ginny said that it was just a phase, and that she would grow out of it soon. But, in any case, he had more pressing matters on his mind. It was these matters that brought Harry Potter back to his senses. Tonight, his Quidditch team was having their first game of the season, against one of the teams from Ireland. Ireland were likely contenders to win the Quidditch World Cup, after beating Bulgaria in the finals last time. England had to beat Ireland if they wanted to secure a place in the semi-finals, and Harry was playing Seeker.

As if his Ginny could feel the huge weight resting on her husbands' shoulders, she leant over from the passenger seat and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. Harry turned around so he was facing her and smiled.

'Almost there,' he said. 'Not long now.'

And he was right. Moments later, the little vehicle turned off the winding country road and slowly made it's way down a narrow, but not unpleasant driveway, at the end of which was a small brick house.

'Home,' said Lily, with a sigh.

And, for once, Harry knew just what his daughter meant. It had been a long day.

Story will be continued soon, I've just started writing the third chapter! Reviews are much appreciated, as this is my first fanfic.